Abstract
The invention relates to a trailer, in particular an expandable trailer, comprising: a trailer body, comprising a chassis and a bodywork, at least one wheel axle for at least one pair of wheels, wherein the wheel axle is displaceably coupled with the trailer body such that wheel axle is displaceable between an initial position and a stowed position.
Claims
1. Trailer, in particular an expandable trailer, comprising: a trailer body, comprising a chassis and a bodywork; at least one wheel axle for at least one pair of wheels; and at least one track wherein at least part of the track is connected to the chassis; wherein at least one wheel axle is coupled to the trailer body via at least one track; and wherein the wheel axle is displaceable over said track at least between: an initial position, wherein at least part of the wheel axle is positioned substantially underneath the chassis; and a stowed position, wherein the wheel axle is positioned outside a plane defined by the chassis.
2. Trailer according to claim 1, wherein in the stowed position, the wheel axle is positioned outside a printout of a plane defined by the chassis.
3. Trailer according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein at least part of the track is substantially parallel to the plane defined by the chassis and wherein at least part of the track extends under an angle with respect to said plane.
4. Trailer according to any of the previous claims, wherein at least part of the track extends over a side wall of the bodywork.
5. Trailer according to any of the previous claims, wherein a first part of the track is connected to the chassis and wherein a second part of the track is connected to the bodywork.
6. Trailer according to any of the previous claims, wherein at least one track is extendable in length.
7. Trailer according to any of the previous claims, wherein at least one track comprises at least two track rails.
8. Trailer according to any of the previous claims, comprising at least one securing element configured to secure at least one wheel axle with respect to the track at least in the initial position.
9. Trailer according to any of the previous claims, comprising at least one stowed position securing element configured for securing at least one wheel axle in the stowed position.
10. Trailer according to any of the previous claims, wherein at least one wheel axle comprises a right axle part and a left axle part which can be mutually connected at least in the initial position.
11. Trailer according to any of the previous claims, comprising at least two wheel axles, wherein each wheel axle is coupled to the trailer body via at least one track and wherein each wheel axle is displaceable over at least part of the track at least between an initial position, wherein at least part of the wheel axles are positioned substantially underneath the chassis and a stowed position, wherein the wheel axle are positioned outside a plane defined by the chassis.
12. Trailer according to any of the previous claims, comprising at least one pair of extendable support members for supporting the trailer body, wherein the extendable support members are displaceable between an extended position and a retracted position.
13. Trailer according to any of the previous claims, comprising at least one detachable and/or displaceable guard.
14. Trailer according to claim 13, wherein at least one guard is detachably connected or connectable to the chassis.
15. Trailer according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein at least one guard is detachably connected or connectable to the wheel axle.
16. Trailer according to any of claims 13 to 15, wherein at least one guard is displaceable at least between a driving configuration, wherein the guard is positioned at the rear end of the trailer, and a parked configuration, wherein the guard is positioned outside a plane defined by the chassis.
17. Trailer according to any of claims 13 to 16, wherein at least one guard is displaceable over the track.
18. Trailer according to any of claims 13 to 17, wherein at least one guard comprises at least one primary coupling element which is configured to be coupled to the chassis.
19. Trailer according to any of the previous claims, wherein at least one wheel axle comprises at least one pair of wheels, and wherein the trailer comprises at least one locking element for locking at least one wheel, and preferably each wheel, with respect to the wheel axle.
20. Trailer according to any of the previous claims, wherein the volume of the trailer body is expandable.
21. Trailer according to any of the previous claims, comprising at least one cover element configured for covering at least part of at least one wheel axle in the stowed position.
22. Trailer according to any of the previous claims, wherein the trailer is an unpowered trailer.
23. Trailer according to any of the previous claims, comprising at least one control unit which is configured to control at least the displacement of at least one wheel axle with respect to the track.
24. Trailer according to any of the previous claims, comprising at least one displacement element configured to enable displacement of least one wheel axle with respect to the track, preferably via at least one actuator.
25. Trailer according to claim 24, wherein the displacement element is a chained displacement element.
26. Assembly of at least one track and at least one wheel axle for use in trailer according to any of the previous claims.
Description
[0053] The invention will be further elucidated by means of non-limiting exemplary embodiments illustrated in the following figures, in which:
[0054] FIGS. 1a-1d show a first possible embodiment of a trailer according to the present invention;
[0055] FIGS. 2a and 2b show a second possible configuration of a trailer according to the present invention; and
[0056] FIGS. 3a-3e show a third possible configuration of a trailer according to the present invention.
[0057] Within these figures, similar reference numbers correspond to similar or equivalent elements or features.
[0058] FIGS. 1a-1d shows a schematic and perspective view of a first possible embodiment of a trailer (1) according to the present invention. The figures show in particular a sequence wherein the trailer (1) is converted from an initial, driving mode to a stationary, stowed mode. The figures show a trailer (1) with a substantially rectangular-shaped trailer body that comprises a chassis (2) and a bodywork (3). The trailer (1) further comprises at least one wheel axle (4) for at least one pair of wheels (5). The bodywork (3) is located on the upper side of the chassis (2). The bodywork (3) of the trailer (1) comprises multiple side walls (9) which define the volume of the trailer (1). The trailer (1) further comprises a track (6). In the shown embodiment, the track (6) is located both at the bottom side of the chassis (2) and at the side wall (9) of the bodywork (3). The track (6) thereby defines an angle () between the track parts. In the shown embodiment, the wheel axle (4) comprises two pairs of wheels (5) which are (displaceably) connected to the track (6). Via this track (6) the wheel axle (4), and thus the wheels (5), are moveable, in particular out of a plane that is substantially defined by the width (W) and length (L) of the chassis (2). Displacement of the wheel axle (4) is for example shown FIGS. 1b and 1c.
[0059] The trailer (1) further comprises multiple extendable support members (8), which are configured to extend and retract at least in a vertical direction. FIG. 1a shows a driving mode wherein the support members (8) are in a retracted position. FIG. 1b shows the trailer (1) with the support members (8) in an extended mode. This extended mode of the support members (8) enables the trailer body to lift the wheels (5) from ground level (G). In the shown extended mode, the support members (8) lift the wheels (5) from ground level (G). While the wheels (5) are lifted from ground level (G) is the wheel axle (4) movable along the track (6) on the chassis (2) and on the bodywork (3) of the trailer body.
[0060] FIGS. 1c and 1d show the trailer (1) in a configuration wherein the wheel axle (4) is in the stowed position. The wheel axle (4), and thus the wheels (5), are removed from the bottom side of the chassis (2). The wheel axle (4) is moved on the track (6) while the support members (8) are in extended mode. The extended mode of the support members (8) result in the lifting of the bottom side of the chassis (2) to a predetermined distance from ground level (G). The movement of the wheel axle (4) along the track (6) starts with the displacement of the wheel axle (4) on the track (6) in horizontal direction (H) in particular to the rear end of the chassis (2). Subsequently, the wheel axle (4) is displaced in a substantially vertical direction (V) on the vertical part of the track (6) on the rear part of the bodywork (3). This results in the wheel axle (4) being positioned towards and into the stowing position. As a consequence, the wheels (5) (and the wheel axle (4)) are not present at the bottom side of the chassis (2) anymore, thereby leaving a free plane underneath the chassis (2) of the trailer (1). The trailer body could then be brought to ground level (G) by retracting the support members (8), as is shown in FIG. 1d. The retraction of the support members (8) brings the bottom side of the chassis (2) towards ground level (G) and with that the trailer (1) as such. This results in the advantage that the height difference between the bottom surface of the trailer body and the surface whereupon is the trailer (1) is positioned, caused by either the wheels (5) or by the support members (8) when in extended mode, is overcome. The resolving of this height difference makes it easier to enter and leave the trailer (1) for example. Where the illustrative figures show that the wheel axle (4) and the corresponding wheels (5) are stowed into an receiving space defined by the trailer body, it is also conceivable that the trailer (1) comprises a cover element configured for covering at least part of at least one wheel axle (4) in the stowed position.
[0061] FIGS. 2a and 2b show another possible embodiment of a trailer (1) according to the present invention. In the figures, a second possible configuration of the stowed position of the wheel axle (4) is shown. The figures indicate the trailer (1) wherein the wheel axle (4), and thus the wheels (5), are removed from the bottom side of the chassis (2) of the trailer (1). The wheel axle (4), comprising a pair of wheels (5), is displaced in a substantial horizontal direction (H) over the track (6) while the support members (8) are in the extended mode to lift the chassis (2), and thus the trailer body, from ground level (G). The wheel axle (4) first moves along the track (6) in horizontal direction (H) to the rear end of the chassis (2). This results in the wheel axle (4) being positioned outside a plane defined by the chassis (2). As a consequence, there will be a substantially free volume underneath the chassis (2). Subsequently, the support members (8) can be retracted, as can been seen in FIG. 2b, which causes the chassis (2) to lower its spatial position towards ground level (G). In this embodiment the wheels (5) stay in contact with ground level (G), outside a plane defined by the chassis (2), whilst the trailer body is lowered such that the height difference of the trailer (1) with the ground level (G) is overcome.
[0062] FIGS. 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d and 3e shows a schematic representation of a third possible embodiment of a trailer (30), in particular an expandable trailer (30) according to the present invention. FIG. 3a shows the trailer (30) in a driving mode wherein the wheel axle is in the initial position. FIG. 3b shows the trailer (30) in an intermediate position. FIG. 3c shows a rear view of the trailer (30) wherein the wheel axle is in an intermediate position. FIG. 3d shows a side view of the trailer (30) wherein the wheel axle is in the stowed position. FIG. 3e shows a detailed part of the trailer (30).
[0063] FIG. 3a shows that the trailer (30) comprises a chassis (32) and a bodywork (33). In the shown embodiment, the chassis (32) comprises two opposing frame parts (31a, 31b). The frame parts (31a, 31b) longitudinally extend between the rear end and front end of the trailer (30). The wheel axle (34) of the trailer (30) is located substantially between the two frame parts (31a, 31b). The wheel axle (34) is coupled to the chassis (32) via a track (36). The track (36) of this embodiment comprises two opposing track rails (36a, 36b). The track (36) is connected to the chassis (32), and in particular to the two frame parts (31a, 31b) thereof. The track (36) is connected to the chassis (32) by means of a support structure (45). The track (36) is also connected to a displacement element (41). The displacement element (41) is connected to the wheel axle (34). The displacement element (41) is configured to initiate displacement of the wheel axle (34) over the track (36). In the shown embodiment, the displacement element (41) is a chained displacement element (41). The displacement element (41) comprises a chain, or belt, for enabling displacement of the wheel axle (34) over the track (36). The displacement element (41) is at least partially received by at least one of the track rails (36a, 36b), preferably up or under or in the track rails (36a, 36b). The displacement element (41) comprises wheels which are at least partially located in the channel of the track rails (36a, 36b). The trailer (30) further comprises an actuator (39), preferably a hydraulic actuator (39), configured to displace the displacement element (41) and thus the wheel axle (34) over the track (36). The shown embodiment comprises two hydraulic actuators (39) respectively facing the rear end and the front end of the trailer (30). The actuator (39) is received in an actuator bearing structure (43). The actuator bearing structure (43) is at least partially received within the chassis (32), in particular the actuator bearing structure (43) is at least partially received in between the two frame parts (31a, 31b) of the chassis (32). More in particular, the actuator bearing structure (43) is at least partially enclosed by the track (36). The actuator bearing structure (43) is for example positioned substantially up, under and/or in the track rails (36a, 36b). The track (36) extends both in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the chassis (32) and under an angle () with respect to the longitudinal direction of the chassis (32). The length of the track (36) that extends under the angle () with respect to the longitudinal direction of the chassis (32) is shorter than the length of the track (36) that extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the chassis (32). The part of the track (36) extending under the angle () with respect to the longitudinal direction of the chassis (32) can be connected to the bodywork (33) by a connecting element (37). The trailer (30) comprises a guard (40) at the rear end of the trailer (30). The trailer (30) as shown in FIG. 3a is in an initial position, or driving mode, wherein the support members (38) are retracted and the distance (D1) between the bottom side of the chassis (32) and ground level is such that the wheels (35) make contact with the ground. In this initial position, or driving mode, the wheel axle (34) is secured by securing elements (42a, 42b, 42c, 42d). The securing elements (42a, 42b, 42c, 42d) are configured for locking the wheel axle (34) with respect to the track (36). Therewith, the securing elements (42a, 42b, 42c, 42d) prevent that the wheel axle (34) can be displaced over the track (36) when the wheel axle is in the initial position. The shown embodiment comprises four securing elements (42a, 42b, 42c, 42d) locking the wheel axle (34) with respect to the chassis (32). The securing elements (42a, 42b, 42c, 42d) can be unlocked in case the trailer (30) has to be transferred from the driving mode to the stationary mode.
[0064] FIG. 3b shows a perspective view of the trailer (30) as shown in FIG. 3a, in a configuration wherein the wheel axle of the trailer (30) is in an intermediate position. The intermediate position is a position between the initial position and the stowed position. In the shown intermediate position, the wheel axle (34) is located underneath the chassis (32) but displaced towards the rear end of the trailer (30) with respect to the initial position (see FIG. 3a) or displaced towards the front end of the trailer (30) with respect to the stowed position (see FIG. 3d). The support members (38) are extracted such that the distance (D2) between the bottom side of the chassis (32) and ground level is such that the wheels (35) are elevated from the ground. The actuator (39) of the shown embodiment comprises two hydraulic actuators (39) respectively facing the rear end and the front end of the trailer (30). The piston rods (44) of both hydraulic actuators (39) are extended respectively towards the rear end and towards the front end of the trailer (30). Accordingly, the actuator bearing structure (43) is configured to move along the longitudinal direction of the chassis (32). More specifically, the actuator bearing structure (43) is configured to move along the longitudinal direction of the track (36). In this embodiment, the actuator bearing structure (43) moved towards the rear end of the trailer (30) compared to the initial position (see FIG. 3a). Therewith, the wheel axle (34) is displaced towards the rear end of the trailer (30).
[0065] FIG. 3c shows a perspective view of the rear end of the trailer (30). In this figure, the trailer (30), and in particular the wheel axle thereof, is still in an intermediate position. In the shown intermediate position the wheel axle (34) is partially positioned outside a printout of a plane defined by the chassis (32). Here, the wheel axle (34) comprises two pairs of wheels (35a, 35b). The figure shows that a first pair of wheels (35a) is positioned outside the printout of the plane defined by the chassis (32) and the second pair of wheels (35b) is positioned underneath the chassis (32). Where FIGS. 3a and 3b show the guard (40) in the driving configuration, it can be seen that the guard (40) is now displaced with respect to that initial position. In fact, the guard (40) is detached from the chassis (32). The guard (40) is displaced such that the way is paved for the wheel axle (34) to allow the displacement towards the stowed position. Upon displacement of the wheel axle (34) over the track (36), the wheel axle (34) comes into contact with the guard (40), wherein a connection between the wheel axle (34) and the guard (40) is realized. The mutual connection is established by the mechanical activation of a secondary coupling element (52). As a consequence of the direct contact between the guard (40) and the wheel axle (34), the guard (40) is attached to the wheel axle (34) by means of a secondary coupling element (52). The secondary coupling element (52) of this embodiment comprises two hooking elements (52) that are configured to grip and connect the guard (40) upon direct contact between the wheel axle (34) and the guard (40). More specifically, in the shown embodiment the hooking elements (52) are configured to grip a beam (55) extending in width direction (x) of the guard (40). Furthermore, the wheel axle (34) comprises a tertiary coupling element (50) configured to be coupled with the guard (40). In this embodiment, the tertiary coupling element (50) is a protruding element (50) configured to be received in a receiving space (not shown) in the guard (40). The guard (40) furthermore comprises a primary coupling element (51) configured to couple the guard (40) with the chassis (32), in particular in a detachable manner. In the shown embodiment, the primary coupling element (51) comprises a bearing surface (51). In the shown intermediate position, the bearing surfaces (51) of the guard (40) are exposed since the guard is decoupled from the chassis (32). In the initial position, the bearing surfaces (51) are accommodated substantially in the chassis (32). The wheel axle (34) further comprises carriers (54) configured to carry wheel well guards (57). In the shown embodiment, the support members (38) are extracted such that the distance (D2) between the underside of the chassis (32) and the ground is such that the wheels (35) are elevated from the ground. Furthermore, the support members (38) are displaced in a direction transversal direction to the chassis (32), or in width direction (x), such that the space between the two support members (38) is enlarged. The support members (38) are displaced over the rear end of the chassis (32). This results in a large enough space on the rear end of the trailer (30) for the wheel axle (34) to pass through. As can be observed, the displacement element (41) is a chained displacement element (41). The displacement element (41) is partially received in the channel of the track rails (36a, 36b).
[0066] FIG. 3d shows a side view of the trailer (30) wherein the wheel axle (34) is in the stowed position. In shown embodiment of the stowed position of the wheel axle (34), the chassis (32) is in contact with the ground. The supporting members (38) are therefore retracted. The wheel axle (34) is in the shown configuration positioned outside the printout of the plane defined by the chassis (32). The track (36) extends both in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the chassis (32) and under the angle () with respect to the longitudinal direction of the chassis (32). The wheel axle (34) and the guard (40) are positioned under an angle () with respect to the chassis (32). The guard (40) is connected to the wheel axle (34) via both the secondary coupling element (52) and the tertiary coupling element (50). The uppermost part of the guard (40) is preferably at or below the uppermost part of the bodywork (33) of the trailer (30). The wheel axle (34) comprises stowed position securing elements (56) configured to lock the wheel axle (34) in stowed position. It can be seen that the both the wheel axle (34) and the guard (40) are positioned at a distance from the chassis (32). The assembly of the wheel axle (34) and the guard (40) is thereby stowed and secured efficiently and safely next to the body work (33).
[0067] FIG. 3e shows a detailed view of part of the trailer (30). In the shown embodiment the wheel axle (34) is in the initial position. The wheel axle (34) is locked to the chassis (32) via multiple securing elements (42a, 42b, 42c, 42d). The securing elements (42a, 42b, 42c, 42d) are configured to lock the wheel axle (34) at a specific location, in particular in the initial position, with respect to the chassis (32), preferably such that the wheel axle (34) is locked at a specific location in or on the track (36). In the shown embodiment, each securing element (42a, 42b, 42c, 42d) comprises two parts, in particular a wheel axle securing part and a chassis securing part. The wheel axle securing part is located on a distal side of the wheel axle (34). The chassis securing part is located on an inward facing side of the chassis (32). Upon contact of the wheel axle securing part and the chassis securing part, preferably upon locking the wheel axle securing part and the chassis securing part, the securing element (42a, 42b, 42c, 42d) locks the wheel axle (34) with respect to the chassis (32). The shown trailer (30) comprises four securing elements (42a, 42b, 42c, 42d) forming two pairs of opposing securing elements (42a, 42b; 42c, 42d). The first pair of opposing securing elements (42a, 42b) is located at a distance from the second pair of opposing securing elements (42c, 42d). The first pair of opposing securing elements (42a, 42b) is located at a distance along the longitudinal direction of the chassis (32) from the second pair of opposing securing elements (42c, 42d). The securing elements (42a, 42b, 42c, 42d) are located at or close to the vertices of the wheel axle (34). The chassis (32) comprises two opposing frame parts (31a, 31b) that are connected via crossbars (74). Each pair of securing elements (42a, 42b; 42c, 42d) are configured to lock the wheel axle (34) to both opposing frame parts (31a, 31b) of the chassis (32). The trailer (30) as shown is an expandable trailer (30). The chassis (32) furthermore comprises thereto at least one slider (75) configured to expand the volume of the trailer by extending in transversal direction with respect to the chassis (32). The shown chassis (32) comprises two pairs of sliders (75), wherein each pair of sliders (75) is configured to slide in opposite direction relative to each other. The wheel axle (34) is coupled to the track (36). In this embodiment, the track (36) is a rail (36) comprising of two opposing rail channels (77). The wheel axle (34) is coupled to the rail (36) by means of a displacement element (41). In the shown embodiment, the displacement element (41) is a chained displacement element (41) comprising a plurality of coupled links (73). The links (73) are coupled by means of a link connector (76). Each link connector (76) comprises a roller (72) on both distal ends. The rollers (72) are at least partially received in the channel (77) of the track (36) and in particular of the track rails (36a, 36b). The rollers (72) are configured to displace the wheel axle (34) between the initial position and the stowed position. The width of the channel (77) of the track rails (36a, 36b) is such that the rollers (72) are capable to rotate during the displacement of the wheel axle (34) between the initial position and the stowed position. Each of the opposing channels (77) of the track rails (36a, 36b) comprises at least one broadened portion (71) configured to lift a link connector (76) and preferably therewith the wheel axle (34) in the initial position or driving mode. Each of the opposing channels (77) of the track rails (36a, 36b) of shown embodiment comprises two broadened portions (71). The broadened portions (71) of opposing channels (77) of the track rails (36a, 36b) are aligned, preferably such that the link connector (76) is perpendicular to the channel (77) of the track rails (36a, 36b). The displacement element (41) can be displaced towards the rear end of the trailer upon activation by the actuator (39). The actuator (39) seizes on the displacement element (41). The actuator (39) is configured to linearly displace the displacement element (41) and therewith the wheel axle (34). The chassis (32) comprises a primary complementary coupling element (78) at the rear end of the trailer, wherein the primary coupling element (51) can be received. In the shown embodiment comprises the primary complementary coupling element (78) an accommodation space (78) configured to receive the bearing surface (51) of the guard (not shown).
[0068] It will be clear that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments which are illustrated and described here, but that countless variants are possible within the framework of the attached claims, which will be obvious to the person skilled in the art. In this case, it is conceivable for different inventive concepts and/or technical measures of the above-described variant embodiments to be completely or partly combined without departing from the inventive idea described in the attached claims.
[0069] The verb comprise and its conjugations as used in this patent document are understood to mean not only comprise, but to also include the expressions contain, substantially contain, formed by and conjugations thereof.
