WO2013131140A1 - Earth-displacing apparatus - Google Patents
Earth-displacing apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2013131140A1 WO2013131140A1 PCT/AU2013/000220 AU2013000220W WO2013131140A1 WO 2013131140 A1 WO2013131140 A1 WO 2013131140A1 AU 2013000220 W AU2013000220 W AU 2013000220W WO 2013131140 A1 WO2013131140 A1 WO 2013131140A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- dolly
- ground
- vehicle
- unit
- coupled
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
- E02F3/00—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines
- E02F3/04—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven
- E02F3/64—Buckets cars, i.e. having scraper bowls
- E02F3/6409—Self-propelled scrapers
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
- E02F3/00—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines
- E02F3/04—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven
- E02F3/64—Buckets cars, i.e. having scraper bowls
- E02F3/6454—Towed (i.e. pulled or pushed) scrapers
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an improved apparatus for displacing earth.
- the invention has advantageous, though not exclusive, application to scraper train apparatuses, including articulated dump truck (ADT) scraper apparatuses and tractor-scraper apparatuses.
- ADT articulated dump truck
- Tractor-scraper apparatuses are commonly used in civil engineering applications for the purposes of removing, adding, smoothing or levelling ground.
- such an apparatus comprises a powered vehicle, such as an ADT or tractor, and one or more scraper units towed by the vehicle.
- FIG. 1A Shown in Figure 1A is a typical scraper apparatus A, which comprises a driver-operated powered vehicle V (such as an ADT or tractor) at a forward position of the apparatus and a train TS of scraper units SI, S2, S3 (generally designated “S") which are coupled in end-to-end relation, the train TS being coupled at its forward end to vehicle V to be towed thereby.
- V such as an ADT or tractor
- S3 scraper units
- Each of the scraper units S comprises a payload carrier P (a hopper) and a ground-engaging implement or tool T, in the form of a knife or blade, which is hydraulically actuatable so as to be moveable between an extended or operating position (as shown for unit S3), in which it penetrates the ground G, thus causing ground material to be collected in the payload carrier P, and a retracted or stowed condition (as shown for units SI and S2), in which it is clear of the ground surface, permitting haulage of the material M by the apparatus A.
- a payload carrier P a hopper
- a ground-engaging implement or tool T in the form of a knife or blade
- Each of the units S further includes an apron or gate GA which is hydraulically actuatable so as to be moveable between an open position, in which it is clear of an opening into the hopper P to pennit earth to be drawn (via operation of the tool T) into the hopper P, and a closed position, in which it covers the opening to prevent escape of the payload material M therethrough (e.g. during haulage of the material M).
- Each of the units S further comprises an ejector, in the form of a hydraulically actuatable pusher blade B, which, when the gate GA of the unit is in an open position, can be urged forwardly to effect discharge of material M through the opening and thus unloading (e.g. to dump and/or distribute the material on the ground).
- the front scraper unit SI is provided with a gooseneck N via which a forward end thereof is coupled to a rear part of the vehicle V, such that unit Si and vehicle V can articulate.
- Scraper unit S2 in turn, is provided with a gooseneck N via which a forward end thereof is coupled to a rear end of scraper unit Si, such that the units Si and S2 can articulate.
- the wheels W of the units S are unpowered, so that the only means of locomotion in the apparatus A are driven wheels of the vehicle V.
- a problem commonly encountered with apparatuses such as this is that the locomotion provided by the vehicle V is insufficient to overcome adequately the resistance to forward motion by the scraper train TS when one or more of the tools T are in their operating conditions.
- the problem can be remedied by operating a further powered vehicle V, such as a track-type tractor, to push against the rear end of the train TS, whereby driving force is imparted to the train TS at both its leading and trailing ends (possibly, but not necessarily, then permitting more a plurality of tools T to be invoked at the same time (as shown in Figure IB) instead of only the single tool T being shown in Figure 1A).
- an apparatus for displacing earth comprising:
- ground-displacing units coupled to the vehicle to be pulled thereby, the or each ground-displacing unit including a ground-engageable implement;
- a powered dolly coupled to the unit(s) so as to provide to the apparatus locomotion which supplements that provided by the vehicle.
- the apparatus comprises a plurality of said ground-displacing units coupled in end-to-end relation.
- the dolly is coupled to a rear of the unit(s).
- the dolly may, in this embodiment, be arranged so as to push the unit(s).
- the unit(s) may be coupled to the vehicle via the dolly.
- the dolly may be arranged to pull the unit(s), and is preferably coupled to a front of the unit(s).
- the or each unit includes traction means from which the or each earth-engageable implement of that unit is supported.
- the traction means may comprise tracks and/or wheels.
- the apparatus further comprises one or more further ground-displacing units coupled to .the dolly to be pulled thereby, the or each further ground-displacing unit including a ground-engageable implement.
- the apparatus may comprises a plurality of said further ground-displacing units coupled in end-to-end relation.
- the or each further unit includes traction means from which the or each earth-engageable implement of that unit is supported.
- the traction means may comprise tracks and/or wheels.
- the apparatus further comprises a further powered dolly coupled to the further ground-displacing unit(s) to so as to provide to the apparatus locomotion which supplements that provided by the vehicle and said dolly.
- the further dolly is coupled to a rear of the further ground-displacing unit(s).
- Said further dolly may be arranged so as to push the further ground-displacing unit(s).
- the apparatus according to such an embodiment further comprises one or more additional ground-displacing units coupled to the further dolly to be pulled thereby.
- the apparatus may comprise a plurality of additional ground-displacing units coupled in end- to-end relation.
- the apparatus of such an embodiment may further comprise an additional powered dolly coupled to the additional ground-displacing unit(s) to so as to provide to the apparatus locomotion which supplements that provided by the vehicle and said dollies.
- said additional powered dolly is coupled to a rear of the additional ground-displacing unit(s).
- Said additional powered dolly may be arranged so as to push the additional ground-displacing unit(s).
- the or each dolly comprises brakes, in addition to an engine and a transmission via which the engine drives traction means of the dolly, which traction means may comprise wheels and/or tracks.
- the or each dolly is steerable.
- the driver-operable powered vehicle comprises ground-engaging tracks and the traction means of the dolly comprises tracks. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the driver-operable powered vehicle comprises ground-engaging wheels and the traction means of the dolly comprises wheels.
- the apparatus includes a communication system via which the or each dolly and vehicle are operatively linked, such that operation of the vehicle and the or each dolly is synchronised.
- at least throttling and braking of the vehicle and the or each dolly are synchronised.
- steering of the vehicle and the or each dolly are additionally synchronised.
- the communication system may comprise any suitable communication means, such as, for example, communication cabling and/or wireless linkage(s), between the vehicle and dolly or dollies.
- the communication means/cabling may be releasably connected to the vehicle and/or the or each dolly.
- the or each dolly is coupled to at least one said unit, either directly or indirectly, in articulated relation.
- the or each dolly is so coupled such that relative pivotal movement between the dolly and unit(s) is possible in both vertical and horizontal planes which extend parallel to a direction of tr avel of the apparatus.
- At least one said, and preferably each, ground-engageable implement comprises a scraper.
- At least one said, and preferably each, ground-engageable implement comprises a plough, In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one said, and preferably each, ground-engageable implement comprises a ripper.
- At least one said, and preferably each, ground-engageable implement comprises a grader blade.
- the apparatus is configured such that operation of the units is sequenced.
- the apparatus may included a programmed computer or other suitable electronic means (which may form part of said communication system), to effect sequenced operation of the units.
- the apparatus may be configured such that an implement of one, or each of more than one, of the units is in a ground-engaging condition while an implement of the or each other unit is in a non- ground engaging, or retracted/stowed, condition.
- the units comprise scraper units
- loading and/or unloading of the units is preferably sequenced.
- Apparatuses embodying the invention may be configured for on-board driver- operation and/or remote driver-operation. In the case of the latter, the driver of the vehicle may be a person controlling the vehicle remotely, e.g. from off-site.
- FIGS. 1A and IB depict operation of a typical scraper train apparatus as already described
- Figure 2 shows a scraper train apparatus according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention
- Figure 3 shows a scraper train apparatus according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG 4 indicates how varying numbers of scrapers and dollies can be arranged in a scraper train apparatus in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention.
- a scraper train apparatus 1 according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 2.
- the apparatus 1 is substantially the same as the apparatus A except that it additionally comprises a powered dolly D interposed between adjacent ones of the scraper units S, and, more particularly, units S2 and S3, and a communication line L which extends from the vehicle V to the dolly D, via which the dolly D is operatively linked to the vehicle V.
- the dolly D comprises a chassis C, ground-engaging wheels WD, an engine (not shown), a transmission (also not shown), via which the engine drives the wheels WD, and brakes (also not shown).
- the dolly D is formed with a gooseneck ND via which it connects in an articulated manner to a rear part of scraper unit S2 (whereby the dolly D and unit S2 are coupled for relative pivotal movement in planes which are horizontal and vertical when the apparatus is on level ground), and a connector, rearward of the gooseneck end ND, to which the gooseneck N of scraper unit S3 connects in an articulated manner (whereby the dolly D and unit S3 are also coupled for relative pivotal movement in planes which are horizontal and vertical when the apparatus is on level ground).
- the dolly D in addition to towing scraper unit S3, pushes, from behind, the scraper units SI and S2 which are towed by vehicle V, thereby providing to the apparatus 1 locomotion which supplements that provided by the vehicle V, whereby there is sufficient overall locomotion to drive the apparatus 1 forwardly.
- the line L forms part of a communication system via which control of the dolly D, including in particular acceleration and braking, and optionally also steering, thereof, is synchronised with the control of the vehicle V effected by the driver.
- the line L connects to each of the vehicle and dolly via a respective reieasable multiple pin plug-and-socket interconnection, and is appropriately supported by the scraper units SI and S2.
- the supplementary driving force provided by the dolly D may, for example, enable the apparatus 1 to operate with all of the tools T in their operating conditions, as shown in Figure 2.
- the apparatus 1 consistent with conventional apparatuses, is configured such that actuation of the ejectors B, gates GA and tools T, and thus loading and unloading of the units S, can be sequenced, and the apparatus 1 may include a programmed computer or other suitable electronic means (which may form part of the communication system) whereby it is so configured.
- the apparatus 1 may be configured such that one of the units S loads or unloads while the others do not, and/or such that when loading or unloading of one of the units S is almost complete, loading of another of the units S commences (with closing of the gate GA of the first-mentioned unit S being effected shortly thereafter).
- the sequencing can be such that more than one unit S is being loaded at a given time.
- a scraper train apparatus ⁇ is the same as the apparatus 1 but includes additional scraper units S4, S5, the former being coupled in an articulated manner to the rear of scraper units S3 via its gooseneck N (for relative pivotal movement in perpendicular planes, as previously outlined), and an additional dolly D' interposed between units S 4 and S5 and coupled thereto in the same manner as the dolly D is coupled to units S2 and S3, as well as an additional communication line L' (also forming part of the communication system) which operatively links the further dolly D 1 with the vehicle V in the same manner as the line L operatively links the vehicle V and dolly D.
- scraper units Si and S2 are not directly coupled but rather are coupled via an interposing unpowered (preferably single-axle) dolly
- scraper units S3 and S4 similarly, are not directly coupled but rather are coupled via an interposing unpowered (also preferably single-axle) dolly, these interposing dollies thus providing weight-bearing support to the front ends of the units S2 and S4 respectively, instead of the units SI and S3 respectively doing so, whereby there is significantly less loading on the axles and wheels of the units SI and S3,
- an apparatus 1" embodying the invention comprises X scraper units interposed between the vehicle V and a first dolly Dl, Y scraper units S interposed between dolly Dl and a dolly D2, and Z scraper units coupled to dolly D2 to be towed thereby, where each of X, Y and Z is greater than or equal to one.
- X, Y and Z is greater than or equal to one.
- sequencing of operation, as described above applies to all of the units S and it may again be that typical operation of the apparatus ⁇ would not involve all of the units S loading, despite this being shown in Figure 4.
- Adjacent scraper units in the scraper train apparatuses described above with reference to the drawings may, instead of being coupled together via a gooseneck hitch, be coupled together via a drawbar-type hitch, as will be known to a person skilled in the art, without departure from the invention.
- the latter may be preferable where the powered towing vehicle is a tractor.
- Apparatuses embodying the invention may be used to displace, for example, soil, coal, shale, oil sands, overburden and/or sand.
- An apparatus embodying the invention can have numerous applications. One such application is in mining, where the apparatus may be used to clear mines, e.g. coal mines, to remove overburden, to dig partings and/or to reclaim mine sites.
- each unit includes a scraper tool or blade
- the invention can be embodied in other earth-displacing apparatuses, including such apparatuses in which each earth-displacing unit includes, for example, a plough, ripper or grader blade.
- a powered dolly may couple a front of the the towed unit(s) to a rear of the vehicle, the unit(s) thus being pulled by both the vehicle and that dolly.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2013230689A AU2013230689A1 (en) | 2012-03-07 | 2013-03-07 | Earth-displacing apparatus |
US14/383,517 US20150052786A1 (en) | 2012-03-07 | 2013-03-07 | Earth-displacing apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2012900905 | 2012-03-07 | ||
AU2012900905A AU2012900905A0 (en) | 2012-03-07 | Earth-displacing apparatus |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2013131140A1 true WO2013131140A1 (en) | 2013-09-12 |
Family
ID=49115793
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/AU2013/000220 WO2013131140A1 (en) | 2012-03-07 | 2013-03-07 | Earth-displacing apparatus |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20150052786A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2013230689A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2013131140A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11789413B2 (en) | 2017-06-19 | 2023-10-17 | Deere & Company | Self-learning control system for a mobile machine |
US11589507B2 (en) | 2017-06-19 | 2023-02-28 | Deere & Company | Combine harvester control interface for operator and/or remote user |
WO2023119737A1 (en) * | 2021-12-21 | 2023-06-29 | 日本国土開発株式会社 | Train-type scraper vehicle |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2789377A (en) * | 1952-09-16 | 1957-04-23 | Gen Motors Corp | Dolly for digging and carrying scraper |
US3758966A (en) * | 1971-12-13 | 1973-09-18 | Caterpillar Tractor Co | Multi-elevator scraper |
US4090314A (en) * | 1977-07-13 | 1978-05-23 | Caterpillar Tractor Co. | Scraper bowl lifting brackets |
SU1265257A1 (en) * | 1984-07-13 | 1986-10-23 | Сибирский Ордена Трудового Красного Знамени Автомобильно-Дорожный Институт Им.В.В.Куйбышева | Scraper unit |
US20070151776A1 (en) * | 2005-12-29 | 2007-07-05 | Hart Richard L | Powered trailer dolly |
WO2009029178A1 (en) * | 2007-08-30 | 2009-03-05 | Caterpillar Inc. | Excavating system utilizing machine-to-machine communication |
Family Cites Families (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2587208A (en) * | 1950-10-13 | 1952-02-26 | Louis L Peterson | Vehicle coupling |
US3183609A (en) * | 1964-03-06 | 1965-05-18 | Robert G Letourneau | Earth working scraper having power means disposed between front and rear load carrying bowls |
US3245488A (en) * | 1964-03-19 | 1966-04-12 | Caterpillar Tractor Co | Control arrangement and steering of tractors in tandem |
US3973639A (en) * | 1975-01-13 | 1976-08-10 | John W. Mangum | Coupler for detachable connecting two single axle driven tractors as a single four wheel drive vehicle |
NL7512129A (en) * | 1975-10-16 | 1977-04-19 | Lely Nv C Van Der | TRACTOR. |
US4086975A (en) * | 1976-11-30 | 1978-05-02 | Steiger Tractor Inc. | Articulated tractor with multiple power plants |
US4171023A (en) * | 1978-04-28 | 1979-10-16 | Caterpillar Tractor Co. | Triple tractor assembly |
US4207692A (en) * | 1979-02-09 | 1980-06-17 | Westinghouse Air Brake Company | Two engine four-wheel drive scraper with main propulsion at rear axle |
-
2013
- 2013-03-07 US US14/383,517 patent/US20150052786A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2013-03-07 WO PCT/AU2013/000220 patent/WO2013131140A1/en active Application Filing
- 2013-03-07 AU AU2013230689A patent/AU2013230689A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2789377A (en) * | 1952-09-16 | 1957-04-23 | Gen Motors Corp | Dolly for digging and carrying scraper |
US3758966A (en) * | 1971-12-13 | 1973-09-18 | Caterpillar Tractor Co | Multi-elevator scraper |
US4090314A (en) * | 1977-07-13 | 1978-05-23 | Caterpillar Tractor Co. | Scraper bowl lifting brackets |
SU1265257A1 (en) * | 1984-07-13 | 1986-10-23 | Сибирский Ордена Трудового Красного Знамени Автомобильно-Дорожный Институт Им.В.В.Куйбышева | Scraper unit |
US20070151776A1 (en) * | 2005-12-29 | 2007-07-05 | Hart Richard L | Powered trailer dolly |
WO2009029178A1 (en) * | 2007-08-30 | 2009-03-05 | Caterpillar Inc. | Excavating system utilizing machine-to-machine communication |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20150052786A1 (en) | 2015-02-26 |
AU2013230689A1 (en) | 2014-09-25 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20150052786A1 (en) | Earth-displacing apparatus | |
US20170259859A1 (en) | Mobile industrial equipment and methods of use | |
CN201272278Y (en) | Articulated mine dump truck | |
EP3008288B1 (en) | Apparatus for extracting ore from block caves and method and system therefor | |
US20160082954A1 (en) | Method for controlling operations of multiple machines | |
EP3049268B1 (en) | Working machine, in particular a dumper truck or truck, having an electric drive | |
CN104790448A (en) | Crushing and excavating mucking loader with bucket and hydraulic hammer capable of being quickly replaced and mounted | |
EP0826581B1 (en) | Steerable trailer for receiving an track-type excavator | |
US5409298A (en) | Open cut mining apparatus | |
Haddock | Giant earthmovers: An illustrated history | |
US20090243383A1 (en) | Conversion kit for a tracked vehicle to ride on tires | |
EP2113611B1 (en) | Fold-away tooth with positioning claw for a dozer assembly | |
US20170114509A1 (en) | Method of maintaining an unmetalled roadway during load transfer and a vehicle therefor | |
WO2014160694A2 (en) | Continuous-extraction mining system | |
US3809262A (en) | Self-propelled haulage vehicle | |
WO1998046472A1 (en) | Tractor unit and wheeled trailer combination | |
CN201713784U (en) | Mobile combined conveyer and combined loading system | |
DE102009035061A1 (en) | Coal mining method for lignite open-cast, involves directly applying bulk goods to be moved on continuously operating conveying unit from working face by discontinuously operating mining device e.g. hydraulic dredger | |
RU67119U1 (en) | SCRAPER | |
WO2020007934A1 (en) | Transport system and transporter | |
AU672025B2 (en) | Mining apparatus | |
RU58611U1 (en) | ROCK BREAKER | |
CN207225184U (en) | Crawler-mounted excavator tows device | |
CN205617459U (en) | Convenient clean skid -proof bull -dozer | |
US20200164740A1 (en) | Ground drilling device, use of a ground drilling device and method for the movement of a ground drilling device |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
121 | Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application |
Ref document number: 13758358 Country of ref document: EP Kind code of ref document: A1 |
|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 14383517 Country of ref document: US |
|
NENP | Non-entry into the national phase |
Ref country code: DE |
|
ENP | Entry into the national phase |
Ref document number: 2013230689 Country of ref document: AU Date of ref document: 20130307 Kind code of ref document: A |
|
122 | Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase |
Ref document number: 13758358 Country of ref document: EP Kind code of ref document: A1 |