Suspension system, trailer vehicle equipped with such equipment, assembly kit and corresponding methods of assembly, operation and use

Abstract

A displacement system for a towed vehicle intended to be towed by a traction vehicle, the displacement system comprising: a series of front wheels adapted to be mounted on a front section of a chassis of the towed vehicle; a series of rear wheels adapted to be mounted on a subsequent section of the chassis of the towed vehicle; a movable tie rod adapted to be pivotally mounted relative to a chassis of the towed vehicle and adapted to pivot about at least one corresponding axis of rotation, the tie rod being connectable to a hitch rod of the towing vehicle via a hitch device; and a drive device for displacing a corresponding axis of rotation of the pull rod relative to a chassis of the towed vehicle in response to a given displacement surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of suspension devices for multi-axle trailers, such as those used in towing and / or agricultural applications and / or any other relevant type of application. More particularly, the present invention relates to a new mobile system (e.g., which can be used as a suspension system, etc.) for a towed vehicle (e.g., a trailer, a spreader, etc.) intended to be towed by a towing vehicle (e.g., a tractor, etc.), and also to a vehicle (e.g., a towing vehicle and / or a towed vehicle) and / or a device of such a vehicle equipped with such equipment, as well as a kit designed for assembling them, and corresponding assembling, operating, and / or using methods. Background Art

[0002] It is known in the art that the connection between an agricultural tractor and the towed equipment is made on the drawbar of the tractor, and the towed equipment must be able to follow the path of the tractor and adapt to the terrain topology to which it is towed using a suspension system.

[0003] Traditionally, a trailer (and / or a spreader) is constructed with a drawbar rigidly connected to the load-bearing structure of the trailer, and the other end of the drawbar is connected to the drawbar of the tractor via a hitch (or tow bar) that allows movement in all directions. In such a setup, only the axles of the trailer are mounted on a suspension system to absorb vibrations and adapt to the ground. The suspension system can be of various types (regardless of the type of axles used), and to mention just a few, the most obvious are "mechanical" (e.g., "tandem") or "hydraulic".

[0004] The problem encountered with these setups is the limited ability to adapt to the ground topology (or ground shape). In fact, depending on the length of the trailer and the axle configuration, changes in the terrain to which the trailer is towed may cause one or more front axles of the trailer to lift off the ground, resulting in the towed weight being supported only by the rear axles of the trailer and the drawbar of the tractor. In such cases, the load distribution may exceed the allowable limits of the trailer and tractor components, thus greatly increasing the risk of equipment failure and / or loss of control of the equipment.

[0005] The connection of a hydraulic suspension system is also known in the art. In fact, regardless of the number of axles used to support and distribute the load of the trailer, the principle of communicating vessels is applied, and each hydraulic cylinder body is connected in series on the piston side. Thus, when one of the axles moves, the oil volume is transferred to the other cylinders, causing movement in the opposite direction to keep the wheels in contact with the ground while the pressure is evenly distributed throughout the hydraulic system. However, unfortunately, this solution does not solve the above problems.

[0006] The management of the weight of spreading equipment (e.g., spreading booms, discs, etc.), which is generally known to be located at the rear of a spreader, is also known in the art. In fact, this equipment can represent a significant load at the rear of the spreader, and this becomes a challenge when the amount of liquid fertilizer in the spreader decreases. In the worst case, the weight transmitted to the tractor drawbar can be "zero" or even "negative" (the so-called "negative weight" means that the load on the tractor drawbar tends to lift it rather than press it towards the ground), which is highly disadvantageous and can lead to a loss of control of the equipment. To address this problem, weight transfer systems (e.g., systems that lift the front axle) have been developed, but these systems do not eliminate the risk of overloading the hitch components of the tractor or the suspension of the spreader.

[0007] Therefore, it would be highly advantageous to find a new technique / approach and / or system / equipment that is capable of evenly supporting the load on terrains with significant slopes and / or obstacles in order to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks and deficiencies associated with current methods. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a mobile system (e.g., a suspension system and / or another related system, etc.) for a trailer and / or a spreader, which, due to the design and components of the mobile system, will meet some of the aforementioned requirements and thus represents an improvement over other known methods, systems, and / or related load distribution techniques, etc. known in the prior art.

[0009] The above-described object will be better understood hereinafter by the mobile system (and / or the corresponding vehicle(s) equipped with such equipment, etc.) briefly described in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0010] More particularly, according to a possible embodiment of the present invention, the present invention particularly relates to a mobile system (and / or a suspension, load distribution system, or other related system, etc.) for a towed vehicle intended to be towed by a towing vehicle, the mobile system comprising:

[0011] A set of front wheels adapted to be mounted on the front section of the chassis of the towed vehicle;

[0012] A set of rear wheels adapted to be mounted on the subsequent section of the chassis of the towed vehicle;

[0013] A movable drawbar adapted to be pivotally mounted relative to the chassis of the towed vehicle and capable of pivoting about at least one corresponding axis of rotation, the drawbar being connectable via a hitch device to the drawbar of the towing vehicle; and

[0014] A drive device for actuating the movement of the corresponding axis of rotation of the drawbar relative to the chassis of the towed vehicle in response to a given driving surface.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, it also relates to a corresponding vehicle (e.g., a towed vehicle and / or a towing vehicle) provided with the above-mentioned system and / or equipment.

[0016] For example, the present invention may also relate to a towed vehicle intended to be towed by a towing vehicle, the towed vehicle comprising:

[0017] A chassis having a front section and a rear section, the front section being configured to receive a set of front wheels movable relative to the front section of the chassis, and the rear section being configured to receive a set of rear wheels movable relative to the rear section of the chassis;

[0018] A movable drawbar adapted to be pivotally mounted relative to the chassis of the towed vehicle and capable of pivoting about at least one corresponding axis of rotation, the drawbar being connectable via a hitch device to the drawbar of the towing vehicle; and

[0019] A drive device for actuating the movement of the corresponding axis of rotation of the drawbar relative to the chassis of the towed vehicle in response to a given driving surface and selectively positioning the wheels of the towed vehicle relative to its chassis.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, it also relates to a device for such corresponding vehicles (e.g., towed vehicles and / or towing vehicles) equipped with the above-mentioned system and / or equipment.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present invention, the present invention also relates to a kit having corresponding components for assembling the above-mentioned system, equipment, vehicle, and / or device (e.g., with and / or without wheels, since although the final product preferably includes wheels, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the technology can ultimately be sold "without wheels" before the final and / or intended use of the product, etc.).

[0022] According to another aspect of the present invention, it also relates to a method for assembling the components of the above-mentioned system, equipment, vehicle, and / or device.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present invention, it also relates to a method for operating the above-mentioned system, equipment, vehicle, and / or device and / or certain of its components.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention, it also relates to a method for using the above-mentioned system, equipment, vehicle, and / or device and / or certain of its components.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present invention, it also relates to a set of components interchangeable on the above-mentioned system, equipment, vehicle, and / or device.

[0026] According to another aspect of the present invention, it also relates to a method for manufacturing any one of the components of the above-mentioned system, equipment, vehicle, and / or device.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, it also relates to a field (and / or crops harvested therefrom, etc.) that has been processed using the above-mentioned system, equipment, vehicle, device, kit, and / or method(s).

[0028] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a commercial method involving the above-mentioned system, equipment, vehicle, device, kit, method(s), equipment, and / or product.

[0029] The objects, advantages, and other features of the present invention will become more apparent by reading the following non-limiting description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention shown in the drawings and provided by way of example only. Description of the Drawings

[0030] Figure 1 shows the configuration of a multi-wheel axle spreader according to the prior art, where the drawbar is rigidly mounted to the trailer chassis. In this typical case, the connection between the two elements is completed by a bolt connection, but in some scenarios, the drawbar can be fully integrated into the chassis by welding it thereto.

[0031] According to different possible embodiments, the following drawings illustrate various components, features, variations, and / or possible combinations of different aspects of the present invention.

[0032] For example, Figure 2 It is illustrated that the displacement element (e.g., suspension, etc.) according to the present invention can operate independently to provide optimal ground contact.

[0033] Figure 3 A simplified bottom view of the towed vehicle (e.g., spreader) is illustrated to assist in understanding the assembly of the displacement element (e.g., suspension, etc.) of the wheel axle.

[0034] Figure 4 A side view of the towed vehicle (e.g., spreader) is illustrated to visualize the possible positions of the rotation axis of the drawbar.

[0035] For illustrative purposes only, Figures 5 to 10 It is illustrated the evolution of the behavior of the displacement system (e.g., suspension system, etc.) of the towed vehicle when passing through uneven terrain - this evolution is indicated in a "comparative" manner between the configuration of the towed vehicle (e.g., trailer) according to the prior art and the configuration proposed in this specification, and each figure illustrates the "upper" part as the configuration proposed by the present invention and the "lower" part as the configuration of the prior art.

[0036] Figure 11 It is illustrated the possible variations of the connection of the mobile system (e.g., suspension, etc.) according to the present invention that can be configured according to the desired behavior and / or result.

[0037] Figure 12 Clearly illustrate different axes of rotation at the hitch point of the trailer.

[0038] Figure 13 Illustrate an example of the hydraulic connection of a hydraulic suspension system without a movable drawbar that can be pivotally mounted relative to the chassis of the towed vehicle.

[0039] Figure 14 Show an example of the hydraulic connection of a mobile system (e.g., hydraulic suspension, etc.) according to a specific embodiment of the present invention, which has a movable drawbar that can be pivotally mounted relative to the chassis of the towed vehicle and has at least one axle that can move according to the specific configuration of a given driving surface. Detailed Description

[0040] In the following description, the same reference numerals denote similar components. The embodiments (geometry, dimensions, etc.) illustrated in the drawings and the features described in this application are only preferred and are provided by way of example only.

[0041] Furthermore, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, although the present invention is mainly designed for the suspension system of a towed vehicle (e.g., trailer, spreader, etc.) that is connected to a towing vehicle (e.g., tractor, etc.), for example, in an agricultural environment, the present invention can be used for any other type of suspension and / or for any other type of application and / or useful purpose. Therefore, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, expressions such as "mobile", "suspension", "drawbar", "hitch", "vehicle", "tow", "towed", "agriculture", "tractor", "trailer", "spreader", etc. used herein and / or any other references and / or equivalent or similar expressions should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention, and include any other object / alternative and / or any other application for which the present invention can be used and may be useful.

[0042] Furthermore, although the preferred embodiments of the illustrated system include several components, not all of these components are necessary for the present invention and should not therefore be construed as restrictive, i.e., they should not be considered in such a way as to limit the scope of the present invention. It will be understood that, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, other suitable components and geometries and / or other possible interactions between them can be used for the system according to the present invention as will be described below without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0043] In addition, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, expressions such as "system", "equipment", "mobile", "suspension", "drawbar", "tongue", "hitch", "coupling", "articulation", "connection", "connector", "kit", "device", "component", "mechanism", "product", "apparatus", "operator", "controller", etc., as well as any other equivalent expressions and / or compound words derived therefrom, can be used interchangeably in the context of this specification. As will also be apparent to those skilled in the art, this also applies to other mutually equivalent expressions, such as, for example: a) "hitch", "connect", "articulate", "tow", "couple", "anchor", etc.; b) "vehicle", "tractor", "trailer", "spreader", etc.; c) "actuator", "cylinder", "control", "move", "adjust", "suspension", "damping", etc.; d) "controller", "operator", "robot", "command", "computer", "circuit", "hardware", "software", "mechanical, electronic and / or computer components", etc.; and any other mutually equivalent expressions related to the foregoing expressions and / or any other structural and / or functional aspects of the present invention.

[0044] In addition, in the context of this specification, it should be understood that all elongated objects implicitly have a "longitudinal axis" and / or a "center line", such as the longitudinal axis of a rod or the center line of a conduit, and expressions such as "connected" and "capable of being connected", or "pivoted" and "capable of being pivoted" can be used interchangeably and are mutually equivalent, since the present invention also relates to kits having corresponding components for assembling equipment and / or systems for full assembly and operation to implement the present method and / or produce any resulting and / or derivative products.

[0045] In addition, without departing from the scope of the present invention, some components of the system described in this specification and / or steps of the method can be modified, simplified, omitted and / or interchanged according to the specific application for which the system is designed and / or intended as briefly described herein and also according to the desired results, and as will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0046] Overview of the new approach currently proposed:

[0047] Generally speaking, as illustrated in the embodiments given only for illustrative purposes in the drawings, the present invention includes a wheel movement mechanism that can perform various functions, such as serving as a suspension system (e.g., a hydraulic suspension, etc.) for a trailer when the trailer is hitched to a tractor (which is also an example), combining movable elements on the drawbar and at least one corresponding axle, with the purpose of ensuring better load distribution on uneven and / or rough terrain, etc.

[0048] By adding hinges to the drawbar, equipping the drawbar with one or more actuators (e.g., one or more hydraulic cylinder bodies, etc.) and modifying the hydraulic connection, it is possible to cross larger obstacles and / or face steeper gradients while maintaining optimal load distribution.

[0049] Reading the following paragraphs in conjunction with the accompanying drawings will provide a better understanding of how the announced advantages are related to the technological innovations of the present invention.

[0050] List of reference signs shown in the drawings and / or which may be used in the system and / or corresponding preferred components:

[0051] 1. Mobile system (and / or damping system, load distribution system, wheel adjustment system, etc.)

[0052] 2. Vehicle

[0053] 3a. Towing vehicle (e.g., tractor, etc.)

[0054] 3b. Tow vehicle (e.g., trailer, spreader, etc.)

[0055] 5. Wheels (e.g., front wheels, rear wheels, effective wheels, independent wheels, etc.)

[0056] 5a. Front wheels

[0057] 5b. Rear wheels

[0058] 5e. Effective wheels

[0059] 5i. Independent wheels

[0060] 7. Chassis (e.g., of a tow vehicle)

[0061] Drawbar

[0062] 9o. Drawbar-actuator connection (e.g., pivot, etc.)

[0063] 11. Axis of rotation of the drawbar

[0064] 13. Hitch bar

[0065] 15. Hitch device

[0066] 17. Given mobile surface

[0067] 19. One or more axles

[0068] 21. Actuator (of the mobile system - e.g., hydraulic cylinder body)

[0069] 23. Longitudinal movement axis (e.g., of a tow vehicle)

[0070] 25. Support arm assembly

[0071] 27. Suspension device

[0072] 29. Connecting device

[0073] 31. Hydraulic circuit (of a mobile system)

[0074] 33. Connection to a tractor (e.g., hydraulic connection)

[0075] 34. Quick coupler (e.g., quick hydraulic coupler)

[0076] 35. Valve (e.g., hydraulic valve)

[0077] 111. Driving device (of a mobile system)

[0078] A. First degree of freedom (e.g., axis of rotation - pitch adjustment)

[0079] B. Second degree of freedom (e.g., axis of rotation - yaw adjustment)

[0080] C. Third degree of freedom (e.g., axis of rotation - roll adjustment)

[0081] θ. Drawbar movement (e.g., rotation, angular movement, etc.)

[0082] This mobile system (e.g., suspension system, damping system, load distribution system, wheel alignment system, and / or other possible function(s) and / or application(s), etc.) (and its various inventive aspects) can take different forms and / or embodiments, including one and / or more of the following components and features (and / or their various combinations and / or arrangements) provided only as preferred and / or optional embodiment(s):

[0083] i.) A mobile system (and / or suspension system, load distribution system, and / or other system(s), etc.) for a towed vehicle intended to be towed by a towing vehicle, the mobile system comprising:

[0084] A series of front wheels adapted to be mounted on a front section of the chassis of the towed vehicle;

[0085] A series of rear wheels adapted to be mounted on a subsequent section (e.g., rear section, intermediate section, and / or other section) of the chassis of the towed vehicle;

[0086] A movable drawbar adapted to be pivotally mounted relative to the chassis of the towed vehicle and adapted to pivot about at least one corresponding axis of rotation, the drawbar being connectable to a hitch bar of the towing vehicle by means of a hitch device; and

[0087] A drive device for driving a corresponding rotation axis of a drawbar to move relative to the chassis of a towed vehicle (e.g., vertically and / or otherwise) in response to a given moving surface.

[0088] ii.) The mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the drive device is further configured to drive at least one effective wheel of the wheels of the mobile system to move relative to the chassis of the towed vehicle (e.g., vertically and / or otherwise) in response to a corresponding topology (or corresponding shape, topology) of the given moving surface.

[0089] iii.) The mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the at least one effective wheel of the mobile system can be positioned relative to the chassis of the towed vehicle (e.g., in height, in distance, etc.) in response to a corresponding topology of the given moving surface.

[0090] iv.) The mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the at least one effective wheel of the mobile system is operably connectable (e.g., hydraulically, mechanically, electronically, and / or otherwise, directly and / or indirectly, etc.) to the drive device, and wherein the at least one effective wheel of the mobile system can be moved via the drive device (e.g., in response to a corresponding movement of the drawbar, and / or in response to a corresponding topology "detected" by the towing vehicle and / or the towed vehicle during the corresponding movement, etc.).

[0091] v.) The mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein a given movement of the drawbar causes a corresponding reverse movement of the at least one effective wheel of the mobile system (e.g., "raising" of the drawbar causes "lowering" of the at least one effective wheel, and "lowering" of the drawbar causes "raising" of the at least one effective wheel).

[0092] vi.) The mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the drive device includes at least one first actuator (e.g., a controller, a device, a lever, etc.) to adjust (e.g., control, modify, change, correct, etc.) the positioning (e.g., vertical positioning, etc.) of the rotation axis of the drawbar relative to the chassis of the towed vehicle.

[0093] vii.) The mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the drive device includes at least one second actuator (e.g., a controller, a device, a lever, etc.) to adjust (e.g., control, modify, change, correct, etc.) the positioning (e.g., vertical positioning, etc.) of the at least one effective wheel relative to the chassis of the towed vehicle.

[0094] viii.) A mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein at least one given actuator (e.g., (one or more) of said first actuator(s) and / or (one or more) of said second actuator(s)) can be operably arranged (e.g., hydraulically, mechanically, electronically, and / or otherwise, directly and / or indirectly, etc.) between a given part (e.g., a fixed part and / or other part, etc.) of the chassis of the towed vehicle and the axle of at least one effective wheel of the mobile system.

[0095] ix.) A mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein said at least one first actuator and said at least one second actuator are interconnected with each other.

[0096] x.) A mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein a given pair of actuators of the mobile system includes at least one active actuator and at least one reactive actuator (e.g., said at least one first actuator may include at least one active actuator, and said at least one second actuator may include at least one reactive actuator, and / or vice versa).

[0097] xi.) A mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the given pair of actuators includes a hydraulic cylinder block as part of the same hydraulic circuit (e.g., said at least one first actuator and said at least one second actuator may include a hydraulic cylinder block as part of the same hydraulic circuit, etc. - it should be noted that, as will be obvious to those skilled in the art, any other different and / or advantageous devices are also conceivable for the mobile system of the present invention).

[0098] xii.) A mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein each actuator is a hydraulic cylinder block.

[0099] xiii.) A mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the rotational axis of the drawbar is arranged transversely with respect to the longitudinal movement axis of the chassis of the towed vehicle.

[0100] xiv.) A mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein said at least one effective wheel includes at least one wheel that can pivot relative to at least one corresponding axle arranged substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the drawbar.

[0101] xv.) A mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein said at least one corresponding axle can be moved relative to the chassis of the towed vehicle via a set of support arms having pivoting ends.

[0102] xvi.) The mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the at least one effective wheel includes at least one front wheel that is pivotable relative to at least one corresponding front wheel axle.

[0103] xvii.) The mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the at least one effective wheel includes at least a pair of front wheels.

[0104] xviii.) The mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the at least one effective wheel includes at least a pair of front wheels that are pivotable relative to at least one identical corresponding front wheel axle.

[0105] xix.) The mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the at least one effective wheel includes at least a pair of front wheels, and each front wheel is pivotable relative to at least one given corresponding front wheel axle.

[0106] xx.) The mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the at least one effective wheel includes at least two pairs of corresponding front wheels.

[0107] xxi.) The mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the at least one effective wheel includes at least one rear wheel that is pivotable relative to at least one corresponding rear wheel axle.

[0108] xxii.) The mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the at least one effective wheel includes at least a pair of rear wheels.

[0109] xxiii.) The mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the at least one effective wheel includes at least a pair of rear wheels that are pivotable relative to at least one identical corresponding rear wheel axle.

[0110] xxiv.) The mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the at least one effective wheel includes at least a pair of rear wheels, and each rear wheel is pivotable relative to at least one given corresponding rear wheel axle.

[0111] xxv.) The mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the at least one effective wheel includes at least two pairs of corresponding rear wheels.

[0112] xxvi.) The mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the at least one effective wheel includes at least three pairs of corresponding rear wheels.

[0113] xxvii.) A mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein at least one independent wheel of the mobile system is capable of moving freely relative to the chassis of the towed vehicle (e.g., in height, independent of other wheels and / or independent of the main drive system and / or corresponding circuits, etc.).

[0114] xxviii.) A mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the at least one independent wheel is a side wheel of the mobile system (e.g., the left and / or right side of the chassis and / or any other component).

[0115] xxix.) A mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the at least one independent wheel is disposed in at least one of two series of wheels (e.g., the front wheels of the series and / or the rear wheels of the series).

[0116] xxx.) A mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the at least one independent wheel includes a plurality of independent wheels.

[0117] xxxi.) A mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the plurality of independent wheels includes at least one left independent wheel and at least one right independent wheel.

[0118] xxxii.) A mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the at least one left independent wheel and the at least one right independent wheel are disposed in the rear wheels of the series, and wherein the at least one left independent wheel is capable of moving independently of the at least one right independent wheel (and vice versa).

[0119] xxxiii.) A mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the plurality of independent wheels includes a plurality of left independent wheels and a plurality of right independent wheels.

[0120] xxxiv.) A mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein each independent wheel is connected to a corresponding hydraulic circuit.

[0121] xxxv.) A mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein each independent wheel on the same side (e.g., the left and / or right side of the chassis of the towed vehicle) is capable of moving independently of another independent wheel on the same side.

[0122] xxxvi.) A mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the front wheels of the series are interconnected with the rear wheels of the series via the same drive system.

[0123] xxxvii.) A mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the front wheels of the series can be driven independently of the rear wheels of the series.

[0124] xxxviii.) A mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein each wheel series is equipped with a corresponding hydraulic circuit.

[0125] xxxix.) A mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the front wheel series can be interconnected via a first hydraulic circuit, and wherein the rear wheel series can be interconnected via a second hydraulic circuit that is distinct (e.g., separate, different, etc.) from the first hydraulic circuit.

[0126] xl.) A mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the drive system is configured to cooperate with the first hydraulic circuit.

[0127] xli.) A mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein at least one effective wheel of the mobile system can be equipped with at least one corresponding suspension (and / or damping) device.

[0128] xlii.) A mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein at least one wheel other than the at least one effective wheel of the mobile system can also be equipped with at least one corresponding suspension (and / or damping) device.

[0129] xliii.) A mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein each wheel of the mobile system can be equipped with at least one corresponding suspension (and / or damping) device.

[0130] xliv.) A mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the mobile system serves as a suspension (and / or damping) system for a towed vehicle.

[0131] xlv.) A mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the towed vehicle is a trailer or a spreader (and / or any other given / suitable type of vehicle).

[0132] xlvi.) A mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the towing vehicle is a tractor.

[0133] xlvii.) A mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the hitch device is configured to allow adjustment along at least one degree of freedom.

[0134] xlviii.) A mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the hitch device is configured to allow pitch adjustment.

[0135] xlix.) A mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the hitch device is configured to allow yaw adjustment.

[0136] l.) A mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the hitch device is configured to allow rolling adjustment.

[0137] li.) A mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the hitch device is a hitch device such as that described in patent application No. PCT / CA2022 / 051243 filed on August 16, 2022 (for example, the content of this application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and / or selectively).

[0138] lii.) A mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the drawbar is configured to allow movement along at least one degree of freedom (e.g., tilt, pivot, rotation, up / down, extend / contract, etc.).

[0139] liii.) A mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the drawbar can be connected to the chassis of the towed vehicle by means of corresponding connection devices (e.g., (one or more) rivets, (one or more) bolts and / or (one or more) nuts, (one or more) rods and / or (one or more) pins, etc.).

[0140] liv.) A mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein at least one corresponding suspension (and / or damping) device is operatively provided (e.g., hydraulically, mechanically, electronically and / or otherwise, directly and / or indirectly, etc.) between the axis of rotation of the drawbar and the at least one effective wheel of the wheels of the mobile system.

[0141] lv.) A kit having corresponding components for assembling a mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations.

[0142] lvi.) A towed vehicle equipped with a mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations.

[0143] lvii.) A combination of a towed vehicle towed by a towing vehicle by means of a hitch device, the towed vehicle being equipped with a mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations.

[0144] lviii.) A method for moving a towed vehicle on a given driving surface, the method comprising the steps of:

[0145] a) Providing a towed vehicle equipped with a mobile system according to any one of the foregoing combinations;

[0146] b) Connecting the drawbar of the towed vehicle to the hitch bar of the towing vehicle via the hitch device; and

[0147] c) During the displacement of the towed vehicle via its wheels on the given travel surface, the rotational axis of the drive drawbar moves vertically relative to the chassis of the towed vehicle in response to the positioning of at least one effective wheel of the wheels.

[0148] Naturally, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, several modifications and / or other substitutions and / or other technical / mechanical equivalents may be made to the system and / or its components and / or the corresponding steps without departing from the present invention.

[0149] It is noted that, as previously mentioned, this mobile system can be used as an "other" system for a trailer (e.g., suspension, damping, load distribution, etc.), and thus, various aspects of this system can also take different forms and / or presentations, including one and / or several of the following components and features (and / or their different combinations and / or arrangements) provided only as preferred and / or optional embodiments:

[0150] i.) A hitch system for linking a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle, the hitch system comprising:

[0151] A main connection assembly that is positioned, formed, and sized to receive a portion of the hitch bar of the towing vehicle (commonly referred to as the hitch hand);

[0152] A main connection assembly that operatively links the hitch bar of the towing vehicle to the hitch hand of the trailer;

[0153] A main connection assembly that provides the possibility and amplitude of rotational movement along three axes: pitch, roll, and yaw at the level of the hitch hand height.

[0154] ii.) A connection system for linking a drawbar to the chassis of a spreader, the system comprising:

[0155] A support assembly that is fixedly connected to the chassis of the spreader and is located in front of the first axle of the spreader;

[0156] A fixed support assembly that provides one or more openings to accommodate one or more mounting axes of the drawbar.

[0157] iii.) A connection system in which the items described above are operatively linked by means of at least one fastener (e.g., rivets, bolts and nuts, rods and pins, etc.), while allowing the drawbar to rotate relative to the transverse axis of the spreader.

[0158] iv.) A hydraulic cylinder system for limiting and controlling the position of the drawbar, the hydraulic system comprising:

[0159] A cylinder support assembly that is fixedly attached to the chassis of the spreader; and

[0160] A cylinder block support assembly fixedly attached to a drawbar;

[0161] A cylinder block support assembly located between a system connecting the drawbar to the chassis of a spreader and a system connecting a hitch system to a tractor;

[0162] A hydraulic cylinder block assembly, the ends of which are operably linked to a support using at least one fastener (e.g., bolts and nuts, rods and pins).

[0163] v.) A multi-wheel axle system on which a hydraulic suspension system is mounted, the hydraulic suspension system comprising:

[0164] A cylinder block support assembly fixedly attached to the chassis of a spreader; and

[0165] A cylinder block support assembly fixedly attached to a wheel axle;

[0166] A hydraulic cylinder block assembly, the ends of which are operably linked to a support using at least one fastener (e.g., bolts and nuts, rods and pins).

[0167] vi.) A first hydraulic connection system for connecting the rear wheel axles of a spreader, the hydraulic system comprising:

[0168] A set of hydraulic conduits and fittings that link different suspension cylinders together;

[0169] A set of hydraulic hoses, fittings, and quick connectors that allow connection to a hydraulic outlet of a towing vehicle. This connection allows adjustment of the suspension height of a target wheel axle set by injecting or removing oil;

[0170] A set of manual valves located between the quick connector connected to the towing vehicle and the cylinder block. The valve allows establishment of a closed hydraulic system for the suspension elements and purging of residual pressure from the hydraulic line between the valve and the towing vehicle;

[0171] A hydraulic connection method that allows separate control of the right and left sides of the suspension elements.

[0172] vii.) A second hydraulic connection system that links the (one or more) front wheel axles and the (one or more) drawbar cylinders of a spreader, the hydraulic system comprising:

[0173] A set of hydraulic conduits and fittings that link different suspension cylinders together;

[0174] A set of hydraulic hoses, fittings, and quick connectors that allow connection to a hydraulic outlet of a towing vehicle. This connection (the piston side of the cylinder block) allows adjustment of the suspension height of a target wheel axle set by injecting or removing oil;

[0175] A set of manual valves, which are located between a quick connector connected to a towing vehicle and a cylinder block. The valves allow for the establishment of a closed hydraulic system for the suspension elements and the removal of residual pressure from the hydraulic conduit between the valves and the towing vehicle;

[0176] A hydraulic connection method, which allows for the independent control of the right and left sides of the suspension elements.

[0177] viii.) A load distribution system for a towing vehicle configured to be attached to a towed vehicle, the load distribution system comprising:

[0178] A multi-axle wheel assembly;

[0179] A set of movable tie rods;

[0180] A first hydraulic suspension assembly, wherein one or more front axles are connected to the movable tie rods;

[0181] A second hydraulic suspension assembly, wherein the right rear axles are interconnected;

[0182] A third hydraulic suspension assembly, wherein the left rear axles are interconnected.

[0183] ix.) The load distribution system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the set of movable tie rods comprises:

[0184] A tie rod-to-chassis connection assembly of the towed vehicle, which allows rotation about the transverse axis of the towed vehicle;

[0185] A tie rod-hitch rod connection system of the towing vehicle, which allows rotation along three axes: pitch, roll, and yaw.

[0186] x.) The load distribution system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, which is equipped with a hydraulic cylinder block system to ensure the positioning and / or prevention of the movement of the tie rods relative to the chassis of the towed vehicle.

[0187] xi.) The tie rod system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, on which the hydraulic circuit of the tie rod hydraulic cylinder block allows for connection to the suspension cylinder blocks of one or more front axles of the towed vehicle.

[0188] xii.) The towing vehicle according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the hydraulic connection of the rear axle suspension elements is isolated from the suspension elements of the tie rods and one or more front axles.

[0189] xiii.) A suspension system for a towed vehicle (e.g., a trailer, a spreader, etc.), the towed vehicle being attachable to a towing vehicle via a hitch system, the suspension system comprising:

[0190] A chassis;

[0191] A wheel assembly fixed to the chassis, the wheel assembly including a plurality of axles;

[0192] A drawbar removably attached to the chassis;

[0193] A first (hydropneumatic) suspension assembly linking the drawbar and a first set of axles, the first set of axles including at least one front axle;

[0194] A second (hydropneumatic) suspension assembly linking a second set of axles, the second set of axles including at least one rear axle.

[0195] xiv.) The suspension system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the first suspension assembly and the second suspension assembly are mechanically separated.

[0196] xv.) The suspension system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the drawbar is pivotally attached to the chassis (e.g., rivets, bolts and nuts, rods and pins, etc.).

[0197] xvi.) The suspension system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein at least one of the first suspension assembly and the second suspension assembly is a hydraulic suspension assembly (using hydraulic fluid, e.g., based on synthetic esters, mineral oils, vegetable oils, etc.).

[0198] xvii.) The suspension system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the first suspension assembly includes a set of hydraulic cylinder bodies having a first end operatively fixed to the chassis and a second end operatively fixed to the drawbar.

[0199] xviii.) The suspension system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein each of the first suspension assembly and the second suspension assembly includes at least a set of hydraulic cylinder bodies having a first end operatively fixed to the chassis and a second end operatively fixed to the axle.

[0200] xix.) The suspension system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein each of the first suspension assembly and the second suspension assembly includes a left suspension element and a right suspension element operatively fixed to the axle.

[0201] xx.) The suspension system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the drawbar includes a first coupler of a hitch system.

[0202] xxi.) The suspension system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the set of hydraulic cylinder bodies is fixed to the drawbar at a point along the drawbar between the first coupler and the pivot point of the drawbar.

[0203] xxii.) The suspension system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the first coupler is formed and sized to receive at least a portion of a hitch bar of a towing vehicle.

[0204] xxiii.) The suspension system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the first suspension assembly includes a first hydraulic circuit that interconnects one or more hydraulic cylinder bodies of the first suspension assembly.

[0205] xxiv.) The suspension system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the second suspension assembly includes a second hydraulic circuit that interconnects one or more hydraulic cylinder bodies of the second suspension assembly.

[0206] xxv.) The suspension system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the first hydraulic circuit and the second hydraulic circuit include one or more hydraulic hoses, fittings, etc. that interconnect the hydraulic cylinder bodies of each of the first suspension assembly and the second suspension assembly.

[0207] xxvi.) The suspension system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein at least one of the first hydraulic circuit and the second hydraulic circuit is adapted to be fluidly connected to a hydraulic circuit of a towing vehicle (the hydraulic circuit of the towing vehicle is preferably pressurized).

[0208] xxvii.) The suspension system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein each of the first suspension assembly and the second suspension assembly includes a hydraulic connector that is adapted to connect one of the first hydraulic circuit and the second hydraulic circuit to a hydraulic circuit of a towing vehicle.

[0209] xxviii.) The suspension system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein at least one of the first hydraulic circuit and the second hydraulic circuit includes a valve adapted to selectively fluidly isolate the first or second hydraulic circuit.

[0210] xxix.) The suspension system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein at least one of the first hydraulic circuit and the second hydraulic circuit is fluidly isolated from a hydraulic circuit of a towing vehicle.

[0211] xxx.) The suspension system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the valve is located downstream of the hydraulic connector.

[0212] xxxi.) The suspension system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, further comprising one or more manual control devices.

[0213] xxxii.) The suspension system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, further comprising one or more hydraulic control devices.

[0214] xxxiii.) A suspension system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein one or more hydraulic control devices are adapted to control the valves.

[0215] xxxiv.) A suspension system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein at least one of the first hydraulic circuit and the second hydraulic circuit includes a left hydraulic circuit and a right hydraulic circuit, the left hydraulic circuit being fluidly separated from the right hydraulic circuit.

[0216] xxxv.) A suspension system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the second suspension assembly is positioned on the towed vehicle downstream of the first suspension assembly relative to the direction defined by the forward movement of the towing vehicle.

[0217] xxxvi.) A suspension system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein each of the first suspension assembly and the second suspension assembly includes a hydraulic fluid, which is one of a water-based hydraulic fluid, a petroleum-based hydraulic fluid, and a synthetic hydraulic fluid.

[0218] xxxvii.) A suspension system according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the hitch system includes at least one of a pitch adjustment assembly, a yaw adjustment assembly, and a roll adjustment assembly.

[0219] xxxviii.) A suspension system for a towed vehicle, the towed vehicle being attachable to a towing vehicle via a hitch system, the suspension system comprising:

[0220] A chassis;

[0221] A running gear assembly fixed to the chassis, the running gear assembly including a plurality of axles;

[0222] A drawbar pivotally attached to the chassis;

[0223] A first hydraulic suspension assembly connecting the drawbar and a first set of axles, the first hydraulic suspension assembly including a first hydraulic circuit;

[0224] A second hydraulic suspension assembly connecting a second set of axles, the second hydraulic suspension assembly including a second hydraulic circuit;

[0225] wherein the first hydraulic suspension assembly and the second hydraulic suspension assembly are mechanically separated; and

[0226] wherein at least one of the first hydraulic circuit and the second hydraulic circuit is adapted to be fluidly connected to a hydraulic circuit of the towing vehicle.

[0227] xxxix.) A towed vehicle equipped with a suspension system according to any one of the foregoing combinations.

[0228] xl.) A method for connecting a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle, the towing vehicle being equipped with a pressurized hydraulic circuit, the method comprising:

[0229] Attaching a first coupler of a pivot drawbar of the towed vehicle to a second coupler of the towed vehicle;

[0230] Fluidly connecting a first hydraulic circuit of the towed vehicle to the pressurized hydraulic circuit of the towing vehicle, the first hydraulic circuit being connected to a first suspension assembly adapted to damp the movement of the pivot drawbar; and

[0231] Fluidly connecting a second hydraulic circuit of the towed vehicle to the pressurized hydraulic circuit of the towing vehicle.

[0232] xli.) The method according to any one of the foregoing combinations, further comprising regulating the flow of hydraulic fluid between at least one of the first hydraulic circuit and the second hydraulic circuit of the towed vehicle and the pressurized hydraulic circuit of the towing vehicle.

[0233] xlii.) The method according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the step of fluidly connecting the first hydraulic circuit of the towed vehicle to the pressurized hydraulic circuit of the towing vehicle comprises the step of connecting a first left hydraulic circuit and a first right hydraulic circuit to the pressurized hydraulic circuit.

[0234] xliii.) The method according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the step of fluidly connecting the second hydraulic circuit of the towed vehicle to the pressurized hydraulic circuit of the towing vehicle comprises the step of connecting a second left hydraulic circuit and a second right hydraulic circuit to the pressurized hydraulic circuit.

[0235] xliv.) A suspension element (e.g., coil spring, leaf spring, torsion bar, hydropneumatic device, etc.) for a towed vehicle (e.g., trailer, spreader, etc.), the towed vehicle including a removable drawbar that can be attached to a towing vehicle via a hitch system, the suspension element comprising:

[0236] A first end operatively fixed to the chassis of the towed vehicle; and

[0237] A second end operatively fixed to the removable drawbar;

[0238] Wherein the suspension element is operatively coupled to one of a plurality of suspension assemblies of the towed vehicle.

[0239] xlv.) The suspension element according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein the second end is fixed to the drawbar at a point along the drawbar that is between the drawbar coupler and the pivot point of the drawbar.

[0240] xlvi.) A method for distributing the load of a towed vehicle over a plurality of suspension components, the method comprising:

[0241] Distributing the load applied to a removable drawbar of the vehicle and at least a first axle of the towed vehicle over a first suspension component; and

[0242] Distributing the load applied to a second axle of the towed vehicle over a second suspension component.

[0243] xlvii.) The method according to any one of the foregoing combinations, wherein distributing the load applied to the second axle comprises distributing the load applied to the second axle over a second left suspension component and a second right suspension component.

[0244] In view of the foregoing, it can now be better understood that the present invention is particularly advantageous in that, among several other advantages, due to the addition of an articulation at the drawbar, the present invention allows for a greater range of movement. In combination with the articulation of the drawbar, the proposed hydraulic connection of this displacement system (e.g., suspension system and / or other systems) advantageously enables the load to be effectively and evenly distributed across the various axles throughout this new range of movement, etc.

[0245] Finally, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art and in accordance with the present invention, the displacement equipment (and / or the resulting system, etc.) and its corresponding components are preferably made of substantially rigid materials such as metallic materials (stainless steel, titanium, etc.), hardened polymers, composite materials, and / or any other suitable materials, while for obtaining the above benefits, other components of the system according to the present invention can be made of any other suitable materials such as polymeric materials (plastics, rubbers, etc.) and / or any other suitable materials depending on the specific application of the system design and the different parameters involved.

[0246] Although the present invention has been illustrated previously by its preferred embodiments, it must be stated that any modification of these preferred embodiments is not considered to change or alter the nature and scope of the present invention. In fact, the scope of the (one or more) appended claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments illustrated in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the overall description.

Claims

1. A displacement system (1) for a towed vehicle (3b) intended to be towed by a towing vehicle (3a), the displacement system (1) comprising: A series of front wheels (5a) adapted to be mounted on a front section of the chassis (7) of the towed vehicle (3b); A series of rear wheels (5b) adapted to be mounted on a subsequent section of the chassis (7) of the towed vehicle (3b); A movable drawbar (9) adapted to be pivotally mounted relative to the chassis (7) of the towed vehicle (3b) and adapted to pivot about at least one corresponding axis of rotation (11), the drawbar (9) being capable of being connected via a hitch device (15) to a hitch bar (13) of the towing vehicle (3a); and A drive device (111) for driving a corresponding axis of rotation (11) of the drawbar (9) relative to the chassis (7) of the towed vehicle (3b) in response to a given displacement surface (17).

2. The shift system (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The drive device (111) is further configured to drive at least one effective wheel (5e) of the wheels of the displacement system (1) relative to the chassis (7) of the towed vehicle (3b) in response to the corresponding topology of the given displacement surface (17).

3. The shift system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The at least one effective wheel (5e) of the displacement system (1) is adapted to move into position relative to the chassis (7) of the towed vehicle (3b) in response to the corresponding topology of the given displacement surface (17).

4. The shift system (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The at least one effective wheel (5e) of the displacement system (1) is operatively connectable to the drive device (111), and wherein the at least one effective wheel (5e) of the displacement system (1) is adapted to be moved via the drive device (111).

5. The shift system (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, A given movement of the drawbar (9) causes a corresponding reverse movement of the at least one effective wheel (5e) of the displacement system (1).

6. The shift system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The drive device (111) includes at least one first actuator (21) for adjusting the positioning of the axis of rotation (11) of the drawbar (9) relative to the chassis (7) of the towed vehicle (3b).

7. The shift system (1) according to claim 6, wherein, The drive device (111) includes at least one second actuator (21) for adjusting the positioning of the at least one effective wheel (5e) relative to the chassis (7) of the towed vehicle (3b).

8. The shift system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 in combination with claim 2, wherein, At least one given actuator (21) is adapted to be operatively disposed between a given part of the chassis (7) of the towed vehicle (3b) and an axle (19) of the at least one effective wheel (5e) of the displacement system (1).

9. The shift system (1) according to claim 7, wherein, The at least one first actuator (21) and the at least one second actuator (21) are interconnected with each other.

10. The shift system (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein, A given pair of actuators (21) of the displacement system (1) includes at least one active actuator (21) and at least one reactive actuator (21).

11. The shift system (1) according to claim 10, wherein, The given pair of actuators (21) includes a hydraulic cylinder block as part of the same hydraulic circuit (31).

12. The shift system (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein, Each actuator (21) is a hydraulic cylinder block.

13. The shift system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, The rotation axis (11) of the drawbar (9) is arranged transversely with respect to the longitudinal movement axis (23) of the chassis (7) of the towed vehicle (3b).

14. The shift system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 in combination with claim 2, wherein, The at least one effective wheel (5e) includes at least one wheel (5) that is pivotable relative to at least one corresponding axle (19) arranged substantially parallel to the rotation axis (11) of the drawbar (9).

15. The shift system (1) according to claim 14, wherein, The at least one corresponding axle (19) is adapted to move relative to the chassis (7) of the towed vehicle (3b) via a set of support arms (25) having pivot ends.

16. The shift system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15 in combination with claim 2, wherein, The at least one effective wheel (5e) includes at least one front wheel (5a) that is pivotable relative to at least one corresponding front axle (19).

17. The shift system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16 in combination with claim 2, wherein, The at least one effective wheel (5e) includes at least a pair of front wheels (5a).

18. The shift system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17 in combination with claim 2, wherein, The at least one effective wheel (5e) includes at least a pair of front wheels (5a) that are pivotable relative to at least one identical corresponding front axle (19).

19. The shift system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17 in combination with claim 2, wherein, The at least one effective wheel (5e) includes at least a pair of front wheels (5a), each front wheel being pivotable relative to at least one given corresponding front axle (19).

20. The shift system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 19 in combination with claim 2, wherein, The at least one effective wheel (5e) includes at least two pairs of corresponding front wheels (5a).

21. The shift system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 20 in combination with claim 2, wherein, The at least one effective wheel (5e) includes at least one rear wheel (5b) that is pivotable relative to at least one corresponding rear axle (19).

22. The shift system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 21 in combination with claim 2, wherein, The at least one effective wheel (5e) includes at least a pair of rear wheels (5b).

23. The shift system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 22 in combination with claim 2, wherein, The at least one effective wheel (5e) includes at least a pair of rear wheels (5b) that are pivotable relative to at least one identical corresponding rear axle (19).

24. The shift system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 22 in combination with claim 2, wherein, The at least one effective wheel (5e) includes at least a pair of rear wheels (5b), each rear wheel being pivotable relative to at least one given corresponding rear axle (19).

25. The shift system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 24 in combination with claim 2, wherein, The at least one effective wheel (5e) includes at least two pairs of corresponding rear wheels (5b).

26. The shift system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 25 in combination with claim 2, wherein, The at least one effective wheel (5e) includes at least three pairs of corresponding rear wheels (5b).

27. The shift system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein, At least one of the independent wheels (5i) of the displacement system (1) is adapted to move freely relative to the chassis (7) of the towed vehicle (3b).

28. The shift system (1) according to claim 27, wherein, The at least one independent wheel (5i) is a lateral wheel (5) of the displacement system (1).

29. The shift system (1) according to claim 27 or 28, wherein, The at least one independent wheel (5i) is placed in at least one of two series of wheels (5a, 5b, 5e).

30. The shift system (1) according to any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein, The at least one independent wheel (5i) includes a plurality of independent wheels (5i).

31. The shift system (1) according to claim 30, wherein, The plurality of independent wheels (5i) includes at least one left independent wheel (5i) and at least one right independent wheel (5i).

32. The shift system (1) according to claim 31, wherein, The at least one left independent wheel (5i) and the at least one right independent wheel (5i) are disposed among the series of rear wheels (5b), and wherein the at least one left independent wheel (5i) is capable of moving independently of the at least one right independent wheel (5i).

33. The shift system (1) according to any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein, The plurality of independent wheels (5i) includes a plurality of left independent wheels (5i) and a plurality of right independent wheels (5i).

34. The shift system (1) according to any one of claims 27 to 33, wherein, Each independent wheel (5i) is connected to a corresponding hydraulic circuit (31).

35. The shift system (1) according to any one of claims 27 to 34, wherein, Each independent wheel (5i) on the same side is capable of moving independently of another independent wheel (5i) on the same side.

36. The shift system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 35, wherein, The series of front wheels (5a) is interconnected with the series of rear wheels (5b) via the same drive device (111).

37. The shift system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 36, wherein, The series of front wheels (5a) is capable of being driven independently of the series of rear wheels (5b).

38. The shift system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 37, wherein Each series of wheels (5a, 5b, 5e) is provided with a corresponding hydraulic circuit (31).

39. The shift system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 38, wherein, The series of front wheels (5a) can be interconnected by a first hydraulic circuit (31), and wherein the series of rear wheels (5b) can be interconnected by a second hydraulic circuit (31) different from the first hydraulic circuit (31).

40. The shift system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 39, wherein, The drive device (111) is configured to cooperate with the first hydraulic circuit (31).

41. The shift system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 40 in combination with claim 2, wherein, The at least one effective wheel (5e) of the displacement system (1) is adapted to be provided with at least one corresponding suspension device (27).

42. The shift system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 41 in combination with claim 2, wherein, At least one wheel (5) other than the at least one effective wheel (5e) of the displacement system (1) is also adapted to be provided with at least one corresponding suspension device (27).

43. The shift system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 42, wherein Each wheel (5) of the displacement system (1) is adapted to be provided with at least one corresponding suspension device (27).

44. The shift system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 43, wherein, The displacement system (1) serves as a suspension system for the towed vehicle (3b).

45. The shift system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 44, wherein, The towed vehicle (3b) is a trailer or a spreader.

46. The shift system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 45, wherein, The towing vehicle (3a) is a tractor.

47. The shift system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 46, wherein, The hitch device (15) is configured to allow adjustment along at least one degree of freedom (A, B, C).

48. The shift system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 47, wherein, The hitch device (15) is configured to allow pitch adjustment (A).

49. The shift system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 48, wherein, The hitch device (15) is configured to allow yaw adjustment (B).

50. The displacement system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 49, wherein, The hitch device (15) is configured to allow roll adjustment (C).

51. The shift system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 50, wherein, The hitch device (15) is the hitch device (15) as described in patent application No. PCT / CA2022 / 051243 filed on August 16, 2022.

52. The shift system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 51, wherein, The drawbar (9) is configured to allow displacement along at least one degree of freedom.

53. The shift system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 52, wherein, The drawbar (9) is adapted to be connected to the chassis (7) of the towed vehicle (3b) via a corresponding connection device (29).

54. The shift system (1) according to claim 53, wherein, At least one corresponding suspension device (27) is operably provided between the axis of rotation (11) of the drawbar (9) and the at least one effective wheel (5e) of the wheels of the displacement system (1).

55. A kit having corresponding components for assembling a displacement system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 54.

56. A towed vehicle (3b) provided with a displacement system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 54.

57. A combination of a towed vehicle (3b) towed by a towing vehicle (3a) via a hitch device (15), the towed vehicle (3b) being provided with a displacement system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 54.

58. A method for displacing a towed vehicle (3b) on a given displacement surface (17), the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a towed vehicle (3b) provided with a displacement system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 54; b) connecting a drawbar (9) of the towed vehicle (3b) to a hitch bar (13) of the towing vehicle (3a) via a hitch device (15); and c) during movement of the towed vehicle (3b) on the given displacement surface (17) via its wheels, vertically displacing a rotational axis (11) of the drawbar (9) relative to a chassis (7) of the towed vehicle (3b) in response to positioning of at least one effective wheel (5e) of the wheels.

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