U.S. patent application number 15/804811 was filed with the patent office on 2018-06-28 for excavator.
This patent application is currently assigned to GUANGXI LIUGONG MACHINERY CO., LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is GUANGXI LIUGONG MACHINERY CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to EDWARD WAGNER.
Application Number | 20180179727 15/804811 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60473416 |
Filed Date | 2018-06-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180179727 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WAGNER; EDWARD |
June 28, 2018 |
EXCAVATOR
Abstract
Described is an excavator comprising an articulated boom and a
balancing mechanism at least partially assisting a movement of the
boom from a lower position to an upper position by applying a
pulling force on said boom.
Inventors: |
WAGNER; EDWARD; (LIUZHOU,
GUANGXI, CN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GUANGXI LIUGONG MACHINERY CO., LTD. |
Liuzhou |
|
CN |
|
|
Assignee: |
GUANGXI LIUGONG MACHINERY CO.,
LTD.
LIUZHOU
CN
|
Family ID: |
60473416 |
Appl. No.: |
15/804811 |
Filed: |
November 6, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02F 9/2217 20130101;
E02F 9/18 20130101; E02F 9/14 20130101; E02F 3/382 20130101; E02F
3/32 20130101; E02F 3/38 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E02F 3/38 20060101
E02F003/38; E02F 3/32 20060101 E02F003/32; E02F 9/14 20060101
E02F009/14 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 27, 2016 |
CN |
PCT/CN2016/112404 |
Claims
1. An evacuator comprising an articulated boom; a balancing
mechanism at least partially assisting a movement of the
articulated boom from a lower position to an upper position by
applying a pulling force on the articulated boom.
2. The evacuator according to claim 1, wherein the balancing
mechanism comprises a balancing member configured and arranged for
generating an assisting force and a force transfer mechanism
indirectly and force-transmittingly coupling the balancing member
with the articulated boom.
3. The evacuator according to claim 2, wherein the force transfer
mechanism comprises a flexible link, the flexible link being a wire
rope or chain.
4. The evacuator according to claim 3, wherein the balancing member
is coupled to the flexible link at a coupling portion of the
flexible link, so that a direction of a force generated by the
balancing member is aligned or parallel with an extension direction
of the flexible link in the coupling portion.
5. The evacuator according to claim 3, wherein the force transfer
mechanism comprises a transmission.
6. The evacuator according to claim 5, wherein the transmission
comprises a cone-shaped pulley and wherein the flexible link is
guided around the cone-shaped pulley in an axially offset
manner.
7. The evacuator according to claim 3, wherein the force transfer
mechanism comprises a coupling device for transferring a force from
the flexible link to the articulated boom such that an assisting
moment assisting the movement of the articulated boom is generated
on the articulated boom.
8. The evacuator according to claim 7, wherein the coupling device
is structured such that a force introduced into the coupling device
by the flexible link is transferred to the articulated boom at a
fixed ratio independent from the position of the articulated
boom.
9. The evacuator according to claim 7, wherein the coupling device
is structured such that a force introduced into the coupling device
by the flexible link is transferred to the articulated boom with a
varying ratio, the varying ratio changing according to the position
of the articulated boom.
10. The evacuator according to claim 7, wherein the coupling device
comprises a force transfer device fixedly coupled to the
articulated boom such that the force transfer device and the
articulated boom are integrally movable, the force transfer device
comprising a peripheral surface configured and arranged for guiding
the flexible link at a predetermined distance from a hinge portion
at which the articulated boom is articulated, and wherein the
flexible link is coupled to the force transfer device such that a
portion of the flexible link contacts a predetermined section of
the peripheral surface when the articulated boom is in a lower
position.
11. The evacuator according to claim 10, wherein the peripheral
surface is at least partially curved and at least partially
comprises the shape of a circular arc.
12. The evacuator according to claim 11, wherein a center axis of
the force transfer device is aligned with a rotational axis of the
articulated boom in the hinge portion.
13. The evacuator according to claim 2, wherein the balancing
member is a counter weight.
14. The evacuator according to claim 2, wherein the balancing
member is a pressure cylinder.
15. The evacuator according to claim 2, wherein the force transfer
mechanism comprises rigid links.
16. The evacuator according to claim 4, wherein the force transfer
mechanism comprises a transmission.
17. The evacuator according to claim 4, wherein the force transfer
mechanism comprises a coupling device for transferring a force from
the flexible link to the articulated boom such that an assisting
moment assisting the movement of the articulated boom is generated
on the articulated boom.
18. The evacuator according to claim 8, wherein the coupling device
comprises a force transfer device fixedly coupled to the
articulated boom such that the force transfer device and the
articulated boom are integrally movable, the force transfer device
comprising a peripheral surface configured and arranged for guiding
the flexible link at a predetermined distance from a hinge portion
at which the articulated boom is articulated, and wherein the
flexible link is coupled to the force transfer device such that a
portion of the flexible link contacts a predetermined section of
the peripheral surface when the articulated boom is in a lower
position.
19. An evacuator comprising; an articulated boom; a balancing
mechanism at least partially assisting a movement of the
articulated boom from a lower position to an upper position by
applying a pulling force on the articulated boom; and wherein the
force transfer mechanism comprises a transmission; and wherein the
transmission comprises a cone-shaped pulley and wherein the
flexible link is guided around the cone-shaped pulley in an axially
offset manner.
20. An evacuator comprising; an articulated boom; a balancing
mechanism at least partially assisting a movement of the
articulated boom from a lower position to an upper position by
applying a pulling force on the articulated boom; and wherein the
coupling device is structured such that a force introduced into the
coupling device by the flexible link is transferred to the
articulated boom with a varying ratio, the varying ratio changing
according to the position of the articulated boom.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The technical field relates to an excavator comprising a
balancing mechanism.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Excavators, also called diggers, are widely used in the
market e.g. for digging and material handling. Such excavators
typically comprise a boom, a bucket arm, a bucket and a cab on a
rotating platform which is supported by an undercarriage having
tracks or wheels. Known excavators use hydraulic power for
actuating the different elements of the excavator, in particular
for moving the boom, the bucket arm and the bucket. Such
configurations are, however, often inefficient and expensive.
[0003] Accordingly, it is desirable to at least address the
foregoing. In addition, other desirable features and
characteristics will become apparent from the subsequent summary
and detailed description, and the appended claims, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background.
SUMMARY
[0004] It may be desirable to provide an improved excavator which
is more efficient and cost-saving.
[0005] Described in a first embodiment is an excavator comprising
an articulated boom and a balancing mechanism. The balancing
mechanism at least partially assists a movement of the boom from a
lower position to an upper position by applying a pulling force on
the boom. Accordingly, the lifting operation of the excavator
comprising the above described articulated boom in connection with
the balancing mechanism is more efficient compared to systems which
do not comprise such an at least partial assistance of a movement
of the boom from a lower position to an upper position.
[0006] A boom in the context of the present application may
comprise multiple links and may comprise an attachment portion to
which attachments like a bucket, a breaker, grapple or auger may be
attached. However, the term boom may also refer to a main arm of an
excavator only, that is to say to the arm of a link system which is
directly coupled to a platform which also carries an operator's
cab. A bucket arm may be attached to such a boom.
[0007] Furthermore, in the context of the present disclosure,
"articulated" may include any connection allowing a defined
movement from a lower position to an upper position. For example,
the boom may be articulated in that it is hingedly held, e.g.
hingedly coupled to a platform of an excavator. According to the
first embodiment, the balancing mechanism at least partially
assists a movement of the boom from a lower position to an upper
position which is done by applying an assistive pulling force on
the boom. For example, the term "at least partially assisting" may
include configurations in which the movement is fully assisted from
the beginning to the end and configurations in which an assistance
is provided only provided in certain ranges or points of the
movement of the boom, e.g. at the beginning of the movement of the
boom. In other words, any kind of application of a pulling force
assisting the boom in moving from the lower to the upper position
can be regarded as "partially assisting".
[0008] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure,
the balancing mechanism comprises a balancing member for generating
an assisting force and a force transfer mechanism indirectly and
force-transmittingly coupling the balancing member with the
boom.
[0009] By coupling the balancing member with the boom in this way,
the variability of the overall construction of the excavator is
improved as the balancing member can be placed at any suitable
position of the excavator, e.g. on the opposite side of a coupling
position of a platform or top frame of an excavator where the boom
is coupled to the same. In other words, the balancing member may be
arranged at a distance from the boom, e.g. in a rear portion of an
excavator. In the present context, "indirectly and
force-transmittingly coupling" means that there is no direct
attachment of the balancing member on the boom as would be the case
where an element of the balancing member is directly coupled to the
boom by means of a pivot pin. Stated differently, a force generated
by the balancing member is transferred to the boom by at least one
intermediate member which does not have an additional function
besides transferring the force from the balancing member to the
boom. According to a further preferable embodiment of the present
disclosure, the force transfer mechanism comprises a flexible link,
preferably a wire rope or chain.
[0010] By using a flexible link, it is possible to transfer forces
on suitable paths allowing for a greater freedom of design.
Furthermore, using a flexible link is optimum for transferring
tensile forces while allowing lightweight constructions. Moreover,
such force transfer mechanisms are easy to maintain. The flexible
link may be deflected by means of one or more pulleys provided in
the force transfer mechanism.
[0011] According to a further preferable embodiment of the present
disclosure, the balancing member is coupled to the flexible link at
a coupling portion of the flexible link, preferably in such a
manner that a direction of a force generated by the balancing
member is aligned or parallel with an extension direction of the
flexible link in the coupling portion.
[0012] Thus, in a preferable construction, a force generated by the
balancing member may be linearly transferred to the flexible link
which is beneficial as no forces a created on the balancing member
in a direction which differs from the force generation direction.
In this manner, the durability of the mechanism is enhanced.
[0013] According to a further preferable embodiment of the present
disclosure, the force transfer mechanism comprises a
transmission.
[0014] In the context of the present disclosure, a transmission is
to be understood as a device or mechanism which is able to convert
an input force to a different output force and thus having a
transmission ratio different from one. A transmission may be
realized as a constant or a variable transmission which means that
the transmission may comprise a fixed transmission ratio or a
variable transmission ratio. Since the force transfer mechanism
comprises a transmission, the force created by the balancing member
can be converted to a suitable force needed for a specific
configuration while keeping the size of the balancing member at an
appropriate dimension. Thus, using a transmission allows for a more
compact and cost-efficient configuration.
[0015] According to a further preferable embodiment of the present
disclosure, the transmission comprises a cone-shaped pulley and the
flexible link is guided around the cone-shaped pulley in an axially
offset manner. In this way, a reliable and easy to manufacture
transmission is provided.
[0016] The flexible link. e.g. a wire rope, can be guided around
such a pulley in a helical manner. In the context of the present
disclosure, axially offset manner is to be understood in such a way
that an initial contact between the flexible link and the
cone-shaped pulley is made at a first portion of the pulley and a
disengagement of the flexible link from the cone-shaped pulley is
made at a second portion of the pulley wherein the first portion
and the second portion are provided at different axial positions of
the cone-shaped pulley. For example, the pulley can have the shape
of a truncated cone.
[0017] According to a further preferable embodiment of the present
disclosure, the force transfer mechanism comprises a coupling
device for transferring a force from the flexible link to the boom
such that an assisting moment assisting said movement of the boom
is generated on the boom.
[0018] The coupling device may be any device which is able to
transfer a force from the flexible link to the boom such that an
assisting moment is generated on the boom. For example, the
coupling device may comprise a disc shape and can be mounted to the
boom integrally movable with the same. The flexible link may be
mounted to and guided on a peripheral edge surface. In this way, a
simple and reliable coupling device is provided rendering the
overall excavator more cost-efficient.
[0019] According to a further preferable embodiment of the present
disclosure, the coupling device is structured such that a force
introduced into the coupling device by the flexible link is
transferred to the boom at a fixed ratio independent from the
position of the boom. In this way, the force applied to the boom is
constant over the entire movement of the boom.
[0020] According to a further preferable embodiment of the present
disclosure, the coupling device is structured such that a force
introduced into the coupling device by the flexible link is
transferred to the boom with a varying ratio, the varying ratio
changing according to the position of the boom. Accordingly, a
varying transmission ratio can be provided which can be adapted to
the position of the boom in the movement range of the boom and thus
be adapted to a moment.
[0021] According to a further preferable embodiment of the present
disclosure, the coupling device comprises a force transfer device
fixedly coupled to the boom such that the force transfer device and
the boom are integrally movable, wherein the force transfer device
comprises a peripheral surface for guiding the flexible link at a
predetermined distance from a hinge portion at which the boom is
articulated, and wherein the flexible link is coupled to the force
transfer device such that a portion of the flexible link contacts a
predetermined section of the peripheral surface when the boom is in
a lower position.
[0022] According to a further preferable embodiment of the present
disclosure, the peripheral surface is at least partially curved and
preferably at least partially comprises the shape of a circular
arc.
[0023] According to a further preferable embodiment of the present
disclosure, a center axis of the force transfer device is aligned
with a rotational axis of the boom in the hinge portion.
[0024] According to a further preferable embodiment of the present
disclosure, the balancing member is a counter weight.
[0025] According to a further preferable embodiment of the present
disclosure, the balancing member is a pressure cylinder.
[0026] According to a further preferable embodiment of the present
disclosure, the force transfer mechanism comprises rigid links.
[0027] Additional features and advantages may be gleaned by the
person skilled in the art from the following description of
exemplary embodiments, which are not to be construed as limiting,
however, drawing reference to the attached drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] The present invention will hereinafter be described in
conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like
numerals denote like elements, and:
[0029] FIGS. 1-3 show different embodiments of excavators according
to the present disclosure;
[0030] FIG. 4A shows a side view of an excavator according to a
further embodiment of the present disclose and FIGS. 4B and 4C show
different views of a pulley of a transmission of the excavator
shown in FIG. 4A; and
[0031] FIGS. 5-26 show different further embodiments of excavators
according to the present disclosure.
[0032] All figures are only schematic depictions of exemplary
embodiments in which, in particular, distances and dimensional
correlations are not presented to scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in
nature and is not intended to limit application and uses.
Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory
presented in the preceding background or summary or the following
detailed description.
[0034] FIG. 1 shows a side view of an excavator 1 according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure. The excavator 1 comprises a
platform 2, also called top frame, which is rotatably coupled to an
undercarriage 3 having tracks 5. On the platform 2, a boom 4 is
hingedly mounted at a hinge portion 24, i.e. at a first end of the
boom 4, and an operator's cab 40 is provided. The boom 4 is
rotatable about a rotation axis A. A dipper 6, also called stick or
bucket arm, is hingedly coupled to the boom 4. A bucket 7 is
hingedly coupled to the dipper 6. The boom 4 is movable by means of
a first hydraulic cylinder 50 supported on the platform 2 and
coupled to the boom, the dipper 6 is movable by means of a second
hydraulic cylinder 52 supported on the boom and connected to the
dipper, and the bucket is movable by means of a third hydraulic
cylinder 54 supported on the dipper and coupled to the bucket 7. It
is to be noted, that although only one first cylinder 50 is shown
in FIG. 1, it is possible to use two hydraulic cylinders 50, one on
each side of the boom 4. In the configuration as shown, the
hydraulic cylinder 50 exerts a pushing force on the boom 4 in order
to move the same. Inside the platform 2, a motor (not shown) is
provided for generating power used for moving the excavator and for
actuating the hydraulic cylinders 50, 52, 54.
[0035] In order to assist the boom 4, and consequently the
cylinders 50 in moving the boom from a lower position to an upper
position, the excavator 1 further comprises a balancing mechanism 8
which is configured to apply a pulling force on the boom 4. In this
way, less power has to be applied on the boom 4 by the first
hydraulic cylinder 50 in order to move the boom 4 allowing to use
smaller hydraulic cylinders. Furthermore, as a pulling force is
applied on the boom 4 by means of the balancing mechanism, the
response characteristics are enhanced because the force necessary
for moving the boom 4 can be generated faster in the first
hydraulic cylinder 50.
[0036] The balancing mechanism 8 as shown in FIG. 2 comprises a
balancing member 10 for generating an assisting force and a force
transfer mechanism 11 for transferring the force generated by the
balancing member 10 to the boom 4. In the present embodiment, the
balancing member 10 is a pressure cylinder 13 comprising nitrogen
as pressure gas and is mounted to the platform 2 at one end and
coupled to the force transfer mechanism it at the other end. Here,
it is to be noted that the general construction of the excavator as
described so far also applies for all embodiments other than the
one described with respect to FIG. 1.
[0037] The force transfer mechanism as shown in FIG. 1 comprises a
flexible link 12 which in this embodiment is a wire rope 21.
However, a chain (not shown) could also be used instead of the wire
rope 21. The wire rope 21 is at one end coupled to the pressure
cylinder 13 at a coupling portion 14 in such a manner that a
direction of a force generated by the pressure cylinder 13 is
aligned with an extension direction of the wire rope 21. At the
other end, the wire rope 21 is coupled to a coupling device 20
which is configured to transfer a force from the wire rope 21 to
the boom 4 such that an assisting moment assisting the movement of
the boom 4 is generated on said boom 4.
[0038] The coupling device 20 is structured such that a force
introduced into the coupling device 20 by the wire rope 21 is
transferred to the boom 4 at a fixed ratio independent from the
position of the boom 4. For that, the coupling device 20 comprises
a force transfer device 22 fixedly coupled to the boom 4 such that
the force transfer device 22 and the boom are integrally movable.
For example, the force transfer device 22 can be welded to the boom
4 or may be fixedly attached by means of threaded bolts or screws.
The force transfer device 22 comprises a peripheral surface 23 for
guiding the wire rope 21 at a predetermined distance from hinge
portion 24 at which the boom 4 is articulated.
[0039] In the present embodiment, the peripheral surface 23 of the
force transfer device 22 follows a circular path having its center
on center axis A. Center axis A is aligned with rotational axis B
of the boom 4 in the hinge portion 24. The wire rope 21 is coupled
to the force transfer device 22 at a fixation portion 22b thereof,
i.e. in FIG. 1 on the left side peripheral surface end of the force
transfer device 22, such that a portion 12a of the wire rope 21
contacts a predetermined section of the peripheral surface 23 when
the boom 4 is in the position as shown in FIG. 1. This position of
the boom as shown can also be referred to as lower position.
Accordingly, when the boom is moved in the counter-clockwise
direction, the dimension of the portion 12a will increase whereas
when the boom 4 is moved in the clockwise direction, the wire rope
21 will unwound from the force transfer device so that the
dimension of the portion 12a will decrease. Since the peripheral
surface follows a circular path about the hinge axis A, a force
transferred on the force transfer device 22 is always converted
into torque acting on the boom 4 with the same ratio. In other
words, if the force generated by the pressure cylinder 13 is
constant over the entire movement area of the boom 4, a
corresponding constant torque will be generated on the boom 4.
[0040] FIG. 2 shows a configuration of an excavator 1 which differs
from the configuration as shown in FIG. 1 in that the pressure
cylinder 13 is arranged inversely. In this configuration, the rear
end of the pressure cylinder 13, which is supported against the
platform 2 faces the boom 4 and the coupling portion 14 is located
on the right side in FIG. 2. In this embodiment, the coupling
portion 14 comprises a link 14a which allows a coupling of the wire
rope 21 at a position which is laterally offset with respect to the
pressure cylinder 13. In this configuration, the wire rope 13
extends along and parallel to the pressure cylinder 13.
[0041] FIG. 3 shows a configuration of an excavator 1 which differs
from the configuration as shown in FIG. 1 in that the pressure
cylinder 13 is arranged inversely similar to the embodiment shown
in FIG. 2. However, in the embodiment of FIG. 3, the force transfer
mechanism it comprises a deflection pulley 11a which deflects the
wire rope 21, about 180.degree. in the example as shown. With this
configuration, the direction of a pulling force exerted on the
pressure cylinder is independent from a dimension of the force
transfer device 22. In this embodiment, the pressure cylinder
extends substantially horizontally and this will not change even if
a differently shaped force transfer device 22 is used.
[0042] FIG. 4A shows a configuration of an excavator 1 according to
a further embodiment which differs from the configuration as shown
in FIG. 3 in that the force transfer mechanism 11 comprises a
transmission realized by a cone-shaped pulley 11b, i.e. a pulley
shaped in the form of a truncated cone, instead of the deflection
pulley 11a as shown in FIG. 3. In this embodiment, the transmission
is generated by means of a diameter difference of between pulley
surface portions where a contact of the wire rope 21 with the
pulley is established or released. In the embodiment as shown in
FIG. 4A, these pulley surface portions are provided on the left and
right end of the conical surface of the cone-shaped pulley 11b as
shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C. In the embodiment of FIG. 4A, the wire
rope 21 coming from the pressure cylinder 13 makes contact with the
surface of the cone-shaped pulley 11b on the left side in FIG. 4C,
i.e. at a portion of the pulley having the greatest diameter. The
wire rope 21 is then wound about the outer surface of the pulley
multiple times and leaves the pulley surface at a portion having
smallest diameter. In this way, the output force on the wire rope
21 is increased by the pulley. Thus, the cone-shaped pulley 11b
provides a reliable and cost-efficient transmission.
[0043] FIG. 5 shows a configuration of an excavator 1 according to
a further embodiment which differs from the configuration as shown
in FIG. 1 only in that the pressure cylinder 13 is coupled to a
lower portion of the platform 2 so that a larger portion 12a of the
wire rope 21 which can contact a predetermined section of the
peripheral surface 23 is available. With this configuration, an
assisting range is increased.
[0044] FIG. 6 shows a configuration of an excavator 1 according to
a further embodiment which differs from the configuration as shown
in FIG. 1 only in the construction of the coupling device 20. The
coupling device 20 is structured such that a force introduced into
the coupling device 20 by the wire rope 21 is transferred to the
boom 4 at a variable ratio dependent on the position of the boom 4.
For that, the coupling device 20 comprises a force transfer device
22a fixedly coupled to the boom 4 such that the force transfer
device 22a and the boom 4 are integrally movable. The force
transfer device 22a comprises a peripheral surface 23a which
comprises a contour defined by a path extending about center axis A
while a radial distance with respect to the axis A increases when
following the path in clockwise direction in FIG. 5. With
increasing radial distance from axis A a moment is correspondingly
increased. With the configuration as shown in FIG. 5, the force
transfer device 22a is structured such that a force introduced into
the force transfer device 22a by the wire rope 21 generates a
maximum torque when the boom is rotated to the lowest position.
When the boom 4 is rotated in the clockwise direction, the point at
which force from the wire rope 21 is introduced into the force
transfer device 22a moves towards axes A, B so that a distance for
torque generation is reduced. Accordingly, the transmission ratio
varies with the movement of the boom 4.
[0045] FIG. 7 shows a configuration of an excavator 1 according to
a further embodiment which differs from the configuration as shown
in FIG. 6 only in that the force transfer mechanism 11 comprises a
deflection pulley 11c which is arranged between the pressure
cylinder 13 and the coupling device 20. By using the deflection
pulley 11c, a force transferred via coupling portion 14 is always
transferred in the same direction, which in the embodiment as shown
is a substantially horizontal direction.
[0046] FIG. 8 shows a configuration of an excavator 1 according to
a further embodiment which differs from the configuration as shown
in FIG. 7 only in that the force transfer mechanism 11 comprises a
deflection pulley 11d which is configured like the cone-shaped
pulley 11b as shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C. Thus, deflection pulley
11d additionally comprises transmission capabilities as described
above with respect to the embodiment as shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B and
4C.
[0047] FIG. 9 shows a configuration of an excavator 1 according to
a further embodiment which differs from the configuration as shown
in FIG. 2 only in that coupling device 20 is structured as
described in connection with the embodiment as shown in FIG. 5.
[0048] FIG. 10 shows a configuration of an excavator 1 according to
a further embodiment which differs from the configuration as shown
in FIG. 7 in that the pressure cylinder is inversely arranged in a
manner as described with respect to the embodiment as shown in FIG.
2.
[0049] FIG. 11 shows a configuration of an excavator 1 according to
a further embodiment which differs from the configuration as shown
in FIG. 3 only in that coupling device 20 is structured as
described in connection with the embodiment as shown in FIG. 5.
[0050] FIG. 12 shows a configuration of an excavator 1 according to
a further embodiment which differs from the configuration as shown
in FIG. 8 only in that the pressure cylinder is inversely arranged
in a manner as described with respect to the embodiment as shown in
FIG. 2.
[0051] FIG. 13 shows a configuration of an excavator 1 according to
a further embodiment which differs from the configuration as shown
in FIG. 4 only in that coupling device 20 is structured as
described in connection with the embodiment as shown in FIG. 6.
[0052] FIG. 14 shows a configuration of an excavator 1 according to
a further embodiment which differs from the configuration as shown
in FIG. 5 only in that coupling device 20 is structured as
described in connection with the embodiment as shown in FIG. 6.
[0053] FIG. 15 shows a configuration of an excavator 1 according to
a further embodiment which differs from the configuration as shown
in FIG. 7 only in that instead of coupling device 20 a link
mechanism 60 is used for transferring a force introduced into the
link mechanism 60 by the wire rope 21 is transferred to the boom 4
at a fixed ratio independent from the position of the boom 4. For
that, the link mechanism 60 comprises a rigid force transfer link
62 connected to the end of the wire rope 21 at a connecting portion
66 and hingedly coupled to the boom 4 at the other end thereof and
a rigid guiding link 64 coupled to the connecting portion 66
between wire rope 21 and force transfer link 62 at one end and
hingedly coupled to the platform 2 at the other end.
Accordingly,
[0054] FIG. 16 shows a configuration of an excavator 1 according to
a further embodiment which differs from the configuration as shown
in FIG. 8 only in that instead of coupling device 20 a link
mechanism 60 according to the embodiment as shown in FIG. 15 is
used.
[0055] FIG. 17 shows a configuration of an excavator 1 according to
a further embodiment which differs from the configuration as shown
in FIG. 3 only in that instead of coupling device 20 a link
mechanism 60 according to the embodiment as shown in FIG. 15 is
used.
[0056] FIG. 18 shows a configuration of an excavator t according to
a further embodiment which differs from the configuration as shown
in FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C only in that instead of coupling device 20 a
link mechanism 60 according to the embodiment as shown in FIG. 15
is used.
[0057] FIG. 19 shows a configuration of an excavator 1 according to
a further embodiment which differs from the configuration as shown
in FIG. 15 in that the force transfer mechanism is entirely
constructed from rigid links 14a, 62, 64, and 68. In other words,
the wire rope 21 as well as the deflection pulley 11c are replaced
by links 68 and 14a. As regards the link 14a, reference is made to
the above embodiments which also include this link 14a.
[0058] FIG. 20 shows a configuration of an excavator 1 according to
a further embodiment which differs from the configuration as shown
in FIG. 19 in that the pressure cylinder is inversely arranged and
exerts a pushing force.
[0059] FIG. 21 shows a configuration of an excavator 1 according to
a further embodiment which differs from the configuration as shown
in FIG. 15 in that the link mechanism 60 comprises a length
adjustable hydraulic cylinder 70. By adjusting the length of the
hydraulic cylinder 70 a transmission ratio of the force applied on
the boom 4 by link 62 can be adjusted.
[0060] FIG. 22 shows a configuration of an excavator 1 according to
a further embodiment which differs from the configuration as shown
in FIG. 16 in that the link mechanism 60 comprises a length
adjustable hydraulic cylinder 70 as described with respect to the
embodiment shown in FIG. 21.
[0061] FIG. 23 shows a configuration of an excavator 1 according to
a further embodiment which differs from the configuration as shown
in FIG. 17 in that the link mechanism 60 comprises a length
adjustable hydraulic cylinder 70 as described with respect to the
embodiment shown in FIG. 21.
[0062] FIG. 24 shows a configuration of an excavator 1 according to
a further embodiment which differs from the configuration as shown
in FIG. 18 in that the link mechanism 60 comprises a length
adjustable hydraulic cylinder 70 as described with respect to the
embodiment shown in FIG. 21.
[0063] FIG. 25 shows a configuration of an excavator 1 according to
a further embodiment which differs from the configuration as shown
in FIG. 19 in that the link mechanism 60 comprises a length
adjustable hydraulic cylinder 70 as described with respect to the
embodiment shown in FIG. 21.
[0064] It is to be noted that buckets of different sizes can be
used on the bucket arm. Furthermore, it is also possible to use
other tools instead of the bucket. The load transfer mechanism 11
can be adapted to the bucket size or tool used in order to assist a
movement of the boom in the upward direction in an optimum way. For
that, it is possible to provide elements with adjustable
transmission ratios. For example, the force transfer device can be
arranged releasably locked to the boom and can be exchanged with
another force transfer device having a different shape and better
suiting the tool or bucket size as mounted. It is also possible to
provide a force transfer device having several different force
transfer sections in a direction of the axis B and a force transfer
changing mechanism being able to shift between the force transfer
sections in order to adapt the force transfer device to the bucket
size or load.
[0065] In conclusion, it is pointed out that terms like
"comprising" or the like are not intended to rule out the provision
of additional elements or steps. Let it further be noted that "a"
or "an" do not preclude a plurality. In addition, features
described in conjunction with the different embodiments can be
combined with each other however desired. It is also noted that the
reference numbers in the claims are not to be construed as limiting
the scope of the claims. Moreover, while at least one exemplary
embodiment has been presented in the foregoing summary and detailed
description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of
variations exist.
[0066] It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment
or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to
limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way.
Rather, the foregoing summary and detailed description will provide
those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for
implementing an exemplary embodiment, it being understood that
various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of
elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing
from the scope as set forth in the appended claims and their legal
equivalents.
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