IE850604L

IE850604L - Wheel coupling apparatus.

Info

Publication number: IE850604L
Application number: IE60485A
Authority: IE
Original assignee: Charles Frederick Clarke
Priority date: 1985-03-08
Filing date: 1985-03-08
Publication date: 1986-09-06
Also published as: GB2172252B; BE904367A; GB2172252A; IE56197B1; GB8605682D0

Description

The invention relates to coupling apparatus for coupling one vehicle wheel to another.

One problem with conventional vehicles such as agricultural tractors and industrial vehicles is that their application is very often limited due to the amount of traction which can be developed by the wheels. This is particularly the case with agricultural tractors which often cannot be used on very wet qiound due to the tendency of the wheels to become stuck.

The invention is directed towards providing a coupling apparatus for a vehicle wheel which will overcome this problem.

According to the invention there is provided a coupling apparatus for coupling a pair of vehicle wheels namely a first wheel and a second wheel, the coupling apparatus comprising a connector ring attached to or for attachment to the first wheel and connector joint means to reieasably secure the connector ring to the second wheel, the connector joint means comprising at least one ramp reieasably engagable with a complementary lug, one of the ramp and lug being mounted on the connector ring and the other of the ramp or lug for mounting to the second wheel such that the ramp and lug will engage on relative rotation between the connector ring and 5 second wheel, and locking means for locking the lug and ramp in an engaged position.

Typically there are at least two lugs or ramps spaced-apart circuinferentially around the connector ring. Usually there are three lugs or ramps equi-spaced circumferentially around 10 the connector ring.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention each ramp includes a wedge surface for engaging with a complementary wedge surface provided on the associated lug. Preferably each lug includes a channel for receiving a ramp. Typically the or 1 ri each lug is provided for mounting on the second wheel such that at least portion of the channel is defined by portion of the second wheel.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention the or each lug is for mounting to a dish portion of the second wheel 20 rim.

In one embodiment of the invention the locking means comprises a lock bolt for extending between the Jug <ind associated ramp. Preferably the lock bolt is attached to one of the lug or ramp and biasing means are provided for biasing the lock bolt away from the other of the lug or ramp on rotation of the connector ring relative the second wheel. Typically the biasing means comprises a coil spring extending between the 5 lock bolt and the connector ring or wheel on which the lock boLt is mounted.

In another embodiment of the invention the locking means comprises a locking bar which is pivotally mounted on a first support, the support being pivotally mounted to the connector 10 ring, the locking bar having engagement means for engaging complementary engagement means provided for mounting on the second wheel and the support being pivotable to rotate the connector ring relative to the second wheel while engaging each lug and ramp. Alternatively the locking means comprises IT) a locking bar which is pivotally mounted on a first support for pivotal mounting to the second wheel, the locking bar having engagement means for engaging complementary engagement means on the connector ring, the support for mounting to the second wheel such that it is pivotable to rotate the connector 20 ring relative to the second wheel while engaging each lug and ramp. Typically the support is pivotally mounted in a guide means attached to the connector ring or for attachment to the second wheel. Preferably the guide means includes a pair of spaced-apart upstanding side webs and the support is pivotally mounted on a pivot pin extending between the side webs.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention the guide means includes a base portion which is attached to one of the connector ring or second wheel. Preferably the base portion is pivotally mounted to the connector ring or second wheel.

In one embodiment of the invention the locking bar engagement means comprises a return which is engagable with a complementary engagement pin provided on the other of the connector ring or second wheel. Preferably the support includes a socket for reception of an operating bar. Preferably the operating bar is cranked intermediate its ends.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention additional locking means are provided for locking the support relative to the "juidc.1. Preferably the additional locking means comprises a locking pin such as a circlip.

In one embodiment of the invention the connector ring has an extension wheel fixed thereto. In this case the extension wheel includes joint means for connection to a complementary joint, means provided on another coupling apparatus or provided for mounting to a second wheel.

In another embodiment of the invention the connector ring has connector joint means for connection with complementary joint means provided on two axially aligned vehicle wheels.

In a further embodiment of the invention the connector ring is of stepped construction for attachment to vehicle wheels of different diameters.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description thereof given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a connector assembly according to the invention: Fig. 2 is a perspective view on an enlarged scale of portion of the connector assembly of Fig. 1; Fig.3 is a perspective view of one wheel; Fig. 4 is a side elevational view of the connector assembly of Fig. 1 and the wheel of Fig. 3 in a position ready for engagement; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the wheel and connector assembly in a position ready for engagement; Fig. 6 is a partial front elevational view of the connector assembly and wheel in an engaged position; Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a detail of the connector assembly and wheel engaged together; Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a detail of the connector assembly and wheel engaged together; Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic perspective view illustrating the use of the coupling assembly; Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a connector assembly according to another embodiment of the invention; Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a connector ring for connecting two wheels together according to a further embodiment of the invention; Fig. 12 is another perspective view of the connector ring of Fig. 11 taken in a different direction; Fig. 13 is a perspective view of one wheel for use with the connector ring of Figs. 11 and 12; Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the connector ring of Figs. 11 and 12 engaged with two wheels; _ 7 - Fig. 15 is a partial axial sectional view on an enlarged scale of the connector ring of Figs. 11 and 12 engaged with two wheels; Fig. 16 is a large perspective view of a detail of the connector ring of Figs. 11 and 12 when engaged with two wheels; Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a connector ring according to a further embodiment of the invention for connecting two vehicle wheels together; and Fig. 18 is an axial sectional view of the connector ring of Fig. 17, in use.

Referring to the drawings and initially to Figs. 1 to 8 thereof there is illustrated a coupling apparatus according to the invention for coupling to a vehicle wheel 2. The coupling apparatus comprises a connector assembly indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 and which in this case comprises a connector ring 3 and an extension wheel 4 which forms an axial extension of and which is attached to the connector ring 2. Connector joint means for connection to the wheel 2 in this case comprises three inner ramps 5 equi-spaced circumferentially around an inner rim 6 of the connector ring 3. Each of the ramps 5 includes a wedge surface 7 which extends inwardly along the rim 6 and engages respectively with complementary wheel joint means comprising three lugs or cleats 10 which are welded to a dished portion 12 of the wheel 2. Each of the cleats 10 is substantially L-shaped and includes a return 13 which together with tin outer portion 14 ol the wheel 2, defines wedge-shaped channel 1 r> tor reception ol the associated ramp 5 on rotation of the character assembly 1 relative the wheel 2. In this case there are three ramps 5 and associated cleats 10 which are equi-spaced circumferentially around the connector rings 3 and wheel 2 respectively. It will, however, be appreciated that a desired number of associated lugs and ramps may be employed.

In use, and referring initially to Figs. 4 and 5, the connector assembly 1 is fitted to the tractor wheel 2 by presenting the ramps 5 to the cleats 10 and rotating the connector assembly 1 in the direction of the arrow A to wedge the ramps 5 in position in the channels 15 of the cleats 10. As the wheels rotate in use, because of the orientation of the wedges surfaces of the ramps 5 and the channels of the cleats 10, the connector assembly tends to tighten the connection between the wheels.

Locking means for locking the connector assembly 1 to the wheel 2 is in this case provided by a locking bar 20 which is pivotally mounted on a pivot pin 21 in a channel section support 22. The support 22 is in turn mounted on a guide 23 which is pivotally mounted by a rivet 24 to the connector ring 3 adjacent one of the ramps 5. The rivet 24 allows the guide 23 and hence the support 22 and the locking bar 20 to be pivotally movable relative the connector ring 3 in the direction of the arrow B. The guide 23 is in this case of channel construction having a base 25 through which the rivet 24 extends, and a pair of upstanding side webs 26 through which a pivot bolt 27 extends for mounting the support 22 to the guide 23. The pivot pin 21 is arranged to lie radially outwardly of the pivot pin 27 when the locking bar 20 is in the locked position illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7 to lock the connector ring 3 and wheel 2 together by a toggle action.

The locking bar 20 is formed with a return, in this case in the form of a ring 30, which engages over a locking stud 31 which extends radially inwardly from one of the cleats 10. It will be noted that the stud 31 is formed with an enlarged head 32 to ensure that the ring 30 does not become disengaged from the stud in use.

The support 22 includes an inwardly extending box section socket portion 35 for reception of a cranked operation handle 36. When the ramps 5 of the connector ring 3 are offered up to the cleats 10 on the wheel 2 the ring 30 of the locking bar 20 is dropped over the stud 31 . The handle 36 is then inserted into the socket 35 in the configuration illustrated in Fig. 6 and the handle is pulled or pushed in the direction ol tJio arrow C to rotate the connector assembly 1 relative the wheel 2 and wedge the ramps 5 into the cleats 10. During this operation the pivot pin 21 will initially be above the pivot pin 27, however, as the ramps 5 engage in the cleats 10, the pivot pin 21 is pushed below the pivot pin 27, thus locking the support 22 and hence the locking bar 20 relative the guide 23 with a toggle action.

To ensure that the support 22 does not become dislodged, in use, from the locked position illustrated in Fig. 6, additional locking pin 40 which is usually in the form of an R-shaped pin or circlip, is inserted through aligned holes provided at the upper corner of the side webs 26 of the guide 23. The locking pin 40 is also used to keep the locking bar 20 swung-out from the cleats 10 when the connector assembly 1 is being initially rotated to offer the ramps 5 up to the cleats 10. It has been found that in some instances if the locking bar 20 is free to move on its pivot pin 21, there is a tendency for the bar 20 to catch in the cleats 10 making the initial alignment operation difficult.

To remove the connector assembly 1 from the wheel 2, the procedure is reversed by removing the locking pin 40 and inserting the handle 36 in the reverse position illustrated by interrupted lines 26a in Fig. 4 to provide additional leverage for removing the ring 30 of the locking bar 20 from the stud 31 It will be appreciated that as the ramps 5 and channels 15 of the cleats 10 are inclined, the guide 23 will swing on the connecting rivet 24 so that the axis of the pivot pin 21 is always at right angles to the line on which the pulling force is to be applied.

Referring particularly to Fig. 9, it will be apparent that the coupling apparatus according to the invention may be used to add additional wheels to the wheels of the conventional tractor 45 allowing the load to be spread and increasing the traction of the wheels so that the tractor can be used efficiently on wet ground. It will of course be appreciated that the connector assembly may be used to add an additional wheel to both of the conventional back wheels of the tractor, or as illustrated to add two additional wheels to both back wheels, and one additional wheel to the front wheels of the tractor 45.

It will of course be appreciated that any number of connectors may be used for joining together any desired number of wheels. In particular, it will be appreciated that the extension wheel 4 of the connector assembly 1 may also be formed with a series of ramps 5 and a locking means such as the locking bar 20 for attachment to cleats provided on a further additional wheel or the extension wheel or may be provided with cleats for attachment to ramps provided on the additional wheel.

It will also be appreciated that in some cases the extension wheel 4 may be attached to the connector ring 3 using a similar jointing arrangement as used for attaching the connector ring 3 to the wheel 2.

Referring to Fig. 10, there is illustrated an alternative construction of connector assembly indicated generally be the reference numeral 50 comprising a connector ring of stepped construction having a small diameter portion 51 and a large diameter portion 52 attached by spacers 53 welded to the ring portions 51,52. The connector assembly 50 of this stepped construction may be used when it is desired to join two vehicle wheels having different rim diameters.

Referring to Figs. 11 to 16, a connector assembly in this case comprises a connector ring indicated generally by the reference numeral 60 for connecting two wheels 62,63 together. A first connector joint means for connection to the wheel 62 comprises four inner ramps 65 equi-shaped circuinferentially around an inner rim 66 of the connector ring 60. A second connector joint means for connection to the outer wheel 63 comprises four similar outer ramps 67 spaced-apart around an axially outer rim 68 of the ring 60. Each of the ramps 65, 67 includes a wedge surface 69 which engages respectively with complementary inner wheel lugs or cleats 70, 71 includes a circumferentially wedge-shaped channel 72 for reception of the associated ramps 65 or 67 on jointing of the wheels 62, 63.

In this case locking means for locking the connector 60 to the wheels 62, 63 is provided by inner and outer bolts 75, each of which is mounted in a closed slot in an upstanding projection 76 on one of the inner and outer ramps 65, 67 and extends in use to engage a complementary bolt shank receiving channel 77 provided in a projection 78 on one of the associated inner and outer cleats 70, 71. The shank of each bolt 7 5 is threaded to receive a locking nut 79 which engages against the projection 78 around the channel 77 to lock the lugs 70, 71 and ramps 65, 67 and hence the wheels 62, 63 against relative rotation. Each of the bolts 75 is spring-biased by a coil spring 80 into a swung-in position for ease of fitting.

In use, to adapt a pair of wheels for jointing four cleats 70 are welded to the outer rim of one wheel 62 as illustrated in Fig. 13, and four wheel lugs 71 are welded to the inner rim of the other wheel 63. The connector ring 60 is then fitted to the inner wheel 62 by engaging the inner ramp 67 in the wedge-shaped channel 72 of the inner cleats 70 on rotation of the connector ring 60 relative to the wheel 62. To lock the ramp 65 and the cleats 70 together, the bolt 75 which is initially in a swung-in position, is swung-out so that its shank engages in the channel 77 of the projection 78 on one of the ramps 70 and the locking nut 79 is tightened up. The outer wheel 63 is then fitted to the connector 60 in a similar manner, another bolt 75 and associated nut 79 again being used to lock the outer wheel cleats 71 to the appropriate outer ram 67 of the connector 60.

Referring to Figs. 17 and 18, there is illustrated a connector assembly according to another embodiment of the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 100. The connector assembly 100 in this case comprises a connector ring which is similar to that described above with reference to Figs. 11 to 16, however, in this case the first connector means comprises four angled slots 101 provided in plates 102. Four circumferentially extending cut-out slots 103 are provided on one side of the connector 100, and each slot 103 is covered by an internally mounted plate 102 welded to the wall of the connector 100. Each angled slot 101 extends inwardly from an outwardly facing in Let mouth 103 for receiving a complementary spike-shaped lug 104 welded to a wheel rim 105. In use, the connector angle slots 101 are offered up to corresponding spike lugs 104, and the connector is rotated until the lugs 104 are locked in position in the slots 101 . The connector 100 also includes a second joint means with similar construction for attaching the connector, land hence the first wheel 105 to another wheel.

It will be appreciated that while it is advantageous to provide the ramps and/or lugs with a wedging surface to ensure positive engagement and locking between the ramps and their associated lugs or cleats, such a wedge surface may not be an essential feature.

It will further be appreciated that while it is particularly advantageous to provide a locking means for locking the connector assembly to a wheel, to ensure that the ramps do not disengage from the cleats when the tractor is being driven in reverse such locking means may not be an essential feature, particularly in the case of wedge-shaped lugs and/or ramps, as there may be sufficient locking achieved without the use of separate locking means. In the case where locking means is used, however, it will be appreciated that any suitable locking means may be employed. For example, the wedge surface of the ramp or lug may be grooved or knurled in any suitable manner for engagement with the complementary shaped surface on the other ramp or lug.

A particular advantage of welding the cleats or ramps to the distuof the rim of the wheel rather than to the outer ledge of the rim, is that the dish portion of the rim is generally less stressed than the outer ledge of the rim which generally bears the full stress of the outer pressure of the side of the tyre.

Claims

1 . A coupling apparatus for coupling a pair of vehicle wheels namely a first wheel and a second wheel, the coupling apparatus comprising a connector ring attached to or for attachment to the first wheel and connector joint means to reieasably secure the connector ring to the second wheel, the connector joint means comprising at least one ramp reieasably engagable with a complementary lug, one of the ramp and lug being mounted on the connector ring and the ot^er of the ramp or lug for mounting to the second wheel such that the ramp and lug will engage on relative rotation between the connector ring and second wheel, and locking means for locking the lug and ramp in the engaged position.

2. A coupling apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein there are at least two lugs or ramps spaced-apart circumferentially around the connector ring.

3. A coupling apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein there are three lugs or ramps equi-spaced circumferentially around the connector ring.

4. A coupling apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 wherein each ramp includes a wedge surface for engaging with a complementary wedge surface provided on the associated lug. - 17 -

5. A coupling apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4 wherein each lug includes a channel for receiving a ramp.

6. A coupling apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein the or each lug is provided for mounting on the second wheel such that at least portion of the channel is defined by portion of the second wheel.

7. A coupling apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6 wherein the or each lug is for mounting to a dish portion of the second wheel rim.

8. A coupling apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6 wherein the locking means comprises a lock bolt for extending between the lug and associated ramp.

9. A coupling apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein the lock bolt is attached to one of the lug or ramp and biasing means are provided for biasing the lock bolt away from the other of the lug or ramp on rotation of the connector ring relative second wheel.

10. A coupling apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein the biasing means comprises a coil spring extending between the lock bolt and the connector ring or wheel on which the lock bolt is mounted. - 18 -

11. A coupling apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7 wherein the locking means comprises a locking bar which is pivotally mounted on a first support, the support being pivotally mounted to the connector ring, the locking bar having engagement means for engaging complementary engagement means provided for mounting on the second wheel and the support being pivotable to rotate the connector ring relative to the second wheel while engaging each lug and ramp.

12. A coupling apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7 wherein the locking means comprises a locking bar which is pivotally mounted on a first support for pivotal mounting to the second wheel, the locking bar having engagement means for engaging complementary engagement means on the connector ring, the support for mounting to the second wheel such that it is pivotable to rotate the connector ring relative to the second wheel while engaging each lug and ramp.

13. A coupling apparatus as claimed in claim 11 or 12 wherein the support is pivotally mounted in a guide means attached to the connector ring or for attachment to the second wheel.

14. A coupling apparatus as claimed in claim 13 wherein the guide means includes a pair of spaced-apart upstanding side webs and the support is pivotally mounted on a pivot pin extending between the side webs. - 19 -

15. A coupling apparatus as claimed in claim 14 wherein the guide means includes a base portion which is attached to the connector ring or second wheel.

16. A coupling apparatus as claimed in claim 15 wherein the base portion is pivotally mounted to the connector ring or second wheel.

17. A coupling apparatus as claimed in any of claims 11 to 16 wherein the locking bar engagement means comprises a return which in engagable with a complementary engagement pin provided on the other of the connector ring or second wheel.

18. A coupling apparatus as claimed in any of claims 11 to 17 wherein the support includes a socket for reception of the operating bar.

19. A coupling apparatus as claimed in claim 18 wherein the operating bar is cranked intermediate its ends.

20. A coupling apparatus as claimed in any of claims 14 to 19 wherein additional locking means are provided for locking the support relative to the guide.

21. A coupling apparatus as claimed in claim 20 wherein the additional locking means comprises a locking pin. - 20 -

22. A coupling apparatus as claimed in claim 21 wherein the locking pin comprises a circlip.

23. A coupling apparatus as claimed in any of claim 1 to 22 wherein the connector ring has an extension wheel fixed thereto.

24. A coupling apparatus as claimed in claim 23 wherein the first wheel includes joint means for connection to a complementary joint means provided on another coupling apparatus or provided for mounting to a second wheel.

25. A coupling apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 22 wherein the connector ring has connector joint means for connection with complementary joint means provided on two axially aligned vehicle wheels.

26. A coupling apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 25 wherein the connector ring is of stepped construction for attachment to vehicle wheels of different diameters.

27. A coupling apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 9, Figure 10, Figures 11 to 16 or Figures 17 to 18 of the accompanying drawings. 21 - Dated this 6th day of March 1986 CRUICKSHANK & CO., AGENTS FOR THE APPLICANT, 1 , HOLLES STREET, DUBLIN 2.