U.S. patent application number 10/430784 was filed with the patent office on 2004-11-11 for apparatus for adjusting the position of an earth moving blade.
Invention is credited to Cooper, Mark, Fabbri, Giuseppe.
Application Number | 20040221490 10/430784 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33416311 |
Filed Date | 2004-11-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040221490 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cooper, Mark ; et
al. |
November 11, 2004 |
Apparatus for adjusting the position of an earth moving blade
Abstract
A blade and mount that allows the blade angle to be adjusted
without allowing the blade to either interfere with other parts of
a prime mover to which it is attached, or requiring the blade to be
positioned further from the center of the chassis of such prime
mover. The blade is constructed using a unique arrangement of
apertures on a connection structure so that it can be mounted to
any machine in a manner that allows the blade angle to be adjusted
while maintaining clearance to more than a single component.
Inventors: |
Cooper, Mark; (Pella,
IA) ; Fabbri, Giuseppe; (Longiano, IT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STURM & FIX LLP
206 SIXTH AVENUE
SUITE 1213
DES MOINES
IA
50309-4076
US
|
Family ID: |
33416311 |
Appl. No.: |
10/430784 |
Filed: |
May 6, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
37/403 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02F 3/815 20130101;
E02F 3/325 20130101; E02F 3/7613 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
037/403 |
International
Class: |
E02F 005/02 |
Claims
We claim:
1. An excavator comprising: (a) an undercarriage comprising a
backfill blade lift pivot; and (b) a backfill blade frame pivotally
mounted to the undercarriage to pivot about the backfill blade lift
pivot comprising two apertures substantially perpendicular to the
backfill blade pivot that define angle pivot axes for a backfill
blade.
2. An excavator as in claim 1 further comprising: (a) a backfill
blade comprising a first plate with a first aperture defining a
first pivot axis; a second arcuate plate with a first aperture
defining a second pivot axis at a first distance from the first
aperture in the first plate; the second arcuate plate with a second
aperture defining a second locating axis at the first distance from
the first aperture in the first plate
3. The excavator as in claim 2 further comprising the first plate
including an arcuate portion with a second aperture defining a
second locating axis at the first distance from the second pivot
axis in the second arcuate plate.
4. A backfill blade comprising: a) a first plate with a first
aperture defining a first pivot axis; b) a second arcuate plate
with a first aperture defining a second pivot axis at a first
distance from the first aperture in the first plate; c) the second
arcuate plate with a second aperture defining a second locating
axis at the first distance from the first aperture in the first
plate.
5. The backfill blade as in claim 2 further comprising the first
plate including an arcuate portion with a second aperture defining
a second locating axis at the first distance from the second pivot
axis in the second arcuate plate.
6. An excavator comprising: a) an undercarriage; b) a backfill
blade frame operatively pivotally attached to the undercarriage
about a substantially horizontal axis; c) a backfill blade; d) a
connecting structure operatively attached to the backfill blade for
attaching the backfill blade to the backfill blade frame, said
connection structure further comprising: d) a first pivotal
connection between the frame and the connecting structure about a
second axis substantially transverse to the horizontal axis; e) a
second pivotal connection between the frame and the connecting
structure about a third axis substantially transverse to the
horizontal axis; f) the blade being in a first position
substantially parallel to the horizontal axis when the first and
second pivotal connections are attached to the backfill blade
frame; g) the blade being in a second position when the blade is
pivoted about the first pivotal connection from the first position
thereof and fixed at a position different than the first position
thereof; and h) the blade being in a third position when the blade
is pivoted about the second pivotal connection from the first
position thereof and fixed at a position different than the first
or second positions thereof.
7. A blade apparatus adapted to be attached to a prime mover of a
type having a frame with a first opening 236 disposed along a first
axis and a second opening 238 disposed along a second axis
substantially parallel to the first axis, said blade apparatus
comprising: an elongated blade 200 extending which is disposed
transversely with respect to a direction of forward travel of the
prime mover; attachment structure operatively attached to the
blade, said attachment structure having a first aperture 210a
disposed around a third axis which can be aligned with said first
axis and a second aperture 220a disposed around a fourth axis which
can be aligned with said second axis when the blade is in a first
operative position; a first pin disposed through the first opening
in the frame and the first aperture in the attachment structure
when the blade is in the first operative position (FIGS. 5a, 7a); a
second pin disposed through the second opening in the frame and the
second aperture in the attachment structure when the attachment
structure is in the first operative position thereof; said
attachment structure having a third aperture 222a disposed about a
fifth axis, said fifth axis being substantially the same distance
from the third axis as the distance between the third axis and the
fourth axis; and said blade having a second operative position
(FIGS. 5b, 7b) wherein the first axis and the third axis are
aligned and the first pin is disposed through the first hole 236 in
the frame and the first aperture 210a in the attachment structure
and the second axis and the fifth axis are substantially aligned
and the second pin is disposed through the second opening 238 and
the third aperture 222a.
8. The blade apparatus of claim 7 wherein said attachment structure
has a fourth aperture (224a) disposed about a sixth axis, said
blade having a third operative position (FIGS. 5c, 7c) wherein the
first axis and the third axis are aligned and the first pin is
disposed through the first hole 236 in the frame and the first
aperture 210a in the attachment structure and the second axis and
the sixth axis are substantially aligned and the second pin is
disposed through the second opening 238 and the fourth aperture
224a, said sixth axis being substantially the same distance from
the third axis as the distance between the third axis and the
fourth axis.
9. The blade apparatus of claim 8 wherein said attachment structure
has a fifth aperture (226a) disposed about a seventh axis, said
blade having a fourth operative position (FIGS. 5c, 7c) wherein the
first axis and the third axis are aligned and the first pin is
disposed through the first hole 236 in the frame and the first
aperture 210a in the attachment structure and the second axis and
the seventh axis are substantially aligned and the second pin is
disposed through the second opening 238 and the fifth aperture
226a, said seventh axis being substantially the same distance from
the third axis as the distance between the third axis and the
fourth axis.
10. The blade apparatus of claim 9 wherein said attachment
structure has a sixth aperture (212a) disposed about an eighth axis
(FIG. 6), said blade having a fifth operative position (not shown
but a mirror image of FIG. 5b) wherein the second axis and the
fourth axis are aligned and the second pin is disposed through the
second hole 238 in the frame and the second aperture 220a in the
attachment structure and the first axis 236 and the eighth axis
212a are substantially aligned and the first pin is disposed
through the first opening 236 and the sixth aperture 212a, said
eighth 212a axis being substantially the same distance from the
fourth axis 220a as the distance between the third axis 210a and
the fourth axis 220a.
11. The blade apparatus of claim 10 wherein said attachment
structure has a seventh aperture (214a) disposed about a ninth axis
(FIG. 6), said blade having a sixth operative position (not shown
but a mirror image of FIG. 5c) wherein the second axis and the
fourth axis are aligned and the second pin is disposed through the
second hole 238 in the frame and the second aperture 220a in the
attachment structure and the first axis 236 and the ninth axis 214a
are substantially aligned and the first pin is disposed through the
first opening 236 and the seventh aperture 214a, said ninth 214a
axis being substantially the same distance from the fourth axis
220a as the distance between the third axis 210a and the fourth
axis 220a.
12. The blade apparatus of claim 11 wherein said attachment
structure has an eighth aperture (216a) disposed about a tenth axis
(FIG. 6), said blade having a seventh operative position (not shown
but a mirror image of FIG. 5d) wherein the second axis 238 and the
fourth axis 220a are aligned and the second pin is disposed through
the second hole 238 in the frame and the second aperture 220a in
the attachment structure and the first axis 236 and the tenth axis
216a are substantially aligned and the first pin is disposed
through the first opening 236 and the eighth aperture 216a, said
tenth 216a axis being substantially the same distance from the
fourth axis 220a as the distance between the third axis 210a and
the fourth axis 220a.
13. The blade apparatus of claim 7 including a respective aperture
in the attachment structure below each respective one of said
first, second and third apertures whereby the first, second and
third apertures will be above the frame and the respective
apertures will be below the frame so that the first and second pins
can extend in such apertures in which they are disposed above and
below the frame.
14. An excavator comprising: a) an undercarriage; b) a backfill
blade frame operatively pivotally attached to the undercarriage
about a substantially horizontal axis; c) a backfill blade; d) a
connecting structure operatively attached to the backfill blade for
attaching the backfill blade to the backfill blade frame, said
connection structure further comprising: d) a first pivotal
connection between the frame and the connecting structure about a
second axis substantially transverse to the horizontal axis; e) a
second pivotal connection between the frame and the connecting
structure about a third axis substantially transverse to the
horizontal axis; f) means for adjusting the blade between a first
position substantially parallel to the horizontal axis when the
first and second pivotal connections are attached to the backfill
blade frame and a second position when the blade is pivoted about
the first pivotal connection from the first position thereof and
fixed at a position different than the first position thereof; and
h) means for selectively locking the blade in the first or second
position thereof.
15. The apparatus of claim 14 including means for moving the blade
to a third position whereby the blade is pivoted about the second
pivotal connection from the first position thereof and fixed at a
position different than the first or second positions thereof.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said locking means is also
for selectively locking the blade in the third position.
Description
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0001] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to machines for excavating
soils as necessary in construction projects. More specifically it
relates to a machine that is adapted specifically for excavations
with a blade attachment for replacing soils previously excavated
and additionally for contouring the surface.
[0003] Machines have been developed for general excavation, and are
generally known as Excavators, an example being a mini-excavator
110 as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. The mini-excavator 110 has evolved
to include 2 basic parts, an undercarriage or chassis 112 and
turret/turntable 116. The undercarriage 112 includes the main frame
111 and typically tracks 113. It supports the turret/turntable 116
and typically also supports a backfill blade 130.
[0004] Backfill blade 130 is supported on frame 134, which is
mounted to the main frame 111, rotating about axis 136, and is
positioned with cylinder 132.
[0005] The upper structure, turret or turntable 116 includes the
power unit, typically a diesel engine and hydraulic system, the
operator's station 114, and a backhoe 120 mounted on a pivot 122.
The turntable, it is able to rotate fully, mounted to the
undercarriage 112 at the swivel joint, supported by a slew bearing.
The swivel joint supports the turret 116 and further provides a
valve to provide a flow path for oil to be transferred from the
pump, a component of the power unit, to the track drive motors and
cylinder that positions the backfill blade 130. This valve is
constructed to allow the turret to rotate freely.
[0006] The operator's station 114 is mounted on the turret 116, and
the pivot 122 for the backhoe 120 is positioned directly in front
of the operator's station. This arrangement provides good
visibility of the backhoe 120. As can be seen in FIG. 2 the
backfill blade 130 is positioned close to the turret 116.
Positioning the backfill blade as illustrated is desirable for
several functional reasons.
[0007] The use of blades is common on many types of machines. The
mounting structure often includes the ability to adjust the angle
of the blades relative to the machine chassis. Looking at a top
view, blades are known to pivot about an axis to control what is
referred to as the blade angle, for instance as defined in SAE
J/1SO 7134 for Graders. The control of the blade angle allows the
blade to engage the soils in a way that the material is moved in a
direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the machine.
This angled positioning of the blade greatly enhances the utility
of a blade.
[0008] Prior art excavators have not provided control of the blade
angle, at least partially due to the need to position the blade
close to the center of gravity of the machine. There is a need for
an adjustable blade that can be mounted to an excavator.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] According to the present invention there is provided a
modification to a mini-excavator, providing a blade and mount that
allows the blade angle to be adjusted without allowing the blade to
either interfere with the turret, or requiring the blade to be
positioned further from the center of the chassis.
[0010] An additional object of the present invention is to provide
a blade that can be mounted to any machine in a manner that allows
the blade angle to be adjusted while maintaining clearance to more
than a single component.
[0011] Other objects, advantages, and novel features of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description of the invention when considered in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a prior art machine adapted
for general excavation known as a mini-excavator;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a top view of a prior art machine adapted for
general excavation known as a mini-excavator;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a partial bottom isometric view of a prior art
machine adapted for general excavation known as a
mini-excavator;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a partial bottom isometric view of a
mini-excavator configured with a mount for a backfill blade of the
present invention;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a top view of a mini-excavator of the present
invention and a backfill blade of the present invention;
[0017] FIGS. 5a-5d are top views illustrating the backfill blade of
the present invention in a variety of positions;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the
backfill blade of the present invention;
[0019] FIGS. 7a-7d are top views illustrating the backfill blade of
the present invention in a variety of positions;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a top view of an alternate embodiment similar to
the embodiment of FIG. 6, but forming the connection structure with
two plates instead of four; and
[0021] FIG. 9 is a view along line 9-9 of FIG. 8 showing the double
plates embodiment of FIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] Referring now to the drawings, like reference numerals
designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several
views. The included drawings reflect the current preferred and
alternate embodiments. There are many additional embodiments that
may utilize the present invention. The drawings are not meant to
include all such possible embodiments.
[0023] The backfill blade 200 illustrated in FIG. 4 is adapted to
mount onto the blade frame 234 of excavator 110 in a manner that
provides the ability for the blade angle to be adjusted. The blade
frame 234 is mounted to main frame 111 in the same as that shown in
the prior art, including the ability to rotate about pivot axis
136. The blade frame 234 is raised and lowered with the same lift
cylinder 132, not shown in this figure, in order to control the
height of the blade, or the depth of cut.
[0024] Blade frame 234 includes two apertures or holes 236 and 238,
each defining an axis of rotation. Blade 200 includes first and
second pairs of mating arcuate plates 202a -202b and 204a-204b each
spaced to fit over the blade frame 234. Each pair of mating arcuate
plates further includes respective paired apertures 210a-210b and
220a- 220b. This relationship is shown in FIG. 6.
[0025] FIG. 5 further illustrates the blade 200 with plates 202a
and 204a. Each plate includes a pivot aperture or hole, 210a and
220a respectively. These pivot apertures or holes 210a and 220a are
spaced apart a distance D1 which corresponds to the distance
between apertures 238 and 236 in blade mount frame 234.
[0026] Each arcuate plate includes additional holes. Plate 202a
includes additional apertures or holes 212a, 214b, and 216c. Plate
204a includes additional apertures or holes 222a, 224a and 226a.
These additional holes are located on an arc, centered about the
pivot hole 210a or 220a in the opposite plate 202a or 204a as is
best shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 also shows that holes 212a, 214b, and
216c are located on an arc about hole 220a, while holes 222a, 224a,
and 226a are located on an arc about hole 210a. Referring to FIG. 4
it can be seen that for each hole 222a, 224a, and 226a in plate
204a there is a corresponding hole directly below it respectively
in plate 204b. For each hole 212a, 214a, and 216a in plate 202a
there is a corresponding hole directly below it respectively in
plate 202b.
[0027] FIGS. 5a-5d illustrate the blade installed onto the blade
mount frame 234. In FIG. 5a the blade is mounted at an angle of 0.
A first pin, not shown, is inserted through hole 210a in plate
202a, through aperture 236 of blade mount frame 234, and through
hole 210b of plate 202b. A second pin, not shown, is inserted
through hole 220a of plate 204a, through aperture 238 of blade
mount frame 234, and through hole 220b of plate 204b. Both pins are
then secured. In order to adjust the blade angle the second pin is
removed, and the blade 200 rotated about the center of aperture 236
until the hole 222a aligns with aperture 238. The second pin is
then reinserted and secured, thus securing the blade 200 at a first
blade angle as illustrated in FIG. 5b. This process can be repeated
to increase the blade angle by aligning hole 224a with aperture 238
and reinserting the pin as illustrated in FIG. 5c, or by aligning
hole 226a with aperture 238 and reinserting the pin as illustrated
in FIG. 5d.
[0028] The blade can be angled in the opposite direction by leaving
the second pin installed through holes 220a, aperture 238, and hole
220b, defining a pivot axis shown in FIG. 5a, while aligning holes
210a, 212a, 214a or 216a with the aperture 236. This will allow the
angle of blade 200 to be substantially opposite to the respective
angle of blade 200 shown in FIGS. 5b-5d.
[0029] The geometry of the holes as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6
illustrates that the blade 200 can only pivot around one axis at a
time, either the axis of holes 236, 210a and 210b or the axis about
holes 238, 220a and 220b.
[0030] FIGS. 7a-7d illustrate the blade installed onto the blade
mount frame 234. In FIG. 7a the blade is mounted at an angle of
zero (0). A first pin, not shown, is inserted through hole 1210a in
plate 1202a, through aperture 236 of blade mount frame 234, and
through hole 1210b of plate 1202b. A second pin, not shown, is
inserted through hole 1220a of plate 1204a, through aperture 238 of
blade mount frame 234, and through hole 1220b of plate 204b. Both
pins are then secured.
[0031] In order to adjust the blade angle, the second pin is
removed and the blade 1200 is rotated about the center of aperture
236 until the hole 1222a aligns with aperture 1238. The second pin
is then reinserted and secured, thus securing the blade 1200 at a
first blade angle as illustrated in FIG. 7b. This process can be
repeated to increase the blade angle by aligning hole 1224a with
aperture 238 and reinserting the pin as illustrated in FIG. 7c, or
by aligning hole 1226a with aperture 238 and reinserting the pin as
illustrated in FIG. 7d.
[0032] This procedure described in the two paragraphs above with
respect to FIGS. 7a-7d is substantially the same for arranging
blade 200 in these same orientations by only using the holes 210a
and 210b of plates 202a and 202b respectively.
[0033] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate another embodiment wherein two
plates are used instead of four arcuate plates. FIGS. 8 and 9 show
the blade 2200 with plates 2202a and 2202b. Plate 2202a includes a
pivot holes, 2210a and 2220a respectively. These pivot holes 2210a
and 2220a are spaced apart a distance D1 which corresponds to the
distance between apertures 238 and 236 in blade mount frame
234.
[0034] Each plate 2202a and 2202b includes additional holes. Plate
2202a includes additional holes 2212a, 2214b, and 2216c. Plate
2202a includes additional holes 2222a, 2224a and 2226a. These
additional holes are located on an arc, centered about the pivot
hole 2210a or 2220a in the opposite side just like the relationship
of holes shown in FIG. 6.
[0035] FIG. 8 also shows that holes 2212a, 2214b, and 2216c are
located on an arc about hole 2220a, while holes 2222a, 2224a, and
2226a are located on an arc about hole 210a. Referring to FIG. 9
and comparing it to FIG. 4 of the first embodiment it can be
appreciated that for each hole 2222a, 2224a, and 2226a in plate
2204a there is a corresponding hole directly below it respectively
in plate 2204b. For each hole 2212a, 2214a, and 2216a in plate
2202a, there is a corresponding hole directly below it respectively
in plate 2202b.
[0036] Obviously many modifications and variations of the present
invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is
therefore to be understood that, within the scope of the appended
claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as
specifically described.
* * * * *