Tracked vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a tracked vehicle (1), in particular an all-terrain motor vehicle, in particular configured to travel over terrain that is covered with snow or sand, including: - a track (2) having an outer face configured to be in contact with the terrain and an inner face; - a drive wheel (5), in particular driven by an electric motor, the drive wheel bearing against the inner face of the track in order to be able to drive the track; - a suspension system (7) connected to the track, in particular said suspension system (7) including at least one free wheel that bears, via an annular band (11) of the wheel, against the inner face of the track, the annular band having a rounded junction (12) that joins it, on each side, with a flank of the free wheel (10).

Description

Tracked vehicle

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

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

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

[0004] The invention thus relates to a tracked vehicle, in particular of the all-terrain motorized vehicle type, in particular configured to move on snowy or sandy terrain, comprising: a track having an outer face configured to be in contact with the terrain and an inner face, a drive wheel, in particular driven by an electric motor, the drive wheel bearing on the inner face of the track to be able to drive the track, a suspension system linked to the track, in particular this suspension system comprising at least one free wheel bearing, by an annular band of the wheel, on the inner face of the track, in particular the annular band having a rounded junction, on each side, with a side of the free wheel.

[0005] The invention makes it possible, thanks to the rounded edges on each side of the annular band of the freewheel, to avoid damaging the track. In particular, these rounded edges or radii (instead of sharp-angled edges which can be cutting) on ​​the sides of the annular band ensure that, when the suspension system is inclined (in particular when the tracked vehicle makes a turn), the freewheel does not injure or damage the track.

[0006] The invention thus makes it possible to protect the track, in particular by extending its lifespan.

[0007] The track draws a track path around the suspension system.

[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, the suspension system comprises a plurality of freewheels with an annular band having a rounded junction, on each side, with a flank of the freewheel.

[0009] According to one aspect of the invention, the suspension system comprises at least one connecting rod carrying two free wheels facing each other, on either side of the connecting rod.

[0010] According to one aspect of the invention, the two freewheels thus form a pair of freewheels placed at a location on the connecting rod.

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, the suspension system comprises a plurality of connecting rods, each carrying at least one pair or two pairs of freewheels, the freewheels of each pair being opposite each other, on either side of the connecting rod.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, the suspension system comprises, among the connecting rods, a rear connecting rod, at the rear of the track, carrying a pair of free wheels, also called a pair of rear free wheels (namely this pair being the rearmost of the vehicle).

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, the track winds onto this pair of rear free wheels, in particular over an angular sector of at least 90°, in particular at least 120°.

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, the suspension system comprises a set of front connecting rods linked to the rear connecting rod by a low articulation.

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, the front connecting rod set carries at least one pair of freewheels, in particular two or three pairs of freewheels.

[0016] According to one aspect of the invention, the front connecting rod set comprises two connecting rods articulated together, in particular according to a pivot connection, each connecting rod carrying at least one pair of freewheels, on either side of the connecting rod.

[0017] Thus the suspension system can comprise several connecting rods (for example three or four in number) articulated one after the other to form a chain of connecting rods.

[0018] According to one aspect of the invention, the connecting rod chain carries a total of five pairs of freewheels (this number may be different) which bear on the inner face of the track, on the ground side.

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, the chain of connecting rods articulated with the free wheels thus makes it possible to adapt to the roughness of the terrain during the movement of the tracked vehicle.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the articulation between two neighboring connecting rods may be of the pivot type around an axis parallel to the connecting rod or an axis perpendicular to the connecting rod.

[0021] According to one aspect of the invention, the pairs of freewheels are located on the lower part of the suspension system, and the drive wheel is located on the upper part of the suspension system.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, the drive wheel is arranged on the side of the vehicle chassis, at a distance from the section of the track path which comes into contact with the ground.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, the drive wheel is arranged at a high location of the track path.

[0024] In particular, the drive wheel and the pair of rear freewheels define a geometric straight line which passes through their center, a geometric straight line which is oblique to the section of track which is in contact with the ground.

[0025] According to one aspect of the invention, the pair of rear freewheels has an axis of rotation which is connected to one end of a holding bar, this holding bar being connected at the other end to a flange of the vehicle chassis.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, two such holding bars are connected to the axis of rotation of the pair of rear freewheels, on either side of the suspension system.

[0027] This bar securely holds the rotation axis of the rear freewheel pair.

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, a rod is arranged between, on the one hand, the low articulation between the rear connecting rod and the set of front connecting rods and, on the other hand, an articulation on the chassis of the vehicle.

[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, two such rods are provided in parallel.

[0030] According to one aspect of the invention, this rod or these rods are substantially parallel, at least over part of their length, in particular at least over half of their length, to the holding bars.

[0031] According to one aspect of the invention, the suspension system comprises a first shock absorber mounted between, on the one hand, a bearing linked to the low articulation between the rear connecting rod and the set of front connecting rods and, on the other hand, a bearing on the rear connecting rod.

[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, this first shock absorber makes it possible to absorb forces by allowing a damped movement (in pivoting) between the rear connecting rod and the lower articulation.

[0033] According to one aspect of the invention, the suspension system comprises a second shock absorber mounted between a central joint and the chassis.

[0034] According to one aspect of the invention, the central joint comprises one or more pivoting links linked to the lower joint.

[0035] According to one aspect of the invention, the first and second shock absorbers make it possible to absorb shocks and vibrations during the journeys of the vehicle.

[0036] According to one aspect of the invention, the longitudinal axes of the shock absorbers are oblique to each other.

[0037] According to one aspect of the invention, the first damper extends substantially parallel to the chain of articulated connecting rods.

[0038] According to one aspect of the invention, the second shock absorber extends substantially parallel to the aforementioned retaining bars and / or rods.

[0039] According to one aspect of the invention, each shock absorber comprises, for example, a piston, in particular of the hydraulic type, and around the piston, an elastic return spring.

[0040] According to another aspect of the invention, the suspension system comprises a mobile central carriage provided with several rollers, in particular four rollers, bearing on an internal face of the track.

[0041] According to one aspect of the invention, the suspension system comprises a rear axle linked to the central carriage.

[0042] According to one aspect of the invention, the suspension system comprises a return rod linked to a shock absorber, the rod being articulated to the central carriage.

[0043] According to one aspect of the invention, the suspension system comprises a front axle articulated on the rear axle.

[0044] The front axle is closer to the front of the vehicle than the rear axle.

[0045] According to one aspect of the invention, the front axle comprises one or two roller balancers, which are in particular independent. The roller balancers bear on the internal face of the track.

[0046] According to one aspect of the invention, the shock absorber is connected to the rear axle. In this case, the shock absorber is not connected to the chassis of the vehicle, which advantageously allows the entire rear axle to be dismantled without requiring the shock absorber to be moved or removed.

[0047] According to one aspect of the invention, the track path generally defines a triangle with a largest side that is oblique to the terrain.

[0048] The invention allows for a compact construction thanks to the arrangement of shock absorbers and joints.

[0049] In addition, the vehicle according to the invention has improved maneuverability.

[0050] According to one aspect of the invention, the electric motor is housed within the drive wheel, or attached to the drive wheel.

[0051] According to one aspect of the invention, the chassis of the vehicle comprises a compartment configured to house a battery, in particular with battery cells.

[0052] According to one aspect of the invention, the battery is connected to the electric motor for its electrical power supply.

[0053] According to one aspect of the invention, the battery compartment is arranged under the driver's seat.

[0054] According to one aspect of the invention, the vehicle comprises an electronic battery management system.

[0055] According to one aspect of the invention, the vehicle comprises a port for connecting an electric charging cable to recharge the battery.

[0056] According to one aspect of the invention, the compartment is configured to receive, interchangeably, a lithium-ion type battery or a sodium type battery.

[0057] According to one aspect of the invention, sodium batteries are more suited to extreme cold.

[0058] According to one aspect of the invention, the vehicle comprises a controller configured to adapt the electrical charge according to the type of battery on board the vehicle.

[0059] According to one aspect of the invention, the controller is associated with one or more DC / DC or AC / DC converters. The controller makes it possible to achieve a good compromise in terms of power when switching from one type of battery to another type.

[0060] According to one aspect of the invention, the vehicle comprises a front fork configured to interchangeably receive a wheel or a steering shoe system.

[0061] According to one aspect of the invention, the steering pad system comprises a pad, for example a ski, pivotally mounted on a mechanical connection device of the steering pad system.

[0062] According to one aspect of the invention, the mechanical connection device of the steering pad system comprises two connection flanges, each being configured to be fixed to a tubular branch of the front fork of the vehicle.

[0063] According to one aspect of the invention, the two connecting flanges are configured to extend, in part, into the gap between the two tubular branches of the fork.

[0064] According to one aspect of the invention, each flange has a circular passage for the insertion of a rotation axis to connect the steering pad system to the fork, with freedom of rotation.

[0065] According to one aspect of the invention, the tubular branches of the fork are inserted at their free ends each into a tube, tube which is made with a bearing carrying the axis of rotation of the wheel or of the steering pad system.

[0066] According to one aspect of the invention, the tubular branch of the fork is clamped in the tube, for example using one or more screws.

[0067] According to one aspect of the invention, the flanges of the steering pad system are articulated on the steering pad by pivot links.

[0068] According to one aspect of the invention, the flanges of the steering pad system are perforated, and are in particular formed by plate-shaped parts.

[0069] According to one aspect of the invention, the bearings integral with the tubes at the end of the fork define a universal mechanical connection for interchangeably securing the pad assembly or the wheel to the fork of the vehicle.

[0070] Thus, depending on the needs, the user can attach either a wheel or a steering shoe system to the front fork of the vehicle. The vehicle can be used in different environments, for example on sand or snow.

[0071] The invention thus allows greater modularity in terms of the use of the vehicle.

[0072] In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the steering pad system is configured to be attached to the outside of the fork (so that the wheel does not need to be removed in order to mount the steering pad system to the fork) and the wheel is held inside the fork.

[0073] According to one aspect of the invention, the connecting device of the steering pad system engages the outside of the fork.

[0074] According to one aspect of the invention, the fork comprises, at each free end, the tube fixed thereon and a bearing which allows fixing both of the wheel inside the bearing, and of the steering pad system on the outside of this bearing.

[0075] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the steering pad system comprises a pad formed by a front part and a rear part which are configured, on the one hand, to be placed in the extension of one another in order to form a complete pad and, on the other hand, to be spaced apart from one another.

[0076] The front part of the skid is closer to the front end of the vehicle than the rear part.

[0077] According to one aspect of the invention, the front portion and the rear portion of the skate substantially form two halves of the complete skate.

[0078] According to one aspect of the invention, this steering pad system is configured to be mounted on a fork of the vehicle, in addition to a front wheel also fixed on said fork.

[0079] According to one aspect of the invention, the front part and the rear part of the skate are configured to be able to be moved apart from each other so as to allow the front wheel to come into direct contact with the ground.

[0080] According to one aspect of the invention, the front portion and the rear portion of the skate are each rotatable about a respective axis of rotation, thus allowing them to pivot about the wheel (without contact with the wheel rim) in order to move away from each other.

[0081] According to one aspect of the invention, the axis of rotation of the front part, as well as that of the rear part, of the skate is formed on a support integral with the fork of the vehicle.

[0082] According to one aspect of the invention, the axis of rotation of the front part and that of the rear part of the skate are parallel and distant from each other. In other words, these axes of rotation are not merged / coaxial.

[0083] According to one aspect of the invention, the support fixed to the fork comprises, on the same side of the front wheel, two lateral extensions, or ears, arranged in particular at the front and at the rear of the fork, each receiving an axis of rotation respectively for the front part and the rear part of the skate.

[0084] According to one aspect of the invention, a rotation axis support is provided on each side of the front wheel.

[0085] According to one aspect of the invention, the steering pad system comprises arms configured to respectively connect the front portion and the rear portion of the pad to the rotation axis support.

[0086] According to one aspect of the invention, the front part and the rear part of the skate are each connected to two articulated arms arranged between the corresponding part of the skate and the rotation axis supports integral with the fork.

[0087] According to one aspect of the invention, the front portion and the rear portion of the skate have a curved shape.

[0088] According to one aspect of the invention, the front part of the skate is connected to a shock absorber, which is in particular fixed at one end to the front part of the skate and at the other end to an arm located between said front part and its axis of rotation on the support.

[0089] According to one aspect of the invention, the front portion and the rear portion of the skid are configured to come into contact with each other to form the complete skid, which rests on the ground to support the vehicle, in place of the front wheel.

[0090] In this mode of operation, the front wheel is slightly raised above the ground, and it is the pad of the pad system that is in contact with the ground, for example in snow conditions.

[0091] According to one aspect of the invention, the arms connecting the front and rear parts of the skate to the supports are formed from flanges which extend on either side of the front wheel.

[0092] The invention thus makes it possible to have both the front wheel and the pad system on the fork.

[0093] When the wheel is needed, the front and rear parts of the skate can be moved apart, especially by a rotating movement.

[0094] These parts then pivot towards the upper part of the wheel, so that they are no longer in contact with the ground.

[0095] When the skate system is to be used, the front and rear parts of the skate pivot towards the bottom of the wheel, joining to form the complete skate resting on the ground, with the wheel then above the skate.

[0096] According to one aspect of the invention, the front part of the skate is connected to its arm by a hinge, allowing rotation.

[0097] This is particularly advantageous if there is a shock absorber between the front part of the skate and the corresponding arm.

[0098] The invention also proposes a method for selectively switching from the use of the front wheel to that of the skate system, in particular without requiring the disassembly of one or the other. This switch is achieved by pivoting the front and rear parts of the skate along their respective axes, either to move them apart and release the wheel, or to bring them together and form the complete skate resting on the ground.

[0099] The invention further relates to a steering pad system for a vehicle as described above.

[0100] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the steering pad system comprises a pad comprising a front portion and a rear portion which are configured to be placed in the extension of one another to form the complete pad and to be spaced apart from one another.

[0101] According to one aspect of the invention, the track forms a perimeter encompassing all of the elements of the suspension system.

[0102] Thus, advantageously, no suspension element protrudes from this perimeter, which allows for a compact arrangement.

[0103] According to one aspect of the invention, the motor is located inside the track, in a high position and towards the front of the track.

[0104] This allows direct drive of the track.

[0105] The high position reduces vibrations and optimizes the distribution of the suspension system between the engine and the lower part of the track in contact with the ground.

[0106] According to one aspect of the invention, the motor integrated inside the track is raised relative to the lower part of the track in contact with the ground.

[0107] The high engine position allows space to be freed up at the rear for a long-travel suspension.

[0108] According to one aspect of the invention, the drive wheel is part of an electric motor.

[0109] According to one aspect of the invention, the vehicle is configured to be compatible with lithium-ion and sodium type batteries.

[0110] According to one aspect of the invention, the vehicle comprises an electronic battery management system (or BMS in English), in particular of the type including a controller, configurable to adapt to specific voltage ranges of each type of battery.

[0111] The invention thus makes it possible to switch from one type of battery to another type of battery, on the same vehicle, particularly a motorcycle type.

[0112] The invention thus makes it possible to use the same hardware for two types of battery, simply by adjusting parameters to be entered into the electronic battery management system (or BMS in English).

[0113] According to one aspect of the invention, the lithium and sodium batteries are configured to be arranged in casings having the same shape, the same dimensions and the same electrical connections.

[0114] In other words, the cases of lithium and sodium batteries are similar, from the outside view.

[0115] Lithium and sodium batteries are therefore interchangeable thanks to a standardized housing.

[0116] For example, the number of cells in the case varies depending on the battery type.

[0117] According to one aspect of the invention, the software parameters of the electronic battery management system can be modified using a user interface or an application, allowing the user to configure the vehicle for a winter mode (sodium battery) or a summer mode (lithium battery).

[0118] According to one aspect of the invention, the connection system between the battery box and the vehicle is designed to ensure compatibility with both types of batteries, thanks to standardized connectors.

[0119] According to one aspect of the invention, the electronic battery management system is configured to adapt voltage limits and / or other operating parameters depending on the battery type (lithium or sodium).

[0120] For example, the system's operating voltage range is configurable by the electronic battery management system, with limits defined for lithium batteries (e.g. 2.65 V to 3.65 V) and specific limits for sodium batteries (e.g. 1.5 V to 4.0 V).

[0121] This ensures optimal operation in different temperature conditions (cold climate for sodium batteries, hot climate for lithium batteries).

[0122] According to one aspect of the invention, the vehicle is of the motorcycle type, with a single track, in particular at the rear.

[0123] The invention also relates to a method for interchanging batteries in a vehicle, in particular a tracked vehicle, comprising the following steps:Providing a compartment in a chassis of the vehicle, configured to selectively accommodate lithium or sodium batteries,Removing the existing battery, of lithium or sodium type,Inserting a battery of a different type in the same compartment.

[0124] Then the new battery can be reconnected to the vehicle.

[0125] The invention also relates to a method of interchangeability between a front wheel and a steering pad system on a tracked vehicle, comprising the following steps: Detaching the front wheel fixed to the front fork by removing the fixing means, in particular the rotation axis, Removing the front wheel from the front fork, Fixing the steering pad system on the front fork in particular by aligning the connection flanges of the pad system with the tubes of the fork, In particular inserting the rotation axis through the circular passages of the flanges and tubes, allowing the steering pad to pivot freely.

[0126] The invention also relates, independently or in combination with the above, to a vehicle, in particular a tracked vehicle, in particular of the all-terrain motorized vehicle type, in particular configured to move on snowy or sandy terrain, comprising: in particular a track having an outer face configured to be in contact with the terrain and an inner face, a drive wheel, in particular driven by an electric motor, in particular the drive wheel being supported on the inner face of the track to be able to drive the track, in particular a suspension system linked to the track, a front fork configured to receive, interchangeably, a wheel or a steering pad system.

[0127] The invention also relates, independently or in combination with the above, to a vehicle, in particular a tracked vehicle, in particular of the all-terrain motorized vehicle type, in particular configured to move on snowy or sandy terrain, comprising: in particular a track having an outer face configured to be in contact with the terrain and an inner face, a drive wheel, in particular driven by an electric motor, in particular the drive wheel being supported on the inner face of the track to be able to drive the track, in particular a suspension system linked to the track, a compartment configured to house a battery, in particular with battery cells, and the compartment is configured to receive, interchangeably, a lithium-ion type battery or a sodium type battery.

[0128] Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description which follows on the one hand, and several examples of embodiment given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the appended schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0129] This is a representation of a vehicle according to the invention, with a wheel mounted at the front;

[0130] This is a sectional view of the vehicle;

[0131] The is a representation of the vehicle, with a steering pad system replacing the wheel;

[0132] This is a cross-sectional representation of the vehicle's freewheels;

[0133] This is a representation of the vehicle, in another mode of use;

[0134] Lamontre shows a skate system according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, with a configuration in which the skate is complete, under the front wheel;

[0135] The shows the skate system of the, with a configuration in which the front and rear parts of the skate are separated, in an intermediate position, during lifting;

[0136] Lamontre shows the skate system of the, with a configuration in which the front and rear parts of the skate are spread apart, in a final position;

[0137] Lamontre a suspension system according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0138] Lamontre shows the suspension system of the, in top view.

[0139] The features, variants and different embodiments of the invention may be combined with each other in various combinations, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be conceived comprising only a selection of features described below in isolation from the other features described, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage and / or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0140] Figures 1 and 2 show a tracked vehicle 1, of the all-terrain motorized vehicle type, configured to move on snowy or sandy terrain, comprising: a track 2 having an outer face 3 configured to be in contact with the terrain and an inner face 4, a drive wheel 5, driven by an electric motor, the drive wheel 5 bearing on the inner face 4 of the track 2 to be able to drive the track 2, a suspension system 7 linked to the track 2, this suspension system 7 comprising free wheels 10.

[0141] Each freewheel 10 comprises an annular strip 11 to bear on the inner face 4 of the track 2, the annular strip 11 having a rounded junction 12, on each side, with a flank 14 of the freewheel 10 (see).

[0142] Each freewheel 10 is mounted on an axle via a ball bearing 15.

[0143] The invention makes it possible, thanks to the rounded portions 12 on each side of the annular strip of the freewheel, to avoid damaging the track 2.

[0144] Track 2 draws a track path around suspension system 7.

[0145] The suspension system 7 comprises a plurality of freewheels 10 with an annular band 11 having a rounded junction 12, on each side, with a flank of the freewheel.

[0146] The suspension system 7 comprises connecting rods carrying two free wheels 10 facing each other, on either side of each connecting rod.

[0147] The two freewheels 10 thus form a pair of freewheels 10 placed at a location on the connecting rod.

[0148] The suspension system 7 comprises a plurality of connecting rods, each carrying at least one pair or two pairs of freewheels 10, the freewheels 10 of each pair being opposite each other, on either side of the connecting rod.

[0149] The suspension system 7 comprises, among the connecting rods, a rear connecting rod 17, at the rear of the track 2, carrying a pair of free wheels 10a, also called the rear pair of free wheels 10a (namely this pair being the rearmost of the vehicle 1).

[0150] The track 2 winds onto this pair of rear free wheels 10a over an angular sector of at least 90°, in particular at least 120°.

[0151] The suspension system 7 comprises a set of front connecting rods 18 linked to the rear connecting rod 17 by a lower articulation 20.

[0152] The front connecting rod set 18 carries a pair of freewheels 10, in particular two or three pairs of freewheels 10.

[0153] The front connecting rod set 18 comprises two connecting rods 21 and 22 articulated together, according to a pivot connection 23, each connecting rod 21 and 22 carrying a pair of freewheels 10, on either side of the connecting rod.

[0154] Thus the suspension system 7 can comprise several connecting rods (for example three or four in number) articulated one after the other to form a chain 25 of connecting rods.

[0155] The chain 25 of connecting rods carries in all five pairs of free wheels 10 (this number may be different) which are supported on the inner face of the track 2, on the ground side.

[0156] The chain 25 of connecting rods articulated with the free wheels 10 thus makes it possible to adapt to the roughness of the terrain during the journey of the tracked vehicle.

[0157] The articulation between two neighboring connecting rods can be of the pivot type around an axis parallel to the connecting rod (see which shows a ball bearing 26 for such a rotational connection) or an axis perpendicular to the connecting rod.

[0158] The pairs of freewheels 10 are located on the lower part of the suspension system 7, and the drive wheel 5 is located on the upper part of the suspension system 7.

[0159] The drive wheel 5 is arranged on the side of a chassis 30 of the vehicle, at a distance from the section of the track path which comes into contact with the ground.

[0160] The drive wheel 5 is arranged at a high location on the track path.

[0161] In particular, the drive wheel 5 and the rear pair of free wheels 10a define a geometric straight line DG which passes through their center, geometric straight line DG which is oblique to the track section TC which is in contact with the ground. The angle between the geometric straight line DG and the track section TC is for example between 15° and 60°, being for example between 30° and 50°.

[0162] The rear pair of freewheels 10a has an axis of rotation Xa which is connected to the ends of holding bars 28, each holding bar 28 being connected at the other end to a flange 31 of the chassis 30 of the vehicle.

[0163] Two such holding bars 28 are connected to the rotation axis Xa of the rear pair of freewheels 10a, on either side of the suspension system 7.

[0164] These 28 support bars, straight or angled, allow the rotation axis Xa of the rear pair of freewheels 10a to be securely held.

[0165] A rod 29 is arranged between, on the one hand, the lower articulation 20 and, on the other hand, an articulation 33 on the chassis 30 of the vehicle.

[0166] Two such rods 29, straight or bent, are provided in parallel.

[0167] The suspension system 7 comprises a first shock absorber 40 mounted between, on the one hand, a bearing 41 linked to the lower articulation 20 and, on the other hand, a bearing 42 on the rear connecting rod 17.

[0168] This first shock absorber 40 makes it possible to absorb forces by allowing a damped movement (in pivoting) between the rear connecting rod 17 and the lower articulation 20.

[0169] The suspension system 7 comprises a second shock absorber 45 mounted between a central articulation 46 and the chassis 30.

[0170] The central joint 46 comprises one or more pivoting links linked to the lower joint 20.

[0171] The first and second shock absorbers 40 and 45 make it possible to absorb shocks and vibrations during the vehicle's journeys.

[0172] The longitudinal axes of the shock absorbers 40 and 45 are oblique to each other.

[0173] In the non-limiting example, the first damper 40 extends substantially parallel to the chain of articulated connecting rods.

[0174] In the non-limiting example, the second shock absorber 45 extends substantially parallel to the aforementioned retaining bars 28 and / or rods 29.

[0175] Each shock absorber 40 and 45 comprises, for example, a piston, in particular of the hydraulic type, and around the piston, an elastic return spring.

[0176] The caterpillar path roughly defines a triangle with a largest side 49 that is oblique to the terrain.

[0177] The invention allows for a compact construction thanks to the arrangement of the shock absorbers 40 and 45 and the joints 20, 46.

[0178] In addition, the vehicle according to the invention has improved maneuverability.

[0179] The electric motor is housed within the drive wheel 5, or attached to the drive wheel 5.

[0180] The chassis 30 of the vehicle comprises a compartment 51 configured to house a battery 52, here battery cells.

[0181] Battery 52 is connected to the electric motor for its power supply.

[0182] The battery compartment 51 is located under the driver's seat 55.

[0183] The vehicle has an electronic battery management system 56.

[0184] The vehicle has a port for connecting an electric charging cable to recharge the battery.

[0185] Compartment 51 is configured to receive, interchangeably, a lithium-ion type battery or a sodium type battery.

[0186] Sodium batteries are more suitable for extreme cold.

[0187] The vehicle includes a controller 57 configured to adapt the electrical charge according to the type of battery on board the vehicle.

[0188] The controller 57 is associated with one or more DC / DC or AC / DC converters. The controller makes it possible to achieve a good compromise in terms of power when switching from one type of battery to another.

[0189] The vehicle 1 comprises a front fork 60 connected to the handlebar 61 and configured to receive, interchangeably, a wheel 62 or a steering shoe system 70 (see).

[0190] The steering pad system 70 comprises a pad 71, for example a ski, pivotally mounted on a mechanical connection device 72 of the steering pad system 70.

[0191] The mechanical connection device 72 of the steering pad system comprises two connection flanges 73, each being configured to be fixed to a tubular branch 65 of the front fork 60 of the vehicle.

[0192] The two connecting flanges 73 are configured to extend, in part, into the gap between the two tubular branches 65 of the fork 60.

[0193] Each flange 73 has a circular passage for the insertion of a rotation axis 75 to connect the steering pad system 70 to the fork 60, with freedom of rotation.

[0194] The tubular branches 65 of the fork 60 are inserted at their free ends each in a tube 67, tube 67 which is made with a bearing 68 carrying the axis of rotation 75 of the wheel 62 or of the steering shoe system 70.

[0195] The tubular branch 65 of the fork is tightened in the tube 67 for example using one or more screws.

[0196] The flanges 73 of the steering pad system are articulated on the steering pad 71 by pivot links.

[0197] The flanges 73 of the steering pad system are perforated, and are notably formed by plate-shaped parts.

[0198] The integral bearings 68 of the tubes 67 at the end of the fork define a universal mechanical connection for interchangeably securing the pad assembly 70 or the wheel 62 to the fork 60 of the vehicle.

[0199] Thus, depending on the needs, the user can attach to the front fork 60 of the vehicle either a front wheel 62 or a steering shoe system 70. The vehicle can be used in different environments, for example on sand or snow.

[0200] The invention thus allows greater modularity in terms of the use of the vehicle.

[0201] In another mode of use (illustrated in), the steering pad system 70 is configured to be attached to the outside of the fork 20 (so that it is not necessary to remove the wheel 62 in order to mount the steering pad system 70 to the fork) and the wheel 62 is held inside the fork 60.

[0202] The steering pad system connection device 70 engages the outside of the fork 60.

[0203] The fork 60 comprises, at each free end, the tube 67 fixed thereon and a bearing 68 which allows fixing both of the wheel 62 inside the bearing, and of the steering shoe system 70 on the outside of this bearing 68.

[0204] Figures 6 to 8 show a steering shoe system 100 according to another embodiment of the invention, which comprises a shoe 101 formed by a front part 102 and a rear part 103 which are configured, on the one hand, to be placed in the extension of one another in order to form the complete shoe 101 and, on the other hand, to be spaced apart from one another.

[0205] The front portion 102 and the rear portion 103 of the skate substantially form two halves of the complete skate.

[0206] This steering pad system 100 is configured to be mounted on a fork 60 of the vehicle, in addition to a front wheel 62 also fixed on said fork 60.

[0207] The front part 102 and the rear part 103 of the skate are configured to be able to be moved apart from each other so as to allow the front wheel 62 to come into direct contact with the ground.

[0208] The front portion 102 and the rear portion 103 of the skate are each rotatable about a respective axis of rotation 107 and 108, thus allowing them to pivot in order to move away from each other.

[0209] The axis of rotation 107 of the front part 102, as well as the axis of rotation 108 of the rear part 103, of the skate is formed on a support 109 secured to the fork 60 of the vehicle.

[0210] The axis of rotation 107 of the front part 102 and the axis of rotation 108 of the rear part 103 of the skate are parallel and distant from each other. In other words, these axes of rotation 107 and 108 are not coincident or coaxial.

[0211] The support 109 fixed on the fork 60 comprises, on the same side of the front wheel 62, two lateral extensions 110 and 111, or ears, arranged respectively at the front and at the rear of the fork 60, each receiving an axis of rotation 107 and 108 respectively for the front part 102 and the rear part 103 of the skate.

[0212] A support 109 for the rotation axis 112 is provided on each side of the front wheel 62.

[0213] The steering pad system 100 comprises arms 113 and 114 configured to connect the front portion 102 and the rear portion 103 of the pad, respectively, to the rotation axis support 109.

[0214] The front part 102 and the rear part 103 of the skate are each connected to these two articulated arms 113 and 114 arranged between the corresponding part of the skate 102 and 103 and the rotation axis supports 109 secured to the fork 60.

[0215] The front portion 102 and the rear portion 103 of the skate have a curved shape.

[0216] The front part 102 of the skate is connected to a shock absorber 117, which is fixed at one end to the front part 102 of the skate and at the other end to the arm 113 located between said front part 102 and its axis of rotation 107 on the support 109.

[0217] The front portion 102 and the rear portion 103 of the skid are configured to come into contact with each other to form the complete skid 101, which rests on the ground to support the vehicle, in place of the front wheel 62.

[0218] In this mode of operation, the front wheel 62 is slightly raised above the ground, and it is the pad 101 of the pad system 100 which is in contact with the ground, for example in snow conditions.

[0219] The arms 113 and 114 connecting the front 102 and rear 103 parts of the skate to the supports 109 are formed of flanges which extend on either side of the front wheel 62.

[0220] The invention thus makes it possible to have both the front wheel 62 and the system 100 with a pad on the fork 60.

[0221] When the use of the wheel 62 is necessary, the front 102 and rear 103 parts of the skate can be moved apart, for example manually, by a rotational movement.

[0222] These parts 102 and 103 then pivot towards the upper part of the wheel 62, so that they are no longer in contact with the ground.

[0223] When the skate system 100 is to be used, the front 102 and rear 103 portions of the skate pivot towards the lower portion of the wheel 62, joining to form the complete skate 101 resting on the ground, the wheel 62 then being above the skate 101.

[0224] The front part 102 of the skate is connected to its arm 113 by a hinge 121, allowing rotation.

[0225] This is particularly advantageous in the presence of a shock absorber 117 between the front part 102 of the skate and the corresponding arm 113.

[0226] The invention also proposes a method for selectively switching from the use of the front wheel 62 to that of the skate system 100, in particular without requiring the disassembly of one or the other. This switch is carried out by pivoting the front 102 and rear 103 parts of the skate about their respective axes 107 and 108, either to move them apart and release the wheel 62, or to bring them together and form the complete skate 101 resting on the ground.

[0227] Lamontre shows the configuration in which the 101 pad is complete, under the front wheel 62.

[0228] The figure shows the configuration in which the front 102 and rear 103 parts of the skate are separated, in an intermediate position, during lifting.

[0229] The figure shows the configuration in which the front 102 and rear 103 parts of the skate are separated, in a final position.

[0230] Figures 9 and 10 show a suspension system 200 which comprises a mobile central carriage 201 provided with several rollers 202, here four rollers 202, resting on an internal face of the track 2.

[0231] The suspension system 200 includes a rear axle 204 linked to the central carriage 201.

[0232] The suspension system 200 comprises a return rod 205 linked to a shock absorber 206 (also referred to as the main shock absorber), the rod 205 being articulated to the central carriage 201.

[0233] The suspension system 200 comprises a front axle 207 articulated on the rear axle 204.

[0234] The front axle 207 is closer to the front of the vehicle than the rear axle 204.

[0235] The front axle 207 comprises one or two roller balancers 208, which are independent. The roller balancers 208 bear on the inner face of the track 2.

[0236] The shock absorber 206 is connected to the rear axle 204. In this case, the shock absorber 206 is not connected to the chassis of the vehicle, which advantageously makes it possible to dismantle the entire rear axle 204 without requiring the movement or removal of the shock absorber 206.

Claims

Tracked vehicle (1), in particular of the all-terrain motorized vehicle type, in particular configured to move on snowy or sandy terrain, comprising: a track (2) having an outer face configured to be in contact with the terrain and an inner face, a drive wheel (5), in particular driven by an electric motor, the drive wheel bearing on the inner face of the track to be able to drive the track, a suspension system (7) linked to the track, in particular this suspension system (7) comprising at least one free wheel bearing, by an annular strip (11) of the wheel, on the inner face of the track, in particular the annular strip having a rounded junction (12), on each side, with a flank (14) of the free wheel (10). Vehicle (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the suspension system (7) comprises at least one connecting rod carrying two free wheels (10) facing each other, on either side of the connecting rod, in particular a plurality of connecting rods, each carrying at least one pair or two pairs of free wheels (10), the free wheels (10) of each pair being facing each other, on either side of the connecting rod. Vehicle (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the suspension system (7) comprises, among the connecting rods, a rear connecting rod (17), at the rear of the track, carrying a pair of free wheels (10a), also called a pair of rear free wheels (10a), and in particular the track winds onto this pair of rear free wheels (10a), in particular over an angular sector of at least 90°, in particular at least 120°. Vehicle (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the suspension system (7) comprises a set of front connecting rods linked to the rear connecting rod (17) by a low articulation, and in particular the set of front connecting rods carries at least one pair of free wheels (10), in particular two or three pairs of free wheels (10). Vehicle (1) according to claim 3 or 4, in which the suspension system (7) comprises several connecting rods articulated one after the other to form a chain of connecting rods. Vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein pairs of free wheels (10) are located on the lower part of the suspension system (7), and a drive wheel is located on the upper part of the suspension system (7), in particular the drive wheel is arranged on the side of the chassis of the vehicle, at a distance from the section of the track path which comes into contact with the ground. Vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the suspension system (200) comprises a mobile central carriage (201) provided with several rollers, in particular four rollers, bearing on an internal face of the track. Vehicle (1) according to claim 3 and possibly one of claims 4 to 7, in which the suspension system (7) comprises a first shock absorber (40) mounted between, on the one hand, a bearing linked to the low articulation between a rear connecting rod and a set of front connecting rods and, on the other hand, a bearing on the rear connecting rod, and the suspension system (7) comprises a second shock absorber (45) mounted between a central articulation and the chassis. Vehicle (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the longitudinal axes of the shock absorbers are oblique to each other. Vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle comprises a front fork (60) configured to receive, interchangeably, a wheel or a steering pad system (70), in particular the steering pad system comprises a pad, for example a ski, pivotally mounted on a mechanical connection device of the steering pad system. Vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the steering shoe system comprises a shoe (101) formed by a front part (102) and a rear part (103) which are configured, on the one hand, to be placed in the extension of one another in order to form a complete shoe and, on the other hand, to be spaced apart from one another. Vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the vehicle is of the motorcycle type, with a single track, in particular at the rear, and the track (2) forms a perimeter encompassing all of the elements of the suspension system. Vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the engine is located inside the track (2), in a high position and towards the front of the track. Vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive wheel is part of an electric motor. Method for interchanging batteries in a vehicle, in particular a tracked vehicle, comprising the following steps:Providing a compartment (51) in a chassis of the vehicle, configured to selectively accommodate lithium or sodium batteries (52),Removing the existing battery, of lithium or sodium type,Inserting a battery of a different type into the same compartment.

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