# US 6,981,563 B2 · Vehicle drive device with flexible crawler and vehicle thus obtained > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 6,981,563 B2 - Document ID: US6981563B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 10/607,267 - Filed: 2003-06-27 - Published: 2004-01-29 - Granted: 2006-01-03 - Earliest claimed: 2002-07-05 - Assignees: Otico - Inventors: Olivier Phely; Denis Piou - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US6981563B2 ## CPC - B62D 55/10: Bogies; Frames (track-tensioning means B62D55/30) - B62D 55/04: with tracks and alternative ground wheels, e.g. changeable from endless track vehicle into wheeled vehicle and vice versa {(for multi-purpose tractors B62D49/0635)} - B62D 55/24: of continuously flexible type, e.g. rubber belts - B62D: MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS (steering, or guiding on a desired track, of agricultural machines or implements A01B69/00; wheels, castors, axles, increasing wheel adhesion B60B; vehicle tyres, tyre inflation or tyre changing B60C; connections between vehicles of a train or the like B60D; vehicles for use on rail and road, amphibious or convertible vehicles B60F; suspension arrangements B60G; heating, cooling, ventilating or other air treating devices B60H; windows, windscreens, non-fixed roofs, doors or similar devices, protective coverings for vehicles not in use B60J; propulsion plant arrangements, auxiliary drives, transmissions, controls, instrumentation or dashboards B60K; electric equipment or propulsion of electrically-propelled vehicles B60L; power supply for electrically-propelled vehicles B60M; passenger accommodation not otherwise provided for B60N; adaptations for load transportation or to carry special loads or objects B60P; arrangement of signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor, for vehicles in general B60Q; vehicles, vehicle fittings or vehicle parts not otherwise provided for B60R; servicing, cleaning, repairing, supporting, lifting, or manoeuvring, not otherwise provided for, B60S; brake arrangements, brake control systems or parts thereof B60T; air-cushion vehicles B60V; motor-cycles, accessories therefor B62J, B62K; testing of vehicles G01M) ## Abstract The drive device of the invention comprises a ready to fit unit or kit, for installing in a detachable manner on one side of a chassis of a motor vehicle. The unit comprises a flexible crawler looped round a drive wheel adapted to be mounted on a drive hub of the vehicle and round a tension wheel carried by a support frame, which comprises an internal part adapted to be secured in a detachable manner on the chassis remote from the drive shaft, an intermediate part adapted to carry the tension wheel and an external part carrying a bearing for the drive wheel. The invention is particularly of use for transforming vehicles with four drive wheels for crawler operation. ## Claims ### Claim 1 Drive device with for a vehicle comprising a chassis having a first side and a second side, at least one drive shaft operably attached to said chassis, a supporting hub disposed at one end of said at least one drive shaft, comprising: a ready to fit unit detachably installed on either said first side or said second side of said chassis, a support frame comprising an internal part removably attached to said chassis away from said at least one drive shaft, an intermediate part attached to said internal part, and an external part attached to intermediate part, a drive wheel removably mounted on said supporting hub of said drive shaft and having a bearing disposed on said external part, a tension wheel supported by said intermediate part, and, a flexible crawler wound around said drive wheel and said tension wheel. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) Device according to claim 1, wherein said internal part of said support frame comprises an internal interface for securing on said vehicle chassis and an external interface adapted to secure said intermediate part of said support frame. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) Device according to claim 1 wherein said intermediate part of said support frame comprises a tensioning and damping mechanism acting on a wheel support which supports said tension wheel. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) Device according to claim 1, wherein said external part of said support frame comprises an arm having a first end detachably secured to said intermediate part and a second end for receiving a rolling bearing. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) Device according to claim 4, wherein said first end of said arm is secured by bolts on said intermediate part. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) Device according to claim 1, including at least one intermediate wheel carried by said support frame and arranged between said drive wheel and said tension wheel. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) Device according to claim 6, including a bogie articulated on said support frame and carrying two said intermediate wheels. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) Vehicle fitted with at least one device according to claim 1. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) Vehicle according to claim 8, including two units, one of said units being mounted respectively on each side of said chassis and adapted to be driven by respective drive hubs connected to respective shafts of the same axle. ### Claim 10 Drive device with a flexible crawler for a vehicle with a chassis and at least one drive shaft supporting a hub, said device comprising a ready to fit unit for installing in a detachable manner on one side of said chassis, said unit comprising a flexible crawler wound around a drive wheel adapted for mounting on said hub and around a tension wheel carried by a support frame, said support frame comprising an internal part adapted for securing in a detachable manner on said chassis remote from said drive shaft, an intermediate part adapted for carrying said tension wheel and an external part carrying a bearing for said drive wheel, wherein said intermediate part of said support frame comprises a tensioning and damping mechanism acting on a wheel support which supports said tension wheel, wherein said intermediate part of said support frame furthermore comprises a beam integral with said tension in and damping mechanism and a mechanism with a deformable connection interposed between said beam and said wheel support. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) Device according to claim 10, wherein said mechanism with the deformable connection comprises two connecting rods, each said connecting rod being articulated to said beam and to said wheel support, to form a deformable quadrilateral.