Towing mechanism, system, trailer, and method for towing vehicles

Abstract

The present invention relates to a towing mechanism 10 for a towing earthmoving vehicle 12. The towing earthmoving vehicle 12 has a towing point 24 fitted under its chassis 14. The towing mechanism 10 includes a towbar 26 configured to pivot to the towing point 24 of the towing vehicle 12, a towing point 30 second end 29 of the towbar 26 of a towed device 100, and a first pivot axis 32 for pivoting the towbar 26 below the rear axle 20 to the towing point 24 of the towing vehicle 12 formed under the chassis 14 of the towing vehicle 12. The first pivot axis 32 is transverse to the chassis 14. The towing mechanism (10) of the present invention further includes a second pivot (34) that is vertically oriented and engages the second end (29) of the tow bar (26) to reliably transfer the load of the trailer (56) to the first pivot (32), and a third pivot (44) located at one end (28, 29) of the tow bar (26) and having a shaft extending longitudinally of the towing vehicle (12). Thus, the device (100) can be tilted transversely of the towing vehicle. A towing arm (64) is secured to the rearmost pivot (34, 44) of the tow bar (26). The present invention also relates to a system, trailer, and method.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a towing mechanism for a towing vehicle. The towing vehicle of the present invention has a chassis, a front axle with front wheels, and a rear axle with rear wheels, which are attached to the chassis at a distance from each other. A towing point of the towing vehicle is attached or connected to the chassis between the front and rear axles. The towing mechanism of the present invention has a towbar having a first end configured to pivot to the towing point of the towing vehicle and a second end. The second end forms the towing point of the towed device, and when the second end is behind the rear axle of the towing vehicle, the towbar extends substantially parallel to the chassis of the towing vehicle. The invention also relates to a drive system and method for a work machine having a crawler-tracked chassis or a wheeled chassis. [Background technology]

[0002] In mines and quarries, heavy machinery with tracked or wheeled chassis is primarily driven by trailers to reduce wear on the tracked chassis and to speed up the drive action. As the machinery is often large and heavy, weighing for example 120 tonnes, the trailers are often quite long.

[0003] The trailer known from International Patent Application WO 2015 / 025077 A1 is typically towed using a chassis-steering towing vehicle, i.e., a dump truck. The trailer is attached to a towing point on top of the dump truck's chassis by a towing arm known as a gooseneck. Because the trailer is generally long and rigid, it can be turned relatively easily with a chassis-steering dump truck. Here, the towing point has the freedom to rotate the trailer in all three directions.

[0004] However, at many work sites, trailers are towed by a towing vehicle with a rigid chassis, and shunting is performed only by its front wheels, preferably an earthmoving vehicle. Typically, earthmoving vehicles are used for earthworking. However, when the tipping body and the dipping cylinder that operates it are removed, the trailer is attached to the earthmoving vehicle's towing point, formed on the chassis of the earthmoving vehicle by a gooseneck 110, in front of the rear axle. As shown in Figures 1 and 3a, a conventional attachment is shown, where the trailer 56' is attached by a gooseneck to a towing point 24 on the chassis 14 of the towing vehicle 12. At the towing point, the towing head of the gooseneck 110 can rotate around all three axles. In a known method, the towing point has a sphere that fits over the spherical surface of the towing head. When a towing vehicle 12 with a rigid chassis is used, the towing point 24 is formed at a position significantly higher than the support point p in Figure 3. However, when towing a rigid trailer 56', the overall rotational speed is significantly reduced. This is because the turning radius of the towing vehicle 12 is large and the length 11 of the trailer 56' is considerably long, i.e., the wheel spacing between the towing vehicle and the swing bogie axle of the trailer is large. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As used herein, a rigid tug refers to a tug that uses a rigid chassis without steering, i.e., steering is achieved by rotation of the front wheels only, with the rear axles preferably being driven. One or more rear axles may be used on the tug, such as in the Haulmax 3900 series earthmoving vehicles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Another challenge arises with the towing point 24 formed on the chassis 14 of the towing vehicle 12 in FIG. 3a. The towing point 24 is located on the chassis 14, significantly elevated above the ground 200, and serves as a support point p for the towing vehicle, and in particular for the towing vehicle's rear wheels 22. When towing a trailer 56' and the heavy work equipment (not shown) mounted thereon, a horizontal force V1 transmitted through the trailer 56' gooseneck 100 to the rear axle 20 acts rearward from the towed trailer 56' to the towing point 24 of the towing vehicle 12. Because the rear wheels 22 of the towing vehicle 12 act as a support point to which the tractive force V2 created by the towing vehicle engine is transmitted forward, and because the towing point 24 is elevated above the ground, a large lever arm is created by force V1 that rotates the towing vehicle 12 about support point p. Only gravity G acting on the mass G of the towing vehicle 12 itself attempts to counteract this moment. With larger loads, especially when climbing grades, force V1 can cause the front wheels 18 of the tractor 12 to lift off the ground, resulting in a loss of maneuverability and control. Therefore, when carrying heavy loads, an additional weight 63 attached to the front of the tractor 12 is required. This prevents the front wheels 18 of the tractor 12 from lifting off the ground 200, but it also increases the total weight of the entire system, and therefore the load acting on the tractor 12, resulting in increased fuel consumption. The additional weight reduces the total effective load of the entire system. The size of the additional weight ranges from 20 to 50 tons, depending on the size of the tractor.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a towing mechanism, system, trailer and method that allows towing a towed device more easily and safely than conventional methods. The towing mechanism according to the present invention is characterized as set forth in claim 1, the system as set forth in claim 6, the trailer as set forth in claim 13, and the method as set forth in claim 16.

[0008] The present invention utilizes a towing mechanism for a towing vehicle having a chassis, a rear axle with rear wheels and a front axle with front wheels disposed at a distance from each other within the chassis, and a towing point for the towing vehicle formed below the chassis between the front and rear axles. The towing mechanism of the present invention includes a drawbar having a first end that pivots to the towing point and a second end where the towing point for the towed device is formed. When the second end is behind the rear axle of the towing vehicle, the drawbar extends substantially parallel to the chassis of the towing vehicle. More specifically, in the present invention, the sphere and spherical surface of the towing point are "stretched" along the length of the towbar, and the degrees of freedom of the three axes are divided into separate pivots on either side of the rear axle, each pivot bearing its moment in the plane defined by its axis of rotation.

[0009] The towbar pivots substantially horizontally at a first pivot transverse to the chassis and extends under the rear axle to the towing point of the towing vehicle, and a second pivot, which transmits moments in a vertical plane, ensures that the load of the towed device is transferred to the first pivot at the towing point of the towbar and, through it, to the chassis of the towing vehicle.

[0010] The towing mechanism has a third pivot with a shaft in the longitudinal direction of the towing vehicle so that the towed device and tow bar tilt transversely of the towing vehicle.

[0011] The towing arm is secured to the rearmost pivot of the tow bar, preferably the second or third pivot, which is closer to the second end of the tow bar and forms the towing point of the tow bar. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] With the towing mechanism of the present invention, horizontal and rearward forces generated by the towed device or towing vehicle act substantially against or below the rear axle, so that, as with conventional towing systems, the towing forces tend to push the front of the towing vehicle against the ground, but do not lift it off the ground. Meanwhile, the weight of the towing arm of the towed device or towing vehicle is transmitted through the towing mechanism to the towing point of the towing vehicle, which is located below the front and rear axles and chassis. The weight of the towed device or towing vehicle also tends to push the towing vehicle's front tires against the ground, so the towing vehicle's front tires do not lift into the air. Meanwhile, the towing vehicle's rear tires are sufficiently loaded that the driving rear tire has sufficient weight to provide the necessary driving force. With the towing mechanism of the present invention, the degrees of freedom of movement of the towed device are essentially split into three separate pivots at the end of the tow bar, each pivot generating a moment in a different direction.

[0013] At each pivot there are preferably two sections which rotate relative to one another, with the tow arm attached to one section of the pivot and the tow bar attached to the other section either directly on the opposite side or via one further pivot.

[0014] The towing arm is preferably mounted on the third pivot, so that torsion caused by uneven ground only acts on the third pivot and not on the second pivot.

[0015] It should be noted that when referring to a towable device, this refers to a trailer or semi-trailer with a towing arm attached to a preferably single axle second or third pivot axle, or alternatively to a second towable vehicle, preferably an earthmoving vehicle.

[0016] It is also preferable to set the towing point below the axle line passing between the front and rear axles.

[0017] The towing mechanism according to the first aspect further includes a mounting end for mounting to the vehicle chassis and a support end for supporting the tow bar of the vehicle in the transverse direction of the towing vehicle, and since the support arm is configured to receive the transverse force of the tow bar acting on the chassis of the towing vehicle, the tow bar structure can be made lighter.

[0018] In a first embodiment, the drawbar can be formed of two parallel arms, joined at both the first and second ends of the drawbar. Support arms are disposed between the arms at their support ends, providing at least partial transverse support for the arms and allowing the drawbar to rotate about the first pivot axis. That is, only when the drawbar is bent under transverse loads do the support ends of the support arms support the drawbar arms from their inner surfaces. This structure allows the drawbar to rotate about the first pivot axis and for height adjustment of the drawbar's second end, which is particularly important when towing other earthmoving vehicles. On the other hand, the drawbar must be able to freely rotate about the first pivot axis at its first end, allowing the towing vehicle and towed device to adapt to the terrain, eliminating the need for a towing mechanism that twists the towing vehicle through the air.

[0019] In this first embodiment, the towing mechanism preferably further comprises a transverse arm pivotally connected to the towing point of the towing vehicle by a first pivot. A substantially horizontal third pivot allows the towing arm to rotate longitudinally of the towing vehicle, and the transverse arm allows the second pivot to tilt transversely of the towing vehicle. The third pivot allows the towed device to tilt relative to its longitudinal axis to conform to the terrain, thereby reducing strain on the second pivot.

[0020] Thus, in all embodiments, three pivot axes are formed in accordance with the towing mechanism according to the invention, so that the towed device can advantageously be tilted vertically, longitudinally and transversely.

[0021] The towing mechanism according to the first embodiment can further comprise a chassis support. This chassis support is connected to the mounting head of a support arm that is configured to be attached to the top of the towing vehicle chassis. This support arm then tightly locks to the towing vehicle chassis. On the other hand, the chassis support can be fixed via the towing vehicle chassis, which is also connected to the first pivot shaft, so that the towing mechanism forms a closed frame-like structure locked around the chassis. This frame-like structure is extremely strong and effectively transmits forces to the towing vehicle chassis.

[0022] In a first embodiment, the support head of the support arm has a wear surface configured to drag against the inner surface of the tow bar arm at least several times, thereby providing lateral support for the tow bar on the tow vehicle. The use of wear surfaces for lateral support of the tow vehicle is simple and inexpensive to install compared to various pivot mechanisms.

[0023] Instead of a wear surface, a roller with a bearing can be mounted on the support head of the support arm, so that the support arm can rest against the inner surface of the arm of the tow bar, although this arrangement is more complex to install.

[0024] In the first embodiment, the towing force generated by the towing vehicle can be transmitted to the trailer using only the tow bar, which simplifies the towing mechanism to the greatest extent possible.

[0025] In a second preferred embodiment, the towing mechanism further includes a vertical support. A second pivot axis is formed corresponding to the support, to which the tow bar is connected. An upper tow bar is further provided, having two ends, one end attached to the vertical support and the other end attached to the chassis of the towing vehicle. When the upper tow bar is used, the weight of the tow bar that fits under the rear axle of the towing vehicle is significantly lighter than when the upper tow bar is not used.

[0026] The towing mechanism preferably further includes a connecting arm that travels over the rear axle to connect the upper tow bar to the towing point of the towing vehicle. The tow bar, upper tow bar, and connecting arm form a closed loop around the rear axle, which is very strong and allows for a lightweight overall system.

[0027] The third pivot axis is preferably formed in a vertical structure behind the rear axle of the towing vehicle. The height of the towing vehicle does not limit the structure of the third pivot axis, allowing for greater freedom in design.

[0028] The towing mechanism may include a lifting cylinder attached to the second end of the tow bar between the support arms or upper tow bar for adjusting the height of the second end of the tow bar. This lifting cylinder is particularly advantageous when towing other earthworking vehicles. It is also advantageous when the tow bar or suitable adapter is used to lift the front wheels of the other earthworking vehicle into the air to improve control of the other earthworking vehicle.

[0029] The lift cylinders can also be used to transfer greater loads from the towed device, preferably a trailer, to the rear axle of the towing vehicle when greater tractive force is required from the driving rear axle of the vehicle, such as in slippery conditions.

[0030] The towbar, when connected to the vehicle, is preferably long enough to extend further rearward than the vehicle chassis when forming a vertical pivot axis at the rear of the vehicle, thereby allowing for greater rotational movement of the towing mechanism without the towbar getting caught on the inner edges of the vehicle's rear wheels.

[0031] Preferably, the towing mechanism is supported on the ground only via the towing vehicle. In this case, the deadweight of the towing mechanism is maintained at a moderate level, so that the weight of the towing mechanism and at least a portion of the weight of the attached towed device acts on the rear wheels of the vehicle, providing a strong grip. The overall length of the towing mechanism configured in this manner is significantly reduced, so the overall length of the vehicle and the towed device connected to it is not increased.

[0032] The object of the present invention can be achieved by using a construction for moving a work vehicle having a crawler chassis or wheeled chassis, a towing vehicle, a trailer configured to be towed by the towing vehicle, and a towing mechanism for the towing vehicle. The towing vehicle has a chassis, a rear axle with rear wheels and a front axle with front wheels arranged at a distance from each other within the chassis, and a towing point of the towing vehicle located below the chassis between the front and rear axles. The trailer has a trailer chassis, the chassis having a towing end and a load (carrying) end, and further has a towing arm at the towing end connecting the trailer to the towing point of the towing vehicle, a substantially horizontal deck with a front end and a load end mounted on the trailer chassis, and wheels attached to both sides of the deck on the sides of the deck. The towing mechanism has a first end configured to pivot around the towing point of the towing vehicle and a second end, the second end forming the towing point of the towed trailer's tow bar. The tow bar is parallel to the towing vehicle chassis and, in the case of the second end, extends behind the rear axle of the towing vehicle. The towing mechanism further includes a towbar pivoting to a towing point of the towing vehicle formed under the chassis of the towing vehicle below the rear axle, a first pivot axis transverse to the chassis, a second pivot axis at a second end of the towbar for reliably transferring the load of the towed trailer to the first pivot axis, and a third pivot axis at one end of the towbar with a longitudinal shaft of the towing vehicle, thereby allowing the towed device to tilt transversely of the towing vehicle. The towing arm is rigidly connected to the rear pivot axis of the towbar.

[0033] The mechanism of the present invention allows crawler-chassis or wheeled-chassis work machines to be quickly and efficiently transferred from one location to another. With the mechanism of the present invention, the weight of the work machine acts on the towing vehicle to press the front wheels of the towing vehicle against the ground without lifting them off the ground. This maintains the maneuverability of the towing vehicle regardless of the situation, while the weight of the work machine adds weight to the rear wheels of the towing vehicle, thereby providing greater grip. On the other hand, with the mechanism of the present invention, the vertical pivot point between the trailer and towing vehicle is located at the rear of the towing vehicle, reducing the exact overall size of the trailer and improving the relationship between the trailer and towing vehicle. The pivot point is closer to the center of the trailer / towing vehicle when the present invention is employed, improving the towing vehicle / trailer or towing vehicle / earthwork vehicle relationship and allowing the trailer or towed vehicle to travel closer together on the same track as the towing vehicle.

[0034] In the case of the traction mechanism of the system according to the invention, it is advantageous to use all of the above-mentioned embodiments and features of the traction mechanism according to the invention.

[0035] The towing vehicle is preferably an earthwork vehicle having tipping-cylinder lugs mounted on the underside of the chassis, with the towing point of the earthwork vehicle being formed within the tipping-cylinder lugs. In this case, it is not necessary to form a separate towing point within the earthwork vehicle chassis, but instead, the existing, durable tipping-cylinder lugs can be used, eliminating the need to modify the earthwork vehicle structure. If the earthwork vehicle is used as a towing vehicle and the tipping cylinder and tipping body are removed from the earthwork vehicle, the tipping-cylinder lugs can be dispensed with.

[0036] For earthworking vehicles, it is preferred to have the tipping body pivot point located within the chassis, and the mounting end of the support arm or the upper towing arm is attached to the tipping body pivot point. Again, the existing structure of the earthworking vehicle can be utilized to secure the towing mechanism to the earthworking vehicle, without the need for any structural modifications to the earthworking vehicle.

[0037] Alternatively, the tow point can be formed into a sub-frame attached to the tow vehicle chassis. The sub-frame can be mounted on the top, bottom, or both sides of the tow vehicle chassis. This configuration allows for a more robust tow point, providing improved durability compared to tipping cylinder lugs.

[0038] In one embodiment, the trailer further includes swing bogies with wheels attached to the chassis. These bogies are disposed on both sides of the trailer chassis along the sides of the deck. Each of the trailer's swing bogies includes an eccentric arm having a first end pivotally attached to the trailer chassis and a second end, a shunting device pivotally attached to the first end of the eccentric arm and pivotally attached from the second end to the first end and the second end of the eccentric arm, and a swing arm pivotally attached to the second arm of the eccentric arm. Each of the two ends is provided with one of the wheels mounted on a bearing. The eccentric arm is configured to lower the load end of the deck to the ground while the first end remains substantially stationary. This allows heavy work equipment to be loaded onto the trailer safely and in a controlled manner because the deck does not form an angle between two different levels. This means that there is no threshold at which the work equipment would tilt uncontrollably when loaded. In this case, the working machine can be loaded with a slight incline in the control mode, since the working machine is completely horizontal, and in this case the working machine is supported on at least two support points throughout the entire loading. Due to this configuration, the mechanism is particularly suitable for loading working machines with a weight of 40 to 250 tonnes, preferably 80 to 120 tonnes, and equipped with a crawler chassis or wheeled chassis.

[0039] Alternatively, the swinging bogies on each side of the trailer may have, instead of a swinging arm, a single wheel mounted on a bearing mounted directly on the end of the eccentric arm. This configuration is suitable for carrying smaller implements, preferably less than 50 tonnes.

[0040] The second pivot axis can be formed by a towing pin attached to the towed device. This pin has two sliding bearing surfaces with different diameters, a guide surface with a variable diameter, and a towing sleeve formed at the end of the tow bar. The inner shape of the towing sleeve corresponds to the shape of the towing pin. This configuration of the second pivot axis allows for quick and easy attachment of the trailer to the towing mechanism, since the guide surfaces allow the towing pin to be smoothly guided into the towing sleeve. This guidance can be achieved even with a small angular displacement between the two. Nevertheless, the second pivot axis has virtually no tolerance and can withstand loads acting on it, allowing the weight of the implement and trailer to be transmitted to the towing vehicle chassis via the towing mechanism.

[0041] Of the two diameters of the traction pin, the smaller diameter is preferably configured closer to the pin's tip, allowing the traction pin to easily fit inside the traction sleeve.

[0042] In the present system, the tow bar is preferably located under the rear axle between the rear wheels, so the towing mechanism does not take up space on the side of the tow vehicle.

[0043] The towing vehicle used in the present system preferably has a rigid chassis and steerable front wheels.

[0044] Advantageously, the full weight of the trailer's towing arms acts on the towing vehicle, so that the grip of the rear wheels of the towing vehicle is increased by adding additional weight to them.

[0045] Preferably, the towing vehicle has a non-swivel chassis. The system according to the invention is more advantageously used with such towing vehicles, since the turning circle of a towing vehicle with a non-swivel chassis is significantly larger than that of one with a central pivot. On the other hand, a considerable number of towing vehicles with non-swivel chassis are also in use, so that vehicles not normally used in mines can be used instead of dump trucks.

[0046] The towing mechanism also preferably includes an upper tow bar that supports the tow bar above the chassis of the tow vehicle.

[0047] The trailer of the present invention is for transporting a work machine having a crawler track or wheeled chassis, and includes a trailer chassis including a towing end, a load end, and a towing arm at the towing end, and can be realized using a trailer having a substantially horizontal deck with a front end and a load end disposed on the trailer chassis. The trailer further has wheels disposed on both sides of the trailer chassis on both sides of the deck. The trailer of the present invention further includes any of the above embodiments of the present invention, and the towing arm is fixed to the rear pivot of the tow bar, so that the trailer load can be transferred to the first pivot.

[0048] The trailer according to the present invention allows a towing vehicle with a rigid chassis to be used to safely and smoothly move a work machine with a crawler chassis or a wheeled chassis. Because the trailer can be attached to the towing vehicle using a towing mechanism, the length of the rigid portion of the trailer can be shortened compared to conventional structures, because the second pivot axis of the towing mechanism is located behind the towing vehicle.

[0049] In one embodiment, the trailer further includes a swing dolly that attaches the wheels to the chassis. These swing dollies are located on both sides of the trailer chassis, at the sides of the deck. Each swing dolly on the trailer includes an eccentric arm having a first end and a second end pivotally attached to the trailer chassis, an actuator pivotally attached at its first end to the trailer chassis and at its second end between the first and second ends of the eccentric arm, and a swing arm pivotally attached to the second end of the eccentric arm and having two ends attached to bearings. The eccentric arm is configured to lower the deck to the ground without substantially changing position at its front end. This allows heavy implements to be loaded onto the trailer in a safe and controlled manner because the deck does not form an angle, or threshold, between two different levels. If this threshold is exceeded, the implement would tilt uncontrollably when loaded. Because the deck is completely horizontal, loading the implement is a controllable operation that can be performed with only a slight tilt, and the implement can be supported on the deck by at least two support points throughout the entire loading operation.

[0050] The second pivot axis can comprise a towing pin for attachment to the towed device, the towing pin having two sliding bearing surfaces with different diameters, a guide surface of varying diameter between them, and a towing sleeve formed at the end of the tow bar, the inner surface of the towing sleeve having a shape corresponding to the inner surface of the towing pin. This configuration of the second pivot axis allows for quick and easy attachment of the trailer to the towing mechanism, since the guide surfaces allow the towing pin to be smoothly guided into the towing sleeve, even with a slight angular misalignment between them. Nevertheless, the second pivot axis requires virtually no tolerances and can withstand loads acting on it, allowing the weight of the implement and trailer to be transmitted by the towing mechanism to the chassis of the towing vehicle.

[0051] The swing trolley can be attached to the trailer chassis at a point located at a distance from the load end of the trailer chassis, which distance is 10-40%, preferably 18-30%, of the total length of the trailer between the towing end and the load end. In this case, a sufficiently large downward load acts on the towing point of the towing vehicle via the trailer towing arms, ensuring a good towing grip for the rear wheels of the towing vehicle.

[0052] The trailer of the present invention can utilize a drag brake. That is, a wear-resistant braking surface is attached to the underside of the trailer deck. This deck can be lowered using an eccentric arm so that it continuously drags on the ground during transfers. In this way, the braking capacity of the towing vehicle can be very small, since the continuous braking action provided by the drag brake provides the continuous tractive effort required for transfers. Therefore, brake overheating or brake failure does not pose any problems.

[0053] The trailer according to the present invention can transport a work machine having a crawler chassis or a wheeled chassis weighing 40 to 250 tons, preferably 80 to 120 tons. In this case, the diameter of the trailer wheels is preferably 1400 to 2200 mm.

[0054] The towing arm preferably has fastening means for fastening the trailer to the second or third pivot, so that only rotation occurs about the axis of rotation of the corresponding pivot.

[0055] In one embodiment, the fastening means is a towing pin, thus in the case of a trailer the second side of the second pivot axis takes the form of a towing pin.

[0056] Alternatively, instead of a traction pin, a sleeve adapted to receive the pivot shaft of the third pivot can be used as the fastening means.

[0057] The present invention also provides a method for transmitting tractive force from a towing vehicle to a towed device. This method uses a towbar located under the rear axle of the tow vehicle. The three axial degrees of freedom of the tow point, i.e., horizontal, vertical, and longitudinal degrees of freedom, are divided into respective pivots at the ends of the towbar on either side of the rear axle, with each pivot transmitting a moment in the plane formed by its axis of rotation. In this case, the tow force is transmitted to the tow arm via three pivots. In this method, a first pivot is located at the first end of the towbar and has a transverse shaft that holds the towbar relative to the tow point of the tow vehicle; a second pivot is located at the second end of the towbar and transmits the tractive force to the tow arm; and a third pivot is located on the longitudinal axis of the tow vehicle and at one end of the towbar, allowing the towed device to tilt in the transverse direction of the tow vehicle.

[0058] The third pivot axis is preferably between the towing arm and the second pivot axis. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0059] [Patent Document 1] International Patent Application WO2015 / 025077A1 [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0060] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show several embodiments of the invention.

[0061] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an axonometric view of a prior art system and trailer. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows an axonometric view of a first embodiment of the system and trailer according to the present invention. [Figure 3a] FIG. 3a is a schematic side view showing the forces acting on a prior art system. [Figure 3b] FIG. 3b is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a first embodiment of a traction mechanism according to the invention and the forces acting on the system according to the invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an axonometric view of a first embodiment of the towing mechanism and trailer according to the present invention. [Figure 5a] FIG. 5a is an axonometric side view showing the construction of a first embodiment of a traction mechanism according to the invention as part of a system according to the invention. [Figure 5b] FIG. 5b is a perspective view showing the construction of a first embodiment of a traction mechanism according to the invention as part of a system according to the invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view showing the structure of one embodiment of the second pivot shaft of the first embodiment. [Figure 7a] FIG. 7a shows the first embodiment of the traction mechanism according to the invention when another earthmoving vehicle is transported. [Figure 7b] FIG. 7b shows the first embodiment of the towing mechanism according to the invention transporting another earthmoving vehicle. [Figures 8a-8c] 8a to 8c are cross-sectional side views showing the structure of one embodiment of the second pivot shaft. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an axonometric view of the eccentric arm of the trailer. [Figure 10a] FIG. 10a shows the structure of the eccentric arm of the trailer as seen from a different angle. [Figure 10b] FIG. 10b shows the structure of the eccentric arm of the trailer from a different angle. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an axonometric perspective rear view of a second embodiment of the system according to the present invention. [Figure 12a] FIG. 12a shows a side view of a second embodiment of the system according to the invention. [Figure 12b] FIG. 12b is a cross-sectional side view of a second embodiment of a system according to the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a top view of a second embodiment of the system according to the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of a second embodiment of a trailer / towing mechanism according to the present invention. [Figure 15]FIG. 15 is an axonometric view of a second embodiment of a traction mechanism according to the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a top view showing a second embodiment of the traction mechanism according to the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a side cross-sectional view showing a second embodiment of the traction mechanism according to the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is an axonometric view showing the use of the second embodiment of the present invention when towing another earthmoving vehicle. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is an axonometric view showing the use of a second embodiment of the towing mechanism according to the present invention in a towing vehicle without a separate towed earthmoving vehicle. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a side view showing the use of the towing mechanism of the present invention when towing another earthmoving vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0062] As shown in Figure 2, a system 50 according to the present invention is formed by a conventional towing vehicle 12, a towing mechanism 10 connected thereto, and a towed device 100 connected to the towing mechanism 10. In this case, the towing mechanism 10 is preferably a trailer 56, with a work implement 54 having a crawler chassis 52 mounted on top of it. Alternatively, the work implement may be provided with a wheeled chassis, but transporting a work implement having a crawler chassis using the crawler chassis generally involves wear and is slow. Therefore, the present invention is particularly suitable for loading a work implement having a crawler chassis.

[0063] The towing mechanism of the present invention is preferably used with an earthmoving vehicle as a towing vehicle. As shown in FIG. 7a, the towing mechanism of the present invention can be used by removing the tipper body 102 and its tipping cylinder 104 from a conventional earthmoving vehicle, which in the case of FIG. 7a is the towed vehicle. The tipper body 102 is pivotally mounted to the tipper body pivot point 80 and is actuated by the tipping cylinder 104. In this case, the tipping cylinder 104 is pivotally mounted to the tipping cylinder lug 78, which belongs to and is located below the chassis of the earthmoving vehicle. Because an earthmoving vehicle is a preferred embodiment of a towing vehicle, the term "earthmoving vehicle" will be used for the towing vehicle, along with the reference numeral 12. It should be noted that a towing vehicle is also suitable for purposes other than earthmoving.

[0064] The earthmoving vehicle 12 includes a chassis 14, best shown in FIG. 3b, with front and rear axles 16 and 20 mounted on the chassis 14, and further includes front wheels 18 on the front axle 16 and rear wheels 22 on the rear axle 20. The front wheels 18 are steering wheels, and the chassis 14 is rigid in the sense that it does not have a central pivot axis for steering the chassis, as is the case with conventional dump trucks. The earthmoving vehicle 12 is preferably a vehicle primarily intended for earthmoving work, and the chassis 14 further includes a tipper body pivot point 80, to which the tipper body is attached during earthmoving work. In this case, the tipper body pivot point 80 is a lug, which is preferably located at the rearmost part of the chassis 14, above the chassis 14, in accordance with the prior art. Instead of lugs, pivot pin holes can be formed in the chassis for attachment. Furthermore, the chassis 14 preferably has tipping cylinder lugs 78, shown in Figure 7a, which are located below the chassis 14 of the earthmoving vehicle 12 in the space between the front axle 16 and the rear axle 20. When the earthmoving vehicle 12 is used as a towing vehicle for the trailer 56 in accordance with Figure 2, the tipping cylinders and tipper body are removed. In this case, the tipping cylinder lugs 78 remain free and can be used for other purposes, but advantageously serve as the towing point 24 of the earthmoving vehicle 12 in the system 50 according to the invention. The towing point can be formed as a separate sub-frame above or below the chassis between the front and rear axles, or both.

[0065] The traction mechanism 10 is connected to the earthmoving vehicle 12 and its purpose is to transmit the tractive force of the earthmoving vehicle 12 to the trailer 56, under the rear axle 20 of the earthmoving vehicle 12 and to the rear of the earthmoving vehicle 12. In this case, the attachment and pivot points of the trailer 56 relative to the earthmoving vehicle 12 can be set further back, allowing the entire earthmoving vehicle 12 and trailer 56 to pivot more quickly. In other words, the length 11 of the rigid part of the trailer can be shorter than the corresponding length 11 of the prior art trailer shown in Figure 3a.

[0066] In a first embodiment, the towing mechanism 10 includes a tow bar 26, shown in FIG. 4, having a first end 28 and a second end 29. The first end 28 is attached to the tow point 24 of the earthmoving vehicle 12 within the body 14 of the earthmoving vehicle 12 by a first pivot 32. The first pivot 32 is transverse to the body 14 of the earthmoving vehicle 12 and is substantially horizontal. The tow point 30 of the tow bar 26, i.e., the second pivot 34, is preferably formed at the other end 29 of the tow bar 26. The second pivot 34 is a substantially vertical pivot and vertically transfers moments from the trailer 56 attachment. Note that "transmitting moments vertically" refers to the fact that the weight of the trailer and its load (cargo) is transferred by the second pivot 34 to at least the first pivot and, through it, to the chassis of the earthmoving vehicle. The tow bar 26 is attached at its first end 28 to the towing point 24 of the earthmoving vehicle 12 by a transverse arm 46, preferably belonging to the towing mechanism 10. The first end 28 is attached to the transverse arm 46 by a third pivot 44 in the longitudinal direction of the earthmoving vehicle 12. The transverse arm 46 is attached by a first pivot 32 to a lug 78 of a tipping cylinder of the earthmoving vehicle 12.

[0067] In other words, the towing mechanism 10 is preferably formed with three separate axes of rotation a, b, and c, as shown in FIG. 4 , of which the first pivot 32 is transverse to the earthwork vehicle 12 and thus allows rotation about axis a; the second pivot 34 is vertical and thus allows rotation about axis b; and the third pivot 44 is longitudinal and thus allows rotation about axis c. Each pivot allows rotation about only one axis of rotation and transmits moments in the direction of the other axis of rotation. This also applies to the second embodiment of the towing mechanism and system described below with reference to FIG. 15 . This allows the trailer to adapt to the terrain. Note that in another embodiment, a third pivot, which tilts the trailer in the longitudinal direction of the earthwork vehicle, can also be provided at the second end of the towbar and connected to the second pivot. Nevertheless, the second pivot can transmit moments, the load of the trailer and the implement mounted thereon, to the first pivot and, via it, to the towing point of the earthwork vehicle.

[0068] 3b and 4, in the first embodiment, the shape of the drawbar 26 is preferably such that it is beneath the rear axle 20 of the earthmoving vehicle 12 and is able to travel substantially longitudinally between the rear wheels 22 when rotation about a vertical axis between the towing mechanism 10 and the trailer 56 occurs at a second pivot 34 at the rear of the earthmoving vehicle 12. In other words, when the rear axle 20 is on an imaginary line drawn between the towing point 24 and the second pivot 34, the drawbar will at least partially curve or form a recess that bypasses the rear axle 20 of the earthmoving vehicle.

[0069] In the first embodiment, the towbar 26 preferably comprises two parallel arms 42 attached to each other at a first end 28 and a second end 29 of the towbar 26. A support 115 may also be located between the first end 28 and the second end 29, as shown in FIG. 5b. The arms 42 may be cut from steel and welded together to form a sealed structure. Such a structure is significantly lighter and less expensive to construct. For a conventional earthmoving vehicle 12, the towbar 26 may be sized to provide a distance of approximately 50 cm between the rear axle and the ground, allowing the towbar 26 to be guided under the rear axle 20, maintaining the earthmoving vehicle's off-load capability and ground clearance.

[0070] Because the second pivot axis 34 can be positioned along the length of the tow bar 26 from its attachment point to the chassis 14 of the earthmoving vehicle 12, i.e., the towing point 24 of the earthmoving vehicle 12, a long moment arm is formed between the first pivot axis 32 and the second pivot axis 34, generating a lateral force on the earthmoving vehicle 12. To accommodate this torsion, the first embodiment of the towing mechanism 10 forms a support arm 36 having a mounting end 38 and a support end 40. The support arm 36 is attached to the chassis 14 of the earthmoving vehicle 12 by the mounting end 38. This attachment is preferably made within a lug 78 of the earthmoving vehicle's 12 tipper body, which is already present on the earthmoving vehicle 12. Alternatively, a separate lug may be formed for attachment within the chassis 14. The support end 40 of the support arm 36 is located between the arms 42 forming the tow bar 26 and is adjacent to or in contact with the inner surface of the arm 42. The support end 40 has a wear surface 112 that pivots on a pin 120. This pin is constructed of a steel that is less wear-resistant than the arms 42. As shown in Figure 5b, the wear surface 112 preferably contacts and supports the arms 42 in a transverse direction, as the transverse loads are so great that the drawbar 26 would otherwise twist. In this way, the construction of the drawbar 26 can be significantly lighter, as the transverse forces are borne by the support arms 36. Furthermore, the support arms 36 can be used to rotate the drawbar 26 about the first pivot axis 32, thereby allowing the height of the drawbar 26 to be adjusted.

[0071] For securing the towing mechanism 10, the towing mechanism 10 preferably has a chassis support 48 in the first embodiment. The support 48 is attached to the top of the chassis 14 of the earthmoving vehicle 12. The purpose of the chassis support 48 is to securely fasten the towbar 36 to the chassis 14 of the earthmoving vehicle 12. On the other hand, the chassis support 48 preferably extends substantially in the longitudinal direction of the earthmoving vehicle 12 relative to the towing point 24 of the earthmoving vehicle 12. In this configuration, the chassis support 48 can also be attached to the tipper body pivot point 80, preferably to a lug on the tipper body. In this case, the towbar 26, support arm 36, and chassis support 48 of the towing mechanism form a very strong, enclosed frame-like structure. The openings 113 allow the chassis support 48 to be lightweight.

[0072] A trailer 56 according to the present invention is preferably part of the system 50 according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3b, the trailer 56 not only has a chassis 58 with a towing end 60 and a load end 62, but also has a towing arm 64 that connects the trailer 56 to the towing point 24 of the earthmoving vehicle 12. The trailer 56 further has a substantially horizontal deck 66 with a front end 68 and a rear end 70 that fits over the trailer chassis 58. The deck 66 supports a towed work implement that is driven by the deck. The trailer chassis 58 is supported on the ground, preferably using a swing dolly 72 belonging to the trailer 56. The swing dolly 72 fits over either side of the trailer chassis 58 on either side of the deck 66. Each swing dolly 72 is connected to the trailer chassis 58 and has a swing arm 74 with two ends 76. A swing bearing is located between the ends 76, allowing the swing arm 74 to swing over the trailer chassis 58. Each end 76 of the swing arm 74 has one wheel 79. The second pivot 34 attaches the towing arm 64 of the trailer 56 to the towing mechanism 10 of the present invention, where the weight of the arm of the trailer 56 is transferred to the chassis of the earthmoving vehicle 12 via the towing mechanism 10.

[0073] Each swing dolly 72 is preferably mounted so that the rear end 70 of the deck 66, on which the work machine is loaded onto the trailer 56, can land. That is, the deck 66 of the trailer 56 has a uniform, level surface, so that the work machine does not have to cross a specific threshold when loading onto the trailer. This feature is achieved by using an eccentric arm 82, shown in Figures 9 and 10a, within the swing dolly 72. The eccentric arm 82 is attached to a bearing at a first end 84 by an axle pin 87 on the chassis 58 of the trailer 56. In this case, a second end 86 of the eccentric arm 82 is attached to a bearing by a second axle pin 89 on the swing arm 74. The eccentric arm 82 is actuated by an actuator 88. In this case, the actuator 88 pivots from a first end 90 to the chassis 58 of the trailer 56 and from a second end 92 to a pivot point 95 formed in the lug 86 between the first end 84 and the second end 86 of the eccentric arm 82.

[0074] If, instead of a swing dolly, a trailer with a smaller capacity on each side of the trailer is used, a single wheel can be placed directly on the end of the eccentric arm rather than in a bearing on the swing arm.

[0075] 3a and 3b, there is a difference in the forces acting on the earthmoving vehicle 12 when towing a conventional trailer 56 in FIG. 3a and when towing the trailer 56 according to the present invention using the towing mechanism 10 according to the present invention in FIG. 3b. In the case of the towing mechanism 10 according to the present invention, a uniform or horizontal force V1 acting rearward on the trailer 56 causes the front axle 16 of the earthmoving vehicle 12 to rotate toward the ground 200, forming a towing point 24 below the chassis 14 near the level of the rear axle 20. Correspondingly, the vertical gravitational force G2 generated by the mass of the trailer 56 is transmitted via the same towing point 24 as the earthmoving vehicle 12, pressing the front axle 16 and front wheels 18 of the earthmoving vehicle 12 against the ground 200. Thus, when using the towing mechanism according to the present invention, the front wheels of the earthmoving vehicle are not made lighter, and there is no need to use the additional weight 63 shown in FIG. 3 in front of the earthmoving vehicle 12. This not only improves the economy and carrying capacity of the earthmoving vehicle, but also improves the safety of transfers. On the other hand, the use of this towing mechanism improves the towing grip, since the weight of the trailer and the weight of the implement mounted on it can be used to press the drive wheels of the earthmoving vehicle towards the ground. This is because, if the centre of gravity of the load is located between the support point of the swinging carriage 72 and the second pivot axis 34, as shown in Figure 3b, the swinging carriage 72 is attached to the chassis 58 of the trailer 56, which is closer to the end of the load, and the trailer 56 can transfer the load to the towing point 24 of the earthmoving vehicle 12.

[0076] The towing mechanism 10 of the present invention can be used not only to tow a trailer 56 according to the present invention, but also to tow another earthmoving vehicle 12 shown in FIG. 7a using another towing mechanism 10 according to the first embodiment, or to tow another earthmoving vehicle shown in FIGS. 18-20 using another towing mechanism 10 according to the second embodiment. In this case, the other earthmoving vehicle 12 is the towed device. The second pivot 34 is used to support the towed earthmoving vehicle 12 on the towing mechanism 10, and the second end 29 of the tow bar 26 can be raised to partially lift the other earthmoving vehicle, allowing towing by the earthmoving vehicle equipped with the towing mechanism. In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3b, the towing mechanism 10 has a lug 114 that fits a lift cylinder 116 between the second end 29 of the tow bar 26 and the support arm 36. When the towing mechanism is used with a trailer, a lifting cylinder is not required. A ball joint that allows tilting can be used to attach the lifting cylinder.

[0077] The trailer attachment means 81 preferably includes a towing pin 96, and a chassis attachment 122 shown in Figures 7a and 7b for the first embodiment and in Figures 19 and 20 for the second embodiment is attached to the front of the chassis of the towed earthmoving vehicle 12. The towing pin 96 is part of the second pivot axis 34, through which the towing force is transferred from the chassis attachment 122 to the chassis of the towed earthmoving vehicle during towing. The chassis attachment 122 has a lug 124 to which the chassis attachment is attached to the chassis of the towed earthmoving vehicle. In the second embodiment of Figures 19 and 20, the pivot shaft 47 of the third pivot axis 44 of the towing mechanism 10 is attached to the chassis attachment 122.

[0078] The second pivot of the towing mechanism must be a tight, horizontal fit to transfer the weight of the trailer and the load to the towing point of the earthmoving vehicle. Because the towing mechanism can also be used to tow other earthmoving vehicles without trailers, the design of the second pivot of the system of the present invention must allow a trailer or other earthmoving vehicle to be quickly and easily attached to the second pivot. To tow another earthmoving vehicle, a towing attachment or suitable adapter must be fitted to the towing pin, allowing the towed earthmoving vehicle to be safely coupled.

[0079] For this reason, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the second pivot axis 34 is preferably formed by a towing pin 96 and a towing sleeve 106 that are attached to the trailer towing arm 64 or other towed earthmoving vehicle, as shown in FIG. 6. The towing pin 96 preferably has a slide bearing surface 98 with two different diameters, d1 and d2, and a guide surface 104 whose diameter changes between the slide bearings 98. Furthermore, the tip of the towing pin 96 is preferably rounded. The inner surface 108 of the towing sleeve 106 has a shape corresponding to the towing pin 96, as shown in FIGS. 8a-8c. Additionally, the inner surface of the towing sleeve 106 has a slide bearing 109. The diameter d1 is preferably larger than the diameter d2, and the towing pin 96 narrows toward its tip. The slide bearing surface 98 and guide surface 104 with two different diameters can be used to mount the towing pin 96 within the towing sleeve 106, as shown in FIGS. 8a-8c. In this case, the circular tip of the traction pin 96 can be easily guided into the center of the traction sleeve 106 and does not interfere with installation when the traction pin 96 and traction sleeve 106 are finally tightly fitted together. The traction pin can be mechanically locked in place or otherwise locked during operation, allowing it to rotate.

[0080] Prior art techniques using conical pins have the problem that it is difficult to align the pin and traction sleeve in a straight line to ensure a tight fit between them. This problem is exacerbated by the large size of the structure, which makes it difficult to move. In the system of the present invention, this problem is solved by adopting the second pivot structure described above.

[0081] FIGS. 11-20 show a second embodiment of the towing mechanism 10 and system 50 according to the present invention. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 2, 3a, and 4-10b in the structure of the towing mechanism 10. In the second embodiment, the third pivot 44 of the towing mechanism 10 moves from its connection with the first pivot 22 to its connection with the second pivot 34. However, the support arm 36 between the towbars 26 of the first embodiment is not required, and the upper towbar 35 is used as a supplement to the towbar 26. The upper towbar 35 is also supported on the chassis 14 of the earthmoving vehicle 12, but as shown in FIGS. 12a and 12b, the towbar is supported across the rear axle 20 of the earthmoving vehicle 12. Because the overall longitudinal tilt of the trailer and earthmoving vehicle 12 via the third pivot 44 occurs behind the towbar 26, the upper towbar 35 can provide sufficient lateral support for the towbar 26, even if the towbar 26 is lightweight. The advantage of this configuration compared to the first embodiment is that the tow bar of the second embodiment can be made significantly lighter, making it easier to install and use a towing mechanism on earth-moving vehicles that have little space under the rear axle.

[0082] The towing mechanism 10 of the second embodiment is preferably a closed loop structure as shown in FIG. 15. That is, a separate connector arm 43 is used to connect the upper drawbar 35 to the towing point 24 of the earthmoving vehicle 12, and the drawbar 26 is also connected to this towing point at its first end 28. This closed loop or frame structure is very stiff and robust, even though the drawbar 26 and upper drawbar 35 are very lightweight. In the second embodiment of the towing mechanism, the towing mechanism 10 has a vertical support 41 to which the drawbar 26 is attached at one end 30 and the upper drawbar 35 is attached at the other end 37. The second pivot axis 34 and the third pivot axis 44 are formed within the vertical support 41. Pivoting in the third direction is achieved by the first pivot axis 22, which is formed within the towing point 24 of the earthmoving vehicle 12 below the chassis 14. The trailer 56 is attached to the towing mechanism 10 via the pivot shaft 47 of the third pivot axis 44, which in this case forms the towing point 30 of the tow bar 26. In Figure 15, reference numeral 39 designates a rigid pin joint that attaches the vertical support to the tow bar 26.

[0083] Viewed from the side, the upper drawbar 35 has a curved shape and includes sub-arms attached to one another. These sub-arms preferably mount vertical supports 41 to the tipper body pivot point 80 on the chassis 14 of the earthmoving vehicle 12. As shown in FIG. 11, these sub-arms provide support laterally from a support surface 77 on the chassis 14 of the earthmoving vehicle 12 to, for example, the tipper body pivot point 80. Lateral support is important because strong torsional forces act on the upper drawbar 35 as the trailer pivots. In this case, the drawbar 26 has adjacent arms 42 that are joined using lateral supports 49.

[0084] As shown in Figures 18-20, the second embodiment of the towing mechanism 10 can also be used to tow another earthmoving vehicle 12. In this case, the lug 124 of the towed earthmoving vehicle is used to attach the chassis mounting 122 to the third pivot 44 of the towing mechanism 10. With the towing mechanism and system of the present invention, additional weight is not required at the front of the towing earthmoving vehicle when towing another earthmoving vehicle because the towing point is formed in front of the towing earthmoving vehicle's rear axle. In conventional systems, the towing point is located far behind the towing earthmoving vehicle's rear axle, so the weight of the towed earthmoving vehicle tends to lift the towing earthmoving vehicle's front wheels, which is compensated for by adding additional weight. As shown in Figure 18, a lifting cylinder 116 can be installed between the tipper body pivot point 80 and the lifting cylinder upper pivot 75 to not only raise or lower the tow bar's tow point 30, but also to increase the weight applied to the rear wheels 22 of the towing earthmoving vehicle 12 by pressing the lifting cylinder 116.

[0085] The dimensions of the trailer according to the present invention depend strongly on the weight of the work equipment to be carried. If a trailer is to transport a work equipment weighing 120 tons, the wheels used on the trailer must have a diameter of at least 1.6 m. The length of the trailer can be set to 10 to 25 m, preferably 15 to 20 m, and the width of the trailer can be set to 4 to 12 m, preferably 6 to 10 m. The towing mechanism can be manufactured, for example, from 10 to 30 mm steel plate, and the other dimensions depend on the dimensions of the earthmoving vehicle to be used. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 14 Chassis 10 Traction mechanism 11 Length 12 Towing vehicles, earthmoving vehicles 14 Main Unit 16 front axle 18 front wheels 20 rear axle 22 rear wheel 24 Tow point 26 Tow bar 28 First end 29 Second end 32 1st pivot axis 34 2nd pivot axis 36 Support arm 38 Mounting end 40 Support end 42 Parallel Arms 44 3rd pivot axis 46 Cross Arm 50 systems 52 Crawler chassis 54 Work equipment 56 Trailer 58 Chassis 60 Towing end 62 Load end 63 Weight 64 Towing arm 66 Decks 68 Front end 70 rear end 72 Swing Cart 74 Swingarm 81 Trailer attachment means 76 End 77 Support surface 78 Rug 78 Chipping Cylinder Lug 80 Turning Point 82 Eccentric Arm 86 Second end 88 Actuator 89 Axle pin 90 First end 92 Second end 96 Traction pin 98 Slide bearing surface 100 Towed equipment 102 Chipper Body 104 Chipping cylinder, guideway 106 Traction Sleeve 108 Inside 109 Slide bearing 112 Wear Surface 113 Aperture 114 Rug 115 Support 116 Cylinder Lift 120 pins 122 Chassis mounting part 200 ground

Claims

1. A towing mechanism (10) including a towing vehicle (12) having a chassis (14), a rear axle (20) with rear wheels (22) and a front axle (16) with front wheels (18) mounted on the chassis (14) at a distance from each other, and having a towing point (24) of the towing vehicle (12) attached or connected to the chassis (14) between the front axle (16) and the rear axle (20), The towing mechanism (10) includes a tow bar (26) having a first end (28) and a second end (29) pivotally attached to a towing point (24) of a towing vehicle (12), the second end (29) defining a towing point (30) of the tow bar (26) relative to a towed device (100), the second end (29) being attached to a towing arm (64) coupled to the tow bar (26), and the tow bar (26) extending substantially parallel to the chassis (14) of the towing vehicle (12) when the second end (29) is behind the rear axle (20) of the towing vehicle (12); The traction mechanism (10) further comprises: a first pivot axis (32) for pivoting the tow bar (26) below the rear axle (20) to a towing point (24) of the towing vehicle (12) formed below the chassis (14) of the towing vehicle (12), the first pivot axis (32) being transverse to the chassis (14); a second pivot (34) that fits onto the second end (29) of the tow bar (26), the second pivot (34) being perpendicular to the first pivot and ensuring the transfer of the load of the trailer (56) to the first pivot (32); and a third pivot (44) provided at one end (28, 29) of the tow bar (26) having a shaft in the longitudinal direction of the towing vehicle (12), the towing arm (64) being fixed to the rearmost pivot (34, 44) of the tow bar (26) for tilting the towed device (100) in a transverse direction of the towing vehicle (12); The towing mechanism (10) further comprises a vertical support (41) having the second pivot axis (34) corresponding to the vertical support (41) and to which the tow bar (26) is attached, and an upper tow bar (35) having two ends (37) attached at one end (37) to the vertical support (41) and at the other end (37) to the chassis (14) of the towing vehicle (12), The towing mechanism (10) further comprises a connection arm (43) connecting the upper tow bar (35) to a towing point (24) of the towing vehicle (12), and the tow bar (26), the upper tow bar (35) and the connection arm (43) form a closed annular structure around the rear axle (20).

2. 2. The towing mechanism of claim 1, wherein the third pivot axis (44) is formed in the vertical support (41) behind the rear axle (20) of the towing vehicle (12).

3. 3. The towing mechanism of claim 1, further comprising a chassis support member connected to a mounting end of a support arm attached to an upper portion of a chassis of the towing vehicle.

4. A travel system (50) for a work machine (54) having a crawler chassis (52) or a wheeled chassis, the travel system (50) having a towing vehicle (12), a trailer (56) towed by the towing vehicle (12), and a traction mechanism (10) for the towing vehicle (12), The towing vehicle (12) Chassis (14), a rear axle (20) with rear wheels (22) and a front axle (16) with front wheels (18) disposed at a distance from each other within the chassis (14); a towing point (24) of the towing vehicle (12) provided on the chassis (14) between the front axle (16) and the rear axle (20); The trailer (56) a trailer chassis (58) having a towing end (60), a load end (62), and a towing arm (64) at the towing end (60) of the trailer (56) for attaching the towing arm (64) to a towing point (24) of the towing vehicle (12); a substantially horizontal deck (66) having a front end (68) and a rear end (70) fitted over the chassis (58) of the trailer (56); and wheels (79) fitted to both sides of the chassis (58) of the trailer (56) at the sides of the deck (66); The traction mechanism (10) a tow bar (26) having a first end (28) pivotally attached to a towing point (24) of the towing vehicle (12) and a second end (29), the second end (29) defining a towing point (30) of the tow bar (26) for a towed device (100), the second end (29) comprising a towing arm (64) coupled to the tow bar (26), the tow bar (26) extending substantially parallel to a chassis (14) of the towing vehicle (12) when the second end (29) is behind a rear axle (20) of the towing vehicle (12); The traction mechanism (10) further comprises: a first pivot axis (32) for pivoting the tow bar (26) located below the rear axle (20) to a towing point (24) of the towing vehicle (12) formed below the chassis (14) of the towing vehicle (12), the first pivot axis (32) being transverse to the chassis (14); a second pivot (34) that fits onto the second end (29) of the tow bar (26), the second pivot (34) being perpendicular to the first pivot and ensuring the transfer of the trailer (56) load to the first pivot (32); and a third pivot (44) for tilting the towed device (100) in a transverse direction of the towing vehicle (12) provided at one end (28, 29) of the tow bar (26) having a shaft in the longitudinal direction of the towing vehicle (12), and a towing arm (64) fixed to the rearmost pivot (34, 44) of the tow bar (26); The towing mechanism (10) further comprises a vertical support (41) corresponding to which the second pivot axis (34) is formed and to which the towing bar (26) is attached, and further comprises an upper tow bar (35) having two ends (37) attached at one end (37) to the vertical support (41) and at the other end (37) to the chassis (14) of the towing vehicle (12), The towing mechanism (10) further comprises a connecting arm (43) that connects the upper tow bar (35) to the towing point (24) of the towing vehicle (12), and the tow bar (26), the upper tow bar (35) and the connecting arm (43) form a closed annular structure around the rear axle (20).

5. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the towing vehicle (12) is an earthmoving vehicle having tipping cylinder lugs (78) attached to the underside of the chassis (14) and wherein the towing points (24) of the towing vehicle (12) are formed within the tipping cylinder lugs (78).

6. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the earthmoving vehicle operating as the towing vehicle (12) has tipper body pivot points (80), the pivot points being located within the chassis (14), and the upper tow bar (35) being attached to the tipper body pivot points (80).

7. The trailer (56) further has swing dollies (72) that connect wheels (79) to the chassis (58), and these swing dollies (72) are provided on both sides of the chassis (58) of the trailer (56) at the sides of the deck (66), and each of the swing dollies (72) of the trailer (56) has: an eccentric arm (82) having a first end (84) pivotally attached to the chassis (58) of the trailer (56) and a second end (86); an actuator (88) pivoting from a first end (90) to the chassis (58) of the trailer (56) and pivoting from a second end (92) between the first end (84) and the second end (86) of the eccentric arm (82); a swing arm (74) pivotally mounted to the second end (86) of the eccentric arm (82) and having two ends (76), each of which has one wheel (79) mounted in a bearing; 7. The system of claim 4, wherein the eccentric arm (82) is configured to lower the aft end (70) of the deck (66) to the ground while leaving the forward end (68) substantially intact.

8. 8. A system according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the towing arm (64) has attachment means (81) rigidly connecting the trailer to the second pivot (34) or the third pivot (44) for rotation only about the axis of rotation of the associated pivot (34, 44).

9. A traveling trailer (56) for a work machine (54) having a crawler chassis (52) or a wheeled chassis, the trailer (56) a trailer chassis (58) having a towing end (60) and a load end (62) and having a towing arm (64) connecting said trailer (56) to a towing point (24) of a towing vehicle (12); a substantially horizontal deck (66) mounted on the chassis (58) of the trailer (56) and having a front end (68) and a rear end (70); Wheels (79) are provided on both sides of the deck (66) of the trailer (56) on both sides of the chassis (58), The trailer (56) further comprises a towing mechanism (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the towing arm (64) is rigidly connected to the rearmost pivot (34, 44) of the tow bar (26) and is configured to transmit the load of the trailer (56) to the first pivot (32).

10. 10. A trailer according to claim 9, wherein the towing arm (64) has attachment means (81) rigidly connecting the trailer to the second pivot (34) or the third pivot (44) for rotation only about the axis of rotation of the associated pivot (34, 44).

11. The trailer (56) further has swing dollies (72) that connect wheels (79) to the chassis (58), and these swing dollies (72) are provided on both sides of the chassis (58) of the trailer (56) at the sides of the deck (66), and each of the swing dollies (72) an eccentric arm (82) having a first end (84) pivotally attached to the chassis (58) of the trailer (56) and a second end (86); an actuator (88) pivotally mounted at a first end (90) to the chassis (58) of the trailer (56) and pivotally mounted at a second end (92) between the first end (84) and the second end (86) of the eccentric arm (82); a swing arm (74) pivotally attached to the second end (86) of the eccentric arm (82) and having two ends (76), each of which mounts a wheel (79) in a bearing; 11. A trailer according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the eccentric arm (82) is configured to lower the rear end (70) of the deck (66) to the ground while leaving the front end (68) substantially intact.

Images