WO2005097526A1

WO2005097526A1 - Stabilisation device

Info

Publication number: WO2005097526A1
Application number: PCT/AU2005/000495
Authority: WO
Inventors: Barry John Hull
Original assignee: Barry John Hull
Priority date: 2004-04-06
Filing date: 2005-04-06
Publication date: 2005-10-20

Abstract

A stabilisation device (11) for minimising movement of an apparatus relative to a vehicle. The device (11) comprises a first assembly (24) slidingly received in a second assembly (36). The first assembly (24) cooperating with the second assembly (36) to define a substantially sealed chamber (20), whereby movement of the first assembly (24) relative to the second assembly (36) alters the size of the sealed chamber (20). The second assembly (36) has an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with the sealed chamber (20), such that a fluid can be discharged or injected into the sealed chamber (20). The first assembly (24) is adapted to be connected to the apparatus and the second assembly is adapted to be connected to the vehicle, whereby the injection of fluid into the sealed chamber (20) causes the first assembly (24) to move relative to the second assembly (36) resulting in the sealed chamber (20) expanding until the device (11) provides a rigid link between the ed apparatus and the vehicle.

Description

"Stabilisation Device"

Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to a stabilisation device used to minimise movement between at least two components. In particular the invention provides a variable adjustable rigid link between at least two components.

An application of this invention is in the agricultural industry whereby the device assists in minimising lateral movement between a towed vehicle/apparatus and the towing vehicle. In particular the invention pertains to a stabilisation device for a three point coupling on a tractor.

Background Art

In numerous industries, machinery incorporates two or more components which are desirably maintained in a substantially set condition relative to one another. These components are typically movable and are prone to wear and tear over time. This often results in the components having a greater degree of movement than what is desired.

One such example where this does occur is when a vehicle is used to tow an apparatus. In this situation the towed apparatus may become unstable and sway from side to side. This in turn may cause the towing vehicle to move off course or cause the apparatus to lose control. To overcome this problem, stabilizers are used to maintain the apparatus in a set position relative to the vehicle, minimising the degree of lateral movement of the apparatus relative to the towing vehicle.

This problem is particularly prevalent in tractors which use a three point coupling to tow an apparatus. Numerous stabilisers for the lower arms of three point couplings are known, generally comprising two members slidable with respect to each other with one end attached to a lower arm of the three point coupling to which the apparatus is secured, and the other to the tractor. The intention of these stabilisers is to provide a rigid link in order to prevent sway of the towed apparatus relative to the vehicle.

Stabilizers used in this application can generally be categorized into three classes: those that rely on hydraulics for adjustment, those that are adjustable and held mechanically in set positions, and those that are adjustable by means of a threaded bar received in a threaded sleeve. Some of these stabilising systems, particularly those based on a hydraulic system, are quite complex, bulky and unreliable. Others are difficult to adjust due to components, such as the threaded sections, becoming clogged with earth and debris thrown up by the tractor's wheels. Whilst others are adjustable only between set positions. With these latter type the stabilizers reduce in effectiveness as wear of the coupling permits a degree of movement between the components until such time that, due to wear and tear, the movement is so great that the stabiliser can be extended to its next position. Hence, the stability of the coupling system is compromised until the stabilizer can be adjusted.

Throughout this specification the term apparatus is taken to relate to any vehicle or apparatus which may be towed and the coupling or hitch which couples it to the towing vehicle.

The preceding discussion to the invention is intended only to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or an admission that any of the material referred to was or is part of the common general knowledge in Australia as at the priority date of the application.

It is an object of this invention to provide a stabilisation device which can be variably adjusted and which ameliorates, mitigates or overcomes, at least one disadvantage of the prior art, or which will at least provide the public with a practical choice. Disclosure of the Invention

The invention relates to a stabilisation device to assist stabilisation between at least two components of an assembly where at least one component is movable with respect to the other. Such a stabilisation device may be used to assist in the stabilisation of a three point coupling system on a tractor, and has been particularly developed for controlling the lateral travel of the lower arms of the three point coupling. It is, however, to be understood that the invention has applications in vehicles other than tractors, and towing arrangements other than three point coupling systems, and as such the scope of the invention is not to be limited to tractors and three point coupling systems. It is similarly to be understood that this invention has applications in other industries and as such the scope of the invention includes those applications where an assembly comprises at least two components where at least one component is movable with respect to the other.

The present invention provides a stabilisation device for minimising movement of an apparatus relative to a vehicle, the device comprises: a first assembly slidingly received in a second assembly; the first assembly cooperating with the second assembly to define a substantially sealed chamber, whereby movement of the first assembly relative to the second assembly alters the size of the sealed chamber; the second assembly having an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with the sealed chamber, such that a fluid can be discharged or injected into the sealed chamber; the first assembly being adapted to be connected to the apparatus and the second assembly being adapted to be connected to the vehicle,

whereby the injection of fluid into the sealed chamber causes the first assembly to move relative to the second assembly resulting in the sealed chamber expanding until the device provides a rigid link between the apparatus and the vehicle.

In contrast to the prior art, the current device can be variably adjusted to any length as opposed to only certain fixed lengths, governed by set adjustment positions as is the case with certain prior art devices. Hence, as the components of the coupling system wear, the stabilising device can be adjusted to negate the extra movement in the couplings components and hence the stabilising effect can be maximised.

The first assembly may be in the form of a first elongate element. The first assembly may also incorporate a disc coaxially located at a first end of the first elongate element.

The second assembly may comprise a tubular structure having a closed end and an open end through which the first assembly may be received. A cap through which the first elongate element may reciprocate may seal the open end.

The second assembly may further comprise a second elongate element extending from the closed end along the longitudinal axis in a direction away from the tubular structure.

The disc of the first elongate element may be snugly received in the tubular structure in a piston like manner, such that the sealed compartment may be generally defined by the inside surfaces of the tubular structure, the closed end of the tubular structure and the front wall of the disc of the first assembly.

In one aspect of the invention the inlet is provided by a valve, whereby fluid may be injected through the valve when the device needs to be extended. The outlet may be provided by a valve, whereby fluid may be discharged through the valve when the device needs to be contracted.

In another aspect of the invention the inlet and outlet are provided by a single valve, whereby fluid may be injected through the valve when the device needs to be extended, and discharged through the valve when the device needs to be contracted.

Preferably the fluid injected into the sealed chamber is grease. When required, grease can be injected into the sealed chamber using a grease gun or other apparatus. When the device needs to be contracted the valve may be opened and the grease may be discharged from the sealed chamber.

The apparatus may be coupled to the vehicle by a coupling system. The first assembly may be adapted to be connected to the coupling system and the second assembly may be adapted to be connected to a fixed component of the vehicle such as the differential.

A second end of the first elongate element may be adapted to be connected to the coupling system.

Preferably the second end of the first elongate element is connected to the coupling using a swivel mount, whereby the device is restrained relative to the coupling but is free to move about the point of connection.

Preferably the second elongate element is connected to the tractor also using a swivel mount, whereby the device is restrained relative to the tractor but is free to move about the point of connection.

The use of a swivel mount will allow changes in height between the tractor and the towed apparatus to be accommodated.

Preferably, when assembled, the tubular structure is sealed to prevent debris entering the tubular structure.

Preferably the tubular structure has a port extending therethrough. The port may be at an end opposed to the valve. The port may be adjacent the open end of the tubular structure. The port allows air to enter and exit the tubular structure when the first assembly moves relative to the second assembly. This ensures there is no resistance acting on the disc, which would prevent it from moving within the tubular structure.

Preferably the disc is located between the port and the valve.

The present invention further provides a stabilising device for a three point coupling on a tractor, the device comprises a piston received in a cylinder, the piston being capable of moving relative to the cylinder along its longitudinal length, the piston and cylinder defining a sealed chamber which varies in volume as the piston moves relative to the cylinder; the cylinder having an inlet through which a fluid can be injected into the sealed chamber, and an outlet through which the fluid can be discharged; the piston comprises a first rod extending from a piston head and passing through a first end of the cylinder, the first rod being adapted to be mounted to a first structure; the cylinder having a second rod extending from a second end, the second rod being adapted to be mounted to a second structure;

whereby injection of the fluid into the sealed chamber will urge the piston to move away from the second end of the cylinder causing the device to extend in length.

Preferably the cylinder is sealed, preventing the ingress of contaminants. A cap may be provided at the first end of the cylinder to seal the cylinder.

The fluid injected into the cylinder through the inlet may be grease.

The cylinder may have a port. The port allows air to flow in and out of the cylinder as the piston moves, ensuring that there is no resistance placed upon the piston to restrict its movement. Preferably the port is positioned such that when assembled the piston head lies between the port and the inlet and outlet. Preferably the inlet and outlet are provided by a valve located adjacent the second end of the cylinder. The grease may be injected or discharged through the valve.

The first structure may be a tractor's coupling. The second structure may be the tractor's differential.

The first rod may be mounted to the tractor's coupling such that it may swivel about that mount. Similarly, the second rod may be mounted to the tractor's differential such that it may also swivel about that mount. Due to the way the device is mounted, changes in the vertical height between the tractor and the coupling may be accommodated without substantially compromising the intended effect of the device in stabilising lateral movement of the coupling relative to the tractor.

Typically, over time the degree of movement between the coupling and the tractor increases as the components wear. When this occurs, the device may be extended by injecting grease into the cylinder until the device is extended as far as the mounts permit, providing a rigid link between the coupling and the tractor to minimise lateral sway.

As a result of its configuration the device can be variably adjusted, allowing the same degree of stabilization to be provided regardless of the wear which has been experienced by the components of the coupling.

This invention provides the operator with a very easy and positive connection between the three point coupling and tractor.

On those occasions when it is necessary to release the stabiliser device, the valve is opened and the piston is caused to move towards the valve, resulting in grease being discharged from the valve.

This solution is effective, can be produced simply and economically as well as being reliable and easy to use. A further advantage of the invention is the cushioning effect provided between the coupling and the tractor, resulting in a more comfortable ride for the operator as well as minimising the effect of forces placed on the components.

The present invention further provides a stabilising device for maintaining at least a first component and a second component of an assembly, where at least one component is movable relative to the other, in a substantially set position, the device comprises: a piston received in a cylinder, the piston being capable of moving relative to the cylinder along its longitudinal length, the piston and cylinder defining a sealed chamber which varies in volume as the piston moves relative to the cylinder; the cylinder having an inlet through which a fluid can be injected into the sealed chamber, and an outlet through which the fluid can be discharged; the piston comprises a first rod extending from a piston head and passing through a first end of the cylinder, the first rod being adapted to be mounted to the first component; the cylinder having a second rod extending from a second end, the second road being adapted to be mounted to the second component; whereby injection of the fluid into the sealed chamber will urge the piston to move away from the second end of the cylinder causing the device to extend in length; causing the first component and second component to be held in a desired position with respect to each other.

^• The present invention also provides a stabilisation apparatus comprising a stabilisation device as herein described coupled to a pressure regulator whereby the pressure regulator maintains the stabilisation device at a predetermined pressure, obviating the requirement for the stabilisation device to be manually injected with a fluid when the stabilisation device needs to be adjusted outwardly. The pressure regulator may be in fluid communication with the inlet of the stabilisation device.

The pressure regulator may comprise a piston like arrangement comprising a piston separating a first section and a second section. Preferably a first fluid contained in the first section acts on a first side of the piston, wherein the first fluid is maintained at a predetermined pressure. Preferably a second fluid contained in the second section acts on second side of the piston.

Preferably the second section of the piston like arrangement is in fluid communication with the inlet of the stabilisation device.

Preferably the fluid in the stabilisation device is the same as the second fluid in the pressure regulator.

In operation, when the pressure experienced by the fluid in the stabilisation device decreases, the pressure of the second fluid in the pressure regulator decreases accordingly. This results in movement of the piston in the pressure regulator as it equalises the pressure difference experience on either side of the piston. This results in the fluid in the second section of the pressure regulator passing into the stabilisation device, resulting in the stabilisation device expanding until the predetermined pressure has been reached in the stabilisation device and pressure regulator.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of specific embodiments thereof as shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a view of a stabiliser device attached to a tractor and coupling according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a plan view of the stabilising device shown in figure 1 ; Figure 3 is a side view of the stabilising device shown in figure 2;

Figure 4 is an exploded drawing showing the components of the stabilising device shown in figure 2; and

Figure 5 is a view similar to figure 3 but with a first rod modified, according to a second embodiment.

Best Mode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention

Referring to figure 1 to 4, the invention according to a first embodiment is shown. In this embodiment the invention is in the form of a stabilising device 11 used on each side of a tractor to minimise lateral movement of an apparatus connected to the tractor via a three point coupling system. Each stabilisation device 11 is connected to the tractor's differential 13 and a lower arm 15 of the three point coupling.

Referring to figures 2, 3 and 4, the stabilisation device 11 comprises a piston 17 slidingly received in a cylinder 19. The piston 17 and cylinder 19 cooperate to define a sealed chamber 20.

The piston 17 comprises a first rod 21 having a piston head 23 located at a first end 25, forming a first assembly 24.

The cylinder 19 receives the first rod 21 through a cap 27 at a first cylinder end 29 of the cylinder 19 such that the first rod 21 may reciprocate through the cap 27.

At a second end 31 of the cylinder 19, a second rod 33 extends rearwardly. The cylinder 19, cap 27 and second rod 33 define a second assembly 36

The cylinder 19 incorporates a valve 35 located adjacent the second cylinder end 31 and which provides an inlet and outlet. The valve 35 is in fluid communication with the sealed chamber 20 such that grease may be injected into and discharged from the sealed chamber 20 through the valve 35. The cylinder 19 also incorporates a port 37 adjacent the first end 29 of the cylinder 19 and in fluid communication with the area of the cylinder 19 behind the piston head 23. As the volume in the sealed chamber 20 decreases or increases, the air behind the piston head 23 is vented to or drawn in from the atmosphere through port 37, allowing the piston 17 to move inwardly and outwardly with respect to the cylinder.

A second end 40 of the first rod 21 threadingly receives a seal housing 39. The seal housing 39 houses a swivel seal 41 , which is received and secured to a pin 43 on the lower arm 15 of the three point coupling. The swivel bearing allows the device to rotate and swivel about the pin 43.

A similar swivel bearing 41 is also located at an end 45 of the second rod 33 which is received and secured to the differential 13 using pin 47.

In use, the stabilisation device 11 is secured to the tractor's differential 13 and the lower coupling arm 15 to span therebetween. Using a grease gun (not shown) grease is injected into the sealed chamber 20 through the valve 35. This causes the volume in the sealed chamber 20 to increase as the piston is forced to move away from the second cylinder end 31 of the cylinder 19, causing air on the other side of the piston head 23 to be vented through port 37. The grease is injected until the stabilisation device 11 is sufficiently extended to provide a rigid link between the lower coupling arm 15 and the differential 13. This process is also repeated to the stabilisation device 11 on the other side of the tractor.

When each stabilisation device 11 is extended the degree of lateral movement of the towed apparatus relative to the tractor is minimised.

Obviously, the components of the three point coupling will begin to wear over time, providing a degree of movement between the components of the coupling relative to the tractor. This in turn permits a greater degree of lateral movement between the towed apparatus and the tractor. With the present invention in place this problem can be easily negated by injecting more grease into the sealed compartment 20, causing the device 11 to extend, compensating for the increased movement.

The stabilisation device 11 may be just as easily contracted by opening the valve 35 and causing the piston to move inwardly towards the second cylinder end 31 causing grease to be discharged through the valve 35.

Referring to figure 5, the invention according to a second embodiment is shown. This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment and as such same reference numbers are used to annotate same components. The difference between the first and second embodiment is in relation to the first rod 17. As can be seen in figure 5, the first rod 17 incorporates adjustment means in the form of a telescopic connection 17a. This allows the same stabilisation device to be used in numerous applications and will not be unduly limited to applications according to the distance between the two points the stabilisation device will span. Hence, the one sized stabilisation device can be used in numerous applications as opposed to having to manufacture an array of stabilisation devices to meet the same number of applications.

This invention has many applications beyond that disclosed above. For Instance, this invention may be utilised in elevators, various motors, and certain conveyor belt systems whereby the invention may be used to adjust and/or tension belts changes, sprockets and pulleys. The invention may also replace adjustment devices comprising a threaded bar which allows for variable adjustment. It may also have applications whereby the invention is used to hold down hatches. It is considered that these variations fall within the scope of the present invention.

The simplicity of the device allows the device to be easily fitted to new and existing vehicles, is easy to adjust, and, due to minimal moving and exposed components, is very reliable.

Modifications and variations such as that would be apparent skilled addressee are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention. Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Claims

The Claims Defining the Invention are as Follows

1. A stabilisation device for minimising movement of an apparatus relative to a vehicle the device comprises: a first assembly slidingly received in a second assembly; the first assembly cooperating with the second assembly to define a substantially sealed chamber, whereby movement of the first assembly relative to the second assembly alters the size of the sealed chamber; the second assembly having an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with the sealed chamber, such that a fluid can be discharged or injected into the sealed chamber; the first assembly being adapted to be connected to the apparatus and the second assembly being adapted to be connected to the vehicle, whereby the injection of fluid into the sealed chamber causes the first assembly to move relative to the second assembly resulting in the sealed chamber expanding until the device provides a rigid link between the apparatus and the vehicle.

2. The stabilisation device according to claim 1 wherein the first assembly is in the form of a first elongate element.

3. The stabilisation device according to claim 2 wherein the first assembly also comprises a disc coaxially located at a first end of the first elongate element.

4. The stabilisation device according to claim 1 , 2 or 3 wherein the second assembly comprises a tubular structure having a closed end and an open end through which the first assembly is received.

5. The stabilisation device according to claim 4 wherein the open end is sealed by a cap through which the first elongate element may reciprocate.

6. The stabilisation device according to claim 4 or 5 wherein the second assembly further comprises a second elongate element extending from the closed end along the longitudinal axis in a direction away from the tubular structure.

7. The stabilisation device according to claim 3, 4, 5 or 6 wherein the disc of the first elongate element is snugly received in the tubular structure in a piston like manner, such that the sealed compartment is generally defined by the inside surfaces of the tubular structure, the closed end of the tubular structure and the front wall of the disc of the first assembly.

8. The stabilisation device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the inlet is provided by a valve, whereby fluid is injected through the valve when the device needs to be extended.

9. The stabilisation device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the outlet is provided by a valve, whereby fluid is discharged through the valve when the device needs to be contracted.

10. The stabilisation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the inlet and outlet are provided by a single valve, whereby fluid is injected through the valve when the device needs to be extended, and discharged through the valve when the device needs to be contracted.

11. The stabilisation device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the fluid injected into the sealed chamber is grease.

12. The stabilisation device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the apparatus is coupled to the vehicle by a coupling system.

13. The stabilisation device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first assembly is adapted to be connected to the coupling system and the second assembly be adapted to be connected to a fixed component of the vehicle, such as its differential.

14. The stabilisation device according to any one of claims 2 to 13 wherein a second end of the first elongate element is adapted to be connected to the coupling system.

15. The stabilisation device according to claim 14 wherein the second end of the first elongate element is connected to the coupling using a swivel mount, whereby the device is restrained relative to the coupling but is free to move about the point of connection.

16. The stabilisation device according to any one of claims 6 to 15 wherein the second elongate element is connected to the tractor using a swivel mount, whereby the device is restrained relative to the tractor but is free to move about the point of connection.

17. The stabilisation device according to any one of claims 4 to 16 wherein the tubular structure is sealed to prevent debris entering the tubular structure.

18. The stabilisation device according to any one of claims 4 to 17 wherein the tubular structure has a port extending therethrough.

19. The stabilisation device according to claim 18 wherein the port is at an end opposed to the valve.

20. The stabilisation device according to claim 18 or 19 wherein the port is adjacent the open end of the tubular structure.

21. The stabilisation device according to claim 18, 19 or 20 wherein the disc is located between the port and the valve.

22. A stabilising device for a three point coupling on a tractor, the device comprises: a piston received in a cylinder, the piston being capable of moving relative to the cylinder along its longitudinal length, the piston and cylinder defining a sealed chamber which varies in volume as the piston moves relative to the cylinder; the cylinder having an inlet through which a fluid can be injected into the sealed chamber, and an outlet through which the fluid can be discharged; the piston comprises a first rod extending from a piston head and passing through a first end of the cylinder, the first rod being adapted to be mounted to a first structure; s the cylinder having a second rod extending from a second end, the second rod being adapted to be mounted to a second structure; whereby injection of the fluid into the sealed chamber will urge the piston to move away from the second end of the cylinder causing the device to extend in length.

23. The stabilisation device according to claim 22 wherein the cylinder is sealed, preventing the ingress of contaminants.

24. The stabilisation device according to claim 23 wherein a cap is provided at the first end of the cylinder to seal the cylinder.

25. The stabilisation device according to claim 22, 23 or 24 wherein the fluid injected into the cylinder is grease.

26. The stabilisation device according to any one of claims 22 to 25 wherein the cylinder may have a port.

27. The stabilisation device according to claim 26 wherein the port is positioned such that when assembled the piston head lies between the port and the inlet and outlet.

28. The stabilisation device according to any one of claims 22 to 27 wherein the inlet and outlet are provided by a valve located adjacent the second end of the cylinder.

29. The stabilisation device according to any one of claims 22 to 28 wherein the first structure is a tractor's coupling.

30. The stabilisation device according to any one of claims 22 to 29 wherein the second structure is the tractor's differential.

31. The stabilisation device according to claim 30 wherein the first rod is mounted to the tractor's coupling such that it may swivel about that mount.

32. The stabilisation device according to claim 30 or 31 wherein the second rod is mounted to the tractor's differential such that it may also swivel about that mount.

33. The stabilisation device according to claim 32 wherein the stabilisation device is extended by injecting fluid into the cylinder until the device is extended as far as the mounts permit, providing a rigid link between the coupling and the tractor to minimise lateral sway.

34. A stabilising device for maintaining at least a first component and a second component of an assembly, where at least one component is movable relative to the other, in a substantially set position, the device comprises: a piston received in a cylinder, the piston being capable of moving relative to the cylinder along its longitudinal length, the piston and cylinder defining a sealed chamber which varies in volume as the piston moves relative to the cylinder; the cylinder having an inlet through which a fluid can be injected into the sealed chamber, and an outlet through which the fluid can be discharged; the piston comprises a first rod extending from a piston head and passing through a first end of the cylinder, the first rod being adapted to be mounted to the first component; the cylinder having a second rod extending from a second end, the second road being adapted to be mounted to the second component; whereby injection of the fluid into the sealed chamber will urge the piston to move away from the second end of the cylinder causing the device to extend in length; causing the first component and second component to be held in a desired position with respect to each other.

35. The stabilisation device as substantially herein described with reference to the drawings.

36. A stabilisation apparatus comprising a stabilisation device according to any one of claims 1 to 35 coupled to a pressure regulator, whereby the pressure regulator maintains the stabilisation device at a predetermined pressure, obviating the requirement for the stabilisation device to be manually injected with a fluid when the stabilisation device needs to be adjusted outwardly.

37. The stabilisation apparatus according to claim 36 wherein the pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the inlet of the stabilisation device.

38. The stabilisation apparatus according to claim 36 or 37 wherein the pressure regulator comprises a piston like arrangement comprising a piston separating a first section and a second section.

39. The stabilisation apparatus according to claim 38 wherein a first fluid contained in the first section acts on a first side of the piston, the first fluid being maintained at a predetermined pressure.

40. The stabilisation apparatus according to claim 38 or 39 wherein a second fluid contained in the second section acts on a second side of the piston.

41.The stabilisation apparatus according to claim 38, 39 or 40 wherein the second section of the piston like arrangement is in fluid communication with the inlet of the stabilisation device.

42. The stabilisation apparatus according to claim 40 or 41 wherein the fluid in the stabilisation device is the same as the second fluid in the pressure regulator.

43. The stabilisation apparatus as substantially herein described.