U.S. patent application number 14/383517 was filed with the patent office on 2015-02-26 for earth-displacing apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is Scott MCFARLANE, John Graeme RUSSELL. Invention is credited to Scott McFarlane, Graeme John Russell.
Application Number | 20150052786 14/383517 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49115793 |
Filed Date | 2015-02-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150052786 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Russell; Graeme John ; et
al. |
February 26, 2015 |
EARTH-DISPLACING APPARATUS
Abstract
There is disclosed an apparatus for displacing earth,
comprising: a driver-operable powered vehicle at a forward position
of the apparatus; one or more ground-displacing units coupled to
the vehicle to be pulled thereby, the or each ground-displacing
unit including a ground-engageable implement; and a powered dolly
coupled to the unit(s) so as to provide to the apparatus locomotion
which supplements that provided by the vehicle.
Inventors: |
Russell; Graeme John;
(Roselands, AU) ; McFarlane; Scott; (Sherwood,
AU) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
RUSSELL; John Graeme
MCFARLANE; Scott |
Sherwood, QLD |
|
US
AU |
|
|
Family ID: |
49115793 |
Appl. No.: |
14/383517 |
Filed: |
March 7, 2013 |
PCT Filed: |
March 7, 2013 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU2013/000220 |
371 Date: |
September 5, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
37/418 ;
37/412 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02F 3/6454 20130101;
E02F 3/6409 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
37/418 ;
37/412 |
International
Class: |
E02F 3/64 20060101
E02F003/64 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 7, 2012 |
AU |
2012900905 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for displacing earth, comprising: a driver-operable
powered vehicle at a forward position of the apparatus; one or more
ground-displacing units coupled to the vehicle to be pulled
thereby, the or each ground-displacing unit including a
ground-engageable implement; and a powered dolly coupled to the
unit(s) so as to provide to the apparatus locomotion which
supplements that provided by the vehicle.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of
said ground-displacing units coupled in end-to-end relation,
wherein the dolly is coupled to a rear of the unit(s).
3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the or each unit
includes traction means from which the or each earth-engageable
implement of that unit is supported.
4. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims,
further comprising one or more further ground-displacing units
coupled to the dolly to be pulled thereby, the or each further
ground-displacing unit including a ground-engageable implement.
5. An apparatus according to claim 4, comprising a plurality of
said further ground-displacing units coupled in end-to-end
relation.
6. An apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the or each
further unit includes traction means from which the or each
earth-engageable implement of that unit is supported.
7. An apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 6, further
comprising a further powered dolly coupled to a rear of the further
ground-displacing unit(s) so as to provide to the apparatus
locomotion which supplements that provided by the vehicle and
dolly.
8. An apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising one or
more additional ground-displacing units coupled to the further
dolly to be pulled thereby.
9. An apparatus according to claim 8, comprising a plurality of
additional ground-displacing units coupled in end-to-end
relation.
10. An apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising an
additional powered dolly coupled to a rear of the additional
ground-displacing unit(s) so as to provide to the apparatus
locomotion which supplements that provided by the vehicle and
dollies.
11. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein the or each dolly comprises brakes, at least one engine,
transmission means powered by the engine(s) and traction means
arranged to be driven by the transmission means.
12. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the traction means
comprises wheels and/or tracks.
13. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims,
including a communication system via which the vehicle is
operatively linked to the or each dolly, such that operation of the
vehicle and the or each dolly is synchronised.
14. An apparatus according to claim 13, wherein throttling and
braking of the vehicle and the or each dolly are synchronised.
15. An apparatus according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the or each
dolly is steerable and steering of the vehicle and dolly or dollies
are synchronised.
16. An apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein
the communication system comprises communication cabling.
17. An apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein
the communication system comprises wireless linkage(s), between the
vehicle and dolly or dollies.
18. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein the or each dolly is coupled to at least one said unit in
articulated relation.
19. An apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the or each dolly
is so coupled such that relative pivotal movement between the dolly
and unit(s) is possible in perpendicular planes which extend
parallel to a direction of travel of the apparatus.
20. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein each, or at least one said, ground-engageable implement
comprises a scraper.
21. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein each, or at least one said, ground-engageable implement
comprises a plough.
22. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein each, or at least one said, ground-engageable implement
comprises a ripper.
23. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein each, or at least one said, ground-engageable implement
comprises a grader blade.
24. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims,
configured such that operation of the units is sequenced.
25. An apparatus according to claim 24, configured to operate in a
manner such that an implement of one, or each of more than one, of
the units is in a ground-engaging condition while an implement of
the or each other unit is in a non-ground engaging condition.
26. An apparatus according to claim 24 as appended to claim 20, or
claim 25 as appended thereto, wherein loading and/or unloading of
the units is sequenced.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to an improved apparatus for
displacing earth. The invention has advantageous, though not
exclusive, application to scraper train apparatuses, including
articulated dump truck (ADT) scraper apparatuses and
tractor-scraper apparatuses.
[0002] Tractor-scraper apparatuses are commonly used in civil
engineering applications for the purposes of removing, adding,
smoothing or levelling ground. Typically, such an apparatus
comprises a powered vehicle, such as an ADT or tractor, and one or
more scraper units towed by the vehicle.
[0003] Shown in FIG. 1A is a typical scraper apparatus A, which
comprises a driver-operated powered vehicle V (such as an ADT or
tractor) at a forward position of the apparatus and a train TS of
scraper units S1, S2, S3 (generally designated "S") which are
coupled in end-to-end relation, the train TS being coupled at its
forward end to vehicle V to be towed thereby.
[0004] Each of the scraper units S comprises a payload carrier P (a
hopper) and a ground-engaging implement or tool T, in the form of a
knife or blade, which is hydraulically actuatable so as to be
moveable between an extended or operating position (as shown for
unit S3), in which it penetrates the ground G, thus causing ground
material to be collected in the payload carrier P, and a retracted
or stowed condition (as shown for units S1 and S2), in which it is
clear of the ground surface, permitting haulage of the material M
by the apparatus A. Each of the units S further includes an apron
or gate GA which is hydraulically actuatable so as to be moveable
between an open position, in which it is clear of an opening into
the hopper P to permit earth to be drawn (via operation of the tool
T) into the hopper P, and a closed position, in which it covers the
opening to prevent escape of the payload material M therethrough
(e.g. during haulage of the material M). Each of the units S
further comprises an ejector, in the form of a hydraulically
actuatable pusher blade B, which, when the gate GA of the unit is
in an open position, can be urged forwardly to effect discharge of
material M through the opening and thus unloading (e.g. to dump
and/or distribute the material on the ground).
[0005] The front scraper unit S1 is provided with a gooseneck N via
which a forward end thereof is coupled to a rear part of the
vehicle V, such that unit S1 and vehicle V can articulate. Scraper
unit S2, in turn, is provided with a gooseneck N via which a
forward end thereof is coupled to a rear end of scraper unit S1,
such that the units S1 and S2 can articulate. Scraper unit S3,
similarly, is provided with a gooseneck N via which a forward end
thereof is coupled to a rear end of scraper unit S2, such that the
units S2 and S3 can articulate.
[0006] The wheels W of the units S are unpowered, so that the only
means of locomotion in the apparatus A are driven wheels of the
vehicle V. A problem commonly encountered with apparatuses such as
this is that the locomotion provided by the vehicle V is
insufficient to overcome adequately the resistance to forward
motion by the scraper train TS when one or more of the tools T are
in their operating conditions. With reference to FIG. 1B, the
problem can be remedied by operating a further powered vehicle V',
such as a track-type tractor, to push against the rear end of the
train TS, whereby driving force is imparted to the train TS at both
its leading and trailing ends (possibly, but not necessarily, then
permitting more a plurality of tools T to be invoked at the same
time (as shown in FIG. 1B) instead of only the single tool T being
shown in FIG. 1A). This requires not only a separate item of
equipment (in vehicle V') but also a further operator (to operate
the vehicle V'), increasing complexity and reducing efficiency,
thereby increasing expense. In particular, apparatus A often must
stop to await engagement therewith by the vehicle V', which vehicle
will often end up providing most of the locomotive power to the
apparatus A.
[0007] According to the present invention, there is provided an
apparatus for displacing earth, comprising: [0008] a
driver-operable powered vehicle at a forward position of the
apparatus; [0009] one or more ground-displacing units coupled to
the vehicle to be pulled thereby, the or each ground-displacing
unit including a ground-engageable implement; and [0010] a powered
dolly coupled to the unit(s) so as to provide to the apparatus
locomotion which supplements that provided by the vehicle.
[0011] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a plurality of said
ground-displacing units coupled in end-to-end relation.
[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the dolly is
coupled to a rear of the unit(s). The dolly may, in this
embodiment, be arranged so as to push the unit(s).
[0013] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the unit(s)
may be coupled to the vehicle via the dolly. In the latter
embodiment, the dolly may be arranged to pull the unit(s), and is
preferably coupled to a front of the unit(s).
[0014] Preferably, the or each unit includes traction means from
which the or each earth-engageable implement of that unit is
supported. The traction means may comprise tracks and/or
wheels.
[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus
further comprises one or more further ground-displacing units
coupled to the dolly to be pulled thereby, the or each further
ground-displacing unit including a ground-engageable implement. The
apparatus may comprises a plurality of said further
ground-displacing units coupled in end-to-end relation.
[0016] Preferably, the or each further unit includes traction means
from which the or each earth-engageable implement of that unit is
supported. The traction means may comprise tracks and/or
wheels.
[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus
further comprises a further powered dolly coupled to the further
ground-displacing unit(s) to so as to provide to the apparatus
locomotion which supplements that provided by the vehicle and said
dolly. Preferably, the further dolly is coupled to a rear of the
further ground-displacing unit(s). Said further dolly may be
arranged so as to push the further ground-displacing unit(s).
[0018] Preferably, the apparatus according to such an embodiment
further comprises one or more additional ground-displacing units
coupled to the further dolly to be pulled thereby. The apparatus
may comprise a plurality of additional ground-displacing units
coupled in end-to-end relation. The apparatus of such an embodiment
may further comprise an additional powered dolly coupled to the
additional ground-displacing unit(s) to so as to provide to the
apparatus locomotion which supplements that provided by the vehicle
and said dollies. Preferably, said additional powered dolly is
coupled to a rear of the additional ground-displacing unit(s). Said
additional powered dolly may be arranged so as to push the
additional ground-displacing unit(s).
[0019] In the preferred embodiments of the invention, the or each
dolly comprises brakes, in addition to an engine and a transmission
via which the engine drives traction means of the dolly, which
traction means may comprise wheels and/or tracks. Preferably, the
or each dolly is steerable.
[0020] In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the
driver-operable powered vehicle comprises ground-engaging tracks
and the traction means of the dolly comprises tracks. In another
preferred embodiment of the invention, the driver-operable powered
vehicle comprises ground-engaging wheels and the traction means of
the dolly comprises wheels.
[0021] In preferred embodiments of the invention, the apparatus
includes a communication system via which the or each dolly and
vehicle are operatively linked, such that operation of the vehicle
and the or each dolly is synchronised. Preferably, at least
throttling and braking of the vehicle and the or each dolly are
synchronised. Preferably, steering of the vehicle and the or each
dolly are additionally synchronised. The communication system may
comprise any suitable communication means, such as, for example,
communication cabling and/or wireless linkage(s), between the
vehicle and dolly or dollies. The communication means/cabling may
be releasably connected to the vehicle and/or the or each
dolly.
[0022] Preferably, the or each dolly is coupled to at least one
said unit, either directly or indirectly, in articulated relation.
Preferably, the or each dolly is so coupled such that relative
pivotal movement between the dolly and unit(s) is possible in both
vertical and horizontal planes which extend parallel to a direction
of travel of the apparatus.
[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one
said, and preferably each, ground-engageable implement comprises a
scraper.
[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one
said, and preferably each, ground-engageable implement comprises a
plough.
[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one
said, and preferably each, ground-engageable implement comprises a
ripper.
[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one
said, and preferably each, ground-engageable implement comprises a
grader blade.
[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is
configured such that operation of the units is sequenced. To this
end, the apparatus may included a programmed computer or other
suitable electronic means (which may form part of said
communication system), to effect sequenced operation of the units.
For example, the apparatus may be configured such that an implement
of one, or each of more than one, of the units is in a
ground-engaging condition while an implement of the or each other
unit is in a non-ground engaging, or retracted/stowed, condition.
Where the units comprise scraper units, loading and/or unloading of
the units is preferably sequenced.
[0028] Apparatuses embodying the invention may be configured for
on-board driver-operation and/or remote driver-operation. In the
case of the latter, the driver of the vehicle may be a person
controlling the vehicle remotely, e.g. from off-site.
[0029] The present invention will now be described, by way of
non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0030] FIGS. 1A and 1B depict operation of a typical scraper train
apparatus as already described;
[0031] FIG. 2 shows a scraper train apparatus according to a first
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 3 shows a scraper train apparatus according to a second
preferred embodiment of the present invention; and
[0033] FIG. 4 indicates how varying numbers of scrapers and dollies
can be arranged in a scraper train apparatus in accordance with
preferred embodiments of the present invention.
[0034] A scraper train apparatus 1 according to a first preferred
embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 2. In the
description of this and subsequent embodiments, the same reference
indicia as have been used in respect of the embodiment illustrated
in FIGS. 1A and 1B will be used to designate the same or
corresponding features.
[0035] The apparatus 1 is substantially the same as the apparatus A
except that it additionally comprises a powered dolly D interposed
between adjacent ones of the scraper units S, and, more
particularly, units S2 and S3, and a communication line L which
extends from the vehicle V to the dolly D, via which the dolly D is
operatively linked to the vehicle V. The dolly D comprises a
chassis C, ground-engaging wheels WD, an engine (not shown), a
transmission (also not shown), via which the engine drives the
wheels WD, and brakes (also not shown). The dolly D is formed with
a gooseneck ND via which it connects in an articulated manner to a
rear part of scraper unit S2 (whereby the dolly D and unit S2 are
coupled for relative pivotal movement in planes which are
horizontal and vertical when the apparatus is on level ground), and
a connector, rearward of the gooseneck end ND, to which the
gooseneck N of scraper unit S3 connects in an articulated manner
(whereby the dolly D and unit S3 are also coupled for relative
pivotal movement in planes which are horizontal and vertical when
the apparatus is on level ground). The dolly D, in addition to
towing scraper unit S3, pushes, from behind, the scraper units S1
and S2 which are towed by vehicle V, thereby providing to the
apparatus 1 locomotion which supplements that provided by the
vehicle V, whereby there is sufficient overall locomotion to drive
the apparatus 1 forwardly.
[0036] The line L forms part of a communication system via which
control of the dolly D, including in particular acceleration and
braking, and optionally also steering, thereof, is synchronised
with the control of the vehicle V effected by the driver. The line
L connects to each of the vehicle and dolly via a respective
releasable multiple pin plug-and-socket interconnection, and is
appropriately supported by the scraper units S1 and S2.
[0037] The supplementary driving force provided by the dolly D may,
for example, enable the apparatus 1 to operate with all of the
tools T in their operating conditions, as shown in FIG. 2. This
being said, the apparatus 1, consistent with conventional
apparatuses, is configured such that actuation of the ejectors B,
gates GA and tools T, and thus loading and unloading of the units
S, can be sequenced, and the apparatus 1 may include a programmed
computer or other suitable electronic means (which may form part of
the communication system) whereby it is so configured. For example,
the apparatus 1 may be configured such that one of the units S
loads or unloads while the others do not, and/or such that when
loading or unloading of one of the units S is almost complete,
loading of another of the units S commences (with closing of the
gate GA of the first-mentioned unit S being effected shortly
thereafter). Owing to the supplementary drive provided by the dolly
D, it may be that the sequencing can be such that more than one
unit S is being loaded at a given time.
[0038] A scraper train apparatus 1' according to a second preferred
embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in FIG. 3, is the
same as the apparatus 1 but includes additional scraper units S4,
S5, the former being coupled in an articulated manner to the rear
of scraper units S3 via its gooseneck N (for relative pivotal
movement in perpendicular planes, as previously outlined), and an
additional dolly D' interposed between units S4 and S5 and coupled
thereto in the same manner as the dolly D is coupled to units S2
and S3, as well as an additional communication line L' (also
forming part of the communication system) which operatively links
the further dolly D' with the vehicle V in the same manner as the
line L operatively links the vehicle V and dolly D. It will, of
course, be appreciated that, in this embodiment, sequencing of
operation, as described above, applies to all of the units S (and
it may thus be that typical operation of the apparatus 1' would not
involve all of the units S loading, despite this being shown in
FIG. 3).
[0039] In a variant of the second embodiment, without departure
from the invention, scraper units S1 and S2 are not directly
coupled but rather are coupled via an interposing unpowered
(preferably single-axle) dolly, and scraper units S3 and S4,
similarly, are not directly coupled but rather are coupled via an
interposing unpowered (also preferably single-axle) dolly, these
interposing dollies thus providing weight-bearing support to the
front ends of the units S2 and S4 respectively, instead of the
units S1 and S3 respectively doing so, whereby there is
significantly less loading on the axles and wheels of the units S1
and S3.
[0040] It will be appreciated that the number of dollies and
scraper units in an apparatus embodying the invention can vary
considerably. Shown in FIG. 4, an apparatus 1'' embodying the
invention comprises X scraper units interposed between the vehicle
V and a first dolly D1, Y scraper units S interposed between dolly
D1 and a dolly D2, and Z scraper units coupled to dolly D2 to be
towed thereby, where each of X, Y and Z is greater than or equal to
one. There may, of course, be only one dolly (consistent with the
first embodiment) or more than two dollies. It will, again, be
appreciated here that, in this embodiment, sequencing of operation,
as described above, applies to all of the units S and it may again
be that typical operation of the apparatus 1' would not involve all
of the units S loading, despite this being shown in FIG. 4.
[0041] Adjacent scraper units in the scraper train apparatuses
described above with reference to the drawings may, instead of
being coupled together via a gooseneck hitch, be coupled together
via a drawbar-type hitch, as will be known to a person skilled in
the art, without departure from the invention. The latter may be
preferable where the powered towing vehicle is a tractor.
[0042] Apparatuses embodying the invention may be used to displace,
for example, soil, coal, shale, oil sands, overburden and/or sand.
An apparatus embodying the invention can have numerous
applications. One such application is in mining, where the
apparatus may be used to clear mines, e.g. coal mines, to remove
overburden, to dig partings and/or to reclaim mine sites.
[0043] Although the illustrated embodiments of the invention are
scraper train apparatuses or towed scraper apparatuses, in which
each unit includes a scraper tool or blade, the invention can be
embodied in other earth-displacing apparatuses, including such
apparatuses in which each earth-displacing unit includes, for
example, a plough, ripper or grader blade.
[0044] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a powered
dolly may couple a front of the the towed unit(s) to a rear of the
vehicle, the unit(s) thus being pulled by both the vehicle and that
dolly.
[0045] While various embodiments of the present invention have been
described above, it should be understood that they have been
presented by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. It
will be apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art that
various changes in form and detail can be made therein without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the
present invention should not be limited by any of the above
described exemplary embodiments.
[0046] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow,
unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and
variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood
to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group, of
integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or
step or group of integers or steps.
[0047] The reference in this specification to any prior publication
(or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known,
is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission
or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or
information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the
common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this
specification relates.
* * * * *