Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
  • A63C11/00—Accessories for skiing or snowboarding
  • A63C11/10—Apparatus for towing
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
  • B60K1/00—Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units
  • B60K1/04—Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units of the electric storage means for propulsion
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
  • B60K11/00—Arrangement in connection with cooling of propulsion units
  • B60K11/06—Arrangement in connection with cooling of propulsion units with air cooling
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
  • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
  • B62D51/00—Motor vehicles characterised by the driver not being seated
  • B62D51/007—Motor vehicles characterised by the driver not being seated the vehicle being of the endless track type
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
  • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
  • B62D51/00—Motor vehicles characterised by the driver not being seated
  • B62D51/04—Motor vehicles characterised by the driver not being seated the driver walking
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
  • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
  • B62D55/00—Endless track vehicles
  • B62D55/06—Endless track vehicles with tracks without ground wheels
  • B62D55/07—Mono-track vehicles

Definitions

• the technical field relates to compact traction devices that can move on difficult terrain, such as land covered with snow, sand, mud, etc.
• a compact traction apparatus characterized in that it includes: an elongated waterproof housing extending in a longitudinal axis and defining an inner chamber, the housing having an upper wall and a lower wall ; a caterpillar arranged around housing along its longitudinal axis and allowing the device to move when the track is rotated around the housing; a handlebar connected to the housing and extending substantially rearwardly; a drive motor of the track, the motor being located in the inner chamber of the housing and including an output shaft mechanically connected to the track; and a ventilation circuit of the interior of the internal chamber of the housing, the ventilation circuit comprising an air inlet and an air outlet which communicate with the outside of the housing, the ventilation circuit making it possible to maintain a temperature above the freezing point inside the inner chamber when the outside temperature is lower and allowing the inside of the inner chamber to cool when its temperature is above an upper limit.
• a compact traction apparatus characterized in that it includes: an elongate sealed housing extending in a longitudinal axis and defining an inner chamber, the housing having a top wall and a wall lower; a crawler disposed around the housing along its longitudinal axis and allowing the apparatus to move when the crawler is rotated around the housing; a handlebar connected to the housing and extending substantially rearwardly; a generator placed in the internal chamber of the housing and used to produce electricity that can power an external equipment; and a gasoline engine for selectively driving the track in rotation and rotating the generator, the engine being located in the inner chamber of the housing.
• a method of manufacturing an apparatus as defined above.
• a method of using a compact traction apparatus of the type comprising an elongate sealed housing extending in a longitudinal axis and defining an internal chamber in which a motor is located, and also comprising a crawler disposed around the housing along its longitudinal axis and allowing the apparatus to move when the crawler is rotated around the housing with the aid of the motor; the method being characterized in that it comprises the following simultaneous steps: maintaining a minimum temperature in the inner chamber using heat released by the engine; evacuate the heat in the internal chamber if the temperature exceeds a limit value; and maintain a positive pressure in the inner chamber.
• FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an example of an apparatus constructed according to the proposed concept
• Figure 2 is a side view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1;
• Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 1 but shows the apparatus without its caterpillar and without the side walls on the sides of its housing;
• Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3 but shows the left side of the camera seen from the rear;
• Figure 5 is a right side view of the apparatus shown in Figure 3;
• Figure 6 is a top view of the apparatus shown in Figure 3;
• Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 1 but in which the operator is standing in a sled coupled to the apparatus;
• Figures 8 to 13 are views similar to Figures 1 to 6 but show a second example of apparatus in which an electric motor is used.
• FIG 1 is an isometric view of an example of an apparatus incorporating according to the proposed concept.
• the apparatus 10 uses a gasoline engine to rotate a track 12 placed around a sealed housing 14 having an elongated shape.
• a sealed housing means that its constaiction is waterproof but does not exclude the presence of a ventilation circuit of the interior of the housing 14.
• This ventilation circuit comprises at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet.
• the ventilation circuit makes it possible in particular to cool the inside of the casing 14 when its temperature is above an upper limit, for example above 25 ° C. Other values are also possible.
• the rotation of the track 12 around the housing 14 allows the apparatus 10 to move.
• the casing 14 has a lowered shape in order to keep its center of gravity as low as possible.
• the housing 14 includes a side wall 16 on each side.
• the housing 14 may be made of, for example, a metallic or plastic material or both. Aluminum is an example of a possible material for the case 14 because this material is light and strong.
• the track 12 may be made of rubber or another polymer. Other materials are possible.
• the apparatus 10 comprises a handlebar 20 which is connected to the housing 14.
• the handlebar 20 extends substantially towards the rear of the apparatus 10.
• the handlebar 20 is intended to be held and handled by an operator 22 located at the rear of the apparatus 10, as shown semi-schematically in Figure 1.
• the handlebar 20 can be pivoted or fixed, as required. When pivoting, it is possible to limit the pivoting of the handlebar 20 between a minimum angle and a maximum angle relative to the horizontal.
• the operator 22 can be equipped with skis 24 (or the equivalent) or be on board a sled coupled to the apparatus 10. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the center of gravity of the apparatus 10 is below the height of the operator's knees 22.
• the operator 22 has controls on the handles of the handlebar 20 allowing him especially to control the speed of movement of the apparatus 10 and other functions.
• the controls (not shown) may be connected to the housing 14 using wires and / or wireless communications means.
• Levers for activating a brake may also be provided (see Figure 13). These levers may be arranged similarly to the brakes of a bicycle or a motorcycle, for example.
• Other elements can be mounted on the handlebar 20 as required, including a lamp, indicator dials, etc.
• the apparatus 10 pulls the operator 22 and, if necessary, moves a payload, such as for example a payload placed aboard a sled coupled to the apparatus
• a payload such as for example a payload placed aboard a sled coupled to the apparatus
• Such an apparatus 10 can easily pull a load equivalent to twice its weight in powdery snow.
• tests using a 125-kilometer (275-lb) aircraft demonstrated that such a device could pull a 225-kg (550-lb) load over a distance of 150 km with a single full load of petrol.
• the operator 22 can change the direction of movement of the apparatus 10 by moving the handlebar 20 laterally in the direction opposite to the turn to be made. This action is similar to that done by the operator of a small conventional lawn mower.
• Figure 2 is a side view of the apparatus 10 shown in Figure 1.
• Figures 1 and 2 show the assembled apparatus.
• Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 1 but shows the apparatus 10 without its caterpillar 12 and without the side walls 16 on the sides of its housing 14.
• Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3 but shows the side left of the camera 10 seen from the back.
• Figure 5 is a right side view of the apparatus 10 shown in Figure 3.
• the housing 14 forms an inner chamber 30 in which are placed different components of the apparatus 10, including its gasoline engine 32.
• the housing 14 also has an upper wall 14a, a bottom wall 14b, a front wall 14c and a rear wall 14d.
• the casing 14 has a staicture of reinforcement, which may include one or more internal walls that can compartmentalize the internal chamber 30. The compartments communicate with each other.
• a pair of upper slides 34 is longitudinally disposed on the upper wall 14a of the housing 14.
• a pair of lower slides similar to that on the top wall 14a, is longitudinally disposed on the bottom wall 14b of the housing 14.
• the Slides are made of a material having a very low coefficient of friction. They allow the track 12 to rotate around the housing 14 and reduce the friction between the inner face of the track 12 and the outside of the housing 14. They also serve as guides to keep the track 12 in the axis of the track. Apparatus 10.
• the slides extend a few centimeters beyond the front and rear ends of the upper and lower walls 14a and 14b to support the track 12 over almost the entire length of the apparatus 10.
• At least one front roller is rotatably mounted in front of the housing 14.
• two front rollers 40 are provided.
• the front rollers 40 are mounted coaxially around a front transverse axis 42, which is supported by a greased internal pin fixed at its ends to two opposite plates 44 arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the apparatus 10.
• the plates 44 are rigidly connected to the front of the housing 14.
• a bumper 46 is provided at the front of the apparatus 10. The ends of the bumper 46 are connected to the two plates 44 , as shown in particular in Figures 3 and 4. Sufficient clearance is provided between the interior of the bumper 46 and the front rollers 40 to allow the track 12 to rotate around the housing 14 without hooking the interior of the shield. shocks 46.
• At least one rear roller is rotatably mounted at the rear of the housing 14.
• two rear rollers 50 are provided.
• the rear rollers 50 are coaxially mounted about a rear transverse axis 52, which is supported at its ends by bearings located in two opposing plates 54 arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the apparatus 10.
• the plates 54 are connected by rigid manner at the rear of the housing 14.
• a mechanical link is provided between the output shaft of a transmission 60 located in the housing 14 and the rear transverse axis 52.
• the rear rollers 50 are thus used to drive the crawler 12 in rotation in order to be able to move the apparatus 10.
• Different types of mechanical links can be used between the transmission 60 and the transverse rear axle 52.
• the illustrated one comprises a belt 62 or a chain and allows a reduction of the speed of rotation between the output shaft of the transmission 60 and the rear transverse axis 52.
• Other types of links and configurations are also possible.
• the mechanical link between the motor 32 and the transmission 60 is provided by a belt 64.
• the transmission 60 may allow for example forward and reverse. It can have one or more speeds, or be at variable speed.
• the rear transverse axis 52 also supports a brake disk 66, which is shown in Figure 4.
• the disk is placed near the left end in the example.
• the brake jaws are connected to the housing 14 and can be operated by the operator 22 from the handlebar 20 (see Figure 13).
• the drive motor 32 of the track 12 in the example of FIGS. 1 to 4 is a gasoline engine placed directly at the front of the transmission 60.
• An intermediate transverse wall is present in the illustrated example in order to reinforce the part between the gasoline engine 32 and the transmission 60.
• the gasoline engine 32 is supplied with fuel from a tank 70 located in front of the internal chamber 30 of the apparatus 10.
• a battery 72 is placed next to the fuel tank. This battery 72 serves in particular to power the electric starter of the gasoline engine 32. The operator 22 can thus start and stop the motor 32 without having to access it directly.
• the apparatus 10 of FIGS. 1 to 5 also incorporates a generator 80 placed in the internal chamber 30 and capable of producing electricity intended to supply one or more external equipment with a voltage corresponding in particular to a domestic power supply, such as, for example 1 10V or 220V / 240V at 60Hz or at 50Hz.
• a domestic power supply such as, for example 1 10V or 220V / 240V at 60Hz or at 50Hz.
• One or more outlets are available on the apparatus 10 or on the generator 80 itself.
• the generator 80 includes an inner rotor rotatable with the same gasoline engine 32.
• the ability to generate electricity from the apparatus 10 can be of great benefit to users such as callers. to use power tools on isolated sites, or cottage owners located far from populated areas. Many other uses can be envisaged.
• a generator having a power of 4000 to 6000W can be installed in an apparatus 10 of the size shown. A smaller or even larger generator is also possible.
• the axis of the generator 80 is disposed transversely to the longitudinal axis of the apparatus 10.
• the generator 80 could also be placed differently in some models. It is connected to the output shaft of the gasoline engine 32 by a transmission belt 82.
• An electric clutch 84 mounted on the generator shaft 80 enables remote activation and deactivation of the mechanical link between the generator and the generator. 32.
• the transmission 60 of the apparatus 10 is set to neutral.
• the intake of fresh air inside the internal chamber 30 of the housing 14 is made by a series of openings 90 provided on at least one side of the housing 14, immediately below the upper wall 14a.
• the openings 90 have a relatively small diameter to allow a reduction in the ingestion of snow and debris, such as twigs or other wood.
• the air passing through the openings 90 enters an inlet box 92 which collects air from all openings 90 on each side of the housing 14.
• the box intake 92 is heated from below by the heat released by the gasoline engine 32 and circulating in the inner chamber 30. This heat keeps the internal chamber 30 well above the freezing point (0 ° C) if the outside temperature is very cold, such as under -20 ° C.
• any particles of snow that enter the intake box 92 can melt and drip outward, even in cold weather.
• the top of the outlet pipe 94 may be raised several millimeters from the bottom of the inlet box 92 to prevent the flow of water directly to the inner chamber 30.
• FIG. 6 is a view from above of the apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 3.
• the air intake box 92 can be seen there.
• the air coming out of the intake box 92 is then channeled into a flexible duct 95 (shown schematically in FIG. 4) leading to the inlet 33 of the volute of the cooling fan integrated in the gasoline engine 32.
• the fan in the engine 32 thus generates the suction force required to suck the air through the openings 90.
• the cooling air passes around the cylinder or cylinders of the gasoline engine 32 and then ends within the internal chamber 30.
• the air outlet of the interior of the apparatus 10 is effected in two ways.
• the combustion of gasoline in the engine 32 generates exhaust gases.
• the air used for this combustion is admitted inside the engine 32 from inside the inner chamber 30 or may also come directly from the intake box 92 in the case of certain engines.
• the exhaust gas at the outlet of the cylinder (s) of the engine 32 is then directed towards the rear of the apparatus 10 via an exhaust pipe 96, which is shown in FIG. 96 is located in the space 98 where the rear transverse axis 52 and the two rear rollers 50 are located. This space 98 is partially obstructed by the presence of the track 12 when the apparatus 10 is assembled.
• Air is also vented from the interior of the inner chamber 30 through an air outlet which is part of the ventilation circuit.
• the air passing through the outlet passes firstly through the cooling circuit of the generator 80 and then flows through a flexible duct 104 (shown schematically in FIG. 4) to the entrance of an outlet box. 100.
• the outlet box 100 has a similar constation to that of the intake box 92.
• the air is then discharged through openings 102 placed on at least one side of the housing 14.
• the fan integrated in the generator 80 contributes to the displacement of the air in order to increase the flow of air for its cooling.
• Additional fans placed in series on the flexible conduits connected to the air inlet and outlet can further increase the air flow if the temperature in the inner chamber becomes too high. These fans can be turned on automatically by a thermostat with a temperature sensor or other device.
• the apparatus 10 is configured such that a positive pressure is created in the inner chamber 30. This is accomplished by providing a total air intake area larger than the total exit area. In the example, the number of openings 90 and greater than the number of openings 102. The positive pressure allows in particular to obtain a better seal of the housing 14.
• the bottom of the housing 14 is domed at its center. This elevation is about 3 cm at the front and rear of the track 12 in the apparatus 10 shown as an example. This central portion corresponds to about one-third of the length of the apparatus 10. The elevation facilitates in particular the yawing movement during turns as well as the manual pivoting of the apparatus 10 on hard and sharp surfaces, such as, for example, asphalt and concrete.
• the front of the bottom wall 14b defines an angle relative to the horizontal. The front transverse axis 42 is thus higher than the rear transverse axis 52. This also facilitates the passage over obstacles.
• FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 1 but in which the operator 22 is standing in a sled 200 coupled to the apparatus 10.
• the hitch 202 of the sled 200 is connected to a support 210 having the shape, in the example shown, a straight transverse rod or slightly curved rearward in its center.
• the transverse rod 210 is supported by two corresponding plates 212 projecting upwardly from the housing 14.
• the hitch 202 comprises two sled retaining arms 200, which are attached to a plate 204 which is pivotable about a vertical axis at its end.
• the fastening element 206 can slide from left to right along the transverse rod 210 by means of pulleys placed on each side of the fastening element 206. In a bend, the fastening element 206 can then move towards one of the ends of the transverse rod 210, which facilitates the handling of the apparatus 10 and reduces the effort required on the part of the operator 22.
• Figures 8 to 13 are views similar to Figures 1 to 6 but show a second example of apparatus 300 in which an electric motor is used.
• This apparatus 300 is otherwise similar to the apparatus 10 of the preceding example.
• the apparatus 300 includes a particular track 302, a sealed case 304 and a handlebar 306, which is held by an operator 308.
• the apparatus 300 may also be used with the sled 200 of FIG.
• the track 302 of the apparatus 300 is rotated with the aid of an electric motor 310 (FIG. 10).
• This motor 310 is supplied with electricity by one or more batteries 312, also placed in the internal chamber 314 of the housing 304.
• the electric motor 310 can be of AC or DC type, with or without permanent magnets.
• a group of four deep cycle lead batteries 312 is shown in the illustrated example. The number and type of batteries 312 may differ as required.
• the batteries 312 are connected to an electrical controller actuated by the operator 308 from the handles of the handlebar 306. The various electrical connections are not illustrated in the figures to simplify the illustrations.
• the electric motor 310 emits heat.
• This heat represents about 10% of the electrical energy drawn from the batteries 312.
• the heat thus dissipated is used in the internal chamber 314 of the apparatus 300 to keep the batteries 312 warm when the outside temperature is very cold.
• This heat makes it possible to maintain an optimal temperature of the batteries despite the very cold weather.
• the optimum temperature may be for example of the order of 20 to 25 ° C. Other temperatures are also possible.
• the recovery of this heat is beneficial because most batteries lose their efficiency in cold weather. This is particularly the case for lead batteries.
• lead acid batteries remain an attractive choice because they are readily available and relatively inexpensive. They are more resistant to cold than nickel or lithium batteries, for example.
• the efficiency of lead batteries decreases almost linearly with temperature, for example from 100% for 25 ° C to 30% for -40 ° C, depending on the exact type of battery. The decrease in efficiency therefore has a direct impact on the autonomy of the device 300. Keeping the heat in the case 304 in cold weather, the batteries 312 can then maintain an efficiency much higher than they would have low temperature.
• the interior of the housing 304 may also be insulated to help conserve heat.
• An internal ventilation system is provided in case of overheating, for example when the apparatus 300 operates in mild weather and the electric motor 310 is highly stressed. This internal ventilation system is part of the ventilation system. It can include a thermostat that actuates at least one fan providing an air intake from the outside to dissipate the internal heat.
• the air inlet and the air outlet can be placed at the top of the handlebar 306 at a distance from each other.
• the air then circulates in the pipes forming the sides of the handlebar 306.
• the fan or fans may be placed in the housing 304 or in the handlebar 306.
• the junction between the handlebar 306 and the housing 304 is configured to allow passage air between the two.
• the housing 304 can be made very tightly up to the height of the inlet and the air outlet in the handlebar 306.
• a positive pressure is maintained inside the inner chamber 314 in order to reduce the risk of water infiltration by places that are not fully sealed.
• the apparatus 300 may even then be immersed in a punctual manner, which may be required, for example, when the apparatus 300 has to pass through an unfrozen bucket or other similar water point.
• This support can be installed on one or other of the examples of apparatus 10, 300 presented.
• the support may be useful for transporting equipment, such as a toolbox.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
• Transportation (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Connection Of Motors, Electrical Generators, Mechanical Devices, And The Like (AREA)
• Electric Propulsion And Braking For Vehicles (AREA)
• Arrangement Or Mounting Of Propulsion Units For Vehicles (AREA)
• Motor Or Generator Frames (AREA)
• General Details Of Gearings (AREA)
• Wind Motors (AREA)
• Paper (AREA)
• Automatic Cycles, And Cycles In General (AREA)
• Cooling, Air Intake And Gas Exhaust, And Fuel Tank Arrangements In Propulsion Units (AREA)
• Rehabilitation Tools (AREA)
• Motorcycle And Bicycle Frame (AREA)

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• 2011
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