CA2357170A1 - Articulated boom for hydro-excavation vehicle - Google Patents
Articulated boom for hydro-excavation vehicle Download PDFInfo
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- CA2357170A1 CA2357170A1 CA 2357170 CA2357170A CA2357170A1 CA 2357170 A1 CA2357170 A1 CA 2357170A1 CA 2357170 CA2357170 CA 2357170 CA 2357170 A CA2357170 A CA 2357170A CA 2357170 A1 CA2357170 A1 CA 2357170A1
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- pivot axis
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- arm assembly
- boom
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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
- E02F3/88—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with arrangements acting by a sucking or forcing effect, e.g. suction dredgers
- E02F3/8816—Mobile land installations
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
- B66C—CRANES; LOAD-ENGAGING ELEMENTS OR DEVICES FOR CRANES, CAPSTANS, WINCHES, OR TACKLES
- B66C23/00—Cranes comprising essentially a beam, boom, or triangular structure acting as a cantilever and mounted for translatory of swinging movements in vertical or horizontal planes or a combination of such movements, e.g. jib-cranes, derricks, tower cranes
- B66C23/18—Cranes comprising essentially a beam, boom, or triangular structure acting as a cantilever and mounted for translatory of swinging movements in vertical or horizontal planes or a combination of such movements, e.g. jib-cranes, derricks, tower cranes specially adapted for use in particular purposes
- B66C23/36—Cranes comprising essentially a beam, boom, or triangular structure acting as a cantilever and mounted for translatory of swinging movements in vertical or horizontal planes or a combination of such movements, e.g. jib-cranes, derricks, tower cranes specially adapted for use in particular purposes mounted on road or rail vehicles; Manually-movable jib-cranes for use in workshops; Floating cranes
- B66C23/42—Cranes comprising essentially a beam, boom, or triangular structure acting as a cantilever and mounted for translatory of swinging movements in vertical or horizontal planes or a combination of such movements, e.g. jib-cranes, derricks, tower cranes specially adapted for use in particular purposes mounted on road or rail vehicles; Manually-movable jib-cranes for use in workshops; Floating cranes with jibs of adjustable configuration, e.g. foldable
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- 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
- E02F3/88—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with arrangements acting by a sucking or forcing effect, e.g. suction dredgers
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
- E02F5/00—Dredgers or soil-shifting machines for special purposes
- E02F5/003—Dredgers or soil-shifting machines for special purposes for uncovering conduits
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Forklifts And Lifting Vehicles (AREA)
Abstract
An articulated boom for a hydro-excavation vehicle includes a boom support adapted to be mounted on an hydro-excavation vehicle for rotation about a substantially vertical rotational axis. A primary arm section is provided which is capable of being raised and lowered about a substantially horizontal pivot axis. A secondary arm assembly is provided having one or more supplemental arm sections which are capable of side to side movement about vertical pivot axes. A hand section is provided which is capable of being raised and lowered about a substantially horizontal pivot axis. The articulated boom, as described, has an extended reach which can reach around obstacles and enable longer sections of a linear trench to be completed before having to move the hydro-excavation vehicle.
Description
TITLE OF THE INVENTION:
Articulated Boom For Hydro-excavation Vehicle FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an articulated boom for a hydro-excavation vehicle BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
F-iydro-excavation vehicles are used to excavate around easily damaged buried infrastructure, such as utility lines.
Every hydro-excavation vehicle has an articulated boom which is used to support and position a hydro-excavation hose. An example of such a hydro-excavation boom is illustrated in United States Patent 4,922,571 (Driear). The Driear reference discloses a hydro-excavation boom which moves in an arcuate path from a substantially vertical pivot axis on the vehicle.
There are some disadvantages inherent in hydro-excavation booms such.as is illustrated in the Driear reference. The hydro-excavation vehicle must be positioned within 3 to 5 feet of the excavation. Sometimes the weight of the hydro excavation vehicle causes a collapse of sidewalls of the excavation. When this occurs there is a danger that the utility lines will shift as the sidewalls collapse and become damaged.
Slot trenching is a common form of hydro-excavation. This process involves excavating a trench four to six inches wide along the utility line. The hydro-excavation vehicle is positioned adjacent to the utility line and the hydro-excavation boom is swung in an arcuate path about the pivot axis on the vehicle. The pivotal movement of the hydro-excavation boom enables it to follow the straight path of the utility line to a limited extent. When the limit of the reach of the hydro-excavation boom has been reached, the hydro-excavation vehicle must be repositioned. Each time the hydro-excavation vehicle must be repositioned, the operator must go through a shut down procedure, must move the vehicle and then go through a set up procedure . This is time consuming and, consequently, increases the expense associated with the excavation.
SUI~fARY OF THE INVENTION
What is required is an articulated boom for a hydro-excavation vehicle which will overcome above disadvantages.
According to the present invention there is provided an articulated boom for a hydro-excavation vehicle which includes a boom support adapted to be mounted on an hydro-excavation vehicle for rotation about a substantially vertical rotational axis . A drive system is provided for rotating the boom support about the rotational axis. A primary arm section is provided having a first end and a second end. The first end is pivotally secured to the boom support for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal first horizontal pivot axis.
A telescopic cylinder is provided for pivoting the primary arm section about the first horizontal pivot axis thereby raising and lowering the primary arm section. A secondary arm assembly is provided having a f first end and a second end . The secondary arm assembly has at least one, and preferably more than one, supplemental arm section. The first end of the secondary arm assembly is pivotally secured to the second end of the primary arm section for pivotal movement about a substantially vertical first vertical pivot axis. A telescopic cylinder is provided for pivoting the secondary arm assembly about the first vertical pivot axis thereby moving the secondary arm assembly from side to side. A hand section is provided having a first end and a second end. The first end of the hand section is pivotally secured to the second end of the secondary arm assembly for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal second horizontal pivot axis. A telescopic cylinder is provided for pivoting the hand section about the second horizontal pivot axis thereby raising and lowering the hand section.
Articulated Boom For Hydro-excavation Vehicle FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an articulated boom for a hydro-excavation vehicle BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
F-iydro-excavation vehicles are used to excavate around easily damaged buried infrastructure, such as utility lines.
Every hydro-excavation vehicle has an articulated boom which is used to support and position a hydro-excavation hose. An example of such a hydro-excavation boom is illustrated in United States Patent 4,922,571 (Driear). The Driear reference discloses a hydro-excavation boom which moves in an arcuate path from a substantially vertical pivot axis on the vehicle.
There are some disadvantages inherent in hydro-excavation booms such.as is illustrated in the Driear reference. The hydro-excavation vehicle must be positioned within 3 to 5 feet of the excavation. Sometimes the weight of the hydro excavation vehicle causes a collapse of sidewalls of the excavation. When this occurs there is a danger that the utility lines will shift as the sidewalls collapse and become damaged.
Slot trenching is a common form of hydro-excavation. This process involves excavating a trench four to six inches wide along the utility line. The hydro-excavation vehicle is positioned adjacent to the utility line and the hydro-excavation boom is swung in an arcuate path about the pivot axis on the vehicle. The pivotal movement of the hydro-excavation boom enables it to follow the straight path of the utility line to a limited extent. When the limit of the reach of the hydro-excavation boom has been reached, the hydro-excavation vehicle must be repositioned. Each time the hydro-excavation vehicle must be repositioned, the operator must go through a shut down procedure, must move the vehicle and then go through a set up procedure . This is time consuming and, consequently, increases the expense associated with the excavation.
SUI~fARY OF THE INVENTION
What is required is an articulated boom for a hydro-excavation vehicle which will overcome above disadvantages.
According to the present invention there is provided an articulated boom for a hydro-excavation vehicle which includes a boom support adapted to be mounted on an hydro-excavation vehicle for rotation about a substantially vertical rotational axis . A drive system is provided for rotating the boom support about the rotational axis. A primary arm section is provided having a first end and a second end. The first end is pivotally secured to the boom support for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal first horizontal pivot axis.
A telescopic cylinder is provided for pivoting the primary arm section about the first horizontal pivot axis thereby raising and lowering the primary arm section. A secondary arm assembly is provided having a f first end and a second end . The secondary arm assembly has at least one, and preferably more than one, supplemental arm section. The first end of the secondary arm assembly is pivotally secured to the second end of the primary arm section for pivotal movement about a substantially vertical first vertical pivot axis. A telescopic cylinder is provided for pivoting the secondary arm assembly about the first vertical pivot axis thereby moving the secondary arm assembly from side to side. A hand section is provided having a first end and a second end. The first end of the hand section is pivotally secured to the second end of the secondary arm assembly for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal second horizontal pivot axis. A telescopic cylinder is provided for pivoting the hand section about the second horizontal pivot axis thereby raising and lowering the hand section.
As will be hereinafter further described with reference to the drawings, the articulated boom described above has an extended reach enabling the hyro-excavation vehicle to be positioned farther from the excavation and enabling longer sections of trench to be excavated without repositioning the hydro-excavation vehicle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to in any way limit the scope of the invention to the particular embodiment or embodiments shown, wherein:
FIGURE 1 is a side elevation view of a articulated boom for a hydro-excavation vehicle constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
FIGURE 2 is a top plan view of the articulated boom illustrated in FIGURE
1.
FIGURE 3 is a side elevation view of a hydro-excavation vehicle equipped with the articulated boom illustrated in FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 4 is a top plan view of a hydro-excavation vehicle equipped with the articulated boom illustrated in FIGURE l, with the articulat ed boom in a stored position.
FIGURE 5 is a top plan view of a hydro-excavation vehicle equipped with the articulated boom illustrated in FIGURE 1, demonstrating the use of the articulated boom in making a trench beside the hydro-excavation vehicle.
FIGURE 6 is a top plan view of a hydro-excavation vehicle equipped with the articulated boom illustrated in FIGURE 1, demonstrating the use of the articulated boom in making a trench behind the hydro-excavation vehicle.
FIGURE 7 is a top plan view of a hydro-excavation vehicle equipped with the articulated boom illustrated in FIGURE 1, demonstrating the use of the articulated boom in making a trench at an angle to the hydro-excavation vehicle.
FIGURE 8 is a top plan view of a hydro-excavation vehicle equipped with the articulated boom illustrated in FIGURE 1, demonstrating the use of the articulated boom in reaching over and around obstacles in order to make a trench.
FIGURE 9 is a top plan view of a hydro-excavation vehicle.
FIGURE 10 is a rear elevation view of a hydro-excavation vehicle equipped with the articulating boom illustrated in FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 11 is a top plan view of the hydro-excavation vehicle illustrated in FIGURE 10.
FIGURE 12 labelled as PRIOR ART is a rear elevation view of a hydro-excavation vehicle equipped with a telescopic boom.
FIGURE 13 labelled as PRIOR ART is a top plan view of the hydro-excavation vehicle illustrated in FIGURE 11.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The preferred embodiment, an articulated boom for a hydro excavation vehicle generally identified by reference numeral 10, will now be described with reference to FIGURES 1 through 13.
Structure and Relationship of Parts:
Referring to FIGURES 1 and 2, articulated boom 10 includes a boom support 12. Referring to FIGURE 3, boom support 12 is adapted to be mounted on an hydro-excavation vehicle 100 for rotation about a substantially vertical rotational axis, generally indicated by reference numeral 16. A drive system is provided for rotating boom support 12 about rotational axis 16. This drive system has not been fully illustrated as it does not materially differ from similar drive systems known in the prior art. It consists of a gear positioned around a base of boom support 12 which is driven by a drive motor.
Referring to FIGURES 1 and 2, a primary arm section 18 is provided having a first end 20 and a second end 22. First end 20 is pivotally secured to boom support 12 for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal first horizontal pivot axis, generally indicated by reference numeral 24. A first pair of fluid driven telescopic cylinders 26 is provided for pivoting 5 primary arm section 18 about first horizontal pivot axis 24 in order to raise and lower primary arm section 18, as is illustrated in FIGURE 3.
Referring to FIGURES 1 and 2, a secondary arm assembly is provided which is generally indicated by reference numeral 28.
Secondary arm assembly 28 has a first end 30 and a second end 32. Secondary arm assembly has one or more supplementary sections. In the illustrated embodiment two supplementary sections have been illustrated, which are hereinafter described and named by analogy after parts of the human body. Secondary arm assembly includes a supplemental forearm section 34 and a supplemental wrist section 36. Forearm section 34 has a first end which serves as first end 30 of secondary arm assembly 28 and a second end 38. Wrist section 36 has a first end 40 and a second end which serves as second end 32 of secondary arm assembly 28. The first end of forearm section 34 at first end of secondary arm assembly 28 is pivotally secured to second end 22 of primary arm section 18 for pivotal movement about a substantially vertical first vertical pivot axis, generally 25 indicated by reference numeral 42. Second end 38 of forearm section 24 is pivotally secured to first end 40 of wrist section 36 for pivotal movement about a substantially vertical second vertical pivot axis, generally indicated by reference numeral 44. A second fluid driven telescopic cylinder 46 is 30 provided for pivoting forearm section 34 about first vertical pivot axis 42 thereby moving forearm section 34 from side to side, as is illustrated in FIGURES 5 through 8. A third fluid driven telescopic cylinder 48 is provided for pivoting wrist section 36 about second vertical pivot axis 44 thereby moving wrist section 36 from side to side, as is illustrated in FIGURES 5 through 8.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to in any way limit the scope of the invention to the particular embodiment or embodiments shown, wherein:
FIGURE 1 is a side elevation view of a articulated boom for a hydro-excavation vehicle constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
FIGURE 2 is a top plan view of the articulated boom illustrated in FIGURE
1.
FIGURE 3 is a side elevation view of a hydro-excavation vehicle equipped with the articulated boom illustrated in FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 4 is a top plan view of a hydro-excavation vehicle equipped with the articulated boom illustrated in FIGURE l, with the articulat ed boom in a stored position.
FIGURE 5 is a top plan view of a hydro-excavation vehicle equipped with the articulated boom illustrated in FIGURE 1, demonstrating the use of the articulated boom in making a trench beside the hydro-excavation vehicle.
FIGURE 6 is a top plan view of a hydro-excavation vehicle equipped with the articulated boom illustrated in FIGURE 1, demonstrating the use of the articulated boom in making a trench behind the hydro-excavation vehicle.
FIGURE 7 is a top plan view of a hydro-excavation vehicle equipped with the articulated boom illustrated in FIGURE 1, demonstrating the use of the articulated boom in making a trench at an angle to the hydro-excavation vehicle.
FIGURE 8 is a top plan view of a hydro-excavation vehicle equipped with the articulated boom illustrated in FIGURE 1, demonstrating the use of the articulated boom in reaching over and around obstacles in order to make a trench.
FIGURE 9 is a top plan view of a hydro-excavation vehicle.
FIGURE 10 is a rear elevation view of a hydro-excavation vehicle equipped with the articulating boom illustrated in FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 11 is a top plan view of the hydro-excavation vehicle illustrated in FIGURE 10.
FIGURE 12 labelled as PRIOR ART is a rear elevation view of a hydro-excavation vehicle equipped with a telescopic boom.
FIGURE 13 labelled as PRIOR ART is a top plan view of the hydro-excavation vehicle illustrated in FIGURE 11.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The preferred embodiment, an articulated boom for a hydro excavation vehicle generally identified by reference numeral 10, will now be described with reference to FIGURES 1 through 13.
Structure and Relationship of Parts:
Referring to FIGURES 1 and 2, articulated boom 10 includes a boom support 12. Referring to FIGURE 3, boom support 12 is adapted to be mounted on an hydro-excavation vehicle 100 for rotation about a substantially vertical rotational axis, generally indicated by reference numeral 16. A drive system is provided for rotating boom support 12 about rotational axis 16. This drive system has not been fully illustrated as it does not materially differ from similar drive systems known in the prior art. It consists of a gear positioned around a base of boom support 12 which is driven by a drive motor.
Referring to FIGURES 1 and 2, a primary arm section 18 is provided having a first end 20 and a second end 22. First end 20 is pivotally secured to boom support 12 for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal first horizontal pivot axis, generally indicated by reference numeral 24. A first pair of fluid driven telescopic cylinders 26 is provided for pivoting 5 primary arm section 18 about first horizontal pivot axis 24 in order to raise and lower primary arm section 18, as is illustrated in FIGURE 3.
Referring to FIGURES 1 and 2, a secondary arm assembly is provided which is generally indicated by reference numeral 28.
Secondary arm assembly 28 has a first end 30 and a second end 32. Secondary arm assembly has one or more supplementary sections. In the illustrated embodiment two supplementary sections have been illustrated, which are hereinafter described and named by analogy after parts of the human body. Secondary arm assembly includes a supplemental forearm section 34 and a supplemental wrist section 36. Forearm section 34 has a first end which serves as first end 30 of secondary arm assembly 28 and a second end 38. Wrist section 36 has a first end 40 and a second end which serves as second end 32 of secondary arm assembly 28. The first end of forearm section 34 at first end of secondary arm assembly 28 is pivotally secured to second end 22 of primary arm section 18 for pivotal movement about a substantially vertical first vertical pivot axis, generally 25 indicated by reference numeral 42. Second end 38 of forearm section 24 is pivotally secured to first end 40 of wrist section 36 for pivotal movement about a substantially vertical second vertical pivot axis, generally indicated by reference numeral 44. A second fluid driven telescopic cylinder 46 is 30 provided for pivoting forearm section 34 about first vertical pivot axis 42 thereby moving forearm section 34 from side to side, as is illustrated in FIGURES 5 through 8. A third fluid driven telescopic cylinder 48 is provided for pivoting wrist section 36 about second vertical pivot axis 44 thereby moving wrist section 36 from side to side, as is illustrated in FIGURES 5 through 8.
Referring to FIGURES 1 and 2, a hand section 50 is provided having a first end 52 and a second end 54. First end 52 of hand section 50 is pivotally secured to the second end of wrist section 36 at second end 32 of secondary arm assembly 28 for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal second horizontal pivot axis, generally indicated by reference numeral 56. A fourth fluid driven telescopic cylinder 58 is provided for pivoting hand section 50 about second horizontal pivot axis 56 thereby raising and lowering hand section 50, as is illustrated in FIGURE 3.
In the description of operation which follows reference will be made to a hydro-excavation vehicle. Referring to FIGURE 3, there is illustrated a hydro-excavation vehicle which is generally indicated by reference numeral 100. Hydro-excavation vehicle 100 has a front end 102 and a rear end 104.
The preferred positioning of articulated boom 10 in order to provide the maximum extended reach, as will hereinafter be further described is to have boom support 12 rotatably mounted adjacent to rear end 104 of hydro-excavation vehicle 100. The description of operation will be made with reference to a trench, generally indicated by reference numeral 106.
Articulated boom 10 supports a hose 108. Hose 108 is draped over and supported by second end 54 of hand section 50.
Attached to a remote end 110 of hose 108 are sections of pipe, referred to as "stingers" 111.
Operation:
The operation of articulated boom 10 will now be described with reference to FIGURES 1 through 8. Referring to FIGURE 4, articulated boom 10 has a stored position on hydro-excavation vehicle 100. Articulated boom 10 is maintained in this stored position when travelling to and from an intended excavation site. Once hydro-excavation vehicle 100 arrives at an excavation site, terrain, existing buildings and other site constraints will dictate the space available to approach the site of the intended excavation site. For this reason several illustrations have been provided. FIGURE 5 illustrates hydro-excavation vehicle 100 driving along a right of way with trench 106 being excavated to the side of hydro-excavation vehicle 100. FIGURE 6 illustrates hydro-excavation vehicle 100 having to back into an excavation site with rear end 104 facing trench 106. FIGURE 7 illustrates hydro-excavation vehicle 100 having to approach trench 106 at an angle.
When cutting a trench, stingers 110 are maintained in a vertical orientation above the line of excavation, as illustrated in FIGURES 5 through 8. This is done by using a combination of movements. As trench 106 moves farther away from hydro-excavation vehicle 100, boom support 12 is rotated about rotational axis 16 to point articulating boom 10 to the point of excavation. Referring to FIGURES 1 and 2, second fluid driven telescopic cylinder 46 is used to position forearm section 34 relative to first vertical pivot axis 42 to maintain forearm section 34 in a straight orientation pointing toward the point of excavation. Third fluid driven telescopic cylinder 48 is used to position wrist section 36 relative to second vertical pivot axis 44 to maintain wrist section 36 in a straight orientation pointing toward the point of excavation.
Fourth fluid driven telescopic cylinder 58 is used to position hand section 50 relative to second horizontal pivot axis 56 to maintain hand section in a straight orientation toward the point of excavation. First fluid driven telescopic cylinders 26 to pivot primary arm section 18 about first horizontal pivot axis 24 in order to maintain primary arm section 18 in a substantially horizontal orientation.
Referring to FIGURES 5 through 8, as excavation on trench 106 moves closer to hydro-excavation vehicle 100, each change in position must be accommodated by one or more pivotal movements. A limited amount of accommodation can be accomplished by rotation of boom support 12, as is illustrated in FIGURE 3 and 5 through 8. An increased range of movement is accommodated by pivoting forearm section 34 about to first vertical pivot axis 42 and pivoting wrist section 36 about second vertical pivot axis 44, as is illustrated in FIGURES 5 through 8. As the excavation gets increasingly closer to hydro-excavation vehicle 100, movement must be accommodated by combining the above movements with a pivotal movement of primary arm section 18 about first horizontal pivot axis 24 to raise primary arm section 18, as illustrated in FIGURE 3.
Finer movements are effected by pivotal movement of hand section 50 about second horizontal pivot axis 56, as is illustrated in FIGURE 3.
Although it can be seen from a review of FIGURES 5 through 7 the manner in which articulated boom 10 performs trenching, the advantages of articulated boom 10 are particularly apparent when there are obstacles that are impeding the excavation.
Referring to FIGURE 8, there is illustrated a fence 112 running alongside of trench 106 and a building structure, such as a garage 114 also impeding excavation. Using the combination of movements previously described, articulating arm 10 is able to reach over fence 112 and around garage 114 to perform the excavation of trench 106 in a manner that is very similar to previously described. Due to the number of pivot axes provided, the movement can be adapted to excavate trench 106 while being careful not to bring articulated arm 10 into contact with either fence 112 or garage 114.
It should be apparent to one skilled in the art that advantages that articulated boom 10 provides when compared to the limitations of existing booms used on hydro-excavation vehicles.
Referring to FIGURE 9, there is illustrated a comparison of the operational range of a sewer cleaning equipment, a telescopic boom, and articulated boom 10. The earliest hydro-excavation equipment were modified sewer cleaning equipment.
In the description of operation which follows reference will be made to a hydro-excavation vehicle. Referring to FIGURE 3, there is illustrated a hydro-excavation vehicle which is generally indicated by reference numeral 100. Hydro-excavation vehicle 100 has a front end 102 and a rear end 104.
The preferred positioning of articulated boom 10 in order to provide the maximum extended reach, as will hereinafter be further described is to have boom support 12 rotatably mounted adjacent to rear end 104 of hydro-excavation vehicle 100. The description of operation will be made with reference to a trench, generally indicated by reference numeral 106.
Articulated boom 10 supports a hose 108. Hose 108 is draped over and supported by second end 54 of hand section 50.
Attached to a remote end 110 of hose 108 are sections of pipe, referred to as "stingers" 111.
Operation:
The operation of articulated boom 10 will now be described with reference to FIGURES 1 through 8. Referring to FIGURE 4, articulated boom 10 has a stored position on hydro-excavation vehicle 100. Articulated boom 10 is maintained in this stored position when travelling to and from an intended excavation site. Once hydro-excavation vehicle 100 arrives at an excavation site, terrain, existing buildings and other site constraints will dictate the space available to approach the site of the intended excavation site. For this reason several illustrations have been provided. FIGURE 5 illustrates hydro-excavation vehicle 100 driving along a right of way with trench 106 being excavated to the side of hydro-excavation vehicle 100. FIGURE 6 illustrates hydro-excavation vehicle 100 having to back into an excavation site with rear end 104 facing trench 106. FIGURE 7 illustrates hydro-excavation vehicle 100 having to approach trench 106 at an angle.
When cutting a trench, stingers 110 are maintained in a vertical orientation above the line of excavation, as illustrated in FIGURES 5 through 8. This is done by using a combination of movements. As trench 106 moves farther away from hydro-excavation vehicle 100, boom support 12 is rotated about rotational axis 16 to point articulating boom 10 to the point of excavation. Referring to FIGURES 1 and 2, second fluid driven telescopic cylinder 46 is used to position forearm section 34 relative to first vertical pivot axis 42 to maintain forearm section 34 in a straight orientation pointing toward the point of excavation. Third fluid driven telescopic cylinder 48 is used to position wrist section 36 relative to second vertical pivot axis 44 to maintain wrist section 36 in a straight orientation pointing toward the point of excavation.
Fourth fluid driven telescopic cylinder 58 is used to position hand section 50 relative to second horizontal pivot axis 56 to maintain hand section in a straight orientation toward the point of excavation. First fluid driven telescopic cylinders 26 to pivot primary arm section 18 about first horizontal pivot axis 24 in order to maintain primary arm section 18 in a substantially horizontal orientation.
Referring to FIGURES 5 through 8, as excavation on trench 106 moves closer to hydro-excavation vehicle 100, each change in position must be accommodated by one or more pivotal movements. A limited amount of accommodation can be accomplished by rotation of boom support 12, as is illustrated in FIGURE 3 and 5 through 8. An increased range of movement is accommodated by pivoting forearm section 34 about to first vertical pivot axis 42 and pivoting wrist section 36 about second vertical pivot axis 44, as is illustrated in FIGURES 5 through 8. As the excavation gets increasingly closer to hydro-excavation vehicle 100, movement must be accommodated by combining the above movements with a pivotal movement of primary arm section 18 about first horizontal pivot axis 24 to raise primary arm section 18, as illustrated in FIGURE 3.
Finer movements are effected by pivotal movement of hand section 50 about second horizontal pivot axis 56, as is illustrated in FIGURE 3.
Although it can be seen from a review of FIGURES 5 through 7 the manner in which articulated boom 10 performs trenching, the advantages of articulated boom 10 are particularly apparent when there are obstacles that are impeding the excavation.
Referring to FIGURE 8, there is illustrated a fence 112 running alongside of trench 106 and a building structure, such as a garage 114 also impeding excavation. Using the combination of movements previously described, articulating arm 10 is able to reach over fence 112 and around garage 114 to perform the excavation of trench 106 in a manner that is very similar to previously described. Due to the number of pivot axes provided, the movement can be adapted to excavate trench 106 while being careful not to bring articulated arm 10 into contact with either fence 112 or garage 114.
It should be apparent to one skilled in the art that advantages that articulated boom 10 provides when compared to the limitations of existing booms used on hydro-excavation vehicles.
Referring to FIGURE 9, there is illustrated a comparison of the operational range of a sewer cleaning equipment, a telescopic boom, and articulated boom 10. The earliest hydro-excavation equipment were modified sewer cleaning equipment.
The operational range of sewer cleaning equipment is a zone identified by reference numeral 200. Hydro-excavation equipment in operation today are equipped with telescopic booms. The operational range of a telescopic boom is a zone identified by reference numeral 300. In comparison the operational range of articulated boom 10 a zone which encompasses zone 300, which is identified by reference numeral 400. The primary competitive technology to articulated boom is considered to be a telescopic boom. There are three 10 primary advantages that articulated boom 10 has over a telescopic boom.
1) Proximity - Referring to FIGURE 9, articulated boom can operate in close proximity to hydro-excavation vehicle 100, whereas a telescopic boom can not. This can be of enormous importance when there are severe physical constraints as to where hydro-excavation vehicle 100 can be positioned. For example, if there was a need to excavate a hole 210 to accommodate a piling adjacent hydro-excavation vehicle 100.
Referring to FIGURES 10 and 11 it can be seen how articulated boom 10 can be bent into a "U" shaped configuration to be positioned immediately adjacent to hydro-excavation vehicle 100. In contrast, referring to FIGURES 12 and 13, it can been seen how a telescopic boom 220 must be raised and at the same time collapsed in order to get close to hydro-excavation vehicle 100. This creates a limit on how close telescopic boom 220 can excavate adjacent to the vehicle and also how deep hole 210 can be made. In order to go deeper in an excavation stingers 110 must be added. If the telescopic boom 220 were extended for the purpose of adding stingers 111, by the time telescopic boom were collapsed to a position over hole 210, stingers would be dragging on the ground and control over the stingers 110 would be lost.
2) Height - In residential neighbourhoods and in some industrial areas there is a massive infrastructure of aerial wires. Referring to FIGURE 12, telescopic boom 220 must be raised in order to reach close to hydro-excavation vehicle 100.
This means that there are severe restraints on the use of telescopic boom 220 in the vicinity of aerial wires.
Furthermore, the use of telescopic boom 220 in the vicinity of 5 aerial wires raises a safety issue, as the aerial wires are usually power transmission wires. In contrast, referring to FIGURE 10, articulated boom 10 operates without having to be raised.
10 3) Obstacles - Referring to FIGURES 12 and 13, telescopic boom 220 always has a linear relationship with hole 210. Referring to FIGURE 8, articulated boom 10 is capable of reaching around corners and, as such, can reach around obstacles, such as garage 114.
In addition, there are a number of secondary advantages.
Both articulated boom 10 and telescopic boom 220 have a limitation regarding how tight of a radius that the hose can withstand. Telescopic boom 220 has a further problem not experienced by articulated boom 10. The hose has to lengthen and shorten as telescopic boom 220 lengthens and shortens. The use of articulated boom 10, therefore, simplifies handling of the associated hose. Referring to FIGURE 4, articulated boom 10 is easier to transport as it folds into a very compact configuration in a stored position which provides relatively little wind resistance and does not obstruct the driver's vision, as compared to a telescopic boom.
In this patent document, the word "comprising" is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article "a" does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only one of the elements.
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter defined in the Claims.
1) Proximity - Referring to FIGURE 9, articulated boom can operate in close proximity to hydro-excavation vehicle 100, whereas a telescopic boom can not. This can be of enormous importance when there are severe physical constraints as to where hydro-excavation vehicle 100 can be positioned. For example, if there was a need to excavate a hole 210 to accommodate a piling adjacent hydro-excavation vehicle 100.
Referring to FIGURES 10 and 11 it can be seen how articulated boom 10 can be bent into a "U" shaped configuration to be positioned immediately adjacent to hydro-excavation vehicle 100. In contrast, referring to FIGURES 12 and 13, it can been seen how a telescopic boom 220 must be raised and at the same time collapsed in order to get close to hydro-excavation vehicle 100. This creates a limit on how close telescopic boom 220 can excavate adjacent to the vehicle and also how deep hole 210 can be made. In order to go deeper in an excavation stingers 110 must be added. If the telescopic boom 220 were extended for the purpose of adding stingers 111, by the time telescopic boom were collapsed to a position over hole 210, stingers would be dragging on the ground and control over the stingers 110 would be lost.
2) Height - In residential neighbourhoods and in some industrial areas there is a massive infrastructure of aerial wires. Referring to FIGURE 12, telescopic boom 220 must be raised in order to reach close to hydro-excavation vehicle 100.
This means that there are severe restraints on the use of telescopic boom 220 in the vicinity of aerial wires.
Furthermore, the use of telescopic boom 220 in the vicinity of 5 aerial wires raises a safety issue, as the aerial wires are usually power transmission wires. In contrast, referring to FIGURE 10, articulated boom 10 operates without having to be raised.
10 3) Obstacles - Referring to FIGURES 12 and 13, telescopic boom 220 always has a linear relationship with hole 210. Referring to FIGURE 8, articulated boom 10 is capable of reaching around corners and, as such, can reach around obstacles, such as garage 114.
In addition, there are a number of secondary advantages.
Both articulated boom 10 and telescopic boom 220 have a limitation regarding how tight of a radius that the hose can withstand. Telescopic boom 220 has a further problem not experienced by articulated boom 10. The hose has to lengthen and shorten as telescopic boom 220 lengthens and shortens. The use of articulated boom 10, therefore, simplifies handling of the associated hose. Referring to FIGURE 4, articulated boom 10 is easier to transport as it folds into a very compact configuration in a stored position which provides relatively little wind resistance and does not obstruct the driver's vision, as compared to a telescopic boom.
In this patent document, the word "comprising" is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article "a" does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only one of the elements.
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter defined in the Claims.
Claims (5)
1. An articulated boom for a hydro-excavation vehicle, comprising:
a boom support adapted to be mounted on an hydro-excavation vehicle for rotation about a substantially vertical rotational axis;
means for rotating the boom support about the rotational axis;
a primary arm section having a first end and a second end, the first end being pivotally secured to the boom support for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal first horizontal pivot axis;
means for pivoting the primary arm section about the first horizontal pivot axis thereby raising and lowering the primary arm section;
a secondary arm assembly having a first end and a second end, the secondary arm assembly having at least one supplemental arm section, the first end of the secondary arm assembly being pivotally secured to the second end of the primary arm section for pivotal movement about a substantially vertical first vertical pivot axis;
means for pivoting the secondary arm assembly about the first vertical pivot axis thereby moving the secondary arm assembly from side to side;
a hand section having a first end and a second end, the first end being pivotally secured to the second end of the secondary arm assembly for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal second horizontal pivot axis;
means for pivoting the hand section about the second horizontal pivot axis thereby raising and lowering the hand section.
a boom support adapted to be mounted on an hydro-excavation vehicle for rotation about a substantially vertical rotational axis;
means for rotating the boom support about the rotational axis;
a primary arm section having a first end and a second end, the first end being pivotally secured to the boom support for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal first horizontal pivot axis;
means for pivoting the primary arm section about the first horizontal pivot axis thereby raising and lowering the primary arm section;
a secondary arm assembly having a first end and a second end, the secondary arm assembly having at least one supplemental arm section, the first end of the secondary arm assembly being pivotally secured to the second end of the primary arm section for pivotal movement about a substantially vertical first vertical pivot axis;
means for pivoting the secondary arm assembly about the first vertical pivot axis thereby moving the secondary arm assembly from side to side;
a hand section having a first end and a second end, the first end being pivotally secured to the second end of the secondary arm assembly for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal second horizontal pivot axis;
means for pivoting the hand section about the second horizontal pivot axis thereby raising and lowering the hand section.
2. The articulate boom as defined in Claim 1, wherein the secondary arm assembly includes a supplemental forearm section and a supplemental wrist section, the forearm section having a first end and a second end, the wrist section having a first end and a second end, the second end of the forearm section being pivotally secured to the first end of the wrist section for pivotal movement about a substantially vertical second vertical pivot axis; means being provided for pivoting the wrist section about the second vertical pivot axis thereby moving the wrist section from side to side.
3. An articulated boom for a hydro-excavation vehicle, comprising:
a boom support adapted to be mounted on an hydro-excavation vehicle for rotation about a substantially vertical rotational axis;
means for rotating the boom support about the rotational axis;
a primary arm section having a first end and a second end, the first end being pivotally secured to the boom support for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal first horizontal pivot axis;
at least one first fluid driven telescopic cylinder for pivoting the primary arm section about the first horizontal pivot axis thereby raising and lowering the primary arm section;
a secondary arm assembly having a first end and a second end, the secondary arm assembly including a supplemental forearm section and a supplemental wrist section, the forearm section having a first end and a second end, the wrist section having a first end and a second end, the first end of the forearm section at the first end of the secondary arm assembly being pivotally secured to the second end of the primary arm section for pivotal movement about a substantially vertical first vertical pivot axis, the second end of the forearm section being pivotally secured to the first end of the wrist section for pivotal movement about a substantially vertical second vertical pivot axis;
at least one second fluid driven telescopic cylinder for pivoting the forearm section about the first vertical pivot axis thereby moving the forearm section from side to side;
at least one third fluid driven telescopic cylinder for pivoting the wrist section about the second vertical pivot axis thereby moving the wrist section from side to side;
a hand section having a first end and a second end, the first end being pivotally secured to the second end of the wrist section at the second end of the secondary arm assembly for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal second horizontal pivot axis;
at least one fourth fluid driven telescopic cylinder for pivoting the hand section about the second horizontal pivot axis thereby raising and lowering the hand section.
a boom support adapted to be mounted on an hydro-excavation vehicle for rotation about a substantially vertical rotational axis;
means for rotating the boom support about the rotational axis;
a primary arm section having a first end and a second end, the first end being pivotally secured to the boom support for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal first horizontal pivot axis;
at least one first fluid driven telescopic cylinder for pivoting the primary arm section about the first horizontal pivot axis thereby raising and lowering the primary arm section;
a secondary arm assembly having a first end and a second end, the secondary arm assembly including a supplemental forearm section and a supplemental wrist section, the forearm section having a first end and a second end, the wrist section having a first end and a second end, the first end of the forearm section at the first end of the secondary arm assembly being pivotally secured to the second end of the primary arm section for pivotal movement about a substantially vertical first vertical pivot axis, the second end of the forearm section being pivotally secured to the first end of the wrist section for pivotal movement about a substantially vertical second vertical pivot axis;
at least one second fluid driven telescopic cylinder for pivoting the forearm section about the first vertical pivot axis thereby moving the forearm section from side to side;
at least one third fluid driven telescopic cylinder for pivoting the wrist section about the second vertical pivot axis thereby moving the wrist section from side to side;
a hand section having a first end and a second end, the first end being pivotally secured to the second end of the wrist section at the second end of the secondary arm assembly for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal second horizontal pivot axis;
at least one fourth fluid driven telescopic cylinder for pivoting the hand section about the second horizontal pivot axis thereby raising and lowering the hand section.
4. In combination:
a hydro-excavation vehicle having a front end and a rear end;
an articulated boom, including a boom support rotatably mounted adjacent to the rear end of the hydro-excavation vehicle for rotation about a substantially vertical rotational axis;
means for rotating the boom support about the rotational axis;
a primary arm section having a first end and a second end, the first end being pivotally secured to the boom support for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal first horizontal pivot axis;
means for pivoting the primary arm section about the first horizontal pivot axis thereby raising and lowering the primary arm section;
a secondary arm assembly having a first end and a second end, the secondary arm assembly having at least one supplemental arm section, the first end of the secondary arm assembly being pivotally secured to the second end of the primary arm section for pivotal movement about a substantially vertical first vertical pivot axis;
means for pivoting the secondary arm assembly about the first vertical pivot axis thereby moving the secondary arm assembly from side to side;
a hand section having a first end and a second end, the first end being pivotally secured to the second end of the secondary arm assembly for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal second horizontal pivot axis;
means for pivoting the hand section about the second horizontal pivot axis thereby raising and lowering the hand section.
a hydro-excavation vehicle having a front end and a rear end;
an articulated boom, including a boom support rotatably mounted adjacent to the rear end of the hydro-excavation vehicle for rotation about a substantially vertical rotational axis;
means for rotating the boom support about the rotational axis;
a primary arm section having a first end and a second end, the first end being pivotally secured to the boom support for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal first horizontal pivot axis;
means for pivoting the primary arm section about the first horizontal pivot axis thereby raising and lowering the primary arm section;
a secondary arm assembly having a first end and a second end, the secondary arm assembly having at least one supplemental arm section, the first end of the secondary arm assembly being pivotally secured to the second end of the primary arm section for pivotal movement about a substantially vertical first vertical pivot axis;
means for pivoting the secondary arm assembly about the first vertical pivot axis thereby moving the secondary arm assembly from side to side;
a hand section having a first end and a second end, the first end being pivotally secured to the second end of the secondary arm assembly for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal second horizontal pivot axis;
means for pivoting the hand section about the second horizontal pivot axis thereby raising and lowering the hand section.
5. The combination as defined in Claim 4, wherein the secondary arm assembly includes a supplemental forearm section and a supplemental wrist section, the forearm section having a first end and a second end, the wrist section having a first end and a second end, the second end of the forearm section being pivotally secured to the first end of the wrist section for pivotal movement about a substantially vertical second vertical pivot axis; means being provided for pivoting the wrist section about the second vertical pivot axis thereby moving the wrist section from side to side.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2357170 CA2357170A1 (en) | 2001-09-11 | 2001-09-11 | Articulated boom for hydro-excavation vehicle |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2357170 CA2357170A1 (en) | 2001-09-11 | 2001-09-11 | Articulated boom for hydro-excavation vehicle |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2357170A1 true CA2357170A1 (en) | 2003-03-11 |
Family
ID=4169953
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2357170 Abandoned CA2357170A1 (en) | 2001-09-11 | 2001-09-11 | Articulated boom for hydro-excavation vehicle |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2357170A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2016030575A1 (en) * | 2014-08-26 | 2016-03-03 | Ponsse Oyj | Arrangement in boom system |
| CN107366317A (en) * | 2017-08-30 | 2017-11-21 | 广西柳工机械股份有限公司 | Loading machine swing arm docking arm and loading machine connecting swing arm |
| CN110642164A (en) * | 2019-07-31 | 2020-01-03 | 武汉船用机械有限责任公司 | Folding arm telescopic crane |
-
2001
- 2001-09-11 CA CA 2357170 patent/CA2357170A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2016030575A1 (en) * | 2014-08-26 | 2016-03-03 | Ponsse Oyj | Arrangement in boom system |
| CN106794972A (en) * | 2014-08-26 | 2017-05-31 | 蓬塞有限公司 | Device in boom system |
| US9930839B2 (en) | 2014-08-26 | 2018-04-03 | Ponsse Oyj | Arrangement in boom system |
| RU2689067C2 (en) * | 2014-08-26 | 2019-05-23 | Понссе Ойй | Attachment device for boom system |
| CN107366317A (en) * | 2017-08-30 | 2017-11-21 | 广西柳工机械股份有限公司 | Loading machine swing arm docking arm and loading machine connecting swing arm |
| CN110642164A (en) * | 2019-07-31 | 2020-01-03 | 武汉船用机械有限责任公司 | Folding arm telescopic crane |
| CN110642164B (en) * | 2019-07-31 | 2021-08-10 | 武汉船用机械有限责任公司 | Folding arm telescopic crane |
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