Tracked vehicle

Abstract

Title: Tracked vehicle The subject of the invention is a tracked vehicle (1), in particular of the all-terrain motorized vehicle type, in particular configured to move on snowy or sandy terrain, comprising: a track (2) having an outer face configured to be in contact with the terrain and an inner face, a drive wheel (5), in particular driven by an electric motor, the drive wheel bearing on the inner face of the track to be able to drive the track, a suspension system (7) linked to the track, a compartment configured to house a battery, in particular with battery cells, and the compartment is configured to receive, interchangeably, a lithium-ion type battery or a sodium type battery. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: Tracked vehicle

[0001] The field of the present invention is that of tracked vehicles.

[0002] It is known nowadays to use electrically powered tracked vehicles, for use comparable to snowmobiles.

[0003] The present invention aims in particular to further improve such tracked vehicles.

[0004] The invention thus relates to a vehicle, in particular tracked, in particular of the all-terrain motorized vehicle type, in particular configured to move on snowy or sandy terrain, comprising: - in particular a track having an outer face configured to be in contact with the ground and an inner face, - a drive wheel, in particular driven by an electric motor, in particular the drive wheel being supported on the inner face of the track in order to be able to drive the track, - in particular a suspension system linked to the track, - a compartment configured to house a battery, in particular with battery cells, and the compartment is configured to receive, interchangeably, a lithium-ion type battery or a sodium type battery.

[0005] According to one aspect of the invention, the comprises: - a track having an outer face configured to be in contact with the ground and an inner face, - a drive wheel, in particular driven by an electric motor, the drive wheel resting on the inner face of the track in order to be able to drive the track, - a suspension system linked to the track, in particular this suspension system comprising at least one free wheel supported, by an annular band of the wheel, on the inner face of the track, the annular band having a rounded junction, on each side, with a side of the free wheel.

[0006] The invention makes it possible, thanks to the rounded edges on each side of the annular strip of the freewheel, to avoid damaging the track. In particular, these rounded edges or radii (instead of sharp-angled edges which can be cutting) on the sides of the annular strip make it possible that, when the suspension system is inclined (in particular when the tracked vehicle makes a turn), the freewheel does not injure or damage the track.

[0007] The invention thus makes it possible to protect the track, in particular by extending its lifespan.

[0008] The track draws a track path around the suspension system.

[0009] According to one aspect of the invention, the suspension system comprises a plurality of freewheels with annular band having a rounded junction, on each side, with a flank of the freewheel.

[0010] According to one aspect of the invention, the suspension system comprises at least one connecting rod carrying two free wheels facing each other, on either side of the connecting rod.

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, the two freewheels thus form a pair of freewheels placed at a location on the connecting rod.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, the suspension system comprises a plurality of connecting rods, each carrying at least one pair or two pairs of freewheels, the freewheels of each pair being opposite each other, on either side of the connecting rod.

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, the suspension system comprises, among the connecting rods, a rear connecting rod, at the rear of the track, carrying a pair of free wheels, also called a pair of rear free wheels (namely this pair being the rearmost of the vehicle).

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, the track winds onto this pair of rear free wheels, in particular over an angular sector of at least 90°, in particular at least 120°.

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, the suspension system comprises a set of front connecting rods linked to the rear connecting rod by a low articulation.

[0016] According to one aspect of the invention, the front set of connecting rods carries at least one pair of freewheels, in particular two or three pairs of freewheels.

[0017] According to one aspect of the invention, the front set of connecting rods comprises two connecting rods articulated together, in particular according to a pivot connection, each connecting rod carrying at least one pair of free wheels, on either side of the connecting rod.

[0018] Thus the suspension system can comprise several connecting rods (for example three or four in number) articulated one after the other to form a chain of connecting rods.

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, the connecting rod chain carries a total of five pairs of free wheels (this number may be different) which bear on the inner face of the track, on the ground side.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the chain of connecting rods articulated with the free wheels thus makes it possible to adapt to the roughness of the terrain during the travel of the tracked vehicle.

[0021] According to one aspect of the invention, the articulation between two neighboring connecting rods can be of the pivot type around an axis parallel to the connecting rod or an axis perpendicular to the connecting rod.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, the pairs of free wheels are located on the lower part of the suspension system, and the drive wheel is located on the upper part of the suspension system.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, the drive wheel is arranged on the side of the chassis of the vehicle, at a distance from the section of the track path which comes into contact with the ground.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, the drive wheel is arranged at a high location of the track path.

[0025] In particular, the drive wheel and the pair of rear freewheels define a geometric straight line which passes through their center, a geometric straight line which is oblique relative to the section of track which is in contact with the ground.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the pair of rear freewheels has an axis of rotation which is connected to one end of a retaining bar, this retaining bar being connected at the other end to a flange of the vehicle chassis.

[0027] According to one aspect of the invention, two such holding bars are connected to the axis of rotation of the pair of rear freewheels, on either side of the suspension system.

[0028] This bar allows the rotation axis of the rear freewheel pair to be securely held.

[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, a rod is arranged between, on the one hand, the low articulation between the rear connecting rod and the set of front connecting rods and, on the other hand, an articulation on the chassis of the vehicle.

[0030] According to one aspect of the invention, two such rods are provided in parallel.

[0031] According to one aspect of the invention, this rod or these rods are substantially parallel, at least over part of their length, in particular at least over half of their length, to the support bars.

[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, the suspension system comprises a first shock absorber mounted between, on the one hand, a bearing linked to the low articulation between the rear connecting rod and the set of front connecting rods and, on the other hand, a bearing on the rear connecting rod.

[0033] According to one aspect of the invention, this first shock absorber makes it possible to absorb forces by allowing a damped movement (in pivoting) between the rear connecting rod and the lower articulation.

[0034] According to one aspect of the invention, the suspension system comprises a second shock absorber mounted between a central articulation and the chassis.

[0035] According to one aspect of the invention, the central joint comprises one or more pivoting connecting rods linked to the lower joint.

[0036] According to one aspect of the invention, the first and second shock absorbers make it possible to absorb shocks and vibrations during the journeys of the vehicle.

[0037] According to one aspect of the invention, the longitudinal axes of the shock absorbers are oblique to each other.

[0038] According to one aspect of the invention, the first shock absorber extends substantially parallel to the chain of articulated connecting rods.

[0039] According to one aspect of the invention, the second shock absorber extends substantially parallel to the aforementioned retaining bars and / or rods.

[0040] According to one aspect of the invention, each shock absorber comprises, for example, a piston, in particular of the hydraulic type, and around the piston, an elastic return spring.

[0041] According to one aspect of the invention, the track path generally defines a triangle with a larger side that is oblique to the terrain.

[0042] The invention allows for a compact construction thanks to the arrangement of the shock absorbers and joints.

[0043] In addition, the vehicle according to the invention has improved maneuverability.

[0044] According to one aspect of the invention, the electric motor is housed within the drive wheel, or attached to the drive wheel.

[0045] According to one aspect of the invention, the chassis of the vehicle comprises a compartment configured to house a battery, in particular with battery cells.

[0046] According to one aspect of the invention, the battery is connected to the electric motor for its electrical power supply.

[0047] According to one aspect of the invention, the battery compartment is arranged under the driver's seat.

[0048] According to one aspect of the invention, the vehicle comprises an electronic battery management system.

[0049] According to one aspect of the invention, the vehicle comprises a port for connecting an electric charging cable to recharge the battery.

[0050] According to one aspect of the invention, the compartment is configured to receive, interchangeably, a lithium-ion type battery or a sodium type battery.

[0051] According to one aspect of the invention, sodium batteries are more suitable for extreme cold.

[0052] According to one aspect of the invention, the vehicle comprises a controller configured to adapt the electrical charge according to the type of battery on board the vehicle.

[0053] According to one aspect of the invention, the controller is associated with one or more DC / DC or AC / DC converters. The controller makes it possible to achieve a good compromise in terms of power when switching from one type of battery to another type.

[0054] According to one aspect of the invention, the vehicle comprises a front fork configured to receive, interchangeably, a wheel or a steering pad system.

[0055] According to one aspect of the invention, the steering pad system comprises a pad, for example a ski, pivotally mounted on a mechanical connection device of the steering pad system.

[0056] According to one aspect of the invention, the mechanical connection device of the steering pad system comprises two connection flanges, each being configured to be fixed to a tubular branch of the front fork of the vehicle.

[0057] According to one aspect of the invention, the two connecting flanges are configured to extend, in part, into the gap between the two tubular branches of the fork.

[0058] According to one aspect of the invention, each flange comprises a circular passage for the insertion of a rotation axis to connect the steering pad system to the fork, with freedom of rotation.

[0059] According to one aspect of the invention, the tubular branches of the fork are inserted at their free ends each into a tube, tube which is made with a bearing carrying the axis of rotation of the wheel or of the steering pad system.

[0060] According to one aspect of the invention, the tubular branch of the fork is clamped in the tube for example using one or more screws.

[0061] According to one aspect of the invention, the flanges of the steering pad system are articulated on the steering pad by pivot links.

[0062] According to one aspect of the invention, the flanges of the steering pad system are perforated, and are in particular formed by plate-shaped parts.

[0063] According to one aspect of the invention, the bearings integral with the tubes at the end of the fork define a universal mechanical connection for interchangeably fixing the shoe assembly or the wheel on the fork of the vehicle.

[0064] Thus, depending on the needs, the user can attach to the front fork of the vehicle either a wheel or a steering shoe system. The vehicle can be used in different environments, for example on sand or snow.

[0065] The invention thus allows greater modularity with regard to the use of the vehicle.

[0066] In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the steering pad system is configured to be secured to the outside of the fork (so that the wheel does not need to be removed in order to mount the steering pad system to the fork) and the wheel is held inside the fork.

[0067] According to one aspect of the invention, the connection device of the steering pad system engages the outside of the fork.

[0068] According to one aspect of the invention, the fork comprises, at each free end, the tube fixed thereon and a bearing which allows fixing both of the wheel inside the bearing, and of the steering pad system on the outside of this bearing.

[0069] The invention also relates to a steering pad system as described above.

[0070] Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description which follows on the one hand, and several exemplary embodiments given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the appended schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0071] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a representation of a vehicle according to the invention, with a front-mounted wheel;

[0072] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a sectional view of the vehicle of [Fig.l];

[0073] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a representation of the vehicle of [Fig.l], with a system steering shoe that replaces the wheel;

[0074] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a cross-sectional representation of freewheels of the vehicle of [Fig.l];

[0075] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a representation of the vehicle of [Fig.l], in another mode of use.

[0076] The features, variants and the different embodiments of the invention may be combined with each other, in various combinations, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be imagined comprising only a selection of features described below in isolation from the other features described, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage and / or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0077] Figures 1 and 2 show a tracked vehicle 1, of the all-terrain motorized vehicle type, configured to move on snowy or sandy terrain, comprising: - a track 2 having an outer face 3 configured to be in contact with the ground and an inner face 4, - a drive wheel 5, driven by an electric motor, the drive wheel 5 being supported on the inner face 4 of the track 2 in order to be able to drive the track 2, - a suspension system 7 linked to the track 2, this suspension system 7 comprising free wheels 10.

[0078] Each freewheel 10 has an annular strip 11 to come into contact with the inner face 4 of the track 2, the annular strip 11 having a rounded junction 12, on each side, with a flank 14 of the free wheel 10 (see [Fig.4]).

[0079] Each freewheel 10 is mounted on an axle via a ball bearing 15.

[0080] The invention allows, thanks to the rounded sections 12 on each side of the annular strip of the freewheel, to avoid damaging the track 2.

[0081] The track 2 draws a track path around the suspension system 7.

[0082] The suspension system 7 comprises a plurality of freewheels 10 with a band annular 11 having a rounded junction 12, on each side, with a flank of the freewheel.

[0083] The suspension system 7 comprises connecting rods carrying two free wheels 10 facing each other, on either side of each connecting rod.

[0084] The two freewheels 10 thus form a pair of freewheels 10 placed at a location on the connecting rod.

[0085] The suspension system 7 comprises a plurality of connecting rods, each carrying at least one pair or two pairs of free wheels 10, the free wheels 10 of each pair being opposite each other, on either side of the connecting rod.

[0086] The suspension system 7 comprises, among the connecting rods, a rear connecting rod 17, at the rear of the track 2, carrying a pair of free wheels 10a, also called the rear pair of free wheels 10a (namely this pair being the rearmost of the vehicle 1).

[0087] The track 2 winds onto this pair of rear free wheels 10a over an angular sector of at least 90°, in particular at least 120°.

[0088] The suspension system 7 comprises a set of front connecting rods 18 linked to the rear connecting rod 17 by a low joint 20.

[0089] The front set of connecting rods 18 carries a pair of freewheels 10, in particular two or three pairs of freewheels 10.

[0090] The front set of connecting rods 18 comprises two connecting rods 21 and 22 articulated together, according to a pivot connection 23, each connecting rod 21 and 22 carrying a pair of free wheels 10, on either side of the connecting rod.

[0091] Thus the suspension system 7 can comprise several connecting rods (for example three or four in number) articulated one after the other to form a chain 25 of connecting rods.

[0092] The chain 25 of connecting rods carries in all five pairs of free wheels 10 (this number may be different) which are supported on the inner face of the track 2, on the ground side.

[0093] The chain 25 of connecting rods articulated with the free wheels 10 thus makes it possible to adapt to the roughness of the terrain during the journey of the tracked vehicle.

[0094] The articulation between two neighboring connecting rods can be of the pivot type around an axis parallel to the connecting rod (see [Fig.4] which shows a ball bearing 26 for such a rotational connection) or an axis perpendicular to the connecting rod.

[0095] The pairs of free wheels 10 are located on the lower part of the suspension system 7, and the drive wheel 5 is located on the upper part of the suspension system 7.

[0096] The drive wheel 5 is arranged on the side of a chassis 30 of the vehicle, at a distance from the section of the track path which comes into contact with the ground.

[0097] The drive wheel 5 is arranged at a high location on the track path.

[0098] In particular, the drive wheel 5 and the pair of rear freewheels 10a define a geometric straight line DG which passes through their center, geometric straight line DG which is oblique relative to the track section TC which is in contact with the ground. The angle between the geometric straight line DG and the track section TC is for example between 15° and 60°, being for example between 30° and 50°.

[0099] The pair of rear freewheels 10a has an axis of rotation Xa which is connected to the ends of holding bars 28, each holding bar 28 being connected at the other end to a flange 31 of the chassis 30 of the vehicle.

[0100] Two such holding bars 28 are connected to the rotation axis Xa of the rear pair of free wheels 10a, on either side of the suspension system 7.

[0101] These holding bars 28, straight or bent, make it possible to securely hold the axis of rotation Xa of the pair of rear freewheels 10a.

[0102] A rod 29 is arranged between, on the one hand, the lower articulation 20 and, on the other hand, an articulation 33 on the chassis 30 of the vehicle.

[0103] Two such rods 29, straight or bent, are provided in parallel.

[0104] The suspension system 7 comprises a first shock absorber 40 mounted between, on the one hand, a bearing 41 linked to the lower articulation 20 and, on the other hand, a bearing 42 on the rear connecting rod 17.

[0105] This first shock absorber 40 makes it possible to absorb forces by allowing a damped movement (in pivoting) between the rear connecting rod 17 and the lower articulation 20.

[0106] The suspension system 7 comprises a second shock absorber 45 mounted between a central articulation 46 and the chassis 30.

[0107] The central joint 46 comprises one or more pivoting links linked to the lower joint 20.

[0108] The first and second shock absorbers 40 and 45 make it possible to absorb shocks and vibrations during the journeys of the vehicle.

[0109] The longitudinal axes of the dampers 40 and 45 are oblique to each other.

[0110] In the non-limiting example, the first shock absorber 40 extends substantially parallel to the chain of articulated connecting rods.

[0111] In the non-limiting example, the second shock absorber 45 extends substantially parallel to the aforementioned retaining bars 28 and / or rods 29.

[0112] Each shock absorber 40 and 45 comprises, for example, a piston, in particular of the hydraulic type, and around the piston, an elastic return spring.

[0113] The caterpillar path generally defines a triangle with a largest side 49 which is oblique to the terrain.

[0114] The invention makes it possible to have a compact construction thanks to the arrangement of the shock absorbers 40 and 45 and the joints 20, 46.

[0115] In addition, the vehicle according to the invention has improved maneuverability.

[0116] The electric motor is housed within the drive wheel 5, or attached to the drive wheel 5.

[0117] The chassis 30 of the vehicle comprises a compartment 51 configured to house a battery 52, here battery cells.

[0118] The battery 52 is connected to the electric motor for its electrical power supply.

[0119] The compartment 51 for the battery is arranged under the driver's seat 55.

[0120] The vehicle includes an electronic battery management system 56.

[0121] The vehicle has a port for connecting an electric charging cable to recharge the battery.

[0122] The compartment 51 is configured to receive, interchangeably, a lithium-ion type battery or a sodium type battery.

[0123] Sodium batteries are more suited to extreme cold.

[0124] The vehicle comprises a controller 57 configured to adapt the electrical load in depending on the type of battery on board the vehicle.

[0125] The controller 57 is associated with one or more DC / DC or AC / DC converters. The controller makes it possible to achieve a good compromise in terms of power when switching from one type of battery to another type.

[0126] The vehicle 1 comprises a front fork 60 linked to the handlebar 61 and configured to receive, interchangeably, a wheel 62 or a steering pad system 70 (see [Fig.3]).

[0127] The steering pad system 70 comprises a pad 71, for example a ski, pivotally mounted on a mechanical connection device 72 of the steering pad system 70.

[0128] The mechanical connection device 72 of the steering pad system comprises two connection flanges 73, each being configured to be fixed to a tubular branch 65 of the front fork 60 of the vehicle.

[0129] The two connection flanges 73 are configured to extend, in part, into the gap between the two tubular branches 65 of the fork 60.

[0130] Each flange 73 has a circular passage for the insertion of a rotation axis 75 to connect the steering pad system 70 to the fork 60, with freedom of rotation.

[0131] The tubular branches 65 of the fork 60 are inserted at their free ends each in a tube 67, tube 67 which is made with a bearing 68 carrying the axis of rotation 75 of the wheel 62 or of the steering pad system 70.

[0132] The tubular branch 65 of the fork is tightened in the tube 67 for example using one or more screws.

[0133] The flanges 73 of the steering pad system are articulated on the steering pad 71 by pivot links.

[0134] The flanges 73 of the steering pad system are perforated, and are notably formed by plate-shaped parts.

[0135] The integral bearings 68 of the tubes 67 at the end of the fork define a universal mechanical connection for interchangeably fixing the shoe assembly 70 or the wheel 62 on the fork 60 of the vehicle.

[0136] Thus, depending on the needs, the user can attach to the front fork 60 of the vehicle either a front wheel 62 or a steering shoe system 70. The vehicle can be used in different environments, for example on sand or on snow.

[0137] The invention thus allows greater modularity with regard to the use of the vehicle.

[0138] In another mode of use (illustrated in [Fig.5]), the steering pad system 70 is configured to be fixed on the outside of the fork 20 (so that it is not necessary to remove the wheel 62 in order to be able to mount the steering pad system 70 on the fork) and the wheel 62 is held inside the fork 60.

[0139] The steering pad system connection device 70 engages the outside of the fork 60.

[0140] The fork 60 comprises, at each free end, the tube 67 fixed thereon and a bearing 68 which allows fixing both of the wheel 62 inside the bearing, and of the steering pad system 70 on the outside of this bearing 68.

Claims

Claims

1. Vehicle (1) in particular tracked, in particular of the all-terrain motorized vehicle type, in particular configured to move on snowy or sandy terrain, comprising: - a track (2) having an outer face configured to be in contact with the terrain and an inner face, - a drive wheel (5), in particular driven by an electric motor, in particular the drive wheel being supported on the inner face of the track to be able to drive the track, - a compartment configured to house a battery, in particular with battery cells, and the compartment is configured to receive, interchangeably, a lithium-ion type battery or a sodium type battery.

2. Vehicle (1) according to the preceding claim, in the compartment for the battery is arranged under the driver's seat.

3. Vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the vehicle comprises an electronic battery management system (56).

4. Vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the vehicle comprises a controller (57) configured to adapt the electrical charge according to the type of battery on board the vehicle.

5. Vehicle (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the controller is associated with one or more DC / DC or AC / DC converters.

6. Vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which it comprises a suspension system (7) linked to the track and the suspension system (7) comprises a first shock absorber (40) mounted between, on the one hand, a bearing linked to the low articulation between a rear connecting rod and a set of front connecting rods and, on the other hand, a bearing on the rear connecting rod, and the suspension system (7) comprises a second shock absorber (45) mounted between a central articulation and the chassis.

7. Vehicle (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the longitudinal axes of the shock absorbers are oblique to each other.

8. Vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the vehicle comprises a front fork (60) configured to receive, interchangeably, a wheel or a steering pad system (70), in particular the steering pad system comprises a pad, for example a ski, pivotally mounted on a mechanical connection device of the steering pad system.

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