ITUD20130060A1 - TRACTION DEVICE FOR MOTORIZED TRANSPORTED MEANS OF TRADE, SUCH AS A TRACTOR, AND A SELF-PROOF MOTORIZED OPERA INCLUDING THIS EQUIPMENT - Google Patents

Description

Description of the invention having as title:

"TRACTION EQUIPMENT FOR SELF-PROPELLED MOTORIZED VEHICLES, SUCH AS A TRACTOR, AND SELF-PROPELLED MOTORIZED WORK VEHICLE INCLUDING THIS EQUIPMENT

FIELD OF APPLICATION

The present invention relates to a traction apparatus for self-propelled motorized work vehicles, such as an agricultural tractor, but also other self-propelled motorized work vehicles by means of a conventional tractor operated with an engine, for example endothermic, such as for example means for collecting waste or other.

STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE

It is known that an agricultural tractor, but also other self-propelled motorized work vehicles by means of a conventional tractor, can be driven by an internal combustion engine and can be equipped with a power take-off that powers specific equipment for agricultural work. Generally, from the engine, the motion is transmitted to the gearbox via the main clutch, and subsequently to the wheels, or tracks, by means of the differential and final gearmotors.

At the same time, motion is also derived from the engine to the rotating main shaft of the power take-off or power take-off, via a series of gears and a clutch. A secondary shaft of the power take-off or power take-off can alternatively be connected to the rotating main shaft of the power take-off or power take-off by means of pairs of gears, or to another output shaft from the gearbox, to obtain a power take-off or synchronized power take-off.

The specific processing equipment for agricultural work will be connected to the agricultural tractor by means of a cardan joint, or transmission cardan, which allows to transfer the rotary motion between two rotating shafts, one conductor which is the one present on the agricultural tractor and one conduit which is the present on the processing equipment. The drive of the specific processing equipment for agricultural work follows a kinematic chain that starts from the agricultural tractor, passes from the power take-off or power take-off and reaches the specific processing equipment for agricultural work by means of a universal joint or cardan shaft. .

Different examples of agricultural works can be cited that use a means of work equipped with a traction apparatus as described above: work in the harvesting of fruit or vegetables, in sowing, in pruning trees or vines.

As regards the above-mentioned works, these require a modest power request from the processing equipment to the agricultural tractor since these activities are normally carried out at a reduced speed of the work vehicle, which advances slowly to support the work of the people. responsible for these activities. It can be noted that, using an endothermic type engine and therefore operating by combustion of fossil fuel, there is a high consumption of the same even if the activity carried out is carried out at a reduced speed. This affects the costs of using the vehicle, especially, in this case, related to the consumption of fossil fuel.

Another drawback is due to the polluting emission deriving from combustion which seriously affects the surrounding environment causing high levels of pollution. In addition to the pollution caused by fossil fuel, it is also possible to mention the noise pollution caused by the movement of the agricultural tractor and the processing equipment following it, which determines a poor quality of life in the workplace. Taking into account that the system is entirely mechanical, this is also subject to wear and, consequently, subject to periodic maintenance which can be, if necessary, both simple ordinary maintenance but also extraordinary maintenance that brings with it additional costs.

An object of the present invention is to provide a traction apparatus for self-propelled motorized work vehicles, such as a tractor, which provides for a reduced consumption of fuel, which is less polluting, less subject to wear and less noisy than the known art, as well as being quick and inexpensive to make.

In order to obviate the drawbacks of the known art and to obtain this and further objects and advantages, the Applicant has studied, tested and implemented the present invention.

EXPOSURE OF THE FOUND

The present invention is expressed and characterized in the independent claims, while the related dependent claims set out other characteristics of the present invention or variants of the main solution idea.

In accordance with the aforementioned purpose, a traction apparatus is provided for a self-propelled motorized work vehicle which overcomes the limits of the known art and eliminates the defects present therein and which comprises a main motor unit equipped with a motor and a socket with a connection joint configured to kinematically connect an auxiliary processing equipment.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the traction apparatus comprises:

- an auxiliary electric power unit kinematically connected to the main motor unit and provided with at least one electric motor to generate power and one or more rechargeable electric energy accumulators to power the electric motor,

- a transmission unit to connect the auxiliary electric power unit to the main motor unit. According to embodiments of the present invention, the transmission assembly is configured to be connected and transmit the motion generated by the electric motor to the same connection joint of said power take-off. The present invention also includes a self-propelled motorized work vehicle comprising a traction apparatus as described above.

Embodiments of the present invention can be applied to an agricultural tractor, but also to other self-propelled motorized work means, such as for example means for collecting waste or the like, being able to convert them by means of a conventional tractor operated with an engine, for example endothermic, to electric-hybrid tractor in a convenient and economical way.

In fact, the present invention is advantageous in that it can be applied in an easy and economical way also to existing work means, as it does not provide for any substantial modification of the mechanical drive components and of any auxiliary or specific processing equipment for agricultural work.

Advantageously, in fact, the present invention provides a hybrid traction apparatus by means of which it is still possible to use the engine, for example endothermic, for operations that are carried out at high speed, while the electric traction can be exploited, excluding the endothermic one, when you work at reduced speed, and therefore with a modest demand for power, such as, for example, the harvesting of fruit or vegetables, sowing and pruning. The power generated by the auxiliary electric power unit is advantageously used to move the work vehicle, without the need to use the internal combustion engine, which can therefore be deactivated, excluded or switched off. All this without the need for major or heavy modifications of the mechanical drive components typical of the work vehicles under discussion, since it is possible to use the connection joint of the power take-off that is normally provided.

The present invention, however, reduces or eliminates useless polluting emissions due to the combustion of fossil fuel which would derive from the operation of the engine, for example endothermic, during the aforementioned operations which are carried out at reduced speed, which improves the operating conditions and reduces the ecological impact. Furthermore, it is possible to obtain an economic saving in terms of fossil fuel consumption, as well as having less need for maintenance of the mechanical means and therefore other possibility of economic savings.

The present invention, moreover, also reduces noisy emissions, especially during the operations which are carried out at reduced speed, when the internal combustion engine is essentially not active, this to the advantage of a better condition in the workplace.

ILLUSTRATION OF DRAWINGS

These and other characteristics of the present invention will become clear from the following description of embodiments, provided by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the attached drawings in which:

- fig. 1 is a side schematic view of a traction apparatus according to the present invention applied to a self-propelled motorized work vehicle;

- fig. 2 is a schematic front view of part of a traction apparatus usable in the present invention; - fig. 3 is a perspective view of the interior of the part of the traction apparatus of fig. 2;

- fig. 4 is a rear perspective view of the part of the traction apparatus of fig. 2;

- fig. 5 is a schematic view of part of the traction apparatus according to embodiments described here.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the various embodiments of the invention, of which one or more examples are illustrated in the attached figures. Each example is provided by way of illustration of the invention and is not intended as a limitation thereof. For example, the features illustrated or described as forming part of an embodiment may be adopted on, or in association with, other embodiments to produce a further embodiment. It is understood that the present invention will include these modifications and variations.

Fig. 1 is used to describe embodiments of a traction apparatus 10 for a self-propelled motorized work vehicle 50, for example for an agricultural tractor generally used to carry out agricultural work of various kinds, or for a means for collecting waste or other. Typically, the self-propelled motorized work vehicle 50 can be provided with wheels, or tracks, 15 for advancement. Furthermore, to carry out these activities, the agricultural tractor can be assisted by an auxiliary or specific processing equipment for agricultural work connected by means of a trailer 11 to it, usually by means of a drawbar 36.

In embodiments, the hybrid traction apparatus 10 comprises a main engine unit 39 which includes an engine 12, such as for example an internal combustion or internal combustion engine, through which the self-propelled motorized work vehicle 50 can be operated in a conventional manner. Furthermore, typically the main motor unit 39 comprises a power take-off provided with a connection joint 31a configured to kinematically connect the auxiliary or specific processing equipment.

The hybrid traction apparatus 10 further comprises an auxiliary electric power unit 17, kinematically connected to the main motor unit 39.

The auxiliary electric power unit 17 is configured to electrically power the main motor unit 39, replacing the motor 12, as needed.

In other words, the embodiments described here can provide that, by excluding the operation of the motor 12, the necessary drive power can be derived from the aforementioned auxiliary electric power unit 17. The traction apparatus 10 is therefore convertible from a traditional drive to electric drive.

Typically, a transmission unit 38 can be provided configured to connect the auxiliary electric power unit 17 to the main motor unit 39, by means of which, therefore, the motion from the auxiliary electric power unit 17 is transmitted to the main motor unit 39.

In embodiments, the auxiliary electric power unit 17 comprises one or more electric motors 24 and one or more rechargeable electric energy accumulators 23, also called rechargeable storage batteries, to power the one or more electric motors 24.

For example, the rechargeable electric energy accumulators 23 can have a power value of 12V or other different values that can be used in possible further implementations.

In embodiments, the rechargeable electric energy accumulators 23 can be recharged by means of renewable energy sources, for example by means of one or more photovoltaic panels, or by means of a socket for connection to an electric distribution network. In the following, reference will be made, for example, to embodiments in which a single electric motor 24 is provided, without however limiting the scope of protection of the present invention to such embodiments.

The electric motor 24 is electrically powered by one or more rechargeable electric energy accumulators 23. For example, the electric motor 24 can be connected by one or more cables 24a to one or more of the rechargeable electric energy accumulators 23. The latter in turn they can be connected in series or in parallel.

The electric motor 24 is configured to provide a motion, typically a rotational motion, at the output of the transmission assembly 38, which is in turn transmitted to the main motor assembly 39.

In this way it is possible to operate the self-propelled motorized work means 50 without the use of the motor 12, which for example can therefore be deactivated.

In embodiments, described for example with reference to figs. 2 and 3, the transmission assembly 38 comprises at least one rotating driving shaft 26, which can be connected to the rotating output shaft of the electric motor 24, directly in the socket, or by means of kinematic coupling, for example by means of a bevel gear. The driving shaft 26 is connected, directly or indirectly, to the main motor unit 39. In possible implementations, a possible gearmotor connected to the driving shaft 26 can be provided.

Typically, a drive shaft 29 can be provided connected to the output of the drive shaft 26.

Furthermore, in possible implementations a rotating driven shaft 30 can be provided, connected in turn to the transmission cardan 29. The driven shaft 30 can be rotatably connected at the output to the main motor unit 39.

In possible other embodiments, the transmission unit 38 can instead be of the fluid-dynamic type, such as hydraulic, configured to transmit power through pressurized fluids, for example hydraulic oils which can be of the mineral, synthetic or vegetable type, the latter in more easily disposable.

In embodiments, described for example using figs. 1 - 4, the auxiliary electric power unit 17 can include a containment unit 18. This containment unit 18 can be a container provided with side walls, a bottom and a top wall, with an access opening. For example, a cabinet typically employed in the electrical and power generation sector and suitable for the purpose, for example in terms of electrical insulation and sturdiness, can be used as the containment unit 18.

The aforementioned electric motor 24 and the one or more rechargeable electric energy accumulators 23 can be housed inside the containment unit 18.

In possible implementations, the containment 18 can be provided with one or more technical compartments to contain the electric motor 24 and the one or more rechargeable electric energy accumulators 23. For example, a lower compartment 22 can be provided in which to house the motor. 24, an upper compartment 20 and a central compartment 21, to safely contain one or more rechargeable electric energy accumulators 23. It is possible to provide that any one or more photovoltaic panels are installed on the upper part of this containment 18.

It is possible that in the containment unit 18 there is installed a control board 25 at least for the electronics of the motor, for example mounted in the aforementioned lower compartment 22.

With reference for example to figs. 1 - 4, possible embodiments can provide that the containment unit 18 of the auxiliary electric power unit 17 can be physically connected, in a definitive or removable way, to the self-propelled motorized work means 50 by means of a fixing unit 47, which for example, it is fixed to the frame of the self-propelled motorized work vehicle 50 or other part thereof which ensures the necessary stability.

In possible implementations, the fixing assembly 47 can be of the three-point coupling type, for example including a pair of lower arms 27 parallel to each other, welded to the containment unit 18, and an upper bar 28 hinged to the unit containment 18. Hinging can be beneficial to compensate for any irregular movements. The three-point coupling can give more solidity and rigidity to the structure. Furthermore, the containment unit 18 can be configured to allow the passage of the aforementioned driving shaft 26 which connects to the electric motor 24.

The containment unit 18, which for example is shown seen from the outside in fig. 4, can also be provided with a door 19, for example provided at the rear with respect to the side connected to the self-propelled motorized work vehicle 50, which can be used for access to the internal technical compartments and which can be provided for example with air intakes 19a , to avoid overheating inside the containment unit 18.

In embodiments, it could be envisaged that the electric motor 24 and the one or more rechargeable electric energy accumulators 23 are arranged in separate housings, for example by providing dedicated containment units to house the one or more rechargeable electric energy accumulators 23 and any further containment units for the electric motor 24. This could be useful for reducing the overall dimensions and complexity of a possible single containment unit 18.

In fig. 5 describes possible embodiments of the main motor unit 39, combinable with all the other embodiments described here. In possible implementations, the main motor unit 39 may include, for example, a crankshaft 42 connected, by means of a shaft 37, to a piston 43 of the engine 12. The crankshaft 42 can be connected to a transmission toothed wheel 44, through the shaft 37 which meshes with it. The main motor unit 39 may also include a gearbox 13 and a main clutch 14. The main clutch 14 is configured to receive, for example through the transmission gear wheel 44 and the shaft 37, the motion generated by the motor 12 and transmit it to the cited gearbox 13. For example, gearbox 13, in turn, is configured to transmit motion to the wheels, or tracks, 15, typically by means of a differential 40 and final gearmotors 16.

Typically, moreover, the main motor unit 39 can be provided with a rotating primary shaft of the power take-off 33. For example, in the case of an existing self-propelled motorized work vehicle 50, this rotating primary shaft of the power take-off 33 is already planned. Generally, the rotating primary shaft of the power take-off 33 is configured to be kinematically connected to the aforementioned main clutch 14, for example by engaging with the aforementioned transmission sprocket 44.

In possible implementations, the rotating primary shaft of the power take-off 33 can be equipped with a secondary gearbox 46, for example a two-speed gearbox, which can include a possible secondary clutch 48.

Normally, the rotating primary shaft of the power take-off 33 can receive the motion from the engine 12, for example through the transmission gear wheel 44, and from here the motion, in traditional operation, can be derived towards a possible auxiliary processing equipment or specification.

For the purposes of the present invention, this rotating primary shaft of the power take-off 33, if provided in the existing self-propelled motorized work vehicle 50, can be maintained, providing that, in operation with electric traction by means of the auxiliary electric power unit 17, the The rotating primary shaft of the power take-off 33 is inactive. In the case of a self-propelled motorized work vehicle 50 built from scratch, it may be possible that the main motor unit 39 is not provided with the rotating primary shaft of the power take-off 33.

In embodiments, the main motor unit 39 can be provided with a rotating secondary shaft 31, for example connected to a connection joint 31a, for example of the splined male type, configured to be rotatably connected to the aforementioned driven shaft 30, by means of the cardan shaft. transmission 29, to receive from the driven shaft 30 the rotation motion produced by the auxiliary electric power unit 17. Said secondary shaft 31 can be the same shaft which, in an existing self-propelled motorized work vehicle 50 of the known art, normally derives the motion from the shaft of the main motor, through the aforementioned rotating primary shaft of the power take-off 33, to actuate a possible auxiliary processing equipment. In fact, the secondary shaft 31, normally provided in an already existing self-propelled motorized work vehicle, can be connected, for example by means of two pairs of gears 34, 35, to the aforementioned rotating primary shaft of the power take-off 33.

As mentioned, the secondary shaft 31, according to traditional embodiments, would be used to derive the motion produced by the motor 12 at the output, by means of the aforementioned connection joint 31a, towards one or more specific or auxiliary processing equipment to be operated and with which the self-propelled motorized work vehicle 50 can be equipped.

On the other hand, according to embodiments described here, the self-propelled motorized work vehicle 50 can be integrated, without the need to make changes to the mechanical components of the main motor unit 39, by inserting the auxiliary electric power unit 17. In this way , the secondary shaft 31 is configured, as mentioned, to receive the motion generated by the auxiliary electric power unit 17 and transmit it to the moving members of the self-propelled motorized work vehicle 50, for example wheels or tracks 15. It is advantageous then use the same connection joint 31a, normally used to derive the power from the motor 12 towards the auxiliary or specific processing equipment, in the opposite direction of power delivery, or by connecting, directly or indirectly, to the connection joint 31a the the output of the auxiliary electric power unit 17 via the transmission unit 38. In this way, the traction apparatus 10 of the present invention can be produced quickly and economically, using the drive components already present, without the need for heavy modification of the mechanical and kinematic components.

A rotating synchronization shaft 32 can also be provided which can be rotatably connected, typically by means of a clutch 45, for example with a spline or friction joint, to the aforementioned secondary shaft 31. By means of the clutch 45 it is advantageously possible to convert the operation of the traction apparatus 10 for traditional operation, in which the movement power is supplied by the main motor unit 39, with electrical operation, in which the movement power is supplied by the auxiliary electric power unit 17. The synchronization shaft 32 in its once it can mesh with the aforementioned differential 40, connected to the gearbox 13 on one side and to the final gearmotors 16 on the other. In the event that the self-propelled motorized work vehicle 50 is used in a traditional way, without electric drive, the secondary shaft 31 can therefore be connected to the rotating primary shaft of the power take-off 33, by means of two pairs of gears 34 , 35, for example to obtain two different standardized rotation speeds, for example 540 and 1000 rpm, so as to derive the motion from the motor 12 and operate a possible auxiliary or specific processing equipment.

On the other hand, according to embodiments of the present invention, the secondary shaft 31 can be connected, in electric traction operation, to the differential 40, directly or through the aforementioned synchronization shaft 32 to provide a synchronized power take-off, i.e. with rotation proportional to the moving parts, for example wheels or tracks 15.

As said, in the embodiments of the present invention the presence of the rotating primary shaft of the power take-off 33 and of the pair of gears 34, 35 is not essential. If these components are already present in the self-propelled motorized work vehicle 50, they can be maintained by mounting and connecting the auxiliary electric power unit 17 to the main motor unit 39 in an easy, quick and economical manner as described above.

In the normal operation of the present invention, the motor 12 can be used to propel the self-propelled motorized work vehicle 50. In this operating mode, the auxiliary electric power unit 17 is inactive.

It is also possible to select an electric propulsion mode, excluding the motor 12 and activating the auxiliary electric power unit 17. In this working mode, the main clutch 14 and the gearbox 13 are not active, just as it is not active. rotating main shaft of the power take-off 33, if present.

It is clear that the traction apparatus 10 for self-propelled motorized work vehicles, such as a tractor, and self-propelled motorized work vehicle comprising this apparatus, described up to now, may be subject to modifications and / or additions of parts, without thereby leaving from the scope of the present invention.

It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person skilled in the art will certainly be able to realize many other equivalent forms of hybrid traction apparatus for self-propelled motorized work vehicles, such as a tractor, and self-propelled motorized work vehicle comprising this apparatus, having the characteristics expressed in the claims and therefore all falling within the scope of protection defined therein.

Claims (10)

CLAIMS 1. Traction apparatus for a self-propelled motorized work vehicle (50) comprising a main motor unit (39) equipped with a motor (12) and a power take-off equipped with a connection joint (3a) configured for kinematically connecting an auxiliary processing equipment, characterized in that it comprises: - an auxiliary electric power unit (17) kinematically connected to the main motor unit (39) and provided with at least one electric motor (24) to generate power and one or more accumulators rechargeable electric power unit (23) to power the electric motor (24), - a drive unit (38) to connect the auxiliary electric power unit (17) to the main motor unit (39), in which the transmission unit (38) is configured to be connected and transmit the motion generated by the electric motor (24) to the same connection joint (31a) of said power take-off. 2. Hybrid traction apparatus as in claim 1, characterized in that the transmission unit (38) comprises at least one rotating driving shaft (26), connected to the electric motor (24) and to the main motor unit (39), a cardan shaft drive shaft (29) connected to the output of the driving shaft (26) and a rotating duct shaft (30), rotatably connected in turn to the transmission cardan (29) and at the output to the main motor unit (39). 3. Hybrid traction apparatus as in claim 1, characterized in that the transmission unit (38) is of the fluid-dynamic type. 4. Hybrid traction apparatus as in claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the auxiliary electric power unit (17) comprises a containment unit (18) inside which said at least one electric motor (24) is housed and the one or more rechargeable electric energy accumulators (23). 5. Hybrid traction apparatus as in claim 4, characterized in that one or more technical compartments are provided inside the containment unit (18) to contain said at least one electric motor (24) and one or more accumulators of rechargeable electricity (23). 6. Hybrid traction apparatus as in claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the containment unit (18) of the auxiliary electric power unit (17) can be physically connected, in a definitive or removable way, to the motorized work vehicle self-propelled (50) by means of a fixing unit (47). 7. Hybrid traction apparatus as in claim 5, characterized in that the fixing assembly (47) is of the three-point coupling type. 8. Hybrid traction apparatus as in claim 4, 5 or 6, characterized in that the containment unit (18) is provided with a door (19) which has air inlets (19a). 9. Hybrid traction apparatus as in claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the auxiliary electric power unit (17) comprises a plurality of containment units to independently contain said at least one electric motor (24) and the one or more rechargeable electric energy accumulators (23). 10. Self-propelled motorized work vehicle (50) comprising a traction apparatus comprising a main motor unit (39) provided with a motor (12) and a power take-off equipped with a connection joint (31a) configured to kinematically connect an auxiliary processing equipment, characterized in that the traction apparatus includes: - an auxiliary electric power unit (17) kinematically connected to the main motor unit (39) and provided with at least one electric motor (24) to generate power and one or more rechargeable electric energy accumulators (23) to power the electric motor ( 24), - a transmission unit (38) for connecting the auxiliary electric power unit (17) to the main motor unit (39), in which the transmission unit (38) is configured to be connected and transmit the motion generated by the electric motor (24) to the same connection joint (31a) of said power take-off.