CA2302860A1 - Compact low profile multifunction vehicle - Google Patents
Compact low profile multifunction vehicle Download PDFInfo
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- CA2302860A1 CA2302860A1 CA 2302860 CA2302860A CA2302860A1 CA 2302860 A1 CA2302860 A1 CA 2302860A1 CA 2302860 CA2302860 CA 2302860 CA 2302860 A CA2302860 A CA 2302860A CA 2302860 A1 CA2302860 A1 CA 2302860A1
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- end frame
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- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 15
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- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 238000010407 vacuum cleaning Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 abstract description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 3
- 244000025254 Cannabis sativa Species 0.000 description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000001788 irregular Effects 0.000 description 2
- 241000196324 Embryophyta Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000243251 Hydra Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000003082 abrasive agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000013590 bulk material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001010 compromised effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008602 contraction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- QRXWMOHMRWLFEY-UHFFFAOYSA-N isoniazide Chemical compound NNC(=O)C1=CC=NC=C1 QRXWMOHMRWLFEY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
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- 239000013641 positive control Substances 0.000 description 1
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- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
- B60P1/00—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading
- B60P1/04—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading with a tipping movement of load-transporting element
- B60P1/16—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading with a tipping movement of load-transporting element actuated by fluid-operated mechanisms
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D53/00—Tractor-trailer combinations; Road trains
- B62D53/02—Tractor-trailer combinations; Road trains comprising a uniaxle tractor unit and a uniaxle trailer unit
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Arrangement Or Mounting Of Propulsion Units For Vehicles (AREA)
Abstract
A compact multifunction low-profile vehicle is provided, comprising a front end having a front end frame and a forwardly pivoting driver's cabin, a rear end having a rear end frame, an engine mounted on the front end frame beneath the driver's cabin, the drive shaft thereof facing the front of the vehicle and being coupled to a variable displacement hydrostatic drive pump, said drive pump supplying fluid to wheel hydraulic motors through a flow divider and a logic circuit block both preferably located generally below the top of said rear end frame.
In a preferred embodiment, the rear end comprises a hydraulically actuated low profile dumping bed having a bottom extending downwardly substantially to the top of the frame, said frame being substantially centred about the wheels axis to provide a low centre of gravity. The vehicle is preferably articulated, the rear end thereof being pivotally assembled to the front end through a joint and at least one hydraulic cylinder providing the steering function. The hydraulic logic circuit block provides four wheel anti-slip drive in selectable low speed range high torque mode or higher speed range lower torque mode.
In a preferred embodiment, the rear end comprises a hydraulically actuated low profile dumping bed having a bottom extending downwardly substantially to the top of the frame, said frame being substantially centred about the wheels axis to provide a low centre of gravity. The vehicle is preferably articulated, the rear end thereof being pivotally assembled to the front end through a joint and at least one hydraulic cylinder providing the steering function. The hydraulic logic circuit block provides four wheel anti-slip drive in selectable low speed range high torque mode or higher speed range lower torque mode.
Description
COMPACT LOW PROFILE MULTIFUNCTION VEHICLE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the invention:
The present invention relates to multifunction vehicles and more particularly to small articulated vehicles. The polyvalent vehicle is particularly intended for use ale year long in miscellaneous municipal works and features narrow width, short l:~ngth, high manoeuvrability and a low profile trailing end incorporating a dumping bed for material and equipment carrying purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the invention:
The present invention relates to multifunction vehicles and more particularly to small articulated vehicles. The polyvalent vehicle is particularly intended for use ale year long in miscellaneous municipal works and features narrow width, short l:~ngth, high manoeuvrability and a low profile trailing end incorporating a dumping bed for material and equipment carrying purposes.
2. Brief description of the prior art:
Vehicles have been developed in the past to respond to municipal needs such as removing snow and spreading abrasive material on sidewalks, trails and access ways, cleaning streets, watering plants and trees, cutting grass, etc. However, no vehicle presently exists to carry out all of these works and more all over the year with optimal performance. For example, small tractors (ex.
John Deere provided with a snow plough or a snow-blower are used to remove snow from sidewalks, but such vehicles must tow a trailer to carry additional equipment, which increases the overall length and reduces manoeuvrability and safety. Endless track vehicles such as the Bombardier SW-48 are also used for winter works with similar limitations to the above and the additional drawback of not being usable on grass or bituminous surfaces because of the damages that would result to such surfaces.
Trackless Vehicles Ltd., a Canadian manufacturer, is providing a four foot wide articulated four-wheel drive vehicle, featuring a wide range of optional accessories and high adaptability to carry out miscellaneous works all over the year. Nevertheless, the trailing end of this vehicle is essentially used to house the engine. Therefor, although some small reservoirs can be attached to the back of the vehicle while still increasing its overall length, a trailer must be towed optional accessories and high adaptability to carry out miscellaneous works all over the year. Nevertheless, the trailing end of this vehicle is essentially used to house the engine. Therefor, although some small reservoirs can be attached to the back of the vehicle while still increasing its overall length, a trailer must be towed whenever transportation of significant volumes of bulk material or articles 'shovels, trees, etc.) is required.
Manoeuvrability, access to some areas and safety are then significantly compromised. Furthermore, the vehicle features a relatively high centre of gravity which further increases the risk of overthrow on steep grounds.
There is therefor a need to provide public utilities with a versatile small all-terrain vehicle that would feature the manoeuvrability of an articulated, endless track or four directional wheel vehicle, while providing real material and equipment transporting capability. US patent No 4966242 delivered to Baillargeon in October 1990 is disclosing an articulated all-terrain vehicle featuring hydrostatic drive that can be equipped with endless tracks or wheels and a dumping bed installed on the trailing end. However, it can be seen that the engine and most of the hydraulics are mounted on the front end of the vehicle, and that the general layout of the components is not compatible with producing a small vehicle to carry out works in public utilities as contemplated herein.
Although the above examples show that some mobile equipment exists to carry out miscellaneous maintenance and other types of municipal and public utility works, the existing vehicles present important limitations, mainly imputable to their low material and equipment transportation capacity, limited versatility or restricted manoeuvrability. On top of these low productivity aspects, the existing vehicles generally require costly maintenance.
There is thus a need for an improved and reliable multipurpose vehicle of simple construction, featuring small size, high versatility, high manoeuvrability and yet high material transport capacity for the purpose of carrying out miscellaneous works all year long such as required in public utilities, with advantageous economic issues.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a compact low-profile multifunction vehicle which overcomes the limitations and drawbacks of the above mentioned solutions of the prior art, and more specifically:
- a first object of the instant invention is to provide a compact multifunction vehicle which is narrow and short enough to drive on sidewalks and narrow trails;
- a second object of the present invention is to provide a compact multifunction ~..~ehicle featuring a low centre of gravity and a generally low profile;
- a third object of the present invention is to provide a compact multifunction vehicle with built-in material transporting capacity and hydraulic powered dumping capability;
- a fourth object of the present invention is to provide a compact multifunction vehicle featuring a simple and reliable dual speed range four-wheel/two wheel hydrostatic drive with anti-slip circuitry;
a fifth object of the present invention is to provide a compact multifunction vehicle with articulated front and rear ends for maximum manoeuvrability around obstacles, in narrow zigzag trails and for optimal traction on uneven and irregular surfaces;
- a sixth object of the present invention is to provide a compact multifunction vehicle which is well weight-balanced for good stability and traction of both ends of the vehicle;
- a further object of the present invention is to provide a compact multifunction vehicle with a hydraulic powered direction which is safe and not subject to jack-knife;
- a still further object of the present invention is to provide a compact multifunction vehicle which is simple in construction, reliable, economical and requires low maintenance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
More specifically, in accordance with the invention as broadly claimed, there is provided a compact multifunction low-profile vehicle comprising a front end having a front end frame and a forwardly pivoting driver's cabin, a rear end having a rear end frame, an engine mounted on the front end frame beneath the driver's cabin, the drive shaft thereof facing the front of the vehicle and being coupled to a variable displacement hydrostatic drive pump, said drive pump supplying fluid to wheel hydraulic motors through a flow divider and a logic circuit block both preferably located generally below the top of said rear end frame. In a preferred embodiment, the rear end comprises a hydraulically actuated low profile dumping bed having a bottom extending downwardly substantially to the top of the frame, said frame being substantially centred about the wheels axis to provide a low centre of gravity. Said rear end is further pivotally assembled to the front end of the vehicle through at least one hydra;lic cylinder providing the steering function, and the hydraulic logic circuit block provides four wheel anti-slip drive in selectable low speed range high torque mode or higher speed range lower torque mode. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, steering is provided by four directional wheels.
The objects, advantages and other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non restrictive description of the preferred embodiment thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the appending drawings:
Figure 1 is a general photographic side view of the compact multifunction vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a photographic view of the rear of the compact multifunction vehicle of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a photographic representation of the front end of the compact multifunction vehicle, showing the engine and the hydrostatic drive pump.
Figure 4 is a photographic side view of the rear end of the compact multifunction vehicle of the present invention, with the dumping bed in the tilted position.
Figure 5 is a photographic view of the articulation and steering mechanism between the front and rear ends of the compact multifunction vehicle of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a photographic top view of the rear end of the compact multifunction vehicle of the present invention, with the dumping bed in the tilted position to show the general layout of components at frame level.
Figure 7 is a schematic top view of the rear end of the compact multifunction vehicle of the present invention, without the dumping bed.
Figure 8 is a schematic of the hydrostatic drive system of the compact multifunction vehicle of the present invention.
Figure 9 is a schematic of the hydrostatic drive logic block 32 of Figure 8.
Figure l0a is a schematic representing the connection of components of the drive system in the low speed, high torque mode.
Figure lOb is a schematic representing the connection of components of the drive system in the high speed, low torque mode.
Similar reference numerals refer to similar parts throughout the various Figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A preferred embodiment of the compact low profile multifunction vehicle according to the present invention will now be described in detail referring to the appended drawings.
Referring to Figure 1, there is illustrated a multifunction articulated vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle, generally identified by the numeral 1. is comprised of a front end 4 comprising a forwardly tilting cabin 5 covering the engine and hydrostatic and hydraulic pumps (not shown), an intermediate articulating and steering portion 7 and a rear end 2, comprising a dumping bed 3.
Despite its structure, the vehicle is very compact, its overall length being less than fifteen feet, while its width is within four feet to enable circulation on sidewalks. The illustrated vehicle is further provided with an optional snow plough 6 mounted on a push frame at the front end 4.
Figure 2 shows the rear of the vehicle of Figure 1. It can be seen that the dumping bed 3 is provided with a suspended hinged door 8 and features a low floor extending downwardly to the frame level, that is only slightly higher than the wheels axis. Such an arrangement assures that the centre of gravity of the rear end remains low even when the bed 3 is fully loaded. The sides of the rear end behind the wheels are constituted by two auxiliary hydraulic fluid reservoirs 9a and 9b provided with respective caps l0a and lOb, said reservoirs communicating with a lower main fluid reservoir 39 (see Figure 7) located within the frame 25 just behind light panel 11.
It is important to mention that the repartition of the components in the vehicle has been carefully studied so as to obtain a good weight balancing between the front and rear end as well as for maintaining the lower centre of gravity possible, while meeting the small size requirements. It has been a great challenge to select and position all of the components to fit within the very limited space available, while at the same time meeting the requirements related to weight balancing and low centre of gravity. Figures 3, 6 and 7 are particularly explicit as to the efficient use of space for components placement. show Furthermore, it is of prime importance that the engine be located at the front end under the driver's seat with the drive shaft extending toward the front end of the vehicle to make it possible to provide such a multifunction vehicle in such a compact format.
Exhaustive research has been carried out to identify the most compact components such as the Cummings 80 HP diesel engine 15 and the hydrostatic pump from Eaton 12, to comply with the space constrains.
This is shown in Figure 3 where the inside of the front end 4 can be seen. The diesel engine 15 is inserted between left wheel 16 and right wheel 17. This is possible since each one of the four wheels 16. 17, 26, 27 is independent and driven by its own hydrostatic motor such as 36, 37 (see Figure 7). Using an engine at constant RPM to feed an hydrostatic system provides optimal 1~
energetic efficiency, minimal size and weight for a given drive power, plus simplicity and high reliability. The variable flow hydrostatic pump 12 is connected to the drive shaft facing the front of the vehicle, thus providing a lower floor level at the front of the cabin 5 while the driver's seat is positioned at a higher point above the engine 15 located further back between the wheels. A cross member 14 is connecting both sides of the front end frame 28 to provide reinforcement at the engine location.
The engine 15 is provided with an auxiliary drive on the right side thereof, which is used to drive a tandem hydraulic gear pump with flow divider (not shown) providing three separate fluid power lines to feed the steering system, dumping bed cylinders and an accessory outlet. The cabin 5 is tilted by two hydraulic cylinders using an autonomous manually operated small pump with it own fluid reservoir. Both sides of the vehicle behind the front wheels are constituted as gas tanks 13 and 19 (see Figure 4). It can be seen finally that the engine 15 is so oriented that air inlet tube 29, along with the radiator 18 and the hydraulic fluid cooler (not shown) are located at the rear of the front end 4 of the vehicle 1. The ventilation screen 30 at the back of the front end 4 can be viewed on Figure 5. The air inlet tube 29 is connected to an air filter and air inlet assembly 31 located just behind the cabin 5 (see Figure 1).
In Figures 4, 6 and 7, the general layout of the back end of the vehicle can be observed built around a main rear end frame 25. The sides of the vehicle in front of the wheels 26, 27 are used as tool boxes 20,21 assembled to the frame 25. The hydrostatic motors 36. 37 for driving the wheels 26, 27 are also mounted of the external sides of frame 25 generally at the centre thereof with respect to the vertical axis. It can also be seen that the sides of the front end used as gas tanks such as 19, are provided with threaded caps for filling such as 22. The dumping bed 3 shown in the tilted position is actuated through two hydraulic cylinders 23. 24 upon actuation of one of the solenoid valves comprised in the valve module 31. Power to the solenoid valves and for the other electrical components is provided by battery 33 charged by an alternator mounted on engine 15.
The hydrostatic logic block 32, comprising two solenoid activated mode valves 39 a,b, and the flow divider 35 are being fed by the variable flow hydrostatic pump 12 to provide hydraulic power to wheel motors in two selectable modes as illustrated in Figures 10 a and 10 b.
In a first mode, the four motors 36. 37, 46, 47 are connected in parallel receiving one quarter of the fluid flow through the flow divider 35 thus providing a high torque low speed traction (approx. 0-8 mph). In the second mode (Figure 10 b), the front wheel motors are connected in series as well as the rear wheel motors and both pairs of motors are connected in parallel, each pair receiving one half of the flow, combining two outlets of flow divider 35. This second mode provides higher speed (approx. 0-23 mph) with a lower torque for faster displacement requirements. It shall be noted that each pair of motors driving wheels on opposite sides of the vehicle (the front pair and the rear pair) are communicating with each other through orifices 44, 45.
This arrangement assures that the two motors of a given pair of wheels will be allowed to run at different angular speed, part of the fluid flowing from each other, to prevent slipping when the vehicle is driven over a curved path.
Figure 8 gives the general layout of the hydrostatic drive system, with the connections between the wheel motors 36. 37. 46. 47, the variable flow hydrostatic pump 12, the flow divider 35, the hydrostatic logic block 32 and the diesel engine 15. There is also shown the hydraulic fluid filter 38 and the hydraulic fluid cooler 40. Figure 9 gives the detail of the hydrostatic logic block 35. In the represented position of the solenoid valves 39, a.b. the wheel motors are driven according to the law speed mode. When said valve solenoids are being energised by activaticn of an electrical switch in the cabin 5, the hydraulic pilot operated two-way directional valves are set in their second position, thus driving the motors according to the second mode.
Referring now particularly to Figures 5 and 7, the articulation mechanism between the front end and the rear end of the vehicle will now be described in more details. A first hinge plate 42 is attached to the rear of the front end frame 28 and is pivotally assembled through pivot pins 49 a.b, and sealed bearings 50 a.b, to a second hinge plate 43 comprising a cylindrical axle portion 48 generally extending along the longitudinal axis of the rear end 2 of the vehicle. A steering hydraulic cylinder 41 has one end assembled to the front end frame 28 and a second end pivotally assembled to the second hinge plate 43. Activation of the appropriate solenoid valve will thus provide hydraulic power to said steering cylinder 41 and cause its extension or contraction, in turn changing the relative angle between the first and second h.~.nge plates, i.e. the angle between the front end 4 and the rear end 2 of the vehicle 1 about a vertical axis. Steering of the vehicle is thus provided with no risk of jack-knife since the high hydraulic fluid pressure within steering cylinder 41 provides positive control of the angle of rotation during a steering operation. When the steering valve is shut-off, the hydraulic fluid in the cylinder can not be compressed by external mechanical force to induce a significant change in the steering angle.
In addition to the steering angle, free rotation of the front and rear ends of the vehicle is provided about the longitudinal axis thereof. As shown in more details in Figure 7, the axle portion 48 is rotatably assembled through a pair of frustoconical bearings 51 a, b, into a circular tube 51 attached to the frame 25 of the rear end 2 of the vehicle. Therefor, circulation of thevehicle on irregular and uneven surfaces will not cause stress or damage to the articulation mechanism 7.
One can easily appreciate that the above described preferred embodiment of the compact low profile multifunction vehicle can be provided with a plurality of optional accessories powered by the auxiliary hydraulic system to perform a wide range of works, as required principally in municipalities. Furthermore, the vehicle is compact, mechanically simple, reliable and requires low maintenance, in spite of the plurality of components integrated within the very limited space available to perform the numerous advanced functions provided thereby.
Therefor, it can be seen that the vehicle of the present invention can be advantageously used to carry out most municipal works all year long in a cost effective way and with numerous advantages over the solutions of the prior art.
Although the present invention has been described by means of a preferred embodiment thereof, it is contemplated that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the vehicle could be assembled from different hardware components without imparting its performance as long as the general layout and functions of the vehicle can be respected. Also, the dumping bed could be replaced by a specialised piece of equipment such as a water tank for use with a sprinkler system, the basic feature being that the low profile of the rear end of the vehicle provides usable volumetric capacity without dramatically increasing the height of the centre of gravity. Accordingly, it is intended that the embodiment described be considered only as illustrative of the present invention and that the scope thereof should not be limited thereto but be determined by reference to the claims hereinafter provided and their equivalents.
INVENTOR
Vehicles have been developed in the past to respond to municipal needs such as removing snow and spreading abrasive material on sidewalks, trails and access ways, cleaning streets, watering plants and trees, cutting grass, etc. However, no vehicle presently exists to carry out all of these works and more all over the year with optimal performance. For example, small tractors (ex.
John Deere provided with a snow plough or a snow-blower are used to remove snow from sidewalks, but such vehicles must tow a trailer to carry additional equipment, which increases the overall length and reduces manoeuvrability and safety. Endless track vehicles such as the Bombardier SW-48 are also used for winter works with similar limitations to the above and the additional drawback of not being usable on grass or bituminous surfaces because of the damages that would result to such surfaces.
Trackless Vehicles Ltd., a Canadian manufacturer, is providing a four foot wide articulated four-wheel drive vehicle, featuring a wide range of optional accessories and high adaptability to carry out miscellaneous works all over the year. Nevertheless, the trailing end of this vehicle is essentially used to house the engine. Therefor, although some small reservoirs can be attached to the back of the vehicle while still increasing its overall length, a trailer must be towed optional accessories and high adaptability to carry out miscellaneous works all over the year. Nevertheless, the trailing end of this vehicle is essentially used to house the engine. Therefor, although some small reservoirs can be attached to the back of the vehicle while still increasing its overall length, a trailer must be towed whenever transportation of significant volumes of bulk material or articles 'shovels, trees, etc.) is required.
Manoeuvrability, access to some areas and safety are then significantly compromised. Furthermore, the vehicle features a relatively high centre of gravity which further increases the risk of overthrow on steep grounds.
There is therefor a need to provide public utilities with a versatile small all-terrain vehicle that would feature the manoeuvrability of an articulated, endless track or four directional wheel vehicle, while providing real material and equipment transporting capability. US patent No 4966242 delivered to Baillargeon in October 1990 is disclosing an articulated all-terrain vehicle featuring hydrostatic drive that can be equipped with endless tracks or wheels and a dumping bed installed on the trailing end. However, it can be seen that the engine and most of the hydraulics are mounted on the front end of the vehicle, and that the general layout of the components is not compatible with producing a small vehicle to carry out works in public utilities as contemplated herein.
Although the above examples show that some mobile equipment exists to carry out miscellaneous maintenance and other types of municipal and public utility works, the existing vehicles present important limitations, mainly imputable to their low material and equipment transportation capacity, limited versatility or restricted manoeuvrability. On top of these low productivity aspects, the existing vehicles generally require costly maintenance.
There is thus a need for an improved and reliable multipurpose vehicle of simple construction, featuring small size, high versatility, high manoeuvrability and yet high material transport capacity for the purpose of carrying out miscellaneous works all year long such as required in public utilities, with advantageous economic issues.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a compact low-profile multifunction vehicle which overcomes the limitations and drawbacks of the above mentioned solutions of the prior art, and more specifically:
- a first object of the instant invention is to provide a compact multifunction vehicle which is narrow and short enough to drive on sidewalks and narrow trails;
- a second object of the present invention is to provide a compact multifunction ~..~ehicle featuring a low centre of gravity and a generally low profile;
- a third object of the present invention is to provide a compact multifunction vehicle with built-in material transporting capacity and hydraulic powered dumping capability;
- a fourth object of the present invention is to provide a compact multifunction vehicle featuring a simple and reliable dual speed range four-wheel/two wheel hydrostatic drive with anti-slip circuitry;
a fifth object of the present invention is to provide a compact multifunction vehicle with articulated front and rear ends for maximum manoeuvrability around obstacles, in narrow zigzag trails and for optimal traction on uneven and irregular surfaces;
- a sixth object of the present invention is to provide a compact multifunction vehicle which is well weight-balanced for good stability and traction of both ends of the vehicle;
- a further object of the present invention is to provide a compact multifunction vehicle with a hydraulic powered direction which is safe and not subject to jack-knife;
- a still further object of the present invention is to provide a compact multifunction vehicle which is simple in construction, reliable, economical and requires low maintenance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
More specifically, in accordance with the invention as broadly claimed, there is provided a compact multifunction low-profile vehicle comprising a front end having a front end frame and a forwardly pivoting driver's cabin, a rear end having a rear end frame, an engine mounted on the front end frame beneath the driver's cabin, the drive shaft thereof facing the front of the vehicle and being coupled to a variable displacement hydrostatic drive pump, said drive pump supplying fluid to wheel hydraulic motors through a flow divider and a logic circuit block both preferably located generally below the top of said rear end frame. In a preferred embodiment, the rear end comprises a hydraulically actuated low profile dumping bed having a bottom extending downwardly substantially to the top of the frame, said frame being substantially centred about the wheels axis to provide a low centre of gravity. Said rear end is further pivotally assembled to the front end of the vehicle through at least one hydra;lic cylinder providing the steering function, and the hydraulic logic circuit block provides four wheel anti-slip drive in selectable low speed range high torque mode or higher speed range lower torque mode. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, steering is provided by four directional wheels.
The objects, advantages and other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non restrictive description of the preferred embodiment thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the appending drawings:
Figure 1 is a general photographic side view of the compact multifunction vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a photographic view of the rear of the compact multifunction vehicle of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a photographic representation of the front end of the compact multifunction vehicle, showing the engine and the hydrostatic drive pump.
Figure 4 is a photographic side view of the rear end of the compact multifunction vehicle of the present invention, with the dumping bed in the tilted position.
Figure 5 is a photographic view of the articulation and steering mechanism between the front and rear ends of the compact multifunction vehicle of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a photographic top view of the rear end of the compact multifunction vehicle of the present invention, with the dumping bed in the tilted position to show the general layout of components at frame level.
Figure 7 is a schematic top view of the rear end of the compact multifunction vehicle of the present invention, without the dumping bed.
Figure 8 is a schematic of the hydrostatic drive system of the compact multifunction vehicle of the present invention.
Figure 9 is a schematic of the hydrostatic drive logic block 32 of Figure 8.
Figure l0a is a schematic representing the connection of components of the drive system in the low speed, high torque mode.
Figure lOb is a schematic representing the connection of components of the drive system in the high speed, low torque mode.
Similar reference numerals refer to similar parts throughout the various Figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A preferred embodiment of the compact low profile multifunction vehicle according to the present invention will now be described in detail referring to the appended drawings.
Referring to Figure 1, there is illustrated a multifunction articulated vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle, generally identified by the numeral 1. is comprised of a front end 4 comprising a forwardly tilting cabin 5 covering the engine and hydrostatic and hydraulic pumps (not shown), an intermediate articulating and steering portion 7 and a rear end 2, comprising a dumping bed 3.
Despite its structure, the vehicle is very compact, its overall length being less than fifteen feet, while its width is within four feet to enable circulation on sidewalks. The illustrated vehicle is further provided with an optional snow plough 6 mounted on a push frame at the front end 4.
Figure 2 shows the rear of the vehicle of Figure 1. It can be seen that the dumping bed 3 is provided with a suspended hinged door 8 and features a low floor extending downwardly to the frame level, that is only slightly higher than the wheels axis. Such an arrangement assures that the centre of gravity of the rear end remains low even when the bed 3 is fully loaded. The sides of the rear end behind the wheels are constituted by two auxiliary hydraulic fluid reservoirs 9a and 9b provided with respective caps l0a and lOb, said reservoirs communicating with a lower main fluid reservoir 39 (see Figure 7) located within the frame 25 just behind light panel 11.
It is important to mention that the repartition of the components in the vehicle has been carefully studied so as to obtain a good weight balancing between the front and rear end as well as for maintaining the lower centre of gravity possible, while meeting the small size requirements. It has been a great challenge to select and position all of the components to fit within the very limited space available, while at the same time meeting the requirements related to weight balancing and low centre of gravity. Figures 3, 6 and 7 are particularly explicit as to the efficient use of space for components placement. show Furthermore, it is of prime importance that the engine be located at the front end under the driver's seat with the drive shaft extending toward the front end of the vehicle to make it possible to provide such a multifunction vehicle in such a compact format.
Exhaustive research has been carried out to identify the most compact components such as the Cummings 80 HP diesel engine 15 and the hydrostatic pump from Eaton 12, to comply with the space constrains.
This is shown in Figure 3 where the inside of the front end 4 can be seen. The diesel engine 15 is inserted between left wheel 16 and right wheel 17. This is possible since each one of the four wheels 16. 17, 26, 27 is independent and driven by its own hydrostatic motor such as 36, 37 (see Figure 7). Using an engine at constant RPM to feed an hydrostatic system provides optimal 1~
energetic efficiency, minimal size and weight for a given drive power, plus simplicity and high reliability. The variable flow hydrostatic pump 12 is connected to the drive shaft facing the front of the vehicle, thus providing a lower floor level at the front of the cabin 5 while the driver's seat is positioned at a higher point above the engine 15 located further back between the wheels. A cross member 14 is connecting both sides of the front end frame 28 to provide reinforcement at the engine location.
The engine 15 is provided with an auxiliary drive on the right side thereof, which is used to drive a tandem hydraulic gear pump with flow divider (not shown) providing three separate fluid power lines to feed the steering system, dumping bed cylinders and an accessory outlet. The cabin 5 is tilted by two hydraulic cylinders using an autonomous manually operated small pump with it own fluid reservoir. Both sides of the vehicle behind the front wheels are constituted as gas tanks 13 and 19 (see Figure 4). It can be seen finally that the engine 15 is so oriented that air inlet tube 29, along with the radiator 18 and the hydraulic fluid cooler (not shown) are located at the rear of the front end 4 of the vehicle 1. The ventilation screen 30 at the back of the front end 4 can be viewed on Figure 5. The air inlet tube 29 is connected to an air filter and air inlet assembly 31 located just behind the cabin 5 (see Figure 1).
In Figures 4, 6 and 7, the general layout of the back end of the vehicle can be observed built around a main rear end frame 25. The sides of the vehicle in front of the wheels 26, 27 are used as tool boxes 20,21 assembled to the frame 25. The hydrostatic motors 36. 37 for driving the wheels 26, 27 are also mounted of the external sides of frame 25 generally at the centre thereof with respect to the vertical axis. It can also be seen that the sides of the front end used as gas tanks such as 19, are provided with threaded caps for filling such as 22. The dumping bed 3 shown in the tilted position is actuated through two hydraulic cylinders 23. 24 upon actuation of one of the solenoid valves comprised in the valve module 31. Power to the solenoid valves and for the other electrical components is provided by battery 33 charged by an alternator mounted on engine 15.
The hydrostatic logic block 32, comprising two solenoid activated mode valves 39 a,b, and the flow divider 35 are being fed by the variable flow hydrostatic pump 12 to provide hydraulic power to wheel motors in two selectable modes as illustrated in Figures 10 a and 10 b.
In a first mode, the four motors 36. 37, 46, 47 are connected in parallel receiving one quarter of the fluid flow through the flow divider 35 thus providing a high torque low speed traction (approx. 0-8 mph). In the second mode (Figure 10 b), the front wheel motors are connected in series as well as the rear wheel motors and both pairs of motors are connected in parallel, each pair receiving one half of the flow, combining two outlets of flow divider 35. This second mode provides higher speed (approx. 0-23 mph) with a lower torque for faster displacement requirements. It shall be noted that each pair of motors driving wheels on opposite sides of the vehicle (the front pair and the rear pair) are communicating with each other through orifices 44, 45.
This arrangement assures that the two motors of a given pair of wheels will be allowed to run at different angular speed, part of the fluid flowing from each other, to prevent slipping when the vehicle is driven over a curved path.
Figure 8 gives the general layout of the hydrostatic drive system, with the connections between the wheel motors 36. 37. 46. 47, the variable flow hydrostatic pump 12, the flow divider 35, the hydrostatic logic block 32 and the diesel engine 15. There is also shown the hydraulic fluid filter 38 and the hydraulic fluid cooler 40. Figure 9 gives the detail of the hydrostatic logic block 35. In the represented position of the solenoid valves 39, a.b. the wheel motors are driven according to the law speed mode. When said valve solenoids are being energised by activaticn of an electrical switch in the cabin 5, the hydraulic pilot operated two-way directional valves are set in their second position, thus driving the motors according to the second mode.
Referring now particularly to Figures 5 and 7, the articulation mechanism between the front end and the rear end of the vehicle will now be described in more details. A first hinge plate 42 is attached to the rear of the front end frame 28 and is pivotally assembled through pivot pins 49 a.b, and sealed bearings 50 a.b, to a second hinge plate 43 comprising a cylindrical axle portion 48 generally extending along the longitudinal axis of the rear end 2 of the vehicle. A steering hydraulic cylinder 41 has one end assembled to the front end frame 28 and a second end pivotally assembled to the second hinge plate 43. Activation of the appropriate solenoid valve will thus provide hydraulic power to said steering cylinder 41 and cause its extension or contraction, in turn changing the relative angle between the first and second h.~.nge plates, i.e. the angle between the front end 4 and the rear end 2 of the vehicle 1 about a vertical axis. Steering of the vehicle is thus provided with no risk of jack-knife since the high hydraulic fluid pressure within steering cylinder 41 provides positive control of the angle of rotation during a steering operation. When the steering valve is shut-off, the hydraulic fluid in the cylinder can not be compressed by external mechanical force to induce a significant change in the steering angle.
In addition to the steering angle, free rotation of the front and rear ends of the vehicle is provided about the longitudinal axis thereof. As shown in more details in Figure 7, the axle portion 48 is rotatably assembled through a pair of frustoconical bearings 51 a, b, into a circular tube 51 attached to the frame 25 of the rear end 2 of the vehicle. Therefor, circulation of thevehicle on irregular and uneven surfaces will not cause stress or damage to the articulation mechanism 7.
One can easily appreciate that the above described preferred embodiment of the compact low profile multifunction vehicle can be provided with a plurality of optional accessories powered by the auxiliary hydraulic system to perform a wide range of works, as required principally in municipalities. Furthermore, the vehicle is compact, mechanically simple, reliable and requires low maintenance, in spite of the plurality of components integrated within the very limited space available to perform the numerous advanced functions provided thereby.
Therefor, it can be seen that the vehicle of the present invention can be advantageously used to carry out most municipal works all year long in a cost effective way and with numerous advantages over the solutions of the prior art.
Although the present invention has been described by means of a preferred embodiment thereof, it is contemplated that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the vehicle could be assembled from different hardware components without imparting its performance as long as the general layout and functions of the vehicle can be respected. Also, the dumping bed could be replaced by a specialised piece of equipment such as a water tank for use with a sprinkler system, the basic feature being that the low profile of the rear end of the vehicle provides usable volumetric capacity without dramatically increasing the height of the centre of gravity. Accordingly, it is intended that the embodiment described be considered only as illustrative of the present invention and that the scope thereof should not be limited thereto but be determined by reference to the claims hereinafter provided and their equivalents.
INVENTOR
Claims (13)
1. A compact multifunction low-profile vehicle comprising:
a front end comprising a forwardly pivoting driver's cabin and a front end frame having a left side and a right side, each side thereof having at least one hydrostatic motor assembled thereto, each motor driving at least one wheel;
a rear end connected to said front end and comprising a rear end frame, said rear end frame having a left side and a right side, each side thereof having at least one hydrostatic motor assembled thereto, each motor driving at least one wheel; and, a combustion engine mounted on the front end frame beneath the pivoting driver's cabin, and having an air intake side facing the rear of the vehicle and a drive shaft facing the front of the vehicle and being coupled to a hydrostatic drive pump, said drive pump supplying fluid to said front and rear wheel hydrostatic motors through a hydraulic distribution system.
a front end comprising a forwardly pivoting driver's cabin and a front end frame having a left side and a right side, each side thereof having at least one hydrostatic motor assembled thereto, each motor driving at least one wheel;
a rear end connected to said front end and comprising a rear end frame, said rear end frame having a left side and a right side, each side thereof having at least one hydrostatic motor assembled thereto, each motor driving at least one wheel; and, a combustion engine mounted on the front end frame beneath the pivoting driver's cabin, and having an air intake side facing the rear of the vehicle and a drive shaft facing the front of the vehicle and being coupled to a hydrostatic drive pump, said drive pump supplying fluid to said front and rear wheel hydrostatic motors through a hydraulic distribution system.
2. A compact multifunction low-profile vehicle as recited in claim 1, wherein said front end frame and rear end frame are substantially vertically centred about the wheel axis in order to provide a low centre of gravity.
3. A compact multifunction low-profile vehicle as recited in claim 1, wherein said rear end of the vehicle is pivotally connected to said front end to provide an articulated vehicle.
4. A compact multifunction low-profile vehicle as recited in claim 3, further comprising a hydraulically actuated cylinder assembled between said front end and said rear end to provide a steering function.
5. A compact multifunction low-profile vehicle as recited in claim 3, further comprising a longitudinally rotating joint enabling relative rotation of said front end and rear end about the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
6. A compact multifunction low-profile vehicle as recited in claim 1, in which said hydraulic distribution system comprises a flow divider and a logic circuit block, both preferably located generally below the top of said rear end frame.
7. A compact multifunction low-profile vehicle as recited in claim 6, wherein said hydraulic distribution system provides at least a two wheel high speed low torque drive mode and a four wheel low speed high torque drive mode.
8. A compact multifunction low-profile vehicle as recited in claim 6, wherein said hydraulic distribution system provides hydraulic fluid communication between right side wheel motors and left side wheel motors in order to enable wheels of opposite sides to rotate at different angular speeds and thereby prevent slipping of the wheels on a vehicle supporting surface.
9. A compact multifunction low-profile vehicle as recited in claim 1, further comprising a load carrying bed mounted on said rear end frame.
10. A compact multifunction low-profile vehicle as recited in claim 9, wherein said load carrying bed is a hydraulically actuated dumping bed having a bottom extending downwardly substantially to the top of said rear end frame.
11. A compact multifunction low-profile vehicle as recited in claim 9, wherein a tank for transporting liquids is mounted on said bed.
12. A compact multifunction low-profile vehicle as recited in claim 1, further comprising a vacuum cleaning apparatus mounted on said rear end frame.
13. A compact multifunction low-profile vehicle as recited in claim 1, further comprising a hydraulically actuated snow plough assembled on said front end of said vehicle.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2302860 CA2302860A1 (en) | 2000-03-28 | 2000-03-28 | Compact low profile multifunction vehicle |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2302860 CA2302860A1 (en) | 2000-03-28 | 2000-03-28 | Compact low profile multifunction vehicle |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2302860A1 true CA2302860A1 (en) | 2001-09-28 |
Family
ID=4165683
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2302860 Abandoned CA2302860A1 (en) | 2000-03-28 | 2000-03-28 | Compact low profile multifunction vehicle |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2302860A1 (en) |
-
2000
- 2000-03-28 CA CA 2302860 patent/CA2302860A1/en not_active Abandoned
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