VEHICLE AND CORRESPONDING USE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] There are agricultural vehicles that have a variety of uses and can carry different attachments for this purpose.

[0003] One such vehicle is the prototype of the "Multi Tool Trac" (https: / / www.farm-connexion.com / 2018 / 05 / 02 / un-multi-tool-trac-plus-compact-des-2019 / ). This vehicle features a chassis, a driver's cab, and two front and two rear wheels.

[0004] The vehicle also has an attachment holder attached to the vehicle frame, which is mounted between the front and rear wheels.

[0005] The driver's cab is located near the rear wheels. A hood is mounted at the front of the vehicle frame.

[0006] A prototype of a "Multi Tool Trac" vehicle has a variable track width and a driver's cab mounted in the center of the vehicle frame - ( https: / / www.youtube.com / watch?v=jVn9dvtqdFA )

[0007] Another vehicle is known from US2005 / 0274531. This vehicle has a vehicle frame to which attachments in the form of row preparation devices and seed drills are mounted between the front and rear wheels.

[0008] Other multi-purpose vehicles are known, e.g., the MB-trac vehicles. DE602006000948T2 discloses an agricultural vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0009] However, the known vehicles do not allow, or only with considerable technical and economic compromises, to mount attachments that have large working widths in field operation and yet can be used economically in road operation.

[0010] In particular, the known vehicles do not allow, or only with considerable technical and economic compromises, to have large working widths in field operation and to be used in road operation without an accompanying vehicle.

[0011] The present invention aims to provide a vehicle with which agricultural work can be carried out economically.

[0012] The present invention is specifically designed to remedy the disadvantages of the prior art. A further objective is to provide a simple design for the device.

[0013] For this purpose, the invention proposes a vehicle having the features of claim 1.

[0014] Advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims and in the description.

[0015] The invention also relates to a use according to claim 9.

[0016] The invention is explained in the following description of an embodiment which refers to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] The individual features of the claims and the description are to be considered as disclosed in any combination or sub-combination, provided that they are not technically incompatible. Figure 1 shows a vehicle according to the invention in a rear view, the vehicle being in a field working configuration; Figure 2 shows the vehicle from Figure 1 in a side view; Figure 3 shows the vehicle from Figure 1 in a supervision; Figure 4 shows the vehicle in one of the Figure 1 corresponding view, wherein the vehicle is in a field driving configuration; Figure 5 shows the vehicle in one of the Figure 2 corresponding view, with the vehicle in the field driving configuration; Figure 6 shows the vehicle in one of the Figure 3corresponding view, with the vehicle in the field driving configuration; Figure 7 shows the vehicle in one of the Figures 1 and 4 corresponding view, with the vehicle in a road configuration; Figure 8 shows the vehicle in one of the Figures 2 and 5 corresponding view, with the vehicle in the road configuration; and Figure 9 shows the vehicle in one of the Figures 3 and 6 corresponding view, with the vehicle in the road configuration.

[0018] In this description of the invention, terms such as "adapted to" or "suitable for" are used to indicate that the associated action is also disclosed. For example, the expression "adapted to clear" also includes the disclosure "clearing."

[0019] The terms "top", "bottom", etc. are used with reference to the normal use position of the vehicle.

[0020] The Figures 1 to 9 show a vehicle 2 according to the invention, which is, for example, an agricultural utility vehicle.

[0021] The vehicle 2 defines a vehicle longitudinal axis X, a vehicle transverse axis Y and a vehicle vertical axis Z. The vehicle 2 defines a vehicle longitudinal plane XZ, which is spanned by the vehicle longitudinal axis X and the vehicle vertical axis Z. The vehicle 2 further defines a frame plane XY, which is essentially a center plane of the vehicle frame (see below and Figure 2 ) forms.

[0022] Vehicle 2 defines a field driving configuration and a road driving configuration, the structure of which is explained in more detail below. In the field driving configuration, the vehicle is designed to be driven on a field being worked and to allow the driver an unrestricted view of the vehicle's active implements. In the road driving configuration, the vehicle is designed to be driven on a road to which road traffic regulations apply (e.g., StVO, StVZO) and where, in particular, the dimensions of a vehicle without an escort vehicle are restricted.

[0023] The vehicle 2 comprises a vehicle frame 4, two first vehicle wheels 6, two second vehicle wheels 8.

[0024] The vehicle frame 4 is advantageously a central tube frame. In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle frame is rigid. Alternatively, the vehicle frame has an actuatable articulated joint (not shown) that divides the vehicle frame into two mutually movable frame sections. The first vehicle wheels are arranged on a first frame section, and the second vehicle wheels are arranged on a second frame section. The vehicle can therefore be equipped with articulated steering.

[0025] In the field driving configuration, the first vehicle wheels 6 are positioned at the front in the direction of travel (field driving direction FFR) and at the rear in the direction of travel (road driving direction SFR). Conversely, the second vehicle wheels 8 are positioned at the rear in the direction of travel in the field driving configuration and at the front in the direction of travel in the road driving configuration.

[0026] All four vehicle wheels 6, 8 are steerable. The vehicle wheels can each be designed as single or dual tires. The first and second vehicle wheels 6, 8 can have the same wheel diameter. Alternatively, the wheel diameter of the first vehicle wheels 6 is smaller than the wheel diameter of the second vehicle wheels 8, which allows for good forward visibility.

[0027] The first vehicle wheels and the second vehicle wheels define a wheelbase RD between them, which corresponds to the distance between the respective axes of rotation of the wheels.

[0028] The first vehicle wheels 6 define a first track width ESB ( Figure 3) and the second vehicle wheels 8 define a second track width ZSB. The first track width ESB and the second track width ZSB can be identical or different. The vehicle 2 advantageously has a first, possibly hydraulic, track width adjustment device 10, by means of which the first track width ESB can be adjusted. The vehicle 2 has a second, possibly hydraulic, track width adjustment device 12, by means of which the second track width ZSB can be adjusted.

[0029] The first track width ESB and the second track width ZSB can be set so that they are either essentially the same, e.g. when driving on the road, or essentially different, e.g. when driving in fields. In a ground protection configuration, the first track width and the second track width can be so different that the first vehicle wheels 6 and the second vehicle wheels 8 each define lanes that do not overlap one another, or do not overlap significantly. In this configuration, at least when the vehicle 2 is traveling straight ahead, every point on the ground that is rolled over by one of the first or second vehicle wheels is not rolled over by any other of the first or second vehicle wheels. This keeps the pressure on the ground low.

[0030] The vehicle 2 further comprises a drive motor 14, designed to drive at least two of the vehicle wheels, and a driver's cab 16 in which a driver's seat 18 and a steering means 20, e.g., a steering wheel, are arranged. The steering means can be used to steer the steerable first and / or second vehicle wheels 6, 8. Alternatively, the steering means 20 does not comprise a steering wheel, but rather, e.g., a joystick or other input device. This may further improve the view of the work tools. Alternatively, the steering means comprises a steering wheel and a joystick or other input device.

[0031] The drive motor 14 is advantageously designed as an underfloor drive and is arranged beneath the vehicle frame 4. Furthermore, the drive motor 14 is advantageously aligned with the driver's cab 16 in the direction of the vehicle's longitudinal axis or overlaps the driver's cab. The drive motor has a motor shaft that advantageously runs parallel to the vehicle's transverse axis Y or, alternatively, is arranged parallel to the vehicle's longitudinal axis X.

[0032] The driver's cab 16, with the driver's seat 18 and the steering mechanism 20, is arranged to be movable relative to the vehicle frame 4. In this embodiment, it is rotatable about the vehicle's vertical axis Z, or an axis parallel to this axis Z. The driver's cab 16 is movable by at least 180°. The driver's seat and the steering mechanism 20 are connected to the driver's cab 16 in such a way that when the driver's cab moves, the driver's seat 18 and the steering mechanism 20 move with it.

[0033] Alternatively, the driver's seat 18 is arranged to be movable relative to the vehicle frame 4 about the vehicle vertical axis Z or about an axis parallel to this axis, e.g. rotatable or pivotable, while the driver's cab 16 is immovable relative to the vehicle frame 4.

[0034] Alternatively, the steering means 20 is either movable with the driver's seat 18 or with the driver's cab 16, or immobile with respect to the vehicle frame 4. In the latter case, the vehicle may have additional steering means, such as an additional steering wheel, wherein the steering means 20 and the additional steering means can each be operated or are active from the driver's seat in only one of the field driving configuration and the road driving configuration.

[0035] Preferably, the driver's cab 16 with the driver's seat 18 and / or with the steering means is movable, namely rotatable or pivotable, by at least 180° around the vehicle's vertical axis Z, or an axis parallel to the vehicle's vertical axis.

[0036] The term "movable" or "immovable" in connection with the driver's cab 16, the driver's seat 18, and the steering mechanism 20 refers exclusively to the aforementioned movement of at least 180°. Other mobility or immobility, e.g., for ergonomic adjustment of the steering mechanism 20 and the driver's seat 18, remains unaffected.

[0037] The vehicle 2 thus has a field driving configuration in which a seating position defined by the driver's seat 18 faces the first vehicle wheels 6. In this field driving configuration, the steering means 20 is arranged in the vehicle's longitudinal direction between the driver's seat 18 and the first vehicle wheels 6. The vehicle also has a road driving configuration in which the seating position defined by the driver's seat faces the second vehicle wheels 8 or faces away from the first vehicle wheels. In this road driving configuration, the steering means 20 is arranged in the vehicle's longitudinal direction between the driver's seat 18 and the second vehicle wheels 8. Alternatively, in the road driving configuration, the steering means 20 is arranged substantially above the second vehicle wheels 8 or on the side of the second vehicle wheels facing away from the first vehicle wheels 6.

[0038] In the road configuration, the vehicle advantageously has a front dimension VBMS, ie a vehicle length in the vehicle longitudinal direction in front of the steering means in the road direction SFR, of less than 3.50 m (see Figure 8 ). Preferably, the projection dimension VBMS is less than 3.00 m. Preferably, the projection dimension VBMS is at least 1.00 m.

[0039] In contrast, the corresponding front end dimension VBMF is in the field travel configuration, while the booms 34, 36 are in the transport configuration (see below and Figure 5 ), larger than 3.50m.

[0040] The vehicle 2 further comprises an implement holder 30, which is arranged in the vehicle's longitudinal direction (X-axis) between the first vehicle wheels 6 and the second vehicle wheels 8. In the field driving configuration, the seating position defined by the driver's seat also faces the implement holder 30.

[0041] The vehicle 2 also has a work tool carrier 32 on which two booms 34, 36 are arranged. Each of the two booms 34, 36 is arranged on one of the two sides of the vehicle's longitudinal plane XZ. The work tool carrier 32 is attached to the tool holder 30. The two booms 34, 36 are movable between a working configuration and a transport configuration. In the working configuration, the two booms 34, 36 extend transversely to the vehicle's longitudinal axis X or transversely to the vehicle's longitudinal plane XZ. In the working configuration, the booms can extend substantially parallel to the vehicle's transverse axis Y ( Figure 1 ) or an angle of up to 10° or 15° with the vehicle's transverse axis Y. In the transport configuration, the two booms extend essentially parallel to the vehicle's longitudinal plane XZ (e.g. Figure 9 ) or enclose an angle of up to 10° or 15° with the vehicle's longitudinal plane XZ.

[0042] The expressions "substantially parallel" include, for example, an angle of between 0° and 5° inclusive between the respective plane or axis.

[0043] The working configuration is adopted at least in the field driving configuration, and the transport configuration is adopted at least in the road driving configuration.

[0044] The vehicle can also adopt a mixed configuration, in which the two booms 34, 36 are in the working configuration and the driver's seat 18, as well as possibly the steering mechanism 20 and / or the driver's cab 16, are in the road configuration position. This mixed configuration can be used, for example, for working fields when a good view of the implements is less important than a good view of the ground in front of the vehicle.

[0045] Each of the booms 34, 36 is at least 2m long, advantageously at least 3m long.

[0046] In the transport configuration, each of the arms 34, 36 extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction over the first vehicle wheels 6 (see Figure 5 and Figure 6 ).

[0047] The implement carrier 32, or more precisely, each boom 34, 36, carries a plurality of implements, such as hoeing units 38 for soil cultivation. The implements are thus attached to the booms.

[0048] Each of the two booms 34, 36 has a first boom section 42 and a second boom section 44, which are articulated to one another, with the first boom section 42 being mounted between the vehicle frame and the second boom section 44. In the working configuration, the first boom section and the second boom section are aligned. In the transport configuration, the first and second boom sections are angled relative to one another, forming an angle of less than 180° that is open downwards. This angle is preferably less than 120°, less than 100°, or less than 90°.

[0049] In the exemplary embodiment, the first boom part 42 is shorter than the second boom part 44 and has, for example, a length of 60% to 80% of the second boom part.

[0050] In the transport configuration, the first boom part extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction (X-axis) between the first and second vehicle wheels, or exclusively between the wheel axles of the first and second vehicle wheels.

[0051] In the transport configuration, the second boom part 44 extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction on the side of the first vehicle wheels 6 which is facing away from the second vehicle wheels 8.

[0052] Further developments of the vehicle according to the invention can also have the following features: The vehicle has attachment elements attached to the rear and / or front of the vehicle frame, such as hydraulically operated three-point power lifts.

[0053] The vehicle has a superstructure element above the vehicle frame and above the implement carrier, which is attached to the vehicle frame. The superstructure element can, for example, comprise an additional implement carrier or a container.

[0054] These features allow process steps to be combined and further increase the flexibility and efficiency of the vehicle.

[0055] In its road configuration, the vehicle allows for road travel, as the front outriggers do not obstruct visibility. A support vehicle is therefore not necessary. Furthermore, the vehicle results in a comparatively low and balanced wheel load for a given working geometry.

[0056] In the field driving configuration, the vehicle allows for economical soil cultivation, as the working width is relatively large and the driver has an unrestricted view of the implements.

Claims

1. - Vehicle, comprising - a vehicle frame (4), - two first vehicle wheels (6), - two second vehicle wheels (8), - a drive motor (14) designed to drive at least two of the vehicle wheels, and - a driver's cab (16) in which a driver's seat (18) and a steering means (20) (steering wheel) are arranged, wherein the vehicle defines a vehicle longitudinal axis (X), a vehicle transverse axis (Y) and a vehicle vertical axis (Z), and wherein the first vehicle wheels and the second vehicle wheels define a wheelbase RD, wherein: at least the driver's seat is rotatable by at least 180° about the vehicle vertical axis (Z), or an axis parallel thereto, the vehicle thereby defining a field operating configuration in which the seat position defined by the driver's seat faces the first vehicle wheels, and a road driving configuration in which the seat position defined by the driver's seat faces the second vehicle wheels, wherein the vehicle comprises an implement holder (30), and the implement holder is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle between the first vehicle wheels (6) and the second vehicle wheels (8), wherein, in the field operating configuration, the seat position defined by the driver's seat additionally faces the implement mount, characterized in that all four vehicle wheels are steerable.

2. Vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the first vehicle wheels define a first track width and the vehicle has a first track width adjustment device (10) by means of which the first track width can be adjusted; the second vehicle wheels define a second track width and the vehicle has a second track width adjustment device (12) by means of which the second track width can be adjusted.

3. Vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the vehicle defines a vehicle longitudinal plane (XZ), which is spanned by the vehicle longitudinal axis and the vehicle vertical axis, whereby the vehicle has an implement carrier (32) which has two arms (34, 36), wherein the implement carrier is attached to the implement holder (30), and the two arms are adjustable between a working configuration, in which the two arms extend transversely to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and a transport configuration, in which the two arms extend parallel to the longitudinal plane of the vehicle.

4. Vehicle according to claim 3, wherein each of the two arms has a first arm section (42) and a second arm section (44), which are hinged to each other.

5. Vehicle according to claim 4, wherein In the transport configuration, the first arm section (42) extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle between the first and the second vehicle wheels, and the second arm section extends in the longitudinal direction on the side of the first vehicle wheels that faces away from the second vehicle wheels.

6. Vehicle according to claim 4 or 5, wherein in the transport configuration of the first arm section (42) and the second arm section (44) are angled towards each other and form an acute angle.

7. A vehicle according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the implement carrier comprises work implements (38) which are mounted on the arms.

8. Vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the drive motor is designed as an underfloor drive and is arranged beneath the vehicle frame (4).

9. Use of a vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: - Working a field while the vehicle is in the field operating configuration, and - Driving the vehicle on a road while the vehicle is in the road driving configuration.