Utility vehicle with a rigid axle

Details Utility vehicle with a rigid axle Utility vehicle with a rigid axle

1999-04-21

2001-02-06

Mar, Michael (Department: 3619)

Land vehicles

Wheeled

Running gear

C280S755000, C280S005502

Reexamination Certificate

active

06182989

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a utility vehicle with a rigid axle, which can pivot about a swivel pin in a substantially vertical plane.
Such vehicles, for example agricultural tractors, are equipped with a spring suspension for the axle to allow road travel at speeds in excess of 40 km/h. When used in other situations, in particular when working on the land, the spring suspension can be problematic or can even make it impossible to carry out the work properly. As a result, the spring suspensions of these utility vehicles can be disabled as a rule. Typically, the axle is mounted on one or more swinging links extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and with which the cylinder of a hydro-pneumatic spring suspension spring engages.
DE 195 26 346A1 describes the suspension of the steerable rigid axle of a utility vehicle, in which the spring suspension can be disabled by lowering the vehicle structure onto a stop secured onto the or each swinging link. The disadvantage caused by the spring suspension is eliminated as a result of this action; however, the rigid axle is still able to swing about the swivel pin so that when travelling on uneven terrain, the rigid axle is better able to adapt to the ground. However, in very difficult terrain, in particular when travelling across relatively steep hills or when working with a front-load tool, there may be a danger that the vehicle may tip or roll if the axle pivots in an undesirable manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The objective of this invention is to improve a vehicle of the generic type described above in order to overcome this disadvantage.
This objective is achieved by means which will at the same time allow the spring suspension to be disabled, and prevent the swivelling movement of the rigid axle.
The activation of these locks is of major importance in terms of technical safety since it ensures that, in the knowledge that the spring action and swivelling movement are prevented, the vehicle cannot be inadvertently placed in situations which might be critical as regards safety.
One technically simple and space-saving embodiment is provided by arranging a stop on each side of the vehicle which can be moved into the travel path and out of the travel path of the axle so as to prevent swivel moment hereof. The rigid axle can be brought to bear on stops positioned in its path of travel by actuators of a hydro-pneumatic spring suspension.
Preferable embodiments of the invention are claimed in dependent claims forming part of this specification.


REFERENCES:
patent: 3400946 (1968-09-01), Bacher
patent: 3689103 (1972-09-01), Meulendyk
patent: 3883153 (1975-05-01), Singh et al.
patent: 3966223 (1976-06-01), Carr
patent: 4230341 (1980-10-01), Hart et al.
patent: 4453737 (1984-06-01), Burchard et al.
patent: 4502391 (1985-03-01), Hurni
patent: 5180028 (1993-01-01), Perrenoud, Jr.
patent: 512550 (1992-11-01), None
patent: 754576 (1993-07-01), None
patent: 803384 (1997-04-01), None
patent: 1371229 (1974-10-01), None

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