Motorized vehicle featuring a suspension system integrated into one wheel

Abstract

The present invention relates to a suspension system (10) integrated into a wheel (2) for a motorized vehicle having at least three wheels and a chassis, the suspension system (10) being mechanically connected on one side to the hub (21) of the corresponding wheel (2) and on the other side to the chassis, the suspension system (10) comprising two sliding elements (110) forming a suspension fork, a suspension cylinder (150) being coupled to a hydraulic accumulator system (120) configured to allow adjustment of the damping provided by the suspension system (10). Abstract figure: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Motorized vehicle having a suspension system integrated into a wheel Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of motorized vehicles, particularly for agricultural use.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to an agricultural machine, for example a sprayer or straddle tractor type machine for cultivating vines. STATE OF THE ART

[0003] As is known, an agricultural machine generally comprises a chassis on which wheels are mounted, a cabin to accommodate a driver, and tools, for example for spraying products, pruning crops, harvesting, or even working the soil.

[0004] In the context of machines intended for viticultural crops, there are four-wheeled agricultural machines and three-wheeled agricultural machines. In particular, for narrow vineyard crops, one of the challenges lies in the maneuverability of the agricultural machine by the driver. The three-wheeled agricultural machine addresses this problem by making it possible, on the one hand, to lighten and make the machine more compact, and, on the other hand, to facilitate the maneuvering of the machine, for example, U-turns at the end of the row.

[0005] However, the maneuverability conferred by the three-wheeled agricultural machine, compared to a four-wheeled agricultural machine, is achieved to the detriment of the stability of the agricultural machine, and consequently of the comfort in the cabin for the driver. This is all the more the case since the front wheel of the three-wheeled agricultural machine is conventionally located under the cabin, the vibrations of the front wheel being transmitted to the cabin.

[0006] For example, document FR 2 972 963 describes a wheel with an integrated hydraulic motor, and a suspension fork mounted on the hydraulic motor of the corresponding wheel. The damping provided by the suspension fork of document FR 2 972 963 may, however, impair the precision of certain crop working operations.

[0007] In response to these drawbacks, the present invention provides a motorized machine with a suspension system integrated into at least one of the wheels of the machine, allowing adjustment of the damping provided by the suspension system. Thus, the present invention offers the considerable advantage of being able to adapt the damping to the current operation carried out by the machine, while taking into account comfort in the cabin for the driver. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] More specifically, one aspect of the invention relates to a suspension system integrated into a wheel for a motorized vehicle having at least three wheels and a chassis. The suspension system is mechanically connected on the one hand to the hub of the corresponding wheel and on the other hand to the chassis. In addition, the suspension system comprises two sliding elements forming a suspension fork, and a suspension cylinder being coupled to a hydraulic accumulator system configured to allow adjustment of the damping provided by the suspension system.

[0009] The present invention offers the considerable advantage of being able to activate, adjust, and deactivate the suspension of the corresponding wheel, depending on the type of operation to be carried out by the driver of the motorized machine. Thus, for example, for crop work operations requiring precision, the damping of the suspension system can be reduced, or even deactivated. For movements of the motorized machine on the road, or between two work areas, the suspension system can be activated, and thus improve the driving comfort of the motorized machine for the driver. In summary, the suspension system according to the invention has the advantage of being able to be activated / deactivated and easily adjusted.

[0010] Advantageously, the suspension cylinder is positioned between the two slide elements of the suspension system. Placing the suspension cylinder between the two slide elements makes it possible to further limit the size of the suspension system, and to have a compact suspension module.

[0011] Advantageously, the suspension system comprises a fixed fork support mechanically connected to the chassis, and a movable fork support mechanically connected to the hub of the corresponding wheel. Each of the two slide elements comprises in particular a guide column and a guide sleeve configured to receive the guide column. Then, one of the guide columns or guide sleeves of the two slide elements is mechanically coupled to the fixed fork support, the other of the guide columns or guide sleeves of the two slide elements being mechanically coupled to the movable fork support. The use of the fixed fork support and the movable fork support advantageously makes it possible to mechanically reinforce the fixing of the two slide elements.

[0012] Advantageously, the fixed fork support has a substantially L-shaped section. Then, on the one hand, the guide sleeves of the two sliding elements are preferably arranged along one of the branches of the substantially L-shaped section, said branch being substantially oriented in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the corresponding wheel and in the direction of the axis of rotation of the corresponding wheel. corresponding. On the other hand, the other branch of the substantially L-shaped section preferably folds over the corresponding wheel. The substantially L-shaped section of the fixed fork support provides robust support for the suspension system while limiting the bulk generated by the suspension system.

[0013] Advantageously, the hydraulic accumulator system comprises two hydraulic accumulators respectively coupled by a fluid circuit to the two chambers of the suspension cylinder. In addition, the hydraulic accumulator system comprises in particular a hydraulic distributor connecting by a fluid circuit the suspension cylinder to the two hydraulic accumulators. The two hydraulic accumulators participate in particular in the compression and expansion of the suspension system.

[0014] Advantageously, the suspension system is configured to couple and decouple the suspension cylinder from the hydraulic accumulator system, so as to respectively activate and deactivate the damping of the corresponding wheel by the suspension system.

[0015] Advantageously, the hydraulic accumulator system is offset relative to the corresponding wheel, the hydraulic accumulator system being in particular fixed to the chassis. Thus, the space requirement at the wheel is little impacted by the installation of the hydraulic accumulator system. In addition, the chassis advantageously offers more stable support for the hydraulic accumulator system.

[0016] According to another aspect of the invention, the invention relates to a motorized machine comprising the suspension system described above so as to form an agricultural machine, in particular a straddle tractor for treatment in a vineyard.

[0017] Advantageously, the motorized vehicle comprises a steering system configured to transmit the steering to the wheel integrating the suspension system, the steering system being mechanically coupled to the suspension system. This advantageously makes it possible to improve the robustness of the steering transmission.

[0018] Advantageously, the motorized machine comprises three wheels, including a front wheel and two rear wheels, the suspension system being integrated into the front wheel of the motorized machine. Consequently, the suspension system makes it possible to attenuate the transmission of vibrations from the front wheel to the cabin, generally located just above the front wheel. The suspension system also makes it possible to adjust the height of the front of the chassis to modify the height of a tool such as a trimmer, for example. PRESENTATION OF THE FIGURES

[0019] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, given solely by way of example, and referring to the appended drawings given as of non-limiting examples, in which identical references are given to similar objects and on which:

[0020] [Fig.l]: [Fig.l] is a schematic representation of a view of an example of a motorized vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0021] [Fig.2]: [Fig.2] is a schematic representation of a view of an example of wheel integrating a suspension system according to an embodiment of the invention for a motorized vehicle;

[0022] [Fig.3]: [Fig.3] is a schematic representation of a side view of the example wheel integrating the suspension system according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0023] [Fig.4]: [Fig.4] is a schematic representation of an exploded view of a example of a wheel integrating the suspension system according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0024] [Fig.5]: [Fig.5] is a schematic diagram of a fluid circuit of the suspension system according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0025] [Fig.6]: [Fig.6] is a schematic representation of the fluid circuit of the suspension system according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0026] It should be noted that the figures set out the invention in detail to enable the invention to be implemented; although not limiting, said figures serve in particular to better define the invention where appropriate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] The invention relates to a suspension system integrated into a wheel of a motorized machine. The invention will be described below in the context of an agricultural machine, in particular a straddle tractor, for growing vines, for example narrow vines. However, this does not constitute a limitation of the invention to this particular application, the invention being able to be implemented in any motorized machine having at least three wheels, for example a three-wheeled motorized machine or a four-wheeled motorized machine. In the remainder of this application, the invention will be described in the non-limiting context of a three-wheeled motorized machine comprising a front wheel and two rear wheels. In addition, the motorized machine may be a self-propelled or towed vehicle.

[0028] [Fig.l] illustrates an example of a motorized machine 100 according to one aspect of the invention. The motorized machine 100 comprises a chassis 3 and at least one motor member 4 configured to drive one of the wheels in rotation. Tools may in particular be fixed to the chassis 3 of the machine, for example tools for spraying products, working the soil, or even pruning crops. Furthermore, the motorized machine 100 comprises in particular a cabin 5 mounted in particular on the front wheel of the machine. The cabin 5 is configured to accommodate a driver of the machine, the present invention of which aims to improve the maneuverability and driving comfort.

[0029] The motorized machine is, generally, equipped with a thermal engine, an electric motor or a motor powered by a hydrogen fuel cell configured to power a hydraulic pump. Then, the hydraulic pump in turn drives at least one hydraulic motor arranged at the hub of a wheel of the machine, then called a drive wheel. It is possible, when appropriate, to produce several drive wheels, each of the drive wheels having an associated hydraulic motor. In particular, the hydraulic motor(s) are then connected to the hydraulic pump via a hydraulic circuit, for example having flexible pipes.

[0030] Figures 2 and 3 illustrate two different views of the wheel 2 integrating the suspension system 10 according to one aspect of the invention. The suspension system 10 is mechanically connected on the one hand to a hub 21 of the corresponding wheel 2 and on the other hand to the chassis of the motorized vehicle. By mechanically connected is meant that the respective elements are mechanically connected to each other.

[0031] The hub 21 of the wheel 2 integrating the suspension system 10 can in particular be a driving or carrying system, depending respectively on whether the wheel is a driving or non-driving wheel. The suspension system 10 according to the invention can in fact be integrated into a driving wheel or a non-driving wheel.

[0032] Thus, when the suspension system 10 is integrated into a drive wheel, the hub 21 of the wheel comprises in particular a motor member 4. The motor member 4 preferably corresponds to a hydraulic motor integrated into the corresponding wheel 2, also commonly called an “intra-wheel” hydraulic motor. Such a hydraulic motor may advantageously comprise an integrated braking system. In the remainder of the description, the suspension system 10 will be described in the context of its integration into a drive wheel, where the hub 21 of the wheel 2 corresponds to the motor member 4. However, the hub 21 of the wheel may alternatively be solely load-bearing.

[0033] The suspension system 10 is preferably mechanically coupled to the drive member 4 on the one hand, and mechanically connected to the chassis on the other hand. Mechanically coupled is understood to mean in particular that at least a portion of the suspension system 10 and the drive member 4 are mechanically secured to each other. In other words, that said portion of the suspension system 10 is rigidly fixed to the drive member 4. In particular, the suspension system 10 may be mechanically coupled to a fixed portion of the drive member 4, i.e. to a portion of the drive member 4 not rotating along the axis of rotation of the corresponding wheel, namely for example the casing of the drive member 4. The suspension system 10 allows consequently to dampen the vibrations of the corresponding wheel 2.

[0034] In addition, the suspension system 10 comprises two sliding elements 110 forming a suspension fork. The two sliding elements 110 are notably positioned on either side of the axis of rotation of the corresponding wheel 2, so as to substantially frame the motor member 4 (or respectively the hub 21 of the corresponding wheel 2), for a more balanced transmission of mechanical forces.

[0035] Further, the suspension system 10 includes a suspension cylinder 150 and a hydraulic accumulator system 120. The suspension cylinder is preferably a hydraulic cylinder, but may also be a pneumatic cylinder. The suspension cylinder thus contributes to both the suspension and the damping of the corresponding wheel. The suspension cylinder 150 is coupled to the hydraulic accumulator system 120 configured to allow adjustment of the damping provided by the suspension system 10. In other words, the hydraulic accumulator system allows adjustment of the damping provided by the suspension system 10.

[0036] The present invention, by integrating the suspension into the wheel, makes it possible to improve the driving comfort of the machine by the driver. In addition, the installation of the suspension cylinder associated with the hydraulic accumulator system offers the considerable advantage of allowing the damping to be adjusted according to the type of operation to be carried out by the driver. Indeed, for operations requiring more precision, the damping can be reduced, and vice versa.

[0037] The suspension system 10 may further comprise a spring or a set of springs (not shown in the figures).

[0038] In addition, the suspension cylinder 150 can advantageously be positioned between the two slide elements 110 of the suspension system 10. Placing the suspension cylinder 150 between the two slide elements 110 makes it possible to further limit the size of the suspension system 10, and to have a compact suspension module.

[0039] Preferably, the suspension system 10 is integrated into the front wheel of the motorized machine 100. Consequently, the suspension system makes it possible to attenuate the transmission of vibrations from the front wheel to the cabin, generally located just above the front wheel. The suspension system 10 also makes it possible to adjust the height of the front of the chassis to modify the height of a tool such as a trimmer, for example.

[0040] Furthermore, the wheel 2 conventionally comprises a rim 22, a tire 25 mounted on the rim 22, and a mudguard 23 also called a mudguard. The mudguard 23 is preferably capable of following the changes in direction of the wheel. For example, the mudguard 23 may be mechanically coupled to the suspension fork.

[0041] [Fig.4] illustrates an exploded view of the wheel incorporating the suspension system. Each of the two slide elements comprises in particular a guide column 111 and a guide sleeve 112 configured to receive the guide column 111. In other words, the suspension system comprises a pair of guide columns 111 and a pair of guide sleeves 112. The guide column 111 and the guide sleeve 112 of each of the two slide elements are in particular in sliding connection with each other, or in sliding pivot connection with each other.

[0042] In addition, the suspension system may, in particular, comprise a set of guide rings 113 located between the guide columns 111 and the guide sleeves 112 of the two slide elements, so as to facilitate the sliding of the guide columns 111 in the guide sleeves 112.For example, the suspension system may comprise one or two pairs of guide rings 113, each pair of guide rings corresponding respectively to each of the two slide elements. The set of guide rings 113 is in particular installed inside the guide sleeves 112.

[0043] Preferably, the suspension system 10 comprises a fixed fork support 130 mechanically connected to the chassis, and a movable fork support 140 mechanically connected to the hub 21 of the wheel 2 integrating the suspension system, namely the motor member 4 in the case of a motor hub. Then, on the one hand, the guide columns 111 or the guide sleeves 112 of the two slide elements are mechanically coupled to the fixed fork support 130. On the other hand, the other of the guide columns 111 or the guide sleeves 112 of the two slide elements 110 are mechanically coupled to the movable fork support 140. As a reminder, mechanically coupled means that the respective elements are mechanically integral with each other.

[0044] In particular, the fixed fork support 130 is in particular mechanically coupled to the guide sleeves 112, and the movable fork support 140 mechanically coupled to the guide columns 111, as in the example wheel shown in FIGS. 2 to 4. Alternatively, the fixed fork support 130 may be mechanically coupled to the guide columns 111, and the movable fork support 140 mechanically coupled to the guide sleeves 112. In the remainder of the description, only the case where the fixed fork support 130 is mechanically coupled to the guide sleeves 112, and the movable fork support 140 mechanically coupled to the guide columns 111, will be developed below. Indeed, this configuration has the advantage of improving the size and mechanical strength of the suspension system. However, the other option is possible.

[0045] The use of the fixed fork support 130 and the movable fork support 140 advantageously makes it possible to mechanically reinforce the fixing of the two slide elements. Indeed, the pair of guide sleeves is then advantageously fixed robustly to the fixed fork support 130. Similarly, the pair of guide columns may be rigidly embedded in the movable fork support 140.

[0046] The suspension cylinder 150 is then preferably mechanically coupled on the one hand to the fixed fork support 130 and on the other hand to the movable fork support 140. For example, the cylinder of the suspension cylinder 150 is mechanically coupled to the fixed fork support 130, and the piston of the suspension cylinder 150 is mechanically coupled to the movable fork support 140. The configuration of the suspension cylinder can nevertheless be reversed. This integration of the suspension cylinder 150 makes it possible to improve the mechanical robustness of the suspension system.

[0047] On the one hand, the fixed fork support 130 can also be configured to receive or even to wedge electrical cables and / or portions of a hydraulic circuit, for example hydraulic hoses.

[0048] In addition, the fixed fork support 130 may preferably have a substantially L-shaped section. The substantially L-shaped section of the fixed fork support 130 provides robust support for the suspension system while limiting the bulk generated by the suspension system.

[0049] Then, the guide sleeves 112 are in particular arranged along one of the branches of the substantially L-shaped section of the fixed fork support 130, said branch being substantially oriented in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the corresponding wheel and in the direction of the axis of rotation of the corresponding wheel. The fixed fork support 130 may preferably comprise a frame intended to hold the guide sleeves 112. The frame may advantageously extend substantially over the length of the guide sleeves 112, and comprise means for holding the guide sleeves 112, for example at two ends of the guide sleeves 112.

[0050] The other branch of the substantially L-shaped section of the fixed fork support 130 in particular folds down above the corresponding wheel 2, in particular along a plane substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the corresponding wheel 2. Thus, the fixed fork support makes it possible to limit the size of the suspension system.

[0051] On the other hand, the mobile fork support 140 is in particular mechanically connected to the motor member 4. In particular, the mobile fork support 140 is configured to be fixed on a fixed part of the motor member 4, namely a part of the motor member 4 which is not rotatable along the axis of rotation of the corresponding wheel. This fixed part may in particular correspond to the casing of the motor member 4. Then, the mobile fork support 140 can advantageously be fixed on said fixed part of the motor member 4, coming against while encircling said fixed part of the motor organ 4.

[0052] The movable fork support 140 may also include receiving elements configured to receive and hold the guide columns 111.

[0053] Preferably, the wheel integrating the suspension system 10 is a steered wheel, in particular a steered front wheel. Then, the motorized vehicle 100 advantageously comprises a steering system 240 configured to transmit the steering to the corresponding wheel. For example, the steering system 240 may comprise at least one steering rod or at least one steering cylinder 241, and be mechanically coupled to the hub 21 of the corresponding wheel so as to transmit the steering to the wheel. In particular, the steering system 240 may be mechanically coupled to the hub 21 of the corresponding wheel via the suspension system. In other words, the steering system 240 is advantageously mechanically coupled to the suspension system. This advantageously makes it possible to improve the robustness of the steering transmission.

[0054] In particular, as illustrated in [Fig. 4], the steering system 240 may comprise two steering cylinders 241, a steering plate 242, and a slewing ring 243, such that the two steering cylinders 241 are mechanically coupled to the suspension system via the steering plate 242 and the slewing ring 243.

[0055] [Fig. 5] is a schematic diagram and [Fig. 6] a schematic representation of a fluid circuit connecting the suspension cylinder 150 to the hydraulic accumulator system 120. In the particular case where the suspension cylinder is a hydraulic cylinder, the fluid circuit is then a hydraulic circuit. The fluid circulating in the hydraulic circuit is in particular an oil.

[0056] The hydraulic accumulator system 120 preferably comprises two hydraulic accumulators 121 respectively coupled by a fluid circuit to the two chambers of the suspension cylinder 150, the two chambers being separated from each other by the piston of the suspension cylinder 150. In other words, one of the two hydraulic accumulators 121 is coupled by a fluid circuit to one of the two chambers of the suspension cylinder 150, and the other hydraulic accumulator of the two hydraulic accumulators 121 is coupled by a fluid circuit to the other chamber of the two chambers of the suspension cylinder 150. The suspension cylinder 150 is then preferably a double-acting cylinder. The two hydraulic accumulators participate in particular in the compression and expansion of the suspension system.Alternatively, the hydraulic accumulator system 120 may comprise only a hydraulic accumulator 121 coupled by a fluid circuit to the suspension cylinder, which is then a single-acting cylinder.

[0057] The hydraulic accumulators 121 may, for example, be of the accumulator type hydraulic membrane, bladder or even piston.

[0058] The hydraulic accumulator system 120 may advantageously comprise a hydraulic distributor 122 connecting the suspension cylinder 150 to the two hydraulic accumulators 121 via a fluid circuit, in order to direct the fluid circulating in the fluid circuit. The hydraulic distributor may in particular be an electro-distributor.

[0059] Also, the suspension system 10 can advantageously be configured to couple and decouple the suspension cylinder 150 from the hydraulic accumulator system 120, so as to respectively activate and deactivate the damping of the corresponding wheel 2 by the suspension system 10. This makes it possible in particular to deactivate the damping during an operation requiring greater precision. This is particularly the case when the tool used risks being subjected to high amplitude forces, for example during a vine crop trimming operation.

[0060] In particular, the hydraulic accumulator system 120 may comprise a valve 123 for coupling and decoupling one of the hydraulic accumulators 121 from the suspension cylinder 150.

[0061] In addition, the hydraulic accumulator system 120 can advantageously be, at least partially, offset relative to the corresponding wheel 2, the hydraulic accumulator system 120 being able in particular to be fixed to the chassis 3. Thus, the space requirement at the wheel is little impacted by the installation of the hydraulic accumulator system. In addition, the chassis advantageously offers more stable support for the hydraulic accumulator system.

[0062] The motorized vehicle may also comprise an electronic control device configured to control the adjustment of the damping provided by the suspension system, in particular by controlling the hydraulic distributor. The electronic control device may in particular control the circulation of fluid from the suspension cylinder to the hydraulic accumulators in order to be able to adjust the hardness of the suspension until the suspension is completely deactivated.

[0063] Furthermore, the invention advantageously makes it possible to adjust the attitude of the motorized vehicle, corresponding to a neutral position of the suspension system.

[0064] The suspension system for motorized machinery according to the invention has the advantage of being able to be activated / deactivated and easily adjusted. Thus, it will be advantageously activated when the machinery is moving on the road, between two work areas, so as to ensure safe driving for the driver and without unnecessary expenditure of energy. It will, on the other hand, be advantageously deactivated when working in open fields in order to provide the precision necessary for certain jobs.

Claims

Claims

1. Suspension system (10) integrated with a wheel (2) for a motorized vehicle (100) having at least three wheels and a chassis (3), the suspension system (10) being mechanically connected on the one hand to the hub (21) of the corresponding wheel (2) and on the other hand to the chassis (3), and characterized in that the suspension system (10) comprises two sliding elements (110) forming a suspension fork, a suspension cylinder (150) being coupled to a hydraulic accumulator system (120) configured to allow adjustment of the damping provided by the suspension system (10).

2. Suspension system (10) according to the preceding claim, each of the two slide elements (110) comprising a guide column (111) and a guide sleeve (112) configured to receive the guide column (111), characterized in that the suspension system (10) comprises a fixed fork support (130) mechanically connected to the chassis (3), and a movable fork support (140) mechanically connected to the hub (21) of the corresponding wheel (2), one of the guide columns (111) or the guide sleeves (112) of the two slide elements (110) being mechanically coupled to the fixed fork support (130), the other of the guide columns (111) or the guide sleeves (112) of the two slide elements (110) being mechanically coupled to the movable fork support (140).

3. Suspension system (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the fixed fork support (130) has a substantially L-shaped section, the guide sleeves (112) of the two sliding elements (110) being arranged along one of the branches of the substantially L-shaped section, said branch being substantially oriented in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the corresponding wheel (2) and in the direction of the axis of rotation of the corresponding wheel (2), the other branch of the substantially L-shaped section folding over the corresponding wheel (2).

4. Suspension system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hydraulic accumulator system (120) comprises two hydraulic accumulators (121) respectively coupled by a fluid circuit to the two chambers of the suspension cylinder (150), and a hydraulic distributor (122) connecting by a fluid circuit the suspension cylinder (150) to the two hydraulic accumulators (121).

5. Suspension system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suspension system (10) is configured to couple and decouple the suspension cylinder (150) from the hydraulic accumulator system (120), so as to respectively activate and deactivate the damping of the corresponding wheel (2) by the suspension system (10).

6. Suspension system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, the hydraulic accumulator system (120) being offset relative to the corresponding wheel (2), the hydraulic accumulator system (120) being in particular fixed to the chassis (3).

7. Motorized machine (100) comprising the suspension system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims so as to form an agricultural machine, in particular a straddle tractor for treatment in a vineyard.

8. Motorized vehicle (100) according to the preceding claim, comprising a steering system (240) configured to transmit the steering to the wheel (2) integrating the suspension system (10), the steering system (240) being mechanically coupled to the suspension system (10).

9. Motorized vehicle (100) according to claim 7 or 8 comprising three wheels including a front wheel and two rear wheels, characterized in that the suspension system (10) is integrated into the front wheel of the motorized vehicle (100).

Images