WHEEL ASSEMBLY FOR A UNITRACTOR AND A UNITRACTOR COMPRISING SAID WHEEL ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A wheel assembly is for a unitractor. The wheel assembly has a wheel, a static hub and an internal electrical motor. The wheel has a rim, a traction member arranged to the periphery of the rim and a plurality of magnets arranged to the inside of the rim. The hub has a stator having spherical windings. The wheel is rotatably connected to the hub via at least one bearing. At least one side panel extends from the rim and to the at least one bearing. At least one of an energy source and a controller for controlling the energy source is positioned in the hub. The hub is provided with a coupling member for an implement frame. A unitractor having the wheel assembly is also described.

Claims

1.-21. (canceled)

22. A wheel assembly for a unitractor where the wheel assembly comprises a wheel, a hub and an internal electrical motor comprising a stator and a rotor, wherein: the wheel comprises the rotor, a rim, and a traction member arranged to a periphery of the rim, the hub comprises the stator, and the wheel is rotatably connected to the hub via at least one bearing, where at least one side panel extends from the rim and to the at least one bearing to protect at least one component of the hub, wherein at least one of an energy source and a controller for controlling the energy source is positioned in the hub, and the hub is provided with a coupling member for an implement frame.

23. The wheel assembly according to claim 22, where the rotor comprises a plurality of magnets arranged to an inside of the rim.

24. The wheel assembly according to claim 22, where the energy source and the controller are positioned in the hub.

25. The wheel assembly according to claim 22, wherein the energy source is a battery.

26. The wheel assembly according to claim 22, wherein the wheel assembly comprises a fuel cell.

27. The wheel assembly according to claim 22, where the at least one bearing is positioned coaxially with an axis of rotation (XR) of the wheel.

28. The wheel assembly according to claim 24, where at least one of the energy source and the controller is positioned inside the at least one bearing.

29. The wheel assembly according to claim 22, wherein at least one of the energy source and the controller is positioned in a cavity in the stator.

30. The wheel assembly according to claim 22, wherein the coupling member is positioned in a center of the hub.

31. The wheel assembly according to claim 22, wherein at least a portion of the at least one of the energy source and the controller is positioned in a center of the hub.

32. The wheel assembly according to claim 22, wherein the wheel assembly comprises a control system for remote operation.

33. The wheel assembly according to claim 22, wherein the wheel assembly comprises a control system for autonomous operation.

34. The wheel assembly according to claim 22, wherein the hub comprises a power outlet.

35. A unitractor comprising a wheel assembly, the wheel assembly further comprising a wheel, a hub, and an internal electrical motor comprising a stator and a rotor, wherein: the wheel comprises the rotor, a rim and a traction member arranged to a periphery of the rim, the hub comprises the stator, and the wheel is rotatably connected to the hub via at least one bearing, where at least one side panel extends from the rim and to the at least one bearing to protect at least one component of the hub, wherein at least one of an energy source and a controller for controlling the energy source is positioned in the hub, and the hub is provided with a coupling member for an implement frame, wherein the unitractor further comprises an implement frame.

36. The unitractor according to claim 35, wherein the implement frame comprises a coupling member for an agricultural implement.

37. The unitractor according to any of the claim 35, where the implement frame is connected to at least one support wheel.

Description

ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE INVENTION

[0083] In the following is described examples of preferred embodiments illustrated in the ac-companying drawings, wherein:

[0084] FIG. 1a shows in a side view a first embodiment of a wheel assembly;

[0085] FIG. 1b shows a cross section view of FIG. 1a;

[0086] FIG. 2a shows in a side view a second embodiment of the wheel assembly;

[0087] FIG. 2b shows a cross section view of FIG. 2a;

[0088] FIG. 3a shows in a side a view third embodiment of the wheel assembly;

[0089] FIG. 3b shows a cross section view of FIG. 3a;

[0090] FIG. 4a shows a in a side view a fourth embodiment of the wheel assembly;

[0091] FIG. 4b shows a cross section view of FIG. 4a;

[0092] FIG. 5a shows in a side view and a smaller scale a first embodiment of a unitractor;

[0093] FIG. 5b shows the unitractor in FIG. 5a in a rear view;

[0094] FIG. 5c shows the unitractor in FIG. 5a in a top view;

[0095] FIG. 6 shows in a perspective view the unitractor in FIGS. 5a-c with an implement;

[0096] FIG. 7 shows in a side view and a smaller scale a second embodiment of the unitractor;

[0097] FIG. 8 shows in a side view a smaller scale a third embodiment of the unitractor;

[0098] FIG. 9 shows in a side view a fourth embodiment of the unitractor;

[0099] FIG. 10 shows in a side view a fifth embodiment of the unitractor.

[0100] It should be noted that the illustrations are simplified to show the uniqueness of the invention in the best possible way. This is especially true for the cross-section views. It should further be noted that the embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb comprise and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The article a or an preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

[0101] The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0102] It should further be noted that elements with the same function, but in different positions and configurations are marked with apostrophes. For instance, are 209, 209, 209 and 209 referring to different embodiment and configurations of a bearing 209.

[0103] In cross section views 1b. 2b, 3b, and 4b, parts with a cross hatching going from left up to right lower, are parts of the wheel. Parts with a cross hatching going from right up to left lower, are parts of the hub.

[0104] FIGS. 1a and 1b show a first embodiment 2a of a wheel assembly 2 comprising a wheel 20 and a hub 30.

[0105] The hub 30 comprises a stator 301 comprising spherical windings 330. The stator 301 further comprises a shaft 302, which a pair of bearings 209 are attached to. The bearings 209 are positioned coaxially with an axis of rotation XR of the wheel 20.

[0106] A portion of the shaft 302 is arranged as a coupling member 309. The hub 30 further comprises a cavity 305 which is partly formed by recesses 306 in the stator 301 and an open space between the stator 301 and side panels 215. All driving components required for rotating the wheel 20 around the hub 30 is arranged in the said cavity 305. The volume and the shape of the cavity 305 is among other things dependent on the shape of the stator 301, the windings 330 and how the hub 30 and the wheel 20 are connected.

[0107] The first embodiment 2a is shown with two batteries 303 which are positioned in the cavity 305 and two recesses 306 in the stator 30. A controller unit 304 is also shown, the controller unit 304 being formed so it fills out one recess 306 and a portion of the cavity 305 next to the stator 301. More driving components, such as cables, antennas and sensors (not shown) can be fitted in the remaining volume of the cavity 305.

[0108] The wheel 20 comprises a rim 201, a traction member 202 arranged to the outside of the rim 201, more specific by the periphery of the rim 201. A plurality of magnets 205 are arranged to the inside of the rim 201. The magnets 205 are shown positioned inside a non-magnetic holder 206. The magnets 205 may be arranged to the rim 201 without the magnetic holder 206.

[0109] When an electric current is applied to the windings 330, a magnetic field is created between the windings 330 and the magnets 205, and the wheel assembly 2a acts as an electrical motor, where the wheel 20 rotates around the hub 30.

[0110] When the hub 30 is kept in a static position, for instance by a person holding a handle 60 as shown in FIG. 6 or by a load shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the wheel assembly 2a will move along a ground 95 in a longitudinal direction of the wheel assembly 2a.

[0111] The hub 30 may comprise suitable means and sensors (not shown) for registering a relative angle between the hub 30 and the ground 95. This information may be processed by the controller 304, in order to adjust the electric current to avoid that the hub 30 rotates if the wheel 20 becomes stuck in the ground.

[0112] FIGS. 2a and 2b shows a second embodiment 2b of the wheel assembly 2. In the second embodiment 2b, the stator 301 has an open centre and comprises a pair of bearings 209 with a large inner diameter enabling driving components to be positioned inside the bearings 209. This design form (FIGS. 2a, 2c) has one large cavity 305 where all driving components, including the battery 303 (not shown) and the controller 304 (not shown) can be positioned. The side panels 215 connecting the wheel 20 and the hub 30 via the bearings 209 are T-shaped and comprise a runway for the bearings 209.

[0113] A pair of collars 208 are connected to the stator 301 and supports the inner side of the bearings 209. The cavity 305 is closed in an axial direction (sideways) with two hub panels 310 (indicated by dashed line in the drawing) connected to the hub 30.

[0114] As the hub panels 310 are connected to the hub 30, and therefore in a static position during operation, the coupling member 309 (not shown) may be connected to at least one of the hub panels 310. The coupling member 309 may for instance be a bracket, bolts, an axle. The coupling member 309 may also be connected to at least one of the collars 208.

[0115] FIGS. 3a and 3b show a third embodiment 2c of the wheel assembly 2. The third embodiment 2c comprises a hub 30 with three pairs of bearings 209 arranged on each side of the stator 301 and with an evenly internal distance. At least one of the pairs of bearings 209 may be adjustable in a radial direction (not shown) to ensure that the bearings 209 can be correctly positioned to the side panels 201.

[0116] Common to all embodiments 2a, 2b, 2c, is that each bearing 209, 209, 209 is secured in an axial direction. The securement may be a collar 208, 208, 208 or a locking ring as illustrated.

[0117] FIGS. 4a and 4b show a fourth embodiment 2d of the wheel assembly 2, where the bearings 209 are positioned out of centre in a longitudinal direction of the wheel assembly 2d. The bearings 209 are mounted to a shaft 302, like in the first embodiment 2a.

[0118] The fourth embodiment 2d comprises one side panel 215 only for connecting the wheel 20 and the hub 30. The side panel 215 comprises radial reinforcements so side panel 215 can absorb all forces between the wheel 20 and the hub 30. A stator rim 312 is connected to the shaft 302 via a stator rim 312.

[0119] FIGS. 5a, 5b and 5c show a first embodiment of a unitractor 1a, where an implement frame 5 is arranged to the wheel assembly 2, illustrated with the first embodiment 2a. The frame 5 is shown in a horizontal position. Said implement frame 5 is connected to the wheel assembly 2 via the coupling member 309 connected to the hub 30. The implement frame 5 comprises a first end portion 51 and a second end portion 52.

[0120] The unitractor 1a illustrated in the FIGS. 5a, 5b and 5c may be drivable, provided that it has sufficient sideways stability. A control system for the unitractor 1a may be programmed to keep the hub 30 and the implement frame 5 in the illustrated horizontal position shown in FIG. 5a by adjusting the magnetic field, based on inputs from sensors monitoring a longitudinal angle and position of the implement frame, relatively to the wheel 20 and a horizontal plane.

[0121] FIG. 6 shows the unitractor 1a in FIGS. 5a, 5b and 5c being connected with an implement 65, shown as a cultivator. A handle 60 is also connected to the second end portion 52 of the implement frame 5, so a person can operate the unitractor 1a. The handle 60 comprises a speed controller 61 for adjusting the speed and the direction of the unitractor 1a. The signals from the speed controller 61 to the controller 304 in the hub 30 are transmitted via a cable 62. The cable 62 is shown partially inside the handle 60 and is connected to the controller 304 in the hub 30 via the coupling member 309.

[0122] FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment of a unitractor 1b, where the unitractor 1b comprises a support wheel arrangement 67 and a box 69. The support wheel arrangement 67 comprises two wheels 68 to keep the unitractor 1b stable in a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction. The support wheels 68 are steerable so the unitractor 1b can turn. The wheel arrangement 67 can comprise a secondary battery (not shown) connected with the battery 303 in the hub 30, for increasing the operational time.

[0123] The unitractor 1b can comprise GPS receiver and antenna 340 for being connected to a satellite 341 for autonomous operation. In an alternative embodiment, an autonomous unitractor 1b may operate in a swarm with other unitractors 1b.

[0124] The unitractor 1b can also be connected to a smartphone or tablet 342 for remote controlling of the unitractor 1b via an app. The app may be used for programming and controlling the unitractor 1b.

[0125] FIG. 8 shows a third embodiment of a unitractor 1c, comprising three wheel assemblies 2c, where two of the three wheel assemblies 2c comprise a belt 81 and a belt wheel 80. The traction member 202 is customized to drive the belt 81. An implement frame 5 connects the wheel assembly 2c and the belt wheel 80.

[0126] An alternative embodiment 5 of the implement frame 5 is illustrated, where the implement frame 5 is shown in a vertically position and connected to a secondary frame 70 via a pivot 71. The pivot 71 enables the first wheel assembly 2c to rotate around a vertical centre axis of the first wheel assembly 2c.

[0127] An implement 65 is connected to the secondary frame 70 via a parallelogram 74. The height of the implement 65 is adjusted by an electric actuator 72 connected to the frame 70 and the parallelogram 74. The actuator 72 is powered from the battery 303 in the hub 30 via a cable 73 connected to a power outlet 320 in the hub panel 310 being part of the hub 30. Since the hub 30 is static, the power outlet 320 will not rotate.

[0128] FIGS. 9 and 10 show how the wheel assembly 2 can receive and provide mechanical energy.

[0129] In FIG. 9 the wheel assembly 2a receives mechanical energy from an impeller 84 positioned in a water flow 88. The wheel assembly 2a is connected to the impeller 84 via a belt 85 running on a first pulley 86 arranged to the wheel 20, and a second pulley 87 arranged to the impeller 84. When the water 88 flows, the impeller 84 rotates and the belt 85 transfers the rotation to the wheel 20 which rotates around the hub 30, and an electric current is provided between the rotor and the stator inside the wheel assembly 2a. The electric current provided in the wheel assembly 2a can be used to charge the battery 303 or for powering an electric consumer (not shown). In a not shown embodiment, the impeller 84 may be replaced by a windmill or similar.

[0130] In FIG. 10 the wheel assembly 2a provides mechanical energy to an implement 65, shown as a mechanical power harrow. As in FIG. 9, the wheel assembly 2a comprises a first pulley 86 arranged to the wheel 20. The power harrow 65 is connected to the wheel assembly 2a via an implement frame 5 and a secondary frame 70. The power harrow 65 comprises a second pulley 87, having a smaller diameter than the first pulley 86. The first pulley 86 and the second pulley 87 is connected via a belt 85. When the wheel 20 rotates, the belt 85 transfers the rotation to the power harrow 65.

[0131] As described and illustrated, the wheel assembly 2 may be operated as a power pack providing an electrical power inlet, and/or and electrical power outlet, and/or a mechanical power inlet and/or a mechanical power outlet. The wheel assembly 2 may thereby provide maximal flexibility with regard to energy transfer.