WO2016013967A1

WO2016013967A1 - Wing attachment for vehicles

Info

Publication number: WO2016013967A1
Application number: PCT/SE2015/000047
Authority: WO
Inventors: Linda Svensson
Original assignee: LANDIN, Rikard
Priority date: 2014-07-21
Filing date: 2015-07-20
Publication date: 2016-01-28
Also published as: SE1600085A1; SE541971C2

Abstract

The present invention concerns a wing attachment (1) suitable for connection to an attachment bracket (6) at the front of a vehicle (2). The wing attachment (1) is comprised of at least one essentially frame arrangement (3) and at least one wing (4), rock blade or similar. The wing (4) is connected at one of the frame arrangement's (3) ends and the wing (4) is pivotally arranged around at least one axis of rotation (15) in relation to the frame arrangement (3) with at least one first control device (18). The frame arrangement (3) has an essentially flat shape whose one side includes at least one first coupling member (7), suitable for connection to the vehicle's attachment bracket (6), and that the frame arrangement's (3) second side includes at least one second attachment bracket (8) to which at least one attachment such as a plow, rock blade, bucket or similar is suitable for connection. During use the attachment is positioned in front of the vehicle (2) with the frame arrangement (3) positioned between the vehicle (2) and the attachment and the wing (4) is positioned at the side of the attachment askew in front of the vehicle (2). The wing's (4) relative height in relation to the frame arrangement (3) is adjustable with at least one height adjusting device (22). The wing (4) is able to tilt in relation to the frame arrangement (3) and the ground with at least one second control device (25).

Description

WING ATTACHMENT FOR VEHICLES

Field of the Invention

The present invention concerns a wing attachment for vehicles that are equipped with attachment brackets (couplers), such as for example wheel loaders (backhoes) and the like, in accordance with the claims.

Background of the Invention

In many instances there exists a need of moving objects, bulk substances and the like between different positions. In order to accomplish this movement, a large number of different types of vehicles, machines and equipment such as wheel loaders, tractors, and similar have been developed.

In order for the mentioned vehicles to be used for different types of purposes and work, they are equipped with attachment brackets which allow for the equipment used by the vehicles to quickly be exchanged. The mentioned attachment brackets have been developed in several different variants, such as for example the so called large BM bracket, the little BM bracket and several other types of brackets. Several different types of attachments may be connected to the attachment bracket. Attachments for snow plowing, such as plows, rock blades (snow blades), snow buckets and the like are all examples that may be connected to the mentioned attachment brackets on vehicles.

Wing attachments or similar attachment have been developed in order to plow a wider breadth during snow plowing than is possible with a traditional plow or plow blade. These wing attachments are normally connected to the side of the vehicle. One problem with known types of wing designs is that they only to a limited extent may be easily and quickly removed or connected to the vehicle. Because of this, the side wing is not removed during other types of use of the vehicle. It usually remains attached which in turn runs the risk of it being in the way and/or obstructing visibility.

Wing attachments have been developed that are intended to be connected to wheel loaders. These are normally connected to the wheel loader at the rear area of the side outside of the rear wheel. During plowing with know types of side wings, the wheel loader is affected by a force in the wheel loaders transverse direction. This causes difficulties during plowing because the wheel loader with the attached side wing wants to move laterally. One problem with plowing for example a roads/forest roads is that it is often necessary to have several different attachments at hand in order to accomplish the job satisfactorily.

Currently, it is only possible to carry one type of attachment at a time which results in several trips back and forth to exchange attachments. With a side wing in accordance with the present invention, the side wing may be carried together with any optional attachment that is connected at the wing attachment's attachment bracket.

Existing types of side wing designs also have the problem with one and the same wing attachment accomplishing several different types of working operations. For example, it may be difficult with one and the same wing design (of earlier known types) to perform snow plowing, edge plowing and snow trenching.

Another problem with existing designs of wing attachments for wheel loaders and the like is that it may be difficult to neatly plow all the way up to crossroads and at turning areas depending on the fact that the plow and side wing do not move correspondingly. Existing designs may even be difficult to use in narrow and sensitive areas as may for example be found in urban environments. Existing designs also have problems with plowing roads and sidewalks in one sweep that is to say with the plow on the road surface on one level and the side wing on the sidewalk on another level.

Prior Art

A variant of a wing attachment for a wheel loader is described in US5241763. The wing attachment in accordance with US5241763 differs significantly from the wing attachment in accordance with the present patent application. For example, the wing attachment according to its description is intended for attachment to the side of a bucket. Further the design according to its description does not include a device with which the plow's height relative the bucket may be adjusted during plowing. Furthermore, the design according to US5241763 does not include a function with which the wing in a similar manner as the present invention may be tilted in relation to the bucket.

A variant of a side plow intended to be mounted to a wheel loader is described in US6363631. The side plow may be angled, tilted in relation to the vehicle and the road surface. The design according to its description differs significantly from the design in accordance with the present invention. For example, the design according to US6363631 does not include an attachment bracket to which a bucket, plow or similar may be connected. A variant of a side plow for vehicles that may be adjusted vertically and retracted in towards the side of the vehicle is described in US 1743969. The design according to US 1743969 differs significantly from the design in accordance with the present invention. For example, the design according to its description does not include an attachment bracket to which a selected attachment such as a bucket, plow or similar may be connected.

A variant of a side plow whose rear and forward ends may be raised and lowered in order to angle the blade is described in US4045892. The design according to US4045892 differs significantly from the design in accordance with the present invention. For example, the design according to its description does not include an attachment bracket to which a selected attachment, with a suitable attachment bracket, such as a bucket, plow or similar may be connected.

US20080271349A1 describes a wing attachment that includes a second coupling member intended to be connected to a first coupling member arranged in the front of a vehicle. The wing attachment as it is described includes a frame and a wing. The frame has an essentially flat shape with the second coupling member arranged at its one side. On the frame's other side, a first attachment bracket is arranged, so another attachment may be connected. The design according to US20080271349A1 differs significantly from the design in accordance with the present invention. For example it does not include height adjusting device.

A side wing mounted to a vehicle is described in US4096652. The design according to US4096652 differs significantly from the design in accordance with the present invention. For example it is not suitable to be attached to a vehicle of the same type as a wheel loader.

Purpose of the Invention

The main purpose of the present invention is to create a wing attachment which solves or reduces at least one of the above mentioned problems. This purpose is achieved with the aid of a wing attachment in accordance with the claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In the following detailed description of the present invention, reference and references to the following figures will occur. These figures are briefly described in the following figure list.

Figs. 1 and 2 show the device in accordance with the present invention connected to a wheel loader. Fig. 3 shows an exemplifying wing attachment in accordance with the present invention as seen in perspective from the front angled from above.

Fig. 4 shows an exemplifying wing attachment in accordance with the present invention as seen in perspective from the side that is connected to the vehicle. Fig. 5 shows the exemplifying wing attachment as seen directly from the front.

Fig. 6 shows the exemplifying wing attachment as seen from the side.

Detailed Description of the Invention

With reference to the figures a wing attachment 1 for vehicles 2 is shown in accordance with the present patent application. The wing attachment 1 is comprised of at least one frame, frame arrangement 3 or the like and at least one wing 4, side wing, rock blade (snow blade) or similar which is pivotally arranged in relation to the frame arrangement 3. The wing attachment 1 is suitable for connection to several different types of vehicles. In the exemplifying embodiment of the wing attachment 1 , it is suitable for connection to a wheel loader 5 or similar vehicle. Further, it is conceivable that the present invention may be used for other applications and be connected to other types of vehicles than those in this patent application described applications and vehicles. The wing 4, rock blade (snow blade) or similar, is in its fundamental design preferably of an earlier known type.

The wing attachment 1 is connected as an attachment (intermediate part) between the vehicle's 2 attachment bracket 6, consisting of a first coupling member, and the attachment bracket to at least one attachment such as a plow, bucket or another for the purpose suitable attachment. Preferably, the wing attachment 1 is connected with at least one coupling member (attachment bracket) 7 in the frame arrangement 3 to the vehicle's attachment bracket 6. Preferably, the number of coupling members 7 is two, but in alternative embodiments it may be more or fewer. The coupling members may consist of fastening hooks or another for the purpose suitable coupling member. Alternatively, the present wing attachment 1 may be integrated in the vehicle's 2 attachment bracket 6 and/or integrated with the attachment.

The attachment 1 is comprised of at least one frame arrangement 3, frame or the like. The frame arrangement 3 is comprised of at least one second attachment bracket 8 to which the attachment's attachment bracket (brackets or similar) is suitable for connection. The attachment bracket 8 consists of earlier know technology and this is why it is not described more thoroughly in this patent application.

The frame arrangement 3 has in the preferred embodiment an essentially flat shape with the coupling member 7 or coupling members 7 being arranged on one of the essentially flat sides and the second attachment bracket 8 being arranged on the other essentially flat side. During use of the wing attachment, the frame arrangement 3 with the coupling members 7 is connected to the vehicle's attachment bracket at the front of the vehicle (lies against the vehicle's front side when the wing attachment is connected to, alternatively mounted on the vehicle). The second attachment bracket 8 is arranged on the opposite side of the frame arrangement in relation to the coupling member 7, coupling members, in such a manner that when the attachment is mounted to the frame arrangement's 3 attachment bracket, the attachment is then preferably positioned straight in front of the vehicle, with the frame arrangement positioned between the vehicle and the attachment. The wing 4 is connected to, alternatively mounted on the one end 9 of the frame

arrangement's 3 both ends, in such a way that the wing, when the wing is connected to, mounted on the vehicle, is positioned at the side of the attachment angled in front of the vehicle (the front of the vehicle).

The frame arrangement's 3, frame's design may vary within the scope of the invention. In the exemplifying embodiment of the frame arrangement 3, it is comprised of at least one first beam 10 and one second beam 11. The beams 10 and 11 are preferably parallel and connected to each other via at least one first cross bar (cross member) 12 and at least one second cross bar (cross member) 13. In at least one of the frame arrangement's ends or end's proximity, the frame arrangement includes at least one bracket 14 for at least one wing 4 such as at least one side wing. The wing 4 is in the exemplifying embodiment pivotally arranged around at least one axis of rotation 15, axle, in relation to the frame arrangement 3. Alternatively, the wing 4, rock blade (snow blade) or similar may consists of another for the purpose suitable attachment.

In alternative embodiments the frame arrangement (frame) 3 may be comprised of more or fewer beams 10 and 1 1 and cross bars 12 and 13. In additional alternative embodiments, the frame arrangement 3 may be of another for the purpose suitable design. The frame arrangement 3 in accordance with the exemplifying embodiment includes at least one first spacing part 16 and at least one second spacing part 17. The number of spacing parts and the spacing parts shape (form, size) may vary within the scope of the present invention. The spacing parts allow for the attachment that is connected to the frame arrangement to be extended a distance out from the frame arrangement's essentially flat second side.

The wing's 4 angle of rotation, relative the vehicle's side and the frame arrangement 3, is maneuvered in the exemplifying embodiment by at least one first control device 18. The first control device 18 in the exemplifying embodiment is comprised of at least one compression cylinder 19 such as a hydraulic cylinder which in its one end is connected to a bracket in the frame and in its other end is connected to a bracket in the wing 4. In alternative embodiments another for the purpose suitable control device 18 may be used.

In the exemplifying embodiment, the wing 4 is able to be positioned in height (during use). The frame arrangement's 3 and the wing's 4 mutual positions are adjustably arranged. This is accomplished by the wing 4 via at least one bearing 20 or similar being arranged by bearings in relation to a vertical axle 21 and that the bearing is moveably arranged along the vertical axle's axial direction. The mutual position between the wing 4 and the frame arrangement 3 is accomplished via at least one height adjusting device 22. In the exemplifying embodiment it is comprised of at least one compression cylinder 23, such as a hydraulic cylinder, which during compression may be extended or shortened and whose respective ends are connected via brackets to the wing attachment.

The design is further comprised of at least one tilting device 24 and a function with which the wing may be tilted in relation to the frame arrangement 3. The tilting of the wing 4 with the device 24 is accomplished by at least one second control device 25 such as at least one compression cylinder 26 whose respective ends are connected via brackets to the wing attachment. The compression cylinder 26 preferably consists of a hydraulic cylinder.

During use of the present wing attachment 1 , it is connected via the coupling member 7 (included in the wing attachment) to the vehicle's attachment bracket 6. A plow, rock blade (snow blade) or another for the purpose suitable attachment may be connected to the wing attachment's attachment bracket 8. In the exemplifying embodiment, the design includes at least one slide support 27, ground support or the like. During normal snow plowing, the wing may be lowered down together with the plow and in such a way plow a relatively wider path in one sweep which results in both time and fuel savings. During times of more snow and higher plow edges, the wing is raised up so as to edge cut the plow edge and at the same time plow with the plow. During early spring and snow melting, the wing is lowered during snow trenching at the same time as ice is roughened or as slush snow is plowed.

In the detailed description of the present invention, design details may have been omitted which are apparent to persons skilled in the art of the field of the device. Such obvious design details are included to the extent necessary so that the proper and full performance of the present invention is achieved. Examples of known components are for example hydraulic cylinders, couplings and other components.

Even if certain preferred embodiments have been described in detail, variations and modifications within the scope of the invention may become apparent for specialists in the field and all such are regarded as falling within the scope of the following claims. Advantages of the Invention

The present invention achieves several advantages. The most important advantage is that at least one of the above mentioned drawbacks are eliminated or reduced.

One problem during plowing of roads/forest roads is that it is often necessary to have several different attachments at hand in order to accomplish the job satisfactorily. Currently, it is only possible to carry one type of attachment at a time which results in several trips back and forth to exchange attachments. With the present load arm mounted side wing it is possible to carry it together with any optional attachment that is connected forward of the side wing. The entire concept is very convenient and user friendly.

Another advantage with the load arm mounted side wing is that it is positioned in place ready for use but not in the way if it is not needed for use at a certain time. It does not obscure visibility for other work and it is just as easy to remove as any other attachment.

A further advantage with the load arm mounted side wing when compared with traditional rear mounted wings is that the driver has an exceptionally good view over the wing during operation. The wheel loader also operates better with the wing mounted at the front by it pressing harder on the wing instead of the wing pressing the wheel loader sideways and that it is also easier to steer clear of/maneuver around obstacles. A still further advantage is that it is much easier to neatly plow all the way up to crossroads and at turning areas thanks to the plow and side wing coinciding with each other. Good visibility and control over the wing as well as the possibility of controlling the wing in three directions makes it very suited for use in narrow and sensitive areas such as are found in urban environments. One example is the ability to plow streets and sidewalks in one sweep (the plow on street level and the side wing on the sidewalk) which reduces fuel consumption and thereby also the environment.

Claims

1. Wing attachment (1), suitable for connection to an attachment bracket (6) at the front of a vehicle (2), comprised of at least one essentially frame arrangement (3) and at least one wing (4), rock blade or similar, with the wing (4) being connected at one of the frame arrangement's (3) ends and that the wing (4) is pivotally arranged around at least one axis of rotation (15) in relation to the frame arrangement (3) with at least one first control device (18), with the frame arrangement (3) having an essentially flat shape whose one side includes at least one first coupling member (7), suitable for connection to the vehicle's attachment bracket (6), and that the frame arrangement's (3) second side includes at least one second attachment bracket (8) to which at least one attachment such as a plow, rock blade, bucket or similar is suitable for connection, allowing for the attachment to be positioned in front of the vehicle (2) with the frame arrangement (3) positioned between the vehicle (2) and the attachment and that the wing (4) is positioned at the side of the attachment askew in front of the vehicle (2) characterized in that the wing's (4) relative height in relation to the frame

arrangement (3) is adjustable with at least one height adjusting device (22) and that the wing (4) is able to tilt in relation to the frame arrangement (3) and the ground with at least one second control device (25).

2. Wing attachment (1) in accordance with claim 1 characterized in that the vehicle (2) consists of a wheel loader and that the attachment bracket (6) is connected to the wheel loader's load arms.

3. Wing attachment (1) in accordance with at least one of the previous claims

characterized in that frame arrangement (3) is comprised of at least one first spacing part (16) and at least one second spacing part (17).

4. Wing attachment (1) in accordance with claim 1 characterized in that the control device (18) is comprised of at least one compression cylinder such as a hydraulic cylinder.

5. Wing attachment (1) in accordance with one of the previous claims characterized in that the height adjusting device (22) is comprised of at least one compression cylinder such as a hydraulic cylinder.

6. Wing attachment (1) in accordance with at least one of the previous claims

characterized in that the control device (25) is comprised of at least one compression cylinder such as a hydraulic cylinder.