Coupling system for agricultural or industrial vehicles

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hitching system for agricultural or industrial vehicles, comprising: at least one lifting arm; at least one lifting bar comprising a pair of jaw elements adapted to receive the lifting arm, wherein the jaw elements each comprise a slot, and at least one of the jaw elements comprises a pair of stop elements arranged along and extending in parallel with the slot; a connecting means between the lifting bar and the lifting arm comprising at least one pin axially insertable through the slots of the jaw elements and further into a hole on the lifting arm and a terminal plate having an elongated shape and associated with one end of the pin; wherein the terminal plate comprises a main body and a pair of protrusions arranged at one end of the main body and adapted to abut the stop elements, and the terminal plate is at least positionable in an upper clamping configuration in which the protrusions abut upper ends of the stop elements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a coupling system for agricultural or industrial vehicles.

[0002] In particular, the coupling system of the present invention is applicable to three-point coupling devices of agricultural or industrial vehicles (such as, for example, tractors). Background Technology

[0003] Three-point couplings are often used to attach implements or auxiliary vehicles to the rear of agricultural vehicles.

[0004] Known types of coupling systems typically include at least one lifting arm and at least one lifting rod, which is kinematically connected to the lifting arm itself.

[0005] The lifting arm has one end that can be rotatably connected to a towing vehicle, and has an opposing end that can be associated with auxiliary equipment components. The lifting rod has one end that is connected to an actuator (responsible for the actual movement of the lifting arm), and has an end connected to the lifting arm.

[0006] The lifting rod includes a pair of claw elements arranged to face each other and adapted to receive the lifting arm by insertion.

[0007] Known types of coupling systems also include a connector between the lifting rod and the lifting arm, the connector including at least one pin that can be inserted between the claw element and the lifting arm.

[0008] Some types of implements (which require traction control, such as, for example, plows) require a fixed configuration between the lifting rod and the lifting arm. This allows for precise control of the equipment's position, which is desirable when operating under traction control.

[0009] However, for other types of implements, operation is more efficient when the lifting arm can "float" within a predetermined range relative to the lifting rod. For example, this "floating" configuration is ideal when the equipment is required to follow the ground contour in a non-rigid manner.

[0010] Therefore, it is envisioned that the lifting arm can be clamped in the working position (i.e., fixed operating position) or can move relative to the lifting rod during use (floating operating position).

[0011] More specifically, each of the claw elements includes an elongated slot, within which a pin can slide along a predetermined stroke to allow displacement of the associated lifting arm during use.

[0012] At least one end of the pin is provided with an elongated end plate, and the pawl element includes a pair of stop elements arranged along (parallel to) the slot and guiding the sliding of the slot.

[0013] Known types of coupling systems do have some drawbacks, primarily related to the following: in the absence of equipment, the lifting arm can interfere with additional components of the agricultural vehicle, posing a risk of damage and / or malfunction.

[0014] To overcome this drawback, it is envisioned that the lifting arm can be raised to a position suitable for moving agricultural vehicles in the absence of equipment.

[0015] According to the known three-point coupling device of EP 2 671 440 A1, it provides a connection mechanism between the lifting arm and the lifting rod, which allows the lifting arm to be positioned between three different operating configurations: fixed operation configuration, floating operation configuration and transport configuration.

[0016] Specifically, the device of EP 2 671 440 A1 provides that the end plate can rotate between two working positions; when in one working position, the end plate is slidably positioned between the stop elements to form a floating operating configuration; and when in the other working position, the end plate abuts against the lower or upper edge of the stop element, thereby clamping the position of the relevant lifting arm and obtaining a fixed operating configuration and a transport configuration, respectively.

[0017] However, the device in EP 2 671 440 A1 also has drawbacks because, in the transport configuration, the lifting arm is positioned extremely high and still poses a risk of interfering with other components. This is particularly due to the extension of the stop element, which must extend sufficiently to guide the end plate to slide into the floating configuration.

[0018] Therefore, it is clear that the known linkage system needs further improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0019] The main objective of this invention is to design a coupling system for agricultural or industrial vehicles that allows for practical and efficient positioning of the lifting arm across a variety of different usage configurations.

[0020] Another objective of the present invention is to design a coupling system for agricultural or industrial vehicles that allows the lifting arm to be easily arranged in a transport configuration that, on the one hand, allows the agricultural vehicle to be easily moved in the absence of equipment, and on the other hand, does not result in undesirable interactions between the lifting arm and other components of the vehicle or the coupling system itself.

[0021] Another objective of this invention is to design a coupling system for agricultural or industrial vehicles that allows for overcoming the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art with a simple, reasonable, easy, effective, and cost-effective solution.

[0022] The aforementioned objective is achieved by the coupling system of the present invention for agricultural or industrial vehicles, as described in claim 1. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the description of preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of a coupling system for agricultural or industrial vehicles shown in an indicative and non-limiting manner in the accompanying tables of drawings, wherein:

[0024] Figure 1 Axonometric drawing of a coupling system installed on an agricultural vehicle according to the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 A partially exploded isometric view of the coupling system according to the present invention;

[0026] Figures 3 to 6 Side view of the coupling system according to the invention in different usage configurations. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Special reference is made to the accompanying drawings, with reference numeral 1 generally indicating a coupling system used in agricultural or industrial vehicles.

[0028] The coupling system 1 of the present invention is applicable to a three-point coupling device, which is intended to be attached to an agricultural or industrial vehicle V, such as, for example, a tractor.

[0029] Figure 1 The coupling system 1 is shown, which is installed at the rear of the agricultural vehicle V. However, it cannot be ruled out that the coupling system 1 can be installed at the front of the agricultural vehicle V.

[0030] The coupling system 1 includes at least one lifting arm 2 and at least one lifting rod 3, with the at least one lifting rod 3 being kinematically connected to the lifting arm 2.

[0031] Clearly, in Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling system 1 includes a pair of lifting arms 2 and a pair of lifting rods 3. As can be seen in the figure, the lifting rods 3 have an elongated structure and extend in a longitudinal direction, which is identified by the letter D in the figure.

[0032] Each lifting arm 2 has an end that is rotatably connected to an agricultural or industrial vehicle V and has an opposite end that can be associated with auxiliary equipment components.

[0033] The lifting rod 3 has one end that connects to an actuator device, and also has an opposite end that connects to the lifting arm 2. The actuator device, not shown in detail in the figure, is responsible for the actual movement of the lifting arm 2.

[0034] The lifting rod 3 includes a pair of claw elements 4, which are arranged to face each other and are adapted to receive the lifting arm 2 by insertion.

[0035] More specifically, the claw element 4 is arranged at one end of the lifting rod 3. In the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the claw element 4 has a generally plate-shaped construction and extends downward from the end of the lifting rod 3 opposite to the actuator device. More specifically, the claw element 4 extends parallel to the longitudinal direction D of the lifting rod 3. In an alternative embodiment not shown in the figures, the claw element 4 is arranged at the end of the lifting rod 3 connected to the actuator device.

[0036] Each of the claw elements 4 includes at least one slot 5 in an elongated shape.

[0037] The slot 5 is then parallel to or inclined relative to the longitudinal direction D of the lifting rod 3 on the claw element 4, with an inclination angle of less than 90°.

[0038] The slot 5 is a blind hole type, and therefore has an upper end 6 and a lower end 7.

[0039] As used in this disclosure, the terms “lower” and “upper” refer to the positions occupied by the elements they represent in use.

[0040] At least one (preferably both) of the claw element 4 further includes at least one pair of stop elements 8, which are arranged along and extend parallel to the corresponding slot 5.

[0041] The stop element 8 protrudes outward from the chuck element 4.

[0042] Conveniently, the stop element 8 is arranged at the extension of the slot 5. In particular, the lower edge of the stop element 8 is arranged on the top of the lower end 7 of the slot 5, and the upper edge of the stop element 8 is arranged on the top of the upper end 6 of the slot 5.

[0043] The coupling system 1 also provides a connector 9, which is located between the lifting rod 3 and the lifting arm 2.

[0044] The connector 9 includes at least one pin 10, which can be inserted through a slot 5 of the claw element 4 and into at least one hole 11 defined on the lifting arm 2.

[0045] Specifically, as shown in the figure, the lifting arm 2 may include one or more holes 11, which are arranged to be aligned along the longitudinal direction of the lifting arm itself.

[0046] The connector 9 also includes at least one end plate 12, which has an elongated shape and is associated with one end of the pin 10.

[0047] Since the pin 10 is inserted into the hole 11 through the slot 5, the end plate 12 is adapted to abut one of the claw elements 4; and has the function of keeping the pin 10 from sliding along at least one direction transverse to the lifting rod 3.

[0048] Conveniently, the connector 9 includes a retaining device 13 that holds the pin 10 inside the hole 11. The retaining device 13 is associated with the pin 10 at the opposite end relative to the end plate 12.

[0049] The retaining device 13 will be described in more detail below in this disclosure.

[0050] According to the invention, the end plate 12 includes at least one body 14 and at least one pair of protrusions 15, the at least one pair of protrusions 15 being disposed at one end of the body 14 and adapted to abut a stop element 8. The body 14 has an elongated configuration, and the protrusions 15 extend laterally relative to the longitudinal axis A of the body 14. Thus, the protrusions 15 increase the overall lateral dimension of the body 14.

[0051] Specifically, the body 14 has a generally rectangular shape and at least a pair of generally parallel lateral edges 16.

[0052] More specifically, the protrusion 15 is arranged symmetrically with respect to the intermediate plane P, which passes through the longitudinal axis A of the main body 14.

[0053] Therefore, each of the protrusions 15 protrudes relative to the associated lateral edge 16.

[0054] Termination board 12 can be located in multiple different usage configurations.

[0055] According to the present invention, the termination plate 12 may be located at:

[0056] —Lower clamping configuration, wherein the lateral edge of the main body 14 is adjacent to the lower end of the stop element 8;

[0057] —A floating configuration in which the end plate 12 rotates relative to the lower clamping configuration, wherein the body 14 is located between the stop elements 8 and the pin 10 is movable along the slot 5; and

[0058] — Upper clamping configuration, wherein the end plate 12 rotates relative to both the lower clamping configuration and the floating configuration, and wherein the protrusion 15 abuts against the upper end of the stop element 8.

[0059] More specifically, the lower clamping configuration ( Figure 3 The coupling system 1 allows for fixed traction of agricultural equipment.

[0060] In this configuration, the end plate 12 is arranged laterally relative to the slot 5 and the stop element 8.

[0061] Furthermore, in the lower clamping configuration, the pin 10 is adjacent to the lower end 7. Therefore, the coupling system 1 clamps on one hand through the interaction between the pin 10 and the lower end 7, and on the other hand through the interaction between the lateral edge 16 and the stop element 8.

[0062] In floating configuration ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 Due to the possibility that the lifting arm 2 may swing as the pin 10 moves along the slot 5, the coupling system 1 allows agricultural equipment to be towed in a floating manner.

[0063] Specifically, the end position of the travel of the pin 10 is defined by its interaction with the lower end 7 and the upper end 6 of the slot 5.

[0064] Appropriately, in fact, the linear distance between the lower end 7 and the upper end 6 is greater than the linear distance between the axis of the pin 10 and the area of ​​the protrusion 15, which is adapted to interact with the stop element 8.

[0065] In this configuration, the termination plate 12 is rotated 90° relative to the lower clamping configuration.

[0066] In this operating configuration, the main body 14 is arranged between the stop elements 8 and slides relative to them.

[0067] The lateral edges of the main body 14 are arranged parallel to the stop element 8.

[0068] Therefore, the stop element 8 operates as a guide to guide the sliding of the pin relative to the lifting rod 3.

[0069] Upper clamping configuration ( Figure 6 On the other hand, the lifting arm 2 is raised relative to the lower clamping configuration, allowing the transport of agricultural vehicle V without interfering with additional parts of the vehicle itself.

[0070] Conveniently, in this configuration, the termination plate 12 is rotated 180° relative to the floating configuration.

[0071] The lateral edges of the main body 14 are arranged parallel to the stop element 8.

[0072] In addition, in the upper clamping configuration, the pin 10 is adjacent to the upper end 6.

[0073] Therefore, the coupling system 1 clamps the upper end 6 through the interaction between the pin 10 and the upper end 6, and also through the interaction between the protrusion 15 and the stop element 8.

[0074] Conveniently, the connector 9 includes a retaining plate 17 located between the claw elements 4 or between the retaining devices 13.

[0075] The fixing plate 17 includes an opening 18 adapted to receive a pin 10 at an opposite end opposite to the end plate 12.

[0076] Advantageously, the fixing plate 17 has a construction that generally corresponds to the end plate 12, and is adapted to operate in combination with at least one of the lower clamping configuration, floating configuration and upper clamping configuration of the stop element 8.

[0077] More specifically, the mounting plate 17 is similar to the end plate 12 and is rotatable to arrange the coupling system 1 between various usage configurations.

[0078] For this purpose, each of the claw elements 14 is provided with a pair of stop elements 8.

[0079] The retaining device 13 is of a type known to those skilled in the art; and in the embodiment shown in the figure, it includes a spring hook that can be inserted into the pin 10.

[0080] The retaining device 13 is adapted to prevent the pin itself from sliding along a direction perpendicular to the lifting rod 3.

[0081] Advantageously, keeping appliance 13 as removable allows pin 10 to be removed and positioned as desired.

[0082] In practice, it has been determined that the described invention achieves its intended objectives, and particular emphasis is placed on the fact that this coupling system for agricultural or industrial vehicles allows for practical and effective positioning of the lifting arm across a variety of different usage configurations. Indeed, the relative position between the lifting arm and the lifting rod is easily changeable due to the simple rotation of the pin.

[0083] Furthermore, the presence of the protrusion in the end plate allows the lifting arm to be easily positioned in the transport location, resulting in a smaller overall size and a lower transport location compared to known solutions.

Claims

1. A coupling system (1) for agricultural or industrial vehicles, said coupling system (1) comprising: - At least one lifting arm (2), the at least one lifting arm (2) is provided with an end that is rotatably connected to an agricultural or industrial vehicle (V), and is provided with an opposite end that can be associated with auxiliary equipment; - At least one lifting rod (3), the at least one lifting rod (3) having an end connected to an actuator device and having an opposite end kinematically connected to the lifting arm (2), the lifting rod (3) including a pair of claw elements (4) configured to face each other and adapted to receive the lifting arm (2) by insertion, each of the claw elements (4) including at least one slot (5) in an elongated shape, and at least one of the claw elements (4) including at least one pair of stop elements (8) arranged along and extending parallel to the slot (5); - A connector (9) located between the lifting rod (3) and the lifting arm (2), the connector (9) including at least one pin (10) insertable through the slot (5) of the claw element (4) and into at least one hole (11) defined on the lifting arm (2), and including at least one end plate (12) having an elongated shape and associated with at least one end of the pin (10); The end plate (12) is characterized in that it includes at least one body (14) and at least one pair of protrusions (15), the at least one pair of protrusions (15) being disposed at one end of the body (14) and adapted to abut the stop element (8); and the end plate (12) is selectively located in a lower clamping configuration, a floating configuration, and an upper clamping configuration. In the lower clamping configuration, the lateral edge of the body (14) abuts the lower end of the stop element (8); In the floating configuration, the end plate (12) rotates relative to the lower clamping configuration and the body (14) is inserted between the stop elements (8) and the pin (10) is movable along the slot (5); and In the upper clamping configuration, the end plate (12) rotates relative to the lower clamping configuration and the floating configuration, the protrusion (15) abuts against the upper end of the stop element (8), and the lateral edges of the body (14) are arranged parallel to the stop element (8).

2. The coupling system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The slot (5) includes an upper end (6) and a lower end (7), and in the floating configuration, the end position of the travel of the pin (10) is defined by its interaction with the lower end (7) and the upper end (6) of the slot (5).

3. The coupling system (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The linear distance between the upper end (6) and the lower end (7) of the slot (5) is greater than the linear distance between the axis of the pin (10) and the area of ​​the protrusion (15), the protrusion (15) being adapted to interact with the stop element (8).

4. The coupling system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the floating configuration, the end plate (12) is rotated 90° relative to the lower clamping configuration.

5. The coupling system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the upper clamping configuration, the end plate (12) is rotated 180° relative to the floating configuration.

6. The coupling system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the floating configuration, the lateral edges of the body (14) are arranged parallel to the stop element (8).

7. The coupling system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the floating configuration, the body (14) is movable by offset relative to the stop element (8).

8. The coupling system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stop element (8) is arranged at the extension of the slot (5), with the lower edge of the stop element (8) arranged on the top of the lower end (7) of the slot (5) and the upper edge of the stop element (8) arranged on the top of the upper end (6) of the slot (5).

9. The coupling system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The body (14) has an elongated configuration, and the protrusion (15) extends laterally relative to the longitudinal axis (A) of the body itself.

10. The coupling system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protrusion (15) is arranged symmetrically with respect to the intermediate plane (P), which passes through the longitudinal axis (A) of the body (14).

11. The coupling system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector (9) includes a retaining device (13) that holds the pin (10) inside the hole (11).

12. The coupling system (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The connector (9) includes a fixing plate (17) located between the claw elements (4) or between the retaining devices (13), the fixing plate (17) including an opening (18) adapted to receive the pin (10).

13. The coupling system (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The fixing plate (17) has a configuration that generally corresponds to the end plate (12) and is adapted to operate in conjunction with the stop element (8) in at least one of the lower clamping configuration, the floating configuration and the upper clamping configuration.

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