WO1998045168A1 - Motorized vehicle - Google Patents
Motorized vehicle Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO1998045168A1 WO1998045168A1 PCT/SE1998/000610 SE9800610W WO9845168A1 WO 1998045168 A1 WO1998045168 A1 WO 1998045168A1 SE 9800610 W SE9800610 W SE 9800610W WO 9845168 A1 WO9845168 A1 WO 9845168A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- unit
- soft ground
- vehicle according
- motorized vehicle
- body unit
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62M—RIDER PROPULSION OF WHEELED VEHICLES OR SLEDGES; POWERED PROPULSION OF SLEDGES OR SINGLE-TRACK CYCLES; TRANSMISSIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SUCH VEHICLES
- B62M27/00—Propulsion devices for sledges or the like
- B62M27/02—Propulsion devices for sledges or the like power driven
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62M—RIDER PROPULSION OF WHEELED VEHICLES OR SLEDGES; POWERED PROPULSION OF SLEDGES OR SINGLE-TRACK CYCLES; TRANSMISSIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SUCH VEHICLES
- B62M27/00—Propulsion devices for sledges or the like
- B62M27/02—Propulsion devices for sledges or the like power driven
- B62M2027/022—Snow drive conversions for cycles with wheels
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62M—RIDER PROPULSION OF WHEELED VEHICLES OR SLEDGES; POWERED PROPULSION OF SLEDGES OR SINGLE-TRACK CYCLES; TRANSMISSIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SUCH VEHICLES
- B62M27/00—Propulsion devices for sledges or the like
- B62M27/02—Propulsion devices for sledges or the like power driven
- B62M2027/026—Snow mobiles characterised by the suspension means
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a motorized vehicle for travel on soft ground surfaces, such as snow, according to the preamble of the appended claim 1.
- a further vehicle type claimed to be utilizable on soft ground surfaces consists of a motorized trackboard having propelled tracks on each side of a main body portion. This type of vehicle rests solely on its tracks during use.
- a preferred embodiment has a front and a rear belt pair, where the rear pair is motorized and the front pair is made steerable.
- a vehicle of this type is disclosed in US Patent 5,305,846 (Martin). Vehicles like these, which rely on tracks for all its ground surface contact, require relatively large and heavy belts resulting in vehicles having a large total weight. Thus, if the ground surface is sufficiently soft, the vehicle will sink too deeply into the surface and lose all traction (compare snowmobile type vehicles above).
- the object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle which has improved traction on soft ground surfaces, such as snow, combined with a mechanically simple construction to keep manufacturing costs low.
- Fig. 1 is a partially sectioned elevational view of a vehicle according to the present invention
- Fig. 2 is a partially sectioned plan view of a vehicle according to the invention.
- Fig. 3 shows a view from below of a vehicle according to the invention.
- Figs. 1 and 2 show a motorized vehicle having a body unit 1 in which a propulsion unit 2 is carried.
- a propulsion unit 2 Any known power source which is light and powerful enough can be used as a propulsion unit, e.g. small i.e. engines, electric motors or similar.
- Speed regulation of the propulsion unit 2 is accomplished via a hand-held throttle device 13.
- the throttle device 13 is rigidly attached to a front part of the vehicle by a combined throttle cable/support hose 15, thus enabling the driver to hold onto the throttle device 13, by pulling backwards, which enhances the driver's balance.
- the body unit 1 comprises gliding surfaces 5 arranged on the bottom of the body unit, ie. facing the ground.
- the gliding surfaces are preferably covered with some type of coating which enhances the sliding properties of the gliding surfaces by lowering the friction between the gliding surfaces and the soft ground surfaces.
- the propulsion unit 2 is connected to a drive unit 3 which is held and guided by a suspension unit 4.
- the drive unit 3 comprises an endless belt 6 having a traction surface 7 facing the soft ground surface.
- the total surface area of the gliding surfaces 5 constitutes approximately 50 % or more of the total vehicle-to-ground surface (ie. the sum of the gliding surfaces 5 and the traction surface 7).
- the relatively large gliding surfaces 5 make it possible to use lower output engines, and thus smaller, quieter and less polluting engines.
- the endless belt rotates over a forward driving roller 18 and a rearward roller 19 whilst gliding on a slide frame 20.
- This slide frame 20 may have gliding strips arranged between it and the endless belt to lower friction.
- the endless belt 6 may comprise standard profile snowmobile belts, i.e. no special demands are placed on the construction of the belt because the vehicle of the invention has a relatively low total weight.
- the endless belt 6 may have a typical width of approximately 230 mm.
- the endless belt 6 can be lubricated by the snow when the vehicle is used on snowy ground surfaces.
- the propulsion unit 2 may advantageously be equipped with sealing discs arranged on both sides of the propulsion unit on its drive shafts, to prevent the ingress of snow, or other lose material, into the engine compartment inside the body unit 1 as the snow is thrown from the drive belt 6.
- the endless belt traction surface 7 has a forward part 22 and a rearward part 17, where the forward part is angled upwards in the travel direction of the vehicle so that loose ground material, eg. snow, is packed under the forward part.
- the rearward part 17 is substantially parallel to the ground surface and is held in a lower position than the forward part 22, i.e. it sinks lower into the soft ground material.
- the rearward part 17 is longer relative to the forward part 22.
- the traction surface 7 may have a length which corresponds to approximately 2/3 of the total length of the vehicle, which typically may be around 1700 mm.
- the suspension unit 4 comprises automatic height adjusting means 8, 9, 16 for adjusting the position of the drive unit 3 relative to the body unit 1.
- the automatic height adjustment means 8, 9, 16 comprise forward and rearward automatic height adjustment means.
- the suspension unit 4 comprises front and rear dampers 8, advantageously of the gas-filled type, affixed at one end of each damper to mounting struts 16 and at another end to the body unit 1.
- the dampers at all times (except when the drive unit 3 is in a retracted transport position) press the drive unit into the soft ground surfaces in order to achieve good traction.
- the gas- filled dampers 8 thus regulate the height of the endless belt 6, relative to a length axle 10 of the vehicle, according to the softness of the ground surfaces.
- One, possibly two or more, dampers may be used in each of the front and rear positions.
- gas-filled dampers of the adjustable type may be used.
- the suspension unit 4 further comprises parallel link arms 9 which are arranged so that the movement of the suspension unit 4 is limited to one plane perpendicular to the general plane of the soft ground surfaces.
- the parallel link arms 9 may be attached to each other via a bridge 23.
- the front damper's mounting strut is affixed to the parallel link arms 9 and the rear damper's mounting strut is affixed to the drive unit 3.
- the gas-filled dampers 8 may be mounted in a plurality of mounting holes 11, or similar, arranged on the mounting struts 16, in order to make it possible to change the geometry of the drive unit/suspension unit assembly for achieving the desired turning properties of the vehicle. Factors to consider in this context are, for example, the weight of the driver and the ground conditions.
- the gliding surfaces 5 advantageously extend on both sides of the endless drive belt 6 to enhance the turning capabilities of the vehicle according to the invention.
- the drive belt 6 is thus limited to a relative movement essentially perpendicular to a general plane of the gliding surfaces 5, which contributes to the good traction properties of the vehicle.
- the driver stands or sits on the body unit 1 which also may comprise foot ledges 12 on which the driver's feet can rest.
- These ledges may advantageously be equipped with some type of friction surface to enhance grip, e.g. angular profiles of aluminium or similar having a friction-enhancing pattern on the surface.
- the ledges also strengthen the body unit 1 construction. It is also possible -co provide some type of foot straps on these foot ledges 12 to further increase grip.
- the dampening/downwards pressing effect of the gas-filled dampers 8 is essential to make it possible to turn the vehicle since it does not have any steering means as such. Turning is accomplished by shifting the driver's body weight from side to side, and possibly from fore to aft and vice versa. To further facilitate turning, small cutoffs 14 may be incorporated into the outer and rearmost portion of the gliding surfaces 5.
- the whole suspension unit 4/driving unit 3 assembly may be arranged to be foldable into a stowage position where the traction surface 7 of the endless belt 6 is situated completely inside the lower edge 21 of the body unit 1, thus enabling the vehicle to glide freely on the ground surface. This can be used, for example, to glide down hills without the need for added propulsion.
- the suspension unit 4/driving unit 3 assembly may be located 30-50 mm above the lower edge of the body unit 1 in this stowage position, compared to a maximum downward position of typically 150-200 mm at the rear roller 19 and 50-100 mm below the lower edge 21 of the body unit 1 at the forward roller 18.
- the suspension unit 4/driving unit 3 assembly may also advantageously be in the stowage position during transportation of the vehicle, eg. on or in a car.
- a handle may be affixed to the front of the body unit to facilitate the carrying or dragging of the vehicle and also to double as a collision bumper.
- Splash guards may also be arranged on the back of the body unit 1.
- a small sleigh can be pulled by the vehicle, this sleigh may also be used to store the vehicle during transport. Any snow remaining on the vehicle would then run down into the sleigh if and when the snow would melt.
- the operational range of the vehicle according to the invention depends i.a. on the propulsion unit and the size of its fuel reservoir, but is generally shorter than that of a traditional snowmobile, typically 20-50 km compared to 150 km.
- the total weight of the vehicle according to the invention may be approximately 30-50 kg compared to more than 200 kg for a traditional snowmobile. It is thus possible for one person to lift the vehicle up onto a cart or similar.
- the turning radius of the vehicle is also smaller than that of a traditional snowmobile.
- the vehicle according to the invention is thus smaller and lighter than a traditional snowmobile, which means it should cause lower wear and tear to the environment in which it is used. It also utilises smaller and therefore quieter and less fuel consuming engines, possibly also electric motors.
- the lower weight combined with the gliding surfaces makes the vehicle according to the invention very suitable for soft and deep snow conditions, conditions which are extremely unsuitable for traditional snowmobiles.
- the vehicle has an approximate bearing surface towards the ground of 0.85 m 2 which translates into a pressure of approximately 1.4 kg/dm 2 (including a person weighing 80 kg).
- a normal snowmobile weighing 225 kg and having a bearing surface of 0.75 m 2 causes a pressure of 4.1 kg/dm 2 (including a person weighing 80 kg).
- the same person on a pair of normal skis has a pressure towards the ground of approximately 2.9 kg/dm 2 .
- the low weight of the vehicle according to the invention combined with the small dimensions also facilitates storage of the vehicle.
- the propulsion unit is connected to the drive unit via a variator drive because this provides the smoothest running characteristics of the vehicle, but a cheaper alternative is an ordinary centrifugal clutch although it may provide a jerkier power transmission.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP98915090A EP0971837A1 (en) | 1997-04-04 | 1998-04-03 | Motorized vehicle |
CA002285615A CA2285615A1 (en) | 1997-04-04 | 1998-04-03 | Motorized vehicle |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
SE9701264A SE511765C2 (en) | 1997-04-04 | 1997-04-04 | Motorized vehicle for use on soft ground surfaces |
SE9701264-5 | 1997-04-04 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO1998045168A1 true WO1998045168A1 (en) | 1998-10-15 |
Family
ID=20406464
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/SE1998/000610 WO1998045168A1 (en) | 1997-04-04 | 1998-04-03 | Motorized vehicle |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0971837A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2285615A1 (en) |
SE (1) | SE511765C2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1998045168A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2001053138A1 (en) * | 2000-01-21 | 2001-07-26 | Snowcross Products Aktiebolag | Steering device for a vehicle in snow |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3404745A (en) * | 1966-08-10 | 1968-10-08 | Lawrence R. Smieja | Snow vehicle with side enclosed passenger compartment |
US4520890A (en) * | 1983-08-01 | 1985-06-04 | Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha | Brake arrangement for snowmobile |
US4546842A (en) * | 1983-05-27 | 1985-10-15 | Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha | Slide rail track drive system for a snowmobile |
-
1997
- 1997-04-04 SE SE9701264A patent/SE511765C2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
1998
- 1998-04-03 EP EP98915090A patent/EP0971837A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1998-04-03 CA CA002285615A patent/CA2285615A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1998-04-03 WO PCT/SE1998/000610 patent/WO1998045168A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3404745A (en) * | 1966-08-10 | 1968-10-08 | Lawrence R. Smieja | Snow vehicle with side enclosed passenger compartment |
US4546842A (en) * | 1983-05-27 | 1985-10-15 | Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha | Slide rail track drive system for a snowmobile |
US4520890A (en) * | 1983-08-01 | 1985-06-04 | Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha | Brake arrangement for snowmobile |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
DERWENT'S ABSTRACT, No. 84-41532/07, week 8407; & SU,A,1 009 875 (KLAVDIEV M S) 7 April 1983. * |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2001053138A1 (en) * | 2000-01-21 | 2001-07-26 | Snowcross Products Aktiebolag | Steering device for a vehicle in snow |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
SE9701264L (en) | 1998-12-04 |
SE9701264D0 (en) | 1997-04-04 |
CA2285615A1 (en) | 1998-10-15 |
EP0971837A1 (en) | 2000-01-19 |
SE511765C2 (en) | 1999-11-22 |
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