Improved connection method, connection system and radio-controlled vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for connecting an accessory (T) to a radio-controlled vehicle (1) by means of a connection system (2) having a support (4), an accessory holder unit (5) and a coupling unit (6). The support (4) is fixed to the radio-controlled vehicle (1), and the accessory holder unit (5) is fixed to the accessory (T). According to the invention, the coupling unit (6) can be operated automatically, in particular remotely, without direct intervention of an operator in order to selectively connect / disconnect the support (4) and the accessory holder unit (5) to / from each other.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This patent application claims claims to Italian Patent Application No. 102022000007829 filed on April 20, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention patent application relates to an improved connection method, connection system and radio-controlled vehicle.

[0004] In particular, the present invention relates to a connection method and connection system for selectively and automatically remotely coupling or releasing an accessory to or from a radio-controlled vehicle.

[0005] The radio controlled vehicle according to the invention may be, for example, an environmental maintenance vehicle (for mowing terrain, road edges, ditches, etc.) or an earth moving vehicle, such as a bucket or mini bucket. Some examples of known reference radio controlled vehicles are those sold by MDB SRL and named GREEN CLIMBER or MP100.

[0006] Advantageously, the present invention relates to a method that allows an accessory to be coupled to and / or released from a radio-controlled vehicle in a remote manner.

[0007] Advantageously, the present invention relates to a connection system and a radio-controlled vehicle that can be remotely controlled and that can operate safely even under extreme conditions, such as on slopes with a gradient greater than 60°. Background Art

[0008] Radio controlled vehicles are known for maneuvering and operating attachments relative to a supporting plane. It is known to mount attachments such as buckets or grinders (the attachments comprising a rotor from which knives extend, capable of chopping grass, brush, stumps and logs up to 50 cm in diameter) on radio controlled vehicles.

[0009] Also known are radio-controlled vehicles of the type GREENCLIMBER or MP100, produced by MDB SRL. This type of radio-controlled vehicle advantageously allows safe working on very steep slopes, even at a slope of 60°. The advantage of using this type of radio-controlled vehicle is that the operator can operate the radio-controlled vehicle remotely and safely.

[0010] A known type of attachment, such as a pulverizer or a bucket, is fixed to a radio-controlled vehicle by means of a fixed connection system. For example, the pulverizer is connected by means of a half shaft. However, due to the high stresses that may occur thereon during use, the half shaft may be subject to breakage.

[0011] A disadvantage of fixed connection systems of known type is the provision of connections (e.g. bolt connections) that require direct physical intervention of the operator in order to secure or release the accessory to or from the radio-controlled vehicle. This is particularly dangerous during operation of the accessory and in the case of a stuck accessory (e.g. a stuck grinder) in dangerous conditions (on high slopes and / or under high applied loads). In fact, in such cases it is absolutely not recommended for the operator to physically approach the vehicle and the accessory in order to intervene directly. Summary of the invention

[0012] The object of the present invention is to provide a method and a system for connecting an accessory to a radio-controlled vehicle which allows the operator to work safely even in the event of damage and malfunction of the accessory.

[0013] According to the present invention, there is provided a method as claimed in the accompanying claims.

[0014] According to the present invention, there is provided a connection system as claimed in the accompanying claims.

[0015] According to the present invention, there is provided a radio controlled vehicle as claimed in the accompanying claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show non-limiting example embodiments of the invention, in which:

[0017] - Figure 1 is a view of a radio-controlled vehicle according to the present invention in an operating configuration.

[0018] - Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 Details of, with some parts removed for clarity;

[0019] - Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Exploded view of details;

[0020] - Figure 4 The first operational configuration is shown Figure 2 and Figure 3 Details;

[0021] - Figure 5 is based on Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of plane V;

[0022] - Figure 6 Similar to Figure 4 , and is shown in a second operational configuration Figure 2 Details;

[0023] - Figure 7 A variant of a radio-controlled vehicle according to the invention is shown in an operating configuration;

[0024] - Figure 8 Shows Figure 7 Details of, with some parts removed for clarity;

[0025] - Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 A side view of the details;

[0026] - Fig.10 is based on Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view along line X of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] exist Figure 1 In the figure, a radio-controlled vehicle 1 and an accessory T (a forestry shredder T1 in the example shown) are shown in use. The accessory T may be of any type without losing its general character. For example, according to Figure 7 In the variant shown, the accessory T is a bucket T2.

[0028] Figures 2 to 6 The connection system 2 according to the invention is furthermore shown in more detail. The connection system 2 is configured to connect a radio-controlled vehicle 1 and an accessory T to each other.

[0029] Advantageously, the connection system 2 is automatic. In other words, the connection system 2 is configured to operate without direct intervention of an operator, as will be better shown below.

[0030] The radio-controlled vehicle 1 comprises a rolling body 3 and is configured to be movable on a support plane π1 which may have a slope α (i.e. an angle of inclination α) relative to a horizontal plane π0, which slope is also greater than 60°. According to the example shown, the rolling body 3 is a track, according to a variant not shown, the rolling body 3 may be of different types, for example they may be wheels.

[0031] As a non-limiting example, the radio-controlled vehicle 1 may be a high-performance vehicle and of the type produced by the company MDB SRL under the trade name "GREEN CLIMBER" ( Figure 1 ) or MP100( Figure 7 ).

[0032] according to Figure 2 As shown in the contents, the radio-controlled vehicle 1 has:

[0033] - a longitudinal axis X, also called roll axis and substantially parallel to the support plane π1 of the radio-controlled vehicle 1 ;

[0034] a vertical axis Z, perpendicular to the support plane π1 and also called the yaw axis; and

[0035] A transverse axis Y, perpendicular to both the longitudinal axis X and the vertical axis Z and also called the pitch axis.

[0036] When the relevant accessory T is connected to the radio-controlled vehicle 1 , the same reference system of axes X, Y, Z is used mutatis mutandis as the reference system for the relevant accessory.

[0037] The radio-controlled vehicle 1 comprises a frame 103, a motor assembly (of a known type and not shown), a hydraulic assembly (for a pressurized oil inlet), a power unit (formed by the track assembly 3 in the case shown) and a remote control 104 configured to remotely operate the conveyor 1. In particular, the remote control 104 operates the motor assembly and / or the hydraulic assembly and / or the power unit 4 in use.

[0038] Advantageously, the hydraulic assembly can be operated by means of a remote control 104. Advantageously, the hydraulic assembly is configured to operate the connection system 2 by means of a pressurized oil flow F, as will be better shown hereinafter.

[0039] In the following and Figures 1 to 6 In the drawings, suffixes I and II are used to indicate the left and right sides, respectively; and suffixes ' and " are used to indicate the upper and lower sides, respectively. Terms such as front, rear, top, bottom, etc. are used with reference to normal operation of the radio-controlled vehicle 1 on the support plane π1 in the forward direction v.

[0040] according to Figures 2 to 6 As shown, the connection system 2 includes a support 4 , an accessory holder unit 5 and a coupling unit 6 between the support 4 and the accessory holder unit 5 .

[0041] The support 4 is integrally formed with the radio-controlled vehicle 1. As a non-limiting example, the support 4 is fixed to the frame 103 of the radio-controlled vehicle 1.

[0042] according to Figures 2 to 6 In the example shown in , the frame 103 of the vehicle 1 comprises two arms 105I and 105II substantially parallel to the roll axis X, and a plate 106 fixed to the two arms 105I, 105II and substantially perpendicular to the roll axis X.

[0043] according to Figures 2 to 5 In the example shown in , the support 4 comprises a coupling unit 150A configured to be fixed to the plate 106 of the frame 103. According to the example shown, the coupling unit 150A is configured to form a prismatic joint, ie a joint allowing relative translation with the plate 106.

[0044] according to Figures 2 to 5In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the support member 4 includes a foil 12 having a rectangular shape. The coupling unit 150A includes an upper slider 41 ′ and a lower slider 41 ″ fixed to the foil 12 .

[0045] According to the example shown, the slides 41 ′ and 41 ″ have a U-shaped profile and are opposite each other so as to be fitted on two opposite edges of the plate 106 in use. Preferably, the support 4 and the plate 106 are reciprocally movable along a direction parallel to the slides.

[0046] According to the example shown, the frame 103 comprises a drive 107 connectable to the support 4 and configured to translate the support 4 relative to the plate 106. According to the example shown, the drive 107 is a hydraulic cylinder. According to a variant not shown, the connection system 2 may comprise fixing means (of known type and not shown) for fixing said plate 106 and said support 4 together in a given reciprocating position.

[0047] The sheet 12 has a substantially rectangular periphery and has an upper edge 7 ′ and a lower edge 7 ″ which are side edges of greater dimension and are parallel to the transverse axis Y of the radio-controlled vehicle 1 . The sheet 12 has a left edge 7I and a right edge 7II which are side edges of lesser dimension and are parallel to the vertical axis Z of the radio-controlled vehicle 1 .

[0048] The upper edge 7 ′ has an upwardly open U-shaped groove 38 . The groove 38 is a reference for the accessory holder unit 5 .

[0049] Advantageously, the coupling unit 6 is automatic. In other words, the coupling unit 6 is remotely operable, without the need for direct intervention of an operator.

[0050] According to the example shown, the coupling unit 6 is hydraulically operated. According to a variant not shown, the coupling unit 6 may be operated by an operating system selected from the group of operating systems of different types such as: electric, pneumatic, mechanical, electromagnetic or equivalent systems.

[0051] According to the example shown, the coupling unit 6 is formed integrally with the support 4. In other words, when the accessory T is released from the radio-controlled vehicle 1, the accessory unit 6 remains on the radio-controlled vehicle 1. According to a variant not shown, the coupling unit 6 can be connected to the accessory T, in which case, when the accessory T is released from the radio-controlled vehicle 1, the coupling unit 6 remains integrally formed with the accessory T or is separate.

[0052] The accessory holder unit 5 further comprises a sheet body 28 which, in use, is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X and parallel to the support 4. The sheet body 28 has a variable developed profile which may have any shape and size.

[0053] The accessory holder unit 5 further comprises an abutment element 9 which, in use, comes into contact with the edge 7 of the support 4. The abutment element 9 is configured to form a form coupling and / or an interference fit with the support 4.

[0054] according to Figures 2 to 6 In the example shown in , the accessory holder unit 5 includes two engagement elements 9 that contact against the upper edge 7' of the support 4 in use. More specifically, the abutment unit 9 includes an engagement element 9I (left) and an engagement element 9II (right) that contact two corresponding parts of the upper edge 7' of the support 4. Without loss of generality: the number and distribution of the engagement elements 9 may be different from those shown. Each engagement element 9I, 9II is configured to form a shape connection and / or an interference fit with the support 4.

[0055] According to the example shown, each engagement element 9 has a U-shape with a slot 109 facing the interaction unit 10. Each slot 109 is configured to allow insertion and accommodation of a corresponding portion of the support 4 to allow coupling between the support 4 and the accessory holder unit 5. When the accessory holder unit 5 and the support 4 are coupled together, the corresponding portion of the support 4 is accommodated inside the slot 109.

[0056] The accessory holder unit 5 also comprises an interaction unit 10 with the coupling unit 6. According to the example shown, the interaction unit 10 comprises a sheet with a seat 11. According to variants not shown, the interaction unit 10 may be different, for example, it may have a different number and shape of sheets 10. According to the example shown, the seats 11 are two, according to variants not shown, the interaction unit 10 may have a single seat 11 or three or more seats 11.

[0057] The coupling unit 6 further comprises a mechanism 8 configured to selectively couple / release the support 4 to / from the accessory holder unit 5. Figures 2 to 6 In the example shown in , the coupling unit 6 comprises a left mechanism 8I and a right mechanism 8II respectively fixed to the left edge 7I and the right edge 7II of the support 4. The number, orientation and distribution of the mechanisms 8 may be different from those shown. For example, the coupling unit 6 may comprise a single mechanism 8 or three or more mechanisms 8.

[0058] According to the example shown, the two mechanisms 8I and 8II are substantially identical to one another. According to a variant not shown, the mechanisms 8I and 8II may be different from one another.

[0059] Each mechanism 8 is configured to cooperate with the interaction unit 10 in use to constrain the support 4 to the accessory holder unit 5. In particular, each mechanism 8 is fixed to the support 4 and is interposed between the engagement element 9 and the interaction unit 10. In this way, the connection system 2 is particularly compact and each mechanism 8 is arranged in a position protected from external factors and stresses. Advantageously, each mechanism 8 is shielded by the support 4, in other words, each mechanism is arranged on the inside of the support 4, i.e. on the side facing the radio-controlled vehicle 1 in use. In this way, each mechanism 8 is interposed between the support 4 and the radio-controlled vehicle 1 during use.

[0060] According to the example shown, each mechanism 8 comprises a pin 13 mounted so as to be movable from a fixed position S1 ( Figures 2 to 5 ) moves to the release position S2 ( Figure 6 ),vice versa.

[0061] According to the example shown in the figures, the mechanism 8 is a push-type single-acting cylinder.

[0062] Advantageously, each mechanism 8 is fed from above and coaxially, as will be better shown hereinafter. Each mechanism 8 comprises a hollow body 14 having a longitudinal axis Z1 , an upper end 141 ′ and a lower end 141 ″.

[0063] The mechanism 8 also comprises a piston 15 and a spring 16, the piston being slidably mounted inside the hollow body 14 along the longitudinal axis Z1. The spring 16 is mounted inside the hollow body 14 to reposition the piston 15 in a predetermined position.

[0064] According to the example shown, the spring 16 acts on the piston 15 to push the pin 13 into the fixed position S1 .

[0065] The pin 13 is fixed to the piston 15 and moves integrally with it along the longitudinal axis Z1 . According to the example shown, the mechanism 8 is fixed to the support 4 so that its longitudinal axis Z1 is parallel to the longitudinal axis Z of the radio-controlled vehicle 1 .

[0066] More specifically, the hollow body 14 has an expansion chamber 18 adapted to receive, in use, pressurized oil F from an oil inlet of a hydraulic assembly of the radio-controlled vehicle 1 , as will be better shown hereinafter. The piston 15 is interposed between the expansion chamber 18 and the spring 16 along the longitudinal axis Z1 .

[0067] According to the example shown, advantageously, each mechanism 8 comprises a rod 19 inserted inside the hollow body 14 and configured to supply pressurized oil F inside the expansion chamber 18. The rod 19 is coaxial with the longitudinal axis Z1. The rod 19 is mounted fixedly and in cantilevered manner along the hollow body 14. The rod 19 is substantially a tubular body traversed by a channel 20 allowing the pressurized oil F to flow. The rod 19 has an upper end 191 ′ and a lower end 191 ″. The rod 19 comprises a fitting 21 for fluidly connecting the channel 20 at the upper end 191 ′ to a relative pressurized oil inlet F (of known type and not shown) of the radio-controlled vehicle 1 .

[0068] In this way, advantageously, the supply of pressurized oil F to the expansion chamber 18 takes place inside the hollow body 14, in particular along the longitudinal axis Z1. In other words, there is no mouth at the side of the hollow body 14 for the pressurized oil F to flow into the expansion chamber 18. This makes the mechanism 8 compact and safe, and moreover, it allows to have a large continuous and smooth surface for fixing to the support 4, for example by welding.

[0069] The piston 15 has a central chamber 22. The piston 15 is mounted on the rod 19. The piston 15 and the rod 19 are reciprocatingly movable. The central chamber 22 of the piston 15 is configured to at least partially accommodate the rod 19. According to the example shown, the piston 15 and the pin 13 protrude from the lower end 191 ″ of the rod 19 along the longitudinal axis Z1.

[0070] The central chamber 22 is closed along the longitudinal axis Z1 by the body of the pin 13. The central chamber 22 has a side opening 23 that connects the central chamber 22 to the expansion chamber 18 fluid. The mechanism 8 also includes a gasket g for hermetically closing the mechanism 8 and preventing oil from leaking outside. The type and installation method of the gasket g are of known type and are shown in a schematic manner.

[0071] Advantageously, the hollow body 14 has a cross section of polygonal shape on the plane XY. According to the example shown, the cross section is substantially square with chamfered edges. According to variants not shown, the polygonal cross section of the hollow body may have a different number of sides (for example, pentagonal, hexagonal, etc.). The polygonal cross section of the hollow body 14 allows to have a smooth side, the surface of which is sufficiently extended to obtain a stable connection between the hollow body 14 and the support 4. For example, one side of the hollow body 14 is welded to the support 4. In this way, advantageously, a strong connection is obtained that can also withstand fatigue under high stresses (such as the stress that may be generated between the accessory T (for example, a crusher) and the radio-controlled vehicle 1 during use). Advantageously, the mechanism 8 includes a cap 24, which is arranged to close the upper end 141 'of the hollow body 14. The cap 24 has a seat for positioning and accommodating the accessory 21. The cap 24 has a cross section of polygonal shape on the plane XY so as to form a shape connection and / or an interference fit with the upper end 141 'of the hollow body 14. The cap 24 is simple to manufacture and easy to install. Due to the polygonal shape of the cap 24 and the hollow body 14, an interference fit can be used for each side of the cap 24, for example, a connection by means of screws. In this way, advantageously, a stable and secure connection can be obtained between the cap 24 and the hollow body 14.

[0072] Each mechanism 8 of the above-described type has the advantage of being simple and cost-effective to manufacture and easy to install. In this way, advantageously, maintenance operations are particularly facilitated. In use, the support 4 is fixed to the frame of the radio-controlled vehicle 1 and each mechanism 8 is connected to a hydraulic assembly (of a known type and not shown) of the radio-controlled vehicle 1. An operator acting on the radio controller selectively remotely adjusts the activation and deactivation of the coupling unit 6 to selectively fix / release the accessory holder unit 5 to / from the support 4. In other words, the accessory holder unit 5 can be connected to the support 4 without direct intervention by the operator.

[0073] Advantageously, the fitting 21 of each mechanism 8 is connected to a pressurized oil inlet F. Advantageously, an operator acting on the radio controller 104 can selectively (in a known manner not shown) interrupt / enable the pressurized oil inlet F to the fitting 21 of each mechanism 8 .

[0074] In particular, by supplying each mechanism 8 with pressurized oil F, the piston 15 moves so as to bring the pin 13 to the release position S2. By deactivating the pressurized oil inlet F to the mechanism, in particular by connecting the fitting 21 of each mechanism to a drain, the piston 15 returns to the fixed position S1 by the urging action of the spring 16. Advantageously, the operation of each mechanism 8 is linked to a flow parameter of the pressurized oil inlet F. For example, the adjustable parameter of the pressurized oil inlet F is the pressure and / or the flow rate.

[0075] Advantageously, each mechanism 8 is a push-type single-acting hydraulic cylinder, whereby the pin 13 in the rest position is in the fixed position S1. Thus, advantageously, the connection between the support 4 and the accessory holder unit 5 is always guaranteed, even in the event of damage to the hydraulic assembly.

[0076] When the pin 13 is in the release position S2, the support 4 and the accessory holder unit 5 can be reciprocated. When the pin 13 is in the fixing position S1, the accessory holder unit 5 is fixed to the support 4.

[0077] When the pin 13 is brought to the release position S2, the support 4 can be moved by operating the radio-controlled vehicle 1; in this way, the support 4 and the accessory holder unit 5 can be reciprocated to couple / detach the support and the accessory holder unit.

[0078] As an example, according to Figures 1 to 6 In order to be able to couple the accessory holder unit 5 to the support 4, the following steps are performed:

[0079] - supplying pressurized oil to each mechanism 8 in order to place the piston 15 and therefore the pin 13 in the release position S2;

[0080] - remotely operating the radio-controlled vehicle 1 so that the upper edge 7 ′ of the support 4 engages with the engagement element 9 of the accessory holder unit 5 to form a positive connection and / or an interference fit; in particular, the support 4 is inserted from below inside the U-shaped seat of the engagement element 9;

[0081] - placing the lower edge 7 ″ in contact with the interaction unit 10 ; in particular, placing the lower edge 7 ″ on the flap 12 so as to align the pins 13 with the corresponding seats 11 ;

[0082] After the pins 13 are aligned with the seats 11 , each mechanism 8 is unloaded so that the spring 16 pushes the piston 15 and therefore the pins 13 into the fixed position S1 and inserts each pin 13 into the corresponding seat 11 .

[0083] After the above process has been completed, the accessory holder unit 5 and the support member 4 are coupled together, ie, fixed together.

[0084] In order to release the accessory holder unit 5 from the support 4, the following steps are carried out:

[0085] - supplying pressurized oil to each mechanism 8 in order to place the piston 15 and therefore the pin 13 in the release position S2;

[0086] The radio-controlled vehicle 1 is remotely operated so that the support 4 is displaced (translation / rotation-translation) relative to the accessory holder unit 5 so that the upper edge 7 ′ of the support is separated from the engagement element 9 and the interaction unit 10 .

[0087] Advantageously, the above-described solution allows any accessory T to be secured to / released from the support 4 in an automatic manner, in other words without direct intervention by an operator.

[0088] In particular, the operator, by means of the radio controller 104 , can remotely regulate both the movement of the radio-controlled vehicle 1 and the activation / deactivation of each mechanism 8 .

[0089] Figure 7 A variation of the radio-controlled vehicle 1 according to the invention is shown. Figure 7 Components common to the previously described solution retain the same reference numerals and are considered included therein without repeating them for the sake of brevity.

[0090] according to Figure 7 In the variant shown in , the accessory T2 is a bucket.

[0091] according to Figure 8 and Fig. 9 In the example shown in , the support member 4 includes a connection unit 150B, which is configured to fix the support member 4 to the arm 105 (105I, 105II) of the vehicle 1 (according to the example shown, the arm 105 is the lifting arm of the mini excavator) and / or the actuator 1052 for operating the accessory T2 during use.

[0092] according to Figure 8 and Fig. 9 In the example shown in , the coupling unit 150B is configured to generate a rotational kinematic pair, ie a kinematic pair allowing relative rotation between the arm 105 and the support 4 .

[0093] according to Figure 8 In the example shown in, the coupling unit 150B includes a left fork 42I and a fork 42II, each of which is configured to form a corresponding connection hinge with the corresponding arm 105I, 105II. According to the example shown, each fork 42 further includes two cantilever walls 43 (also indicated by 43I, 43II in the figure to distinguish them from the left and right) parallel to each other and protruding vertically and cantilevered from the sheet 12. The wall 43 is passed through by a hole 44 that is coaxial with each other and substantially parallel to the transverse axis Y. The distance d between the two cantilever walls 43I and 43II of the same fork 42 can accommodate the end of the corresponding arm 105.

[0094] according to Fig. 9As shown in the figure, each cantilever wall 43 is in the shape of a substantially right triangle, having: a vertical right-angled side 45 in contact with the sheet member 12; a lower horizontal right-angled side 46 protruding vertically from the sheet member 12; and a fitting 47 between the horizontal right-angled side 46 and the hypotenuse 48. The cantilever wall 43 faces upward with the intersecting top end hl between the vertical right-angled side 45 and the hypotenuse 48. The hypotenuse 48 is divided into a joining portion 49 and a middle portion 50. The middle portion is between the joining portion 49 and the fitting 47. The joining portion 49 is between the middle portion 50 and the vertical right-angled side 45. The joining portion 49 is inclined at an angle α1 relative to the sheet member 12. The middle portion 50 is inclined at an angle α2 relative to a plane parallel to the sheet member 12. The angle α2 is smaller than the angle α1. In other words, the joining portion 49 and the middle portion 50 have different inclinations relative to the plane ZY.

[0095] The coupling unit 150B also comprises a member 51 configured to form a connection hinge with a corresponding actuator 1052. The member 51 is interposed between the left fork 42I and the right fork 42II along the transverse axis Y. In use, the actuator 1052 is connected to the member 51 to selectively rotate the support 4, thereby also causing the rotation of the accessory T2.

[0096] according to Figures 7 to 10 In the example shown in , the accessory holder unit 5 includes a sheet body 28 that is folded to at least partially enclose a corresponding portion of the support 4. In particular, the accessory holder unit 5 includes: a flat wall 128, the perimeter of which is substantially equal to the perimeter of the sheet 12 of the support 4; an abutment wall 129 and an interference wall 130. The abutment wall 129 is inclined at an angle α3 relative to the flat wall 128 to form a groove 109 (the function of the groove is equivalent to the groove 109 of the engagement element 9 described above). The interference wall 130 is substantially perpendicular to the flat wall 129. The angle α3 is substantially equal to the angle α1 of the engagement portion 49 of the support 4, so that the engagement portion 49 contacts the abutment wall 129 in use. The flat wall 128, the abutment wall 129 and the interference wall 130 define a receiving portion 131 configured to receive a corresponding portion of the support 4.

[0097] Advantageously, the shape and size of the receiving portion 131 allow the support member 4 to be inserted with clearance. When the support member 4 is inserted into the receiving portion 131, the abutment wall 129 faces the engagement portion 49 and is configured to contact the engagement portion. Advantageously, the inclination α1 of the engagement portion 49 is determined to allow the top end hl of the support member to be inserted into the receiving portion 131.

[0098] The interference wall 130 constitutes the interaction unit 10. The interference wall 130 has a seat 11, which in the case shown is two. According to a variant not shown, the interaction unit 10 may have a single seat 11 or three or more seats 11.

[0099] The coupling unit 6 further comprises a mechanism 108. In particular, the coupling unit 6 comprises a left mechanism 108I and a right mechanism 108II. The mechanisms 108I and 108II are single-acting hydraulic cylinders. The mechanisms 108I and 108II are substantially similar to Figures 1 to 6 Among the variations shown in FIG. 1 , common components retain the same reference numerals and are shown without repeating them for the sake of brevity. Figures 1 to 6 Unlike the mechanism 8 shown in FIG, the fitting 21 with the pressurized oil inlet F is lateral. In this case, the oil enters the expansion chamber 18 directly. Figures 1 to 6 Unlike the example shown in , the mechanism 108 does not have a central chamber 22 and a rod 19 .

[0100] According to the example shown, the support 4 comprises a left bracket 133I and a right bracket 133II. The left bracket 133I is interposed between the left fork 42I and the member 51. The right bracket 133II is interposed between the member 51 and the right fork 42II.

[0101] The left mechanism 108I is fixed to the left support 133I. The right mechanism 108II is fixed to the right support 133II. Each mechanism 108I, 108II is articulated to the respective support 133I, 133II about an axis Y2 parallel to the transverse axis.

[0102] The pin 13 of each mechanism 108 projects downwardly and is oriented so as to be inserted inside a corresponding seat 11 of an interfering wall 130 in use.

[0103] according to Figures 8 to 10 In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the fitting 21 for connection to the oil inlet protrudes radially to the outside of the mechanism 108 .

[0104] In use, the support 4 is fixed to the frame of the radio-controlled vehicle 104, and each mechanism 108 is connected to a hydraulic assembly (of a known type and not shown) of the radio-controlled vehicle 1. An operator acting on the radio controller 104 selectively remotely adjusts the activation and deactivation of the coupling unit 6 to selectively fix / release the accessory holder unit 5 from the support 4. In other words, the mounting holder unit 5 can be connected to the support 4 without direct intervention by the operator.

[0105] The connection system 2 and the radio-controlled vehicle 1 described above allow safe operation in any operating condition, especially on very steep slopes, which is also particularly advantageous in cases where the attachment T could get stuck. Thus, in such operating conditions, this guarantees the safety of the operator while also protecting the radio-controlled vehicle 1, which prevents possible damage to the vehicle by releasing it.

Claims

1. A method for connecting an accessory (T) to a radio-controlled vehicle (1) by means of a connection system (2), the connection system comprising a support (4), an accessory holder unit (5) and a coupling unit (6); wherein: The support (4) is configured to be fixed to a radio-controlled vehicle (1) in use; wherein the accessory holder unit (5) is configured to be fixed to an accessory (T) in use; wherein the coupling unit (6) is configured to selectively connect the support (4) and the accessory holder unit (5) to each other; wherein the coupling unit (6) is remotely operable; the method comprises selectively and automatically setting the coupling unit (6) to a fixed configuration (S1) or a released configuration (S2) without physical intervention by an operator: - in the fixed configuration, the accessory holder unit (5) and the support (4) are fixed together; - In the release configuration, the accessory holder unit (5) and the support (4) are reciprocally movable.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The coupling unit (6) comprises a hydraulic mechanism (8; 108) and is supplied by a pressurized oil inlet (F) in use; wherein the operation of the coupling unit (6) is associated with a flow parameter of the pressurized oil inlet (F), in particular with pressure and / or flow rate.

3. Method according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the step of remotely operating the movement of the support (4) by means of the radio-controlled vehicle (1).

4. A connection system for connecting an accessory (T; T1, T2) to a radio-controlled vehicle (1); the connection system (2) comprising a support (4), an accessory holder unit (5) and a coupling unit (6); wherein, The support member (4) is configured to be fixed to a radio-controlled vehicle (1) in use; wherein the accessory holder unit (5) is configured to be fixed to an accessory (T; T1, T2) in use; wherein the coupling unit (6) is remotely operable and the coupling unit is configured to be selectively and automatically set to a fixed configuration (S1) or a released configuration (S2) without physical intervention by an operator: - in the fixed configuration, the accessory holder unit (5) and the support (4) are fixed together; - In the release configuration, the accessory holder unit (5) and the support (4) are reciprocally movable.

5. The connection system according to claim 4, wherein: The coupling unit (6) comprises a hydraulic mechanism (8; 108) configured to selectively drive a coupling element (13), in particular a pin (13), from the fixed configuration (S1) to the released configuration (S2) and vice versa; in particular, the hydraulic mechanism (8; 108) is a push-type single-acting hydraulic cylinder.

6. The connection system according to claim 5, wherein: The fixed configuration (S1) of the pin (13) is the rest position of the mechanism (8; 108), ie the position assumed when the hydraulic mechanism (8; 108) is not supplied by the pressurized oil inlet (F).

7. The connection system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: The coupling unit (6) comprises a plurality of the mechanisms (8; 108).

8. A connection system according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein: The accessory holder unit (5) comprises an interaction unit (10) having one or more receiving portions (11); each receiving portion (11) is configured to achieve a form connection and / or an interference fit with a corresponding coupling element (13) of the coupling unit (6).

9. A connection system according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein: The accessory holder unit (5) comprises one or more engaging elements (9; 129), which are configured to contact and abut against a corresponding part (7'; 49) of the support member (4) during use; in particular, each of the engaging elements (9; 129) has a groove (109) or each of the engaging elements is bent to form a groove, which is configured to accommodate a corresponding part of the support member (4); each of the grooves (109) faces the interaction unit (10), that is, each of the grooves can be approached from the interaction unit.

10. The connection system according to claim 9, wherein: Each of the coupling units (6) is fixed at a predetermined position of the support member (4) so ​​as to be arranged between the interaction unit (10) and the engagement element (9; 129).

11. A radio-controlled vehicle (1) comprising a connection system (2) according to any one of claims 4 to 10.

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