CRANE VEHICLE
BACKGROUND
1. Technical Field
[0001]
The present invention relates to a crane vehicle, and more
specifically, to a crane vehicle being capable of moving while
suspending goods.
2. Related Art
[0002]
Conventionally, as this kind of vehicle, there has been known
a crane vehicle which includes: a crane apparatus; a first frame
on which the crane apparatus is provided; a second frame connected
to the first frame to be able to turn in the horizontal direction;
a drive source that is provided on the second frame and that supplies
at least a driving force for moving the crane vehicle, among the
driving force for moving the crane vehicle and a driving force
for driving the crane apparatus; axles provided on the first and
second frames; and wheels mounted on both ends of each of the
axles. This crane vehicle moves while suspending goods from the
crane apparatus.
[0003]
In this crane vehicle, when goods are suspended from the
crane apparatus, the weight of the goods is applied to the first
frame. Accordingly, the center of gravity of the crane vehicle

is shifted to the first frame side. Therefore, a counter weight
is mounted to the second frame to prevent the deviation of the
center of gravity, so that it is possible to improve the safety
in working with the crane apparatus, and in moving the crane vehicle
while suspending goods from the crane apparatus.
[0004]
As for the crane vehicle, a heavy load is applied to the
axle on the second frame when the counter weight is mounted to
the second frame. Particularly, when goods are not suspended from
the crane apparatus but the counter weight is mounted to the second
frame, the center of gravity is shifted to the second frame.
Moreover, if it is desired to increase the size of the crane apparatus,
an increase in the size of the counterweight is required. Therefore,
such a crane vehicle equipped with the counter weight has to reduce
the load on the axle of the second frame while moving, and also
improve the safety while moving.
SUMMARY
[0005]
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide
a crane vehicle that can reduce the load on the axle of the second
frame and also improve the safety when the crane vehicle is moving.
[0006]
To achieve the above-described object, a crane vehicle
includes: a crane apparatus; a first frame on which the crane
apparatus is provided; a second frame connected to the first frame

to be able to turn in a horizontal direction; a power source that
is provided on the second frame and that supplies at least a driving
force for moving a crane vehicle, among the driving force for
moving the crane vehicle and a driving force for driving the crane
apparatus; a plurality of axles provided on the second frame in
a moving direction of the crane vehicle; and wheels mounted on
both ends of each of the plurality of axles. By this means, the
weight of the vehicle body including the counter weight on the
second frame is distributed on a plurality of axles, and therefore
it is possible to reduce the load applied to each axle.
[0007]
With the present invention, it is possible to reduce the
load applied to each axle and to distribute the weight of the
vehicle body including the counter weight on a plurality of axles.
Therefore, it is possible to improve the load bearing capability
of the axles and the wheels and also improve the safety when the
crane vehicle is moving.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008]
Fig. 1 is a side view showing a crane vehicle according to
one embodiment;
Fig. 2 is a plan view showing the crane vehicle according
to one embodiment;
Fig. 3 is a rear view showing the crane vehicle according
to one embodiment; and

Fig. 4 shows the relationship of the positions of a second
lower frame, a support member, a second axle and a third axle.
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0009]
Figs. 1 to 4 show a crane vehicle 1 according to one embodiment
of the present invention. With the present embodiment, the
direction in which the crane vehicle 1 moves forward is defined
as "front side", the direction in which the crane vehicle moves
backward is defined as "rear side", and the direction extending
from side to side of the crane vehicle 1 is defined as "widthwise
direction" or "crosswise direction" for sake of clarity.
[0010]
This crane vehicle 1 includes a vehicle body 10 that moves
on the road or a working place, and a crane apparatus 20 that
performs crane operation.
[0011]
The vehicle body 10 includes: a first frame 11 provided in
the front side; a second frame 12 that is provided in the rear
side and is connected to the first frame 11 to be able to turn
in the horizontal direction; a driver's cabin 13 that is provided
on the upper surface of the second frame 12 and that performs
crane operation and driving operation; and a counter weight 14
provided below the driver's cabin 13.
[0012]
The first frame 11 has a first lower frame 11a extending

in the moving direction of the vehicle body 10, and a first upper
frame lib extending obliquely upward from the front end of the
first lower frame 11a to the rear side. The first upper frame
lib extends obliquely upward from its front end to its rear end,
and therefore gradually increases the distance from the first
lower frame 11a. The rear end of the first upper frame lib extends
in the horizontal direction.
[0013]
A first axle lie is rotatably provided on the frame 11 in
the vicinity of the junction of the first lower frame 11a and
the first upper frame lib of the first frame 11, and extends in
the widthwise direction. Two wheels lid are provided at both ends
of the first axle lie, and therefore four wheels lid are rotatably
provided on the first frame 11. Each of the wheels lid mounted
on the first axle lie has a relatively small diameter (second
outer diameter dimension D2), and a tire for such as a carrier
truck may be mounted on the wheel lid.
[0014]
The second frame 12 has a second lower frame 12a extending
in the moving direction of the vehicle body 10 and a second upper
frame 12b extending upward from the front side of the second lower
frame 12a.
[0015]
The second upper frame 12b includes a pair of side frames
12c located on both sides of the second lower frame 12a, and a
connection frame 12b that connects between the upper ends of the
pair of side frames 12c. Each of the pair of side frames 12c is

a frame member formed by assembling linear members into a triangle .
The pair of side frames 12c is connected to the second lower frame
12a while one vertex of each of the triangles points upward. Both
ends of the connection frame 12d are fixed to the vertices pointing
upward of the side frames 12c, respectively.
[0016]
The second frame 12 is coupled with the first frame 11 such
that the center of the connection frame 12d is coupled with the
rear end of the first upper frame lib via a coupling pin 15, and
the front part of the second lower frame 12a is coupled with the
rear part of the first lower frame 11a via a coupling pin (not
shown) . By this means, the second frame 12 is provided to be able
to turn with respect to the first frame 11 in the horizontal direct ion.
[0017]
Hydraulic cylinders (not shown) are provided on the lower
hems of the pair of the side frames, respectively, to extend and
contract in the longitudinal direction. The piston rods of the
hydraulic cylinders are connected to both sides of the first lower
frame 11a of the first frame 11, respectively. Each hydraulic
cylinder extends and contracts by an operation part (not shown)
such as an operation handle operated by the driver. This moves
the first frame 11 with respect to the second frame 12 in the
horizontal direction.
[0018]
A second axle 12e is rotatably provided on the first frame
11 side oft he second frame 12 and extends in the widthwise direction.
A wheel 12f is provided on each end of the second axle 12e, and

therefore two wheels 12f are rotatably provided on the second
frame 12. Each wheel 12f mounted on the second axle 12e has a
relatively large diameter (first outer diameter dimension Dl),
and a deep tread tire for such as a tractor may be mounted on
the wheel 12f.
[0019]
A third axle 12g is rotatably provided on the second frame
12 behind the second axle 12e and extends in the widthwise direction.
A wheel 12h is provided on each end of the third axle 12g, and
therefore two wheels 12h are rotatably provided on the second
frame 12. Like the wheels lid, each wheel 12h provided on the
third axle 12ghas a relatively small diameter (second outer diameter
dimension D2) and a tire for such as a carrier truck may be mounted
on the wheel 12h.
[0020]
The second axle 12e and the third axle 12g are supported
by the second lower frame 12a via a pair of support members 12i
that is provided in the widthwise direction and extends in the
longitudinal direction. The second axle 12e and the third axle
12g are located on the front and rear ends of each of the support
members 12i, respectively. In addition, the support member 12i
is pivotably coupled with the second lower frame 12a via a spindle
12j to swing up and down at a position in the front side rather
than its center in the longitudinal direction, thatis, ataposition
close to the second axle 12 e rather than the third axle 12g. Distance
LI between the second axle 12e and the spindle 12j is smaller
than distance L2 between the third axle 12g and the spindle 12j .

[0021]
An engine E is provided on the front part of the second lower
frame 12a and between the pair of side frames 12c. The engine
E is a drive source to supply power for moving the vehicle body
10 and for driving the crane apparatus 20. The crankshaft of the
engine E is connected to the second axle 12e via a propeller shaft
(not shown). By this means, the vehicle body 10 can move with
the wheels 12f mounted on the second axle 12e as driving wheels.
[0022]
The driver's cabin 13 is provided on the rear part of the
second lower frame 12a and located above the second axle 12e and
the third axle 12g. In the driver's cabin 13, there is provided
a seat on which the driver sits and an operating part such as
an operating handle or lever that is operated by the driver.
[0023]
A counter weight 14 is fixed to the second frame 12 below
the driver' s cabin 13. The counter weight 14 includes a main body
14a and an extension part 14b. The main body 14a is provided below
the driver's cabin 13, above the third axle 12g and between the
wheels 12h. The extension part 14b extends from the rear part
of the main body 14a to the outside in the widthwise direction.
This extension part 14b extending outward in the widthwise direct ion
is formed to avoid the movement range of the wheels 12h when the
vehicle body 10 is moving.
[0024]
The crane apparatus 20 includes a telescopic boom 21, and
a winch 22 that suspends from the front end of the boom 21 and

winds up and off a wire rope (not shown).
[0025]
The telescopic boom 21 includes a plurality of boom members
21a, 21b and 21c, and a front end boom member 21d. The boom members
21a, 21b and 21c can accommodate the adjacent boom members 21b,
21c, and 21d respectively. Here, one boom member can accommodate
the adjacent one in its front end side. The bottom boom member
21a is pivotably coupled with the first upper frame 11b of the
first frame 11. A hydraulic boom cylinder 21e is connected between
the boom member 21a and the front end of the first upper frame
lib, and extends and contracts to allow the boom 21 to go up and
down. A hydraulic telescopic cylinder (not shown) is provided
in the bottom boom member 21a, and extends and contracts to allow
the boom 21 to perform telescopic motion. The boom members 21a,
21b and 21c are provided with hook latches 21f that latch hooks
for hanging goods. The hook latches 21f can hang goods via the
hooks.
[0026]
The winch 22 includes a wire drum 22a around which the wire
rope is wound, and a hydraulic winch motor 22b to rotate the wire
drum 22a in forward and reverse directions. The winch motor 22b
is driven by the power of the engine E. The winch motor 22b rotates
the wire drum 22a, so that a hook block 22c that is coupled with
the front end of the wire rope wound around the wire drum 22a
and is suspended from the front end of the boom 21 is moved upward
and downward.
[0027]

The crane vehicle 1 having the above-described configuration
moves by transmitting the driving power of the engine E to the
second axle 12e to drive the wheels 12f. The moving crane vehicle
1 turns to the right or left by turning the first frame 11 to
the right or left with respect to the second frame 12.
[0028]
In addition, the crane vehicle 1 can perform crane operation
by suspending goods from the hook block 22c and operating the
winch 22. Moreover, the crane vehicle 1 can move while suspending
goods from the hook latches 21f provided on the boom members 21a,
21b and 21c via the hooks.
[0029]
As described above, the crane vehicle 1 according to the
present embodiment includes: the crane apparatus 20; the first
frame 11 on which the crane apparatus 20 is provided; the second
frame 12 connected to the first frame 11 to be able to turn in
the horizontal direction; the engine E provided on the second
frame 12; the plurality of axles 12e and 12g provided on the second
frame 12 in the moving direction; and the wheel 12f mounted on
both ends of the axles 12e and the wheels 12h mounted on both
ends of the axles 12g. By this means, it is possible to distribute
the weight of the vehicle body including the counter weight 14
on the plurality of axles. Therefore, it is possible to improve
the load bearing capability of the axles and the wheels, and also
improve the safety when the crane vehicle 1 is moving.
[0030]
Moreover, the pair of axles 12e and 12g is provided on the

second frame 12 in the moving direction of the crane vehicle 1.
By this means, it is possible to minimize an increase in the entire
length of the vehicle, and therefore to improve the turning ability
of the moving vehicle and minimize the production cost.
[0031]
In addition, the second axle 12e located on the first frame
11 side of the second frame 12, is provided with the wheels 12f
having the greater diameter (first outer diameter dimension D1)
than the diameter (second outer diameter dimension D2) of the
wheels 12h mounted on the third axle 12g. In this way, by using
the wheels 12h having the small diameter for the third axle 12g,
it is possible to minimize an increase in size of the vehicle
body 10. In addition, it is possible to use small diameter tires,
which are easily available, so that it is possible to reduce the
cost ofreplacementtires . Moreover,thesecondaxlel2eisprovided
with tires each having a relatively large diameter (first outer
diameter dimension Dl) and deep tread used for such as a tractor.
By this means, it is possible to improve the driving performance
of the moving vehicle.
[0032]
Moreover, the wheels 12f mounted on the second axle 12e that
is provided on the first frame side of the second frame 12 are
driving wheels. The second axle 12e and the third axle 12g are
supportedbythe supportmember12iextending inthemovingdirection.
The support member 12i is pivotably coupled with the second frame
12 via the spindle 12j to swing up and down at a position close
to the first frame 11 rather than its center in the moving direction.

By this means, the load applied to the second frame 12 can be
borne mainly by the second axle 12e provided on the first frame
11 side of the second frame 12, and can be borne secondarily by
the third axle 12g provided on the opposite side of the second
frame 12 to the first frame 11. Therefore, it is possible to provide
a crane vehicle having the second frame with two axles, by easily
modifying an existing crane vehicle having the second frame with
a single axle. Moreover, the load applied to the second frame
12 is mainly applied to the second axle 12e to which the driving
force of the engine E is transmitted, which is provided on the
first frame 11 side of the second frame 12. By this means, it
is possible to reliably transmit to the road surface the driving
force of the wheels 12f provided on the first frame 11 side of
the second frame 12.
[0033]
Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be
described.
[0034]
In this crane vehicle 1, the second axle 12e is provided
with wheels having a diameter (second outer diameter dimension
D2) smaller than the first outer diameter dimension Dl, and all
the other wheels have the same diameter (second outer diameter
dimension D2).
[0035]
In this way, with the crane 1 according to the present embodiment,
the pair of axles 12e and 12g on the second frame 12 has the wheels
with the same outer diameter dimension. In this way, the wheels

with the same outer diameter dimension are used for the axle 12e
and the axle 12g on the second frame 12. By this means, it is
possible to apply the same size of tires to the axles 12e and
12g. Therefore, tires for the crane vehicle 1 are easily available
and to reduce the cost of replacement tires.
[0036]
Here, with the above-described embodiments, the driver's
cabin 13 is provided on the second frame 12, but it is by no means
limiting. The driver' s cabin 13 may be provided on the first frame
11, or provided on the connecting portion between the first frame
11 and the second frame 12.
[0037]
Moreover, with the above-described embodiments, a
configuration has been described where the first frame 11 on which
the crane apparatus 20 is provided is located in the front side
while the second frame 12 on which the engine E is provided is
located in the rear side. However, it is by no means limiting.
Another configuration is possible where the first frame 11 is
located in the rear side while the second frame 12 is located
in the front side. By this means, it is possible to produce the
same effect as in the above-described embodiments.
[0038]
Moreover, with the above-described embodiments, a
configuration has been described where the pair of axles 12e and
12g is provided on the second frame 12 in the moving direction.
However, it is by no means limiting. Another configuration is
possible where three or more axles are provided on the second

frame 12 in the moving direction. By this means, it is possible
to produce the same effect as in the above-described embodiments.
[0039]
Moreover, with the above-described embodiments, a
configuration has been described where one wheel 12f is provided
on each end of the second axle 12e and one wheel 12h is provided
on each end of the third axle 12g. However, it is by no means
limiting. Another configuration is possible where two or more
wheels are provided at both ends of the second axle 12e or the
third axle 12g. By this means, it is possible to improve the load
bearing capability.
[0040]
Furthermore, a configuration has been described where the
counter weight 14 is fixed to the second frame 12, but it is by
no means limiting. The counter weight 14 may be removably mounted
to the second frame 12.
[0041]
In addition, with the above-described embodiments, a
configuration has been described where the counter weight 14 is
placed above the third axle 12g on the second frame. However,
it is by no means limiting, but another configuration is possible
where, for example, the counter weight 14 is placed above the
third axle 12g to extend in the longitudinal direction and protrude
from the rear end of the second frame 12.
[0042]
Moreover, with the above-described embodiments, a
configuration has been described where the wheels 12f of the second

axle 12e provided on the first frame 11 side of the second frame
12aredrivingwheels . However, itisbynomeanslimiting. Another
configuration is possible where the wheels 12h mounted on the
third axle 12g in the rear part of the second frame 12 are driving
wheels. In this case, the pair of support members 12i provided
in the widthwise direction is pivotably coupled with the second
frame 12 to swing up and down at a position in the rear side rather
than its center in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, both
the wheels 12f mounted to the axle 12e and the wheels 12h mounted
to the axle 12g may be driving wheels. In this case, the support
member 12i is pivotably coupled with the second frame 12 to swing
up and down at its center in the longitudinal direction.
[0043]
In addition, with the above-described embodiments, a
configuration has been described where the pair of side frames
12c constituting the second upper frame 12b is connected to the
front part of the second lower frame 12a. Here, a pair of second
lower frames 12a arranged in the widthwise direction is connected
to each other via a box member. By this means, it is possible
to provide a reinforced structure against when the second frame
12 is twisted. In addition, another configuration is possible
where the pair of second lower frames 12a arranged in the widthwise
direction is connected to each other via a plurality of plate-like
members arranged in the moving direction and each extending in
the widthwise direction. By this means, it is also possible to
provide a reinforced structure against when the second frame 12
is twisted. Moreover, a further another configuration is

possible where the lower parts of the pair of side frames 12c
are connected to each another via a pair of connection members
arranged back and forth. Then, the central part of the pair of
connection members in the widthwise direction is coupled with
the central part of the box member or the plurality of plate-like
members in the widthwise direction via a coupling member extending
in the longitudinal direction, so that the boxmember or the plurality
of plate members pivotally swing with respect to the coupling
member. By this means, even if the second frame 12 is twisted
with respect to the first frame 11 due to the condition of the
road surface, the second frame 12 can follow the direction of
the first frame 11. As a result, it is possible to improve the
running performance.

Claims
1. A crane vehicle comprising:
a crane apparatus;
a first frame on which the crane apparatus is provided;
a second frame connected to the first frame to be able to
turn in a horizontal direction;
a power source that is provided on the second frame and that
supplies at least a driving force for moving a crane vehicle,
among the driving force for moving the crane vehicle and a driving
force for driving the crane apparatus;
a plurality of axles provided on the second frame in a moving
direction of the crane vehicle; and
wheels mounted on both ends of each of the plurality of axles .
2. The crane vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the second
frame has a pair of axles.
3. The crane vehicle according to claim 2, wherein:
an axle located on the first frame side of the second frame
is provided with the wheels having a first outer diameter dimension;
and
another axle of the second frame is provided with the wheels
having a second outer diameter dimension smaller than the first
outer diameter dimension.
4. The crane vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the wheels

having a same outer diameter dimension are mounted on the pair
of axles of the second frame.
5. The crane vehicle according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein:
the wheels mounted on the axle located on the first frame
side of the second frame are driving wheels;
the pair of axles of the second frame are supported by each
end of a support member extending in the moving direction; and
the support member is pivotably coupled with the second frame
to swing up and down at a position close to the first frame rather
than a center of the support member in the moving direction.

ABSTRACT

There is provided a crane vehicle configured to reduce the
load on the axles on the second frame and to improve the safety
while the crane vehicle is moving. A crane vehicle 1 includes
a crane apparatus 20; a first frame 11 on which the crane apparatus
20 is provided; a second frame 12 connected to the first frame
11 to be able to turn in a horizontal direction; a power source
E provided on the second frame 12; a plurality of axles 12e and
12g provided on the second frame 12 in a moving direction of the
crane vehicle 1; and wheels 12f and 12h mounted on both ends of
each of the plurality of axles 12e and 12g.