NL1040562C2

NL1040562C2 - Dynamically variable track width and electrically driven work in sight tractor and method of steering.

Info

Publication number: NL1040562C2
Application number: NL1040562A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Paulus Ham
Original assignee: Multitooltrac B V; Paulus Ham
Priority date: 2013-12-22
Filing date: 2013-12-22
Publication date: 2015-06-30

Description

DYNAMICALLY VARIABLE TRACK WIDTH AND ELECTRICALLY DRIVEN WORK IN SIGHT TRACTOR AND METHOD OF STEERING

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to tractors, in particular as may be useful for agricultural application.

[0002] A tractor as presently designed and presented sets forth a number of novel and independently applicable concepts in design and use of such tractors. One such concept is directed to having the drive and support means of the tractor outside a crop bed to be treated, hence outside tool width. Another novel concept within the present invention relates to a tractor design for having the tools in sight when driving for treating the crop or crop bed. A third concept relates to a design for electric drive of a tractor, while a fourth concept relates to a manner of steering the tractor while treating the crop or the crop bed.lt may be recognized in conventional tractors that in many cases the agricultural equipment is included either to the rear or to the front end of the tractor, in either of which cases proper inspection, in fact user control of the treatment process is unfavorable. One way of obviating this advantage, in which the present invention provides improvement, is to have the treatment equipment directly in front of the tractor driver. Where such tractor design are known, these tend to be specific or dedicated designs with limited space for tools . The present invention provides to implement this "work in sight" concept in an at least more universal manner.

[0003] Another disadvantage in conventional agricultural tractors is that in many cases the wheels pass over treated bed, thereby disadvantageous^ causing local compacting of the soil and/or crop damage. Where it is known to overcome this type of disadvantage in conventional tractor design by adaptation means, technology in general, directed to modifying track width, these technologies are generally limited in the extend of adaptation of tract width and/or not particularly versatile in use and/or operation of the tractor. Such tractors come with front and or rear axels that may be adapted in width, using various forms of track width adapting tools including e.g. telescopic systems at which an inner and outer shaft may be brought in mutually fixed position after adaptation to track width. Moreover, very often such width adapting systems are limited in the extent to which the width may be adapted since they are used for adapting to crop rows, i.e. positioning the wheels aside thereof, rather than aside cultivation beds, i.e. beyond tool width. The present invention provides to implement a concept for "track width adaptation" in a versatile, i.e. easily practicable manner, and/or for relatively very large adaptations of track width.

[0004] The present invention also relates to a novel concept and system for implementing tractor drive. Where conventional tractor drive departs from a compact and integrated structure of combustion engine, transmission, rear wheel drive in the form of a so called "rear wheel drive bridge", and often also of the driver seat and cabin, the present invention proposes a novel concept in which the wheels, preferably all four wheels are driven by electric motors, the tractor thereto comprising an electric generator driven, by a power source such as a conventional combustion engine and other type of engine or power supply such as an H2-motor, and powering the electric motors via flexible electric leads. The novel concept thereby provides for optimal distribution of weight and drive power, as well as increased possibilities for mounting tools, machines and accessories.

[0005] The present invention further relates to a novel concept of guiding an at least three wheel tractor during cultivation, using GPS navigation known per se, for optimal guidance of the tractor, in particular the crop or soil cultivation equipment carried thereby. The novel concept requires all wheels of the tractor to be implemented steerable, and prescribes an adaptation of the manner of steering during, i.e. a different steering mode, in particular for use during cultivation, in which all wheels will be oriented in the same direction as a manner of steering. With this novel feature of a special, in particular automatically and/or manually selectable steering mode, crop tracks may be followed with more accurate and/or swifter effect of steering. The latter is e.g. in particular of importance in crop cultivation where no chemical treatment is desired, so that each cm2 of weeds not treated by the cultivation tool effects considerable amount of costs and/or effort in manual after-treatment thereof.

[0006] Apart from the preceding described conceptual implementations, the presently proposed new tractor design brings about various other aspects related to utility vehicles, tractors and agricultural tractors in particular, either in the form of elaborations on the concepts or preferred embodiments, thereof, or in the form of further independently applicable inventive design aspects, and particularly, related to the afore mentioned fixed track cultivation. Such may e.g. include an enhanced manner of coupling cultivation tools to the tractor, a concept of dynamic movement of location of tractor cabin for enhanced and versatile utilization of the tractor and/or the utilization of driving movement of the tractor for adapting track width, as may become evident from the following description and figures. 2. Description of the Related Art [0007] As to varying track width, known tractors may be provided with a telescopically extendable wheel support, in which an inner wheel supporting tube may be shifted outwards manually relative to a common outer tube connected to the frame of a tractor. The relative position of inner and outer tube is fixed by using a pin or bolt and hole mechanism. Adaptations of track width are also known to be made using so called distance members, e.g. an annular ring between wheels or between wheel and support. The known systems are generally limited to small changes in the width that they may be adapted to. Hence, they are generally not suited for used in a so called fixed path crop growing method, in which the amount of soil not subjected to compression by tractor wheels is to be maximized relative to the track width needed for passing tractor wheels. It is in this respect also known to have tractors with very wide wheel base, either fixed or adaptable around such wide wheel basis. Such tractor are generally dedicated to such fixed track crop growing methods, and have for a disadvantage that they may not or not easily and often not without special permit pass over public road. Such wide based tractors are hence limited in applicability, at least are not very versatile or easily displaceable, and hence are relatively expensive. It is an object of the present invention to overcome such problems, and to arrive at a versatile, economically, at least more generally useable wide base tractor, preferably still being capable of being driven over public roads.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In the present invention a solution is presented towards a tractor that may be provided with wide wheel basis, while also adaptable to relatively narrow wheel basis, as e.g. needed for public roads. A tractor according to the present invention thereto may be described as a tractor with a plurality of wheels, provided with adaptation means for adapting the lateral position of a wheel relative to a transverse centre of the tractor, such wheel suspended from a frame of the tractor by a laterally extendable wheel support system, the support system thereto comprising a fixed part fixed to the frame, and a moveable part connected to a wheel and telescopically moveable relative to said fixed part, wherein each wheel is provided with a separate support system, the support systems of laterally opposite wheels being included incorporated one behind the other as taken in longitudinal direction of the frame. By means of such a measure the telescopic extension of the wheel support may be relatively large, in that such support may extend up to the opposite side of the tractor frame with respect to the wheel to be supported.

[0009] In another independent aspect the invention may include a tractor design having the work “in sight” of the driver, in that the tractor design allows for equipment to be included in a versatile manner in a central part of the tractor defined by a front section and a rear section, each one accommodating a pair of wheels and a drive part, a frame extending in between the sections at a very high level, such that many custom type of tools may be included, thereby preferably having available a standardized hitch a the rear side of the front tractor section, so as to actually allow exchange of equipment as adapted for conventional tractors and tractor hitches.

[0010] In another independent aspect, the invention may comprise the division of the drive in a engine driving an electric generator coupled to an electric motor included in a wheel support, preferably at all wheels, and preferably by electrical connection and drive via a battery pack, more in particular thereby having taking measures to allow application of standard industrially applicable motors, adapted for use in this application in at least having provided an actively cooled housing.

[0011] In yet another independent aspect, the invention may include a method and the implementation thereof in a vehicle, in particular tractor adapted thereto, in which steering of a four wheel steerable vehicle comprises selecting one of at least two steering modes related to different manners of steering the wheels.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1A to ID represent the concept of a tractor in accordance with the present invention, Fig. 1A providing a first perspective view, Figure IB providing a side elevation, figure 1C being a top view, and Fig. ID providing a perspective view of an alternative and actual design; [0013] FIG. 2A and 2B provide a top view of a telescopic wheel support system, in particular for such novel tractor concept, in accordance with the invention, in a retracted and extended position respectively, whereas Fig. 2C provides a perspective view of Fig. 2A; [0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a wheel support with integrated electric drive and power steering; [0015] FIG. 4 A and ~4B provide a side elevation of the invented tractor, having it's cabin slid in a rearmost and central position respectively; [0016] FIG. 5 A and ~5B provide a perspective view and a cross section respectively of a main tractor frame part; [0017] FIG. 6 provides a detail view of the movability construction to be moved along the part of figure 5; [0018] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates the difference between conventional steering and dog style four wheel steering at reentering track, with an improvement in effect of timing or position of full entry into a desired track of the tractor; [0019] FIG. 8 provides an illustration of a manner of re-adapting track or wheel width, which is in accordance with the invention performed while driving; [0020] FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of the drive of the generator unit, actually consisting of two generators, as well of the mechanical drive to two PTO shafts for the hitches 6F and 6M at the front section of the tractor, via a take off from a generator drive shaft, the rear section PTO being driven by an electric motor.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0021] By way of exemplifying a typical embodiment of various aspects of the present inventions, embodiments will described along the following schematical representations.

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a tractor design 1 as conceived by the present invention, with a central space within the tractor span for accommodating tools for preparing or treating soil. The tractor is designed with four very large wheels 2 and a front and a rear part, each carrying a part and corresponding weight of the tractor. The new tractor is, compared to conventional tractor designs as it were, cut over it's longitudinal half, hence has a front and a rear tractor section connected via a frame 3 situated at or above wheel top level. Hence, the present tractor is provided with a third or mid hitch for carrying tools in a tool section or space 7 which is spanned by the frame 3. The tractor frame 3 comprises two longitudinal girders, over which a tractor cabin 5 may move back and forth. As per figures one, it will normally be included in a rearmost position, so as to have a good sight on the crop or bed to be treated by the tractor and tractor tool. A front tractor section comprises a power source 4, composed of an engine such as a combustion engine, and an electricity generator. The tractor is provided with hitches 6 for carrying crop and soil handling or processing equipment with, in addition to a standard front hitch 6F and a rear hitch 6R, provided with a middle hitch 6M, alternatively denoted front rear hitch 6M, connected to a front section of the tractor and facing rearward for carrying equipment in a central equipment central defined said tractor sections, the frame and to soil with or without crop to be passed over.

[0023] Figure 1B illustrates such central equipment space with the accommodation of an imaginary tool or equipment 8, carried by said middle hitch. Figure IB futher illustrates that such centrally coupled equipment, in contrast to conventional equipment lifting, be carried and lifted via a connector 9 included rearwards from the lower arms of the middle hitch 6M, in the depicted case fully to the rear of the equipment 8. The connector 9 connects to the frame 3, may be included longitudinally displaceable and may comprise an actuator operatively connected with an actuator for the lower arms of the middle hitch 6M. Fig. IB further illustrates the free line of sight that the operator of the tractor may have with it’s centrally include equipment 8, e.g. in case of cultivating for removal of weeds, with the cabin 5 included over the rear section of the tractor. As will be made clear further on, the cabin 5 is included moveable over the frame 5, so as to be able to position the cabin in such a forward located manner, e.g. right next to the power source 4, that the tractor may comply with visibility prescriptions as to view on public roads. The frame 5 is for the purpose of maximizing free sight towards the centrally included equipment, in particular the soil facing end thereof, at least in the section longitudinally in between the wheels embodied with two longitudinally extending girders, without central reinforcement connections of or other frame parts. Also to this end, the girders are shaped to have a skewed trapezoidal cross section, coinciding with a diverging line of sight from a, preferably rearmost cabin and driver position. So as to cope with torsion, the wheels of a rear or front pair are included via a connecting bridge which is included tiltable relative to the frame 3, in the present case via a longitudinally included central shaft.

[0024] FIG. 1C illustrates in a top view the steerability of the tractor according to the invention. It also indicates at the front tractor section a bridge 10, supporting a pair of wheels, in a manner in which the width wise wheel base of a pair may be extended. A bridge is thereto embodied telescopically, with a non-moving part 10A, and a therein telescopically moveable part 10B, the outer end of which supports a wheel 2. In this representation, the front bridge is represented with extended wheel base, whereas a non-visible rear bridge is in a condition with widthwise retracted wheel base. Fig. 1C further indicates a wheel to be connected to a bridge via a support part 11 thereof, in an articulated manner via a predominantly vertically extending axis of articulation.

[0025] All four wheels are in a standard steering mode included steerable, in particular with the front and rear wheels not only in a manner as depicted for coping with comers. The tractor according to the present invention is however provided with further steering modes, one of which involving a program for optimal tracking, and involves the rear or front wheels to be steered in the same direction as the other pair of wheels for at least part of a steering action as may be explained later. Yet another steering mode or program includes steering the a wheels per side in a direction differing from the direction of the laterally opposite wheel, so as to allow an extendible wheel bridge to be extended while driving, thereby supporting extension via outward and forward steered of the wheel connected to the bridge side to be extended. Incidentally, the lateral position of both laterally opposite wheel, or even of all four wheels may be extended simultaneously in such steering mode, in fact wheelbase changing action. The tractor according to the invention may in this respect include steering programs both for wheel base extension and for wheelbase reduction while driving. Further mode’s, whether or not included in a program for effecting wheel base change, may be included differentiation for realizing such wheel base changing in a rearwards driving mode.

[0026] FIG. ID provides a perspective view of a further elaboration of the tractor according to the invention as per figure 1, showing a battery pack 12, included at the rear section of the tractor, in particular centrally to and below the upper side of the frame 3. The front section further includes fuel tanks 13, included between the front wheels, preferably located partly above the bride 10, and more preferably as to height level also at least partly overlapping with the wheel height. The tanks 13 are shaped rounded at their side facing a wheel, thereby enabling a smallest possible track width of the wheels, in conjunction with optimal allocation of space and localization of weight. The power unit 4, in this case is provided with a conventional fuel combustion engine and drives an electric generator 14. The latter drives electric motors 15 included in the suspension 11 of the wheels 2, in the present and preferred case via battery pack 12 via appropriate cabling not indicated in the drawing or comparable electric connection.

[0027] The configuration of the tractor in this manner, i.e. with a generator unit and fuel tanks at the front section, and cabin and battery pack at the rear section of the tractor, and having the frame in between, allows for a neatly distributed weight, in which all four wheels can be optimally driven, particularly by the electric motor at each of each of the four wheels. It is remarked that the inclusion of the motors in the wheel supports adds to this neatly distributed weight.

[0028] With the engine driving the generator unit, the engine may be driven at least most of the time in a steady and state, and certainly in an optimum regime, thus optimizing clean and economic operation thereof. In this respect, in contrast to conventional tractor engines, which operated in a low as possible rotational regime, the present engine is made a fast running diesel engine, as typically suited for automotive, i.e. for passenger car application. In this manner the rotational speed at which optimal torque condition of the engine is reached can be easily matched to the optimal speed regime of the electric generators. Moreover, when operating the engine at this, what may also be denoted lower rotational speed range end with maximum torque delivery, there will in all cases be left sufficient spare power, should such be desired during certain operating conditions.

[0029] Particularly effective in this economic manner of operating a power source is the feeding of the electric, i.e. wheel motors, via a battery bank 12, which in fact acts as a buffer to instant demands for increased driving power by the wheel motors.

[0030] In Fig. ID, a wheel drive 15 may be noticed via an outward of the rim of a wheel 2 incorporated transmission unit, in this case a reducing planetary transmission, of which the driven outer side is embodied closed, in the form of pot connected to the wheel rim. The use of such redactor enable a fast operation, i.e. in an efficient speed regime of the motors, while the inclusion at the outside of the wheel rim enables practical applicability a standard, hence economic electric drive motor. Another measure promoting the efficiency, economics and useability of the electric drive system is the reduction of weight of the motors and generators by providing these in an actively cooled manner, i.e. with a dedicated outer housing containing loops for passing cooling liquid. In this manner the electric motor and generator may is kept cool, so that it operates even more efficiently. Each of these measures promotes the use of standard hence economic motors for drive and for electric generation. Another measure promoting fairly easy use of a

Standard motor is the reduction of length thereof by bending longitudinal end parts of the electrical motor part radially inward, so that a shorter housing may be used and so that an otherwise standard industrial electric motor may be applied in the space of the wheel, i.e. at the inner side of it’s rim, and in the space of the suspension of the wheels, in particular in the articulated part thereof.

[0031] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B illustrate the from a bottom view, a wheel bridge as depicted in retracted and extended form respectively. Each of the wheels has it’s own extendable support, and is in longitudinal direction included in front of or else behind the other, so as to maximize length of the telescopically extendable part 10B of the support while maintaining a robust support thereof within the non-moving part 10A. Though strictly not necessary, a wheel support, i.e. it’s end section is bent in longitudinal direction of the tractor, to an extend that it may still be aligned with the wheel support at the other lateral side of the tractor section. A support is made telescopically extendible by the inclusion of an actuator, e.g. of hydraulic or electrical type, within the support, the latter thereto largely embodied as a hollow girder. The actuator 16 is thereto at it’s one end 16F attached to the non-moving part 10A of the support, and with it’s other end 16M to the telescopically moveable part 10B.

[0032] As may be best taken from FIG. 2C, a support 10A, 10B is further provided with a bifurcated end section 10E, in which an opening 10F for receiving an articulation shaft is included. The bifurcated part may in principle also be embodied with only one of two bifurcation forks 10G now supporting a wheel. Such fork may or may not be raised so as to create space for accommodating an electric drive motor, and is preferably provided with reinforcing ribs, represented by the lines as drawn in end section 10E.

[0033] Preferably the two supports are included as a unit, i.e. with a single and even common outer casing 101. In the depicted embodiment, the extendible part may be shifted outward until halfway the length of the telescopic holding part, as may be best taken from figure 2B . An end section part of such holding part, i.e. facing the wheel to be displaced, is provided with synthetic gliding blocks so as to support ease of movement of the moveable support part in the telescopic holder. Such gliding block is preferably also applied to the end of the moveable support part moving in the holding part. Transverse extension or retraction of the wheel base may further be supported by a special steering mode or program, in which one or both of the wheels of a front and/or a rear section of the tractor is steered away from longitudinal direction while the tractor is set into motion. In this manner track base may be installed relatively easily during drive of the tractor.

[0034] Figure 2C furthermore illustrates,not only re-enforcing ribs for the common holder casing 101, but also swivel blocks 10H for allowing tilting of a wheel bridge 10 relative to the tractor frame, in this case via a longitudinally in the blocks to be incorporated shaft. Other type of mutual movement allowing support between frame and a wheel bridge may however be applied as well.

[0035] Figure 3 represents an example of a wheel bridge with wheels 2 included, as well as an electric motor 17 for a wheel drive 15, and an electric steering unit 18 comprising an electric or hydraulically operating actuator, acting on a shaft articulatingly connecting a wheel and motor base 19 with the bifurcated end section 10E of a wheel support. The wheel and motor base 19 comprises of a base plate 20, here embodied with two inwardly extending lugs 21 to which the connection shafts for support opening 10F connect, and which is supported in connection to the base plate by two angle ties, alternatively denoted support plates 22, which extend transverse to the base plate 19 and under an angle with the lugs 21. In line with such rigid support, the base plate 19 is largely shaped hexagonal, leaving sufficient internal space for attachment to the motor 17, in this embodiment via a bolted flange. The driven motor shaft extends through the base plate 19, and through the rim centre of a wheel 2, so as to connect in earlier described external of the wheel rim included transmission pot, which in turn connects to the wheel rim. In addition to electrical connector 23, the motor, i.e the housing thereof connect to a coolant fluid line connected to an in accordance with preference active cooling system comprising a pump and radiator.

[0036] Figures 4A and 4B represent respectively a preferred operating position and a driving position of the drivers cabin 5. The latter is thereto included, at the top side thereof, automatically moveable along the frame 5, the forward direction therein being to the left side of the figures. For entering the cabin, and allowing the latter to be moveable it is provided with a ladder that may be articulated upwards relative to an entry platform for the cabin. In both cases, however especially in the operational case, the cabin is in the present concept or an ergonomically optimal designed tractor located remote from the engine, thereby, in addition to the “work in sight feature, further reducing work stress to the tractor operator.

[0037] Figure 5 A illustrates the shape of a girder 25 as conceived for the frame 5 of the tractor. It is custom made, folded from preferably a single plate section, and is provided with an overhanging rim 26, in which tooth are provided for allowing driven movement of the cabin via a rack and pinion arrangement at at least one girder, the cabin therein glidingly being supported by both of the girders 25 of frame 5.

[0038] Figure 5B schematically illustrates a skewed rectangular design of the girder, thus placed under an angle so as to increase structural strength of the girder and so as to promote visibility buy the driver in having main girder sides largely coincide with an angle of diversion of the view of a driver, thereby further optimizing visibility with respect to the crop or soil treatment operation.

[0039] Figure 6 illustrates the presence of a sliding frame 27 between cabine 5 and frame 3, allowing ease of change of cabin and accommodation of an effectively the cabin driving cabin drive unit, not depicted in the figures.

[0040] Figure 7 is illustrative of a manner of driving a tractor, e.g. fully or largely automatically by a coordinate system such as GPS, over a virtual lane in a field, or along the track along a bed for crop growth, as may be taken in a desired form from the upper of three lane and tractor situation examples.

[0041] The second example provides a situation where the tractor has come of track and where it is steered back to track in a conventional manner, e.g. with the front wheels steering only.

[0042] With a tractor design in accordance with the present invention, provided a special steering mode is included and enabled, according to the new design. All four wheels are simultaneously steered into the direction of the desired track position, until the latter is reached, after which the pair of wheel having reach the optimal track position is steered back into the desired track direction. It may be seen from the situation in the second and the third situation illustration in figure 7, that the new manner of steering arrives “back in track postion” earlier than the conventional manner of steering, i.e. enables to correctly process the crop or soil much earlier, i.e. over a greater part, i.e. looses less in track distance, than in the conventional case. The tractor according to the present invention is hence enabled to select between different types of driving modes, which in addition to ordinary road driving, either with or without all four wheels steering, encompasses drive modes for wheel base changing as illustrated by figure 8, and for “quickest back in track steering”.

[0043] FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of the drive of the generator unit, actually consisting of two generators. In this manner, as described earlier, the electric generators may be individually be maintained small, thus reducing costs thereof, by the fact that hence standard industrial motor may be applied. The generator motors are modified in the same manner as the electric drive motors, i.e. are provided with an actively cooled housing, and are preferably reduced in length as well, in the described manner. Where the rear power take off shaft (PTO-shaft) of the tractor is embodied either hydraulically or preferably electrical, the drive of the PTO shafts associated to a front section hitch is provided mechanical by a driving connection from the drive shaft between engine and generator unit, to an in this embodiment common drive shaft for a front section PTO shaft. The connection, typically of a chain or belt type, may employ a so called Carlyle clutch in such take off from the engine to generator drive. Typically the latter drive will include at least a shaft bearing in front of the power take off to the drive for the two PTO-shafts. In case of an intermediary or final drive shaft for any one of the two PTO-shafts, the drive will be supported by two bearings, one at each side of a driving or driven wheel on such shaft.

The invention may further also be characterized by the following sets of clauses related to one of several independently applicable aspects of the presently conceived, inventive design for a vehicle, in particular tractor or part of it.

Variable track width design for very broad bed preparation and treatment 1. A tractor comprising at least two wheels each included at a lateral side of a tractor frame, the tractor provided with adaptation means for adapting the lateral position of a wheel relative to said frame, a wheel being suspended from the frame by a laterally extendable wheel support system, the support system thereto comprising a first part connected to the frame, and a moveable part connected to a wheel and telescopically moveable relative to said first part, wherein each of said at least two wheels is provided with a separate support system, the support systems said wheels being incorporated in the tractor one behind the other as taken in longitudinal direction of the frame. 2. Tractor according to clause 1 in that the moveable support part is activated and positioned by means of an activator for acting between said fixed and said moveable support part which is at least for a major part within said support. 3. Tractor according to clause 1, in which the activator is connected to the fixed part at the end section remote from the wheel to be supported. 4. Tractor in accordance with any of the preceding clauses, in which the activator . at least for a major part of it's length, is incorporated to extend within said support. 5. Tractor according to any of the preceding clauses, in which the activator is adapted for fixating the relative position of the moveable support part. 6. Tractor in accordance with any of the preceding clauses, in which the wheel end section of the moveable support part is shaped to extend under an angle with the telescopic axis of the support. 7. Tractor according to the preceding clause, in which said end section is composed of, at least comprises a wheel pivot. 8. Tractor according to the preceding clause, in which the pivot is embodied as bifurcated support part. 9. Tractor according tot any of the preceding clauses, in which each of the telescopically extendable wheels constitutes a drivable wheel, i.e. is connected to a drive member for driving the wheels. 10. Tractor according to the wheel end section of a wheel support comprises a motor for driving the wheel. 11. Tractor in accordance with the preceding clause, in which the motor is included in a pivoted section of the wheel support. 12. Tractor in accordance with any of the two preceding clauses, in which the motor is included in bifurcated end section, the pivot axis intersecting the motor, in particular the drive axis thereof. 13. Tractor in accordance with any of the preceding three clauses, in which the pivoted end section structurally surrounds said motor. 14. Tractor in accordance with any of the preceding clauses, in which each of the wheels of the tractor is driveable by means of a motor pivotally included at an end section of a wheel support, the tractor further comprising a combustion engine driving a generator part for each of said motors, the tractor provided with a power connection between said generator and said motors. 15. Tractor in accordance with any of the preceding clauses, adapted for activating the actuator for modifying lateral wheel distance to centre during drive of the tractor. 16. Tractor in accordance with the preceding clause, adapted for modifying a wheel direction towards an orientation thereof at an open angle with the support of the wheel, taken in the direction of movement of the latter. 17. Tractor in accordance with any of the two preceding clauses adapted to modify the lateral to centre distance of each of it's wheels simultaneously, in particular simultaneously at four supports of the tractor. 18. Tractor in accordance with any of the preceding clauses, in which the support extension actuators are in the form of hydraulic cylinders or electric actuators. 19. Tractor according to any of the preceding clauses, in which wheel steering actuator is one of an electric, pneumatic and a hydraulic actuator, and included mechanically connected to the moveable wheel support part. 20. Tractor according to any of the preceding clauses, in which the support is moveable within plane transverse to plane to be driven on, in particular tiltable about a longitudinally oriented axis. 21. Tractor according to any of the preceding clauses, in which an end part of one or both of the support parts is provided with fixedly included sliding inserts composed of a synthetic material. 22. Tractor according to any of the preceding clauses, in which the fixed part of each of the two wheels included at opposite sides of a tractor is produced with housing parts common the support of the other wheel. 23. Method of extending the wheel basis of a pair of wheels, in which each of the wheels is steered with and outward directing orientation component relative to a tractor frame, and wherein for extending the wheel basis the tractor is driven in the direction of the other component constituting the outward directed orientation of the wheels. 24. Method according tot he preceding clause, in which the wheel basis for a front wheels and rear wheels of the tractor is extend simultaneously. 25. Method in accordance with either of the two preceding clauses, in which the tractor is set into a wheel extension mode in advance of performing set wheel extension, allowing ordinary steering to be overruled for the purpose of steering the wheels of an opposed pair in a diverging manner.

Work in sight tractor design 1. A tractor provided with at least two pair of wheels, the wheels of a pair each included at a lateral side of a tractor frame and provided in a wheel bridge, each bridge provided with a standardized rearward tractor hitch, each bridge provided with wheels, the diameter of which being larger than the standardized hitch lifting height, said bridges mechanically interconnected by said tractor frame, provided in the tractor in between said wheels at a height well beyond the height of said standardized hitch lifting height, the frame length adapted to position the wheels at a mutual longitudinal distance of at least three times said hitch lifting height, the frame hence in particular being included at a height and of a length so as to allow a large part of standard agricultural equipment to be included in an internal equipment space with spatial dimensions defined by said frame and said front and rear wheels, and the tractor having or otherwise being adapted to locate a driver cabin over said rear bridge, in particular over said frame, more in particular at a location allowing a line of sight from a driver position to a location within a longitudinally largest part of the bottom side of the equipment space. 2. Tractor according to clause 1 in which the frame and cabin are adapted to be slidably moveable along said frame, in particular up to at least half way of the equipment space. 3. Tractor according to clause 1 or 2, wherein a universal agricultural piece of equipment may be lifted in and out of work within the spatial dimension of said equipment space, in particular using at least said lower arms of the front wheel bridge hitch. 4. Tractor according to the preceding clause, in which at least the rear side of the equipment is lifted by an actuator connecting the equipment to the frame, and operationally connected with an actuator of the lower arms of said hitch. 5. Tractor according to the preceding clause, in which the connection between frame and frame connecting actuator is embodied longitudinally displaceable. 6. Tractor according to any of the preceding clauses, in which the tractor is provided with a third hitch at the front side of the front wheel bridge. 7. Tractor according to any of the preceding clauses, in which the frame is composed with open space in between two longitudinally extending girders over a largest part of the longitudinal dimension of the equipment space. 8. Tractor according to any of the preceding clauses, in which the girders of the frame are included with a cross sectional shape in the form of skewed rectangle, in particular made like this for reasons of strength of construction, distortion rigidity and improved visibility from the driver seat. 9. Tractor according to any of the preceding clauses, in which the girders are included in the tractor with the longest sides oriented largely in line with a diverging viewing angle from the point of view of the driver seat, as taken towards the bottom side of the equipment space. 10. Tractor according to any of the preceding clauses, in which a frame girder is produced from folded plate of which cross sectional ends are connected longitudinally, in particular by welding, to form a closed, in particular skewed rectangle as taken in cross section. 11. Tractor according to the preceding clause, in which the girder is provided with one end projecting beyond the girder side to be connected to, the thus overhanging end part being provided toothed by the provision of savings therein. 12. Tractor according to any of the preceding clauses, in which the cabin is included moveable relative to the frame by way of a rack and pinion included between cabin and frame, the toothed projecting girder part forming the rack. 13. Tractor according to any of the preceding clauses, in which the tractor is electrically driven, by means of electric generator included in the tractor at the location of one wheel bridge, and a battery pack included in the tractor at the other wheel bridge. 14. Tractor according to any of the preceding clauses, in which the front bridge wheels are of a diameter equal to those of the rear bridge. 15. Tractor according to any of the preceding clauses, in which the frame is included at a level or above the top of a largest tractor wheel. 16. Tractor according to any of the preceding clauses, in which both the front and rear bridge forming axles are suspended tilt-able relative to the frame. 17. Tractor according to any of the preceding clauses, in which the tilt ability is realized via a tilt shaft included longitudinal orientation between frame and bridge. 18. Tractor according to any of the preceding clauses, in which the frame is at least for a largest longitudinal part formed window like, by two mechanically interconnected girders. 19. Tractor according to any of the preceding clauses, in which the frame girders have a with longitudinal orientation and are included at corresponding height level.

Electric Drive for vehicles like in particular tractors 1. An electrical vehicle drive system, in particular a tractor drive system, comprising a power generator with an engine such as a combustion engine, a H2 motor and the like, driving an electricity generator, the vehicle comprising multiple wheels, the suspension of a wheel provided with a wheel drive comprising an electric motor for driving the suspended wheel. 2. Drive system according to clause 1, in which the electricity generated is supplied to an accumulator, in particular battery pack, and the electric wheel drives powered by the battery pack. 3. Drive system according to any of the preceding clauses, in which the wheel drive motor is adapted to be frequency controlled. 4. Drive system according to any of the preceding clauses, in which a wheel drive comprises a speed reduction transmission between motor and wheel, in particular composed of a planetary transmission. 5. Drive system according to any of the preceding clauses, in which the electric drive motor housing is provided with an active cooling system, involving circulation of fluid in or around the motor housing and a fluid cooling element, in particular a radiator system. 6. Drive system according to any of the preceding clauses, in which outward of an electric spool extending core parts of the electric motor are bent radial inward, in particular at both axial ends of the motor. 7. Drive system according to any of the preceding clauses, in which the electric motor is incorporated in between an upper and a lower connection arm or connection part of the vehicle with a wheel. 8. Drive system according to any of the preceding clauses, in which the connection between vehicle and wheel comprises a vertically included support element, in particular plate, supporting the electric motor at the vehicle inner principle side thereof, and the reduction transmission at the vehicle outer principle side thereof. 9. Drive system in which the vehicle wheel support connects to the wheel via a forked, in particular bifurcated part, to which the wheel support element connects in swiveling manner to the bifurcated support, the support element comprising lugs each connected thereto with an orientation in line with the direction of the bifurcation end part of the vehicle, and each connected to the latter via a swivel pin, said lugs connected to an upper and a lower end the support element, allowing the electric drive motor to extend and swivel within the bifurcation. 10. Drive system according to preceding clause, in which the support element is shaped preferably regularly hexagonal and wherein a lug is supported by a strut included transverse to the support element and with a principal plane oriented in a direction under an angle with said lug, preferably about 45 degrees, more in particular at least largely parallel to one of said six hexagon sides. 11. Drive system according to any of the preceding clauses, in which the generator is composed of at least two electric motors drive in conjunction by the combustion engine. 12. Drive system according to the preceding clause, in which the electric generator is provided with an active cooling system. 13. Drive system according to the preceding clause, in which the cooling system comprises a cooling fluid system with fluid pump and radiator. 14. Drive system according to any of the preceding three clauses, in which fluid is passed over or through part of the generator housing. 15. Drive system according to any of the preceding clauses, in which the combustion engine is high revolution engine with operational maximum and near maximum torque range, at least a torque range beyond a lower rpm range with predominantly linear increase of torque at increase of rotational speed (rpm), typically between around 1800 and 4000 rpm. 16. Drive system according to any of the preceding clauses, in which a near by situated so called power take off (PTO) shaft is drive mechanically from said engine, typically in conjunction with the electricity generating motors. 17. Vehicle, in particular tractor, provided with a drive system in accordance with any of the preceding clauses, in which the power generator unit is included in said vehicle near front wheels of the vehicle, while the battery pack is included near the rear wheels of the vehicle. 18. Vehicle, in particular tractor, provided with a drive system in accordance with any of the preceding clauses, in which all of the wheels are driven by a motor. 19. Method of operating the drive system in accordance with the preceding clause, in which the engine is normally driven at a constant rotational speed within the lower end of a range of speeds with maximum and near maximum level of torque.

Dogs walk or parallel steering for track correction. 1. A method for driving a vehicle having four steerable wheels, in which the steering is performed by selecting one of at least two steering modes, in particular for use in different situations and/or different purposes. 2. Method according to clause 1, wherein one steering mode involves all four wheels to be simultaneously steered into the direction of the desired track position, until the latter is reached 3. Method according to the preceding clause, in which, after a pair of wheel having reach the optimal track position, the wheels are steered back into the desired track direction. 4. A vehicle adapted for implementing a driving method according to any of the preceding clauses. 5. A vehicle according to the preceding clause, wherein said vehicle is a tractor. 6. A tractor comprising four wheels, preferably of equal size, each wheel being steerable and the tractor preferably adapted for following GPS coordinates during operation, in particular during cultivation, characterized in that the tractor is adapted for being switched into a steering mode, in particular a lane following steering mode, in which mode both pair of wheel are steered in at least predominantly the same direction.

Claims

1. Elektrisch aandrijfsysteem voor een voertuig, in het bijzonder een trekker aandrijfsysteem, omvattende een krachtgenerator met een motor zoals een verbrandingsmotor, een H2 motor en dergelijke, welke een elektriciteitsgenerator aandrijft, waarbij het voertuig meerdere wielen omvat, en waarbij de ophanging van een wiel is voorzien van een wielaandrijving welke een elektrische motor omvat voor het aandrijven van het opgehangen wiel, met het kenmerk, dat waarbij de verbinding tussen voertuig en wiel een vertikaal opgenomen steunelement omvat, in het bijzonder plaatelement, welke de elektrische motor steunt aan de voor het voertuig binnenste hoofdzijde van het wiel, en een vertragende transmissie in de vorm van een planetaire transmissie aan de voor het voertuig buitenste hoofdzijde daarvan, welke transmissie via een gesloten buitenste, zogenaamd pot-deel, met het wiel is verbonden.An electric drive system for a vehicle, in particular a tractor drive system, comprising a power generator with an engine such as an internal combustion engine, an H2 engine and the like, which drives an electricity generator, wherein the vehicle comprises several wheels, and wherein the suspension of a wheel is provided with a wheel drive which comprises an electric motor for driving the suspended wheel, characterized in that wherein the connection between vehicle and wheel comprises a vertically received support element, in particular plate element, which supports the electric motor on the vehicle inner main side of the wheel, and a deceleration transmission in the form of a planetary transmission on the outer main side thereof for the vehicle, which transmission is connected to the wheel via a closed outer, so-called pot part.

2. Aandrijfsysteem volgens conclusie 1, waarbij de gegenereerde elektriciteit wordt toegediend aan een accumulator, in het bijzonder een batterijpak, en de elektrische wielaandrijvingen worden bekrachtigd via het batterijpak.Drive system according to claim 1, wherein the generated electricity is applied to an accumulator, in particular a battery pack, and the electric wheel drives are powered via the battery pack.

3. Aandrijfsysteem volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de aandrijfmotor voor een wiel frequentie gestuurd is ingericht.3. Drive system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive motor is arranged for a wheel frequency controlled.

4. Aandrijfsysteem volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij een wielaandrijving een snelheid vertragende transmissie tussen motor en wiel omvat, in het bijzonder gevormd door een planetaire transmissie.4. Drive system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a wheel drive comprises a speed-slowing transmission between motor and wheel, in particular formed by a planetary transmission.

5. Aandrijfsysteem volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de behuizing van de elektrische aandrijfmotor is voorzien van een actief koelsysteem, met betrekking van circulatie van fluïdum in of om de motorbehuizing en een fluïdum koelelement, in het bijzonder een radiator systeem.5. Drive system as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the housing of the electric drive motor is provided with an active cooling system, with regard to circulation of fluid in or around the motor housing and a fluid cooling element, in particular a radiator system.

6. Aandrijfsysteem volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij buiten een elektrische spoel uitstrekkende kerndelen van de elektrische motor radiaal binnenwaarts zijn omgebogen, in het bijzonder aan beide axiale einden van de motor.A drive system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein core parts of the electric motor extending outside an electric coil are bent radially inwards, in particular at both axial ends of the motor.

7. Aandrijfsysteem volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de elektrische motor opgenomen is tussen een bovenste en een onderste verbindingsarm of verbindingsdeel van het voertuig met een wiel.A drive system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electric motor is included between an upper and a lower connecting arm or connecting part of the vehicle with a wheel.

8. Aandrijfsysteem waarbij de wielsteun van het voertuig met de wiel verbonden is via een gevorkt, in het bijzonder gebifurceerd deel, waarmee het steunelement van een wiel op zwenkbare wijze verbonden is met de gebiiurceerde steun, welk steunelement oren omvat, elk daarmee verbonden met een oriëntatie in lijn met de richting van het gebifurceerd einddeel van het voertuig, en elk met deze laatste verbonden via een zwenkpen,waarbij de genoemde oren verbonden zijn met een bovenste en een onderste einde van het steunelement, de elektrische aandrijfmotor toestand zich uit testrekken en te zwenken binnen de bifurcatie.8. Drive system in which the wheel support of the vehicle is connected to the wheel via a forked, in particular bifurcated part, with which the support element of a wheel is pivotally connected to the bended support, which support element comprises ears, each connected to a wheel orientation in line with the direction of the bifurcated end portion of the vehicle, and each connected to the latter via a pivot pin, said lugs being connected to an upper and a lower end of the support member, the electric drive motor state being out of test racks and swing within the crotch.

9. Aandrijfsysteem volgens voorgaande conclusie, waarbij het steunelement bij voorkeur gevormd is als regelmatige hexagonaal en waarbij een oor wordt gesteund door een schoor, opgenomen dwars op het steunelement en met een hoofdvlak georiënteerd in een richting onder een hoek met genoemd oor, bij voorkeur ongeveer 45 graden, meer in het bijzonder ten minste grotendeels parallel aan een van genoemde zes hexagonale zijden.9. Drive system according to the preceding claim, wherein the support element is preferably formed as a regular hexagonal and wherein an ear is supported by a strut, taken transversely to the support element and with a main surface oriented in an angle-at-angle direction with said ear, preferably approximately 45 degrees, more in particular at least largely parallel to one of said six hexagonal sides.

10. Aandrijfsysteem volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de generator is samengesteld door ten minste twee elektrische motoren, gezamenlijk aangedreven door de verbrandingsmotor.10. Drive system as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the generator is assembled by at least two electric motors, jointly driven by the combustion engine.

11. Aandrijfsysteem volgens de voorgaande conclusie, waarbij de elektrische generator is voorzien van een actief koelsysteem.11. Drive system according to the preceding claim, wherein the electric generator is provided with an active cooling system.

12. Aandrijfsysteem volgens de voorgaande conclusie, waarbij het koelsysteem een koelvloeistof systeem met vloeistofpump en radiator omvat.12. Drive system according to the preceding claim, wherein the cooling system comprises a coolant system with liquid pump and radiator.

13. Aandrijfsysteem volgens een der voorgaande drie conclusies, waarbij vloeistof over of door een deel van de generatorbehuizing wordt geleid.A drive system according to any one of the preceding three claims, wherein liquid is passed over or through a part of the generator housing.

14. Aandrijfsysteem volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de verbrandingsmotor een hoogtoerige motor is met operationeel maximum- en nabij maximum koppelbereik, althans een koppelbereik voorbij een onderste toerenbereik met in hoofdzaak lineare toename van koppel bij toename van de omwentelingssnelheid (tpm), typisch in het gebied tussen om en nabij 1800 en 4000 tpm.A drive system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the combustion engine is a high-speed engine with operational maximum and near maximum torque range, at least one torque range beyond a lower speed range with substantially linear increase in torque with increase in revolution speed (rpm), typically in the area between around 1800 and 4000 rpm.

15. Aandrijfsysteem volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij een nabij gesitueerde zogenaamde vermogensaftakas (PTO) mechanisch door genoemde verbrandingsmotor wordt aangedreven, typisch in samenhang met de elektriciteit genererende motororen.15. Drive system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a so-called power take-off shaft (PTO) situated nearby is mechanically driven by said combustion engine, typically in connection with the electricity-generating engines.

16. Voertuig, in het bijzonder trekker, voorzien van een aandrijfsysteem in overeenstemming met een van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de eenheid voor vermogensgeneratie in genoemde voertuig nabij de voorwielen van het voertuig is opgenomen, terwijl het batterijpak opgenomen is nabij de achterwielen van het voertuig.A vehicle, in particular a tractor, provided with a drive system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the power generation unit is included in said vehicle near the front wheels of the vehicle, while the battery pack is included near the rear wheels of the vehicle .

17. Voertuig, in het bijzonder trekker, voorzien van een aandrijfsysteem in overeenstemming met een van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij elk van de wielen door een motor zijn aangedreven.A vehicle, in particular a tractor, provided with a drive system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the wheels is driven by a motor.

18. Werkwijze voor het bedienen van een electrisch aandrijfsysteem van een voertuig, in het bijzonder een aandrijfsysteem in overeenstemming met een voorgaande conclusie, waarbij de verbrandingsmotor normaal wordt aangedreven met een constant omwentelingssnelheid binnen het onderste eind van een bereik aan snelheden met een maximum en nabij maximum niveau van koppel, waarbij de gegenereerde elektriciteit wordt toegediend aan een accumulator, in het bijzonder een batterijpak, en de elektrische wielaandrijvingen worden bekrachtigd via het batterijpak, en waarbij de aandrijfmotor voor een wiel frequentie gestuurd wordt.A method of operating an electric drive system of a vehicle, in particular a drive system according to a preceding claim, wherein the combustion engine is normally driven at a constant speed of rotation within the lower end of a range of speeds with a maximum and near maximum level of torque at which the generated electricity is applied to an accumulator, in particular a battery pack, and the electric wheel drives are powered via the battery pack, and wherein the drive motor is controlled for a wheel frequency.