CA2045118A1 - Vehicle - Google Patents
VehicleInfo
- Publication number
- CA2045118A1 CA2045118A1 CA 2045118 CA2045118A CA2045118A1 CA 2045118 A1 CA2045118 A1 CA 2045118A1 CA 2045118 CA2045118 CA 2045118 CA 2045118 A CA2045118 A CA 2045118A CA 2045118 A1 CA2045118 A1 CA 2045118A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- vehicle according
- vehicle
- arm
- section
- elongate
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
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
- A01B51/00—Undercarriages specially adapted for mounting-on various kinds of agricultural tools or apparatus
- A01B51/02—Undercarriages specially adapted for mounting-on various kinds of agricultural tools or apparatus propelled by a motor
- A01B51/023—Undercarriages specially adapted for mounting-on various kinds of agricultural tools or apparatus propelled by a motor of the Gantry-type
Abstract
The vehicle comprises an elongate section (11) having chassis sections (12, 13) at its ends. The chassis sections carry respective drive wheels (17, 21) and further wheels (22, 27). The wheels (17, 21) can be driven to enable the vehicle to travel transverse to or longitudinally of itself along a field or road respectively.
The elongate section (11) can be raised or lowered by adjustment rams (55) relative to the chassis sections. Also, when driving in the longitudinal direction, a front steerable wheel (17) and a rear steerable wheel (21) may be controlled so that the rear wheel steers only after the front wheel has been steered through a given angle.
The elongate section (11) can be raised or lowered by adjustment rams (55) relative to the chassis sections. Also, when driving in the longitudinal direction, a front steerable wheel (17) and a rear steerable wheel (21) may be controlled so that the rear wheel steers only after the front wheel has been steered through a given angle.
Description
j , .
- A VEHICLE
~ Q~
The invention relates to a vehicle and is particularly, but not exclusively, concerned with improvements in a vehicle described in G~-A-1578857.
In GB-A-1578857 there ls described an agricultural 5 vehicle including an elongate structure having at ., least one ground wheel carr.ied at oach end of the structure. The height of an elongate section of the structure can be adjusted only by bolting it at different vertical positions to end sections of structure on which the wheels are mounted and one object o~ the present i~ventio~ is to provide an improv~d m0thod o enablln~ th~ posltio~ o~ th~
elongat~ sectlon o~ the ~truc~ura abov~ the ~round to be varied.
According to a.flrst aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle comprising a structure including an elongate section, at least one wheel carried by a further section of the structure adjacent each end o~
the elongate section, drive.mea~s..for.driving the 20 vehicle in a direction transverse to or . longitudinally of the structure, and a height a _ , : . adjustment device arranged to l.ift or. lower .the .. ~ . . . .., .. . . ~ , . . . .. .. . .. . .. . .
e}ongate section of.the.structure relative to the fur.ther section~. .~, . . !
WOgO/07866 pcT/Gs9o/ooo39 ,,20fl~1.~
The hei~ht adjustment device gives the vehicle considerable flexibili ty. It assists in the attachment of implements to the vehicle and, by use of the beam in its hi~hest position, allows 5 implements to be carried at a safe height above the ground when not in use e.g., driving along a road.
The height adj~stment device is also of particular use when the vehicle is used ~or agricultural purposes allowing the height of the elongate section to be adjusted according to the height of the crop.
Preferably, aach end of the elongate section ls connected to the ~urther sectlon by guide mean~ whlch permits said h~i~ht adju~tment, and the ~uido m~ans may compri~ an upwardly ~xt~ndi~g r~il.
Ideally, the rail forms a guide for a member movable therealong, the rail being connected to one of the associated further and elongate sections-and the member being connected to the other of the associated further and elongate sections. The rail may be channel cross-sectional shape.
Where'the said member is provided which is movàble along the rail, the member may be positioned in the 'channel'. Pr'eferably two'spaced apart'channel shaped rails are provided ~lth re~pective members po~itloned thereon.
.. . . . . .. . .. . ~ .
WO90/07866 , PCT/GB~0/00039 3 ~ O?~ 5~18 The elongate section may be connected to at least one of the further sections through an intermediate section, but preferably the elongate section is connected to both further sections through respective S intermediate sections. These intermediate sections provide a~ adaptor between the further sections on whlch the drive mean~ is mounted and the elonga~e sec~ion, and convenlontly the or each lntermediate section may be connected to its associated further section by said guide means.
The height adjustment device may be in the ~orm of a ~luid operable ram or oth~r actuator, which may be attached betw~en fir~ and seco~d point~ on th~
struckure. The actuator may be arranged to ralse the elongate section from a lower position to a higher int2rmediate position at which it can be retained, the actuator then being arranged to attach between said first point and a third point of the structure to enable the elongate section to be raised to its hig?hest;:position. The latter arrangement is particularly useful às a ram can be used having a stroke ~hicb is very much shorter than the total : -distanc~ between the~lowest;and highest positions of - ;.. the~elongate~section'' Prëferably'the-'secondi~nd . 25 third points are provided on a common member.
.
In G3-A-578,857 the structure includes a lattice like elongate main section attached to wheel mounting frame sections which is satisfactory in many ways but presents complications in manufacture. Another sbject of the present invention is to provide a vehicle having an improved form of elongate section.
Accordin~ to a second aspect of the invention there i~ provided a vehicle comprising an elon~ate structure, at least one wheel carried at each end of the structure and drive mea~s for driving the vehicle in the direction tran3verse to or longitudinally o~
the structure, the structure includingi ~ main ~ection o~ tubular ~orm.
, Such a main sectlon ls con~iderably aasier to manufacture than the lattice-like structure in G~-A-1578857, and also permits ~reater 1exibility for the mounting of tools.
The main section may form a hollow frame which preferably surrou~ds conduit associated with fluid circuitry~of the vehicle. This is particularly useful 2s it provides improved protection for the hydraulic pipe-work,;whereas in G~-A-1578857 the open structur of*the lattice-like part of~the!fra~e left the condult exposed. ~ .
'.~, .~. '': ., WO 90/07866 ~ t"`l~ `` i Pff~J~B90/00039 5 ZQ4~118 f Preferably, the main section is of polygonal cross-section, e.g., hexagonal, and may be formed from two half polygonal sections connected together. The half polygonal sections may form upper and lower portions 5 of the main section. Conveniently, each section may have edge flanges which extend transversely and which form means enabling the polygonal halves to be bolted together.
Torsional stiffness of such a main section can be 10 made greater than the lattice-like part of the ~rame of GB-A-1578857 whlch is highly desirable particularly when carrying a full tank of spray li~uid at one ~nd o ~he ~tructure.
According to a thirt a pect o~ the invention there is 15 provided a vehlcle comprising a structure including an elongate section, at least one wheel carried by a further section of the structure adjacent each end thereof, drive means for driving the vehicle in a direction transverse to or longitudinally of the .. . . . i, .
Z0 structure, at least one end of the main section including fillets which enable the elongate main ... .
section to be connected to the adjacent further section. - ~
Such f~ ets may, al80 be.,provided ln.a~vehi~le according tojsaid first or ~econd aspect of the . '! : ' . . !, ~.' I . , ' .
WO90/078b6
- A VEHICLE
~ Q~
The invention relates to a vehicle and is particularly, but not exclusively, concerned with improvements in a vehicle described in G~-A-1578857.
In GB-A-1578857 there ls described an agricultural 5 vehicle including an elongate structure having at ., least one ground wheel carr.ied at oach end of the structure. The height of an elongate section of the structure can be adjusted only by bolting it at different vertical positions to end sections of structure on which the wheels are mounted and one object o~ the present i~ventio~ is to provide an improv~d m0thod o enablln~ th~ posltio~ o~ th~
elongat~ sectlon o~ the ~truc~ura abov~ the ~round to be varied.
According to a.flrst aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle comprising a structure including an elongate section, at least one wheel carried by a further section of the structure adjacent each end o~
the elongate section, drive.mea~s..for.driving the 20 vehicle in a direction transverse to or . longitudinally of the structure, and a height a _ , : . adjustment device arranged to l.ift or. lower .the .. ~ . . . .., .. . . ~ , . . . .. .. . .. . .. . .
e}ongate section of.the.structure relative to the fur.ther section~. .~, . . !
WOgO/07866 pcT/Gs9o/ooo39 ,,20fl~1.~
The hei~ht adjustment device gives the vehicle considerable flexibili ty. It assists in the attachment of implements to the vehicle and, by use of the beam in its hi~hest position, allows 5 implements to be carried at a safe height above the ground when not in use e.g., driving along a road.
The height adj~stment device is also of particular use when the vehicle is used ~or agricultural purposes allowing the height of the elongate section to be adjusted according to the height of the crop.
Preferably, aach end of the elongate section ls connected to the ~urther sectlon by guide mean~ whlch permits said h~i~ht adju~tment, and the ~uido m~ans may compri~ an upwardly ~xt~ndi~g r~il.
Ideally, the rail forms a guide for a member movable therealong, the rail being connected to one of the associated further and elongate sections-and the member being connected to the other of the associated further and elongate sections. The rail may be channel cross-sectional shape.
Where'the said member is provided which is movàble along the rail, the member may be positioned in the 'channel'. Pr'eferably two'spaced apart'channel shaped rails are provided ~lth re~pective members po~itloned thereon.
.. . . . . .. . .. . ~ .
WO90/07866 , PCT/GB~0/00039 3 ~ O?~ 5~18 The elongate section may be connected to at least one of the further sections through an intermediate section, but preferably the elongate section is connected to both further sections through respective S intermediate sections. These intermediate sections provide a~ adaptor between the further sections on whlch the drive mean~ is mounted and the elonga~e sec~ion, and convenlontly the or each lntermediate section may be connected to its associated further section by said guide means.
The height adjustment device may be in the ~orm of a ~luid operable ram or oth~r actuator, which may be attached betw~en fir~ and seco~d point~ on th~
struckure. The actuator may be arranged to ralse the elongate section from a lower position to a higher int2rmediate position at which it can be retained, the actuator then being arranged to attach between said first point and a third point of the structure to enable the elongate section to be raised to its hig?hest;:position. The latter arrangement is particularly useful às a ram can be used having a stroke ~hicb is very much shorter than the total : -distanc~ between the~lowest;and highest positions of - ;.. the~elongate~section'' Prëferably'the-'secondi~nd . 25 third points are provided on a common member.
.
In G3-A-578,857 the structure includes a lattice like elongate main section attached to wheel mounting frame sections which is satisfactory in many ways but presents complications in manufacture. Another sbject of the present invention is to provide a vehicle having an improved form of elongate section.
Accordin~ to a second aspect of the invention there i~ provided a vehicle comprising an elon~ate structure, at least one wheel carried at each end of the structure and drive mea~s for driving the vehicle in the direction tran3verse to or longitudinally o~
the structure, the structure includingi ~ main ~ection o~ tubular ~orm.
, Such a main sectlon ls con~iderably aasier to manufacture than the lattice-like structure in G~-A-1578857, and also permits ~reater 1exibility for the mounting of tools.
The main section may form a hollow frame which preferably surrou~ds conduit associated with fluid circuitry~of the vehicle. This is particularly useful 2s it provides improved protection for the hydraulic pipe-work,;whereas in G~-A-1578857 the open structur of*the lattice-like part of~the!fra~e left the condult exposed. ~ .
'.~, .~. '': ., WO 90/07866 ~ t"`l~ `` i Pff~J~B90/00039 5 ZQ4~118 f Preferably, the main section is of polygonal cross-section, e.g., hexagonal, and may be formed from two half polygonal sections connected together. The half polygonal sections may form upper and lower portions 5 of the main section. Conveniently, each section may have edge flanges which extend transversely and which form means enabling the polygonal halves to be bolted together.
Torsional stiffness of such a main section can be 10 made greater than the lattice-like part of the ~rame of GB-A-1578857 whlch is highly desirable particularly when carrying a full tank of spray li~uid at one ~nd o ~he ~tructure.
According to a thirt a pect o~ the invention there is 15 provided a vehlcle comprising a structure including an elongate section, at least one wheel carried by a further section of the structure adjacent each end thereof, drive means for driving the vehicle in a direction transverse to or longitudinally of the .. . . . i, .
Z0 structure, at least one end of the main section including fillets which enable the elongate main ... .
section to be connected to the adjacent further section. - ~
Such f~ ets may, al80 be.,provided ln.a~vehi~le according tojsaid first or ~econd aspect of the . '! : ' . . !, ~.' I . , ' .
WO90/078b6
2~ S3!.1~3 PC:r/GB90/00039 invention or any of the c~nsistory clauses dependent thereon.
The fillets may conveniently extend along peripheral portions of the elongate section so ais to provide reinforcement. This provides a particularly strong connection between the a~orementioned sections.
According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising a structure including an elongate section, at least one wheel carried by a further ~ection of the ~tructure adjacent each end thereoP, and drive m~ans ~or driving the vehicle ln a dir~ction transvQr~e t~ or longitudinally of the ~tructur~ at l~ast one o the further sections including a mounting on which a cab ?s is supported.
Such a cab ~ay be provided in a vehicle according to said first, second or third aspects of the invention or any of the consistory clauses depëndent thereon.
.. . . . . . . . . . . . ..
.
The further section carrying the cab may include a surrounding'member-mounted on the further section and which extènds around at least part o the;cab to form, e.g., a fender. The cab surrounding member may extend`~beneath the-cab"and may'have ~ëreon resillen~
mounting~means for'"the cab. The rèsilient mounting ' ' WO~0/07866 PCT/GB90/00039 ., . . ,~
7 2 ~ 8 means provides a non-rigid interconnection between the cab and the further section so as to damp out vibration and improve driver comfort. Two surrounding members may be provided extending adjacent from and rear sections, e.~., a container thereon.
Each aforesaid further section may include a pivotal mounting for one of the steerable wheels.
Each further section may be provided with a mounting or a further wh~el e.g., a castor-llke wheel which is preerably aligned with the steerable whQel when the vehicle i~ being drivan ln the dlrection kran~ver~ to the structur~. In that r~pec~, tihe . arran~ement iis so~ewhat similar to that described ln GB-A-1578857.
Preferably, the castor-like wheel is mounted on an arm which may be raised and lowered relative to the ; . further section.-~In that way, fine height adjustment of the structure-relati~e to the ground may be achieved~ `
.-Preferablyj the two further sections are substantially~L identical. ~The~other furt~èr section may be used to carry a~contalnër such as:a re~qrvoir or liquid to be sprayed by the vehicle.~
W0 90/~)7866 PCT/G B90/00039 ! Z0451~
ConYeniently, a motor or engine housing may be provided between at least one further section and the adjacent end of the elongate section, and pre~erably ~ :
one enyine drives the vehicle.
Where a cab is provided on one of the further sections, it is preerable that the housing for the engine is arranged adjacent the further section on which the cab is mounted. I~ that way, engine control linkages or the like from the cab to the 10 engine can be kept as short as possible. Where sald . .
intermediate member i~ provided, the houslng may be formed by ~aid m~rnb~r.
As mentloned abovs, the vehicle described in G~-A~
1578857 includes an elongate structure having at 15 least one ground wheel carried at each end of the , s.tructure. The wheels enable the implement to be steered when being driven in the longitudinal ~
direction of the-frame e.g., along a road-. Steeri~g :
is e~fected by turni~g each wheel simultaneously by .
20 means of a common steering wheel and hydrau}ic :~
~ ~ circuitry. Such steering tends to cause the trailing . ' ~
: : end of the veh.icle to swing to one side or the other .~.
. du,ringjsteering and.such steering may..be~ .i ....
~ .d.isadvantageous in.certain instances.~.For oxample, when travelling around a ~airly shallow curve, WO9o/07866 PCT/~BgO/00039 9 Z ~ ~ S ~ ~8 simultaneous ste~ring of the front and rear wheels can cause the rear end of the implement to swing towards the centre of the road away from the kerb which may be undesirable. Another object of the S present invention is to provide an improved steering arrange~ent in such a vehicle.
According to a fifth aspect o~ the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising an elongate structure, at least one wheel carried at each end of the structure, drive means ~or driving the vehicle in a direction transverse to or longitudinally of the structure, ~teering means or st~rlng the wheels when th~ ~ehlcle l~ tr~velllng ln th~ directlon longitudinally o~ the ~ruc~ura, ~nd control m0ans which enables the steering means to steer one of the wheels after the other has been steered by a pre-determined amount.
Such an arrangement is particularly useful as the rear wheel can b0 arranged so as not to steer when travelling around shallow curves and so the above disadvantage is avoided.
... . .
. :., . .: . . ... . .
In a preferred arrangement, the said control means may enable the other wheel to be steered up to!around 10 degrees without steering movement being applied to ~5 the said one wheel.
WO90/07866 ,~0451~8 1 o PCT/GB90/ooo39 . ~" , .
Preferably, the said control means also enables the wheels to ~e steered independently of each other or simultaneously. I t will be appreciated that such an arrangement provides complete versatility and, 5 therefore, is highly advantageous. Conveniently, the selection of various steering modes of the vehicle can be effected from a cab on the vehicle.
In order to mount apparatus such as a spray boom or a soil tilling tool on the e}ongate structure a linkage 1G may be provided and, according to a sixth aspect of the lnvention, there is provided a vehicle comprl i3 i ng a structure including an elongate sectlon, havln~ at least one wheel carried by a ur~her i~ctlon of the structure at each end thereo~, and drive meani~ for 15 driving the vehicle in a direction transverse to or ~.
longitudinally of the structure, the elongate section providing or def ining support means for first and .
second linkages on opposite sides of the elongate -section, each linkage including pivotally ~0 interconnected arms by means of which apparatus can : be connected to the vehicle, each linkage including actuator means for causing the arms to move so that a .tool carried by one or each of the linkages can be - moved ~rom:an operative position to a~stowed 25-~ position. . r~
Wo90/07866 , PCT/GB9~/00039 2Q4~
Preferably, the or ~ach actuator means is operable indep0ndent1y.
Conveniently, each linkage is arranged to move lts tool from a position ~hich is lower than at least part of the support means in its operative position to a stowed position well clear of the ground.
Attachment means on the linkage for its tool may be positioned generally adjacent the support means when in the stowed position or may engage the support means.
~inkage~ may be arranged on the support m~ans at spaced po~ltions theroalon~.
Pre~erably, two pairs o linkages are provided on opposite sides of the elongate section interconnected 1S by support members and a tool carried by each pair.
Wheels of the vehicle are drivable to effect movement of the vehicle and may be contained in hollow wheel mountings to provide protection for conduit carrying driving fluid for the wheels.
~ . D ., ~ , ~ , ,, . 20 Ideally,- control means may be provided whereby the '~
,~.drivable wheels cannot be driven at'rel'at'i'v'e''speeds when the vehicle.ls travelling longi~udinally'~ the elongate structure. This ensures that there is no WO90/07866 2 0,~r5 ~ ~ 8 PCT/GB9O/00o39 scrubbing of a wheel on the ground due to the wheels turning at different speeds when the vehicle is being driven along the road in a longltudinal direction.
The control means ther~fore, may provide a "Field Mode" or a "Road Mode" for a fluid drive to the wheels.
The elongate struc~ure provides an ideal mounting for a tool such as a spray boo~ and enables qpray to be deposited extremely accurately over the area being sprayed.
Preferably, the elongate structure is arranged to support a tool or implement substantial~ in the ~rm of a boom, which may b~ extensible up to or beyond the ends o~ the vehicle. Bearing in mind the length .
of the structure there will be little in the way of up and down movement of the extreme ends of the spray boom extensions, thereby ensuring accurate deposit of spray.even at the extreme ends of the extension.
.. : .
Conveniently, the boom is,extensible by providing an extension part pivotal ly connected to a main boom part and which can be moved from a stowed position alongsi,de the main boom to a-position extending~
,~longi.tudin,ally.,therefr.om.~ .Preferably, the extension ,~.incl.ude.s, a,"~econd extension.part which is mo~able ZS . from a stowed position alongside or overlying the W090/07866 , PCT/GB9fl/00039 13 ZO~ 8 ~irst extension part which is movable into an extended position extending longitudinally of the first extension part. A third extension part may be connected to one end of the second extension part for movement into its extended position.
Preferably, the first extension part pivots about a substantial~y vertical axis into its extended position. Where the third extension part is provided, the third extension part may be p.ivotally connected to the second extension part which extends generally horizontally tran~verse to the elongate structure.
The second or, wher~ provld~d the third boom extension part may comprise two parts which are held in end-to-end abutment by means of a resilient interconnection. The resilient interconnection preferably allows said parts to be articulated . relative to each other. Such an arrangement is highly advantageous in that where the extended boom strikes a rigid object such as a tree or post, the ~oom will "break"..at the abutment to reduce the c likelihood of.damage to the extended boom. : .
. . .
Preferably,..the abutment between the two partsi compriss~ hori~ontally ~paced apart sLbutment~ on one -25 of the parts which locate in sockets or the like in WO90/07866 ~
4~ ~ ~ PCT/GB90/00039 . 14 the other of the parts. Articulation of the parts causes this pivotal movement to take place about one of the pivot/socket abutments so as to separate the other socket and abutment against the ~ias of the resilient interconnection.
Preferably, each end o~ the ~pray boom is provided with an extension arrangement, in which the first, second and third extensions, when in stowed positions are arranged alongside the main boom and conveniently, the 0xtensions in their stowed position occupy no more than half the length o~ the maln boom section.
~ccording to a seventh aspect of the invention there is provided a linkage connecting a tool to an agricultural vehicle comprising a first arm pivotally connected to a support means of the vehicle, a second arm for.carrying the tool and being pivotally connected to the first arm intermediate its ends, a .
third arm.plvotally connected to the second arm at a point.spaced from the pivotal connection to the first :~ ~ arm and which is pivotally connected at its other end t~ the support means of a member connected thereto, , and actuator means for pivoting at least one sald arm whereby the~tool.~can-be moved.~rom an operati~e.
25~ position adjacent~the ~round to a stowed positi~n clear of..the.ground.
: '" ` `. ' ' ". ` . ' : . ` ~ . . ' `' . . . ~ .
WO90/07866 i- ~ . PCT/GBsO/0003~
;~045~ 8 Preferably, the tool is carried at an end of the second arm spaced from the connection between the s~cond arm and third arm, and the third arm may be pivotally connected to the support means above the pivotal connection between the first arm and the support means.
Preferably, one end of the actuator means is pivotally connected to the support means, and the other end of said actuator means may be pivotally connected to the first arm.
Conveniently, the actuator may be pivotally connected to the first arm at a position to on~ side or ~o the other side of the pivotal connection between the first arm and the support means. The third arm may cross the first arm when viewed in a direction axially of the pivotal connections.
~,~
Such a geometrical arrangement of linkage allows the tooi attached to the linkage to be moved through a large arc from its position in use to its stowed position for a relatively small stroke of the actuator~means.
. ~ ... . ..
The features of the linka~e aa set out in the seventh aspect of the invention or any of the consistory , :
! . . , ,, ., j : . .: "
w~90/~7866 ' ! ~~S~ PCl'/GB90/01)o39 clauses relating thereto may also apply to the vehicle of the sixth aspect of the in~ention.
A vehicle in accordance with the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-'` ,.' Fig.1 i~ an elevation of a preferred form of vehiclein accordance with the invention.
~ig.2 is an end elevation of a container end of the vehicle shown ln Fig.1, Fig.3 i~ an end el~vatlon of a cah ~nd o~ thc ~hlcl~
shown in Fig.1, Fig.4 i~ a plan view of the vehicle shown in Fig.1, Fig.5 is an elevation of part of one end of t~e . ~ ~
vehicle shown partly in cross section, ~;
Fig.6`is a-plan vie~ of the end part of the vehicle shown ln FiY-5 .
Fig.7 is a cross section on the linè VII-VII in l`
Flg.5, :
Flg.8 is a cross section through an elongate section WO ~?/07866 PCT/CBgO/00039 ~ 04S118 of the vehicle shown in Fig.1 on th~ line VII-VII in Fig.1, Fig.9 is a cross section of the vehicle shown in Fig.1 on line IX-IX in Fig.1 showing a height adjustment ram for the elongate section at its lowest position, Figs.10 and 11 are views of part of the arrangement shown in Fig.9 with the ram in respective intermediate and highost posltion?~, Fig.i2 is a schematic dlagram o~ th~ ~ontrol mHan~
~or driving th~ vehlclc, Fig.13 is a schematic diagram showing the part of the control means for co-ordinated steering when driving longitudinally of the structure, Fig.14 is a cross section through the elongate section of the vehi~ls showing tool mounting linkages thereo~, . . - -~: -Fig.15 is a plan view of-part of one of the linkages I- shown ;in-Fig.14,.,;.
~0 Flg.16 ls a diagrammatic p~r~pec~ive.~viow o~ an .
extension arrangement or a spray boom, i . ,~ . .;, , , , ....... . .. , . . ~ . ... . . .
W~90/07866 PCT~GB90/00039 ; ~ 20~51~
Fig.17 is a diagrammatic plan view of the vehicle -~
showing the po3ition of the extensions relative to ' ' the veh i c 1 e .
S With reference to Fig.1, the vehicle ~omprises an elongate structure 10 comprising a main frame ~ection 11 ~constituting the aforeeiald elongate section) conn~cted to chassis secticns 12, 13 through intermediate sections 14, 15. The chassis seations constitute the aforesaid further sections.
The elongate section 11 can be ~rranged to carry various type~ of tools ~which term includ~s i~plements, ~pray~r~, spread~r~ and the like),a~ wilI
be described below.
15 The chassis section 12.of the structure 10 carries a steerable drive wheel 17 which is driven by means of a hydrauIic motor i7a adjacent the hub of the wheel,- ~
the wheel being mounted on a mounting unit 18 having ~:
mounting flanges 19 at i.ts upper end pivotally . 20 supported ~or movement about a vertical axis on a mounting 20 of the,chassis section 12. The chassis -, section;-12 also carries-:a:freely rotata~le casto'r- ' wheel 22 on a parallelogram linkage'23 (Fig.3)~. ~The vertical position of the linkage 23 can be ~aried by .
m~ans~o~lan~adiustable ram 24.~ The'castor wheel 22 ... ... . ..
., ~ r ~' WO90/07866 pcT/Gs~o/o~o39 2Q45~18 is pivotable about a vertical axis 25 defined by the :-linkage 23.
The chassis section 13 carries a drive wheel 21 on a mounting unit 26 in exactly the same way as the chassis unit 12. The wheel is drivable by means of a hydraulic motor 21a adajcent the hub of the wheel.
The chassis unit 13 also carries a castor wheel 27 which is mounted on a parallelogram linkage in the ~ :;
same way as castor wheel 22.
In the present in~ention a ~witching arrangement is provided as shown in Flg.12 to switch the ~teerlng rom road mode to i~1d mode operatlon.
The elongate section 11 comprises a hexagonal cross-section tubular frame formed from pressed metal sheet or plate. The elongate section includes upper half hexagon section 28 and a lower half hexagon section 29 which are bolted together through edge fl-anges ~:
28a, 29a. As shown in Fig.8, internal we~s 30 are provided for stiffening purposes and are formed with cut ou'cs 32 to allow hydraulic pipework 33.to run along the inside of the main section from one end to the other.. Each end o the main section i5 provided nith external upper side stifening members 34, a top :
stifening member 3S and a two lower slde stif~ening ,,, . ~ . ... .i .. .. .., .. ~ ... .
members 36 (see Figs.S and 8l. The stifening ,. -WC) 90/U7866 ?o~s~ PCr/GB90/oO039 members (constituting the aforesaid fillets) and the ends of the elongate section 11 are connected to end plates 37 by means of bolts 38 which pass through flanges 38a on the stiffening members, through the end plates 37 and through inclined frame members 39 of the int0rmediate sections 14, 15. The eIongate section i~ also connQcted to the intermediate ~ections by means of ~urther bolts 40 which pass through the flanges 40a on the lower stiffening members 3~, through the end plate 37 and through webs 92 extending between the inclined frame members-39.
The frame members 39 are connected at th~lr upper e~ds to upper frame m~mbers ~3 ~nd at thelr lowqr ends to lower fram~ ~embers ~. The lower ends of frame members 39 are interconnected by means of a frame member 45, the frame members 43 are connected at their right-hand ends as viewed in Figs.5 and 6 to a cross member 46 and the right-hand ends of ~rame members 44~are connected to a cross-member 47. The ri~ht-hand ends of ~rame members 44 are connected to the right-hand ends of the frame me~bers 43 directly above by means of vertical slide members 48. The sIide members 48 are sl'~idably located in vertical '' -`- rai is in the 'form of channel sectio'n sl`ideways 49 o~ , 2~- the^'adjàcent'chassis'sëction. T~ë upper 'ènds oP the '' siideways~'~9 tConStitUting the a~oresaid guide méans) are ~oined together by a connector piece 50 and, as WO 90/07866 s ~, PCr/GB98tO0039 2 1 Z04~118 shown clearly in Fig.4, two fe~ders 52, 53 extend from th~ upper ends of the slideway~ 49, and b~nd around to form vertical sections 52a, 53a, and lower horizontal sections 52b, 53b. The lower horizontal S -sections are connected to a chassis members 51 on which the slideways 49 are mounted. The chassls members 51 carries the wheel mountings 20 and the ~ .
parallelogram linkage 23.
The lower sections 52b, 53b of the fenders 52, 53 are provided with resilient mounting pads 54 on which a cab 60 is mounted. The cab 60, is, therefore, resiliently mounted on the chassis sectlon 12 and vibrations are damped by the pads. Th~ cab may be o monoco~ue constructlon with a door 6 pvltoablc a~out a vertical axis.
The intermediate sections 14, 1S are substantially identical. The elongate section 11 is joined to the intermediate section 15 in the same way as it .~.
connects to intermediate section 14. The ~ .
20 intermediate s ctions can be raised.and lowered along ~.
: the respective slideways 49 provided on the- .
....
~respective chass.is sections 12, 13 by means of respective hydraulic ram.55. The cylinder of.each .
hydraulic ram 55 is connected to the cross member 46 and the remote.;,end?o~. the piston~r~d.S5a o~ the ram is connected to a.removable connecting pin 56 mounted ,:
20~$~ . PCTtGU9O/0oo39 . _.
. ~ 22 ~ ., .
on a vertical channel 57 on the chassis sectio~
The .-onnecting pin 56 has two connecting positions 56a, 56b for the piston rod of the ram 55. The positions are vertically spaced apart as apparent from Figs.10 and 11.
To ralse the intermediate sections 14, 15, ~luid is fed simultaneously to the upper end of each ram 55 so as to cause the cylinders to move upwardly taking with them the cross members 46 and hence. the intermediate sections. The stroke o~ the ram ls i~sufficient to rai~e the intermediate. sQctlons for the full length of ths slid.e.way~-. 4.9. Onc~. th~ ~ir~.t stroke o~ each ram has been completed to raise the intermediate sections to higher intermediate positions, the sections are locked in position by means of suitable locking members 59 associated with the sIideways 49. The piston rod of each ram 55 is then detached from the attachment point 56a and then '-retracted into the cylinder and re-attached to point 20 - 56b. - Fluid 'is then~fed to the'rams again to:-raise the cylinders,' and hen.-e the intermediate un}ts to the full extent ~of thei'r vertical travel, the l.ocking .'members;59"fi.rst~being 'removed. ' : ` `'~ '"
''-;~Suit'able rete'n't'ior. n~.eans (not`s~..^.wni)'may be provided' 25~ ''for retaining the'intermediate~members in any '' ;: .': '' ~,", ~ " ,"":~;,, i, ,, ,;,:,,, "~, "~ ,,,, " " " ,,,,", : ':' : .,, ;: : . ~ . , .
~ !, 23 20~5~
position so that fluid pressure on the rams can be relieved.
The fenders 52, 53 protect corners of the cab against, e.g., branches. The opposite chassis 5 section 13 also has identical fenders 52, 53 to make the chai~sis section 13 substantially identical with the cha~sis section 12. The chassis section 13 may be arranyed to carry a container 61 for spray fluid.
The intermediate section 14 preferably houses a motor l70 for drlving the hydraulics of the vehicle and the intermediate section 15 may be used to hou~e a pump for pumpi~g 1uid from the res~rvoir 61 to ~pr ay 1 n~
apparatus.
The vehicle can be driven in the same way as the ;
vehicle described in G~-A-1578857 i.e., either transverse to or longitudinally of the elongate structure 10. When driving in the transverse ~
direction (herein called the field mode), the vehicle ~ -is driven by the hydraulic motors 17a, 21a and can be steered by varying the relative speeds of the wheels 17, 21. To drive the vehicle in the longitudinal d1rection (herein/called the road mode) the wheels, 17, 21 are turned through 90 degrees by means~o~
hydraulic rams 68, 69 ~Figs.1~ and,13 ? ..so . as to lie in line with each other parallel with the elongate zo45~ PCT/GB90/00~39 . ~ ~!; 24 ., j ,., ~ ., section 11. The wheels, 17, 21 are then driven at the same speed to drive th~ vehicle along the road or through gateways When driving the vehicle in the field mode, the castor wheels 22, 27 lie immediately in line with the adjacent wheels 17, 21 and when travelling in the road mode, the wheels 22, 27 automatically turn through 90 degrees due to the castor action. They then run parallel with the wheels 17, 21.
When the vehicle is being driven in the road mode the operation of a steering wheel 64 in the cab 60 cau~es the leadlng wheel (normally 17) to ste~r.
In ~lg.12 tha cab 60 lncludes a control s~ctlon ~
~ncludin~ a two way switch 63 ln an electrlcal supply circuit by means o~ which a field mode control unit FM
or a road mode control un$t ~M can be brought into operation. Fluid is fed to the control section along lines 62a, 62b from the pump.
In field mode, rotation of a steering wheel 64 ai'll be -sensed by a position sensor 65 such as a rotary potentiometer which provides signals by means of which fluid is fed to'the motors 17a, 21a independently through'lines-i7b, 2;1b to vàry the relative'speeds of the wheëis 17,'2i which are posl;tionëd as shown in ~ull 'lines.`''If;thë`spaeds oP'both wheels are to'be changed . . ; ,,:, ,,. ., , ...,. ..
. SUBSTITVTE SHE~ ~
WO90/07866 pcT/Gs9o/ooo39 i ~ 5 20~51~8 by the same amount simultaneously so as generally to increase or decrease speed, the steering wheel 64 can be moved forwards or backwa~ds about an axis x.
movement sensor 66 such as a potentiometer senses movement of a steering column 67 in that case and produces a signal which is transmitted to a speed control unit 166 used to control the speed of the wheels ~imultaneously.
~y switching to field mode it then becomes impossible to steer the wheels by changing their relative speeds.
On operation o~ the switch 63 to select road mode, the wheels, 17, 21 ar~ turned by associat~d st~rln~ rams 68, 69 into th~ po~ltion shown ln broken lin~s~ Fluld is fed to the ram~ along lines 68a, 69b respectively.
When driving in the road mode, the control section 62 enables fluid to be fed to the motors 17, 21 50 that the speeds of motors 17, 21 are equal. However the speeds can be varied simultaneously by speed control unit 166 by moving the steering wheel about axis X. :~
Steering in the road mode is effected by rotation of the steering wheel as described below with reference to , Fig.13. -However~,.except when travelling round relatively shallow;corners, it is often~desirable fùr the~rear ~5 wheel 21 not to steer during steering movement of the SUBSTITUTE SHEE~
WO90/07866 , ,, . PCT/CB90/00039 front wheel 17. Therefore, the steering syste~
includes a control section 7~ having hydraulic circuitry which permits the rear wheel 21 to be steered only after the front wheel 17 has been steered beyond a certain angle G from the straight ahead position~
Typically, such an angle may be around 10 degrees but may be set differently if required. In that way, when negotiati~g relati~ely shallow curves, slight steering movement of the front wheel 17, e.g., through angle G1, will not cause the rear ~heel 21 to steer thereby avoiding unwanted outward swinging movement of the rear , end of the vehicle. However when the wheel 17 reaches angle G, which is sensed by th~ pot~ntiometer 65, the latter provides a ~ignal to the control soction 70 which permi~s ~luid to ~low to ram 69 causing the wheel 21 to turn ~n an opposite direction to the same angle as the wheel 17 as shown in the right hand diagram of Fig.13. Further steering movement of the wheel 17 beyond angle G, e.g, to G2 will cause wheel 21 to steer to that angle. The steering of the wheels 17, 21 in road mode is effected by the steeriny rams 68, 69.
If desired, a steering control section 71 can be selected whereby hydrau}ic circuitry of the control section enables the wheels 17, 21 to be steered~``
~independently. Steering wheel 64 is then used~to 5UE1~3TI FUTE ~;HEET
WO90/07866 PCT/~B90/00039 .~, .. , ~ i 27 2 ~ 4 5~ l 8 steer the wheel 17 and a small control knob 71a is provided on the control section 71 which is rotated manually to cause wheel 21 to steer. This is , useful for manoeuvring in restricted spaces.
If the user always requires the wheel 21 to be locked in a straight ahead posltion ln road mode so that only wheel 17 can be steered a steering control section 72 can be selected. Control section 71 includes hydraulic circuitry which permits fluid to flow to ram 68 but which prevents flow of fluid to ram 69.
In Figs.1~ and 13 only 1uid feed lines 68a, 69a to th~
rams 68, 69 for one dlrectlon of movem~nt are illuitrated. Fluid return line~ are omltked or clarity. Similarly fluid feed lines 17b, 21b for the motors 17, 21 are shown and return lines omitted.
, ' As mentioned above, the main ~ection 11 can be used to carry various tools and for that purpose the elongate section 11 can carry a plurality ef linkayes-L of the kind shown in-Fig.14'and 15. ` '-:
'~20 In Fig.1,4, the elongate section-11 is shown in cross- ;
sectlon~;andtwo opposite-~linkages L are'shown.
PreferabLy, a,plurality of such sets'L1,';~2`~ând L~
(Fig.17) is,provided at spaced.apart;poisitions'along .ET
PC1`/GB90/00039 Z 0 ~ 2~ -the elongate section 11. One linkage is shown on the left-hand side of the elongate section 11 in Fig. 14 and co~prises a fluid operable actuator 80 having an output rod 80a pivotally connected at 80b to one end of a flrst arm 82. The actuator 80 is pivotally mounted on a bracket ~9. The arm 82 .is pivotally connected at 82a intermediate its ends to a mounting bracket 83 carried on the elongate section 11. The arm 82 has spaced apart left-hand ends ~2a pivotally connected to a second arm 8~ at a position intermediate its ends. The arm 84 de~ines spaced apart members 84a provided with mounting claws 85 which supports e.g., a spray boom 86 (Fig.14). The opposite end of the ~acond arm 89 ls pivotally connected to one end o~ a thlrd arm or link 87 of fixed length, the opposlte ~d o~ which is connected above the pivotal connect ion 82a to a bracket 88 fixed to the bracket 89. The second linkage L set on the opposite side o~ the boom is a mirror image of the first Iinkage and is not described in detail. The various components carry corresponding reference numerals. ..The support bracket 89 is bolted to a bridge piece 90 which extends across the upper half hexagon section 28 to support the linkages. The support .brackets.. 89 are also connected to sling pieces 92 which ' .
extend beneath,~;the.~lower..half hexagon section~-29:o the eIongate~section 11.. :The .Iinkages.are, thereby;` irmly ,.connected.to,..,the elongate section 11. The cylinder of ~3UBSTITUTE ~;HEET
WO90t07866 ;~ PCT/GBs0/00039 29 204L~i118 each actuator 80 is pivotally connected to the associated bracket 89. The solid line position of the arms in Fig.14 illustrate the position of the arms when carrying the spray boom 86 in a working position. To move the spray boom 86 from a working position to a stowed position as shown in broken lines at B in Fiy.14, the actuator 80 is extended to swing the first arm 82 about its pivotal connection with bracket 83, the position B representing the po~ition o .the claw 85 when the actuator is fully extended as indicated at position E.
If desired, spray booms can be carried ~imultaneously by both llnkages L. I desired, tha elongat~ s~ctlon 11 can carry resillent pads such as rubber blocks against which the claws 85.will rest when in the stowed position.
Referring now to Figs 16 and 17, a spray boom 100 shown diagrammatically in Fig.16 comprises a fixed main boom 81 which, in use, attaches to the claws 85 of spaced apart linkages L1, L2 and L3 as shown diagrammatically in Fig.17. The boom 81 may be of-box section, but, in ~ `
Fig.16 is shown.as an angle section for simplicity and .clar.ity.. For lightening purposes,-the boom, which carries spray nozzles (not shown), may:be ormed~with l~ghtening holes. .Only one end;o the maln boom~is :.
SUBSTlTUTf~ ~;HEET
WO90~07866 ~4511~ PCT/GB9OtOo039 shown in Fig.16. At the end of the main boom 81 shown, a first boom extension 91 is pivotally connected. The first boom extension comprises a channel member 93 having upper and lower hinge arms 94 by means of which it is pivotally connected to th~ main boom 81. The first boom extension 91 is, in use, provided with spray nozzles (not shown) in the same way as the main hoom 81 but, for clarity the nozzles are not shown. The extension 91 can be pivoted into an extended position 91a.
A second boom extension 95 o~ length no more than half the length o~ the main boom 81 may be stowed to th~
rear o~ the main boom 81 on attachment m~ans tnot shown~ by which the main boom and second extension are held together. The second boom extension fits within the channel 93 and can be bolted to the ~irst boom 9l extension whereby the second boom extension 95 may be hinged into an operative position as shown at 95a. The part extending from channel 93 is provided with spray nozzles (not shown).
The second boom extension is pivotally connected to a third boom extènsion 96 which ~ay be folded onto the top of the-second boom extension~95:about a horizontal hinge-n97~extending transvèrse to the second and third boom~ extensions. With the second bo'om extension in . SllB~TITU,E SHEE~ .
WO90/07866 PCT/~B90/00039 :: ~ ,.....
The fillets may conveniently extend along peripheral portions of the elongate section so ais to provide reinforcement. This provides a particularly strong connection between the a~orementioned sections.
According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising a structure including an elongate section, at least one wheel carried by a further ~ection of the ~tructure adjacent each end thereoP, and drive m~ans ~or driving the vehicle ln a dir~ction transvQr~e t~ or longitudinally of the ~tructur~ at l~ast one o the further sections including a mounting on which a cab ?s is supported.
Such a cab ~ay be provided in a vehicle according to said first, second or third aspects of the invention or any of the consistory clauses depëndent thereon.
.. . . . . . . . . . . . ..
.
The further section carrying the cab may include a surrounding'member-mounted on the further section and which extènds around at least part o the;cab to form, e.g., a fender. The cab surrounding member may extend`~beneath the-cab"and may'have ~ëreon resillen~
mounting~means for'"the cab. The rèsilient mounting ' ' WO~0/07866 PCT/GB90/00039 ., . . ,~
7 2 ~ 8 means provides a non-rigid interconnection between the cab and the further section so as to damp out vibration and improve driver comfort. Two surrounding members may be provided extending adjacent from and rear sections, e.~., a container thereon.
Each aforesaid further section may include a pivotal mounting for one of the steerable wheels.
Each further section may be provided with a mounting or a further wh~el e.g., a castor-llke wheel which is preerably aligned with the steerable whQel when the vehicle i~ being drivan ln the dlrection kran~ver~ to the structur~. In that r~pec~, tihe . arran~ement iis so~ewhat similar to that described ln GB-A-1578857.
Preferably, the castor-like wheel is mounted on an arm which may be raised and lowered relative to the ; . further section.-~In that way, fine height adjustment of the structure-relati~e to the ground may be achieved~ `
.-Preferablyj the two further sections are substantially~L identical. ~The~other furt~èr section may be used to carry a~contalnër such as:a re~qrvoir or liquid to be sprayed by the vehicle.~
W0 90/~)7866 PCT/G B90/00039 ! Z0451~
ConYeniently, a motor or engine housing may be provided between at least one further section and the adjacent end of the elongate section, and pre~erably ~ :
one enyine drives the vehicle.
Where a cab is provided on one of the further sections, it is preerable that the housing for the engine is arranged adjacent the further section on which the cab is mounted. I~ that way, engine control linkages or the like from the cab to the 10 engine can be kept as short as possible. Where sald . .
intermediate member i~ provided, the houslng may be formed by ~aid m~rnb~r.
As mentloned abovs, the vehicle described in G~-A~
1578857 includes an elongate structure having at 15 least one ground wheel carried at each end of the , s.tructure. The wheels enable the implement to be steered when being driven in the longitudinal ~
direction of the-frame e.g., along a road-. Steeri~g :
is e~fected by turni~g each wheel simultaneously by .
20 means of a common steering wheel and hydrau}ic :~
~ ~ circuitry. Such steering tends to cause the trailing . ' ~
: : end of the veh.icle to swing to one side or the other .~.
. du,ringjsteering and.such steering may..be~ .i ....
~ .d.isadvantageous in.certain instances.~.For oxample, when travelling around a ~airly shallow curve, WO9o/07866 PCT/~BgO/00039 9 Z ~ ~ S ~ ~8 simultaneous ste~ring of the front and rear wheels can cause the rear end of the implement to swing towards the centre of the road away from the kerb which may be undesirable. Another object of the S present invention is to provide an improved steering arrange~ent in such a vehicle.
According to a fifth aspect o~ the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising an elongate structure, at least one wheel carried at each end of the structure, drive means ~or driving the vehicle in a direction transverse to or longitudinally of the structure, ~teering means or st~rlng the wheels when th~ ~ehlcle l~ tr~velllng ln th~ directlon longitudinally o~ the ~ruc~ura, ~nd control m0ans which enables the steering means to steer one of the wheels after the other has been steered by a pre-determined amount.
Such an arrangement is particularly useful as the rear wheel can b0 arranged so as not to steer when travelling around shallow curves and so the above disadvantage is avoided.
... . .
. :., . .: . . ... . .
In a preferred arrangement, the said control means may enable the other wheel to be steered up to!around 10 degrees without steering movement being applied to ~5 the said one wheel.
WO90/07866 ,~0451~8 1 o PCT/GB90/ooo39 . ~" , .
Preferably, the said control means also enables the wheels to ~e steered independently of each other or simultaneously. I t will be appreciated that such an arrangement provides complete versatility and, 5 therefore, is highly advantageous. Conveniently, the selection of various steering modes of the vehicle can be effected from a cab on the vehicle.
In order to mount apparatus such as a spray boom or a soil tilling tool on the e}ongate structure a linkage 1G may be provided and, according to a sixth aspect of the lnvention, there is provided a vehicle comprl i3 i ng a structure including an elongate sectlon, havln~ at least one wheel carried by a ur~her i~ctlon of the structure at each end thereo~, and drive meani~ for 15 driving the vehicle in a direction transverse to or ~.
longitudinally of the structure, the elongate section providing or def ining support means for first and .
second linkages on opposite sides of the elongate -section, each linkage including pivotally ~0 interconnected arms by means of which apparatus can : be connected to the vehicle, each linkage including actuator means for causing the arms to move so that a .tool carried by one or each of the linkages can be - moved ~rom:an operative position to a~stowed 25-~ position. . r~
Wo90/07866 , PCT/GB9~/00039 2Q4~
Preferably, the or ~ach actuator means is operable indep0ndent1y.
Conveniently, each linkage is arranged to move lts tool from a position ~hich is lower than at least part of the support means in its operative position to a stowed position well clear of the ground.
Attachment means on the linkage for its tool may be positioned generally adjacent the support means when in the stowed position or may engage the support means.
~inkage~ may be arranged on the support m~ans at spaced po~ltions theroalon~.
Pre~erably, two pairs o linkages are provided on opposite sides of the elongate section interconnected 1S by support members and a tool carried by each pair.
Wheels of the vehicle are drivable to effect movement of the vehicle and may be contained in hollow wheel mountings to provide protection for conduit carrying driving fluid for the wheels.
~ . D ., ~ , ~ , ,, . 20 Ideally,- control means may be provided whereby the '~
,~.drivable wheels cannot be driven at'rel'at'i'v'e''speeds when the vehicle.ls travelling longi~udinally'~ the elongate structure. This ensures that there is no WO90/07866 2 0,~r5 ~ ~ 8 PCT/GB9O/00o39 scrubbing of a wheel on the ground due to the wheels turning at different speeds when the vehicle is being driven along the road in a longltudinal direction.
The control means ther~fore, may provide a "Field Mode" or a "Road Mode" for a fluid drive to the wheels.
The elongate struc~ure provides an ideal mounting for a tool such as a spray boo~ and enables qpray to be deposited extremely accurately over the area being sprayed.
Preferably, the elongate structure is arranged to support a tool or implement substantial~ in the ~rm of a boom, which may b~ extensible up to or beyond the ends o~ the vehicle. Bearing in mind the length .
of the structure there will be little in the way of up and down movement of the extreme ends of the spray boom extensions, thereby ensuring accurate deposit of spray.even at the extreme ends of the extension.
.. : .
Conveniently, the boom is,extensible by providing an extension part pivotal ly connected to a main boom part and which can be moved from a stowed position alongsi,de the main boom to a-position extending~
,~longi.tudin,ally.,therefr.om.~ .Preferably, the extension ,~.incl.ude.s, a,"~econd extension.part which is mo~able ZS . from a stowed position alongside or overlying the W090/07866 , PCT/GB9fl/00039 13 ZO~ 8 ~irst extension part which is movable into an extended position extending longitudinally of the first extension part. A third extension part may be connected to one end of the second extension part for movement into its extended position.
Preferably, the first extension part pivots about a substantial~y vertical axis into its extended position. Where the third extension part is provided, the third extension part may be p.ivotally connected to the second extension part which extends generally horizontally tran~verse to the elongate structure.
The second or, wher~ provld~d the third boom extension part may comprise two parts which are held in end-to-end abutment by means of a resilient interconnection. The resilient interconnection preferably allows said parts to be articulated . relative to each other. Such an arrangement is highly advantageous in that where the extended boom strikes a rigid object such as a tree or post, the ~oom will "break"..at the abutment to reduce the c likelihood of.damage to the extended boom. : .
. . .
Preferably,..the abutment between the two partsi compriss~ hori~ontally ~paced apart sLbutment~ on one -25 of the parts which locate in sockets or the like in WO90/07866 ~
4~ ~ ~ PCT/GB90/00039 . 14 the other of the parts. Articulation of the parts causes this pivotal movement to take place about one of the pivot/socket abutments so as to separate the other socket and abutment against the ~ias of the resilient interconnection.
Preferably, each end o~ the ~pray boom is provided with an extension arrangement, in which the first, second and third extensions, when in stowed positions are arranged alongside the main boom and conveniently, the 0xtensions in their stowed position occupy no more than half the length o~ the maln boom section.
~ccording to a seventh aspect of the invention there is provided a linkage connecting a tool to an agricultural vehicle comprising a first arm pivotally connected to a support means of the vehicle, a second arm for.carrying the tool and being pivotally connected to the first arm intermediate its ends, a .
third arm.plvotally connected to the second arm at a point.spaced from the pivotal connection to the first :~ ~ arm and which is pivotally connected at its other end t~ the support means of a member connected thereto, , and actuator means for pivoting at least one sald arm whereby the~tool.~can-be moved.~rom an operati~e.
25~ position adjacent~the ~round to a stowed positi~n clear of..the.ground.
: '" ` `. ' ' ". ` . ' : . ` ~ . . ' `' . . . ~ .
WO90/07866 i- ~ . PCT/GBsO/0003~
;~045~ 8 Preferably, the tool is carried at an end of the second arm spaced from the connection between the s~cond arm and third arm, and the third arm may be pivotally connected to the support means above the pivotal connection between the first arm and the support means.
Preferably, one end of the actuator means is pivotally connected to the support means, and the other end of said actuator means may be pivotally connected to the first arm.
Conveniently, the actuator may be pivotally connected to the first arm at a position to on~ side or ~o the other side of the pivotal connection between the first arm and the support means. The third arm may cross the first arm when viewed in a direction axially of the pivotal connections.
~,~
Such a geometrical arrangement of linkage allows the tooi attached to the linkage to be moved through a large arc from its position in use to its stowed position for a relatively small stroke of the actuator~means.
. ~ ... . ..
The features of the linka~e aa set out in the seventh aspect of the invention or any of the consistory , :
! . . , ,, ., j : . .: "
w~90/~7866 ' ! ~~S~ PCl'/GB90/01)o39 clauses relating thereto may also apply to the vehicle of the sixth aspect of the in~ention.
A vehicle in accordance with the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-'` ,.' Fig.1 i~ an elevation of a preferred form of vehiclein accordance with the invention.
~ig.2 is an end elevation of a container end of the vehicle shown ln Fig.1, Fig.3 i~ an end el~vatlon of a cah ~nd o~ thc ~hlcl~
shown in Fig.1, Fig.4 i~ a plan view of the vehicle shown in Fig.1, Fig.5 is an elevation of part of one end of t~e . ~ ~
vehicle shown partly in cross section, ~;
Fig.6`is a-plan vie~ of the end part of the vehicle shown ln FiY-5 .
Fig.7 is a cross section on the linè VII-VII in l`
Flg.5, :
Flg.8 is a cross section through an elongate section WO ~?/07866 PCT/CBgO/00039 ~ 04S118 of the vehicle shown in Fig.1 on th~ line VII-VII in Fig.1, Fig.9 is a cross section of the vehicle shown in Fig.1 on line IX-IX in Fig.1 showing a height adjustment ram for the elongate section at its lowest position, Figs.10 and 11 are views of part of the arrangement shown in Fig.9 with the ram in respective intermediate and highost posltion?~, Fig.i2 is a schematic dlagram o~ th~ ~ontrol mHan~
~or driving th~ vehlclc, Fig.13 is a schematic diagram showing the part of the control means for co-ordinated steering when driving longitudinally of the structure, Fig.14 is a cross section through the elongate section of the vehi~ls showing tool mounting linkages thereo~, . . - -~: -Fig.15 is a plan view of-part of one of the linkages I- shown ;in-Fig.14,.,;.
~0 Flg.16 ls a diagrammatic p~r~pec~ive.~viow o~ an .
extension arrangement or a spray boom, i . ,~ . .;, , , , ....... . .. , . . ~ . ... . . .
W~90/07866 PCT~GB90/00039 ; ~ 20~51~
Fig.17 is a diagrammatic plan view of the vehicle -~
showing the po3ition of the extensions relative to ' ' the veh i c 1 e .
S With reference to Fig.1, the vehicle ~omprises an elongate structure 10 comprising a main frame ~ection 11 ~constituting the aforeeiald elongate section) conn~cted to chassis secticns 12, 13 through intermediate sections 14, 15. The chassis seations constitute the aforesaid further sections.
The elongate section 11 can be ~rranged to carry various type~ of tools ~which term includ~s i~plements, ~pray~r~, spread~r~ and the like),a~ wilI
be described below.
15 The chassis section 12.of the structure 10 carries a steerable drive wheel 17 which is driven by means of a hydrauIic motor i7a adjacent the hub of the wheel,- ~
the wheel being mounted on a mounting unit 18 having ~:
mounting flanges 19 at i.ts upper end pivotally . 20 supported ~or movement about a vertical axis on a mounting 20 of the,chassis section 12. The chassis -, section;-12 also carries-:a:freely rotata~le casto'r- ' wheel 22 on a parallelogram linkage'23 (Fig.3)~. ~The vertical position of the linkage 23 can be ~aried by .
m~ans~o~lan~adiustable ram 24.~ The'castor wheel 22 ... ... . ..
., ~ r ~' WO90/07866 pcT/Gs~o/o~o39 2Q45~18 is pivotable about a vertical axis 25 defined by the :-linkage 23.
The chassis section 13 carries a drive wheel 21 on a mounting unit 26 in exactly the same way as the chassis unit 12. The wheel is drivable by means of a hydraulic motor 21a adajcent the hub of the wheel.
The chassis unit 13 also carries a castor wheel 27 which is mounted on a parallelogram linkage in the ~ :;
same way as castor wheel 22.
In the present in~ention a ~witching arrangement is provided as shown in Flg.12 to switch the ~teerlng rom road mode to i~1d mode operatlon.
The elongate section 11 comprises a hexagonal cross-section tubular frame formed from pressed metal sheet or plate. The elongate section includes upper half hexagon section 28 and a lower half hexagon section 29 which are bolted together through edge fl-anges ~:
28a, 29a. As shown in Fig.8, internal we~s 30 are provided for stiffening purposes and are formed with cut ou'cs 32 to allow hydraulic pipework 33.to run along the inside of the main section from one end to the other.. Each end o the main section i5 provided nith external upper side stifening members 34, a top :
stifening member 3S and a two lower slde stif~ening ,,, . ~ . ... .i .. .. .., .. ~ ... .
members 36 (see Figs.S and 8l. The stifening ,. -WC) 90/U7866 ?o~s~ PCr/GB90/oO039 members (constituting the aforesaid fillets) and the ends of the elongate section 11 are connected to end plates 37 by means of bolts 38 which pass through flanges 38a on the stiffening members, through the end plates 37 and through inclined frame members 39 of the int0rmediate sections 14, 15. The eIongate section i~ also connQcted to the intermediate ~ections by means of ~urther bolts 40 which pass through the flanges 40a on the lower stiffening members 3~, through the end plate 37 and through webs 92 extending between the inclined frame members-39.
The frame members 39 are connected at th~lr upper e~ds to upper frame m~mbers ~3 ~nd at thelr lowqr ends to lower fram~ ~embers ~. The lower ends of frame members 39 are interconnected by means of a frame member 45, the frame members 43 are connected at their right-hand ends as viewed in Figs.5 and 6 to a cross member 46 and the right-hand ends of ~rame members 44~are connected to a cross-member 47. The ri~ht-hand ends of ~rame members 44 are connected to the right-hand ends of the frame me~bers 43 directly above by means of vertical slide members 48. The sIide members 48 are sl'~idably located in vertical '' -`- rai is in the 'form of channel sectio'n sl`ideways 49 o~ , 2~- the^'adjàcent'chassis'sëction. T~ë upper 'ènds oP the '' siideways~'~9 tConStitUting the a~oresaid guide méans) are ~oined together by a connector piece 50 and, as WO 90/07866 s ~, PCr/GB98tO0039 2 1 Z04~118 shown clearly in Fig.4, two fe~ders 52, 53 extend from th~ upper ends of the slideway~ 49, and b~nd around to form vertical sections 52a, 53a, and lower horizontal sections 52b, 53b. The lower horizontal S -sections are connected to a chassis members 51 on which the slideways 49 are mounted. The chassls members 51 carries the wheel mountings 20 and the ~ .
parallelogram linkage 23.
The lower sections 52b, 53b of the fenders 52, 53 are provided with resilient mounting pads 54 on which a cab 60 is mounted. The cab 60, is, therefore, resiliently mounted on the chassis sectlon 12 and vibrations are damped by the pads. Th~ cab may be o monoco~ue constructlon with a door 6 pvltoablc a~out a vertical axis.
The intermediate sections 14, 1S are substantially identical. The elongate section 11 is joined to the intermediate section 15 in the same way as it .~.
connects to intermediate section 14. The ~ .
20 intermediate s ctions can be raised.and lowered along ~.
: the respective slideways 49 provided on the- .
....
~respective chass.is sections 12, 13 by means of respective hydraulic ram.55. The cylinder of.each .
hydraulic ram 55 is connected to the cross member 46 and the remote.;,end?o~. the piston~r~d.S5a o~ the ram is connected to a.removable connecting pin 56 mounted ,:
20~$~ . PCTtGU9O/0oo39 . _.
. ~ 22 ~ ., .
on a vertical channel 57 on the chassis sectio~
The .-onnecting pin 56 has two connecting positions 56a, 56b for the piston rod of the ram 55. The positions are vertically spaced apart as apparent from Figs.10 and 11.
To ralse the intermediate sections 14, 15, ~luid is fed simultaneously to the upper end of each ram 55 so as to cause the cylinders to move upwardly taking with them the cross members 46 and hence. the intermediate sections. The stroke o~ the ram ls i~sufficient to rai~e the intermediate. sQctlons for the full length of ths slid.e.way~-. 4.9. Onc~. th~ ~ir~.t stroke o~ each ram has been completed to raise the intermediate sections to higher intermediate positions, the sections are locked in position by means of suitable locking members 59 associated with the sIideways 49. The piston rod of each ram 55 is then detached from the attachment point 56a and then '-retracted into the cylinder and re-attached to point 20 - 56b. - Fluid 'is then~fed to the'rams again to:-raise the cylinders,' and hen.-e the intermediate un}ts to the full extent ~of thei'r vertical travel, the l.ocking .'members;59"fi.rst~being 'removed. ' : ` `'~ '"
''-;~Suit'able rete'n't'ior. n~.eans (not`s~..^.wni)'may be provided' 25~ ''for retaining the'intermediate~members in any '' ;: .': '' ~,", ~ " ,"":~;,, i, ,, ,;,:,,, "~, "~ ,,,, " " " ,,,,", : ':' : .,, ;: : . ~ . , .
~ !, 23 20~5~
position so that fluid pressure on the rams can be relieved.
The fenders 52, 53 protect corners of the cab against, e.g., branches. The opposite chassis 5 section 13 also has identical fenders 52, 53 to make the chai~sis section 13 substantially identical with the cha~sis section 12. The chassis section 13 may be arranyed to carry a container 61 for spray fluid.
The intermediate section 14 preferably houses a motor l70 for drlving the hydraulics of the vehicle and the intermediate section 15 may be used to hou~e a pump for pumpi~g 1uid from the res~rvoir 61 to ~pr ay 1 n~
apparatus.
The vehicle can be driven in the same way as the ;
vehicle described in G~-A-1578857 i.e., either transverse to or longitudinally of the elongate structure 10. When driving in the transverse ~
direction (herein called the field mode), the vehicle ~ -is driven by the hydraulic motors 17a, 21a and can be steered by varying the relative speeds of the wheels 17, 21. To drive the vehicle in the longitudinal d1rection (herein/called the road mode) the wheels, 17, 21 are turned through 90 degrees by means~o~
hydraulic rams 68, 69 ~Figs.1~ and,13 ? ..so . as to lie in line with each other parallel with the elongate zo45~ PCT/GB90/00~39 . ~ ~!; 24 ., j ,., ~ ., section 11. The wheels, 17, 21 are then driven at the same speed to drive th~ vehicle along the road or through gateways When driving the vehicle in the field mode, the castor wheels 22, 27 lie immediately in line with the adjacent wheels 17, 21 and when travelling in the road mode, the wheels 22, 27 automatically turn through 90 degrees due to the castor action. They then run parallel with the wheels 17, 21.
When the vehicle is being driven in the road mode the operation of a steering wheel 64 in the cab 60 cau~es the leadlng wheel (normally 17) to ste~r.
In ~lg.12 tha cab 60 lncludes a control s~ctlon ~
~ncludin~ a two way switch 63 ln an electrlcal supply circuit by means o~ which a field mode control unit FM
or a road mode control un$t ~M can be brought into operation. Fluid is fed to the control section along lines 62a, 62b from the pump.
In field mode, rotation of a steering wheel 64 ai'll be -sensed by a position sensor 65 such as a rotary potentiometer which provides signals by means of which fluid is fed to'the motors 17a, 21a independently through'lines-i7b, 2;1b to vàry the relative'speeds of the wheëis 17,'2i which are posl;tionëd as shown in ~ull 'lines.`''If;thë`spaeds oP'both wheels are to'be changed . . ; ,,:, ,,. ., , ...,. ..
. SUBSTITVTE SHE~ ~
WO90/07866 pcT/Gs9o/ooo39 i ~ 5 20~51~8 by the same amount simultaneously so as generally to increase or decrease speed, the steering wheel 64 can be moved forwards or backwa~ds about an axis x.
movement sensor 66 such as a potentiometer senses movement of a steering column 67 in that case and produces a signal which is transmitted to a speed control unit 166 used to control the speed of the wheels ~imultaneously.
~y switching to field mode it then becomes impossible to steer the wheels by changing their relative speeds.
On operation o~ the switch 63 to select road mode, the wheels, 17, 21 ar~ turned by associat~d st~rln~ rams 68, 69 into th~ po~ltion shown ln broken lin~s~ Fluld is fed to the ram~ along lines 68a, 69b respectively.
When driving in the road mode, the control section 62 enables fluid to be fed to the motors 17, 21 50 that the speeds of motors 17, 21 are equal. However the speeds can be varied simultaneously by speed control unit 166 by moving the steering wheel about axis X. :~
Steering in the road mode is effected by rotation of the steering wheel as described below with reference to , Fig.13. -However~,.except when travelling round relatively shallow;corners, it is often~desirable fùr the~rear ~5 wheel 21 not to steer during steering movement of the SUBSTITUTE SHEE~
WO90/07866 , ,, . PCT/CB90/00039 front wheel 17. Therefore, the steering syste~
includes a control section 7~ having hydraulic circuitry which permits the rear wheel 21 to be steered only after the front wheel 17 has been steered beyond a certain angle G from the straight ahead position~
Typically, such an angle may be around 10 degrees but may be set differently if required. In that way, when negotiati~g relati~ely shallow curves, slight steering movement of the front wheel 17, e.g., through angle G1, will not cause the rear ~heel 21 to steer thereby avoiding unwanted outward swinging movement of the rear , end of the vehicle. However when the wheel 17 reaches angle G, which is sensed by th~ pot~ntiometer 65, the latter provides a ~ignal to the control soction 70 which permi~s ~luid to ~low to ram 69 causing the wheel 21 to turn ~n an opposite direction to the same angle as the wheel 17 as shown in the right hand diagram of Fig.13. Further steering movement of the wheel 17 beyond angle G, e.g, to G2 will cause wheel 21 to steer to that angle. The steering of the wheels 17, 21 in road mode is effected by the steeriny rams 68, 69.
If desired, a steering control section 71 can be selected whereby hydrau}ic circuitry of the control section enables the wheels 17, 21 to be steered~``
~independently. Steering wheel 64 is then used~to 5UE1~3TI FUTE ~;HEET
WO90/07866 PCT/~B90/00039 .~, .. , ~ i 27 2 ~ 4 5~ l 8 steer the wheel 17 and a small control knob 71a is provided on the control section 71 which is rotated manually to cause wheel 21 to steer. This is , useful for manoeuvring in restricted spaces.
If the user always requires the wheel 21 to be locked in a straight ahead posltion ln road mode so that only wheel 17 can be steered a steering control section 72 can be selected. Control section 71 includes hydraulic circuitry which permits fluid to flow to ram 68 but which prevents flow of fluid to ram 69.
In Figs.1~ and 13 only 1uid feed lines 68a, 69a to th~
rams 68, 69 for one dlrectlon of movem~nt are illuitrated. Fluid return line~ are omltked or clarity. Similarly fluid feed lines 17b, 21b for the motors 17, 21 are shown and return lines omitted.
, ' As mentioned above, the main ~ection 11 can be used to carry various tools and for that purpose the elongate section 11 can carry a plurality ef linkayes-L of the kind shown in-Fig.14'and 15. ` '-:
'~20 In Fig.1,4, the elongate section-11 is shown in cross- ;
sectlon~;andtwo opposite-~linkages L are'shown.
PreferabLy, a,plurality of such sets'L1,';~2`~ând L~
(Fig.17) is,provided at spaced.apart;poisitions'along .ET
PC1`/GB90/00039 Z 0 ~ 2~ -the elongate section 11. One linkage is shown on the left-hand side of the elongate section 11 in Fig. 14 and co~prises a fluid operable actuator 80 having an output rod 80a pivotally connected at 80b to one end of a flrst arm 82. The actuator 80 is pivotally mounted on a bracket ~9. The arm 82 .is pivotally connected at 82a intermediate its ends to a mounting bracket 83 carried on the elongate section 11. The arm 82 has spaced apart left-hand ends ~2a pivotally connected to a second arm 8~ at a position intermediate its ends. The arm 84 de~ines spaced apart members 84a provided with mounting claws 85 which supports e.g., a spray boom 86 (Fig.14). The opposite end of the ~acond arm 89 ls pivotally connected to one end o~ a thlrd arm or link 87 of fixed length, the opposlte ~d o~ which is connected above the pivotal connect ion 82a to a bracket 88 fixed to the bracket 89. The second linkage L set on the opposite side o~ the boom is a mirror image of the first Iinkage and is not described in detail. The various components carry corresponding reference numerals. ..The support bracket 89 is bolted to a bridge piece 90 which extends across the upper half hexagon section 28 to support the linkages. The support .brackets.. 89 are also connected to sling pieces 92 which ' .
extend beneath,~;the.~lower..half hexagon section~-29:o the eIongate~section 11.. :The .Iinkages.are, thereby;` irmly ,.connected.to,..,the elongate section 11. The cylinder of ~3UBSTITUTE ~;HEET
WO90t07866 ;~ PCT/GBs0/00039 29 204L~i118 each actuator 80 is pivotally connected to the associated bracket 89. The solid line position of the arms in Fig.14 illustrate the position of the arms when carrying the spray boom 86 in a working position. To move the spray boom 86 from a working position to a stowed position as shown in broken lines at B in Fiy.14, the actuator 80 is extended to swing the first arm 82 about its pivotal connection with bracket 83, the position B representing the po~ition o .the claw 85 when the actuator is fully extended as indicated at position E.
If desired, spray booms can be carried ~imultaneously by both llnkages L. I desired, tha elongat~ s~ctlon 11 can carry resillent pads such as rubber blocks against which the claws 85.will rest when in the stowed position.
Referring now to Figs 16 and 17, a spray boom 100 shown diagrammatically in Fig.16 comprises a fixed main boom 81 which, in use, attaches to the claws 85 of spaced apart linkages L1, L2 and L3 as shown diagrammatically in Fig.17. The boom 81 may be of-box section, but, in ~ `
Fig.16 is shown.as an angle section for simplicity and .clar.ity.. For lightening purposes,-the boom, which carries spray nozzles (not shown), may:be ormed~with l~ghtening holes. .Only one end;o the maln boom~is :.
SUBSTlTUTf~ ~;HEET
WO90~07866 ~4511~ PCT/GB9OtOo039 shown in Fig.16. At the end of the main boom 81 shown, a first boom extension 91 is pivotally connected. The first boom extension comprises a channel member 93 having upper and lower hinge arms 94 by means of which it is pivotally connected to th~ main boom 81. The first boom extension 91 is, in use, provided with spray nozzles (not shown) in the same way as the main hoom 81 but, for clarity the nozzles are not shown. The extension 91 can be pivoted into an extended position 91a.
A second boom extension 95 o~ length no more than half the length o~ the main boom 81 may be stowed to th~
rear o~ the main boom 81 on attachment m~ans tnot shown~ by which the main boom and second extension are held together. The second boom extension fits within the channel 93 and can be bolted to the ~irst boom 9l extension whereby the second boom extension 95 may be hinged into an operative position as shown at 95a. The part extending from channel 93 is provided with spray nozzles (not shown).
The second boom extension is pivotally connected to a third boom extènsion 96 which ~ay be folded onto the top of the-second boom extension~95:about a horizontal hinge-n97~extending transvèrse to the second and third boom~ extensions. With the second bo'om extension in . SllB~TITU,E SHEE~ .
WO90/07866 PCT/~B90/00039 :: ~ ,.....
3~ ~ ~451~
position 95a, the third boom Pxtension 96 can be hinged outwardly to position 96a. The outward folded positions of the boom extensions can also be seen in Fig.17 where the first and second boom extensions 93, 95 extend the boom to the full width of the vehicle, and the third boom extensions 96 extend the boo~ well beyond the ends of the vehicle. Once the boom increases in lengkh throuyh the various extensions, it becomes easier for the driver to strike an upstanding object such as a post with an end of the extended boom when driving the vehicle. In order to reduce the likelihood o damage occurring when either outer end o the boom strikes such an object, the third boom extension 96 may comprise Pir~t and second parts 98, 99. The part 98 includes two project~ons 103 which locate in sockets 101 in the second part 99. The parts 98, 99 are urged together by springs 102 on opposite sides of the extension. If the outer part 99 of the extension 96 strikes an object when the vehicle is ~;
being driven, the extension can effe~tively "break" by tipping about the front or rear projection, such tipping-expanding the spring 102 which brings the projections and sockets into re-engagement once the obstruction has been cleared.
.,,, , . . , . ., . ,.. ,:.. . : .
, ... . .
All of the operational functions~of the vehicle can be controlled rom the cab. However, or convenience, the , Sl.lE~iTlTtJT~ T
.. ~,'''' WO 90~07~66 PCl /GB9~00039 2~53l~8 ``
: 1, , 32 locking me~bers 59 used when raising the intermediate sections 14, 15 upwardly along the slideways 49 are operated manually.
If desired, the vehicle may be used to tow ground tilling tools such as a harrow and/or plough and has the great advantage that the length of the boom permits the vehi~le to be driven across a field a number of times creating far less damage to crops as there will be fewer wheel ruts than when using a conventional tractor.
The hydraulic motors 17a, 21a may be positloned within steerable hollow moun~ing ~ctions 12a, 13a on th~
chaæsis sections 1~, 13 and hydraulic conduits for the motors also lie within the sections 12a, 13a for protection.
Hydraulic fluid supply for the rams 55 for raising and lowering the elongate section 11 is supplied by the pump 70 housed in the intermediate section 14 and operation,of the rams is effected by means of'a control unit.(not shown) in the cab 60.
.
The intermediate sections 14, l5 will normally be , covered~by;,a~suitable.casing which.is omitted in Figs.5 .... to 11. ~
~,,.
g3UE3~3TlTlJTE ~ ET
.:: ' '- ' ,, , . .' ~ . .,
position 95a, the third boom Pxtension 96 can be hinged outwardly to position 96a. The outward folded positions of the boom extensions can also be seen in Fig.17 where the first and second boom extensions 93, 95 extend the boom to the full width of the vehicle, and the third boom extensions 96 extend the boo~ well beyond the ends of the vehicle. Once the boom increases in lengkh throuyh the various extensions, it becomes easier for the driver to strike an upstanding object such as a post with an end of the extended boom when driving the vehicle. In order to reduce the likelihood o damage occurring when either outer end o the boom strikes such an object, the third boom extension 96 may comprise Pir~t and second parts 98, 99. The part 98 includes two project~ons 103 which locate in sockets 101 in the second part 99. The parts 98, 99 are urged together by springs 102 on opposite sides of the extension. If the outer part 99 of the extension 96 strikes an object when the vehicle is ~;
being driven, the extension can effe~tively "break" by tipping about the front or rear projection, such tipping-expanding the spring 102 which brings the projections and sockets into re-engagement once the obstruction has been cleared.
.,,, , . . , . ., . ,.. ,:.. . : .
, ... . .
All of the operational functions~of the vehicle can be controlled rom the cab. However, or convenience, the , Sl.lE~iTlTtJT~ T
.. ~,'''' WO 90~07~66 PCl /GB9~00039 2~53l~8 ``
: 1, , 32 locking me~bers 59 used when raising the intermediate sections 14, 15 upwardly along the slideways 49 are operated manually.
If desired, the vehicle may be used to tow ground tilling tools such as a harrow and/or plough and has the great advantage that the length of the boom permits the vehi~le to be driven across a field a number of times creating far less damage to crops as there will be fewer wheel ruts than when using a conventional tractor.
The hydraulic motors 17a, 21a may be positloned within steerable hollow moun~ing ~ctions 12a, 13a on th~
chaæsis sections 1~, 13 and hydraulic conduits for the motors also lie within the sections 12a, 13a for protection.
Hydraulic fluid supply for the rams 55 for raising and lowering the elongate section 11 is supplied by the pump 70 housed in the intermediate section 14 and operation,of the rams is effected by means of'a control unit.(not shown) in the cab 60.
.
The intermediate sections 14, l5 will normally be , covered~by;,a~suitable.casing which.is omitted in Figs.5 .... to 11. ~
~,,.
g3UE3~3TlTlJTE ~ ET
.:: ' '- ' ,, , . .' ~ . .,
Claims (75)
1. The vehicle comprises a structure including an elongate section 11, at least one driving wheel carried by a further section of the structure adjacent each end of the elongate section, drive means for driving the vehicle in a direction transverse to or longitudinally of the structure, and a height adjustment device arranged to lift or lower the elongate section of the structure relative to the further sections.
2. A vehicle according to Claim 1 in which each end of the elongate section is connected to the further section by guide means which permits said height adjustment.
3. A vehicle according to Claim 2 in which the guide means comprises an upwardly extending rail.
4. A vehicle according to Claim 3 in which the rail forms a guide for a member movable therealong, the rail being connected to one of the associated further and elongate sections and the member being connected to the other of the associated further and elongate sections.
5. A vehicle according to Claim 3 or 4 in which each guide means comprises two spaced apart rails.
6. A vehicle according to Claim 3, 4 or 5 in which the or each rail is of channel shape.
7. A vehicle according to Claim 6 and where said member is provided which is movable along the rail, in which the member is positioned in the channel.
8. A vehicle according to Claim 7 in which two spaced apart channel shaped rails are provided with respective members positioned thereon.
9. A vehicle according to any preceding Claim in which the elongate section is connected to at least one of the further sections through an intermediate section.
10. A vehicle according to Claim 9 in which the elongate section is connected to both further sections through respective intermediate sections.
11. A vehicle according to Claim 9 or 10 when appendant to any of Claims 2 to 8 in which the or each intermediate section is connected to its associate further section by said guide means.
12. A vehicle according to any preceding Claim in which the height adjustment device is in the form of a fluid operable ram or other actuator.
13. A vehicle according to Claim 12, in which the actuator is attached between first and second points on the structure and is arranged to raise the elongate section from a lower position to a higher intermediate position at which it can be retained, the actuator then being arranged to attach between said first point and a third point of the structure to enable the elongate section to be raised to its highest position.
14. A vehicle according to Claims 12 or 13 wherein the second and third points are provided on a common member.
15. A vehicle according to any preceding Claim in which at least one end of the elongate section includes fillets which enable the elongate section to be connected to the adjacent further section.
16. A vehicle comprising a structure including an elongate section, at least one wheel carried by a further section of the structure adjacent each end thereof, drive means for driving the vehicle in a direction transverse to or longitudinally of the structure, at least one end of the main section including fillets which enable the elongate main section to be connected to the adjacent further section.
17. A vehicle according to Claim 15 or 16 in which the fillets extend along peripheral portions of the elongate section so as to provide reinforcement.
18. A vehicle according to any preceding Claim in which the elongate section forms a hollow frame which surrounds conduit associated with fluid circuitry of the vehicle.
19. A vehicle according to any preceding Claim with at least one of the further sections includes a mounting on which a cab is supported.
20. A vehicle comprising a structure including an elongate section, at least one wheel carried by a further section of the structure adjacent each end thereof, and drive means for driving the vehicle in a direction transverse to or longitudinally of the structure at least one of the further sections including a mounting on which a cab is supported.
21. A vehicle according to Claim 19 or 20, in which the further section having the cab includes a surrounding member mounted on the further section and which extends around at least part of the cab to form a fender.
22. A vehicle according to Claim 21 in which the cab surrounding member extends beneath the cab.
23. A vehicle according to Claim 22 in which the cab surrounding member forms said moulding and has thereon resilient mounting means for the cab.
24. A vehicle according to Claims 21 to 23 in which two surrounding members are provided extending adjacent front and rear sections of the cab.
25. A vehicle according to Claims 21 to 24, in which the other further section includes one or more similar surrounding members to protect a container thereon.
26. A vehicle according to any preceding Claim in which each further section includes a pivotal mounting for a further wheel.
27. A vehicle according to Claim 26 in which each further section is provided with a mounting for a further wheel.
28. A vehicle according to Claim 27, in which the further wheel is aligned with the steerable wheel when the vehicle is being driven in the direction transverse to the structure.
29. A vehicle as claimed in Claim 28, in which the wheel is mounted on an arm which may be raised and lowered relative to its further section.
30. A vehicle according to any preceding Claim in which the two further sections are substantially identical.
31. A vehicle according to any preceding Claim in which a motor or engine housing is provided between at least one further section and the adjacent end of the elongate section.
32. A vehicle according to Claim 31, in which an engine drives the vehicle.
33. A vehicle according to Claim 32 and where a cab is provided on one of the further sections, in which a housing for the engine is arranged adjacent the further section on which the cab is mounted.
34. A vehicle according to Claim 31, 32 or 33 and where said intermediate section is provided, in which the housing is formed by said intermediate section.
35. A vehicle according to any preceding Claim including steering means for steering the wheels when the vehicle is travelling in the direction longitudinally of the structure, control means being provided to enable the steering means to steer one of the wheels after the other has been steered by a predetermined amount.
36. A vehicle comprising an elongate structure, at least one wheel carried at each end of the structure, drive means for driving the vehicle in a direction transverse to or longitudinally of the structure, steering means for steering the wheels when the vehicle is travelling in the direction longitudinally of the structure, and control means which enables the steering means to steer one of the wheels after the other has been steered by a predetermined amount.
37. A vehicle according to Claims 35 or 36 in which the said control means enables the other wheel to be steered up to around 10 degrees without steering movement being applied to the said one wheel.
38. A vehicle according to Claims 35, 36 or 37 in which said control means also enables the wheels to be steered independently of each other, one wheel only to be steered or both wheels steered simultaneously.
39. A vehicle according to Claim 38 in which the selection of the steering mode of the vehicle can be effected from a cab on the vehicle.
40. A vehicle according to any preceding Claim in which there is provided a linkage for connecting a tool to the vehicle, the linkage comprising a first arm pivotally connected to a support means of the vehicle, a second arm for carrying the tool and being pivotally connected to the first arm intermediate its ends, a third arm pivotally connected to the second arm at a point spaced from the pivotal connection to the first arm and which is pivotally connected at its other end to the support means or a member connected thereto, and actuator means for pivoting at least one said arm whereby the tool can be moved from an operative position adjacent the ground to a stowed position clear of the ground.
41. A vehicle including a linkage for connecting an agricultural tool to an agricultural vehicle comprising a first arm pivotally connected to a support means of the vehicle, a second arm for carrying the tool and being pivotally connected to the first arm intermediate its ends, a third arm pivotally connected to the second arm at a point spaced from the pivotal connection to the first arm and which is pivotally connected at its other end to the support means or a member connected thereto, and actuator means for pivoting at least one said arm whereby the tool can be moved from an operative position adjacent the ground to a stowed position clear of the ground.
42. A vehicle according to Claim 40 or 41, in which the tool is carried at an end of the second arm spaced form the connection between the second arm and third arm.
43. A vehicle according to Claims 40, 41 or 42 in which the third arm is pivotally connected to the support means above the pivotal connection between the first arm and support means.
44. A vehicle according to any of Claims 40 to 43 in which one end of the actuator means is pivotally connected to the support means.
45. A vehicle according to Claim 44 in which the other end of said actuator is pivotally connected to the first arm.
46. A vehicle according to Claim 45, in which the actuator is pivotally connected to the first arm at a position to one side or to the other side of the pivotal connection between the first arm and the support means.
47. A linkage according to any of Claims 40 to 46 in which the third arm crosses the first arm when viewed in a direction axially of the pivotal connections.
48. A vehicle comprising a structure including an elongate section, having at least one wheel carried by a further section of the structure at each end thereof, and drive means for driving the vehicle in a direction transverse to or longitudinally of the structure, the elongate section providing or defining support means for first and second linkages on opposite sides of the elongate section, each linkage including pivotally interconnected arms by means of which apparatus can be connected to the vehicle, each linkage including actuator means for causing the arms to move so that a tool carried by one or each of the linkages can be moved from an operative position to a stowed position.
49. A vehicle according to any of Claims 40 to 48 in which the or each actuator means is operable independently.
50. A vehicle according to any of Claims 40 to 49 in which each linkage is arranged to move the tool from a position which is lower than at least part of the support means in its operative position to a stowed position well clear of the ground.
51. A vehicle according to any of Claims 40 to 50 in which attachment means on each linkage for a tool or the like is positioned generally adjacent the support means when in the stowed position or engages the support means.
52. A vehicle according to any of Claims 40 to 51, in which two or more such linkages are arranged on the support means at spaced positions therealong.
53. A vehicle according to any of Claims 40 to 52, in which two pairs of linkages are provided on opposite sides of the elongate section and a tool is carried by each pair.
54. A vehicle according to any preceding Claim, 3 in which certain of the wheels are steerable and also drivable to effect movement of the vehicle.
55. A vehicle according to Claim 54, in which a conduit for drive fluid is contained in hollow wheel mountings to provide protection for the conduit.
56. A vehicle according to Claim 55 in which the control means is provided whereby the drivable wheels cannot be driven at relative speeds when the vehicle is travelling longitudinally of the elongate structure.
57. A vehicle according to any preceding Claim in which the elongate structure is arranged to support a tool or implement substantially in the form of a boom.
58. A vehicle according to Claim 57, in which the boom is extensible up to or beyond the ends of the vehicle.
59. A vehicle according to Claim 58, in which the boom is extensible by providing an extension part pivotally connected to a main boom part and which can be moved from a stowed position alongside the main boom to a position extending longitudinally therefrom.
60. A vehicle according to Claim 59, in which the extension includes a second extension part which is movable from a stowed position alongside or overlying the first extension part and which is movable into an extended position extending longitudinally of the first extension part.
61. A vehicle according to Claim 60, in which a third extension part can be connected to the second extension part for movement into its extended position.
62. A vehicle according to any of Claims 59 to 61 in which the first extension part pivots about a substantially vertical axis into its extended position.
63. A vehicle according to Claim 62 and where the third extension part is provided, in which the third extension part is pivotally connected to the second extension part about an axis which extends generally horizontally transverse to the elongate structure.
64. A vehicle according to any of Claims 60 to 63, in which the second or, where provided the third, boom extension part comprises two parts which are held in end to end abutment by means of a resilient interconnection.
65. A vehicle according to Claim 64, in which the resilient interconnection preferably allows said parts to be articulated relative to each other.
66. A vehicle according to Claims 64 or 65, in which the abutment between the two parts comprises horizontally spaced apart abutments on one of the parts.
67. A vehicle according to Claims 61 to 66 and where each end of the boom is provided with an extension arrangement, in which the first, second and third extensions, when in stowed positions, are arranged alongside the main boom.
68. A vehicle according to Claim 67, in which the extensions in their stowed position occupy no more than half the length of the main boom section.
69. A linkage for connecting an agricultural tool to an agricultural vehicle comprising a first arm pivotally connected to a support means of the vehicle, a second arm for carrying the tool and being pivotally connected to the first arm intermediate its ends, a third arm pivotally connected to the second arm at a point spaced from the pivotal connection to the first arm and which is pivotally connected at its other end to the support means or a member connected thereto, and actuator means for pivoting at least one said arm whereby the tool can be moved from an operative position adjacent the ground to a stowed position clear of the ground.
70. A linkage according to Claim 69 in which the tool is carried at an end of the second arm spaced from the connection between the second arm and third arm.
71. A linkage according to Claims 69 or 70 in which the third arm is pivotally connected to the support means above the pivotal connection between the first arm and the support means.
72. A linkage according to claim 69, 70 or 71 in which one end of the actuator means is pivotally connected to the support means.
73. A linkage according to Claim 72 in which the other end of said actuator is pivotally connected to the first arm.
74. A linkage according to Claim 73 in which the actuator is pivotally connected to the first arm at a position to one side or to the other side of the pivotal connection between the first arm and the support means.
75. A linkage according to any of Claims 69 to 74 in which the third arm crosses the first arm when viewed in a direction axially of the pivotal connections.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB8900564.9 | 1989-01-11 | ||
| GB898900564A GB8900564D0 (en) | 1989-01-11 | 1989-01-11 | Agricultural vehicle |
| GB8900676.1 | 1989-01-12 | ||
| GB898900676A GB8900676D0 (en) | 1989-01-12 | 1989-01-12 | Agricultural vehicle |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2045118A1 true CA2045118A1 (en) | 1990-07-12 |
Family
ID=26294824
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2045118 Abandoned CA2045118A1 (en) | 1989-01-11 | 1990-01-11 | Vehicle |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0453494A1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU4957590A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2045118A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1990007866A2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB9423669D0 (en) * | 1994-11-23 | 1995-01-11 | Dowler David | A vehicle |
| AU7437800A (en) * | 1999-09-29 | 2001-04-30 | Ingemar Bjurenvall | Vehicle |
| EP3416469B1 (en) | 2016-02-18 | 2021-03-10 | Seedmaster Manufacturing Ltd. | Implement operating apparatus |
| DE102017007265A1 (en) | 2017-08-01 | 2019-02-07 | Kalverkamp Innovation Gmbh | Self-propelled working machine for agriculture |
| CA3070760A1 (en) | 2017-08-01 | 2019-02-07 | Kalverkamp Innovation Gmbh | Self-propelled machine |
| WO2020108713A1 (en) * | 2018-11-27 | 2020-06-04 | Agro Intelligence Aps | An agricultural work vehicle |
| DK180141B1 (en) * | 2018-11-27 | 2020-06-23 | Agro Intelligence Aps | An agricultural work vehicle |
| DE102021115079A1 (en) | 2021-06-11 | 2022-12-15 | Kalverkamp Innovation Gmbh | Method and device for driving control of an agricultural machine |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR498622A (en) * | 1916-06-09 | 1920-01-16 | Theodore Pesinger Payne | Improvements in agricultural machinery |
| DE1757253A1 (en) * | 1968-04-17 | 1971-04-01 | Jung Gmbh Lokomotivfab Arn | Tractor for agricultural equipment |
| US3825087A (en) * | 1973-08-24 | 1974-07-23 | W Wilson | Motorized agricultural type carrier |
| DE2554746A1 (en) * | 1975-12-05 | 1977-06-16 | Agrocomga Gaede & Co | Device for working large agricultural areas - has twin inter connecting pivot drive devices connected to lateral beam |
-
1990
- 1990-01-11 AU AU49575/90A patent/AU4957590A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1990-01-11 CA CA 2045118 patent/CA2045118A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1990-01-11 EP EP19900902299 patent/EP0453494A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1990-01-11 WO PCT/GB1990/000039 patent/WO1990007866A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO1990007866A2 (en) | 1990-07-26 |
| WO1990007866A3 (en) | 1990-09-20 |
| AU4957590A (en) | 1990-08-13 |
| EP0453494A1 (en) | 1991-10-30 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US4884313A (en) | Street sweeper machine with trash pick-up and transport capabilities | |
| EP0844814B1 (en) | A hay-making machine | |
| US5378852A (en) | Tree and shrub-clearing equipment mounted on tractor | |
| US7828071B2 (en) | Agricultural implement comprising an improved hitch structure | |
| WO2010020608A1 (en) | Agricultural application machine with variable width track | |
| US4592439A (en) | Multi-purpose, all terrain vehicle | |
| EP0006900B1 (en) | Tractor | |
| US4809805A (en) | Articulated vehicle | |
| CA2045118A1 (en) | Vehicle | |
| US4535849A (en) | Implement with horizontal linkage depth control | |
| EP0691258B1 (en) | Steering mechanism for compact tractors | |
| EP0691257B1 (en) | Compound steering mechanism with alternate chassis mounts | |
| EP0691255B1 (en) | Power-takeoff device for front-mounted implements | |
| AU720971B2 (en) | Steerable implement hitch | |
| EP0467269B1 (en) | Cleaning vehicles | |
| US4379673A (en) | Arrangement for attaching working implements to vehicle | |
| WO1998006251A1 (en) | Agricultural implement | |
| GB2251537A (en) | Mowers | |
| CA1151431A (en) | Swather | |
| GB2246381A (en) | Third brush mounting assembly for a cleaning vehicle | |
| WO1984000935A1 (en) | A tractor | |
| WO1984000934A1 (en) | A tractor | |
| EP1310422B1 (en) | Tractor provided with a frame having support means and an arm | |
| NL1001172C2 (en) | Tractor unit for agricultural soil working | |
| JPH0636652Y2 (en) | Lifting device for seedling planting equipment in riding type rice transplanter |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |