U.S. patent application number 11/297098 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-08 for excavating machine for rocky and other soils.
Invention is credited to Jerry Holtmeier, Shaun Lamar Yoder.
Application Number | 20060117611 11/297098 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36578589 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060117611 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yoder; Shaun Lamar ; et
al. |
June 8, 2006 |
Excavating machine for rocky and other soils
Abstract
A trench excavating machine includes an excavating wheel on
which are mounted spaced apart peripheral plates equipped with
ripping teeth and spades. The ripping teeth are angled outward from
the plates at an acute angle directed in the direction of rotation
of the cutting wheel to attack the leading edge of a trench being
excavated. Ripping teeth and spades are arranged at varying spacing
on succeeding plates about the centerline of the cutting wheel. A
transverse conveyor located within the circumference of the cutting
wheel transports spoil to the side of the cutting wheel. A spoil
deflector removes spoil adhered to the inside of the cutting
wheel.
Inventors: |
Yoder; Shaun Lamar;
(Wellman, IA) ; Holtmeier; Jerry; (Washington,
IA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ALLAN L HARMS
2750 FIRST AVENUE NE, SUITE 420
CEDAR RAPIDS
IA
52402
US
|
Family ID: |
36578589 |
Appl. No.: |
11/297098 |
Filed: |
December 8, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60634323 |
Dec 8, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
37/97 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02F 7/02 20130101; E02F
3/20 20130101; E02F 3/188 20130101; E02F 3/181 20130101; E02F 5/08
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
037/097 |
International
Class: |
E02F 5/08 20060101
E02F005/08 |
Claims
1. An excavating machine comprising: a power unit, a supporting
frame assembly operably attached to the power unit, a digging wheel
assembly operably attached to supporting frame assembly, the
digging wheel assembly having a rim structure with a periphery, a
multiplicity of spaced apart plates fixed to the periphery, at
least one of the plates including at least one ripping tooth
extending therefrom.
2. The excavating machine of claim 1 wherein the rim structure and
the plates in combination define at least one interior profile, a
deflecting member attached to the supporting frame assembly, the
deflecting member having a deflecting face located within the at
least one interior profile, the deflecting face contacting and
removing spoil which has accumulated in the at least one interior
profile.
3. The excavating machine of claim 1 wherein the power unit drives
the wheel assembly such that the at least one ripping tooth moves
at an angular velocity of not less than fifteen feet per
second.
4. The excavating machine of claim 1 wherein the plates are
arranged in at least one series, each plate in the at least one
series of plates includes at least a different number of ripping
teeth than the plates adjacent thereto in the series.
5. The excavating machine of claim 1 wherein the at least one
ripping tooth is a carbide tip.
6. The excavating machine of claim 2 wherein a conveyor is disposed
below the deflecting face, the conveyor moving spoil deflected by
the deflecting member.
7. The excavating machine of claim 1 wherein at least one spade
member is fixed to at least one of the plates.
8. The excavating machine of claim 7 wherein the at least one spade
member extends forward of a leading edge of the plate to which the
at least one spade member is fixed.
9. The excavating machine of claim 1 wherein the plates are
arranged in at least one series, each plate in the at least one
series having one or more ripping teeth fixed thereto, each plate
spaced apart from adjacent plates in the at least one series, the
one or more ripping teeth of a first plate in the at least one
series spaced relative to a centerline of the digging wheel
assembly different from the spacing of the one or more ripping
teeth of plates adjacent the first plate.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from copending provisional
patent application entitled "Excavating Machine for Rocky and Other
Soils," Ser. No. 60/634,323 filed Dec. 8, 2004. The disclosure of
provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/634,323 is hereby
incorporated in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates generally to excavating machines of
the type having a device for cutting the earth including bucket
wheel trenchers, chain bar trenchers, trencher or trenchless plows
and hoes, vibratory plows, disc wheel cutters, drum cutters, etc.,
and more particularly to a cutting plate carried on the trenching
wheel or chain for breaking through rocky soils.
[0003] Excavating machines are well known for use in the cutting of
an open trench having either vertical or sloped walls for the
purposes of land drainage and irrigation including agricultural
tiling, as well as the installation of utilities such as cable
lines, pipelines, water lines, sewer lines, etc. These excavating
machines are often of a vehicular type being self-contained and
suitably driven for either over-the-road travel or movement during
use of the earth cutting device.
[0004] Existing excavating machines usually employ earth cutting
buckets or shovels for cutting into the earth and removing spoil
from the trench being made but these elements do not function well
when rocks within the earth to be trenched are encountered.
Circular saws have been utilized for cutting through rocky soils
but these machines do not effectively excavate spoil from a trench.
In addition, most trenching excavators are mounted on crawler
tractors and are of very large mass and cannot be driven on hard
surface roadways without damage to the roadway being traversed.
[0005] A need exists for a trench excavator which can penetrate
rocky soils, as well as soils which are sandy or otherwise not
populated with rocks, while simultaneously effectively removing
spoil from the trench.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention provides a wheel excavating machine
which includes a series of spaced apart plates mounted on the
periphery of the wheel. Each plate is provided with one or more
ripping teeth or spikes which extend outward from the plates, with
succeeding plates on the wheel having the spikes arranged in a
pattern which is offset from the placement of the spikes on the
adjacent plates. The spikes are directed outwardly in the direction
of rotation of the excavating wheel such that on the spikes are
driven against and into the soil wall. In addition, the plates
mounted on the periphery of the wheel may contain spade members
which extend from a leading edge of each plate and are angled
slightly outward from the center of the excavating wheel to claw at
softer soils and ground rocks which have first been attacked by the
spikes.
[0007] The excavator is equipped with an L-shaped lifting arm to
which the excavating wheel assembly is mounted which allows the
excavating wheel assembly and associated shoe member to be raised
or lowered at the rear of the drive unit or tractor. The L-shaped
lifting arm allows downward force to be applied to the wheel
assembly. A transverse conveyor is located within the circumference
of the wheel such that spoil carried over the top of the wheel may
drop on the conveyor and be moved to the side of the trench being
excavated. A cleaning member with a cleaning face is located at the
top of the digging wheel in such a manner that it removes the spoil
which has accumulated in the rim structure of the digging wheel and
directs the spoil downwardly onto the conveyor.
[0008] A shoe member follows the trenching wheel through the trench
being excavated. The shoe member in cooperation with the L-shaped
lifting arm provides a fulcrum for downward force placed on the
L-shaped arm by hydraulic cylinders, thereby forcing the excavating
wheel into the trench and reducing the mass of the drive tractor
needed to hold the wheel in the trench. The drive unit is carried
on wheels with tires which permit the machine to be transported
under its own drive power on a roadway.
[0009] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide an excavating machine which can trench through rocky soil
as well as through non-rocky soil.
[0010] It is a further object of the present invention to provide
an excavating machine which can be operated more efficiently.
[0011] It is also an object of the invention to provide an
excavating machine which can be driven at reasonable roadway speeds
on hard surface roadways.
[0012] An additional object of the present invention is to provide
an excavating machine which efficiently removes spoil from the
trench being excavated.
[0013] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent upon a review of the following description,
drawings and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0014] FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of an excavating machine
in accordance with the present invention with its ground cutting
means in a raised position;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the excavating machine
shown in FIG. 1 with its ground cutting means at ground level;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the excavating machine
shown in FIG. 1 with its ground cutting means partially below
ground level;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the excavating machine
shown in FIG. 1 with its ground cutting means at the bottom of a
trench;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of an L-arm assembly in
accordance with the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the L-arm assembly
shown in FIG. 5;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the L-arm assembly
showing a slidable leg member in its extended position;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the L-arm assembly shown
in FIG. 7 showing the slidable leg member in its retracted
position;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the supporting frame
assembly and the wheel assembly of the excavating machine shown in
FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 10 is an end plan view of the rim assembly of the
cutting wheel assembly in section with an engagement plate mounted
thereto;
[0024] FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of an exemplary plate
member showing the ripping teeth and spades mounted thereto;
[0025] FIG. 12 is a section view of the plate member of FIG. 11
taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 11.
[0026] FIGS. 13A and 13B are diagrammatic views of a series of
plate members mounted to the rim structure, shown partly cut away,
of the wheel assembly of the excavating machine.
[0027] FIG. 14 is a perspective of a deflecting member of the
invention carried on a support member.
[0028] FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional elevational view of the
wheel assembly shown in FIG. 9 taken along lines 15-15;
[0029] FIG. 16 is a front elevational view of an alternative
cleaning member and wheel frame assembly in accordance with the
present invention;
[0030] FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of a conveyor assembly in
accordance with the present invention, with most of the endless
conveyor belt removed;
[0031] FIG. 18 is a bottom perspective view of the conveyor
assembly shown in FIG. 17;
[0032] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the endless conveyor
belt shown in FIG. 17 taken along lines 19-19;
[0033] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the endless conveyor
belt shown in FIG. 17 taken along lines 20-20;
[0034] FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of a shoe assembly and an
adjustable groover assembly in accordance with the present
invention;
[0035] FIG. 22 is a sectional front elevational view of the shoe
assembly and the adjustable groover assembly shown in FIG. 21 taken
along lines 22-22;
[0036] FIG. 23 is a top perspective view taken from the rear of the
adjustable groover assembly and a mounting assembly shown in FIG.
21;
[0037] FIG. 24 is a top perspective view taken from the front of
the adjustable groover assembly and the mounting assembly shown in
FIG. 21;
[0038] FIG. 25 is a top perspective view taken from the rear of the
adjustable groover assembly shown in FIG. 21 in its closed
position; and
[0039] FIG. 26 is a top perspective view taken from the rear of the
adjustable groover assembly shown in FIG. 21 in its open
position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0040] This invention discloses an improved excavating machine for
cutting a trench through the earth. The invention particularly
discloses an improved excavating machine for trenching through
rocky soils. Prior improvements to wheel trenchers invented in
whole or in part by one of the instant inventors are shown in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 4,890,670; 5,873,186; 5,943,798; and 6,055,750; the
disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by this
reference.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 1, the numeral 30 generally designates the
excavating machine of the present invention. The excavating machine
30 includes a power unit vehicle 32 supported by wheels 34.
Pivotally mounted about a horizontal axis 35 on the power unit
vehicle 32 is an L-arm assembly 36 which is adapted to be raised
and lowered by means of a hydraulic cylinder 38. Pivotally mounted
to the L-arm assembly 36 is earth cutting assembly 40. The earth
cutting assembly 40 of the preferred embodiment comprises a rock
wheel trencher assembly 42 and a supporting frame assembly 44. The
supporting frame assembly 44 is pivotally mounted about a
horizontal axis 46 as part of a means for controlling the pitch of
the earth cutting assembly 40, and this pivotal movement is
controlled by a second hydraulic cylinder 48. Rotatably mounted to
the supporting frame assembly 44 is a wheel assembly 50. Also
mounted to the supporting frame assembly 44 are a conveyor assembly
52 and a shoe assembly 54.
[0042] FIGS. 1-4 schematically show the excavating machine 30 in
its range of positions. FIG. 1 shows the excavating machine 30 with
earth cutting assembly 40 raised to its highest position, when
machine 30 is ready for movement to a new site. FIG. 2 shows the
earth cutting assembly 40 lowered to ground level 55. FIG. 3 shows
the earth cutting assembly 40 partially below ground level 55 as a
trench 56 in rocky ground or solid rock 58 is begun. FIG. 4 shows
the earth cutting assembly 40 in a position at the bottom 59 of the
trench 56 in the ground 58.
[0043] FIGS. 5-8 show the L-arm assembly 36 for raising and
lowering the earth cutting assembly 40. The L-arm assembly 36 is
located between the power unit vehicle 32 and the earth cutting
assembly 40. The L-arm assembly 36 includes a first arm 60 having a
first end 62 and a second end 64 opposite to the first end 62. The
L-arm assembly 36 further includes a second arm 66 integral with
and substantially transverse to the first arm 60. The second arm 66
has a first end 68 integral with the first end 62 of the first arm
60 and a second end 70 opposite to the first end 68 of the second
arm 66. The second end 64 of the first arm 60 includes apertures 72
for receiving a pivot member 74 for pivotal attachment to the power
unit vehicle 32. The second end 70 of the second arm 66 includes an
extended lift member 76 having an apertures 78 for receiving a
pivot member 80 for pivotal attachment to the supporting frame
assembly 44 about horizontal axis 46. The first arm 60 of the L-arm
assembly 36 is longer than the second arm 66 of the L-arm assembly
36.
[0044] While it is anticipated that the L-arm assembly 36 could
comprise one L-arm of solid construction (not shown), the preferred
embodiment as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 shows an assembly of two
separate L-arms 82 spaced apart by tubular support members 84. In
addition, FIGS. 5 and 6 show that the first arm 60 of each L-arm 82
is comprised of a top plate 86 and first and second side plates 88
and 90, respectively, the first side plate 88 being substantially
parallel with the second side plate 90 with a slight divergence
between the first side plate 88 and second side plate 90 from the
first end 62 of the first arm 60 to the second end 64 of the first
arm 60. In addition, the second arm 66 of each L-arm 82 is
comprised of a rectangular housing 94 with the extended lift
members 76 extended from the second end 70 thereof.
[0045] The L-arm assembly 36 also includes means for attachment to
the hydraulic cylinder 38 to raise and lower the L-arm assembly 36
in the form of two gusset plates 96 having apertures 98 therein for
receiving a pivot member 100 for pivotal attachment to the
hydraulic cylinder 38. It is preferred that these means for
attachment to the hydraulic cylinder 38 be proximate to the first
end 62 of the first arm 60 of the L-arm assembly 36.
[0046] In the preferred embodiment wherein the L-arm assembly 36 is
made up of two parallel L-arms 82, one of the parallel second arms
66 includes within its rectangular housing 94 means for extending
and retracting the extended lift member 76. Means for extending and
retracting an extended lift member 102 relative to a rigidly
connected extended lift member 104 are shown in FIGS. 7 (extended)
and 8 (retracted). A telescoping housing 106 is operably attached
between a linear actuator 108 (shown uncovered in FIGS. 1-4) and
the lift member 102.
[0047] While the L-arm assembly 36 of the present invention is
shown on an excavating machine 30 having a rock wheel trencher
assembly 42, it is to be understood that this L-arm assembly 36
could be incorporated with any type of excavating machine having
earth cutting means as original equipment or sold separately as a
retrofit part for existing equipment.
[0048] FIG. 9 shows an enlarged elevational view of the supporting
frame assembly 44 and the wheel assembly 50 mounted rotatably
thereon. A hitch 116 having an aperture 118 therein is included for
receiving pivot member 46 for pivotal attachment to the second end
70 of the second arm 66 of the L-arm assembly 36. In addition to
pivotal movement upon extension or retraction of the hydraulic
cylinder 48, when the slidable lift member 102 is extended or
retracted relative to the fixed lift member 104 by linear actuator
108, the supporting frame assembly 44 and the wheel assembly 50 are
adjustable from their normal vertical orientation. This is
beneficial when a vertical trench is to be dug on uneven ground or
when a non-vertical trench is to be dug.
[0049] The supporting frame assembly 44 also includes a flange 122
having an aperture 124 therein for receiving a fastening member 126
for operable attachment to the second hydraulic cylinder 48 for the
supporting frame assembly 44. Accordingly, as the second hydraulic
cylinder 48 for the wheel frame assembly 44 is extended and
retracted, the pitch of the supporting frame assembly 44 is
adjusted up or down in accordance therewith.
[0050] The wheel assembly 50 includes a digging wheel 128 having a
rim structure 130 and a series of circumferentially spaced plate
members 132 peripherally mounted to the rim structure 130 of the
digging wheel 128. A truck roller assembly 134 is rigidly connected
to the supporting frame assembly 44 for adjustment of the digging
wheel 128 and to maintain the digging wheel 128 in a desired
position. The digging wheel 128 is driven in a counter-clockwise
direction as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, by a drive mechanism 136. As
the digging wheel 128 rotates, ripping teeth 138 of each plate
member 132 strike a portion of trench leading edge 57, moving
upward against leading edge 57 freeing spoil 140 which is then
carried within the plate members 132, arc plate 142, and the rim
structure 130 to the top 141 of the digging wheel 128. The arc
plate 142 keeps the spoil from passing through the rim structure
130 until it reaches the top 141 of the digging wheel 128 where it
then falls onto the conveyor assembly 52 for expelling laterally to
a spoil bank (not shown) on the side of the excavating machine
30.
[0051] Each plate member 132 comprises a generally flat plate
having at least one ripping tooth 138 mounted thereto, the at least
one ripping tooth 138 extending outwardly from rim structure
130.
[0052] FIG. 10 is a front elevation of rim structure 130 with plate
member 132 mounted thereto. FIG. 11 is a top perspective of an
exemplary plate member 132 and FIG. 12 is a section view taken
along line 12-12 of FIG. 11. Exemplary plate member 132 is shown in
FIGS. 10-12 to include a rectangular steel plate 133, preferably of
steel, having a leading edge 137 which may be, but need not be,
tapered from longer outward face 135 to shorter inward face 139.
Plate member 132 is fixed to rim structure 130 which comprises
spaced apart parallel rims 129 and 131. In the exemplary plate
member 132 of FIGS. 10-12, two ripping teeth 138 are fixed to
outward face 135 of plate member 132. Each ripping tooth 138
comprises a holder 170 and a spike 172, with holder 170 receiving
spike 172 and orienting it at angle a relative to outward face 135.
Angle a is optimally between 32.degree. and 62.degree., preferably
approximately 47.degree. to 52.degree. in the preferred embodiment.
It is possible that other inclinations of ripping teeth 138 may be
useful depending on the type of rocky condition encountered. Spikes
172 are preferably carbide tips which are driven by wheel assembly
50 against the trench leading edge 57. Various geometries of spikes
172 are contemplated such as chisels, knives, gouges, scoops and
daggers. Variations in the structures of the holders 170 and
attachment of spikes 172 thereto may also be made while adhering to
the invention.
[0053] Each plate member 132 may further be provided with one or
more spades 174 which may be backhoe teeth which extend forward of
leading edge 137 of plates 133. Spades 174 may comprise support
legs 178, which lie along outward face 135 of plates 133, and
shovels 176 which are disposed forward of leading edge 137 of
plates 133. Shovels 176 preferably incline away from outward face
135.
[0054] FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate a series of plate members
132a-j carried on rim structure 130. First plate member 132a of
series of plate members 132a-j comprises a single ripper tooth 138
located generally centrally on outward face 135 of series first
plate member 132a. Also mounted to first plate member 132a are a
pair of spades 174 spaced on either side of single ripping tooth
138.
[0055] Spaced from first plate member 132a is second plate member
132b of series of plate members 132a-j. Spacing between adjacent
plate members may be about six inches while each plate member 132
may be approximately six inches long though variations in both of
these dimensions may be selected, preferably within the range of
three inches to fifteen inches, it further to be understood that
the length of the plate members 132 is not dependent on the spacing
between adjacent plate members 132, nor is the converse required.
Second plate member 132b comprises a pair of ripping teeth 138
spaced generally equidistantly from the center line 180 of rim
structure 130. Flanking ripping teeth 138 are pairs of spades 174
which may be mounted to outward face 135 of second plate member
132b at positions generally equidistant from center line 180.
[0056] Spaced apart from second plate member 132b and mounted to
rims 129 and 131 is third plate member 132c of series of plate
members 132a-j which comprises ripping teeth 138 and multiple
spades 174. A centered spade 174 in the form of a backhoe tooth
lies on center line 180 with the other spades 174 and the ripping
teeth 138 spaced apart generally equidistantly from center line
180.
[0057] Fourth plate member 132d of series of plate members 132a-j
is spaced similarly from third plate member 132c and from the next
plate member 132e which will follow. Fourth plate member 132d
comprises a pair of spades 174 flanked by a pair of ripping teeth
138. It can be observed that ripping teeth 138 on succeeding plate
members 132b-j form a pattern with ripping tooth 138 of first plate
member 132a starting on the center line 180 and with ripping teeth
138 moving sequentially outward from the center line 180 with each
succeeding plate member 132b-e. Spades 174 are disposed on each
plate member 132 and are placed in locations spaced apart from the
ripping teeth 138. Generally ripping teeth 138 and spades 174 are
symmetrically disposed as to center line 180.
[0058] It is to be understood that the pattern of the ripping teeth
138 and spades 174 on series of plate members 132a-j may repeat or
the series of plate members 132a-j may comprise additional plate
members 132, each of which preferably includes at least one ripping
tooth 138 and at least one spade 174. However, plate members 132
which have neither ripping teeth 138 nor spades 174 may be
interspersed within or between series thereof. Furthermore, the use
of only one or more ripping teeth 138 on a plate member 132 without
spades 174, or the use of only one or more spades 174 without
ripping teeth 138 on a selected plate members is also
contemplated.
[0059] Preferably, plate members 132 in series are constructed such
that the first of a series of plate members 132 has a single
ripping tooth 138 centered thereon while the next plate member 132
in the series includes two ripping teeth 138 each spaced
approximately three inches from the centerline 180 of the wheel
assembly 50. The next plate member 132 in the series is provided
with two ripping teeth 138 each spaced approximately six inches
from the centerline 180 and the subsequent plate member 132
includes two ripping teeth 138 each separated by approximately nine
inches from the centerline 180. Thereafter, the next following
plate member 132 includes two ripping teeth each separated from the
center line 180 by twelve inches. Then the series may include a
next following plate member 132 which includes two ripping teeth
138 straddling the centerline with each ripping tooth 138 at a
distance of one and one-half inches from the center line 180,
followed by the next following plate member 132 provided with two
ripping teeth 138 each spaced approximately four and one-half
inches from the centerline 180; followed by a next plate member 132
including two ripping teeth 138 each spaced approximately seven and
one-half inches from the centerline 180; followed by a next plate
member 132 including two ripping teeth 138 each spaced
approximately ten and one-half inches from the centerline 180.
Thereafter the next following plate member 132 may be identical to
the first plate member 132a in the series having a centered single
ripping tooth 138 and the series may then repeat as needed to
complete the periphery of the rim structure 130.
[0060] As seen in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the spades 174 are located on
plate members 132 such that they are spaced laterally from the
ripping teeth 138 and also symmetrically to the centerline 180,
including in some cases when three spades 174 may be utilized on a
plate member 132 with the middle of the spades 174 thereon centered
on the centerline 180. In each case, the spades 174 are directed
toward the direction of movement of the plate members 132 as the
wheel assembly 50 is turned while the ripping teeth 138 are each
angularly directed outward from the plate members 132 with the
spikes 172 thereof directed toward the direction of rotational
movement of the rim structure 130. Spades 174 extend forward of
leading edges 137 of plate member 132 while spikes 172 are
preferably located near the trailing edges 133 of plate members
132.
[0061] The ripping tooth 138 of first plate member 132a shatters
the trench leading edge 57 of the rocky ground 58 while the ripping
teeth 138 of each succeeding plate member 132 strike a different
area and may clear the spoil 140 created by the ripping tooth 138
of the preceding plate members 132 or the ripping teeth 138 of the
following plate members 132 may shatter a different area of the
trench leading edge 57.
[0062] The shovels 176 of each spade 174 do not extend outward from
plate 133 as far as the ripping teeth 138 do but do serve to scoop
rock pieces and rocky soil in the trench, feeding the spoil 140
toward the arc plate 142 and upward such that spoil 140 will pass
to the top 141 of wheel assembly 50 and be deflected by deflective
face 150 (FIG. 14) onto the conveyor assembly 52. In addition,
shovels 176 serve to excavate non-rocky soil which may be
encountered, thereby permitting the invention machine to be used on
both rocky and non-rocky soils.
[0063] Deflecting member 144 is operably attached to the wheel
frame assembly 44 at 146. The deflecting member 144 is shown in
detail in FIG. 14 and is positioned within an interior profile 148
defined by of the rim structure 130 and the plate members 132 of
the digging wheel 128 in FIG. 15. The deflecting member 144 is
positioned at an angle with a deflecting face 150 located at the
top 141 of the digging wheel 128 in such a manner that it removes
the spoil 140 which has accumulated in the rim structure 130
between the plate members 132 of the digging wheel 128 and the arc
plate 142. Deflecting member 144 directs the spoil 140 downwardly
onto the conveyor assembly 52. The deflecting face 150 corresponds
substantially in size and shape to the interior profile 148 of the
rim structure 130 and the plate members 132, the deflecting face
150 thereby fitting within the interior profile 148 formed by the
rim structure 130 and the plate members 132 to remove substantially
all of the spoil 140 which has accumulated within interior profile
148.
[0064] The deflecting face 150 may be arcuate in lateral
cross-section (FIG. 14) and in longitudinal cross-section resulting
in a concave shape in order to deflect the spoil 140 downward.
[0065] In the preferred embodiment, the deflecting face 150 is
rigidly attached to a support member 152 which is carried on the
frame assembly 144. Compression coil springs (not shown) within
housing 154 may longitudinally bias the deflecting face 150 into
position within the interior profile 148 of the rim structure 130
and the plate member 132 as well as permit the deflecting face 150
to retract upon contact with an obstruction (not shown) within the
interior profile 148 of the rim structure 130 and the plate member
132. This configuration allows for positive cleaning while
preventing damage upon contact with an obstruction.
[0066] An alternative embodiment of the cleaning member 144 is
shown in FIG. 16. In this embodiment, a cleaning face 170 is
attached directly to a mounting arm 172 which is pivotally mounted
to a wheel frame assembly 174 about a horizontal axis 176. A coiled
spring 178 is rigidly connected between the mounting arm 172 at 180
and the wheel frame assembly 174 at 182 to provide alternative
biasing and retraction means. However, the cleaning face 184 and
the ultimate position of the cleaning face 184 within the interior
profile 148 of the rim structure 130 and the bucket member 132
would be identical.
[0067] In the preferred embodiment, it is found that the wheel
speed may be accelerated over that which is known in the art and
that the cutting effect of the earth cutting assembly 40 may be
improved by rotation of the wheel assembly 50 at a sufficient speed
that the speed of travel of any of ripping teeth 138 across the
leading trench edge 57 is not less than approximately fifteen feet
per second, and preferably approximately at least eighteen feet per
second. The inclusion of the deflecting member 144 and the conveyor
assembly 52 in coordination with the novel plate members 132
mounted on the rim structure 130 enables the rapid rotation of the
wheel assembly 52 such that the ripping teeth 138 pass the leading
trench face 57 at an angular velocity of in excess of fifteen feet
per second. In some ground conditions however, it may be necessary
to operate the wheel assembly 50 at a slower speed at which the
excavating machine will remain fully functional.
[0068] The conveyor assembly of the present invention is shown in
FIGS. 17-20. The conveyor assembly 52 is operably attached to the
wheel frame assembly 44 in a suspended manner at 186 and 188. This
allows the conveyor assembly to be tilted from one side to another
depending upon from which side the spoil 140 is to be expelled. The
conveyor assembly 52 comprises an interior portion 190 bounded by a
first end roller 192 and a second end roller 194 opposite to the
first end roller 192, an endless conveyor belt 196 about the first
end roller 192 and the second end roller 194, a first side assembly
198 and a second side assembly 200 opposite to the first side
assembly 198, all to prevent the spoil 140 from entering the
interior portion 190 of the conveyor assembly 52.
[0069] The conveyor assembly 52 further comprises a top plate 202
on which the endless conveyor belt 196 slides. In the preferred
embodiment, this top plate 202 is made of an ultra-high molecular
weight plastic to provide a minimal amount of friction between the
endless conveyor belt 196 and the top plate 202. However, it is
anticipated that other materials could be used. While the top plate
202 is shown in the preferred embodiment as separate plates 204 and
206 which are located side-by-side with a longitudinal channel 208
therebetween, it is to be understood that a single top plate could
also be used having a longitudinal groove therein (not shown). The
top plates 204 and 206 of the conveyor assembly 52 extend laterally
beyond the first side assembly 198 and the second side assembly
200, respectively, in a manner so as to overlap the side assemblies
198 and 200 to prevent spoil 140 from entering the interior portion
190 of the conveyor assembly 52.
[0070] In the preferred embodiment, the endless conveyor belt 196
includes a series of finger-like projections 210 (FIGS. 19 and 20)
along its underside 212 corresponding in alignment with the
longitudinal channel 208 between the first top plate 204 and the
second top plate 206 of the conveyor assembly 52 in order to act in
combination as a guide for centering the endless conveyor belt 196
on the conveyor assembly 52. In addition, the first end roller 192
and the second end roller 194 each include an annular groove 214
and 216, respectively, in alignment with the longitudinal channel
208 between the first top plate 204 and the second top plate 206 of
the conveyor assembly 52 in order to receive the finger-like
projections 210 on the underside 212 of the endless conveyor belt
196 again to center the endless conveyor belt 196 on the conveyor
assembly 52. The centering of the endless conveyor belt 196 on the
conveyor assembly 52 is also assisted by a tapering of the first
end roller 192 and the second end roller 194 wherein the center
portion 218 and 220 of the first end roller and second end roller,
respectively, is larger in diameter than the end portions 222 and
224 and 226 and 228 of the first end roller 192 and the second end
roller 194, respectively.
[0071] A belt tension adjuster 230 allows an end member 232 of the
first side assembly 198 and an end member 234 of the second side
assembly 200, respectively, to be extended or retracted as
necessary The tension adjuster 230 comprises a thumb screw 231
which, upon turning along threaded rod 236, either extends or
retracts the end members 232 and 234 of the first side assembly 198
and the second side assembly 200, respectively, along with the
second end roller 194. The first end roller 192 is rigidly
connected along with end members 238 and 240 of the first side
assembly 198 and the second side assembly 200, respectively.
[0072] The first side assembly 198 and the second side assembly 200
further includes downwardly extended flanges 242 and 244,
respectively, for preventing the spoil 140 from entering the
interior portion 190 on the underside 246 of the conveyor assembly
52. For the minimal amount of spoil 140 that does enter the
interior portion 190 of the conveyor assembly 52, a plow assembly
is operably attached therein to direct the spoil 140 back out from
the interior portion 190 of the conveyor assembly 52. The shoe
assembly 54 is a diamond-shaped configuration of stop plates 250,
252, 254 and 256 which are angled towards the first side assembly
198 and the second side assembly 200. Accordingly, as spoil riding
on the underside 212 of the endless conveyor belt 196 comes into
contact with the stop plates 250-256 it is directed out of the
conveyor assembly 52.
[0073] Once again, while the conveyor assembly 52 of the present
invention is shown on an excavating machine 30 having a rock wheel
trencher assembly 42, the conveyor assembly 52 could be
incorporated with any type of excavating machine having earth
cutting means either as original equipment or sold separately as a
retrofit part for existing equipment.
[0074] The shoe assembly 54 of the present invention is shown in
FIGS. 21-26. The shoe assembly 54 includes a post member 258 for
operable attachment at 260 with the supporting frame assembly 44.
The shoe assembly further includes side plates 262 and 264 for
contact with the side walls of the trench 56 in order to prevent a
cave-in of the side walls of the trench 56 during use. The side
plates 262 and 264 are supported and maintained in a spaced
relationship by a tubular support assembly 266 which extends
downwardly from the post member 258.
[0075] Grooving means 268 are operably attached along the bottom
edge 270 of the shoe assembly 54 and extend therebelow to form a
groove 272 in the bottom 274 of the trench 56. In the preferred
embodiment, the grooving means 268 comprise adjustable groove means
276 for adjusting the radial dimension of the groove 272. The
adjustable groove means 276 includes a mounting assembly 278
including a mounting plate 280 rigidly connected to a bottom member
282 of the shoe assembly 54. The mounting assembly 278 of the
adjustable groove means 276 also includes side mounting plates 284
and 286 rigidly connected to sidewalls 262 and 264, respectively,
of the shoe assembly 54 and a rear mounting plate 288 operably
attached between the side mounting plates 284 and 286.
[0076] Suspended within the mounting assembly 278 and pivotally
connected about a pivot member 290 extended rearwardly from the
front mounting plate 280 is the adjustable groover assembly 291 of
the adjustable groove means 276. The adjustable groover assembly
291 comprises a first arcuate groove plate 292 and a second arcuate
groove plate 294 having apertures 296 and 298, respectively, for
receiving the pivot member 290 extended rearwardly from the front
mounting plate 280, the first arcuate groove plate 292 and the
second arcuate groove plate 294 in combination resulting in an arc
300 of varying radius for forming the groove 272 in the bottom 274
of the trench 56.
[0077] Means for pivoting the first arcuate groove plate 292
relative to the second arcuate groove plate 294 are included
comprising a linear actuator 302 having a first end 304 and a
second end 306 opposite to the first end 304.
[0078] The first end 304 of the linear actuator 32 is operably
attached to a hand-crank assembly 308 which is operably attached at
the top edge 310 of the shoe assembly 54. The second end 306 of the
linear actuator 302 is operably attached to a yoke member 312
having an aperture 314 for receiving a pivot member 316 therein.
First and second link members 318 and 320 each having a first end
322 and 324, respectively, and a second end 326 and 328,
respectively, are pivotally attached at their first ends 322, 324
to the yoke member 312 and at their second ends 324, 326 to the
first arcuate groove plate 292 and the second arcuate groove plate
294, respectively, at pivot points 328 and 330, respectively.
[0079] Accordingly, as the linear actuator 302 is extended, the
link members 318 and 320 extend the first arcuate groove plate 292
and the second arcuate groove plate 294 apart to form a groove of a
larger radius. Likewise, when the linear actuator 302 is retracted,
the link members 318 and 320 retract the first arcuate groove plate
292 relative to the second arcuate groove plate 294 to create a
groove of a smaller radius.
[0080] A nose cone member 332 extends in front of the front
mounting plate 280 in the direction of travel of the excavating
machine 30 to penetrate the ground 58 to make way for the
adjustable groover assembly 291.
[0081] And again, while the adjustable groover assembly 276 of the
present invention is shown on an excavating machine 30 having a
rock wheel trencher assembly 42, it is to be understood that the
adjustable groover assembly 276 could be incorporated with any type
of excavating machine having earth cutting means as original
equipment or sold separately as a retrofit part for existing
equipment.
[0082] The foregoing description and drawings merely explain and
illustrate the invention, and the invention is not limited thereto,
except insofar as the claims are so limited as those skilled in the
art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make
modifications and variations therein without departing from the
scope of the invention.
* * * * *