The present disclosure is related to a multi-purpose, low-profile vehicle and vehicle system.
Mining requires fastidious attention to safety, including clearing detritus and other materials from passageways and other locations. Clearing these materials, however, can be very labor intensive, and takes manpower away from mining activities. Also, mines can be very tight quarters with limited ventilation, thus preventing the use of conventional equipment for clearing and cleaning purposes.
In one specific example, mining operations often use conveyor systems for transporting mined product. By way of a more specific example, various types of conveyor belts are often used to transport coal within a mine. Over a period of time, detritus (e.g., coal slack) builds up underneath and around the conveyor system from spillage as well as from material carry-back on the return side (e.g., bottom) of the conveyor. Two to three feet (or more) of material may build up and compact under the main belts in a coal mine over one or more years of operation. This compacted material eventually needs to be excavated or cleaned-out in order to assure proper belt clearance, ensure miner safety, and for other purposes (e.g., to allow room for square sets in areas that they are required for ground control).
The coal slack and other material which builds up under and around conveyor systems is typically removed manually using shovels, air-powered jack hammers, and similar manually-operated implements. In some instances, each shift in a coal mine might have an entire crew (e.g., eight workers) devoted to cleaning beneath and around conveyor belts using various pneumatic and hand tools to manually excavate the material and load it back onto the belt. This can be a dangerous process, since the conveyor system will often be running as the material is manually cleaned from beneath a running conveyor. This manual process causes many lost time injuries, particularly back injuries, due to the labor intensive nature of the work and the fact that workers are required to work beneath a running conveyor belt.
While a variety of devices and techniques may exist for cleaning debris (such as material from beneath and around conveyor systems, e.g., in a coal mine), it is believed that no one prior to the inventors have made or used an invention as described herein.
While the specification concludes with claims which particularly point out and distinctly claim the invention, it is believed the present invention will be better understood from the following description of certain examples taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
The drawings are not intended to be limiting in any way, and it is contemplated that various embodiments of the invention may be carried out in a variety of other ways, including those not necessarily depicted in the drawings. The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements shown.
The following description of certain examples should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the versions disclosed herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, which is by way of illustration, one of the best modes contemplated for carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the versions described herein are capable of other different and obvious aspects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.
Embodiments described herein provide a multi-purpose, low-profile vehicle and vehicle system. A method for cleaning material from beneath and around a conveyor system (e.g., a conveyor belt, such as found in a coal mine) using the vehicle and vehicle system is also provided. In some embodiments, the vehicle is air-powered and/or remote controlled, allowing the operator to remain a safe distance from the conveyor belt or other area being cleaned. This allows the cleaning operation (or other tasks) to be performed more safely and more efficiently (i.e., with less manpower) as compared to conventional, manual cleaning. Some embodiments of the vehicle are also configured to provide a robust configuration designed to reduce potential damage to vehicle components during use, such as by reducing the likelihood that hydraulic hoses and/or connectors will be dislodged or damaged during use in mining environments and the like.
By way of one specific example, the vehicle described herein may be used to dislodge compacted material (e.g., coal slack) from beneath a conveyor belt in a coal mine, collect the dislodged material and deposit it back onto the conveyor belt (or deliver it to some other desired location). One exemplary method of use is to remotely (i.e., using a remote control device) drive the vehicle beneath a conveyor belt beneath which coal has collected, and then remotely manipulate the cleaning attachment (e.g., urging a rotating cutting head against the coal, lifting a bucket so as to scoop of coal therein, moving a rotating cutting head in side-to-side and/or up and down fashion against compacted coal, etc.) so as to dislodge the coal beneath the conveyor belt (e.g., cut up compacted coal for later removal, scoop up coal in a bucket, push coal from beneath the conveyor belt using a plow attachment, etc.).
One specific, non-limiting example is a remotely-operable vehicle or vehicle system for cleaning material from beneath a structure. The vehicle includes:
Vehicle (10) also comprises one component of a vehicle system. Other components of the system include two or more attachments, such as cleaning, cutting or material handling attachments, which may be attached to and removed from vehicle (10) by a user. In some embodiments of the vehicle system, more than one such removable attachment may be attached to vehicle (10) at the same time. In addition, one or more of the attachments may be configured for operative attachment to vehicle (10) such that the attachment may be manipulated by a user, such as through the use of remote control unit (12). As further described herein, vehicle (10) includes mounting features which facilitate mounting of the attachments to vehicle (10).
Remote control unit (12) communicates with a control system on vehicle (10), wherein the vehicle control system includes a receiver (which may comprise a transceiver) located within (or, in another embodiment, in) vehicle (10) for receiving control signals transmitted by remote control unit (12). Remote control unit (12) includes a transmitter (which may comprise a transceiver) for transmitting vehicle control signals from remote control unit (12) to the control system of vehicle (10).
Remote control unit (12) and the vehicle control system provide multi-channel control whereby remote control unit (12) is used to control a plurality of vehicle functions. As used herein, unless otherwise indicated, “channel” refers to a control function associated with a control signal sent by remote control unit (12) to vehicle (10), wherein the vehicle control system decodes the signal to determine which control function the signal pertains to (e.g., vehicle speed, steering, lift actuators, etc.). In the embodiment of
The vehicle control system, which includes one or more processors (e.g., a microprocessor or microcontroller), receives the control signals from remote control unit (12). These signals are processed and used to control the operation of vehicle (10), which may include one or more attachments mounted thereto. The control signals received by the vehicle control system may be used to control, for example, the speed and movement (e.g., turning) of the vehicle (10), as well as one or more of a variety of devices within or attached to vehicle (10). By way of example, a microprocessor receives and decodes control signals received from remote control unit (12), and generates signals used to drive one or more servo motors, valves (e.g., solenoid valves), lights or various other components of vehicle (10), and optionally attachments operatively mounted on vehicle (10). By way of specific example, controls signals may cause hydraulic solenoid valves to open causing hydraulic fluid to flow into actuators used to lift support arms (further described herein).
Although remote control unit (12) is depicted as communicating wirelessly with vehicle (10) (e.g., using RF signals), a wired connection may alternatively be provided between remote control unit (12) and vehicle (10). In such an embodiment, control signals may be transmitted directly between remote control unit (12) and one or more processors of the vehicle control system.
Remote control unit (12) includes a plurality of input devices such as one or more control levers, switches, control sticks, buttons, keys and/or other input devices, as is known to those skilled in the art. Each input device may be assigned (i.e., associated with) a particular vehicle function (e.g., controlling the speed of vehicle (10)), and the assigned function may be predetermined or set (or changed) by the user before or during operation of vehicle (10).
The assigned function may also depend upon the attachment(s) mounted to vehicle (10), and be set by the user and/or automatically determined by remote control unit (12) and/or the vehicle control system based on the specific attachment(s) mounted to vehicle (10). The nature of the attachment (e.g., name, unique identifier, etc.) may be input by the user (e.g., using remote control unit (12)) or even detected by vehicle (10) and/or remote control unit (12) (e.g., an unique mechanical or electronic identifier on the attachment which is detected by the control system or other aspect of vehicle (10)).
As mentioned above, remote control unit (12) is configured to communicate with the receiver (e.g., a transceiver) of vehicle (10) via RF transmission. In some embodiments, remote control unit (12) includes a display screen and/or one or more operator-perceivable visual and/or audible indicators which indicate to the operator: (a) whether the remote control unit (12) is communicating properly with vehicle (10); (b) operational parameters concerning the operation of vehicle (10) (e.g., status of on-board power supply, temperatures, vehicle speed, etc.); (c) the position of one or more attachments mounted to vehicle (10); and (d) other information relevant to the operation and use of vehicle (10).
Vehicle (10) includes a body (14). It should be noted that the configuration of body (14) shown in
Body (14) houses various components of vehicle (10), such as a drive unit (16) for effecting movement of vehicle (10), the vehicle control system, one or more power supplies (e.g., one or more batteries), hydraulics, and other components, as further described herein. Body (14) at least partially covers the drive tracks (24A, 24B) of vehicle (10), thus providing fenders on each side of body (14) which extend over and around the rear (or distal) end of drive tracks (24A, 24B), as shown.
In the exemplary embodiment shown, vehicle (10) is air-powered over hydraulic—compressed air is used to drive one or more hydraulic pumps in order to supply pressurized hydraulic fluid for purposes of not only controllably driving (i.e., moving and steering) the vehicle, but also for actuating and/or operating one or more attachments. Thus, vehicle (10) (e.g., body (14)) is configured such that a compressed air hose (17) may be operatively attached to vehicle (10) in order to provide compressed air to vehicle (10). A suitable coupling may be provided on vehicle (10) which is matingly couplable with a coupling provided on the end of an air hose (17) (see
Details of one embodiment of an air-powered over hydraulic system and control scheme will described further herein with respect to vehicle (1010). In general, embodiments of the air-powered over hydraulic system comprises one or more reservoirs (also referred to as tanks) of hydraulic fluid, an hydraulic fluid cooling system, one or more fluid pumps for supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid, and a plurality of control valves (e.g., solenoid valves) that selectively supply pressurized hydraulic fluid to various fluid-actuated devices on the vehicle (e.g., drive motors and actuators such as hydraulic cylinders) as well as to hydraulic fluid couplings provided on vehicle (10).
The hydraulic fluid pump comprises a variable-displacement pump which is directly coupled to an air motor (i.e., pneumatic motor) driven by compressed air. In addition to driving the air motor, vehicle (10) may also be configured to include one or air couplings, such as on body (14). Compressed air from air hose (17) may be routed to these couplings such that one or more air-powered attachments (e.g., an air-powered drill) may be supplied with compressed air.
Hydraulic fluid couplings (not shown) are also provided on vehicle (10) and are configured to be operatively connected (e.g., via a hose attached thereto) to one or more hydraulic actuators on vehicle (10), one or more attachments mounted on vehicle (10) (e.g., an hydraulic auger or side bucket) and/or to one or more external hydraulic implements (e.g., a hand-held hydraulic rock breaker or hydraulic drill). These hydraulic fluid couplings are in fluid communication with the hydraulic system of vehicle (10). In this manner, the hydraulic fluid couplings are used to provide fluid communication between the hydraulic system of vehicle (10) and an actuator, attachment and/or implement connected to the couplings (e.g., via one or more hoses).
The hydraulic fluid couplings may be provided at a variety of locations on vehicle (10), such as on center wall (15) at the front of body (14) (see
Body (14) has a low profile so that vehicle (10) may travel into and operate within confined spaces, such as beneath a conveyor system (e.g. a conveyor belt). By way of example, when used beneath a conveyor belt such as that found in a coal mine, vehicle (10) may used to clear material from beneath the conveyor belt while the operator remains a safe distance away. Body (14) and other components of vehicle (10) are configured to allow vehicle (10) to be operated in such confined spaces, including the manipulation and operation of one or more attachments mounted to vehicle (10). Vehicle (10) includes a pair of hydraulically-movable support arms to which a variety of attachments may be mounted. Body (14) and the support arms are configured such that the support arms may be retracted into body (14), with little or no portion of the support arms extending above the upper surface of body (14) or the upper surface of a removable (or openable) cover located over drive unit (16), as further described herein.
In one embodiment, vehicle (10) is sized and configured so that the maximum height (also referred to as the clearance height) of vehicle (10), with the support arms retracted, is less than about 48 inches. As used herein, in embodiments wherein the support arms are retractable so as not to extend above the upper surface (18) of body (14) (see, e.g.,
Vehicle (10) includes a pair of movable support arms (20A, 20B) which are at least partially received in slots (22A, 22B, respectively) which are located in a front portion (115) of body (14) (see
Support arm receiving slots (22A, 22B) extend the entire length of the front portion (115) of body (14), and are open at the front end and along the top surface of body (14) (and optionally along at least a portion of the bottom surface of body (14)). As best seen in
Depending on the type of attachment mounted to the proximal ends of the support arms (20A, 20B), the support arms (20A, 20B) may be fully received within slots (22A, 22B) when in their retracted position (see, e.g.,
In order to provide sufficient clearance and allow vehicle (10) to be used in confined spaces, support arms (20A, 20B), as well as the various attachments, may be configured such that, when the support arms (20A, 20B) are in their fully- or partially-retracted position (e.g.,
In the embodiment shown in
Other components of the driving arrangement shown in
Since vehicle (10) is configured such that a plurality of different attachments may be secured to the front end of vehicle (10), counterweights (28) may be attached to the rear of body portion (14) in order to balance the weight of vehicle (10). Counterweights (28) are configured to be hangably supported from hanger bar (29) located at the rear of body portion (14). Counterweights (28) may be added to, or taken off of hanger bar (29), as needed, in order to counterbalance the weight of attachments affixed to the front end of vehicle (10). In this manner, counterweights (28) will ensure that the vehicle (10) is properly balanced and will not, for example, tip over or tip up during use. In other embodiments, counterweights may not be required or may be optional depending on the weight of any attachments mounted on vehicle (10).
As mentioned previously, various attachments may be mounted to the front end of vehicle (10) for purposes of, for example, cutting or breaking material (e.g., coal) accumulated underneath or adjacent a conveyor belt, as well as for moving/pushing and/or collecting material from underneath or adjacent a conveyor belt. In some embodiments, multiple attachments may be mounted to the front end of vehicle (10) at the same time. In the example shown in
As best seen in
The embodiment shown in
A pair of hydraulic hoses (49) supply pressurized hydraulic fluid to hydraulic motor (50), with one supply hose for driving motor (50) in one direction (e.g., clockwise) and the other supply hose for driving motor (50) in the opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise). A return hydraulic hose (51) returns hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic fluid tank in vehicle (10). When pressurized hydraulic fluid is supplied to motor (50), cutting head (44) rotates such that cutter bits (48) may be used to break up rock, dirt, compacted coal, and various other materials. By way of one specific example, grinder assembly (40) is an AQ-1S Transverse Rock Cutter, available from the Antraquip Corporation, Hagerstown, Md. Of course other grinding/cutting heads and assemblies known to those skilled in the art can be used with vehicle (10) instead.
Grinder assembly (40) may be operatively attached to vehicle (10) such that cutting head (44) may be selectively and hydraulically driven for cutting, breaking, grinding, etc. material accumulated beneath or adjacent to a conveyor belt, or for various other purposes. Vehicle (10) may even be driven (i.e., moving) while such cutting is performed such that material broken-up or dislodged by cutting head (44) is pushed away by plow blade (31) at an angle to the direction of vehicle travel. Deflector plate (42) protects the conveyor belt and other structures above the rotating cutting head (44) during use of vehicle (10). It is also contemplated that a secondary safety plate may be attached or positioned beneath the conveyor belt or other overhanging structure during cleaning operations or other uses of vehicle (10).
Grinder assembly (40) also includes a mounting plate (52) having two pairs of spaced apart mounting flanges (54A, 54B) extending away from mounting plate (52), as shown in
Each of support arms (20A, 20B) further includes an upper hydraulic actuator (60A, 60B) pivotally attached at its distal end to a mounting flange on the upper surface of the support arm. In the embodiment shown, the hydraulic actuators (60A, 60B) each comprise a hydraulic cylinder and piston (although other types of actuators may be used instead). The proximal end of each upper actuator (60A, 60B), specifically the proximal end of the actuator piston in the embodiment shown, is pivotally attached to grinder mounting plate (52), between adjacent mounting flanges (54A, 54B) at upper apertures (58A, 58B) (see
Hydraulic actuators (60A, 60B) are in fluid communication with the hydraulic fluid system of vehicle (10), such as via fluid hoses extending between ports on the actuators and suitable connectors provided on vehicle (10) (not shown). The hydraulic actuators (60A, 60B) may be selectively driven by selectively and controllably supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid thereto in order to cause grinder assembly (40) to pivot about lower apertures (56A, 56B) of mounting plate (52). For example, as actuators (60A, 60B) (i.e., the piston rods of the hydraulic cylinders) are extended, grinder assembly (40) pivots downwardly to the position shown in
Vehicle (10) further includes a pair of lower hydraulic actuators (64A, 64B), each of which is pivotally mounted within one of slots (22A, 22B) of body (14) beneath one of support arms (20A, 20B). In the embodiment shown, lower actuators (64A, 64B) once again comprise hydraulic cylinders. The distal end (66A, 66B) of each lower actuator (64A, 64B) is pivotally secured within body portion (14) (see
Lower actuators (64A, 64B) are used to selectively and pivotally raise and lower support arms (20A, 20B). Like upper hydraulic actuators (60A, 60B), lower actuators (64A, 64B) are in fluid communication with the hydraulic fluid system of vehicle (10), such as via fluid hoses extending between ports on the actuators and suitable connectors provided on vehicle (10) (not shown). The lower actuators (64A, 64B) may be selectively driven by selectively and controllably supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid thereto in order to cause the support arms to pivot about their distal ends. For example, as lower actuators (64A, 64B) are extended (e.g., the piston rods of hydraulic cylinders are extended), the proximal ends of support arms (20A, 20B) are pushed upwardly (see, e.g.,
Like the grinder assembly, bucket assembly (80) also includes two pairs of spaced apart mounting flanges (82A, 82B) extending away from the rear face of the bucket, as shown in
The proximal end of each upper actuator (60A, 60B) is attached to bucket assembly (80), between adjacent mounting flanges (82A, 82B) at upper apertures (86A, 86B) (see
Bucket assembly (80) may also be lifted away from the ground by selectively driving lower hydraulic actuators (64A, 64B) so as to cause support arms (20A, 20B) to be pivoted upwardly, as also seen in
Mounting frame (94) of auger assembly (90) includes two pairs of first support arms (95A, 95B) extending downwardly and pivotally attached at the bottom thereof between adjacent mounting flanges (82A, 82B), at upper apertures (86A, 86B) of mounting flanges (82A, 82B), with the proximal ends of upper actuator (60A, 60B) between support arms (95A, 95B). Mounting frame (94) further includes two pairs of second support arms (96A, 96B) which extend rearwardly from respective ones of first support arms (95A, 95B). The distal ends of second support arms (96A, 96B) are pivotally attached to support arms (20A, 20B) at the distal ends of upper actuators (60A, 60B). In this manner, when support arms (20A, 20B) are raised to an elevated position (i.e., lower actuators (64A, 64B) extended), and upper actuators (60A, 60B) are extended so as to pivot bucket assembly (80) downwardly, auger (92) will not pivot downwardly (as depicted in
Vehicle (1010) includes a body (1014) which may have any of a variety of shapes and configurations. In the embodiment shown, and as best seen in
As further described herein body (1014) includes a front portion (1115) housing, among other things, support arms (1020A, 1020B), first rear portion (1116) housing, among other things, the air motor for driving one or more hydraulic pumps, and second rear portion (1117) in which much of the hydraulic componentry is located (see
Like the previously-described embodiment, vehicle (1010) is moved by a pair of rotatable tracks (1024A, 1024B) provided on either side of vehicle (1010). Separate hydraulic motors (1026A, 1026B) are provided for each track (1024A, 1024B), similar to the previously-described embodiment. Motors (1026A, 1026B) are driven by selectively supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid to each motor such that each of the motors (1026A, 1026B) may be separately and controllably driven in either direction in order to drive vehicle (1010) both forward and reverse, as well as turn vehicle (1010) in any desired direction. Once again tracks (1024A, 1024B) may be replaced by, or used in combination with, one or more wheels, some of which may be driven and/or steered using suitable drive and steering arrangements. Associated hardware for each track (1024A, 1024B) is similar to that shown in
Body (1014) like the previously-described embodiment, has a low profile so that vehicle (1010) may travel into and operate within confined spaces, such as beneath a conveyor system. In fact, body (1014) may be sized and configured as described with respect to the previous embodiment.
Front portion (1115) of body (1014) includes a pair of pivoting support arms (1020A, 1020B) which are at least partially received in slots (1022A, 1022B), respectively. Slots (1022A, 1022B) extend the entire length of front portion (1115) and are open at the front (or proximal) end of vehicle (1010), as shown. Slots (1022A, 1022B) are also open at the upper surface of body (1014) in order to allow support arms (1020A, 1020B) to move pivotally upward out of slots (1022A, 1022B). Slots (1022A, 1022B) also may be open on the underside of body (1014). Alternatively, body (1014) may be fully enclosed along the bottom surface thereof, such as by providing one or more metal plates extending along the underside of body (1014) so as to cover and enclose the lower end of slots (1022A, 1022B).
As best seen in
Referring to
Aperture (1131) at the distal end of second portion (1129) of each support arm (1020) is used to pivotally attach the distal end of second portion (1129) of support arm (1020) to body (1014) of vehicle (1010). A support axle (1136) is secured within body (1014) at the distal end of first portion (1115) of body (1014) and extends through apertures (1131) at the distal ends of each support arm (1020) (see
Each support arm (1020) further includes an upper actuator mounting tab (1132) having an aperture (1133) extending therethrough, and a lower actuator mounting tab (1134) having an aperture (1135) extending therethrough. In the embodiment shown, actuator mounting tabs (1132, 1134) are located adjacent the distal end of first portion (1128) and the proximal end of second portion (1129) of support arm (1020) (i.e., adjacent the intersection of first and second portions (1128, 1129)). As best seen in
As best seen in
The proximal end of upper actuator (1060A, 1060B), specifically the proximal end of piston (1062A, 1062B) is pivotally attached to coupler (1150), as further described below. As also described below, upper hydraulic actuators (1060A, 1060B) may be selectively driven to cause coupler (1150) to pivot about the proximal ends of support arms (1020A, 1020B). For example, as actuators (1060A, 1060B) (i.e., the piston rods of hydraulic cylinders) are extended, coupler (1150) pivots downwardly to the position shown in
Vehicle (1010) further includes a pair of lower hydraulic actuators (1064A, 1064B), each of which is pivotally mounted within one of slots (1022A, 1022B) of body (1014) beneath one of support arms (1020A, 1020B). By locating lower actuators (1064A, 1064B) directly beneath support arms (1020A, 1020B), vehicle (1010) can be made considerably more compact, with lower actuators (1064A, 1064B) compactly located in slots (1022A, 1022B). In the embodiment shown, lower actuators (1064A, 1064B) comprise hydraulic cylinders. The distal end (1066A, 1066B) of each lower actuator (1064A, 1064B) is pivotally secured within body portion (1014) (see
As in vehicle (10), lower actuators (1064A, 1064B) are used to pivotally raise and lower support arms (1020A, 1020B). For example, as lower actuators (1064A, 1064B) are extended (e.g., the piston rods of hydraulic cylinders are extended), the proximal ends of support arms (1020A, 1020B) are pushed upwardly (see, e.g.,
Air motor (1212) is powered by compressed air, under the control of micro-controller (1206). Air motor (1212) is coupled to a hydraulic piston pump (1214). Pump (1214) is in fluid communication with hydraulic fluid tank (1216) which is located in second rear portion (1117) of vehicle (1010) (see
Hydraulic fluid return lines (not shown in
As mentioned previously, a plurality of hydraulic fluid couplings are provided on vehicle (1010), specifically on body (1014), at various locations. These couplings are used to not only supply hydraulic fluid to various actuators and attachments mounted to the vehicle, but also to return hydraulic fluid to hydraulic fluid tank (1216). In the embodiment shown, a first set of hydraulic fluid couplings (1240) are provided on a front center wall (1015) of body (1014) (see
A second set of hydraulic fluid couplings (1242) are provided within slots (1022A, 1022B), as best seen in
Two pairs of elongate support members (1260) extend rearwardly away from backing plate (1250), as best seen in
Similarly, apertures (1270) are provided adjacent the lower end of each of the support members (1260). Mounting plate (1300) includes a second set of lower mounting flanges (1310) which may be inserted through lower receiving slots (1258) of backing plate (1250). Like the first set of flanges (1302), second flanges (1310) include a aperture extending therethrough, such that a mounting pin (1272) or similar structure may be inserted through apertures (1270) of support members (1260) and through the apertures in lower flanges (1310) in order to rotatingly retain second flanges (1310) between the lower ends of adjacent support members (1260).
Upper mounting pins (1280) are also provided on support members (1260) and extend between each pair of support members (1260), and are held in place by retention plates (1281) secured to the outermost support members (1260). Upper mounting pins (1280) are located between grooves (1262) and apertures (1270) on support members (1260). Upper mounting pins (1280) are used to attach coupler (1150) to the proximal ends of upper actuators (1060A, 1060B), as best seen in
Lower mounting pins (1282) are also provided on coupler (1150), and are rotatingly supported beneath each pair of support members (1260) by two pairs of lower attachment plates (1283). Lower attachment plates (1283) are retained below support members (1260) by mounting pins (1272), as shown in
Coupler (1150) provides a variety of advantages, including the ability to utilize a standardized mounting plate (1300) for mounting a variety of attachments to the vehicle. For example, as shown in
Bucket (1480) includes mounting plate (1300) along its rear surface. Mounting plate (1300) allows bucket (1480) to be mounted to coupler (1150) of the vehicle in the manner described previously, such that bucket (1480) may be raised and lowered by support arms (1020A, 1020B), and tilted downwardly and upwardly by upper actuators (1060A, 1060B). As upper actuators (1060A, 1060B) extend or retract, coupler (1150) and hence mounting plate (1300) rotatingly pivot about the axis of lower mounting pins (1282) of coupler (1150).
Grinder assembly (1440) includes cutting head (1444) (wherein the cutting teeth have been omitted in
In order to effect transverse movement of grinder assembly (1440) with respect to bucket (1480), slide actuator (1452) is provided and extends parallel to the width of bucket (1480) and slide bar (1450). One end (1454) of slide actuator (1452) is fixed in relation to slide bar (1450) while the other end (1456) is secured to slide carriage (1446). Thus, by hydraulically driving slide actuator (1452), carriage (1446) and grinder assembly may be moved back and forth along slide bar (1450). In this manner, a user may employ the remote control unit to effect transverse movement of grinder assembly (1440) with respect to bucket (1480) during use. This allows the vehicle to be grind/cut more material without having to move vehicle (1010).
Slide bar (1450) may be fixedly attached to along the upper edge of bucket (1480). In the embodiment shown, however, slide bar (1450) is pivotally supported along the upper edge of bucket (1480) by a pair of pivot arms (1460) which are pivotally supported by mounting plate (1300). Pivot arms (1460) are generally L-shaped, with a first end attached to the rear face of slide bar (1450), and a second end attached to one end of tilt actuators (1462). In the embodiment shown, the upper piston end of each tilt actuator (1462) is attached to the second end of one of pivot arms (1460) and the lower cylinder end of each tilt actuator (1462) is secured to support legs (1464) which extend from the rear of mounting plate (1300). Pivot arms (1460) thus pivotally support slide bar (1450). When tilt actuators (1462) are retracted, the second end of pivot arms (1460) are pulled downwardly, causing slide bar (1450) as well as grinder assembly (1440) to rotate upwardly away from bucker (1480). Conversely, when actuators (1462) are extended, grinder assembly (1440) will tilt (i.e., rotate) downwardly about the center axis (1470) of pivot arms (1460). Once again a user may employ the remote control unit to effect pivotal movement of grinder assembly (1440) with respect to bucket (1480) during use. Similarly, the user may remotely cause the bucket (1480) to raise, lower and tilt up and down, using the remote control unit, as well drive the vehicle itself.
It will be understood that the manner in which the grinder assembly is mounted to, and is transversely and rotatingly moveable with respect to the bucket may be accomplished in a variety of alternative ways. The embodiment shown in
The vehicles described herein may be used for any of a variety of purposes, such as cleaning coal debris and the like in a coal mine (e.g., beneath conveyor belts). Using the embodiment shown in
While several devices and components thereof have been discussed in detail above, it should be understood that the components, features, configurations, and methods of using the devices discussed are not limited to the contexts provided above. In particular, components, features, configurations, and methods of use described in the context of one of the devices may be incorporated into any of the other devices. Furthermore, not limited to the further description provided below, additional and alternative suitable components, features, configurations, and methods of using the devices, as well as various ways in which the teachings herein may be combined and interchanged, will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
Versions of the devices described above may be actuated mechanically or electromechanically (e.g., using one or more electrical motors, solenoids, etc.). However, other actuation modes may be suitable as well including but not limited to pneumatic and/or hydraulic actuation, etc. Various suitable ways in which such alternative forms of actuation may be provided in a device as described above will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
Having shown and described various versions in the present disclosure, further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may be accomplished by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. Several of such potential modifications have been mentioned, and others will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For instance, the examples, versions, geometrics, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps, and the like discussed above are illustrative and are not required. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be considered in terms of the following claims and is understood not to be limited to the details of structure and operation shown and described in the specification and drawings.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/493,971, filed on Jun. 6, 2011, entitled “Cleaning Vehicle and Method.” The entire disclosure of the foregoing provisional patent application is incorporated by reference herein.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20120305025 A1 | Dec 2012 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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61493971 | Jun 2011 | US |