U.S. patent application number 14/047171 was filed with the patent office on 2014-04-17 for horizontally rotatable multi-knuckle boom.
The applicant listed for this patent is Bo FENG. Invention is credited to Bo FENG.
Application Number | 20140103698 14/047171 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50474720 |
Filed Date | 2014-04-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140103698 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
FENG; Bo |
April 17, 2014 |
HORIZONTALLY ROTATABLE MULTI-KNUCKLE BOOM
Abstract
The mining vehicle for spraying a fluid including a vehicle
portion having a propulsion system for propelling the mining
vehicle, a boom connected to the vehicle portion, and a
hydraulically driven pivot assembly connecting the boom to the
vehicle portion. The pivot assembly includes a horizontal axis
pivot member to allow the boom to pivot about the vehicle portion
about a first horizontal axis. The boom comprises at least three
boom arms and a nozzle on an end thereof, with each of the boom
arms being pivotable about an adjacent one of the boom arms about a
second axis. The second axis is substantially perpendicular to the
first horizontal axis.
Inventors: |
FENG; Bo; (Portage,
MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
FENG; Bo |
Portage |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50474720 |
Appl. No.: |
14/047171 |
Filed: |
October 7, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61714972 |
Oct 17, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
299/29 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21F 5/02 20130101; E21D
11/105 20130101; E21C 37/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
299/29 |
International
Class: |
E21C 37/12 20060101
E21C037/12 |
Claims
1. A mining vehicle for spraying a fluid comprising: a vehicle
portion having a propulsion system for propelling the mining
vehicle; a boom connected to the vehicle portion; and a
hydraulically driven pivot assembly connecting the boom to the
vehicle portion, the pivot assembly including a horizontal axis
pivot member to allow the boom to pivot about the vehicle portion
about a first horizontal axis; the boom comprising at least three
boom arms and a nozzle on an end thereof, each of the boom arms
being pivotable about an adjacent one of the boom arms about a
second axis, with the second axis being substantially perpendicular
to the first horizontal axis.
2. The mining vehicle for spraying the fluid of claim 1, wherein:
the propulsion system comprises wheels.
3. The mining vehicle for spraying the fluid of claim 1, further
including: a tube system extending between the vehicle portion and
the nozzle, the tube system being configured to supply the fluid
from the vehicle portion to the nozzle for spraying the fluid out
of the nozzle.
4. The mining vehicle for spraying the fluid of claim 1, wherein:
the hydraulically driven pivot assembly only pivots relative to the
vehicle portion about the first horizontal axis.
5. The mining vehicle for spraying the fluid of claim 1, wherein:
at least one of the boom arms is extendible.
6. The mining vehicle for spraying the fluid of claim 5, wherein:
the at least one of the boom arms that is extendible is a
telescoping arm.
7. The mining vehicle for spraying the fluid of claim 5, wherein:
the at least one of the boom arms that is extendible has the nozzle
on a distal end thereof.
8. The mining vehicle for spraying the fluid of claim 5, wherein:
the at least one of the boom arms that is extendible does not have
an external actuator for extending the at least one of the boom
arms.
9. The mining vehicle for spraying the fluid of claim 7, wherein:
the nozzle is pivotable about the end of the boom.
10. The mining vehicle for spraying the fluid of claim 1, wherein:
each adjacent pair of the boom arms have an actuator connected
thereto for rotating the boom arms relative to each other about the
second axis.
11. The mining vehicle for spraying the fluid of claim 10, wherein:
the actuator comprises a pair of telescoping tubes.
12. The mining vehicle for spraying the fluid of claim 10, wherein:
the actuator is pivotally connected to each of the adjacent pair of
boom arms.
13. The mining vehicle for spraying the fluid of claim 1, wherein:
the vehicle portion has a front edge and a rear edge; and the
hydraulically driven pivot assembly does not extend beyond the
front edge of the vehicle portion.
14. A mining assembly for spraying a fluid comprising: a base; a
boom connected to the base; a hydraulically driven pivot assembly
connecting the boom to the base, the pivot assembly including a
horizontal axis pivot member to allow the boom to pivot about the
base about a first horizontal axis; the boom comprising at least
three boom arms and a nozzle on an end thereof, each of the boom
arms being pivotable about an adjacent one of the boom arms about a
second axis, with the second axis being substantially perpendicular
to the first horizontal axis; and a tube system extending between
the base and the nozzle, the tube system being configured to supply
the fluid from the base to the nozzle for spraying the fluid out of
the nozzle.
15. The mining assembly for spraying the fluid of claim 14,
wherein: at least one of the boom arms is extendible.
16. The mining assembly for spraying the fluid of claim 15,
wherein: the at least one of the boom arms that is extendible is a
telescoping arm.
17. The mining assembly for spraying the fluid of claim 15,
wherein: the at least one of the boom arms that is extendible has
the nozzle on a distal end thereof.
18. The mining assembly for spraying the fluid of claim 17,
wherein: the nozzle is pivotable about the end of the boom.
19. The mining assembly for spraying the fluid of claim 14,
wherein: the at least one of the boom arms that is extendible does
not have an external actuator for extending the at least one of the
boom arms.
20. The mining assembly for spraying the fluid of claim 14,
wherein: each adjacent pair of the boom arms have an actuator
connected thereto for rotating the boom arms relative to each other
about the second axis.
21. The mining assembly for spraying the fluid of claim 20,
wherein: the actuator comprises a pair of telescoping tubes.
22. The mining assembly for spraying the fluid of claim 20,
wherein: the actuator is pivotally connected to each of the
adjacent pair of boom arms.
23. The mining assembly for spraying the fluid of claim 14,
wherein: the base has a front edge and a rear edge; and the
hydraulically driven pivot assembly does not extend beyond the
front edge of the base.
24. A mining vehicle for spraying a fluid comprising: a vehicle
portion having a propulsion system comprising wheels for propelling
the mining vehicle; a boom connected to the vehicle portion; a
hydraulically driven pivot assembly connecting the boom to the
vehicle portion, the pivot assembly including a horizontal axis
pivot member to allow the boom to pivot about the vehicle portion
about a first horizontal axis; the boom comprising at least three
boom arms and a nozzle on an end thereof, each of the boom arms
being pivotable about an adjacent one of the boom arms about a
second axis, with the second axis being substantially perpendicular
to the first horizontal axis; and a tube system extending between
the vehicle portion and the nozzle, the tube system being
configured to supply the fluid from the vehicle portion to the
nozzle for spraying the fluid out of the nozzle; wherein at least
one of the boom arms is a telescoping arm having the nozzle on a
distal end thereof; and wherein each adjacent pair of the boom arms
have an actuator pivotally connected thereto for rotating the boom
arms relative to each other about the second axis.
25. The mining vehicle for spraying the fluid of claim 24, wherein:
the telescoping arm does not have an external actuator for
extending the telescoping arm.
26. The mining vehicle for spraying the fluid of claim 24, wherein:
the vehicle portion has a front edge and a rear edge; and the
hydraulically driven pivot assembly does not extend beyond the
front edge of the vehicle portion.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to co-pending U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/714,972, filed Oct. 17, 2012,
the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to vehicles and, more
particularly, to a vehicle having a horizontally rotatable
multi-knuckle boom.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Vehicles having spray booms for spraying liquids during
mining have typically included booms that can fold, extend and
rotate about a horizontal axis perpendicular to a direction of
motion of the vehicle. A vehicle having a boom with greater degrees
of movement and easier methods of rotation is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] A first aspect of the present invention is to provide a
mining vehicle for spraying a fluid. The mining vehicle includes a
vehicle portion having a propulsion system for propelling the
mining vehicle, a boom connected to the vehicle portion, and a
hydraulically driven pivot assembly connecting the boom to the
vehicle portion. The pivot assembly includes a horizontal axis
pivot member to allow the boom to pivot about the vehicle portion
about a first horizontal axis. The boom comprises at least three
boom arms and a nozzle on an end thereof, with each of the boom
arms being pivotable about an adjacent one of the boom arms about a
second axis. The second axis is substantially perpendicular to the
first horizontal axis.
[0005] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
mining assembly for spraying a fluid comprising a base, a boom
connected to the base, and a hydraulically driven pivot assembly
connecting the boom to the base. The pivot assembly includes a
horizontal axis pivot member to allow the boom to pivot about the
base about a first horizontal axis. The boom comprises at least
three boom arms and a nozzle on an end thereof, with each of the
boom arms being pivotable about an adjacent one of the boom arms
about a second axis. The second axis is substantially perpendicular
to the first horizontal axis. The mining assembly also includes a
tube system extending between the base and the nozzle, with the
tube system being configured to supply the fluid from the base to
the nozzle for spraying the fluid out of the nozzle.
[0006] Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
mining vehicle for spraying a fluid comprising a vehicle portion
having a propulsion system comprising wheel for propelling the
mining vehicle, a boom connected to the vehicle portion, and a
hydraulically driven pivot assembly connecting the boom to the
vehicle portion. The pivot assembly includes a horizontal axis
pivot member to allow the boom to pivot about the vehicle portion
about a first horizontal axis. The boom comprises at least three
boom arms and a nozzle on an end thereof, with each of the boom
arms being pivotable about an adjacent one of the boom arms about a
second axis. The second axis is substantially perpendicular to the
first horizontal axis. The mining vehicle also includes a tube
system extending between the vehicle portion and the nozzle, with
the tube system being configured to supply the fluid from the
vehicle portion to the nozzle for spraying the fluid out of the
nozzle. At least one of the boom arms is a telescoping arm having
the nozzle on a distal end thereof. Each adjacent pair of the boom
arms have an actuator pivotally connected thereto for rotating the
boom arms relative to each other about the second axis.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a side view of vehicle of the present
invention.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a side view of a boom of the vehicle of the
present invention in a folded position.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a side view of the boom of the vehicle of the
present invention in an unfolded position.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the boom of the vehicle
of the present invention in the unfolded and fully extended
position.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a horizontal axis pivot
assembly and a first arm of the boom of the vehicle of the present
invention.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the horizontal axis
pivot assembly of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a second arm of the boom
of the vehicle of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a third arm of the boom
of the vehicle of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a fourth telescoping arm
of the boom of the vehicle of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0016] For purposes of description herein, it is to be understood
that the invention may assume various alternative orientations,
except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be
understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in
the attached drawings, and described in the following
specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive
concepts defined herein. Hence, specific dimensions and other
physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed
herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless expressly
stated otherwise.
[0017] The reference number 10 (FIG. 1) generally designates a
vehicle embodying the present invention. In the illustrated
example, the vehicle 10 includes a front vehicle portion 12 and a
rear vehicle portion 14. A joint 16 articulates between the front
vehicle portion 12 and the rear vehicle portion 14. The joint 16
can be a powered joint or a passive joint. While any joint 16 could
be used, an example of a powered joint that could be used is
disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 61/625,962, entitled
ARTICULATION AND OSCILLATION JOINT FOR VEHICLE, the entire contents
of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. While the
vehicle 10 is illustrated as having a pivoted front vehicle portion
12 and a rear vehicle portion 14, it is contemplated that the
vehicle 10 could be formed of a single fixed body.
[0018] The illustrated front vehicle portion 12 propels the vehicle
10. The front vehicle portion 12 includes an engine for driving the
vehicle 10 and at least one pair of driven wheels 17 for propelling
the vehicle 10 (e.g., four wheel drive with two pairs of driven
wheels 17). The pair of driven wheels 17 can be connected by a
solid axle or cradle axle. Cradle axles are well known to those
skilled in the art and any cradle axle can be used. For example,
the front vehicle portion 12 can have the cradle axle discussed in
U.S. Pat. No. 4,082,377 entitled AXLE CRADLE MOUNTING HAVING
ELASTOMERIC SPHERICAL BUSHINGS, the entire contents of which are
hereby incorporated herein by reference. The rear vehicle portion
14 can comprise a trailer or any other structure and can include at
least one axle (solid or cradle) having a pair of wheels 19
connected to ends thereof.
[0019] In the illustrated example, the front vehicle portion 12
includes a boom 20 that can rotate about a horizontal axis 25
relative to the front vehicle portion 12 by a horizontal axis pivot
assembly 30 having a pivot actuator 26. The boom 20 can be used for
carrying anything on an end thereof. In the illustrated example,
the boom 20 includes an articulating nozzle 22 on an end thereof.
The articulating nozzle 22 can be used in any application including
for spraying a fluid therethrough for use in mining as is well
known to those skilled in the art. The fluid is supplied to the
nozzle 22 from the vehicle through tubing 36 connected to the boom
20.
[0020] The illustrated boom 20 includes a first arm 24 connected to
the horizontal axis pivot assembly 30, a second arm 28, a third arm
32 and a fourth telescoping arm 34 having the articulating nozzle
22 on a distal end thereof. The first arm 24, the second arm 28,
the third arm 32 and the fourth telescoping arm 34 are pivotable
relative to each other to allow the boom 20 to move from a folded
position as illustrated in FIG. 1 to an unfolded position as
illustrated in FIG. 3. Furthermore, the fourth telescoping arm 34
can be extended from a retracted position as illustrated in FIG. 1
to an expanded position as illustrated in FIG. 4. Certain
terminology will be used in the following description for
convenience in reference only, and will not be limiting. For
example, the words "distal" and "distally" will refer to the
direction toward the end of the boom 20 as illustrated in the
unfolded position in FIG. 3, which includes the nozzle 22, and the
words "proximal" and "proximally" will refer to the direction
toward the end of the boom 20 which is connected to the front
vehicle portion 12 and that is furthest from the nozzle 22. In
FIGS. 3-5 and 7-9, the distal side is a right side of the drawing
and a proximal side is a left side of the drawing. Said terminology
will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof,
and words of similar import.
[0021] In the illustrated example, the horizontal axis pivot
assembly 30 (FIGS. 1-5) allows the boom 20 to rotate about the
horizontal axis 25 with the pivot actuator 26. The pivot actuator
26 includes an external cylinder 38 and an internal cylinder 40 (or
similar structure) that rotates relative to the external cylinder
38 (see FIG. 6). The pivot actuator 26 also includes a proximal cap
42 connected to a proximal side of the internal cylinder 40 and a
distal cap 44 connected to a distal side of the internal cylinder
40. The proximal cap 42 and the distal cap 44 have substantially
the same diameter as the external cylinder 38 to cover ends of the
same (with a seal between the caps 42, 44 and the external cylinder
38 to allow the caps 42, 44 to rotate with the internal cylinder 40
relative to the external cylinder 38). The pivot actuator 26 can be
powered to actively rotate the boom 20 relative to the vehicle 10
about the horizontal axis 25 extending through a center of the
pivot actuator 26. The pivot actuator 26 can be the actuator
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,447,095 entitled ACTUATOR WITH RING
GEAR AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME, the entire contents of which
are hereby incorporated herein by reference. The pivot actuator 26
can also be an L30 helical, hydraulic actuator as sold by Helac
Corporation.RTM. of Enumclaw, Washington. The pivot actuator 26 can
be powered hydraulically or by other means. As illustrated in FIG.
1, the external cylinder 38 has hydraulic lines 46 connected
thereto for supplying the pivot actuator 26 with hydraulic fluid
under pressure (from a source of pressurized fluid on the vehicle
10) to power the pivot actuator 26.
[0022] The illustrated external cylinder 38 of the pivot actuator
26 of the horizontal axis pivot assembly 30 is fixedly connected to
the vehicle 10 to allow the internal cylinder 40 to rotate about
the horizontal axis 25. The front vehicle portion 12 of the vehicle
10 includes a proximal connection collar 48 and a distal connection
collar 50. The proximal connection collar 48 includes a
substantially block-shaped base plate 52 and a ring collar portion
54 extending from the base plate 52. The base plate 52 of the
proximal connection collar 48 is fixed to the front vehicle portion
12 and the ring collar portion 54 surrounds an exterior periphery
of a proximal side circumferential surface of the external cylinder
38 of the pivot actuator 26. The ring collar portion 54 of the
proximal connection collar 48 is fixed to the external cylinder 38
of the pivot actuator 26 by any means (e.g., fasteners). Similarly,
the distal connection collar 50 includes a substantially
block-shaped base plate 56 and a ring collar portion 58 extending
from the base plate 56. The base plate 56 of the distal connection
collar 50 is fixed to the front vehicle portion 12 (by, e.g.,
fasteners) and the ring collar portion 58 surrounds an exterior
periphery of a distal side circumferential surface of the external
cylinder 38 of the pivot actuator 26. The ring collar portion 58 of
the distal side connection collar 50 is fixed to the external
cylinder 38 of the pivot actuator 26 by any means (e.g.,
fasteners). It is contemplated that the proximal connection collar
48 and the distal connection collar 50 could be fixed to a plate or
similar structure rotatably connected to the vehicle 10 to allow
the boom 20 to be rotatable about a vertical axis to provide even
greater range of motion for the boom 20.
[0023] In the illustrated example, the horizontal axis pivot
assembly 30 further includes a pivot connection 60 fixed to the
proximal cap 42 and the distal cap 44 and connected to the first
arm 24 of the boom 20 for transferring rotary motion of the pivot
actuator 26 to the first arm 24 of the boom 20. The pivot
connection 60 includes a top plate 62 fixed to top edges of the
proximal cap 42 and the distal cap 44. The top plate 62 is
substantially I-shaped when viewed from above and includes a
proximal side end 64, a distal side end 66 and a thin extension 68
extending between the proximal side end 64 and the distal side end
66. A top of the proximal cap 42 is fixed to the proximal side end
64 (by, e.g., fasteners) and a top of the distal cap 44 is fixed to
the distal side end 66 (by, e.g., fasteners). A plurality of angled
struts 67 can extend between the proximal surface of the proximal
cap 42 and a bottom surface of the proximal side end 64 of the top
plate 62 to reinforce the connection between the proximal cap 42
and the top plate 62. The top plate 62 rotates with the internal
cylinder 40 of the pivot actuator 26, the distal cap 44 and the
proximal cap 42. The distal cap 44 and the distal side end 66 of
the top plate 62 are fixed to the first arm 24.
[0024] The illustrated first arm 24 of the boom 20 is fixed to the
horizontal axis pivot assembly 30 to allow the horizontal axis
pivot assembly 30 to rotate the first arm 24 and the boom 20 about
the horizontal axis 25. The first arm 24 includes a pair of
parallel planar side walls 70, an angled middle wall 72 and an end
wall 74. The pair of parallel planar side walls 70 have a proximal
side edge connected to the distal cap 44 of the horizontal axis
pivot assembly 30. A pair of co-planar tabs 76 extend from a distal
edge of the top plate 62 of the horizontal axis pivot assembly 30
and are connected to proximal side top edges of the pair of
parallel planar side walls 70 of the first arm 24. The angled
middle wall 72 of the first arm 24 extends between the pair of
parallel planar side walls 70 and is connected thereto. The angled
middle wall 72 has a higher proximal side connected to a bottom of
the distal side end 66 of the top plate 62 of the horizontal axis
pivot assembly 30. A lower distal side of the angled middle wall 72
terminates at a bottom distal side of the first arm 24. The end
wall 74 extends between the pair of parallel planar side walls 70
in a substantially vertical orientation. A lower edge of the end
wall 74 is spaced from the lower distal side of the angled middle
wall 72 to create a second arm receiving space 78 therebetween. The
second arm 28 is pivotally connected to the first arm 24.
[0025] In the illustrated example, the second arm 28 (FIG. 7) is
connected to the first arm 24 of the boom 20 and is configured to
be forcibly pivoted relative to the first arm 24. The second arm 28
includes a pair of substantially parallel side wall assemblies 80,
a pivot block 82 and an angled stepped plate 84. Each of the
substantially parallel side wall assemblies 80 includes an inside
plate 86, an outside plate 88 and a substantially oval spanning
plate 90. The substantially oval spanning plate 90 extends between
and is connected to peripheries of the inside plate 86 and the
outside plate 88. The pivot block 82 is connected to and extends
between the pair of substantially parallel side wall assemblies 80
at the end of the second arm 28 connected to the first arm 24
(i.e., the proximal end of the second arm 28 is connected to the
distal end of the first arm 24). The angled stepped plate 84 also
is connected to and extends between the pair of substantially
parallel side wall assemblies 80. The angled stepped plate 84
includes, moving from a proximal side to a distal side thereof, a
bottom step 91 and a top step 92, with a middle angled plate 94
extending between the bottom step 91 and the top step 92. The
angled stepped plate 84 also includes an upper angled plate 96 at a
distal end of the top step 92. The bottom step 91 is located
adjacent a first longitudinal edge 98 of the pair of substantially
parallel side wall assemblies 80, with the upper angled plate 96
facing away from the first arm 24. The pair of substantially
parallel side wall assemblies 80 and an area below the middle
angled plate 94, the top step 92 and the upper angled plate 96
define a third arm receiving space 100.
[0026] The illustrated second arm 28 is pivotally connected to the
first arm 24 and a first articulating assembly 102 connected
therebetween forces rotation of the second arm 28 relative to the
first arm 24. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the second arm 28 is
connected to the first arm 24 by inserting the proximal end of the
second arm 28 having the pivot block 82 into the second arm
receiving space 78 of the first arm 24. A pivot pin 101 extends
through the pair of parallel planar side walls 70 of the first arm
24, the pair of substantially parallel side wall assemblies 80 of
the second arm 28 and the pivot block 82 of the second arm 28 to
allow the second arm 28 to pivot relative to the first arm 24.
[0027] In the illustrated example, the first articulating assembly
102 includes a first expandable cylinder 104 having a proximal end
pivotally connected to the first arm 24 by a first pin 106 and a
distal end pivotally connected to the second arm 28. The distal end
of the first expandable cylinder 104 is connected to the second arm
28 at a location adjacent a center area of the second arm 28, but
closer to the third arm 32 than the first arm 24 (at a location
adjacent an end of the bottom step 91 of the angled stepped plate
84). The first pin 106 extends between the pair of parallel planar
side walls 70 above the end wall 74 of the first arm 24. The first
expandable cylinder 104 includes a ring surrounding the first pin
106 in a center area 107 thereof. A pair of sleeves 108 surround
the center area 107 of the first pin 106 to maintain a position of
the first expandable cylinder 104 on the first arm 24. The first
expandable cylinder 104 can comprise a pair of telescoping tubes,
with the interior tube being driven hydraulically or pneumatically
into and out of the exterior tube. When the first expandable
cylinder 104 is in a contracted position, the distal end of the
second arm 28 connected to the third arm 32 rotates away from the
first arm 24 as illustrated in FIG. 3 (although the first arm 24
and the second arm 28 could be further extended until the first arm
24 and the second arm 28 are substantially linear). When the first
expandable cylinder 104 is in an expanded position, the distal end
of the second arm 28 connected to the third arm 32 rotates toward
the first arm 24 as illustrated in FIG. 2. A driver of the vehicle
10 and/or a person outside of the vehicle 10 can control expansion
or contraction of the first expandable cylinder 104 using control
levers and/or button (or similar controls).
[0028] The illustrated third arm 32 (FIG. 8) is pivotally connected
to the second arm 28. The third arm 32 includes a U-shaped proximal
end member 110, a rectangular center tube 112, a fourth arm support
member 114 and a U-shaped distal end member 116. The U-shaped
proximal end member 110 includes a pivot block cylindrical base 118
and a pair of parallel planar arms 120. The pair of parallel planar
arms 120 of the U-shaped proximal end member 110 abut opposite side
faces 122 of the rectangular center tube 112 to connect the
U-shaped proximal end member 110 to the rectangular center tube
112. The fourth arm support member 114 extends from a top face 124
of the rectangular center tube 112. The fourth arm support member
114 has an inverted U-shape and includes a pair of parallel support
legs 126 and an angled top plate 128. As discussed in more detail
below, the fourth telescoping arm 34 rests on the angled top plate
128 of the fourth arm support member 114 when the boom 20 is in the
folded position. The U-shaped distal end member 116 includes a
proximal block 130 connected to a distal end of the rectangular
center tube 112 and a pair of parallel side plates 132 connected to
sides of the proximal block 130.
[0029] The illustrated third arm 32 is pivotally connected to a
distal end of the second arm 28 and a second articulating assembly
134 connected therebetween forces rotation of the third arm 32
relative to the second arm 28. As illustrated in FIG. 2-4, the
third arm 32 is connected to the second arm 28 by inserting the
proximal end of the third arm 32 with the U-shaped proximal end
member 110 having the pivot block cylindrical base 118 into the
third arm receiving space 100 of the second arm 28. A pivot pin 111
extends through the pair of substantially parallel side wall
assemblies 80 of the second arm 28 surrounding the third arm
receiving space 100 and the pivot block cylindrical base 118 of the
U-shaped proximal end member 110 of the third arm 32 to allow the
third arm 32 to pivot relative to the second arm 28.
[0030] In the illustrated example, the second articulating assembly
134 includes a second expandable tube 136 having a first end
pivotally connected to the second arm 28 by a second arm connection
assembly 138 and to the third arm 32 by a third arm connection
assembly 140. The second expandable tube 136 can comprise a pair of
telescoping tubes, with a smaller interior tube 142 being driven
hydraulically or pneumatically into and out of a larger exterior
cylinder 144 (see FIG. 3).
[0031] The illustrated larger exterior cylinder 144 is connected to
the second arm connection assembly 138 of the second arm 28 and is
able to pivot relative thereto. The second arm connection assembly
138 (FIG. 7) comprises a pivot pin 146 extending substantially
perpendicularly from one of the substantially parallel side wall
assemblies 80 of the second arm 28 and a W-shaped receiver 148
having the pivot pin 146 extending through three parallel arms 150
of the W-shaped receiver 148. It is contemplated that the pivot pin
146 and the W-shaped receiver 148 could be rotatable relative to or
fixed in position on the second arm 28. The larger exterior
cylinder 144 of the second expandable tube 136 has a U-shaped fork
extending therefrom on an end opposite to the smaller interior tube
142. Tines of the U-shaped fork are inserted into receiving spaces
between pairs of the three parallel arms 150 of the W-shaped
receiver 148 and the pivot pin 146 extends through the tines of the
U-shaped fork to allow the larger exterior cylinder 144 to pivot
about the pivot pin 146.
[0032] In the illustrated example, the smaller interior tube 142 is
connected to the third arm connection assembly 140 and is able to
pivot relative thereto. The third arm connection assembly 140
comprises a tube 154 extending perpendicularly from a side face 156
of one of the parallel planar arms 120 of the U-shaped proximal end
member 110 of the third arm 32. The tube 154 includes a pair of
parallel slots 158 in a lower face thereof, with a pair of lobes
160 extending from the lower face of the tube 154 on opposite sides
of the pair of parallel slots 158. An end support plate 162 is
connected to a terminal end of the tube 154. A pivot pin 164
extends through the end support plate 162, the lobes 160 and into
the side face 156 of the one of the parallel planar arms 120 of the
U-shaped proximal end member 110 of the third arm 32. The smaller
interior tube 142 of the second expandable tube 136 has a U-shaped
fork extending therefrom on an end opposite to the larger exterior
cylinder 144. Tines of the U-shaped fork are inserted into the
parallel slots 158 in the tube 154, with the pivot pin 164
extending through the tines of the U-shaped fork to allow the
smaller interior tube 142 to pivot about the pivot pin 164.
[0033] When the second expandable tube 136 is in a contracted
position, the distal end of the third arm 32 connected to the
fourth telescoping arm 34 rotates away from the second arm 28 as
illustrated in FIG. 3 (although the second arm 28 and the third arm
32 could be further extended until the second arm 28 and the third
arm 32 are substantially linear). When the second expandable tube
136 is in an expanded position, the distal end of the third arm 32
connected to the fourth telescoping arm 34 rotates toward the
second arm 28 as illustrated in FIG. 2. A driver of the vehicle 10
and/or a person outside of the vehicle 10 can control expansion or
contraction of the second expandable tube 136 using control levers
and/or button (or similar controls).
[0034] The illustrated fourth telescoping arm 34 (FIG. 5) is
pivotally connected to the distal end of the third arm 32. The
fourth telescoping arm 34 includes a proximal inner telescoping
tube 168, a middle telescoping tube 170 and a distal outer
telescoping tube 172, with the distal outer telescoping tube 172
having the articulating nozzle 22 on a distal end thereof. The
proximal inner telescoping tube 168 is configured to slidingly
telescope into and out of the middle telescoping tube 170 and the
middle telescoping tube 170 is configured to slidingly telescope
into and out of the distal outer telescoping tube 172 to
selectively shorten and lengthen the length of the fourth
telescoping arm 34.
[0035] In the illustrated example, the proximal inner telescoping
tube 168 of the fourth telescoping arm 34 comprises a tube 174
having a pair of connection panels 176 on opposite side faces 178
of the tube 174 at the proximal end thereof. Each of the connection
panels 176 includes a substantially aligned top opening 180 and a
bottom opening 181 (illustrated as being vertically aligned in FIG.
9). Each of the connection panels 176 also includes a connection
portion 182 distally located from the substantially aligned top
opening 180 and bottom opening 181. The connection portion 182 of
the connection panels 176 are connected to the proximal end of the
tube 174. A pivot pin tube 184 extends between the top openings 180
in the connection panels 176. A pivot pin extends through the pivot
pin tube 184 to pivotally connect a proximal end of the fourth
telescoping arm 34 to the distal end of the third arm 32. A distal
end of the proximal inner telescoping tube 168 slides into a
proximal end of the middle telescoping tube 170. The proximal end
of the middle telescoping tube 170 includes a stop member 186
configured to abut the connection panels 176 for preventing the
proximal inner telescoping tube 168 from fully sliding into the
proximal end of the middle telescoping tube 170. The proximal inner
telescoping tube 168 and the middle telescoping tube 170 have
mating structure therein for telescoping the proximal inner
telescoping tube 168 into and out of the proximal end of the middle
telescoping tube 170 as is well known to those skilled in the art
(e.g., a hydraulic extendable tube connected to each of the
proximal inner telescoping tube 168 and the middle telescoping tube
170).
[0036] A proximal end of the illustrated distal outer telescoping
tube 172 is configured to receive a distal end of the middle
telescoping tube 170 therein. The proximal end of the distal outer
telescoping tube 172 includes a stop member 187 configured to abut
the stop member 186 on the middle telescoping tube 170 for
preventing the middle telescoping tube 170 from fully sliding into
the proximal end of distal outer telescoping tube 172. The distal
outer telescoping tube 172 and the middle telescoping tube 170 have
mating structure therein for telescoping the middle telescoping
tube 170 into and out of the proximal end of the distal outer
telescoping tube 172 as is well known to those skilled in the art
(e.g., a hydraulic extendable tube connected to each of the distal
outer telescoping tube 172 and the middle telescoping tube 170).
The distal outer telescoping tube 172 includes a tube 188 having a
nozzle holding assembly 190 on a distal end thereof.
[0037] In the illustrated example, the nozzle holding assembly 190
(see FIGS. 2, 3 and 9) holds the articulating nozzle 22. The nozzle
holding assembly 190 includes a proximal U-shaped plate 192, a
holding tube 196, a U-shaped pivot connector 198 and a X-shaped
pivot connector 200. The proximal U-shaped plate 192 is spaced from
the distal end of the distal outer telescoping tube 172 and extends
upwardly from a top surface 202 of the tube 188. The proximal
U-shaped plate 192 includes a spanning wall 204 and a pair or
parallel connection walls 206. The connection walls 206 are
parallel to opposite side surfaces 208 of the tube 188 and include
extension portions 210 connected to the side surfaces 208 of the
tube 188. The holding tube 196 extends from a distal face of the
spanning wall 204 beyond the distal end of the tube 188. The
U-shaped pivot connector 198 includes a middle panel 212 connected
to a distal end of the holding tube 196 and a pair of parallel arms
214 extending in a distal direction from the middle panel 212. The
Y-shaped pivot connector 200 includes a base block 216 located
between the arms 214 of the U-shaped pivot connector 198 and
configured to pivot relative thereto. The Y-shaped pivot connector
200 also includes a pair of holding supports 218 having the
articulating nozzle 22 extending throughthrough. The Y-shaped pivot
connector 200 is configured to pivot relative to the U-shaped pivot
connector 198 to pivot the articulating nozzle 22 about the distal
end of the fourth telescoping arm 34. The Y-shaped pivot connector
200 can be forced to pivot relative to the U-shaped pivot connector
198 in any manner well known to those skilled in the art (e.g., a
rotary actuator connected located within the holding tube 196 and
connected to the Y-shaped pivot connector 200 for rotating the
Y-shaped pivot connector 200 relative to the U-shaped pivot
connector 198 under control of an operator).
[0038] The illustrated proximal end of the fourth telescoping arm
34 is pivotally connected to the distal end of the third arm 32. As
illustrated in FIGS. 2-4, the fourth telescoping arm 34 is
connected to the third arm 32 by inserting the connection panels
176 at the proximal end of the fourth telescoping arm 34 into a
fourth arm receiving space 185 located between the pair of parallel
side plates 132 of the third arm 32. A pivot pin 183 extends
through a pair of co-linear distal openings 228 in the pair of
parallel side plates 132 and through the bottom openings 181 in the
connection panels 176 to pivotally connect the fourth telescoping
arm 34 to the third arm 32.
[0039] In the illustrated example, a third articulating assembly
220 connected between the fourth telescoping arm 34 relative to the
third arm 32 forces rotation of the fourth telescoping arm 34
relative to the third arm 32. The third articulating assembly 220
includes a third expandable cylinder 234, which can comprise a pair
of telescoping tubes, with a smaller interior tube 240 being driven
hydraulically or pneumatically into and out of a larger exterior
tube 238 having a first end pivotally connected to the third arm
32. The larger exterior tube 238 of the third expandable cylinder
234 is connected to a third arm tube support 236 of the third arm
32. As illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3 and 8, the third arm tube support
236 comprises a pair of plates 235 having aligned openings 237. A
pin 239 extends through the aligned openings 237 and into a
proximal end of the larger exterior tube 238 of the third
expandable cylinder 234, thereby allowing the third expandable
cylinder 234 to pivot relative to the third arm 32. A distal end of
the third expandable cylinder 234 is connected to a knuckle
assembly 241 connected to both the distal end of the third arm 32
and the fourth telescoping arm 34.
[0040] The illustrated knuckle assembly 241 allows the fourth
telescoping arm 34 to rotate about the distal end of the third arm
32. The knuckle assembly 241 includes a pair of outside curved
knuckles 224 and a pair of inside curved knuckles 222. The pair of
outside curved knuckles 224 each have a proximal end pivotally
connected to the pair of parallel side plates 132 of the third arm
32 by a pin or pins 225 extending through proximal openings 230 in
the pair of parallel side plates 132 and the proximal ends of the
outside curved knuckles 224. A distal end of the outside curved
knuckles 224 is pivotally connected to a pin 232 extending through
a distal end of the smaller interior tube 240 of the third
expandable cylinder 234. The pin 232 connected to the distal end of
the outside curved knuckles 224 and the distal end of the smaller
interior tube 240 is also pivotally connected to a proximal end of
the pair of inside curved knuckles 222. A distal end of the pair of
inside curved knuckles 222 is pivotally connected to a pivot pin
245 that extends through the pivot pin tube 184 and the top opening
180 of the connection panels 176 of the fourth telescoping arm
34.
[0041] When the third expandable cylinder 234 is in a contracted
position, the distal end of the fourth telescoping arm 34 having
the nozzle 22 thereon rotates toward the third arm 32 as
illustrated in FIG. 2. When the third expandable cylinder 234 is in
the contracted position, the distal outer telescoping tube 172 will
rest on the angled top plate 128 of the fourth arm support member
114 of the third arm 32. When the third expandable cylinder 234
moves to an expanded position, the smaller interior tube 240 of the
third expandable cylinder 234 pushes the pin 232, thereby causing
the pair of outside curved knuckles 224 to rotate about the pin 225
in the proximal openings 230 in the pair of parallel side plates
132 of the third arm 32. Furthermore, the smaller interior tube 240
of the third expandable cylinder 234 also pushes the pin 232 to
thereby cause the pair of inside curved knuckles 222 to rotate
about the pivot pin 245 extending through the pivot pin tube 184
and the top opening 180 of the connection panels 176 of the fourth
telescoping arm 34. Moving the third expandable cylinder 234 to the
expanded position causes the distal end of the fourth telescoping
arm 34 having the nozzle 22 thereon to rotate away from the angled
top plate 128 of the fourth arm support member 114 of the third arm
32 as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. A driver of the vehicle 10
and/or a person outside of the vehicle 10 can control expansion or
contraction of the third expandable cylinder 234 using control
levers and/or button (or similar controls).
[0042] In use, the illustrated boom 20 moves the articulating
nozzle 22 on an end thereof for spraying a fluid therethrough for
use in mining as is well known to those skilled in the art. The
vehicle 10 with the boom 20 could also be used in other industries
for spraying any fluid. The fluid is supplied to the nozzle 22 from
the vehicle through tubing 36 connected to the boom 20. As
illustrated in FIG. 3, holding links 250 extending from the fourth
telescoping arm 34 can be used to hold portions of the tubing 36
adjacent to the fourth telescoping arm 34. Likewise, rod 252 having
tubing sections 254 on ends thereof can extend from the second arm
28 and the third arm 32, with the tubing 36 extending through the
tubing sections 254 or with the tubing sections 254 forming a
portion of the tubing 36 to support the tubing 36 along the length
of the boom 22.
[0043] It is to be understood that variations and modifications can
be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the
concepts of the present invention.
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