CA1096224A - Towing device for two agricultural trailer machines - Google Patents
Towing device for two agricultural trailer machinesInfo
- Publication number
- CA1096224A CA1096224A CA299,208A CA299208A CA1096224A CA 1096224 A CA1096224 A CA 1096224A CA 299208 A CA299208 A CA 299208A CA 1096224 A CA1096224 A CA 1096224A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- trailer
- machines
- struts
- towing device
- travel
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01B—SOIL WORKING IN AGRICULTURE OR FORESTRY; PARTS, DETAILS, OR ACCESSORIES OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINES OR IMPLEMENTS, IN GENERAL
- A01B59/00—Devices specially adapted for connection between animals or tractors and agricultural machines or implements
- A01B59/04—Devices specially adapted for connection between animals or tractors and agricultural machines or implements for machines pulled or pushed by a tractor
- A01B59/042—Devices specially adapted for connection between animals or tractors and agricultural machines or implements for machines pulled or pushed by a tractor having pulling means arranged on the rear part of the tractor
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- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Zoology (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Soil Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Agricultural Machines (AREA)
- Body Structure For Vehicles (AREA)
- Vehicle Body Suspensions (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
The invention relates to a towing device for two ag-ricultural trailer machines, each of which machines has coupling mechanism at the front and rear thereof. In accordance with the invention, the towing device includes a transverse member eq-uipped with a laterally immovable towbar. The width of the transverse member is no greater than the permissible overall width of an agricultural trailer machine designed to travel on public highways. The coupling mechanisms of the trailers are arranged symmetrically with the centerlines through the trailers.
The front coupling mechanism of at least one trailer is fitted with two struts of equal length, and the struts are arranged to pivot about, respectively, front and rear vertical pins at the two ends thereof. The struts are spaced from each other in the direction of travel and are adapted to be locked to the trailer machine.
The invention relates to a towing device for two ag-ricultural trailer machines, each of which machines has coupling mechanism at the front and rear thereof. In accordance with the invention, the towing device includes a transverse member eq-uipped with a laterally immovable towbar. The width of the transverse member is no greater than the permissible overall width of an agricultural trailer machine designed to travel on public highways. The coupling mechanisms of the trailers are arranged symmetrically with the centerlines through the trailers.
The front coupling mechanism of at least one trailer is fitted with two struts of equal length, and the struts are arranged to pivot about, respectively, front and rear vertical pins at the two ends thereof. The struts are spaced from each other in the direction of travel and are adapted to be locked to the trailer machine.
Description
2~: ~
The invention relates to a towing device for two agricultural trailer machines. More specifically, the invention relates to a towing device of such a design whereby the said machines may be couplèd to a tractor either side-by-side or one behind the other, the towing eye thereof being adapted to be locked to the trailer machines in two positions, in one of which the said eye is located on the centreline in the direction o~
travel, between the two trailer machines arranged side-by-side, ~hereas, in the other position, the said eye is located at least approximately on the centreline in the direction of travel, of one of trailer machine, each of the said trailer machines being equipped, at its front a~d rear ends, with a coupling mechanism.
A towing device of this kind is already known from the German Utility Model 69 40 840, where the towbar is pivotable about a vertical pin and is arranged 50 that it can be locked in the two positions described above for the towing eye.
Futhermore, the front and rear coupling mechanisms are arranged at one end of the trailer machines and are connected together in pairs when the said machines are arranged side-by-side. When it is desired to change from the side-by-side to the tandem arrangement, or to the arrangement provided for transportation, all that is necessary is to remove the towbar locking pins and the coupling pins in the front coupling mechanisms, to move the tractor a short distance forward, and then to reinsert the said locking pins in the other position of the towbar which adjusts itself. Further travel causes one of the trailer machines to swing through 180 about the rear coupling mechanism of the other trailer machine, whereby these coupling mechanism remain con-nected together and what is now the rear trailer machine ispulled backwards.
One of the disadvantages of this known towing device is -1- , ~5 that, with the trailer machines in either the side~by-side or the tandem arrangement, the towbar assumes a position at an angle to the direction of travel such that travel around a sharp curve, in either direction, which is often necessary in practice, is impossible. Furthermore, the fact that the rear coupling mechanisms project so far to the rear results in trailer machines of a relatively long length both structurally and from the point of view of towing, especially in the tandem arrangement. During transportation, this may lead to severe fishtailing of the rear trailer machine, which is highly undesirable during travel on the highway. This fishtailing is increased still further by the fact that the coupling mechanisms, which are connected together in the tandem arrangement of the trailer machines, are located on one external side of the said trailer machines. Moreover, changing one of the trailer machines from the operating to the trans~
porting position presents problems, especially on loose ground, since considerable transverse forces are involved, and may lead to bending of the towing device and coupling mechanisms.
. Brochure No. Ca-2465-B2, issued by the firm of I~IC, Canada, discloses a towing device for two trailer drilling machines, the said device comprising a transverse member provided with a laterally immovable towbar, the width of which does not exceed the permissible overall width of an agricultural trailer machine which travels on public streets and highways, and coupling mechanisms arranged symmetrically with the centre line, in the direction of travel, of the trailer machines, Each of these machines is suppor-ted upon a central steering wheel at the front and upon running gear, located at the rear, in the form of a series of rotatable, rubber-tyred pressure rollers. Each of the 3Q front coupling mechanisms has two forwardly projecting retainers which are so spaced apart that the steering wheels are free to pivot therebetween.
The advantage of this towing device is that satis-factory travel is obtained in practice with the trailer machines arranged either side-by-side or one behind the other. The dis-advantage, however, is that changing over from one arrangement to the other involves uncoupling both trailer machines from the tractor, shifting them around, which is a laborious operation, and then coupling them centrally to the ~owing device and to each other. This means lowering and raising the heavy towing device by hand. The change-over thus takes a great deal of time ~ and requires at least two strong men.
It is the purpose of the invention to improve the towing device described at the beginning hereof in such a manner as to achieve a simple change-over and satisfactory travel and maneuv-rability of the trailer machines in both positions.
According to the invention, this purpose is achieved in that the towing device comprises, in a manner known per se, a transverse member running at right angles to the direction of travel and equipped with a laterally immovable towbar, the width of the said transverse member being no greater than the per-missible overall width of an agricultural trailer machine when travelling on public streets and highways, in that the coupling mechanisms are arranged symmetrically with the centreline running through the trailer machines in the direction of travel, and in that ths first coupling mechanism of at least one tra;ler machine is fitted with two struts of equal length arranged to pivot about respectively, front and rear vertical pins at either end thereof, the two struts being at right angles to the direction of travel, the said struts being adapted to be locked to the trailer machines in both positions of the towing eye.
In accordance with a specific embodiment of the invention, there is provided, a towing device for two agricult-2~L
ural trailer machines, each of which trailer machines is equipped with coupling mechanisms at the front and rear end thereof~ whereby the said machines may be coupled to a trac-tor either side-by-side or one behind the other, the towing eye of said towing device being adapted to be locked to the trailer machines in two positions, in one of which the said eye is located on the centreline in the direction of travel, between the two trailer machines arranged side-by-side whereas 9 in the other position, the said eye is located at least approx-1~ imately on the centrel.ine in the direction of travel, throughone trailer machine, characterized in that the towing device comprises, a transverse member equipped with a laterally imm-ovable towbar, the width of the transverse member being no greater than the permissible overall width of an agricultural trailer machine designed to travel on public streets and highways, in that the coupling mechanisms are arranged symrnet-rically with the centrelines in the direction of travel, through the trailer machines; and in that the front coupling mechanism of at least one trailer machine is fitted with two struts of equal length arranged to pivot about respectively, front and rear pins at either end thereof, the struts being spaced from each other in the direction at right angles to the direction o~ travel, the said struts being adapted to be locked to the trailer machines in both positions of the towing eye.
As a result of this arrangement, changing over from the side-by-side to the tandem arrangerhent of the trailer machines merely involves uncoupling one machine from the tractor and - 3a -~39~
releasing the strut-locking device of the other trailer machine.
When the tractor is moved a shor-t distance forward the trailer machine still connected thereto moves la-terally until the tractor towing eye lies upon the centreline running, in the direction of travel, through this trailer machine. After the struts have been locked in the position corresponding to this location of the trailer machine, all tha-t remains is to couple the other trailer machine to the trailer machine still connected to the tractor. These operations may easily be carried out by a single person.
Since in both the side-by-side and the tandem arrangement of the trailer machines, the towing eye and coupling mechanisms are located on, or on each side of, the centreline running through the whole train in the direction of travel, satisfactory behaviour on the road and satisfactory maneuvrability of the trailer machines is assured in bo-th arrangements. In addition to this, the towing eye, since it is laterally immovable, can be so narrow as to produce a smaller turniny radius in both directions. This makes it possible to negotiate sharp curves such as are required when turning at the end of a field.
According to the invention, provision is also made for the inner strut in the middle of the transverse member to be arranged to pivot thereon when the trailer machines are in the side-by-side configuration. This has the advantage of reducing the overall length of train, since the struts assume an oblique position, in relation to the direction of travel, whether the trailer machines are side-by-side or in tandem.
According to the invention, provision is furtherrnore made for each of the trailer machines to be supported by a central steering wheel in front and running gear at the back, each of the front coupling mechanisms comprising two retainers which project forwardly and are spaced apart in such a manner 13$;~
that the steering wheels may pivot freely -therebetween, the said retainers being fitted to the trailer machines so that they pivot about pins running at right angles to the direction of travel, and a strut being mounted pivotably on each retainer of at least one trailer machine. The advantage of this is.that the trailer machines remain standing even when uncoupled, instead of tilting backwards or forwards as in the case of so-called single-a~le machines. Moreover, lateral movement o~ the trailer machines is ~acilitated and accelerated by the front steering wheels during the change-over from one arrangement to the other, and the said steering wheels swivel freely, with no interference from the retainers and struts of the front coupling mechanisms~
A simple and stable design of towing device is obtained by attaching a transverse beam between the front and rear pins on the transverse member, the outer ends of the said beam being fitted with fixed stops against which the inner and outer struts abut in the respective locking positions, locking pins being provided for insertion into the said transverse beam, on the sides of the stops facing each other and at a distance corresponding to the width of the said struts, at right angles to the direction of travel, in the locked position.
If, in both arrangements of the trailer machines, the struts form an angle~ of 45 with the transverse member, then the distance between the trailer machines and the towing device, as seen in the direction of travel, and between each other in the transporting condition, is the same.
According to a preferred example of embodiment of the invention, the retainers of the front coupling mechanism of one trailer machine are connected firmly to each other and the front end of the said coupling mechanism ca~ries a towing eye. rrhus in changing over from the side-by-side to the tandem arrangement, the same trailer machine always remains coupled to the tractor.
If resilient elements are secured both to the re-tainers and to the frames of the trailer machines, so that a force is ap~lied which tends to swing the said retainers in an upward direction, this substantially facilitates the coupling and uncoupling of the said trailer machines. Maximal facilitation of the coupling operation is obtained if the force of the resilient elements applied to the retainers of -the front coupling mechanism of the trailer machine which remains coupled to the tractor produces a torque equal to that arising from the weight of this coupling mechanism and of the towing device, whereas the resilient ele~ents on the front coupling mechanism of the other trailer machine absorb only -the torque produced by the weight of this coupling mechanism.
The invention is explained in greater detail herein-after in conjunction with the drawing attached hereto, wherein:
Figure 1 is a plan view of the towing device according to the invention, with t~o trailer machines coupled side-by-side Figure 2 is a side eleva-tion, to an enlarged scale, showin~ the arrangement of a coupling-mechanism retainer on one trailer machine, Figure 3 shows the towing device according to Fig. 1, in plan view, with the trailer machines arranged in tandem and Figure 4 is a plan view of the same towing device with another coupling mechanism for one trailer machine.
Towing device 1 comprises a transverse member 3 running at right angles to the direction of travel indicated by arrow 2 and having a towbar 4 attached rigidly to the said transverse member, at right angles thereto and projecting in a forward ~-direction, towing eye 5 of the said towbar being coupled to hitching hook 6 on tractor 7.
In the side-by-side arrangement illustra-ted in Fig. 1, the two agricultural trailer machines 8,8', each of which runs 6~
on a ~ront central steering wheel 9 and a rear runniny gear 10 in the form of two rubber-tyred wheels, are connected by their front coupling mechanisms 11 to towing device 1. Each coupling mechanism 11 comprises a retainer 14 mounted pivotably upon frame 13 oE the machine by a pin 12 running at right angles to the direc-tion of travel 2. The distance between holders 14 on each trailer machine is such that a steering wheel 9 can swivel freely therebetween. The same applies if, because of loading conditions, steering wheel 9 consists in know fashion, but not shown, of two wheels and/or rollers.
A strut 15 is arranged at the front end of each retainer 14 by means o a vertical pin 16. Struts 15 on each trailer machine run parallel with each other in pairs and are mounted upon transverse member 3 of towing device 1, to pivot about vertical pins 17, angle ~ between the said struts and transverse member bein~ 45. Central pinC 17 for inner struts lS are located exactly in the middle of transverse member 3.
In order that struts 15 may be locked in the position shown, a transverse beam 18 is attached rigidly to transverse member 3, the said transverse beam extending, at right angles to the direction o travel, between pins 16 and 17 of struts 15.
The outer ends of this beam are fitted with stops 19, and inner struts 15 are adapted to abut against the sides of these stops which face each other. For the purpose of locking these s-truts 15, and thereore trailer machines 8,8', in the side-by-side arrangement, locking bolts 20 are inserted into the said trans-verse beam at a distance corresponding to the width of struts 15 at right angles to the direction of travel 2.
As shown in Fig. 1, with the trailer machines in the side by side arrangement, i.e. in their operative position, towlng eye 5 of towing device 1 is located exactly upon centreline 21 running between trailer machines 8,8' in -the direction of -travel, whereas pins 17 on transverse member 3, for outer struts 15,are located exactly upon centrelines 22 running through the said trailer machines in the direction of travel. As may also be gathered from Fig. 1, for the purpose of travelling around curves, tractor 7 may assume a position 7', in which centreline 23 of the said tractor is at an angle ~ of more than 65 to centreline 21.
According to Fig. 2, coupling and uncoupling towing device 1 and the trailer machines to and from the tractor is facilitated by fitting, to retainers 1~ and frame 13 of left-hand trailer machines 8, resilient elements 24 which apply to the said retainers an upward force in the direction of the pivoting movement indicated by arrow 25. The force applied by the two resilient elements produces a torque corresponding to that produced in the other direction, about pins 12, by the weight of front coupling mechanism 11 and towing device 1.
In the case of right-hand trailer machine 8', resilient elements 26 are also fitted to retainers 14 and frame 13, but the torque produced thereby corresponds merely to that produced, in the opposite direction, by the weight of the front coupling mechanism of trailer machine 81. Finally, couplings 27 are located exactly in the middle o~ the rear ends of trailer machines 8,8'. When the machines are running side-by-side in the fields, no additional connection is necessary between them, since when struts 15 are locked, the said machines maintain the same position in relation to each other, regardless of whether they are travelling forwardsi in reverse, or around a curve.
The change-over of the trailer machines ~rom the side-by-side configuration shown in Fig. 1 and that shown ln Fig. 3, which is intended for transportation, is effected as follows:
First of all, locking pins 20 are removed from trans-verse beam 18 and the centre and right-hand pins 17 are removed ~rom transverse member 3. Inner stru-t 15 for trailer machine 8' is pivoted slightly and centre pin 17 is reinser-ted into transverse member 3 and through the front end of inner strut 15 for trailer machine 8. The -tractor is then moved forward slightly in the direction of travel 2, which causes trailer machine 8 to move to the right until struts 15 of its front coupling mechanism 11 bear against stops 19 on transverse beam 18. In this position, towing eye 5 on towbar 4 is located ex-actly upon centreline 22 running through trailer machine 8 in the direction of travel 2. Locking bolts 20 are then reinserted into transverse beam 18 and, after left-hand strut 15 of front coupling mechanism 11 has been swung to the middle, -trailer machine 8' is hooked to rear coupling mechanism 27 of -trailer machine 8.
The example of embodiment shown in Fig. ~ differs from that described above mainly in that retainers 28 of front coupling mechanism 29 on right-hand trailer machine 8~' are joined rigidly together and have a towing eye 30 exactly upon centreline 22 passing through trailer machine 8'. In the side-by-side arrangement of trailer machines 8,8' shown in this figure, towing eye 30 is connected to towing device 1 by means of right-hand pin 17 on transverse member 3, left-hand connecting strut 31, which points obliquely forwards at an angle~of 45, bearing against right-hand stop 19 upon transverse beam 18. In order to ensure that, when travelling around curves or in reverse, right-hand trailer machine 8' remains exactly parallel with left-hand trailer machine 8, rear couplings 27 of the two trailer machines are connected together by means of rod 32. Since this connecting means is stressed only in tension, rod 32 may be replaced by a chain or cable.
The change-over from the side-by-side to the tandem c~nfiguration is~eLre~ted as 1n the case f the previously .. . .
2~
described example of embodiment. However, right-hand -trailer machine 8' may be uncoupled merely by removing riyht-hand pin 17 from transverse member 3.
The invention relates to a towing device for two agricultural trailer machines. More specifically, the invention relates to a towing device of such a design whereby the said machines may be couplèd to a tractor either side-by-side or one behind the other, the towing eye thereof being adapted to be locked to the trailer machines in two positions, in one of which the said eye is located on the centreline in the direction o~
travel, between the two trailer machines arranged side-by-side, ~hereas, in the other position, the said eye is located at least approximately on the centreline in the direction of travel, of one of trailer machine, each of the said trailer machines being equipped, at its front a~d rear ends, with a coupling mechanism.
A towing device of this kind is already known from the German Utility Model 69 40 840, where the towbar is pivotable about a vertical pin and is arranged 50 that it can be locked in the two positions described above for the towing eye.
Futhermore, the front and rear coupling mechanisms are arranged at one end of the trailer machines and are connected together in pairs when the said machines are arranged side-by-side. When it is desired to change from the side-by-side to the tandem arrangement, or to the arrangement provided for transportation, all that is necessary is to remove the towbar locking pins and the coupling pins in the front coupling mechanisms, to move the tractor a short distance forward, and then to reinsert the said locking pins in the other position of the towbar which adjusts itself. Further travel causes one of the trailer machines to swing through 180 about the rear coupling mechanism of the other trailer machine, whereby these coupling mechanism remain con-nected together and what is now the rear trailer machine ispulled backwards.
One of the disadvantages of this known towing device is -1- , ~5 that, with the trailer machines in either the side~by-side or the tandem arrangement, the towbar assumes a position at an angle to the direction of travel such that travel around a sharp curve, in either direction, which is often necessary in practice, is impossible. Furthermore, the fact that the rear coupling mechanisms project so far to the rear results in trailer machines of a relatively long length both structurally and from the point of view of towing, especially in the tandem arrangement. During transportation, this may lead to severe fishtailing of the rear trailer machine, which is highly undesirable during travel on the highway. This fishtailing is increased still further by the fact that the coupling mechanisms, which are connected together in the tandem arrangement of the trailer machines, are located on one external side of the said trailer machines. Moreover, changing one of the trailer machines from the operating to the trans~
porting position presents problems, especially on loose ground, since considerable transverse forces are involved, and may lead to bending of the towing device and coupling mechanisms.
. Brochure No. Ca-2465-B2, issued by the firm of I~IC, Canada, discloses a towing device for two trailer drilling machines, the said device comprising a transverse member provided with a laterally immovable towbar, the width of which does not exceed the permissible overall width of an agricultural trailer machine which travels on public streets and highways, and coupling mechanisms arranged symmetrically with the centre line, in the direction of travel, of the trailer machines, Each of these machines is suppor-ted upon a central steering wheel at the front and upon running gear, located at the rear, in the form of a series of rotatable, rubber-tyred pressure rollers. Each of the 3Q front coupling mechanisms has two forwardly projecting retainers which are so spaced apart that the steering wheels are free to pivot therebetween.
The advantage of this towing device is that satis-factory travel is obtained in practice with the trailer machines arranged either side-by-side or one behind the other. The dis-advantage, however, is that changing over from one arrangement to the other involves uncoupling both trailer machines from the tractor, shifting them around, which is a laborious operation, and then coupling them centrally to the ~owing device and to each other. This means lowering and raising the heavy towing device by hand. The change-over thus takes a great deal of time ~ and requires at least two strong men.
It is the purpose of the invention to improve the towing device described at the beginning hereof in such a manner as to achieve a simple change-over and satisfactory travel and maneuv-rability of the trailer machines in both positions.
According to the invention, this purpose is achieved in that the towing device comprises, in a manner known per se, a transverse member running at right angles to the direction of travel and equipped with a laterally immovable towbar, the width of the said transverse member being no greater than the per-missible overall width of an agricultural trailer machine when travelling on public streets and highways, in that the coupling mechanisms are arranged symmetrically with the centreline running through the trailer machines in the direction of travel, and in that ths first coupling mechanism of at least one tra;ler machine is fitted with two struts of equal length arranged to pivot about respectively, front and rear vertical pins at either end thereof, the two struts being at right angles to the direction of travel, the said struts being adapted to be locked to the trailer machines in both positions of the towing eye.
In accordance with a specific embodiment of the invention, there is provided, a towing device for two agricult-2~L
ural trailer machines, each of which trailer machines is equipped with coupling mechanisms at the front and rear end thereof~ whereby the said machines may be coupled to a trac-tor either side-by-side or one behind the other, the towing eye of said towing device being adapted to be locked to the trailer machines in two positions, in one of which the said eye is located on the centreline in the direction of travel, between the two trailer machines arranged side-by-side whereas 9 in the other position, the said eye is located at least approx-1~ imately on the centrel.ine in the direction of travel, throughone trailer machine, characterized in that the towing device comprises, a transverse member equipped with a laterally imm-ovable towbar, the width of the transverse member being no greater than the permissible overall width of an agricultural trailer machine designed to travel on public streets and highways, in that the coupling mechanisms are arranged symrnet-rically with the centrelines in the direction of travel, through the trailer machines; and in that the front coupling mechanism of at least one trailer machine is fitted with two struts of equal length arranged to pivot about respectively, front and rear pins at either end thereof, the struts being spaced from each other in the direction at right angles to the direction o~ travel, the said struts being adapted to be locked to the trailer machines in both positions of the towing eye.
As a result of this arrangement, changing over from the side-by-side to the tandem arrangerhent of the trailer machines merely involves uncoupling one machine from the tractor and - 3a -~39~
releasing the strut-locking device of the other trailer machine.
When the tractor is moved a shor-t distance forward the trailer machine still connected thereto moves la-terally until the tractor towing eye lies upon the centreline running, in the direction of travel, through this trailer machine. After the struts have been locked in the position corresponding to this location of the trailer machine, all tha-t remains is to couple the other trailer machine to the trailer machine still connected to the tractor. These operations may easily be carried out by a single person.
Since in both the side-by-side and the tandem arrangement of the trailer machines, the towing eye and coupling mechanisms are located on, or on each side of, the centreline running through the whole train in the direction of travel, satisfactory behaviour on the road and satisfactory maneuvrability of the trailer machines is assured in bo-th arrangements. In addition to this, the towing eye, since it is laterally immovable, can be so narrow as to produce a smaller turniny radius in both directions. This makes it possible to negotiate sharp curves such as are required when turning at the end of a field.
According to the invention, provision is also made for the inner strut in the middle of the transverse member to be arranged to pivot thereon when the trailer machines are in the side-by-side configuration. This has the advantage of reducing the overall length of train, since the struts assume an oblique position, in relation to the direction of travel, whether the trailer machines are side-by-side or in tandem.
According to the invention, provision is furtherrnore made for each of the trailer machines to be supported by a central steering wheel in front and running gear at the back, each of the front coupling mechanisms comprising two retainers which project forwardly and are spaced apart in such a manner 13$;~
that the steering wheels may pivot freely -therebetween, the said retainers being fitted to the trailer machines so that they pivot about pins running at right angles to the direction of travel, and a strut being mounted pivotably on each retainer of at least one trailer machine. The advantage of this is.that the trailer machines remain standing even when uncoupled, instead of tilting backwards or forwards as in the case of so-called single-a~le machines. Moreover, lateral movement o~ the trailer machines is ~acilitated and accelerated by the front steering wheels during the change-over from one arrangement to the other, and the said steering wheels swivel freely, with no interference from the retainers and struts of the front coupling mechanisms~
A simple and stable design of towing device is obtained by attaching a transverse beam between the front and rear pins on the transverse member, the outer ends of the said beam being fitted with fixed stops against which the inner and outer struts abut in the respective locking positions, locking pins being provided for insertion into the said transverse beam, on the sides of the stops facing each other and at a distance corresponding to the width of the said struts, at right angles to the direction of travel, in the locked position.
If, in both arrangements of the trailer machines, the struts form an angle~ of 45 with the transverse member, then the distance between the trailer machines and the towing device, as seen in the direction of travel, and between each other in the transporting condition, is the same.
According to a preferred example of embodiment of the invention, the retainers of the front coupling mechanism of one trailer machine are connected firmly to each other and the front end of the said coupling mechanism ca~ries a towing eye. rrhus in changing over from the side-by-side to the tandem arrangement, the same trailer machine always remains coupled to the tractor.
If resilient elements are secured both to the re-tainers and to the frames of the trailer machines, so that a force is ap~lied which tends to swing the said retainers in an upward direction, this substantially facilitates the coupling and uncoupling of the said trailer machines. Maximal facilitation of the coupling operation is obtained if the force of the resilient elements applied to the retainers of -the front coupling mechanism of the trailer machine which remains coupled to the tractor produces a torque equal to that arising from the weight of this coupling mechanism and of the towing device, whereas the resilient ele~ents on the front coupling mechanism of the other trailer machine absorb only -the torque produced by the weight of this coupling mechanism.
The invention is explained in greater detail herein-after in conjunction with the drawing attached hereto, wherein:
Figure 1 is a plan view of the towing device according to the invention, with t~o trailer machines coupled side-by-side Figure 2 is a side eleva-tion, to an enlarged scale, showin~ the arrangement of a coupling-mechanism retainer on one trailer machine, Figure 3 shows the towing device according to Fig. 1, in plan view, with the trailer machines arranged in tandem and Figure 4 is a plan view of the same towing device with another coupling mechanism for one trailer machine.
Towing device 1 comprises a transverse member 3 running at right angles to the direction of travel indicated by arrow 2 and having a towbar 4 attached rigidly to the said transverse member, at right angles thereto and projecting in a forward ~-direction, towing eye 5 of the said towbar being coupled to hitching hook 6 on tractor 7.
In the side-by-side arrangement illustra-ted in Fig. 1, the two agricultural trailer machines 8,8', each of which runs 6~
on a ~ront central steering wheel 9 and a rear runniny gear 10 in the form of two rubber-tyred wheels, are connected by their front coupling mechanisms 11 to towing device 1. Each coupling mechanism 11 comprises a retainer 14 mounted pivotably upon frame 13 oE the machine by a pin 12 running at right angles to the direc-tion of travel 2. The distance between holders 14 on each trailer machine is such that a steering wheel 9 can swivel freely therebetween. The same applies if, because of loading conditions, steering wheel 9 consists in know fashion, but not shown, of two wheels and/or rollers.
A strut 15 is arranged at the front end of each retainer 14 by means o a vertical pin 16. Struts 15 on each trailer machine run parallel with each other in pairs and are mounted upon transverse member 3 of towing device 1, to pivot about vertical pins 17, angle ~ between the said struts and transverse member bein~ 45. Central pinC 17 for inner struts lS are located exactly in the middle of transverse member 3.
In order that struts 15 may be locked in the position shown, a transverse beam 18 is attached rigidly to transverse member 3, the said transverse beam extending, at right angles to the direction o travel, between pins 16 and 17 of struts 15.
The outer ends of this beam are fitted with stops 19, and inner struts 15 are adapted to abut against the sides of these stops which face each other. For the purpose of locking these s-truts 15, and thereore trailer machines 8,8', in the side-by-side arrangement, locking bolts 20 are inserted into the said trans-verse beam at a distance corresponding to the width of struts 15 at right angles to the direction of travel 2.
As shown in Fig. 1, with the trailer machines in the side by side arrangement, i.e. in their operative position, towlng eye 5 of towing device 1 is located exactly upon centreline 21 running between trailer machines 8,8' in -the direction of -travel, whereas pins 17 on transverse member 3, for outer struts 15,are located exactly upon centrelines 22 running through the said trailer machines in the direction of travel. As may also be gathered from Fig. 1, for the purpose of travelling around curves, tractor 7 may assume a position 7', in which centreline 23 of the said tractor is at an angle ~ of more than 65 to centreline 21.
According to Fig. 2, coupling and uncoupling towing device 1 and the trailer machines to and from the tractor is facilitated by fitting, to retainers 1~ and frame 13 of left-hand trailer machines 8, resilient elements 24 which apply to the said retainers an upward force in the direction of the pivoting movement indicated by arrow 25. The force applied by the two resilient elements produces a torque corresponding to that produced in the other direction, about pins 12, by the weight of front coupling mechanism 11 and towing device 1.
In the case of right-hand trailer machine 8', resilient elements 26 are also fitted to retainers 14 and frame 13, but the torque produced thereby corresponds merely to that produced, in the opposite direction, by the weight of the front coupling mechanism of trailer machine 81. Finally, couplings 27 are located exactly in the middle o~ the rear ends of trailer machines 8,8'. When the machines are running side-by-side in the fields, no additional connection is necessary between them, since when struts 15 are locked, the said machines maintain the same position in relation to each other, regardless of whether they are travelling forwardsi in reverse, or around a curve.
The change-over of the trailer machines ~rom the side-by-side configuration shown in Fig. 1 and that shown ln Fig. 3, which is intended for transportation, is effected as follows:
First of all, locking pins 20 are removed from trans-verse beam 18 and the centre and right-hand pins 17 are removed ~rom transverse member 3. Inner stru-t 15 for trailer machine 8' is pivoted slightly and centre pin 17 is reinser-ted into transverse member 3 and through the front end of inner strut 15 for trailer machine 8. The -tractor is then moved forward slightly in the direction of travel 2, which causes trailer machine 8 to move to the right until struts 15 of its front coupling mechanism 11 bear against stops 19 on transverse beam 18. In this position, towing eye 5 on towbar 4 is located ex-actly upon centreline 22 running through trailer machine 8 in the direction of travel 2. Locking bolts 20 are then reinserted into transverse beam 18 and, after left-hand strut 15 of front coupling mechanism 11 has been swung to the middle, -trailer machine 8' is hooked to rear coupling mechanism 27 of -trailer machine 8.
The example of embodiment shown in Fig. ~ differs from that described above mainly in that retainers 28 of front coupling mechanism 29 on right-hand trailer machine 8~' are joined rigidly together and have a towing eye 30 exactly upon centreline 22 passing through trailer machine 8'. In the side-by-side arrangement of trailer machines 8,8' shown in this figure, towing eye 30 is connected to towing device 1 by means of right-hand pin 17 on transverse member 3, left-hand connecting strut 31, which points obliquely forwards at an angle~of 45, bearing against right-hand stop 19 upon transverse beam 18. In order to ensure that, when travelling around curves or in reverse, right-hand trailer machine 8' remains exactly parallel with left-hand trailer machine 8, rear couplings 27 of the two trailer machines are connected together by means of rod 32. Since this connecting means is stressed only in tension, rod 32 may be replaced by a chain or cable.
The change-over from the side-by-side to the tandem c~nfiguration is~eLre~ted as 1n the case f the previously .. . .
2~
described example of embodiment. However, right-hand -trailer machine 8' may be uncoupled merely by removing riyht-hand pin 17 from transverse member 3.
Claims (8)
1. A towing device for two agricultural trailer machines, each of which trailer machines is equipped with coupling mec-hanisms at the front and rear end thereof, whereby the said machines may be coupled to a tractor either side-by-side or one behind the other, the towing eye of said towing device being adapted to be locked to the trailer machines in two positions, in one of which the said eye is located on the centreline in the direction of travel, between the two trailer machines arranged side-by-side whereas, in the other position, the said eye is located at least approximately on the centreline in the direction of travel, through one trailer machine, characterized in that the towing device comprises, a transverse member equipped with a laterally immovable towbar, the width of the transverse member being no greater than the permissible overall width of an agricultural trailer machine designed to travel on public streets and highways; in that the coupling mechanisms are arranged symmetrically with the centrelines in the direction of travel, through the trailer machines; and in that the front coupling mechanism of at least one trailer machine is fitted with two struts of equal length arranged to pivot about respectively, front and rear pins at either end thereof, the struts being spaced from each other in the direction at right angles to the direction of travel, the said struts being adapted to be locked to the trailer machines in both positions of the towing eye.
2. A towing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, with the trailer machines in the side-by-side configuration, the relevant inner struts are arranged pivotably at the middle of the transverse member.
3. A towing device according to claim 2, characterized in that each trailer machine runs on a central front steering wheel and on a running gear located at the rear, the front coupling devices each having two retainers which project forwardly and are so spaced apart that the said steering wheels can swivel freely between them, in that the retainers are fitted to the trailer machines to pivot about pins running at right angles to the direction of travel; and in that a strut is mounted pivotably at each retainer of at least one trailer machine.
4. A towing device according to claims 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that a transverse beam is secured to the transverse member between the front pins and the rear pins of the struts, the outer ends of the said transverse beam being fitted with fixed stops against which the inner or outer struts bear in the respective locked positions, when the trailer machines are in the side-by-side configuration; and in that locking pins are adapted to be inserted into the transverse beam on the sides of the stops which face each other, at a distance corresponding to the width of the said struts, at right angles to the direction of travel in the locked condition.
5. A towing device according to claims 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that a transverse beam is secured to the transverse member between the front pins and the rear pins of the struts, the outer ends of the said transverse beam being fitted with fixed stops against which the inner or outer struts bear in the respective locked positions, when the trailer machines are in the side-by-side configuration and in that locking pins are adapted to be inserted into the transverse beam on the sides of the stops which face each other, at a distance corresponding to the width of the said struts, at right angles to the direction of travel in the locked condition, and further characterized in that, in both configurations of the trailer machines, the struts form an angle (d) of 45° with the transverse member.
6. A towing device according to claim 3, characterized in that the retainers of the front coupling mechanisms of one trailer machine are connected rigidly together and have a towing eye at the front end.
7. A towing device according to claim 6, characterized in that resilient elements are attached to the retainers and to the frames of the trailer machines, the said resilient elements exerting upon the said retainers an upward force in the direction of the pivoting movement thereof.
8. A towing device according to claim 7, characterized in that the spring force of the resilient elements, for the retainers of the front coupling mechanism on the trailer machine which remains attached to the towing device during the change-over, produce a torque which is equal to that produced by the weight of the said coupling mechanism and of the said towing device, whereas the resilient elements for the front coupling mechanism on the other trailer machine absorb the torque produced merely by the weight of the said coupling mechanism.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEP2712203.8-23 | 1977-03-19 | ||
| DE19772712203 DE2712203C3 (en) | 1977-03-19 | 1977-03-19 | Pulling device for two agricultural towing machines |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1096224A true CA1096224A (en) | 1981-02-24 |
Family
ID=6004146
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA299,208A Expired CA1096224A (en) | 1977-03-19 | 1978-03-17 | Towing device for two agricultural trailer machines |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1096224A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE2712203C3 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB1600075A (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5678838A (en) * | 1995-07-20 | 1997-10-21 | Taylor; John R. | Separable dual trailer |
-
1977
- 1977-03-19 DE DE19772712203 patent/DE2712203C3/en not_active Expired
-
1978
- 1978-03-17 CA CA299,208A patent/CA1096224A/en not_active Expired
- 1978-03-20 GB GB1090978A patent/GB1600075A/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE2712203B2 (en) | 1979-05-17 |
| GB1600075A (en) | 1981-10-14 |
| DE2712203C3 (en) | 1980-01-24 |
| DE2712203A1 (en) | 1978-09-21 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |