STEERING IDLER AXLE FOR MEDIUM-BIG SELF-PROPELLED OPERATING MACHINES

摘要

A steering idler axle for medium-big self-propelled operating machines, such as big forklift trucks, stacker machines for containers and the like, has a large total width, bigger than the one allowed for free passage on public roads, and comprises, for each steering wheel, a wheel holding axis or hub (2), which is pivoted, by means of a vertical or almost vertical king pin (4), to a fork structure (5) that is situated at each of the ends of the axle support beam. The pin or spindle (4) is fastened to the lower branch or prong (6) of the fork structure (5) by means of a coupling, which enables relative free rotation, but not axial translation, at least upwards, of the pin or spindle. It is also rotatangly coupled, in its median position, with a coupling seat (7), provided in the wheel holding axis or hub (2) and is also rotatangly coupled and without constraints in axial direction with a coaxial housing seat (8), made in the region of the upper prong (9) of the fork structure (5). The king pin (4) is provided with a stepped area (10), protruding outwardly, which is aimed at interacting with a portion of the upper surface of the body (21) of the wheel holding axis or hub (2) which houses the coupling seat (7) provided in the wheel holding axis or hub (2). First thrust means work between a portion of the upper surface of the body of the wheel holding axis or hub (2), situated externally near the coupling seat (7) and a corresponding portion of the lower surface of the upper branch or prong (9). Second thrust means work coaxially between the lower end of the king pin (4) and said lower branch or prong (6).