Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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VEHICLE FOR FELLING TREES AND/OR TRANSPORT OF PIECES OF TIMBER
FIELD OF THE INVENTION AND PRIOR ART
The present invention relates to a vehicle for felling trees and/or
transporting pieces
of timber, comprising a first vehicle part provided with a unit for felling
trees and/or loading
pieces of timber and a second vehicle part provided with a cargo carrier
forming a cargo
space for receiving and transporting pieces of timber, the first vehicle part
being
mechanically connected to the second vehicle part through a link arrangement,
for felling
trees and/or transport of pieces of timber.
Forest harvesting according to the cut-to-length method is often carried out
by means
of a so-called harvester, which is a vehicle carrying a harvesting unit by
means of a crane
mounted on the vehicle. The harvesting unit may for instance be a so-called
one grip
harvesting unit. A one grip harvesting unit is designed to grip a standing
tree by means of
gripping members, cut the tree by means of a cutting device, lay the tree down
and then by
means of feeding members drive the tree trunk through the harvesting unit
while
simultaneously branching the tree trunk by means of branching members, which
are usually
arranged on the gripping members.
In connection with conventional forest harvesting by means of a harvester, the
pieces
of timber cut off from a tree trunk by the harvesting unit are usually dropped
down onto the
ground, where they are left in order to be picked up by a so-called forwarder
later on. A
forwarder is a vehicle provided with a cargo space for receiving and
transporting pieces of
timer. The forwarder will then transport the pieces of timber to a place of
discharge, a so-
called depot, for instance at a forest motor road, where they are unloaded in
order to be
picked up later on by a logging truck for instance. The pieces of timber are
lifted up from the
ground and placed on the cargo space of the forwarder by means of a gripping
member
which is carried by a crane mounted on the forwarder. Thus, this type of
forest harvesting
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requires contributions from two different vehicles, a harvester and a
forwarder, in order to fell
trees and transport the pieces of timber obtained from the felled trees to the
intended place
of discharge. In order to avoid this dependence on two different vehicles,
vehicles in the
form of so-called combi-machines have been developed and come into use. A
combi-
machine is a vehicle which can be considered to constitute a combination of a
harvester and
a forwarder. The combi-machine comprises a front vehicle part provided with a
unit for felling
trees and a rear vehicle part provided with a cargo carrier forming a cargo
space for
receiving and transporting pieces of timber obtained from the harvesting. The
rear vehicle
part is coupled to the front vehicle part so as to follow as a trailer behind
the front vehicle
part when the vehicle is propelled. The front vehicle part is further provided
with a driver's
cab which together with the harvesting unit can be rotated towards the rear
vehicle part in
order to make possible loading of pieces of timber into the cargo s pace of
the rear vehicle
part by means of the harvesting unit. Combi-machines of this type are for
instance provided
by the comp any Komatsu Forest under the name VALMET 801 C OMB1 and by the
company Pinox under the name PINOX 728 and PINOX 828 , but have still not had
any
larger breakthrough on the market.
It is also known to provide a conventional forwarder with a trailer so as to
thereby
increase the carrying capacit y of the forwarder. However, this type of
forwarder has still not
had any break- through on the market.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
One aspect of the present invention is a further development of a forestry
vehicle so
as to provide a vehicle intended for felling trees and/or transporting pieces
of timber with a
design and function which in at least some aspect offers an advantage as
compared to
previously known forestry vehicles of the corresponding type.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle for
felling trees
and/or transporting pieces of timber, comprising a first wheeled vehicle part
provided with a
unit for felling trees and/or loading pieces of timber and a second wheeled
vehicle part
provided with a cargo carrier forming a cargo space for receiving and
transporting pieces of
timber, the first wheeled vehicle part being mechanically connected to the
second wheeled
vehicle part through a link arrangement, characterized in that the link
arrangement comprises
several mutually articulated links, through which the first wheeled vehicle
part is articulately
connected to the second wheeled vehicle part and which are arranged to allow
said wheeled
vehicle parts to move in relation to each other in such a manner that they are
mutually
movable to and fro between at least a first mutual position, in which the
first wheeled vehicle
part is located directly in front of the second wheeled vehicle part, and a
second mutual
position, in which the first wheeled vehicle part is located alongside of the
second wheeled
vehicle part on an elective side thereof, while these wheeled vehicle parts
remain
mechanically connected to each other through the link arrangement.
The vehicle of the invention comprises a first vehicle part provided with a
unit for
felling trees and/or loading pieces of timber and a second vehicle part
provided with a cargo
carrier forming a cargo space for receiving and transporting pieces of timber.
The first vehicle
part is through a link arrangement mechanically connected to the second
vehicle part. The
link arrangement comprises several mutually articulated links, through which
the first vehicle
part is articulately connected to the second vehicle part and which are
arranged to allow said
vehicle parts to move in relation to each other in such a manner that they are
mutually
movable to and fro between at least a first mutual position, in which the
first vehicle part is
located directly in front of the second vehicle part, and a second mutual
position, in which the
first vehicle part is located alongside of the second vehicle part on an
elective side thereof,
while said vehicle parts remain mechanically connected to each other through
the link
arrangement. Consequently, the link arrangement has such a configuration that
said vehicle
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parts in a mutually interconnected state can be moved in relation to each
other in a very
varied manner in order to assume different mutual positions which are as
favourable as
possible with respect to the vehicle driver's manoeuvring of the crane tip
mounted unit for
performing working operations comprising for instance felling of trees,
loading pieces of
timber into the cargo space and unloading pieces of timber from the cargo
space. From the
conventional position directly in front of the second vehicle part, the first
vehicle part can,
owing to the particular link arrangement , be made to assume a position
alongside of the
second vehicle part on an elective side thereof, which among other thing s
implies that the
vehicle parts always may be positioned in such a manner in re-
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lation to each other that the second vehicle part or a stack of
timber arranged on the second vehicle part never needs to block
the view for the vehicle driver during harvesting in a forest sec-
tion around the vehicle or during loading of further pieces of
timer into the cargo space. The forestry vehicle according to the
present invention offers economic, ergonomic and environmental
advantages as compared to previously known forestry vehicles
of the corresponding type. The vehicle according to the inven-
tion may be configured and adapted for several different types
of working operations where conventional forest machines are
presently used. The vehicle may for instance constitute a com-
bined harvester-forwarder or a forwarder with high carrying ca-
pacity. The vehicle may also be configured for picking up and
transporting branches, root parts and tops from felled trees, or
for cutting and transporting energy wood. Alternatively, the vehi-
cle could also be configured for chipping and transporting wood
chips.
In this description and the subsequent claims, the expression
"pieces of timber" refers to different types of pieces obtained
from trees, such as for instance logs, branches, root parts, tops
and wood chips.
In a combi-machine of the previously known type described
above, the movability of the "harvesting part" provided with the
driver's cab and the harvesting unit in relation to the "forwarder
part" provided with the cargo space is heavily restricted, and the
"harvesting part" is only allowed to be angled somewhat in rela-
tion to the "forwarder part". This results in that the "forwarder
part" cannot be positioned in an optimum manner for direct
loading and that a stack of timber arranged in the cargo space
of the "forwarder part" will block the view for the vehicle driver
when reaching a certain height and thereby make felling and
processing of trees located behind the "forwarder part" more dif-
ficult. This will restrict the efficiency of the combi-machine. This
problem with blocked view and positioning obstructions can be
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avoided with the vehicle of the invention owing to the fact that
the first vehicle part is connected to the second vehicle part by
means of the particular link arrangement in such a manner that
it can be placed in a position alongside of the second vehicle
5 part on an elective side thereof so that the driver thereby may
obtain a free view over an elective part of the area around the
second vehicle part.
As compared to conventional forest harvesting with the use of a
harvester and a forwarder, it will with the vehicle of the inven-
tion, when this is configured as a combined harvester-forwarder,
be possible to save one vehicle, since the vehicle of the inven-
tion then is configured to perform the working operations to-
gether performed by a harvester and an independent forwarder
during conventional forest harvesting. Hereby, the machine cost
and the fuel consumption are reduced. Furthermore, the entire
harvesting work may be performed by one single driver instead
of two, which also contributes to lowered cost for labour. By us-
ing a combined harvester-forwarder instead of a separate har-
vester and a separate forwarder, the logistics in connection with
a harvesting is also simplified. A further advantage is that the
vehicle of the invention is allowed to be transported as a joint
unit on one and the same transport vehicle according to existing
regulations, whereas a separate harvester and a separate for-
warder are not allowed to be transported together on one and
the same transport vehicle. Owing to the fact that the pieces of
timber during the harvesting can be loaded directly into a cargo
space instead of being dropped down and left on the ground in
order to be picked up later on by a forwarder, possibilities for a
reduction of timber damages related to the harvesting are also
created at the same time as the soiling of the timber is reduced.
It is also worth mentioning that the total ground damages in the
terrain may be reduced by using a combined harvester-for-
warder of the type according to the invention instead of a sepa-
rate harvester and a separate forwarder.
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According to an embodiment of the invention, the vehicle com-
prises one or several first driving members in the first vehicle
part for propelling this first vehicle part, and one or several sec-
ond driving members in the second vehicle part for propelling
this second vehicle part, said first and second driving members
being reversible and drivable in mutually opposite directions in-
dependently of each other so that the propelling direction of said
one or several second driving members can be shifted inde-
pendently of the propelling direction of said one or several first
driving members. Hereby, it will be possible to propel the two
vehicle parts in the same travelling direction also when they are
located alongside of each other so that they can be moved par-
allelely to each other side by side. Furthermore, the positioning
of the vehicle parts in relation to each other is facilitated when
the propelling direction of one of the vehicle parts can be con-
trolled independently of the propelling direction of the other ve-
hicle part.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the link ar-
rangement comprises an elongated beam with an internal space,
through which conduits for conveying electric current and/or hy-
draulic fluid and/or signals between said vehicle parts extend.
The elongated beam will consequently form a mechanical pro-
tection for the conduits extending between the two vehicle parts
and prevent hits and impacts against these conduits at the same
time as the conduits are prevented from getting caught by pro-
truding parts of the vehicle or objects in the surroundings of the
vehicle.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the link ar-
rangement comprises an elongated beam which is arranged to
extend over a rear hood of the first vehicle part when the first
vehicle part is located directly in front of the second vehicle
part, the beam forming a mechanical protection for this hood. In
this case, the beam will consequently protect the hood and the
vehicle components located under the hood from hits and im-
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pacts, for instance from falling trees or branches or in case one
or several pieces of timber during a transport would slide from
the cargo space of the second vehicle part in the direction to-
wards the first vehicle part.
Another embodiment of the invention is characterized in:
- that the first vehicle part is provided with a driver's cab, which
is secured to a chassis of the first vehicle part through a joint
forming a vertical axis of rotation, about which the driver's cab
is rotatable in relation to this chassis; and
- that one of said links of the link arrangement is rotatable in
relation to the driver's cab and the chassis of the first vehicle
part about the vertical axis or rotation formed by this joint.
Hereby, a very good orientability of the two vehicle parts in re-
lation to each other is achieved at the same time as the link ar-
rangement in a simple manner is articulately connected to the
first vehicle part.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the link ar-
rangement comprises:
- a first joint forming a first vertical axis of rotation,
- a second joint forming a first horizontal axis of rotation ex-
tending crosswise to the longitudinal direction of the link ar-
rangement,
- a third joint forming a second horizontal axis of rotation ex-
tending crosswise to the longitudinal direction of the link ar-
rangement,
- a fourth joint forming a second vertical axis of rotation, and
- a fifth joint forming a third horizontal axis of rotation extending
in the longitudinal direction of the link arrangement,
these joints being arranged in series with each other between
the first vehicle part and the second vehicle part in such a man-
ner that these vehicle parts are mutually turnable through these
joints.
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It has appeared that this combination of joints is particularly fa-
vourable for achieving the desired orientability between the two
vehicle parts. The two vertical axes of rotation formed by the
first joint and the fourth joint allow the two vehicle parts to move
in relation to each other in a flexible manner in a horizontal
plane. The two horizontal axes of rotation formed by the second
joint and the third joint allow the two vehicle parts to assume
different elevation positions and to be inclined forwards and
backwards in relation to each other. The axis of rotation formed
by the fifth joint allows the two vehicle parts to assume mutually
different rotary positions about their longitudinal axes.
In this description and the subsequent claims, the expressions
"vertical" and "horizontal" refer to the direction the respective
axis of rotation has when the vehicle is located on a planar,
horizontal ground. When the vehicle for instance is in forest ter-
rain, the direction of the here defined "vertical axes of rotation"
and "horizontal axes of rotation" will of course in many cases
deviate somewhat from the vertical plane and the horizontal
plane, respectively.
Other embodiments of the invention will appear from the de-
pendent claims and the following description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will in the following be more closely described by
means of embodiment examples, with reference to the appended
drawings, where:
Fig 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle according to a first
embodiment of the invention, as seen from the side in a
transport position without cargo,
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Fig 2 is a schematic perspective view of the vehicle of Fig 1,
as seen in a position for harvesting and direct loading
of pieces of timber,
Fig 3 is a schematic perspective view of the vehicle of Fig 1,
as seen in a transport position with a timber cargo,
Fig 4 is a schematic lateral view of a harvesting unit included
in the vehicle of Fig 1, shown with a feeding and cutting
part folded down,
Fig 5 is a schematic perspective view of the harvesting unit
of Fig 4, shown with the feeding and cutting part folded
up,
Fig 6 in an outline diagram illustrates the vehicle of Fig 1 and
its link arrangement,
Fig 7 is a schematic lateral view of a vehicle according to a
second embodiment of the invention, as seen in a
transport position without cargo,
Fig 8 is a schematic planar view of a vehicle of the type illus-
trated in Fig 7, as seen with a first vehicle part and a
second vehicle part in alignment with each other,
Fig 9 shows the vehicle of Fig 8, as seen with the first ve-
hicle part and the second vehicle part alongside of and
in parallel with each other,
Fig 10 in an outline diagram illustrates the vehicle of Fig 7 and
its link arrangement, with one of the joints of the link
arrangement shown in a detail enlargement, and
Fig 11 in an outline diagram illustrates the driving members of
a vehicle part included in a vehicle of the invention.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Vehicles 1, 1' according to some different embodiments of the
5 present invention for felling trees and/or transporting pieces of
timber obtained from felling of trees are illustrated in Figs 1-3
and Figs 6-10. The respective vehicle 1, 1' comprises a first ve-
hicle part 10 provided with a unit 40, 40' for felling trees and/or
loading pieces of timber and a second vehicle part 20 provided
10 with a cargo carrier 21 forming a cargo space 22 for receiving
and transporting pieces of timber obtained from felling of trees.
The first vehicle part 10 is through a link arrangement 50 me-
chanically connected to the second vehicle part 20. The unit 40,
40' is in a conventional manner attached to a crane, which is
rotatably mounted on the first vehicle part 10.
The vehicle 1 illustrated in Figs 1-3 and Fig 6 constitutes a
combined harvester-forwarder, and the first vehicle part 10 may
in this case be considered as a harvester part, whereas the sec-
ond vehicle part 20 constitutes a cargo wagon. The unit 40 of
the first vehicle part 10 is in this case a harvesting unit for fell-
ing trees, but may also be used for loading pieces of timber into
the cargo space 22 of the second vehicle part and for unloading
pieces of timber from this cargo space.
The vehicle 1' illustrated in Figs 7-10 constitutes a forwarder,
and in this case also the first vehicle part 10 is provided with a
cargo space 17 for receiving and transporting pieces of timber.
The unit 40' of the first vehicle part 10 is in this case a pure
gripping unit intended to be used for loading pieces of timber
into the cargo spaces 17, 22 and for unloading pieces of timber
from these cargo spaces. Alternatively, a vehicle of the type il-
lustrated in Figs 7-10 could also be provided with a unit for
felling trees.
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As stated above, a vehicle of the present invention may be pro-
vided with a pure gripping unit 40', i.e. a unit lacking a cutting
device, or a unit 40 comprising a cutting device. This cutting de-
vice may be independent from the gripping members of the unit,
in the same manner as in a one grip harvesting unit of the
above-described type, or integrated with one or several gripping
members of the unit. The cutting device may for instance com-
prise a saw for felling and cutting trees of varying sizes. Alter-
natively, the cutting device could be provided with one or sev-
eral cutting members for cutting small trees or bush-like plants,
such as for instance energy wood. The unit may be configured
for single-tree handling or multi-tree handling.
In the embodiment illustrated in Figs 1-3 and Fig 6, the vehicle 1
comprises an all-round swivelling driver's cab 12, which is se-
cured to a chassis 13 of the first vehicle part 10 through a roller
swing bearing 14 forming an axis of rotation V1 (see Fig 6),
about which the driver's cab 12 is rotatable in relation to the
chassis 13. The crane 11 is secured to this roller swing bearing
14 or to the driver's cab 12 in order to follow the driver's cab in
its rotation about the axis of rotation V1. The chassis 13 may
with advantage comprise a front chassis part 13a provided with
wheels and a rear chassis part 13b provided with wheels, as il-
lustrated in Figs 1-3 and Fig 6, where the front chassis part 13a
is articulately connected to the rear chassis part 13b and turn-
able in relation to this about a vertical axis of rotation V4 (see
Fig 6).
In the embodiments illustrated in Figs 7-10, the driver's cab 12
is immovably secured to the chassis 13 of the first vehicle part.
The crane 11 is rotatably secured to the chassis 13 in such a
manner that it can be rotated in relation to the chassis about a
vertical axis of rotation. In this case, the crane 11 is with ad-
vantage secured to a rear chassis part 13 provided with wheels,
which is articulately connected to a front chassis part 13a pro-
vided with wheels, to which the driver's cab 12 is secured.
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With respect to the chassis, wheel suspensions etc of the vehi-
cle parts, a vehicle according to the present invention may of
course also have other designs than shown in the appended
drawings.
The link arrangement 50 comprises several mutually articulated
links 51-54, which are rotatable in relation to each other and in
relation to said vehicle parts 10, 20 through a number of joints
L1-L5. The first vehicle part 10 is articulately connected to the
second vehicle part 20 through these links 51-54 and the links
are arranged to allow the two vehicle parts 10, 20 to move in
relation to each other in such a manner that they are mutually
movable to and fro between at least a first mutual position (see
Figs 1, 3, 7 and 8), in which the first vehicle part 10 is located
directly in front of the second vehicle part 20, and a second
mutual position (see Figs 2 and 9), in which the first vehicle part
10 is located alongside of the second vehicle part 20 on an
elective side thereof, while the two vehicle parts 10, 20 remain
mechanically connected to each other through the link
arrangement 50 during the movements between these mutual
positions. Said vehicle parts 10, 20 may consequently assume a
position in alignment with each other and from this position be
brought into a position where they are located out of alignment
with each other and in parallel or at least essentially in parallel
with each other. When the vehicle travels to a harvesting
location (see Figs 1 and 7) or from a harvesting location (see
Fig 3), the two vehicle parts 10, 20 are in said first mutual
position with the second vehicle part following the first vehicle
part. This mutual position may consequently be considered to
constitute the transport position of the vehicle. During work on a
harvesting location, the first vehicle part 10 can be made to
assume a working position in relation to the second vehicle part
20 which is suitable for the working operation in question, for
instance a position essentially in parallel with the second
vehicle part as illustrated in Figs 2 and 9.
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The link arrangement 50 which connects the two vehicle parts
10, 20 may of course be designed in many different ways. The
essential thing is that it allows the above-mentioned movability
between the vehicle parts 10, 20 in such a manner that the first
vehicle part 10 may assume a suitable working position in rela-
tion to the second vehicle part 20, in which working position the
second vehicle part 20 is suitably positioned with respect to the
reach of the crane 11 of the first vehicle part and in which the
intended working area is not blocked for the vehicle driver by
the second vehicle part 20 or any possible pieces of timber
loaded in the cargo space 22.
In the illustrated embodiments, the link arrangement 50 com-
prises (see Figs 6 and 10):
- a first joint L1 forming a first vertical axis of rotation V1,
- a second joint L2 forming a first horizontal axis of rotation H1
extending crosswise to the longitudinal direction of the link ar-
rangement,
- a third joint L3 forming a second horizontal axis of rotation H2
extending crosswise to the longitudinal direction of the link ar-
rangement,
- a fourth joint L4 forming a second vertical axis of rotation V2,
and
- a fifth joint L5 forming a third horizontal axis of rotation H3
extending in the longitudinal direction of the link arrangement.
These joints L1-L5 are arranged in series with each other along
the link arrangement between the first vehicle part 10 and the
second vehicle part 20 in such a manner that these vehicle parts
are mutually turnable through these joints.
In the illustrated embodiments, the link arrangement 50 com-
prises a first link 51 which is attached to the first vehicle part 10
through the first joint L1, the first vehicle part 10 and this link 51
being rotatable in relation to each other about the vertical axis
of rotation V1 formed by the first joint L1. This link 51 is in the
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illustrated examples arranged to run freely in relation to the first
vehicle part 10 about the vertical axis of rotation v1 formed by
the first joint L1. In the embodiment illustrated in Figs 1-3 and
Fig 6, the first link 51 consists of an annular element which is
rotatably mounted to the above-mentioned roller swing bearing
14 in such a manner that the link 51 is rotatable in relation to
the driver's cab 12 and the chassis 13 of the first vehicle part
about the roller swing bearing. In the embodiments illustrated in
Figs 7-10, the first link 51 consists of an elongated element
which is rotatably mounted to the rear end of the chassis 13 of
the first vehicle part.
The first link 51 is articulately connected to a second link 52 of
the link arrangement through the second joint L2 in such a
manner that these two links 51, 52 are freely rotatable in
relation to each other between two predetermined end positions
about the horizontal axis of rotation H1 formed by the second
joint L2. In the illustrated embodiments, the second link 52
consists of an elongated beam which in its longitudinal direction
is shaped like an inverted U with an upper essentially
horizontally extending central section and from a respective end
of the central section downwardly and obliquely outwardly
extending end sections. The second link 52 is in its turn
articulately connected to a third link 53 of the link arrangement
through the third joint L3 in such a manner that these two links
52, 53 under the control of a force member 55 extending
between them, preferably in the form of a hydraulic cylinder, are
rotatable in relation to each other about the horizontal axis of
rotation H2 formed by the third joint L3. In the illustrated
embodiments, the third link 53 consists of a pole-shaped and
upright element, which at its lower end is articulately connected
to an end of the second link 52 and which at its upper end is
attached to said force member 55. This force member 55 has
among other things a stabilizing function in certain mutual
positions between the two vehicle parts 10, 20 and will also
make possible a regulation of the mutual inclination of these
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vehicle parts and a regulation of the ground clearance of the link
arrangement.
The elongated beam forming the second link 52 suitably has an
5 internal space, through which conduits for conveying electric
current and/or hydraulic fluid and/or signals between the two ve-
hicle parts 10, 20 extend. In the embodiment illustrated in Figs
1-3 and Fig 6, the elongated beam 52 is arranged to extend over
a rear hood 16 of the first vehicle part 10 when the first vehicle
10 part is located directly in front of the second vehicle part 20, this
beam forming a mechanical protection for the hood 16. On the
part of the beam 52 extending above the hood 16, i.e. on the
central section of the beam, an upwardly protruding stop mem-
ber 57 is suitably arranged in order to prevent possible pieces of
15 timber, which during a transport slide off from the cargo space
22 of the second vehicle part in the direction towards the first
vehicle part 10, from hitting the driver's cab 12. The vertical
distance between the second link 52 and the hood 16 of the first
vehicle part may be adjusted by regulating the force member 55.
The third link 53 is in its turn articulately connected to a fourth
link 54 of the link arrangement through the fourth joint L4 in
such a manner that these two links 53, 54 under the control of a
force member 56 (see Fig 10) extending between them, prefera-
bly in the form of a hydraulic cylinder, are rotatable in relation to
each other about the vertical axis of rotation V2 formed by the
fourth joint L4. In the illustrated embodiments, the pole-shaped
and upright element forming the third link 53 is at its lower end
articulately connected to the fourth link 54. In certain situations,
the force member 56 may be arranged to allow the third link 53
and the fourth link 54 to be rotated freely in relation to each
other about the vertical axis of rotation V2 between two prede-
termined end positions. In other situations, it may however be
favourable to actively control the rotary position between these
links 53, 54 by means of the force member 56, for instance in
order to secure a good tracking when the vehicle 1, 1' travels
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with the vehicle parts 10, 20 in transport position, i.e. with the
second vehicle part 20 following the first vehicle part 10,
whereby the wheels 25 of the second vehicle part 20 with good
accuracy can be made to follow in the wheel tracks from the
wheels 15 of the first vehicle part 10 so as to thereby reduce the
rolling resistance during movement and prevent the second ve-
hicle part 20 from hitting remaining trees and other possible ob-
stacles in the terrain. By actively controlling the rotary position
between these links 53, 54 by means of the force member 56, it
will also be possible to achieve a controlled steering of the sec-
ond vehicle part 20, for instance during reversing or when the
two vehicle parts 10, 20 are propelled alongside of each other.
By means of the force member 56, the positioning of the two ve-
hicle parts 10, 20 in relation to each other is also facilitated, for
instance when the first vehicle part 10 is to be brought into a
position for direct loading of harvested pieces of timber or load-
ing of previously harvested pieces of timber into the cargo space
22 of the second vehicle part 20.
The fourth link 54 is attached to the chassis 23 of the second
vehicle part through the fifth joint L5, the horizontal axis of rota-
tion H3 formed by this fifth joint L5 extending in the longitudinal
direction of the chassis 23 of the second vehicle part. The sec-
ond vehicle part 20 and the fourth link 54 are rotatable in rela-
tion to each other about this horizontal axis of rotation H3 in
such a manner that the second vehicle part 20 is rotatable about
its longitudinal axis in relation to the link arrangement 50. The
second vehicle part 20 is with advantage provided with means
(not shown), preferably in the form of a hydraulic cylinder, by
means of which the rotary position of the second vehicle part 20
in relation to the fourth link 54 about the horizontal axis of rota-
tion H3 is fixable. When the vehicle 1, 1' travels with the vehicle
parts 10, 20 in transport position, said means is suitably ar-
ranged to allow the fourth link 54 to be rotated freely in relation
to the second vehicle part 20 about the horizontal axis of rota-
tion H3 between two predetermined end positions. During turn-
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17
ing of the vehicle 1, 1' or when the two vehicle parts 10, 20 are
propelled alongside of each other, it may in certain situations be
favourable to fix the rotary position of the fourth link 54 in rela-
tion to the second vehicle part 20.
The vehicle 1, 1' of the invention comprises one or several driv-
ing members (not shown) in the first vehicle part 10, by means
of which the wheels 15 of the first vehicle part may be rotated in
a desired direction for propelling this vehicle part. Furthermore,
the vehicle comprises one or several driving members 24 in the
second vehicle part 20, by means of which the wheels 25 of the
second vehicle part may be rotated in a desired direction for
propelling this vehicle part. The driving members of the first
vehicle part and the driving members 24 of the second vehicle
part are reversible and drivable in mutually different directions
independently of each other in such a manner that the propelling
direction of the driving members 24 of the second vehicle part
can be shifted independently of the propelling direction of the
driving members of the first vehicle part. The respective driving
member of the vehicle parts suitably consists of a hydraulic
motor, in which case the driving members 24 of the second
vehicle part is suitably supplied with hydraulic fluid from a
hydraulic pump arranged in the first vehicle part 10. From this
hydraulic pump pressurized hydraulic fluid is conveyed to the
driving members 24 through a hydraulic block 26 comprising
valves for controlling the hydraulic flow to the driving members
24. An electronic control unit 27 is connected to the hydraulic
block 26 in order to control this in such a manner that the driv-
ing members 24 and thereby the wheel 25 are made to rotate in
the desired direction. The driving members 24 of the second ve-
hicle part and 20 possibly also the driving members of the first
vehicle part 10 could alternatively consist of electric motors.
Breaks are with advantage integrated in the driving members of
the first vehicle part and the driving members 24 of the second
vehicle part. One vehicle part 10, 20 may be provided with a
common driving member 24 for two adjacent wheels of the vehi-
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18
cle part, as illustrated in Fig 11, or one single common driving
member for all the wheels of the vehicle part. Alternatively, each
wheel of a vehicle part may be provided with its own driving
member. The driving members are suitably designed to allow
skid steering of the respective vehicle part 10, 20.
In the embodiment illustrated in Figs 1-3 and Fig 6, the load car-
rier 21 is rotatable in relation to the chassis 23 of the second
vehicle part about a vertical axis of rotation V3 in order to fa-
cilitate a positioning of the load carrier 21 in such a position in
relation to the first vehicle part 10 (see Fig 2) that direct loading
can be performed, which implies that pieces of timber 60 which
are cut off from a tree held by the harvesting unit 40 are made
to drop down directly into the cargo space 22. The cargo carrier
21 is suitably mounted to the chassis 23 through a turnplate 28
and the rotary position of the cargo carrier 21 in relation to the
chassis 23 is regulated by means of a force member (not
shown). The cargo carrier 21 is suitably all-round swivelling so
that it can be directly loaded from two different directions, which
creates good possibilities to arrange the cargo in such a manner
that the centre of gravity of the cargo gets as close to the axis
of rotation V3 of the cargo carrier as possible. The cargo carrier
21 is provided with vertical cargo supporting poles 29 in order to
laterally support pieces of timber loaded into the cargo space
22. These cargo supporting poles 29 may with advantage be
telescopically extendable in order to allow an adjustment of their
length. Furthermore, the cargo supporting poles 29 are suitably
displaceable laterally, i.e. in the cross-direction of the cargo
space, so that the width of the cargo space may be optimized in
dependence of the density of the timber. Furthermore, one or
several of the cargo supporting poles 29 could be foldable in or-
der to facilitate the unloading of cargo from the cargo space 22.
In the embodiment illustrated in Figs 1-3, the cargo carrier 21
has a foldable cargo gate 30 at one end of the cargo space. This
cargo gate 30 can by means of a force member (not shown),
preferably in the form of a hydraulic cylinder, be folded down in
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order to facilitate loading of pieces of timber into the cargo
space, as illustrated in Fig 2. In Fig 2, the cargo gate 30 is il-
lustrated folded down in about 90 degrees from the upright posi-
tion to an essentially horizontal position, but the cargo gate is
however with advantage foldable in about 180 degrees from the
upright position, i.e. to an essentially vertically downwards di-
rected position. During transport, the cargo gate 30 may be
folded up in order to support in the longitudinal direction pieces
of timber that have been loaded into the cargo space 22. The
cargo carrier 21 is with advantage also provided with a foldable
cargo gate 31 at the opposite end of the cargo space. During
direct loading of pieces of timber in the form of logs, the cargo
gates 30, 31 may from an initial folded-down position be folded
up by means of its force members, for instance after the place-
ment of two initial layers of logs in the cargo space 22, so as to
thereby level the ends of the logs.
In the embodiments illustrated in Figs 7-10, also the first vehicle
part 10 is provided with a cargo space 17 for receiving and
transporting pieces of timber obtained from felling of trees. This
cargo space 17 is provided with vertical cargo supporting poles
18 in order to laterally support pieces of timber loaded into the
cargo space 17.
It is also possible to provide a cargo space of a vehicle accord-
ing to the invention with a wood chipper and/or a chip bin.
When the vehicle of the invention comprises a unit for felling
trees, the vehicle is suitably provided with a harvesting unit 40
of the type illustrated in Figs 4 and 5. This harvesting unit 40
comprises a first part 41a provided with gripping members 42 for
holding trees or pieces of timber, and a second part 41b pro-
vided with feeding members 43 for advancing a tree held by the
gripping members and a cutting device 44, for instance with a
saw blade or saw chain 45, for felling a tree and cutting a felled
tree into separate pieces of timber. The second part 41b is ar-
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ticulately connected to the first part 41a through a joint 48 in
such a manner that the second part can be rotated in relation to
the first part to and fro between a fold-down active position (see
Fig 4), in which said feeding members and cutting device 44 are
5 in position for advancing and cutting a tree held by the gripping
members 42 of the first part, and a fold-up inactive position (see
Fig 5), in which said feeding members 43 and cutting device 44
are not in position for advancing and cutting a tree held by the
gripping members 42 of the first part. The manoeuvring from the
10 fold-down position to the fold-up position and vice versa is car-
ried out by means of a force member 46 in the form of a hydrau-
lic cylinder, which is arranged between the two parts 41a, 41b.
With the second part 41b in the fold-up position, this harvesting
unit 40 is well suited to be used for gripping and lifting pieces of
15 timber in connection with unloading of pieces of timber from the
cargo space 22 or cargo spaces 17, 22 of the vehicle.
The harvesting unit 40 illustrated in Figs 4 and 5 constitutes a
so-called one grip harvesting unit, i.e. a unit configured to grip a
20 standing tree by means of gripping members 42, cut it by means
of a cutting device 44, lay the tree down and then by means of
feeding members 43 drive the tree trunk through the unit 40
while simultaneously branching the tree trunk by means of
branching members 47, which are here arranged on the gripping
members 42. In the shown example, the unit 40 comprises
feeding members 43 consisting of two rotatably driven feed
rollers which are arranged to come into engagement with the
tree on opposite sides thereof.
A harvesting unit of the type illustrated in Figs 4 and 5 is pro-
vided by the company Konrad Forsttechnik GmbH under the
name WOODY and is for instance described in the German
patent document DE 41 22 735 A1.
The above-mentioned force members of the vehicle parts 10, 20
and the link arrangement 50 are suitably controlled by means of
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an electronic control unit under the control of a suitably config-
ured control program, for instance in such a manner that all the
functions of the vehicle parts and the link arrangement can be
controlled by the vehicle driver from the driver's cab 12.
The link arrangement 50 is with advantage releasably attached
to the first vehicle part 10 so that the second vehicle part 20,
when need arises, can be uncoupled from the first vehicle part.
It is possible to produce a vehicle according to the present in-
vention by supplementing an existing harvester or forwarder with
a link arrangement 50 and a cargo wagon 20 of the above-de-
scribed type. Alternatively, the entire vehicle may of course be
produced by new production.
The invention is of course not in any way limited to the preferred
embodiments described above. On the contrary, several possi-
bilities to modifications thereof should be apparent to a person
skilled in the art without thereby deviating from the basic idea of
the invention as defined in the appended claims.
