Quadricycle carrier device for agricultural tractor

Abstract

Title: Quadricycle Carrier Device for Agricultural Tractor The invention relates to a device (1) for carrying a motorized quadricycle on an agricultural tractor, comprising: - a frame (2) having attachment points (21) for the front or rear lift arms of an agricultural tractor; - a support (3) movably mounted on the frame (2) between an extended position in which the support (3) extends transversely to the frame (2), at a lower end (201) of the frame (2), and a folded position in which the support (3) is folded against the frame (2); - means for retaining the support (3) in its folded position; the support (3) in the extended position forming a platform for carrying a motorized quadricycle. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Quadricycle carrying device for agricultural tractor technical field

[0001] The field of the invention is that of the design and manufacture of agricultural vehicle equipment.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to a device for carrying a four-wheeled vehicle on an agricultural tractor. State of the art

[0003] In the agricultural sector, farmers' relatives are often called upon to transport them between different locations, in order to avoid having to use a farm tractor for daily travel. Indeed, the use of a tractor has an economic and environmental cost, and it is desirable to limit it.

[0004] A solution is therefore sought to improve the mobility of agricultural tractor users for their journeys not requiring the use of the tractor.

[0005] The search for such a solution must, however, take into account certain requirements, such as limiting the disadvantages related to the integration of equipment on an agricultural tractor, including the increase in the tractor's size. Technical problem

[0006] The invention is notably intended to meet the need of the prior art.

[0007] More specifically, the invention aims to provide a solution to improve the mobility of an agricultural tractor user for journeys not requiring the use of the tractor.

[0008] The invention also aims to provide such a solution which limits the disadvantages induced by the use of this solution. Summary of the invention

[0009] These objectives, as well as others that will appear subsequently, are achieved thanks to the invention which relates to a device for carrying a motorized quadricycle on an agricultural tractor, characterized in that it comprises: - a frame with attachment points for the front or rear lifting arms of an agricultural tractor; - a movable support mounted on the frame between an extended position in which the support extends transversely to the frame, at the level of a lower end of the frame, and a folded position in which the support is folded against the frame; - means of maintaining the support in its folded position; and in that the support in the deployed position forms two parallel rolling paths to receive the wheels of a motorized quadricycle, and in that the support is rotationally mounted on the frame around an axis of rotation, the support being free to rotate in the direction of its folded position in its deployed position.

[0010] Thanks to the device according to the invention, it is possible for an agricultural tractor operator to tow an open-topped quadricycle, commonly referred to as a "quad," on their tractor. The device according to the invention is also capable of supporting an all-terrain quadricycle such as a buggy, as long as its weight remains within the limits tolerated by the design of the device and the carrying capacity of the agricultural tractor.

[0011] Such a type of quadricycle is very particularly widespread on farms using agricultural tractors.

[0012] The ability to transport a quadricycle on an agricultural tractor allows the tractor operator to leave the tractor in place to travel using the quadricycle, and then return to the tractor using the quadricycle. This avoids using the agricultural tractor for a journey that does not require its use.

[0013] Thanks to the design of the support, when the quadricycle is not mounted on the device, the support can be positioned in a folded position so as not to increase the overall size of the tractor equipped with the support more than necessary.

[0014] The lifting arms allow the device to be lowered in order to raise the quadricycle onto the support or to lower the quadricycle from the support. When the tractor operator wishes to use their agricultural tractor, they must raise the device using the lifting arms to a height above the ground.

[0015] Thanks to the specific mobility of the support in the deployed position, when a quadricycle is placed on the support and the lifting arms are lowered to bring the device into contact with the ground, the support can adopt a position on the ground that is suitable for the terrain. This prevents the support from deforming by being rigidly coupled to the frame and being driven into the ground.

[0016] The design of the device is simple and robust while allowing the support to adapt freely to the relief of the terrain underlying the device when the latter is lowered using the lifting arms of the agricultural tractor.

[0017] Preferably, the axis of rotation is segmented into at least two axis segments, the support being rotationally mounted on the axis segments, and at least one of the attachment points is located between two axis segments of rotation.

[0018] This allows the axis of rotation to be moved back as far as possible from the attachment point, and thus the masses carried by the device to be brought as close as possible to the attachment points.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment, the support comprises force-bearing arms extending between a first end and a second end, and having a central portion between the first end and the second end, in which: - the support is mounted movably on the frame by means of the central parts; - the first end has a stop surface intended to be against a front face of the frame in the deployed position of the support; - the second end has a stop surface intended to be against a rear face of the frame in the deployed position of the support.

[0020] Such force recovery arms optimize the load-carrying capacity of the support and more generally of the support.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the support has pairs of wedges defining cradles intended to accommodate the wheels of a motorized quadricycle mounted on the support, the wedges of a pair of wedges being intended to be located under a front part and under a rear part of one of the tires, and in that each pair of wedges is adjustable in spacing, as well as in position along a front / rear axis and a left / right axis of the support.

[0022] It is therefore possible to adapt the support to the type of quadricycle owned by the agricultural tractor user. Indeed, different types of quadricycles exist, and between two different quads, there may be differences in terms of wheelbase, wheel size, and / or distance between the two axles of the quadricycles.

[0023] Preferably, the support is formed by at least two parts adjustable in spacing from each other along a left / right axis of the support.

[0024] According to an advantageous design, the support is formed by four adjustable parts, each adjustable part carrying a proximal wedge of the frame and a distal frame of the frame in the deployed position of the support, each adjustable part comprising: - a first longitudinal section carrying the proximal wedge; - a second longitudinal section mounted movably in translation on the first longitudinal section and carrying the distal wedge.

[0025] This simple, economical design allows the spacing between the proximal wedge and the distal wedge to be easily and quickly adapted to the wheelbase of the quadricycle to be mounted on the support.

[0026] This design also allows for precise adjustment of the position of the wedges on the support in order to bring the center of gravity of the device as close as possible to its frame, and to reduce the overhang created by the device attached to an agricultural tractor.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, each adjustable part is coupled to the frame via a part having an offset along the left / right axis between a first part coupled to the frame, and a second part coupled to the adjustable part, the position of the adjustable parts relative to each other along the left / right axis being interchangeable.

[0028] This embodiment makes it possible to enhance the ability of the device to be adapted to various sizes of quadricycle.

[0029] Advantageously, the device includes a support stand for holding the frame in a vertical position when the device is unhitched from an agricultural tractor.

[0030] This allows the device to be uncoupled from an agricultural tractor and for the frame to remain in a vertical, compact position, ready to be hitched again to an agricultural tractor. Brief description of the drawings

[0031] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon reading the following description of various preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of illustrative and non-limiting examples, and the accompanying drawings, among which: • [Fig.1] [Fig.1] is a schematic representation according to a front perspective view of a device according to the invention, with a support in the deployed position; • [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic side view representation of the device according to the invention; • [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic representation from a viewpoint rear perspective of the device; • [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a partial schematic representation of an arm of power recovery of the device according to the invention; • [Fig. 5] [Fig. 5] is a schematic representation of the device with its support in folded position. Detailed description

[0032] With reference to Figures 1 to 3, a device 1 for carrying a motorized quadricycle on an agricultural tractor is shown. The motorized quadricycle could correspond, for example, to a "quad" or a "buggy".

[0033] Device 1 comprises: - a frame 2 intended to be coupled to front lifting arms or rear lifting arms of an agricultural tractor; - a support 3 intended to form a platform for carrying a motorized quadricycle.

[0034] The frame 2 is described below in more detail with reference to Figures 1 and 3.

[0035] The frame 2 is essentially flat. Thus, the frame 2 extends: - in height between a lower end 201 and an upper end 202; - laterally between two lateral extremities 203.

[0036] The frame 2 extends in particular laterally along a left / right axis GD.

[0037] The frame 2 is formed from an assembly of welded mechanical elements.

[0038] Frame 2 thus comprises: - a first longeron 221, located near the lower end 201 of the frame 2; - a second longeron 222, located near the upper end 202 of the frame 2; - a central longeron 223, located between the first longeron 221 and the second longeron 222.

[0039] These stringers extend parallel to each other and are formed from tubular metal profiles exhibiting significant mechanical resistance.

[0040] Frame 2 also includes elements coupling the longitudinal members together, including: - two central crossbeams 224; - two lower crossbars 225; - two intermediate crossbeams 226; - two side profiles 227.

[0041] The central cross members 224 extend parallel to each other, leaving between them a volume whose use is described later.

[0042] The intermediate cross members 226 extend vertically parallel to the central cross members 224. The central cross members 224 and the intermediate cross members 226 extend in particular between the first longeron 221 and the second longeron 222, also being coupled to the central longeron 223.

[0043] The lower cross members 225 extend parallel to the intermediate cross members 226, only between the first longitudinal member 221 and the central longitudinal member 223. Each lower cross member 225 provides with the directly adjacent intermediate cross member 226 a volume whose use is described later.

[0044] Finally, the lateral profiles 227 have a first part 2271 extending parallel to the other cross members, a second part 2272 extending diagonally to the first part 2271 between the ends of the central spar 223 and the ends of the second spar 222.

[0045] The frame 2 carries an axis of rotation R. This axis of rotation R extends parallel to the left / right axis GD, and parallel to the first longitudinal member 221 as well as to the central longitudinal member 223, which according to the present embodiment, frame the axis of rotation R.

[0046] The axis of rotation R is located in particular at an equal distance from the first longeron 221 and from the central longeron 223.

[0047] More specifically, the axis of rotation R is supported by the two central cross members 224, the two lower cross members 225, the two intermediate cross members 226, and the two lateral profiles 227.

[0048] According to the present embodiment, the axis of rotation R is segmented into three segments of axis of rotation.

[0049] More specifically, the axis of rotation R is segmented into a central segment 71, and two lateral segments 72. As can be seen, the central segment 71 and the two lateral segments 72 are aligned, however spaces are provided between the central segment 71 and the lateral segments 72.

[0050] As mentioned previously, frame 2 is intended to be coupled to front lifting arms or rear lifting arms of an agricultural tractor.

[0051] These lift arms are typically three in number at the front of the tractor and three at the rear, each having a coupling head with a through hole extending orthogonally to a longitudinal axis of the agricultural tractor carrying the lift arms. In particular, there are two "low" coupling heads located at the same height, symmetrical to each other with respect to a median sagittal plane of an agricultural tractor, and one "high" coupling head, situated higher than the lower coupling heads, which are also located in the median sagittal plane of the agricultural tractor.

[0052] To allow the device 1 to be hitched to the agricultural tractor, the frame 2 has attachment points 21 to the front lifting arms or the rear lifting arms of an agricultural tractor.

[0053] These attachment points are formed by two elements framing a volume for receiving a coupling head, and having a hole centered relative to each other. A coupling head can thus be inserted between the two elements, centering its through hole on the two holes in the elements, then a key must be inserted through the holes and the through hole and held in position, for example by means of a pin.

[0054] The frame 2 has at least three attachment points 21. In this case, the frame 2 has seven attachment points 21, including: - three attachment points 21 located between the two central cross members 224 which extend parallel to each other; - two attachment points 21 located between each lower cross member 225 and intermediate cross member 226 directly adjacent to the lower cross member 225.

[0055] As a reminder, the two central cross members 224 leave a free volume between them and this free volume is intended to allow the insertion of a high coupling head. At this level, the three attachment points 21 are regularly spaced along an upper end of the central cross members 224 and allow to increase the compatibility of the device 1 to agricultural tractors which may have variations in the spatial arrangement of their lifting arms.

[0056] As a reminder, each lower cross member 225 provides a free space with the directly adjacent intermediate cross member 226, and this free space is intended to allow the insertion of a lower coupling head. At each assembly formed by a lower cross member 225 and an intermediate cross member 226, the two attachment points 21 are offset from each other within the thickness of the frame 2, that is, along an axis orthogonal to the plane in which the frame 2 extends. This further increases the compatibility of the device 1.

[0057] The support 3 is described below with reference to figures 1 to 4.

[0058] The support 3 is movablely mounted on the frame 2.

[0059] The support is more precisely mobile between a deployed position in which the support 3 extends transversely to the frame 2, at the level of a lower end 201 of the frame 2, and a folded position in which the support 3 is folded against the frame 2.

[0060] In its deployed position, the support 3 forms two parallel tracks to receive the wheels of a motorized quadricycle. A quadricycle can thus be moved forward or down from the support 3 in the deployed position by rolling on the tracks formed by the support 3.

[0061] As will appear later, the rolling paths are discontinuous, however it is conceivable that they may be continuous in other conceivable embodiments, for example in the case where the support 3 would be formed by a floor.

[0062] As can be seen in [Fig.1], the support 3 in its deployed position extends transversely to a plane in which the frame 2 is inscribed.

[0063] The folded-down position of the support 3 is illustrated in particular in [Fig.5].

[0064] The support 3 is mounted for rotation on the frame 2 around a rotation axis R.

[0065] According to another conceivable embodiment, the support 3 could also be mounted movably on the frame 2 according to other degrees of mobility, such as at least one degree of mobility along a transverse translation, preferably orthogonal, to the plane in which the support 3 is inscribed in its deployed position.

[0066] In its deployed position, the support 3 is not immobilized against movement along a direction transverse to the support 3, with a direction (illustrated by the arrows F in Figures 1 or 2) oriented from a lower face 301 of the support 3 towards an upper face 302 of the support 3. This capability allows the device 1 to adapt the positioning of the support 3 relative to the terrain, when the arms The lifting arms were lowered to bring the support 3 into contact with the ground, in order to raise a quad onto the support 3, or to lower it off.

[0067] For example, according to the embodiment envisaged above, the support could lift from its deployed position according to the translation transverse to the plane.

[0068] According to the preferred embodiment, the support 3 is free to rotate, around the axis of rotation R, in the direction of its folded position from its deployed position.

[0069] Thus, from its deployed position the support 3 can tilt towards the frame 2, rotating around the axis of rotation R, as soon as the device 1 is lowered, and the support comes into contact with a ground.

[0070] As illustrated in [Fig. 1], device 1 also includes means for retaining the support 3 in its folded position. These retaining means include retaining tabs 81 presented by the support, and flanges 82 presented by the frame 2. In the folded position, the retaining tabs 81 cooperate with the flanges 82 to retain the support 3 in its folded position.

[0071] With reference to figures 1 to 3, the support 3 has pairs of wedges 4 defining cradles intended to accommodate the wheels of a motorized quadricycle mounted on the support 3. These pairs of wedges 4 define the two rolling paths.

[0072] In other words, the support 3 has four pairs of wedges 4 arranged in a rectangle, to form four cradles in which the four wheels of the quadricycle are intended to fit.

[0073] According to the present embodiment, each pair of shims 4 is adjustable in spacing relative to each other. This allows each pair of shims 4 to be adapted to wheels of different diameters.

[0074] According to the present embodiment, each pair of shims 4 is adjustable in position along a front / rear axis AA and a left / right axis GD of the support 3. This allows each pair of shims 4 to be adapted to different quadricycles with variable axle distances and variable wheelbases.

[0075] The shims 4 of a pair of shims 4 are intended to be located under a front part and under a rear part of one of the tires.

[0076] A wedge 4 is in particular trapezoidal in shape with its longer base downwards and its shorter base upwards. The wedges 4 also have a coating that improves a wheel's ability to roll over it without slipping, for example by means of a textured sheet metal.

[0077] According to one possible embodiment, the support 3 could be formed simply by a plate, preferably reinforced by metal profiles. This plate would be directly mounted for rotation on the axis of rotation R.

[0078] In this case, the wedges 4 can simply be screwed onto the plate forming the support 3.

[0079] With reference to figures 1 to 4, preferred embodiments of support 3 are detailed below.

[0080] The support 3 extends laterally along a left / right axis GD, and lengthwise along a front / rear axis AA.

[0081] As can be seen in figures 1 to 3, the support 3 is formed by at least two adjustable parts 33 spaced apart from each other along the left / right axis GD of the support 3. In this case, the support 3 is formed by four adjustable parts 33.

[0082] The position of the adjustable parts 33 along the axis of rotation R can be adjusted by means of a bearing presented by the adjustable parts 33 mounted sliding on the axis of rotation R, and of keys holding the bearing in an indexed position along the axis of rotation R.

[0083] The bearing has a groove extending along an arc of radius R, and the axis of rotation has a plurality of regularly spaced holes allowing the insertion of one of the keys. Following the alignment of the groove with a hole in the axis of rotation R, the insertion of a key fixes the position of the bearing along the axis of rotation R, and the support can rotate about the axis of rotation R between its deployed position in which the key is at one end of the groove, and its folded position in which the key is at the other end of the groove.

[0084] Each adjustable part 33 carries a proximal wedge 41 of the frame 2 and a distal wedge 42 of the frame 2 in the deployed position of the support 3.

[0085] Each adjustable part 33 also includes: - a first longitudinal section 331; - a second longitudinal section 332 mounted movably in translation on the first longitudinal section 331.

[0086] The position of a second longitudinal section 332 can be fixed along the first longitudinal section 331 by means of bolting.

[0087] These longitudinal sections are formed using tubular metal profiles exhibiting high structural strength.

[0088] As can be seen in the figures, the first longitudinal section 331 carries a proximal wedge 41, while the second longitudinal section 332 carries a distal wedge 42. In this way, by adjusting the position of a second longitudinal section relative to the first longitudinal section, the distance between the wedges is also adjusted.

[0089] The support 3 also includes front plates 34 coupled to the ends of the distal adjustable parts 33 of the frame 2. These front plates 34 extend perpendicular to the longitudinal sections and form, for example, supports for signaling devices.

[0090] More specifically, the support 3 comprises two front plates 34 coupling two adjustable parts 33 to each other. The coupling position of an adjustable part 33 on a front plate 34 is adjustable, thus allowing adjustment of the spacing between the two adjustable parts 33 coupled to the front plate 34.

[0091] As can be seen more clearly in Figures 1 and 4, each adjustable part 33 is coupled to the frame 2 by means of a part having an offset along the left / right axis GD between a first part coupled to the frame 2, and a second part coupled to the adjustable part 33. This improves the adaptability of the support 3. For example, with reference to [Fig. 1], an adjustable part 33 can be positioned in the axis of a lower cross member 225 and an intermediate cross member 226 even though the axis of rotation R is interrupted between these two cross members.

[0092] Furthermore, the position of the adjustable parts 33 relative to each other along the left / right axis GD is interchangeable. This optimizes the adaptability of the support 3 to different types of quadricycles.

[0093] According to the present embodiment, and with reference to figures 2 to 4, the support 3 includes force recovery arms 31.

[0094] These arms in this case form the parts mentioned previously which couple each adjustable part 33 to the frame 2.

[0095] These force recovery arms 31 extend between a first end 311 and a second end 312.

[0096] Each force recovery arm 31 has a central part 313 between the first end 311 and the second end 312.

[0097] The support 3 is movably mounted on the frame 2 by means of the central parts 313.

[0098] According to the present embodiment, each first longitudinal section 331 extends longitudinally from the first end 311 of a force recovery arm 31 (each adjustable part having a force recovery arm).

[0099] The first end 311 of the force recovery arm 31 has a stop surface 32 intended to be abutted against a front face of the frame 2 in the deployed position of the support 3, while the second end 312 has a stop surface 32 intended to be abutted against a rear face of the frame 2 in the deployed position of the support 3.

[0100] More specifically, in the deployed position of the support 3, the stop surface 32 of the first end 311 comes into contact with the first longitudinal member 221, while the stop surface 32 of the second end 312 comes into contact with the central longitudinal member 223. This optimizes the load-carrying capacity of the device 1 on its support 3.

[0101] With reference to figures 3 and 5, the device 1 includes a support 5 for maintaining the frame 2 in a vertical position in an unhitched state of the device 1 of an agricultural tractor.

[0102] This support 5 takes the form of two deployable arms on either side of the frame 2, transversely to the plane in which the frame 2 extends. These two arms must, of course, be folded when the device 1 is attached to an agricultural tractor, and when the tractor is moving with the device 1.

[0103] In the configuration illustrated in [Fig. 5], the device 1 can be lowered by an agricultural tractor for storage. This position also facilitates the attachment of the device 1 to an agricultural tractor.

[0104] According to other conceivable embodiments, the device 1 may comprise, independently or in combination: - shock absorbers, in particular end-of-stroke shock absorbers, for the deployment of support 3, in order to facilitate and secure the passage of support 3 from its folded position to its deployed position; - a winch to fold the support 3 back into its folded position; - accessories coupled to frame 2, such as a storage box; - fastening straps, for example to secure a quadricycle on support 3, although it has been observed that the weight of the quadricycle alone is sufficient to keep it in position on the support when the agricultural tractor is moving.

[0105] The device 1 described above is adapted for transporting a quadricycle by an agricultural tractor. However, it is conceivable that the device 1 could also be used for transporting a two-wheeled vehicle, such as a motorcycle or a bicycle, for example in addition to a removable box mounted on the support, or that it could be used for transporting a tricycle.

Claims

Demands

1. Device (1) for carrying a motorized quadricycle on an agricultural tractor, characterized in that it comprises: - a frame (2) having attachment points (21) to front lifting arms or rear lifting arms of an agricultural tractor; - a support (3) movably mounted on the frame (2) between an extended position in which the support (3) extends transversely to the frame (2), at the level of a lower end (201) of the frame (2), and a folded position in which the support (3) is folded against the frame (2); - means for retaining the support (3) in its folded position; and in that the support (3) in the deployed position forms two parallel rolling paths to receive the wheels of a motorized quadricycle, and in that the support (3) is rotationally mounted on the frame (2) around an axis of rotation (R), the support (3) in its deployed position being free to rotate in the direction of its folded position.

2. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the axis of rotation (R) is segmented into at least two axis segments, the support (3) being rotationally mounted on the axis segments, and in that at least one of the attachment points (21) is located between two axis segments of rotation.

3. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (3) comprises force-recovery arms (31) extending between a first end (311) and a second end (312), and having a central part (313) between the first end (311) and the second end (312), in which: - the support (3) is movably mounted on the frame (2) by means of the central parts (313); - the first end (311) has a stop surface (32) intended to abut against a front face of the frame (2) in the deployed position of the support (3); - the second end (312) has a stop surface (32) intended to abut against a rear face of the frame (2) in the deployed position of the support (3).

4. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (3) has pairs of wedges (4) defining cradles intended to accommodate the wheels of a motor quadricycle mounted on the support (3), the wedges (4) of a pair of wedges (4) being intended to be located under a front part and under a rear part of one of the tires, and in that each pair of wedges (4) is adjustable in spacing from each other, as well as in position along a front / rear axis (AA) and a left / right axis (GD) of the support (3).

5. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the support (3) is formed by at least two adjustable parts (33) spaced apart from each other along the left / right axis (LD) of the support (3).

6. Device (1) according to claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the support (3) is formed by four adjustable parts (33), each adjustable part (33) carrying a proximal wedge (41) of the frame (2) and a distal wedge (42) of the frame (2) in the deployed position of the support, each adjustable part (33) comprising: - a first longitudinal section (331) carrying the proximal wedge (41); - a second longitudinal section (332) mounted movably in translation on the first longitudinal section (331) and carrying the distal wedge (42).

7. Device (1) according to any one of claims 5 and 6, characterized in that each adjustable part (33) is coupled to the frame (2) by means of a part having an offset along the left / right axis (L / R) between a first part coupled to the frame (2), and a second part coupled to the adjustable part (33), the position of the adjustable parts (33) relative to each other along the left / right axis (L / R) being interchangeable.

8. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a support (5) for maintaining the frame (2) in a vertical position in an unhitched state of the device (1) of an agricultural tractor.

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