U.S. patent application number 16/282958 was filed with the patent office on 2019-08-29 for post driving implement.
The applicant listed for this patent is Clark Equipment Company. Invention is credited to Brian Dehnert, Cody Erhardt, Patrick Link.
Application Number | 20190264411 16/282958 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 65724535 |
Filed Date | 2019-08-29 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190264411 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Erhardt; Cody ; et
al. |
August 29, 2019 |
POST DRIVING IMPLEMENT
Abstract
Disclosed embodiments include post driving implements which
attach to a power machine such as a loader in order to pick up
posts of various sizes and materials and/or to drive the posts into
the ground. In some exemplary disclosed embodiments, the post
driving implement allows a post to be picked up when positioned
inline with a direction of power machine travel and allows the post
to rotate under the force of gravity to a second position in which
the post is inline with a pounding mechanism for pounding the post
into the ground. Catch mechanisms can be included to capture a
portion of the implement to maintain the post in the second
position until a release action is taken or a release command is
given.
Inventors: |
Erhardt; Cody; (Bismarck,
ND) ; Dehnert; Brian; (Mandan, ND) ; Link;
Patrick; (Bismarck, ND) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Clark Equipment Company |
West Fargo |
ND |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
65724535 |
Appl. No.: |
16/282958 |
Filed: |
February 22, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62634447 |
Feb 23, 2018 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02F 3/413 20130101;
E02F 3/06 20130101; E04H 17/265 20130101; E04H 17/263 20130101;
E02F 3/96 20130101; E02D 7/10 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E02D 7/10 20060101
E02D007/10 |
Claims
1. A post driving implement configured to be mounted to a power
machine having a lift arm moveable from a fully lowered position to
a fully raised position and an implement carrier coupled to the
lift arm, the post driving implement configured to insert a post
into a support surface, the post driving implement comprising: an
implement frame having a power machine interface configured engage
and be coupled to the implement carrier; a grabbing tool pivotably
mounted to the implement frame and configured to pick up the post
lying on the support surface generally in-line with a direction of
power machine travel, the grabbing tool configured to pivot so that
the post is positioned at a desired attitude relative to the
support surface as the lift arm of the power machine is raised
toward the fully raised position; a pounding mechanism coupled to
the implement frame and positioned and configured to engage the
post held by the grabbing tool to apply a force to urge the post
into the support surface.
2. The post driving implement of claim 1, wherein the grabbing tool
is configured to be pivotable relative to the implement frame
between a first position, in which the grabbing tool is oriented to
pick up the post lying on the support surface generally in-line
with the direction of power machine travel, and a second position
which positions the post generally vertically under the pounding
mechanism such that the pounding mechanism can apply the force to
urge the post into the support surface.
3. The post driving implement of claim 2, wherein the grabbing tool
is biased toward the first position to pick up the post lying on
the support surface and is configured to move under the force of
gravity toward the second position, after picking up the post, as
the lift arm of the power machine is raised toward the fully raised
position.
4. The post driving implement of claim 2, wherein the grabbing tool
is configured to pivot freely from the first position, allowing the
post driving implement to pick up the post lying on the support
surface, to the second position as the lift arm of the power
machine is raised after picking up the post.
5. The post driving implement of claim 2, wherein the grabbing tool
further comprises: a tool frame pivotally mounted to the implement
frame to allow the grabbing tool to pivot between the first
position and the second position; a pair of arms pivotally mounted
to the tool frame; a grabbing tool actuator coupled to the tool
frame and to the pair of arms, the grabbing tool actuator
configured to pivot each of the pair of arms under power to
selectively engage and release the post.
6. The post driving implement of claim 5, wherein each of the pair
of arms has a jaw at an end thereof wherein the jaws are shaped to
collectively grab and hold the post.
7. The post driving implement of claim 6, wherein the jaws include
serrated edges configured to grab a post inserted into the ground
to pull the post out of the ground.
8. The post driving implement of claim 5, wherein each of the pair
of arms has first gripping surfaces having a first radius to grab
posts of a first size and second gripping surfaces having a second
radius to grab posts of a second size.
9. The post driving implement of claim 8, wherein each of the pair
of arms has gripping features configured to grab posts larger than
the first and second sizes.
10. The post driving implement of claim 2, wherein the first
position is a vertical position and the second position is a
horizontal position.
11. A post driving implement configured to be mounted to a power
machine having a lift arm moveable from a fully lowered position to
a fully raised position and an implement carrier coupled to the
lift arm, the post driving implement configured to insert a post
into a support surface, the post driving implement comprising: an
implement frame having a power machine interface configured engage
and be coupled to the implement carrier; a grabbing tool pivotably
mounted to the implement frame and configured to pick up the post
lying on the support surface, the grabbing tool capable of pivoting
so that the post is positioned at a desired attitude relative to
the support surface as the lift arm of the power machine is raised
toward the fully raised position; and a locking mechanism
configured to releasably lock the grabbing tool to the implement
frame when the post is positioned at the desired attitude.
12. The post driving implement of claim 11, wherein the grabbing
tool is configured to pick up the post with the post lying on the
support surface generally in-line with the power machine.
13. The post driving implement of claim 11, wherein the locking
mechanism comprises a latch mechanism coupled to the implement
frame, the grabbing tool including a feature which the latch
mechanism engages to releasably lock the grabbing tool to the
implement frame such that when the grabbing tool is locked to the
implement frame the grabbing tool is incapable of pivoting relative
to the implement frame.
14. The post driving implement of claim 13, wherein the grabbing
tool is configured to be pivotable relative to the implement frame
between a vertical position, in which the grabbing tool is oriented
to pick up the post lying on the support surface, and a horizontal
position in which the post is positioned to be inserted into the
support surface, and wherein the latch mechanism holds the grabbing
tool in the horizontal position when the grabbing tool is locked to
the implement frame.
15. The post driving implement of claim 14, and further comprising
a pounding mechanism coupled to the implement frame and positioned
and configured to engage the post held by the grabbing tool to
apply a force to insert the post into the support surface, wherein
in the horizontal position the grabbing tool positions the post
generally vertically beneath the pounding mechanism such that the
pounding mechanism can apply the force to urge the post into the
support surface.
16. The post driving implement of claim 14, and further comprising
a release mechanism coupled to the latch mechanism and configured
to release the grabbing tool from the horizontal position such that
the grabbing tool returns to the vertical position.
17. The post driving implement of claim 16, wherein the release
mechanism is configured to be engaged by an arm of the grabbing
tool to release the grabbing tool from the horizontal position.
18. A post driving implement configured to be mounted to a power
machine having a lift arm moveable from a fully lowered position to
a fully raised position and an implement carrier pivotally coupled
to the lift arm, the post driving implement configured to insert a
post into a support surface, the post driving implement comprising:
an implement frame having a power machine interface configured
engage and be coupled to the implement carrier; a grabbing tool
pivotably mounted to the implement frame and configured to pick up
the post lying on the support surface; and a level indicator
pivotally attached to one side of the implement frame, the level
indicator being free to move relative to the implement frame and
provide an indication on another surface of the implement frame of
whether the post is vertical relative to the support surface.
19. The post driving implement of claim 18, wherein the level
indicator is pivotally attached to the one side of the implement
frame and configured to pivot about an axis which is parallel to
the other surface of the implement frame.
20. The post driving implement of claim 19, wherein the level
indicator includes a right-angle bend to provide the indication on
the other surface of whether the post is vertical relative to the
support surface.
21. A method of urging a post into a support surface, the method
comprising: providing a power machine with an implement attached
thereto, the implement having a grabbing tool for grabbing the
post; positioning the power machine in-line with the post lying on
the support surface; positioning the grabbing tool adjacent to the
post; grabbing the post with the grabbing tool; raising the
implement to position the post in a desired attitude with respect
to the support surface; and driving the post into the support
surface using a pounding mechanism of the implement.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/634,447, which was filed on Feb. 23, 2018.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure is related to implements for
attachment to a power machine. More particularly, the present
disclosure is related to an implement attachable to a power machine
for picking up and pounding posts into the ground or pulling posts
from the ground.
[0003] Power machines, for the purposes of this disclosure, include
any type of machine that generates power for the purpose of
accomplishing a particular task or a variety of tasks. One type of
power machine is a work vehicle. Work vehicles are generally
self-propelled vehicles that have a work device, such as a lift arm
(although some work vehicles can have other work devices) that can
be manipulated to perform a work function. Some examples of work
vehicle power machines include loaders, excavators, utility
vehicles, tractors, and trenchers, to name a few.
[0004] Some power machines can be operably coupled to implements
that are capable of cooperating with the power machine to perform
various tasks. For example, some loaders have lift arms that are
capable of having a wide variety of implements operably coupled to
them, ranging from a simple bucket or blade to relatively complex
implements such as planers and graders that have work devices
capable of performing various tasks. Some of these work devices on
implements are controllable by operator input devices on the power
machines to which they are operably coupled. Many power machines of
this type are capable of providing power and/or control signals to
an operably coupled implement. Thus, when a particular power
machine is operably coupled to an implement, a connection is made
between one or more power and/or control signal sources on the
power machine and the implement. One common type of power source on
such types of power machines is a hydraulic power source.
Pressurized hydraulic fluid is selectively provided from the power
machine to the implement once the connection is made. To connect
and disconnect an implement from a power machine, the hydraulic
connections between the machine and implement must be made and
broken.
[0005] Implements for handling a pole or post (hereafter
collectively referred to as posts) are known, as are implements or
devices for pounding or driving a post into the ground. Some
implements are capable of handling a post but require a separate
post driver to place the same into the ground. Also, many post
handling implements and/or post driving implements require that the
post be lying on the ground transverse to the direction of travel
of the loader or other power machine when the post is to be picked
up. Requiring transverse orientation of the post can be
disadvantageous, for example limiting areas in which the implement
and power machine can be used.
[0006] The discussion above is merely provided for general
background information and is not intended to be used as an aid in
determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
SUMMARY
[0007] This summary and the abstract are provided to introduce a
selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further
described below in the Detailed Description. The summary and the
abstract are not intended to identify key features or essential
features of the claimed subject matter.
[0008] The present disclosure includes post driving implements
which attach to a power machine such as a loader in order to pick
up posts of various sizes and materials and/or to drive the posts
into the ground. In some exemplary disclosed embodiments, the post
driving implement allows a post to be picked up when positioned
inline with a direction of power machine travel and allows the post
to rotate under the force of gravity to a second position in which
the post is inline with a pounding mechanism for pounding the post
into the ground. Catch mechanisms can be included to capture a
portion of the implement to maintain the post in the second
position until a release action is taken or a release command is
given.
[0009] In some disclosed embodiments, a post driving implement
(100; 100'; 200; 300) is configured to be mounted to a power
machine (10) having a lift arm (35) moveable from a fully lowered
position to a fully raised position and an implement carrier (50)
coupled to the lift arm. The post driving implement is configured
to insert a post (270) into a support surface and comprises an
implement frame (122; 122'; 222) having a power machine interface
(110; 110'; 210) configured engage and be coupled to the implement
carrier. The post driving implement also comprises a grabbing tool
(240; 340) pivotably mounted to the implement frame and configured
to pick up the post lying on the support surface generally in-line
with a direction of power machine travel. The grabbing tool is
configured to pivot so that the post is positioned at a desired
attitude relative to the support surface as the lift arm of the
power machine is raised toward the fully raised position. The post
driving implement also includes a pounding mechanism (229) coupled
to the implement frame (122; 122'; 222) and positioned and
configured to engage the post held by the grabbing tool to apply a
force to urge the post into the support surface.
[0010] In some embodiments, the grabbing tool (240; 340) is
configured to be pivotable relative to the implement frame between
a first position, in which the grabbing tool is oriented to pick up
the post lying on the support surface generally in-line with the
direction of power machine travel, and a second position which
positions the post generally vertically under the pounding
mechanism such that the pounding mechanism can apply the force to
urge the post into the support surface.
[0011] In some embodiments, the grabbing tool (240; 340) is biased
toward the first position to pick up the post lying on the support
surface and is configured to move under the force of gravity toward
the second position, after picking up the post, as the lift arm of
the power machine is raised toward the fully raised position. In
some embodiments, the grabbing tool (240; 340) is configured to
pivot freely from the first position, allowing the post driving
implement to pick up the post lying on the support surface, to the
horizontal position as the lift arm of the power machine is raised
after picking up the post.
[0012] In some embodiments, the grabbing tool (240; 340) further
comprises a tool frame (242) pivotally mounted to the implement
frame (122; 122'; 222) to allow the grabbing tool to pivot between
the first position and the second position. A pair of arms (248;
348) of the grabbing tool is pivotally mounted to the tool frame. A
grabbing tool actuator (250) is coupled to the tool frame and to
the pair of arms and is configured to pivot each of the pair of
arms under power to selectively engage and release the post. In
some embodiments, each of the pair of arms has a jaw (256) at an
end thereof. The jaws are shaped to collectively grab and hold the
post and can include serrated edges (259) configured to grab a post
inserted into the ground to pull the post out of the ground.
Further, in some embodiments, each of the pair of arms (348) can
have a first gripping surfaces (357) with a first radius to grab
posts of a first size and second gripping surfaces (359) with a
second radius to grab posts of a second size. Each of the pair of
arms can also include gripping features 361 configured to grab
posts larger than the first and second sizes.
[0013] In some disclosed embodiments, a post driving implement
(100; 100'; 200; 300) is configured to be mounted to a power
machine (10) having a lift arm (35) moveable from a fully lowered
position to a fully raised position and an implement carrier (50)
coupled to the lift arm. The post driving implement is configured
to insert a post (270) into a support surface and comprises an
implement frame (122; 122'; 222) having a power machine interface
(110; 110'; 210) configured engage and be coupled to the implement
carrier. The post driving implement also includes a grabbing tool
(240; 340) pivotably mounted to the implement frame and configured
to pick up the post lying on the support surface. The grabbing tool
is configured to pivot so that the post is positioned at a desired
attitude relative to the support surface as the lift arm of the
power machine is raised toward the fully raised position. A locking
mechanism (260) of the implement is configured to releasably lock
the grabbing tool to the implement frame when the post is
positioned at the desired attitude.
[0014] In some disclosed embodiments, the locking mechanism (260)
comprises a latch mechanism coupled to the implement frame. The
grabbing tool also includes, in some embodiments, a feature (262)
which the latch mechanism engages to releasably lock the grabbing
tool to the implement frame to hold the grabbing tool in the
horizontal position. The pounding mechanism (229) of the implement
is coupled to the implement frame (122; 122'; 222) and positioned
and configured to engage the post held by the grabbing tool to
apply a force to insert the post into the support surface. When
held in the horizontal position the grabbing tool positions the
post generally vertically under the pounding mechanism.
[0015] In some embodiments, the post driving implement further
includes a release mechanism (266) coupled to the latch or locking
mechanism (260) and configured to release the grabbing tool from
the horizontal position such that the grabbing tool returns to the
vertical position. Further, in some embodiments, the release
mechanism (266) is configured to be engaged by an arm (248) of the
grabbing tool (240; 340) to release the grabbing tool from the
horizontal position.
[0016] In some disclosed embodiments, a post driving implement
(100; 100'; 200; 300) is configured to be mounted to a power
machine (10) having a lift arm (35) moveable from a fully lowered
position to a fully raised position and an implement carrier (50)
coupled to the lift arm. The post driving implement is configured
to insert a post (270) into a support surface and comprises an
implement frame (122; 122'; 222) having a power machine interface
(110; 110'; 210) configured engage and be coupled to the implement
carrier. A grabbing tool (240; 340) of the implement is pivotably
mounted to the implement frame and configured to pick up the post
lying on the support surface. The grabbing tool is configured to
pivot so that the post is positioned at a desired attitude relative
to the support surface as the lift arm of the power machine is
raised toward the fully raised position. The post driving implement
further includes a level indicator (280) pivotally attached to one
side (288) of the implement frame. The level indicator is free to
move relative to the implement frame and provide an indication on
another surface (282) of the implement frame of whether the post is
vertical relative to the support surface. In some embodiments, the
level indicator is pivotally attached to the one side (288) of the
implement frame and configured to pivot about an axis (286) which
is parallel to another surface (282) of the implement frame. In
some embodiments, the level indicator includes a right-angle bend
(284) to provide the indication on another surface (282) of whether
the post is vertical relative to the support surface.
[0017] Also disclosed are methods (400) of urging a post (270) into
a support surface, the methods comprising providing (410) a power
machine (10) with an implement (100; 100'; 200; 300) attached
thereto, the implement having a grabbing tool (240; 340) for
grabbing the post. The method further includes positioning (420)
the power machine in-line with the post lying on the support
surface and positioning (430) the grabbing tool adjacent to the
post. The method further includes grabbing (440) the post with the
grabbing tool and raising (450) the implement to position the post
in a desired attitude with respect to the support surface. With the
post positioned at the desired attitude, the method includes
driving (460) the post into the support surface using a pounding
mechanism of the implement.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating functional systems of
a representative implement on which embodiments of the present
disclosure can be practiced and a power machine to which the
representative implement can be coupled.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating functional systems of
another representative implement on which embodiments of the
present disclosure can be practiced and a power machine to which
the representative implement can be coupled.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a side elevation illustration of a post-driving
implement according to one exemplary embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the post-driving implement
of FIG. 3.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of a portion of the
post driving implement shown in FIG. 4, illustrating gripping tool
in greater detail.
[0023] FIG. 6 is a side view illustration of the post driving
implement with a post secured by the grabbing tool and with the
grabbing tool frame rotated into the latched, horizontal position
such that a pounding tool or mechanism can drive the post into the
ground.
[0024] FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of a portion of the
post driving implement showing a grabbing tool in between a biased
vertical position and a latched horizontal position.
[0025] FIG. 8 is an illustration of a level indicator in accordance
with some exemplary embodiments.
[0026] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustration of another
exemplary embodiment of a post driving implement having arms
configured to fit posts of differing sizes.
[0027] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method
of urging or inserting a post into a support surface.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] The concepts disclosed in this discussion are described and
illustrated with reference to exemplary embodiments. These
concepts, however, are not limited in their application to the
details of construction and the arrangement of components in the
illustrative embodiments and are capable of being practiced or
being carried out in various other ways. The terminology in this
document is used for the purpose of description and should not be
regarded as limiting. Words such as "including," "comprising," and
"having" and variations thereof as used herein are meant to
encompass the items listed thereafter, equivalents thereof, as well
as additional items.
[0029] The present disclosure includes an implement which attaches
to a power machine, such as a loader, for picking up and pounding
posts into the ground. In some exemplary embodiments, the posts are
of a fence post size, though larger posts can be accommodated using
the disclosed features. Disclosed embodiments include features
which can be adapted or configured to drive various types and
shapes of posts, including round wooden posts, T-shaped metal
posts, or posts made in other shapes or of other materials. These
concepts can be practiced on various implements, as will be
described below. A representative implement 100 on which the
embodiments can be practiced and a power machine 10 to which the
implement can be operably coupled are illustrated in diagram form
in FIG. 1 and described below before any embodiments are disclosed.
For the sake of brevity, only one implement and power machine
combination is discussed. However, as mentioned above, the
embodiments below can be practiced on any of a number of implements
and these various implements can be operably coupled to a variety
of different power machines. Power machines, for the purposes of
this discussion, include a frame, at least one work element, and a
power source that is capable of providing power to the work element
to accomplish a work task. One type of power machine is a
self-propelled work vehicle. Self-propelled work vehicles are a
class of power machines that include a frame, work element, and a
power source that is capable of providing power to the work
element. At least one of the work elements is a motive system for
moving the power machine under power.
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 1, a block diagram illustrates basic
systems of power machine 10 as are relevant to interact with
implement 100 as well as basic features of implement 100, which
represents an implement upon which the embodiments discussed below
can be advantageously incorporated. At their most basic level,
power machines for the purposes of this discussion include a frame
20, a power source 30, a work element 35, and, as shown in FIG. 1,
an implement interface 40. On power machines such as loaders and
excavators and other similar work vehicles, implement interface 40
includes an implement carrier 50 and a power port 60. The implement
carrier 50 is typically rotatably attached to a lift arm or other
work element and is capable of being secured to the implement. The
power port 60 provides a connection for the implement 100 to
provide power from the power source to the implement. Power source
30 represents one or more sources of power that are generated on
power machine 10. This can include either or both of pressurized
fluid and electrical power.
[0031] The implement 100, which is sometimes known as an attachment
or an attachable implement, has a power machine interface 110 and a
tool 120, which is coupled to the power machine interface 110. The
power machine interface 110 illustratively includes a machine mount
112 and a power port 114 for coupling with power machine 10.
Machine mount 112 can be any structure capable of being coupled to
the implement interface 40 of power machine 10. Power port 114, in
some embodiments, includes hydraulic and/or electrical couplers.
Power port 114 can also include a wireless electrical connection,
as may be applicable on a given implement. While both machine mount
112 and power port 114 is shown, some implements may have only one
or the other as part of their power machine interface 110. Other
implements, such as a bucket, would not have a power port 114 at
all.
[0032] In instances where a power machine has a specific implement
carrier, the machine mount 112 will include a structure that
complements the specific implement carrier. For power machines
without an implement carrier, the machine mount includes features
to directly mount the implement 100 to the power machine 10 such as
bushings to accept pins for mounting the implement to a lift arm
and an actuator for moving the implement. Some implements are not
intended to be physically mounted to a power machine at all. One
example of an implement that is not intended to be physically
mounted to a power machine would be a handheld implement.
[0033] For the purposes of this discussion, implements can be
categorized as simple or complex. A simple implement has no work
element. One example of a simple implement is a bucket. A complex
implement has at least one actuable work element. Complex
implements are further divided into those that have one actuable
work element and those that have multiple work elements.
[0034] In FIG. 1, the implement 100 illustrates a tool 120 for a
complex implement with a single work element 124. The tool 120
includes a frame 122, which is coupled with or integral to the
machine mount 112. A work element 124 is coupled to the frame 122
and is moveable in some way (rotation, extension, etc.) with
respect to the frame. An actuator 126 is mounted to the frame 122
and the work element 124 and is actuable under power to move the
work element with respect to the frame. Power is provided to the
actuator 126 via the power machine. Power is selectively provided
in the form of pressurized hydraulic fluid (or other power source)
directly from the power machine 10 to the actuator 126 via power
ports 60 and 114.
[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates an implement 100', which depicts a
complex, multi-function implement. The features in FIG. 2 that are
similarly numbered to those in FIG. 1 are substantially similar and
are not discussed again here for the sake of brevity. Implement
100' has one or more additional work elements 124'', which are
shown in block form. Each work element 124'' has a corresponding
actuator 126'' coupled thereto for controlling movement of the work
element 124''. A control system 130 receives power from the power
machine and selectively provides power to the actuators 126' and
126'' in response to signals from operator inputs. The control
system 130 includes a controller 132, which is configured to
receive electrical signals from the power machine 10 indicative of
operator input manipulation and control power to the various
actuators based on those electrical signals. The controller 132 can
provide electrical signals to some or all of the actuators 126' and
126'' to control their function. Alternatively, the controller 132
can control optional valve 134, which in turn controls actuation of
some or all of the actuators 126' and 126'' by providing
pressurized hydraulic fluid to the actuators.
[0036] Although not shown in either of FIGS. 1-2, in some
instances, controller 132 can receive signals indicative of
operator actuation of user inputs that are mounted on the
implement, as opposed to the power machine. In these applications,
the implement is controlled from an operator position that is
located remotely from the power machine (i.e. next to the implement
100').
[0037] FIGS. 3-4 illustrate a first embodiment of a post driving
implement 200. Implement 200 includes a power machine interface 210
and a tool 220 that is operably coupled to the power machine
interface 210. The power machine interface 210 includes a machine
mount in the form of a generally planar interface plate 212 that is
capable of being coupled to an implement carrier on a loader. In
other embodiments, various types of machine mounts can be employed.
The power machine interface 210 also includes a power port 214,
which includes hydraulic conduits 216 that are connectable to
conduits on a power machine so that pressurized hydraulic fluid can
be selectively provided to actuators on the implement, as will be
discussed below. The power port 214 also illustratively includes an
electrical connection (not shown), which is connectable to a
controller 232 and actuators on valve 234. The controller 232 and
valve 234 are included in a control system 230 on the implement 200
for controlling functions thereon.
[0038] The tool 220 includes a frame 222 that has a mount 224 that
is pivotally connected to the interface plate 212. The mount 224 is
pivotable about an axis 226 under power and control from the valve
234. The frame 222 also includes a tower 228 in which is housed a
pounding mechanism or hammer 229 that is also under power and
control from the valve 234. While one particular pounding mechanism
or hammer 229 is shown, this post driving mechanism can by any
mechanism or device configured to drive a post into the ground. For
example, in some embodiments, pounding mechanism 229 can be a
cylinder directly linked to a plate or other support structure such
that extension of the cylinder applies force to urge the post into
the ground or support surface.
[0039] Implement 200 also includes a grabbing or gripping tool 240
that is pivotable between a vertical position (shown in FIGS. 3-4)
and a horizontal position (shown in FIG. 6). In the vertical
position, the gripping tool is positioned to grab a post 270 that
is lying on a support surface generally in line with the power
machine and implement 200. The grabbing tool 240 has a tool frame
242 that is pivotally mounted to implement frame 244 such that it
pivots, relative to frame 222, about a pivot axis defined by a
pivot joint 244. The grabbing tool 240 is biased toward the
vertical position such as by a spring or other bias mechanism
246.
[0040] FIG. 5 shows a close up view of the grabbing tool 240. As
mentioned above, the grabbing tool 240 has a frame 242. A pair of
arms 248A and 248B (collectively 248) are pivotally mounted to the
frame 242 at joints 249A and 249B, respectively. An actuator 250 is
coupled to the gripping tool frame 242 at a first coupling location
252 and to each of the arms 248A and 248B at a second coupling
location 254. Actuator 250 is under power and control of the
control system 230. Actuation of actuator 250 causes the arms 248A
and 248B to pivot about their respective joints 249A and 249B.
Actuator 250 as shown in FIG. 5 is a hydraulic cylinder mounted at
a base end to the frame and at a rod end to the arms. Other types
and configurations of actuators can be used in other embodiments.
Each of the arms 248A and 248B has a jaw 256A and 256B
(collectively 256) attached to an end thereof. In other
embodiments, jaws 256 can be a portion of the respective arms 248.
The jaws 256 are shaped to engage a post and collectively be able
to grab and hold a post such as post 270 shown in FIG. 3 that is
lying on the ground. The jaws 256 have serrated edges 259 that are
capable of grabbing a post that is inserted into the ground for the
purposes of pulling the post out of the ground. This is
accomplished by raising the implement 200 such as by powering a
lift arm on the power machine to which the implement 200 is
operably coupled.
[0041] When jaws 256 are holding a post and implement 200 is lifted
off of the ground, for example by raising a lift arm of a power
machine to which the implement is operably coupled, the grabbing
tool 240 is configured in some embodiments to move under the force
of gravity (i.e. without any mechanism provided to drive the
grabbing tool to the horizontal position) to a horizontal position
as shown in FIG. 6 to allow the post 270 to be positioned directly
under pounding mechanism 229. FIG. 7 illustrates the grabbing tool
in between the vertical and horizontal positions, but with the post
omitted to better illustrates components of the grabbing tool. The
weight of post 270 applies force to grabbing tool 240 to overcome
the biasing force of bias mechanism 246 (bias mechanism 246 removed
from FIG. 6 for clarity purposes), thereby allowing grabbing tool
240 to rotate toward the horizontal position. Rotation of grabbing
tool 240 in this manner can thus be achieved without a powered
actuation mechanism controlling the rotation. However, in other
embodiments, grabbing tool 240 can be moved between the horizontal
and vertical positions under power of an actuator. Once in-line
with the post pounding mechanism 229, the post 270 can be moved to
a position where it is perpendicular to the ground by using the
power machine to move the implement 200 (i.e. by moving a lift arm
and/or tilt cylinder) and/or tilting the implement 200, which is
itself pivotable about axis 226 as is described above. A chain 239
is provided as an orientation mechanism.
[0042] In some embodiments, implement 200 has a latch or catch
mechanism 260 connected to or formed with frame 222 to hold the
grabbing tool 240 in the horizontal position. This latch mechanism
260 catches the grabbing tool by engaging a protrusion 262 on the
grabbing tool 240 and holds it in the second or horizontal position
so that, when the post is in position to be pounded into the
ground, the post doesn't swing out of position. A release lever 266
is provided that, when actuated allows the latch 260 to release the
grabbing tool 240 so that it moves back to the first, vertical
position after the post has been pounded. In one embodiment, the
release lever 266 is actuated by moving the arms 248 so that arm
248B or jaw 256B engages the lever 266. In must be noted that, in
some embodiments, grabbing tool can be moved under power back to
the vertical position by an actuator.
[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 8, shown is a level indicator
280 mounted on side 288 of the frame 222 of implement 200. The
level indicator 280 indicates whether the implement 200 is level
with respect to an axis about which an implement carrier on the
power machine pivots (i.e. by actuating a tilt cylinder). The axis
of pivot is transverse to the power machine and the indicator is
also transverse to the power machine. Level indicator 280 is a
sight gauge and is configured to indicate level on a surface 282
that is parallel with the axis 286 about which the level indicator
pivots and about which it is indicating. This is accomplished by
putting a right-angle bend 284 in the indicator member 280. This
configuration is advantageous, because during operation, surface
282 is directly in the line of sight of an operator positioned in
the operating position of a loader to which implement 200 is
operably coupled.
[0044] Referring now to FIG. 9, shown is an embodiment of a post
driving implement 300 that is substantially identical in most
respects to post driving implement 200 described above. Because
implement 200 and implement 300 have common features, those
features are not necessarily numbered in FIG. 9 or discussed with
reference to implement 300. For example, while the frames, the
valve of the control system, the pounding mechanism or hammer, and
the gripping tool actuator are all shown in FIG. 9, these
components can be the same or substantially similar to those
discussed above. Further, other components discussed above but not
shown in FIG. 9 can be included in implement 300.
[0045] One feature that differs between implements 200 and 300 is
grabbing tool 340. Although grabbing tools 240 and 340 includes
common features which are not described in detail with reference to
grabbing tool 340, grabbing tool 340 of implement 300 differs as it
includes arms 348A and 348B (collectively referred to as arms 348)
that have a profile such that when engaged, arms 348 can fit or
grab a post of either of a first size, a second, or a third size
and center them in line with the pounding mechanism when the
grabbing tool 340 is in the horizontal position. Each of the arms
348 have first gripping surfaces 357 having a first radius and
second gripping surfaces 359 having a second radius to engage posts
that correspond to those radii. A larger post can be engaged by the
points or gripping features 361 on each of the arms 348. Other
embodiments can include adapters or features in the arms to
accommodate other types of posts, including, for example, T-shaped
metal posts.
[0046] Referring now to FIG. 10, shown is a flow diagram of a
method 400 of urging a post 270 into a support surface using a
power machine and a post driving implement as discussed above. As
shown at block 410, a power machine 10 is provided or obtained with
an implement, such as one of implements (100; 100'; 200; 300)
discussed above, attached or mounted to the implement carrier of
the power machine. The attached implement has a grabbing tool, such
as grabbing tools 240 and 340 discussed above, for grabbing the
post.
[0047] With the post lying on the ground or support surface, the
power machine is positioned in-line with the post as shown at block
420. Positioning the power machine in-line with the post lying on
the support surface can refer to positioning the power machine
relative to the post such that straight forward travel of the power
machine would be in a direction which is generally or approximately
co-linear with post. Stated another way, positioning the power
machine in-line with the post lying on the support surface can
refer to positioning a longitudinal centerline of the power
machine, between the rear and front of the machine, such that it is
generally co-linear with the post. It is not required that the
power machine centerline and the post be perfectly co-linear. Of
primary importance and particular benefit, the post driving
implement of the disclosed embodiments does not require that the
post be positioned transverse to the direction of travel of the
power machine. Instead, posts to be inserted into the ground or
support surface can be arranged and oriented in a line or along a
path over which the power machine can travel to insert the posts
into the ground.
[0048] With the power machine positioned generally in-line with the
post, at block 430 the method is shown to include positioning the
grabbing tool 240 or 340 adjacent to the post. This typically
includes using the grabbing tool actuator 250 to pivot the arms 248
or 348 of the grabbing tool to spread the arms apart in preparation
for grabbing the post. At block 440, the method includes grabbing
the post using the grabbing tool. As discussed above, this
typically includes using the grabbing tool actuator 250 to pivot
the arms together to grip the post.
[0049] As shown at block 450, with the post grabbed by the grabbing
tool, the implement is raised to position the post in a desired
attitude with respect to the support surface. As discussed, in some
embodiments, as the lift arm (e.g., work element 35) of the power
machine is raised, the grabbing tool pivots from a vertical
position used to grab the post to a horizontal position. In the
horizontal position, the post is positioned at the desired
attitude, for example orthogonal or vertical, relative to the
support surface. Further, in the horizontal position of the
grabbing tool, the post is positioned directly under the pounding
mechanism 229 of the implement. As discussed, in some embodiments,
the grabbing tool is locked by a latch or locking mechanism 260 to
the implement frame to maintain the post at the desired attitude.
At block 460, the pounding mechanism is used to drive the post into
the support surface. If the grabbing tool was locked to the
implement frame, the lock or latch mechanism can be automatically
released to allow the grabbing tool to pivot back toward the
vertical position in preparation for grabbing the next post in
line.
[0050] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will
recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
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