U.S. patent application number 10/190699 was filed with the patent office on 2004-01-15 for frame assembly for a work machine digging assembly.
Invention is credited to Koch, Roger D..
Application Number | 20040006899 10/190699 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 30114087 |
Filed Date | 2004-01-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040006899 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Koch, Roger D. |
January 15, 2004 |
Frame assembly for a work machine digging assembly
Abstract
A work machine having a frame structure and a digging assembly
is disclosed. The work machine includes at least one pivot support
supported on the frame structure and a first frame pivotally
connected to the at least one pivot support for pivotal movement
about a first axis. A second frame is disposed adjacent to the
first frame. The second frame includes a top portion and a bottom
portion connected by a closed side. The second frame is pivotally
connected to the first frame for pivotal movement about a second
axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the first axis. A
swing frame is connected to the top and bottom portions of the
second frame, and is configured to support the digging
assembly.
Inventors: |
Koch, Roger D.; (Pekin,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Finnegan, Henderson, farabow,
Garrett & Dunner, L.L.P.
1300 I Street, N.W.
Washington
DC
20005-3315
US
|
Family ID: |
30114087 |
Appl. No.: |
10/190699 |
Filed: |
July 9, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
37/443 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02F 3/307 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
37/443 |
International
Class: |
E02F 003/32 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A work machine having a frame structure and a digging assembly,
the work machine comprising: at least one pivot support supported
on the frame structure; a first frame pivotally connected to the at
least one pivot support for pivotal movement about a first axis; a
second frame disposed adjacent the first frame, the second frame
having a top portion and a bottom portion connected by a closed
side, the second frame being pivotally connected to the first frame
for pivotal movement about a second axis oriented substantially
perpendicular to the first axis; and a swing frame connected to the
top and bottom portions of the second frame, the swing frame being
configured to support the digging assembly.
2. The work machine of claim 1, wherein the first frame is a pitch
frame pivotal in a pitch direction and the second frame is a roll
frame pivotal in a roll direction.
3. The work machine of claim 2, further including a connection bar
support configured to secure the swing frame to the roll frame.
4. The work machine of claim 2, further including: roll pins
connecting the roll frame to the pitch frame; and pitch pins
connecting the pitch frame to the at least one pivot support.
5. The work machine of claim 2, further including: a swing actuator
extending from the roll frame to the swing frame to rotate the
swing frame about a swing axis; a pitch actuator extending from the
pitch frame to the frame structure; and a roll actuator extending
from the pitch frame to the roll frame.
6. The work machine of claim 5, wherein the pitch frame includes a
bottom section and an extension extending therefrom.
7. The work machine of claim 1, wherein the first frame extends
rearwardly of a rearward end of the machine frame structure.
8. The work machine of claim 1, wherein the pivot supports are
integral with the frame structure.
9. The work machine of claim 1, wherein the pivot supports are
connected indirectly to the frame structure through a member
supported by the frame structure.
10. The work machine of claim 1, wherein a swing axis is defined by
at least one swing pin connecting the swing frame with the second
frame.
11. A method for controlling a digging assembly on a work machine
having a frame structure, the method comprising: pivoting a first
frame about a first axis to orient the first frame to a desired
position, the first frame being connected by at least one pivot
support to the frame structure of the work machine; pivoting a
second frame about a second axis to orient the second frame to a
desired position, the second axis being substantially perpendicular
to the first axis, the second frame being disposed adjacent the
first frame and having a top portion and a bottom portion connected
by a closed side, the second frame being pivotally connected to the
first frame; and pivoting a swing frame connected to the top and
bottom portions of the second frame to rotate the digging assembly
through a range of motion.
12. The method of claim 11, further including: activating a swing
actuator to pivot the swing frame about a swing axis.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first and second frames are
pivoted to their respective desired positions to thereby orient the
swing axis in a direction substantially perpendicular to a desired
work surface for the digging assembly.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein pivoting the first frame
includes pivoting the first frame in a pitch direction, the first
frame being a pitch frame, and wherein pivoting the second frame
includes pivoting the second frame in a roll direction, the second
frame being a roll frame.
15. The method of claim 14, including: activating a swing actuator
to pivot the swing frame, the swing actuator extending from the
roll frame to the swing frame; activating a pitch actuator to pivot
the pitch frame in the pitch direction, the pitch actuator
extending from the pitch frame to the frame structure; and
activating a roll actuator to pivot the roll frame in the roll
direction, the roll actuator extending from the roll frame to the
pitch frame.
16. A work machine comprising: a frame structure; pivot supports
supported on the frame structure; a pitch frame having a bottom
section extending between a first wall and a second wall; pitch
pins connecting the bottom section of the pitch frame with the
pivot supports, the pitch pins forming a pitch axis; a C-shaped
roll frame situated at least partially between the first and second
walls of the pitch frame, the roll frame having a top portion and a
bottom portion connected by a closed side, the closed side being
adjacent to the second wall of the pitch frame; roll pins
connecting the bottom portion of the roll frame with the first and
second walls of the pitch frame, the roll pins forming a roll axis
oriented substantially perpendicular to the pitch axis; a swing
frame having top and bottom swing arms extending between the top
and bottom portions of the roll frame; and at least one swing pin
extending from the top and bottom swing arms to the top and bottom
portions of the roll frame.
17. The work machine of claim 16, further including: a work
implement; a stick member connected to the work implement; and a
boom member connected to the stick member and the swing frame such
that the work implement may be oriented by selective movement of
the pitch frame and roll frame.
18. The work machine of claim 16, wherein the pitch frame extends
rearwardly of a rearward end of the frame structure.
19. The work machine of claim 16, wherein the pitch frame includes
a bottom section and an extension extending therefrom.
20. The work machine of claim 16, wherein the pivot supports are
integral with the frame structure.
21. The work machine of claim 16, wherein the pivot supports are
connected indirectly to the frame structure through a member
supported by the frame structure.
22. A frame assembly for orienting a work machine digging assembly,
the work machine having a frame structure and at least one pivot
support supported on the frame structure, the frame assembly
comprising: a first frame configured to pivot about a first axis;
at least one first pin configured to connect the first frame to the
at least one pivot support; a second frame configured to pivot
about a second axis, the second axis being oriented substantially
perpendicular to the first axis, the second frame having a top
portion and a bottom portion connected by a closed side; and at
least one second pin configured to connect the second frame to the
first frame.
23. The frame assembly of claim 22, wherein the first frame
includes a bottom section extending between first and second walls,
the at least one second pin being configured to connect the first
and second walls to the second frame.
24. The frame assembly of claim 22, further including a connection
bar support configured to secure a swing frame to the second
frame.
25. The frame assembly of claim 22, further including an actuator
extending from the first frame to the second frame.
26. The frame assembly of claim 25, wherein the first frame
includes a bottom section and an extension extending therefrom.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates generally to a frame system for
adjusting the orientation of a swing frame of a work machine
independent of the orientation of the work machine.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Excavating type machines, such as backhoe loaders, are
versatile machines equipped with a work implement, such as a bucket
mechanism, for grading slopes, digging trenches, and performing
other excavations. In use, an operator must properly level the
excavating type machine prior to beginning work or the machine will
not dig with a clean horizontal surface. For instance, if the
excavating type machine leans to one side, the bucket digs into the
ground deeper at one corner of the bucket than the other. The
ability to dig a vertical face or a ditch with a vertical wall is
especially hindered by an out-of-level machine because the
out-of-level machine can result in an out-of-level bucket that
either digs a ditch with an angled face or creates jagged edges on
the vertical face.
[0003] When an excavating type machine, such as a backhoe loader,
is used to grade a slope, the backhoe loader is stationed in
position at the top edge of the grade. The boom, stick, and bucket
extend from the backhoe loader over the edge of the slope. An
operator manipulates the bucket down onto the sloped ground to
remove or distribute soil or earth along the slope. The boom and
bucket are pivoted about a swing axis and extended to grade all
accessible regions of the slope. During grading of the slope, the
edge of the bucket maintains a proper roll position of being
parallel to the plane of the graded slope only when the boom is
pointing either directly down the slope or along the steepest
gradient of the slope. If the boom pivots about the swing axis to
any direction that is not directly down the slope or along the
steepest gradient, the bucket edge is no longer parallel to the
slope face. As such, when grading or moving soil, one edge of the
bucket digs in before the other edge, causing ridges in the soil,
instead of the desired flat surface.
[0004] Because the orientation of the swing axis is typically
controlled by and dependent upon the orientation of the frame of
the work machine, operators have attempted to tilt the work machine
using stabilizing actuators and/or a front work implement to orient
the work machine in a manner that provides a desired orientation of
the swing axis relative to a working surface. By orienting the
swing axis perpendicular to a desired work surface, for example,
the bucket edge aligns with the desired work surface throughout the
rotatable range of the digging assembly. Accordingly, by orienting
the swing axis perpendicular to a desired work surface, an operator
may create a smooth, ridge free surface throughout the pivot range
of the digging assembly when digging or grading because the bucket
edge is constantly aligned parallel to the desired surface.
However, adjusting the work machine so that the swing axis is
perpendicular to a desired slope is not always easy, and if the
desired slope is steep, there may be safety concerns. Furthermore,
sitting in a leaning or tipped chair all day is strenuous and
tiring for an operator.
[0005] One attempt to address the situation described above is
found in U.S. Pat. No. 3,977,547 to Holopainen (the '547 patent).
The '547 patent discloses a material handling apparatus having a
junction element that includes a first roll arm for adjustments in
the roll mode of motion, a second roll arm disposed upon the first
roll arm for motion in a pitch mode of motion, and a third roll arm
disposed on the second roll arm for rotation and attachment to an
accessory tool. However, this system has several deficiencies,
including that it offers a very limited degree of motion, it may
only be used on a machine specifically designed for it, and
accommodates only those work implements specifically designed to be
used with it.
[0006] Known devices for orienting a work implement have a number
of deficiencies and/or limitations. For example, known devices may
not be capable of aligning a swing axis perpendicular to a steep
slope because of the limited degrees of motion offered by the
linear actuators. Such known devices also are not capable of being
retrofitted to existing machines, but instead are designed to
attach only to a vehicle specifically designed for such a device.
Moreover, known devices may require an extra long stick to extend
beyond the vehicles on which they are placed. This extra long stick
creates increased cantilever weight, requiring additional
reinforcement and extra heavy duty actuators. Finally, known
devices may not allow an operator to have a good view of the hole
being dug because the operator has difficulty seeing over the
extended end of the machine.
[0007] The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more
of the problems or disadvantages associated with the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In one aspect of the invention, a work machine having a
frame structure and a digging assembly is disclosed. The work
machine includes at least one pivot support supported on the frame
structure and a first frame pivotally connected to the at least one
pivot support for pivotal movement about a first axis. A second
frame is disposed adjacent to the first frame. The second frame
includes a top portion and a bottom portion connected by a closed
side. The second frame is pivotally connected to the first frame
for pivotal movement about a second axis oriented substantially
perpendicular to the first axis. A swing frame is connected to the
top and bottom portions of the second frame, and is configured to
support the digging assembly.
[0009] In another aspect of the invention, a method for controlling
a digging assembly on a work machine having a frame structure is
disclosed. The method includes pivoting a first frame about a first
axis to orient the first frame to a desired position. The first
frame is connected by at least one pivot support to the frame
structure of the work machine. The method also includes pivoting a
second frame about a second axis to orient the second frame to a
desired position. The second axis is substantially perpendicular to
the first axis, and the second frame is disposed adjacent the first
frame. The second frame includes a top portion and a bottom portion
connected by a closed side, and is pivotally connected to the first
frame. The method also includes pivoting a swing frame connected to
the top and bottom portions of the second frame to rotate the
digging assembly through a range of motion.
[0010] In another aspect of the invention, a frame assembly for
orienting a work machine digging assembly is disclosed. The work
machine includes a frame structure and at least one pivot support
supported on the frame structure. The frame assembly includes a
first frame configured to pivot about a first axis, at least one
first pin configured to connect the first frame to the at least one
pivot support, and a second frame configured to pivot about a
second axis. The second axis is oriented substantially
perpendicular to the first axis. The second frame includes a top
portion and a bottom portion connected by a closed side. The frame
assembly also includes at least one second pin configured to
connect the second frame to the first frame.
[0011] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as
claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the
invention will be apparent from the following, more particular
description of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying
drawings.
[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic side view of one exemplary work
machine according to the invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view of a portion of the work
machine shown in dotted lines in FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a front view of the frame assembly of FIG. 2.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a top view of the frame assembly of FIG. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] Embodiments of the present invention are now described with
reference to the figures where like reference numbers indicate
identical or functionally similar elements. Also in the figures,
the left most digit of each reference number corresponds to the
figure in which the reference number is first used. While specific
configurations and arrangements are discussed, it should be
understood that this is done for illustrative purposes only. A
person skilled in the art will recognize that other configurations
and arrangements can be used without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention.
[0018] With reference to FIG. 1, a work machine 100 for performing
a variety of work functions includes a frame structure 102, an
operator's compartment 104 which is supported on the frame
structure 102, and a digging assembly 106, which is supported by
the frame structure 102 and is typically connected to the rear of
the work machine 100.
[0019] Work machine 100 further includes front wheels 108 and rear
wheels 110 for supporting work machine 100. Work machine 100 could
be of a type commonly referred to as a backhoe loader and may
further include a front work implement assembly 112, such as a
loader bucket assembly, which may be connected to the frame
structure 102 at the front of the work machine 100. While the
exemplary embodiment is shown as a backhoe loader, other types of
work machines may utilize the present invention.
[0020] The digging assembly 106 includes a swing frame 114, a boom
member 116, a stick member 118, and a work implement 120. Digging
assembly 106 can be used, for example, to dig a hole or ditch,
level the ground, or grade an area at a desired angle, and may be
disposed at the rear of work machine 100. Boom member 116 extends
between swing frame 114 and stick member 118, and stick member 118
extends from boom member 116 to work implement 120. Work implement
120 may be, for example, a bucket or shovel for picking up and
moving soil or other materials, but may be any other implement as
would be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art. Accordingly,
use of the term digging assembly is not limited only to structures
that dig, may be any of a variety of working apparatuses. Digging
assembly 106 may operate using actuators configured as is known in
the art.
[0021] Work machine 100 may include a stabilizing system 121
including stabilizing arms extending from frame structure 102 that
are adapted to stabilize work machine 100 during operation. Front
work implement assembly 112 may be used in conjunction with
stabilizing system 121 to stabilize work machine 100 in a
tripod-like three-point manner.
[0022] A multi-degree-of freedom frame assembly 124, which is shown
circled in dashed lines in FIG. 1, may be disposed at the rear of
work machine 100 between frame structure 102 and digging assembly
106. Frame assembly 124 allows a swing axis 122 of swing frame 114
to have rotational ability in both the pitch direction and the roll
direction of the work machine. The roll direction is from one side
of work machine 100 to the other side, and the pitch direction is
the direction from front to back and back to front of work machine
100. Frame assembly 124 allows an operator to orient swing axis 122
in a desired direction independent of the orientation of the frame
structure 102 of the work machine. This orientation of the swing
axis may be accomplished by an automated controls system, by manual
operator commands, or by some combination of the automated and
manual control.
[0023] FIGS. 2-4 show the frame assembly 124 of FIG. 1 in greater
detail. As depicted in the figures, frame assembly 124 includes a
roll frame 206 for moving swing axis 122 in a roll direction and a
pitch frame 208 for moving swing axis 122 in a pitch direction.
Swing frame 114 pivots about swing axis 122. Roll frame 206 is
rotatably connected to pitch frame 208. Pitch frame 208 is
supported by or connected to a fixed structure, such as for
example, frame structure 102. Frame structure 102 of the exemplary
embodiment is the frame structure of a work machine. The fixed
structure could also be a member such as a bar or platform welded
or otherwise attached to frame structure 102, as would be apparent
to one skilled in the relevant art. As used herein, references to
the frame structure of the work machine are intended to include
members such as a bar or platform connected to the rear of the work
machine frame.
[0024] Swing frame 114 may include a top swing arm 212 and a bottom
swing arm 214 extending from a main body 216. Top and bottom swing
arms 212, 214 each may include holes, which are aligned and formed
to fit a top and a bottom swing pin 218, 219, respectively,
defining the swing axis 122 about which swing frame 114 may
rotate.
[0025] Roll frame 206 may be a generally C-shaped frame structure
having a top portion 220, a bottom portion 222, a closed side 224,
and an open side 226. Open side 226 is configured to receive top
and bottom swing arms 212, 214 of swing frame 114. Roll frame 206
includes openings for receiving and securing swing pins 218, 219.
Accordingly, swing frame 114 may rotate about swing axis 122 when
connected to roll frame 206. Roll frame 206 may include a
connection bar support 228 for securing top swing arm 212 into roll
frame 206. Connection bar support 228 may be a right-angled support
that extends from top portion 220 toward open side 226. Top swing
arm 212 of swing frame 114 may fit between top portion 220 and
connection bar support 228. Top swing pin 218 may extend from top
portion 220, through top swing arm 212, and into connection bar
support 228 of roll frame 206, securely attaching top swing arm 212
of swing frame 114 to top portion 220 of roll frame 206, thereby
supporting the digging assembly of the work machine. Connection bar
support 228 need not be angled, but could extend from closed side
224 or be otherwise configured to provide support.
[0026] Bottom portion 222 of roll frame 206 may include an opening
for receiving bottom swing pin 219, thereby aligning the opening in
bottom portion 222 with the through hole in the bottom swing arm
212, securely attaching bottom swing arm 212 of swing frame 114 to
bottom portion 222 of roll frame 206.
[0027] Actuators 230 extend from closed side 224 of roll frame 206
to swing frame 114. Actuators 230 control the rotation of swing
frame 114 about swing axis 122. In this exemplary embodiment, two
actuators are used to control the rotation of swing frame 114 about
swing axis 122. However, more or less than two actuators could be
used, as would be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art.
[0028] Roll frame 206 may be connected to pitch frame 208 through a
connecting structure, such as for example, roll pins 232. Roll pins
232 form a roll axis 234, about which roll frame 206 may rotate.
The connecting structure could be any structure that connects the
roll frame to the pitch frame and that allows roll frame 206 to
rotate about roll axis 234.
[0029] Pitch frame 208 may be a three-sided structure that is open
at the top, as oriented in FIG. 2. Bottom portion 222 of roll frame
206 fits within the open top of pitch frame 208, as seen in FIG. 2.
Pitch frame 208 may include a bottom section 236, a first wall 238
disposed on the side adjacent to swing frame 114, and a second wall
240 adjacent to closed side 224 of roll frame 206. First wall 238
and second wall 240 cooperate with roll pins 232 to rotatably
support roll frame 206.
[0030] Pitch frame 208 may be connected to frame structure 102 by a
connecting structure, such as, for example, pitch pins 242. Pitch
pins 242 form a pitch axis 346 about which pitch frame 208 may
rotate. Pitch axis 346 may be arranged to be substantially
perpendicular to roll axis 234. Pitch pins 242 may connect to pivot
supports 244, which in this embodiment, constitute substantially
triangular shaped elements having an opening configured to receive
and hold pitch pins 242. Pivot supports 244, however, could be any
structure that connects pitch frame 208 to frame structure 102, and
that allows pitch frame 208 to rotate about pitch axis 346. Pivot
supports 244 may be disposed adjacent the end of frame structure
102, thereby allowing pitch frame 208 to have a full range of
motion, not limited by the frame structure. Accordingly, pitch
frame 208 may extend beyond a rearward end of the frame structure
102. Pivot supports 244 may be integrally formed as part of frame
structure 102 or connected indirectly to frame structure 102
through a member supported by the frame structure.
[0031] Bottom section 236 of pitch frame 208 may include an
extension 348 that extends beyond the width of roll frame 206 (best
seen in FIG. 4). Extension 348 is connected at one end of, and used
to support a roll actuator 250. Extension 348 may be integrally
formed with bottom section 236, or may be formed separately, and
connected or otherwise attached to bottom section 236 of pitch
frame 208. Roll actuator 250 extends from closed side 224 of roll
frame 206 to extension 348 of pitch frame 208, in a direction
perpendicular to, but not crossing, roll axis 234. Roll actuator
250 controls the rotation of roll frame 206 about roll axis 234.
Accordingly, to orient swing axis 122 in a roll direction, roll
actuator 250 is activated to rotate roll frame 206 about roll axis
234, thereby rotating swing axis 122 in the roll direction.
[0032] Likewise, a pitch actuator 252 may control the rotation of
pitch frame 208 about pitch axis 346. Pitch actuator 252 may extend
from second wall 240 of pitch frame 208 to frame structure 102 in a
direction perpendicular to, but not crossing, pitch axis 346.
Accordingly, to rotate swing axis 122 in a pitch direction, pitch
actuator 252 may be activated to rotate pitch frame 208 about pitch
axis 346, thereby rotating roll frame 206, swing frame 114 and
swing axis 122 in the pitch direction.
[0033] Various alternatives to the exemplary structure of frame
assembly 124 are contemplated. For example, in one exemplary
embodiment, the swing frame may be directly connected to the pitch
frame and the roll frame may be directly connected to the frame
structure.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0034] To properly grade the face of a slope throughout the
rotatable range of a digging assembly of a work machine, such as a
backhoe loader, an operator must properly align the bucket of the
machine so that the bucket edge is aligned parallel to the desired
slope. Failure to properly align the bucket edge results in saw
tooth ridges in the soil, as one end of the bucket edge digs deeper
into the soil than the other end. To align the bucket with the
slope, an operator typically adjusts the position of the work
machine using the stabilizing bars until a swing axis is
perpendicular to the desired slope. However, to sit in a work
machine that is tilted is cumbersome and tiring. Furthermore, if
the desired slope is steep, adjusting the work machine so that the
swing axis is perpendicular to the slope may create safety
issues.
[0035] The present invention is a frame assembly giving selective
movement and rotational ability to the digging assembly of the work
machine so that an operator may set the swing axis to a desired
orientation (e.g. perpendicular to a desired slope) without having
to adjust the position of the work machine. Accordingly, an
operator is able to easily orient the swing axis so that the
operator may dig without creating uneven walls in a ditch or
saw-tooth ridges on a graded slope, even for steep slopes.
[0036] The frame assembly increases operator efficiency because the
operator may now keep the operator cab at a comfortable angle,
allowing an operator to work for longer periods with less fatigue,
thereby requiring fewer breaks.
[0037] The present invention is adaptable to a variety of work
machines where maintaining a swing axis perpendicular to a work
surface may be desirable. For instance, the present invention may
be useful on excavators, front shovels, material handlers, or any
work machine having a swing axis. The frame assembly is configured
so that it may be retrofitted to existing machines using existing
digging systems. One method of doing so is to configure the roll
frame of the frame assembly to receive and fit a standard swing
frame currently being manufactured or used on work machines.
[0038] Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and
practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the
specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a
true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the
following claims.
* * * * *