CA2596727A1 - Excavator thumb for use with excavator equipment - Google Patents
Excavator thumb for use with excavator equipment Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2596727A1 CA2596727A1 CA 2596727 CA2596727A CA2596727A1 CA 2596727 A1 CA2596727 A1 CA 2596727A1 CA 2596727 CA2596727 CA 2596727 CA 2596727 A CA2596727 A CA 2596727A CA 2596727 A1 CA2596727 A1 CA 2596727A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- thumb
- excavator
- actuator
- cam
- bucket
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 210000003813 thumb Anatomy 0.000 title claims abstract description 122
- 239000011435 rock Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- XUKUURHRXDUEBC-KAYWLYCHSA-N Atorvastatin Chemical compound C=1C=CC=CC=1C1=C(C=2C=CC(F)=CC=2)N(CC[C@@H](O)C[C@@H](O)CC(O)=O)C(C(C)C)=C1C(=O)NC1=CC=CC=C1 XUKUURHRXDUEBC-KAYWLYCHSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 101100238304 Mus musculus Morc1 gene Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011049 pearl Substances 0.000 description 1
- -1 pipes Substances 0.000 description 1
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
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
- E02F3/28—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging tools mounted on a dipper- or bucket-arm, i.e. there is either one arm or a pair of arms, e.g. dippers, buckets
- E02F3/36—Component parts
- E02F3/40—Dippers; Buckets ; Grab devices, e.g. manufacturing processes for buckets, form, geometry or material of buckets
- E02F3/402—Dippers; Buckets ; Grab devices, e.g. manufacturing processes for buckets, form, geometry or material of buckets with means for facilitating the loading thereof, e.g. conveyors
- E02F3/404—Dippers; Buckets ; Grab devices, e.g. manufacturing processes for buckets, form, geometry or material of buckets with means for facilitating the loading thereof, e.g. conveyors comprising two parts movable relative to each other, e.g. for gripping
-
- 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
- E02F3/28—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging tools mounted on a dipper- or bucket-arm, i.e. there is either one arm or a pair of arms, e.g. dippers, buckets
- E02F3/36—Component parts
- E02F3/42—Drives for dippers, buckets, dipper-arms or bucket-arms
- E02F3/425—Drive systems for dipper-arms, backhoes or the like
-
- 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
- E02F3/96—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with arrangements for alternate or simultaneous use of different digging elements
- E02F3/965—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with arrangements for alternate or simultaneous use of different digging elements of metal-cutting or concrete-crushing implements
Abstract
An excavator thumb assembly for use with an excavator having a boom, a hydraulic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder shaft that extends and retracts from the hydraulic cylinder, and a bucket pivotally attached to an end of the boom and operatively attached to the hydraulic cylinder shaft. The excavator thumb assembly includes a thumb pivot plate attached to an intermediate portion of the boom. The thumb pivot plate has a thumb attachment point positioned above the longitudinal axis of the boom. The excavator thumb assembly also includes a thumb pivotally attached to the thumb attachment point along a thumb pivot axis, and operatively attached to the hydraulic cylinder shaft. The excavator thumb assembly is configured so that the thumb and bucket opposably grab and release objects as the hydraulic cylinder shaft extends and retracts, respectively.
Description
EXCAVATOR THUMB FOR USE Wfl'H EXCAVATOR EQUIPIvIENT
BACKGROtIND
Excavating equipment is commonly used for consttnction projects that require builders and contractors to move large amounts of earth, rocks and other materials.
Hockttoes and other typas of excavating equipment commonly include a boom, or dippcr stick, that extends from the main body, and a bucket pivotally attached to the end of the arm. The bucket is typically controlled by hydraulics mounted above the arm. While these types of excavators are well suited for moving loose dirt and small rocks, they are not well suited for picking up larger objects that do not fit easily into the bucket.
Some excavators also ittclude a fixexi or movable thumb that opposes the tnovement of the bucket and facilitates grabbing and moving rocks, pipes, concrete, trees, and other larger objects. The use of thumbs can decrease the amount of time required for a given project. Examples of excavating equipment with a fixed or movable thumb may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,131,210; 4,375,345; 4,466,494; 4,519,739; 4,770,597;
4,803,788;
4,804,309; 4,845,867; 4,932,832; 5,111,602; 5,553,408; 5,678,332; 5,813,822;
5,972,933;
6,209,237; 6,260,294; 6,385,870; 6,640,471; Japanese Patent No. 4202917; and PCT
Application WO 89/12145, the cntire disclosures of which are herein ineorporatcd by reference for all purposes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. I is a side view of an excavator with a bucket and an excavator thumb assembly, depicting the bucket and the excavator thumb assembly in a fully closed position, and the excavator thumb in a detached and secured position.
FIG. 2 is a aide view of the excavator of FIG. I depicting the bucket and the exc avatur thumb as.sentbly in an intcnnediate position, FIG. 3 is a side view of the excavator of FIG. 1 depicting the bucket and the excavator thumb asscmbly in a fully open position.
FIG. 4 is front view of the excavator thumb of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is a side view of the excavator thumb assembly of FIG. 1, dcpicting the retractable portion in a fully rctracted position, and a fully extended position.
FIG. 6 is a front view of a second excavator thumb.
DETAILED DE.SCR1PTIqN
FIGS. 1-3 show a side view of an excavator 10. The excavator 10 may include: a boom 12; a hydraulic ntechaiusm 14 with a hydraulic cylinder 15 and a hydraulic cylinder shaft 16; a bucket 18 with teeth 20; a bucket linkage arm 22 with a first end 24 and a second end 26; and a cam 28 with n first end 30 and a second end 32. The bucket 18 is pivotally attached to the end of the boom 12 with a bucket pivot pin 19. The first end 24 of the bu,cket linkage atm 22 is pivotally attached to the bucket 18 with a bucket link pin 34.
The first end 30 of the cam 28 is pivotally attached to the boom 12 with a lower cam link pin 36. The second cnd 32 of the cam 28 is pivotally attached to the sccond cnd 26 of the bucket linkage arm 22, and to the end of the hydraulic cylinder shaft 16, with an upper cam link pin 38. Iz should be appreciated to one skilled in the art that some of tbese structures, as well as other structures discussed below, may include complimentary structures on the oppositc side of the boom that,are functionally identical.
The hydraulic cylinder 15 of the hydraulic niechanism 14 retracts/extends the hydraulic cylinder shaft 16, which actuates pivotal openingJclosing of the bucket 18 eltrough thc backward/forward pivot of the cam 28. For example, FIG. 1 shows the hydraulic cylinder shaft 16 in a retracted position, which pivots caiti 28 into a backward position, which pivots the bucket 18 into a fully open position through the bucket linkage atm 22. FIG. 2 shows the hydraulic cylinder shaft 16 in an intermediate position, which pivots the cam 28 into an intermediate position, which pivots the bucket 18 into an interntediate position thmugh tlie bucket linkage arm 22. FIG. 3 shows the hydraulic cylinder shaft 16 in an extended position, which pivots tbe cam 28 into a furward position, which pivots the bucket 18 into a fully closed position through the bucket linkage aim 22.
As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the excavator 10 may also include an excavator thumb assembly 40 operatively eonnoctod to the hydraulics of the excavator. Specifically, the excavator thumb assembly 40 may include a thumh pivot elenient 42, an excavator thumb 44, and an actuator 46 with a first end 48 nnd a second end 50. The thumb pivot plale 42 may be attached to a relatively intermediate, or central portion of the boom 12. The point that the thumb pivot plate 42 ic attached to the boom 12 relative to the bucket 18 affects the maximum opening width between the bucket 18 and thc cxcavator thumb 44. The excavator thumb 44 may be pivotally attached to the t}tumb pivot plate 42 with a thumb pivot pin 52, Ttia first end 48 of the aLtuator 46 may be pivotally attached lo the excavator thumb with a thumb/actuator pivot pin 54. The second end 50 of the actuator 46 may be pivotally attached to the cam 28 with a can>lactuator pivot pin 56.
The point that the sccond end 50 attachcs to the cam 28 affects the maxirnum opcning width between the bucket 18 and the excavator thumb 44, as well as the stroke and torque confcrred to the excavator thumb 44 by the hydraulic mechanism 14.
The hydraulic cylinder 15 of the hydraulic mechanism 14 retracts/extends the hydraulic cylinder shaft 16, which actuates pivotal opening/closing of the excavator thumb 44 through the backward/forward pivot of the cam 28. For example, FIG. 1 shows the hydraulic eylinder shaft 16 in a retracted position, which pivots cam 28 into a backward position, which in turn pivots the excavator thumb 44 into a fully opcn position through the accuau7r 46. FIG. 2 shows the hydraulic cylinder shaft 16 in an intermediate position, which pivots the cam 28 into an intermediate position, which in turn pivots the excavator thumb 44 into an intcrmcdiate position through the actuator 46. FIG. 3 shows the hydraulic cylinder shaft 16 in an extended position, which pivots the cam 28 into a forward posidon, which in turn pivots the excavator thumb 44 inGo a fully closed position through thc actuator 46. Because the opening and closing of the excavator thumb 44 is coincident to the opening and closing of the bucket 18, the excavator thumb 44 and the bucket 18 may function as opposable structures for grabbing and lifting rocks, concrete, or any other large object. The opposability ot' the excavator thumb 44 and the bucket 18 may be driven by a single hydraulic mechanism 14, as described herein.
The thumb pivot plate 42 may include one or more thumb attachment points, such as thumb attachment points 58a and 58b, fixcdly positioned at varying distances from the bucket 18 along the longitudinal axis of the boom 12. The excavator thumb 44 may be pivotally attached to either thumb attachment point 58a or 58b with the thumb pivot pin 52. As indicated above, the thumb pivot plate 42 may be attached to a relatively central portion of the boom 12, where the location that it is attached relative to the bucket 18 affects the maximum opening width between the bucket 18 and the excavator thumb 44.
Likewise, the partictilar thumb attachntent point 58a or 58b to which the excavator thumb 44 is pivotally attached affects the maximtun opening width betwcen the bucket 18 and the excavator thumb. Thercfore a user may select a particular thumb pivot axis based on their desired maximuin opening width between the bucket 18 and the excavator thumb 44.
A shown in FIGS. 1-3, the selectable thumb pivot axes may be positioncd above the longitudinal axis of the boom 12. By positioning the thumb's pivot axis above the longitudinal axis of the boom 12, a user may select morc configurations of the excavator thumb asscmbly 40 with a wider variety of inechanicai c:haracteristics than they would be able to select if the thumb's pivot axis were positionod bclow the longitudinal axis of the boom. Specif'ically, positioning the thumb's pivot axis above the longitudinal axis of the boom 12 provides users with the ability to ottieztt the actuator 46 so that its longitudinal axis is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the excavator thumb 44, such that more torquc and/or stroke may be oonferred to the excavator thumb 44 by the hydraulic mechanism 14. In contrast, positaoning the thumb's pivot axis below the longitudinal axis of the boom, such as entirely below the boom, would prevcnt a user from se[ecting configurations whei-e the actuator is oriented in a manner relatively perpeadicular to the excavator thumb 44.
The excavator thumb 44 may include one or more thumb/ad.uator attadunertt points, such as thurnb/acta.ator attachment points 60a. 60b and 60c. Th.e first end 48 of the actuator 46 may therefore be pivotatty attached to any one of the thumb/actuator attachment points 60a, 60b or 60c with the thumblactuator pivot pin 54. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the thumblactuator artachment points 60a, 60b and 60c may be located at varying distaaces from the thumb's pivot axis. This may perreil a user to variably select the maxiunum opening width between the bucket 18 and the excavator thumb 44, as well as the maximum stroke and torquc confetred to the excavating thumb 44 by the hydraulic mechanism 14.
The second end 50 of the actuator 46 may include one or more camlactuator attachment point, such as cam/actuator attachment points 62a, 62b and 62c. The second end 50 of the actuator 46 may therefore be pivotally attached to the cam 28 with the camladuator pivot pin 56, by using any onc of thc cam/actuator attachment points 62a, 62b or 62e. Thc carnla.ctuator attachment points 62a, 62b anci 62c may be located along the longitudinal axis of the actuator at varying distances from the first end 48 of tha actuator 46. This may permit a user to variably select the maximuna opening width between the bucket 18 and the thumb 44.
The excavator thumb assembly 40 may be operatively disengageable from the hydraulic mechanism 14, and may including a securing mechanism 64 for securing the excavator thtunb 44 to the boom 12. Specifically, thumb/actuator pivot pin 54 antl/or cam/actuatpr pivot pin may be removable, so as to operatively disengage the axcavator thurnb 44 fmm the cam 28. Thc excavator thumb 44 may then be free to pivot about its pivot axis independently of the hydraulu aclion of the hydraulic inechanism 14. A user may manually pivot the excavator thumb 44 away frvm the bucket 18 until it comes into contact with the boom 12. The excavator thumb 44 may then be secured to the boom 12 witb any suitable securing mechanism. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the securing mechanism 64 may include a clamp 66 that fits over tbe excavator thumb 44 and is attached to the boom by a pin 68. The securing mechanism may also include hooks and cyelets, latches, rods, or any other suitable securing mechanism.
As best shown in FIG. 4. the excavator thumb 44 may include a fixed portion 70 and a retractable portion 72. The fixed portion 70 may be pivotally attached by thumb pivot pin 52 to one of the at least one thumb attachment points 58a or 58b, and may include the thumblactuator attachment points 60a, 60b and 60c, as discussed above. The fixed portion 72 may include apertures 76a and 76b, and retaining pin hole 78.
Apertures 76a and 76b niav be oonfigured to slidably engage shafts 80a and 80b, respectively. as described below. As shown in FIG. 5, the retaining pin hole 78 may be configured to be receive a retaining elemcnt, such as a retaining pin (not shown) that spans the apertutr 76 so as to engage a hole 86 in the shaft. 80, as described below.
As shown in FIG. 5, the retractable portion 72 may be movable between a fully extended position A. and a fully retracted position B. Specifically, the retractable portion 72 may be biased towards the fully extended position A by gravitational forces, andlor by scyme other suitable biasing mechanism. The retractable portion 72 niay be urged towards lhe fully retracted position, or towards an intennediate position, by applying an upwards force. Fonexample, upward force may be applied to the retractable portion 72 during operation of the excavator 10, such as when the excavator thumb 44 makes contact with the ground while digging with the bucket. As shown in FIG. 4, the retractable portion 72 may include shafts 80a and 80b and an engagement member 84 attached to the bottom of the shafts, which prevents the shafts from retracting beyond the fully retracted position B.
Shafts 80a and 80b liiay be slidably engaged with the fixed portion 70 through the apertures 76a and 76b, respcctivcly. Shafts 80a and 80b may include a top stopping member 82a and 82b, respectively, which may be configured to retain the shafts 80a and 80b within the apertures 76a and 76b when gravitational forces pull the retractable portion 72 into the fully extended position A. As shown in r1G. 5, the shaft 80 may also include a hole 86 configured to receive a retaining clcment, such as a retaining pin (not shown). Specifically, when the retractable portion 72 is in a substantially retracted position, hole 86 may be configured to line up with retaining pin hole 78 of the fixed portion 70. A retaining pin (not shown) may then be inserted through the retaining pin hole 78 and hole 86 to hold the retractable portion 72 in a substantially retracted position.
The engagement member 84 may be crntfigurcd to engage rocks or other large objects during operation of the excavator 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the engagement member 84 may include a support member 88 and one or more teeth 90, such as teeth 90a, 90b, and 90c, attached to the support member. The support member 88 may be fixedly attached to the ends of shafts 80a and 80b. The support member may also be removably, slidably or fixedly attached to the ends of the shafts, to permit a user to exchange the engagement member 84 for an alternative engagement member 84, or to vary the orientation of the engagement member 84 relative to the complimentary shafts 80, as desired.
Likcwisc, teeth 90a, 90b and 90c tnay bc fixedly attached to the support member 88. The teeth 90a, 90b and 90c may also be removably, slidably andlor pivotally attached to the support.
mcmbcr, to permit a uscr to rcplace damaged tccth, or to vary the orientation of the teeth relative to the complimentary shafts 80 as desired. The teeth 90a, 90b and 90c may include a tip 92 made of steel, carbide, or any other suitable ntaterial for gripping rocks, concrete or other large materials. The tip 92 may be removably attached to the remained of the tooth to permit a user to replace a damaged tip.
FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of an excavator thumb 144. Similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5, the excavator thumb 144 may include a~ixed portion 170, atid a retractable portion 172 with shafts 180a and 180b and an engagcmcnt member 184.
Unlike the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5, the engagement member 184 may include: a support member 188: fixed receiving mcmbers 182a and 182b; a plurality of removable receiving members, such as rccciving members 186a, 186h, 186c, t86d, and 186e;
one or more teeth, such ac teeth 190a, 190b, 190c and 190d; and end plates 194a and 194b. The support membcr 188 may be a bar, rod, shaft or othcr suitable support member.
The fixed receiving mcmbcrs 182a and 182b may be a cuff, slccvc, tube, or other suitahle receiving member, and may bc f"ixediy attached to the bottom end of elte shafts 180a and 180b, respectively. The receiving members 186a-e, may be substantially the same as receiving members 182a and 182b, except that they are not fixedly attachcd to the shafts 180a or 180b. The teeth. such as teeth 190a-d, may be Cixedly attached to some or all of the rcceiving members 186a-e.
The engagement member 184 may be assembled as show in FIG. 6. Spccifically, the height and width of the support member 188 and tho receiving members 182a, 182b and 186a-e may be selected to so that the support member may be slidably engaged with each of the receiving members. Further, receiving members 182a and 182b may be oriented in such a fashion that the support member 188 and the receiving members 182a, 182b, and 186a-e may be assembled similar to a string of pearls, as shown. After assembly, end plaoes 194a and 194b may be either fixedly or removably attached to the ends of the support member 188 to prevent support menilser from slidably disengaging from the receiving members during operation of the excavator 10. Preferably, Iittle or no space will be left between each of the receiving membcrs I82a, 182b or 186a-e along the length of the support membcr 188, and spacers (not shown) may be used to ensure a snug rt. It should be appreciated that a user may variably select the number of teeth they want thc engagement mcmbor 184 lo include. Specifically, a user may include fewer teeth by simply using receiving members that do not have teeth attached to them. A user may include more teeth hy making sure that all of the receiving members have teeth attached to them, or by using a longer support member 188. Further, receiving members may be provided that allow teeth to be removably, pivotally or slidably attached to them, such that a user rnay add or remove teeth, may replace damaged teeth, or may vary the orientation of the teeth relative to the shafts 180a and 18Ub, as desired.
The specific embodiments of an excavator thumb for cxcavator equipment as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to bc considered in a lintiting scnse as numerous variations are possibtc. The subject matter of this disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subconibinations of the various features, elements, functions andlor prnperties disclosed herein. No single feature, function, element or property of the disclosed embodiments is essential. The following claims define certain combinations and subcombinations which are regarded as novel and non-obvious. Other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/orproperties may be claimed through amcndmcnt of the pment claims or presentation of new claims in this or a related application. Such claims, whether they are different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the cuiginal claims, are also reFarded as included within the subject matter of the disclosure.
BACKGROtIND
Excavating equipment is commonly used for consttnction projects that require builders and contractors to move large amounts of earth, rocks and other materials.
Hockttoes and other typas of excavating equipment commonly include a boom, or dippcr stick, that extends from the main body, and a bucket pivotally attached to the end of the arm. The bucket is typically controlled by hydraulics mounted above the arm. While these types of excavators are well suited for moving loose dirt and small rocks, they are not well suited for picking up larger objects that do not fit easily into the bucket.
Some excavators also ittclude a fixexi or movable thumb that opposes the tnovement of the bucket and facilitates grabbing and moving rocks, pipes, concrete, trees, and other larger objects. The use of thumbs can decrease the amount of time required for a given project. Examples of excavating equipment with a fixed or movable thumb may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,131,210; 4,375,345; 4,466,494; 4,519,739; 4,770,597;
4,803,788;
4,804,309; 4,845,867; 4,932,832; 5,111,602; 5,553,408; 5,678,332; 5,813,822;
5,972,933;
6,209,237; 6,260,294; 6,385,870; 6,640,471; Japanese Patent No. 4202917; and PCT
Application WO 89/12145, the cntire disclosures of which are herein ineorporatcd by reference for all purposes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. I is a side view of an excavator with a bucket and an excavator thumb assembly, depicting the bucket and the excavator thumb assembly in a fully closed position, and the excavator thumb in a detached and secured position.
FIG. 2 is a aide view of the excavator of FIG. I depicting the bucket and the exc avatur thumb as.sentbly in an intcnnediate position, FIG. 3 is a side view of the excavator of FIG. 1 depicting the bucket and the excavator thumb asscmbly in a fully open position.
FIG. 4 is front view of the excavator thumb of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is a side view of the excavator thumb assembly of FIG. 1, dcpicting the retractable portion in a fully rctracted position, and a fully extended position.
FIG. 6 is a front view of a second excavator thumb.
DETAILED DE.SCR1PTIqN
FIGS. 1-3 show a side view of an excavator 10. The excavator 10 may include: a boom 12; a hydraulic ntechaiusm 14 with a hydraulic cylinder 15 and a hydraulic cylinder shaft 16; a bucket 18 with teeth 20; a bucket linkage arm 22 with a first end 24 and a second end 26; and a cam 28 with n first end 30 and a second end 32. The bucket 18 is pivotally attached to the end of the boom 12 with a bucket pivot pin 19. The first end 24 of the bu,cket linkage atm 22 is pivotally attached to the bucket 18 with a bucket link pin 34.
The first end 30 of the cam 28 is pivotally attached to the boom 12 with a lower cam link pin 36. The second cnd 32 of the cam 28 is pivotally attached to the sccond cnd 26 of the bucket linkage arm 22, and to the end of the hydraulic cylinder shaft 16, with an upper cam link pin 38. Iz should be appreciated to one skilled in the art that some of tbese structures, as well as other structures discussed below, may include complimentary structures on the oppositc side of the boom that,are functionally identical.
The hydraulic cylinder 15 of the hydraulic niechanism 14 retracts/extends the hydraulic cylinder shaft 16, which actuates pivotal openingJclosing of the bucket 18 eltrough thc backward/forward pivot of the cam 28. For example, FIG. 1 shows the hydraulic cylinder shaft 16 in a retracted position, which pivots caiti 28 into a backward position, which pivots the bucket 18 into a fully open position through the bucket linkage atm 22. FIG. 2 shows the hydraulic cylinder shaft 16 in an intermediate position, which pivots the cam 28 into an intermediate position, which pivots the bucket 18 into an interntediate position thmugh tlie bucket linkage arm 22. FIG. 3 shows the hydraulic cylinder shaft 16 in an extended position, which pivots tbe cam 28 into a furward position, which pivots the bucket 18 into a fully closed position through the bucket linkage aim 22.
As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the excavator 10 may also include an excavator thumb assembly 40 operatively eonnoctod to the hydraulics of the excavator. Specifically, the excavator thumb assembly 40 may include a thumh pivot elenient 42, an excavator thumb 44, and an actuator 46 with a first end 48 nnd a second end 50. The thumb pivot plale 42 may be attached to a relatively intermediate, or central portion of the boom 12. The point that the thumb pivot plate 42 ic attached to the boom 12 relative to the bucket 18 affects the maximum opening width between the bucket 18 and thc cxcavator thumb 44. The excavator thumb 44 may be pivotally attached to the t}tumb pivot plate 42 with a thumb pivot pin 52, Ttia first end 48 of the aLtuator 46 may be pivotally attached lo the excavator thumb with a thumb/actuator pivot pin 54. The second end 50 of the actuator 46 may be pivotally attached to the cam 28 with a can>lactuator pivot pin 56.
The point that the sccond end 50 attachcs to the cam 28 affects the maxirnum opcning width between the bucket 18 and the excavator thumb 44, as well as the stroke and torque confcrred to the excavator thumb 44 by the hydraulic mechanism 14.
The hydraulic cylinder 15 of the hydraulic mechanism 14 retracts/extends the hydraulic cylinder shaft 16, which actuates pivotal opening/closing of the excavator thumb 44 through the backward/forward pivot of the cam 28. For example, FIG. 1 shows the hydraulic eylinder shaft 16 in a retracted position, which pivots cam 28 into a backward position, which in turn pivots the excavator thumb 44 into a fully opcn position through the accuau7r 46. FIG. 2 shows the hydraulic cylinder shaft 16 in an intermediate position, which pivots the cam 28 into an intermediate position, which in turn pivots the excavator thumb 44 into an intcrmcdiate position through the actuator 46. FIG. 3 shows the hydraulic cylinder shaft 16 in an extended position, which pivots the cam 28 into a forward posidon, which in turn pivots the excavator thumb 44 inGo a fully closed position through thc actuator 46. Because the opening and closing of the excavator thumb 44 is coincident to the opening and closing of the bucket 18, the excavator thumb 44 and the bucket 18 may function as opposable structures for grabbing and lifting rocks, concrete, or any other large object. The opposability ot' the excavator thumb 44 and the bucket 18 may be driven by a single hydraulic mechanism 14, as described herein.
The thumb pivot plate 42 may include one or more thumb attachment points, such as thumb attachment points 58a and 58b, fixcdly positioned at varying distances from the bucket 18 along the longitudinal axis of the boom 12. The excavator thumb 44 may be pivotally attached to either thumb attachment point 58a or 58b with the thumb pivot pin 52. As indicated above, the thumb pivot plate 42 may be attached to a relatively central portion of the boom 12, where the location that it is attached relative to the bucket 18 affects the maximum opening width between the bucket 18 and the excavator thumb 44.
Likewise, the partictilar thumb attachntent point 58a or 58b to which the excavator thumb 44 is pivotally attached affects the maximtun opening width betwcen the bucket 18 and the excavator thumb. Thercfore a user may select a particular thumb pivot axis based on their desired maximuin opening width between the bucket 18 and the excavator thumb 44.
A shown in FIGS. 1-3, the selectable thumb pivot axes may be positioncd above the longitudinal axis of the boom 12. By positioning the thumb's pivot axis above the longitudinal axis of the boom 12, a user may select morc configurations of the excavator thumb asscmbly 40 with a wider variety of inechanicai c:haracteristics than they would be able to select if the thumb's pivot axis were positionod bclow the longitudinal axis of the boom. Specif'ically, positioning the thumb's pivot axis above the longitudinal axis of the boom 12 provides users with the ability to ottieztt the actuator 46 so that its longitudinal axis is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the excavator thumb 44, such that more torquc and/or stroke may be oonferred to the excavator thumb 44 by the hydraulic mechanism 14. In contrast, positaoning the thumb's pivot axis below the longitudinal axis of the boom, such as entirely below the boom, would prevcnt a user from se[ecting configurations whei-e the actuator is oriented in a manner relatively perpeadicular to the excavator thumb 44.
The excavator thumb 44 may include one or more thumb/ad.uator attadunertt points, such as thurnb/acta.ator attachment points 60a. 60b and 60c. Th.e first end 48 of the actuator 46 may therefore be pivotatty attached to any one of the thumb/actuator attachment points 60a, 60b or 60c with the thumblactuator pivot pin 54. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the thumblactuator artachment points 60a, 60b and 60c may be located at varying distaaces from the thumb's pivot axis. This may perreil a user to variably select the maxiunum opening width between the bucket 18 and the excavator thumb 44, as well as the maximum stroke and torquc confetred to the excavating thumb 44 by the hydraulic mechanism 14.
The second end 50 of the actuator 46 may include one or more camlactuator attachment point, such as cam/actuator attachment points 62a, 62b and 62c. The second end 50 of the actuator 46 may therefore be pivotally attached to the cam 28 with the camladuator pivot pin 56, by using any onc of thc cam/actuator attachment points 62a, 62b or 62e. Thc carnla.ctuator attachment points 62a, 62b anci 62c may be located along the longitudinal axis of the actuator at varying distances from the first end 48 of tha actuator 46. This may permit a user to variably select the maximuna opening width between the bucket 18 and the thumb 44.
The excavator thumb assembly 40 may be operatively disengageable from the hydraulic mechanism 14, and may including a securing mechanism 64 for securing the excavator thtunb 44 to the boom 12. Specifically, thumb/actuator pivot pin 54 antl/or cam/actuatpr pivot pin may be removable, so as to operatively disengage the axcavator thurnb 44 fmm the cam 28. Thc excavator thumb 44 may then be free to pivot about its pivot axis independently of the hydraulu aclion of the hydraulic inechanism 14. A user may manually pivot the excavator thumb 44 away frvm the bucket 18 until it comes into contact with the boom 12. The excavator thumb 44 may then be secured to the boom 12 witb any suitable securing mechanism. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the securing mechanism 64 may include a clamp 66 that fits over tbe excavator thumb 44 and is attached to the boom by a pin 68. The securing mechanism may also include hooks and cyelets, latches, rods, or any other suitable securing mechanism.
As best shown in FIG. 4. the excavator thumb 44 may include a fixed portion 70 and a retractable portion 72. The fixed portion 70 may be pivotally attached by thumb pivot pin 52 to one of the at least one thumb attachment points 58a or 58b, and may include the thumblactuator attachment points 60a, 60b and 60c, as discussed above. The fixed portion 72 may include apertures 76a and 76b, and retaining pin hole 78.
Apertures 76a and 76b niav be oonfigured to slidably engage shafts 80a and 80b, respectively. as described below. As shown in FIG. 5, the retaining pin hole 78 may be configured to be receive a retaining elemcnt, such as a retaining pin (not shown) that spans the apertutr 76 so as to engage a hole 86 in the shaft. 80, as described below.
As shown in FIG. 5, the retractable portion 72 may be movable between a fully extended position A. and a fully retracted position B. Specifically, the retractable portion 72 may be biased towards the fully extended position A by gravitational forces, andlor by scyme other suitable biasing mechanism. The retractable portion 72 niay be urged towards lhe fully retracted position, or towards an intennediate position, by applying an upwards force. Fonexample, upward force may be applied to the retractable portion 72 during operation of the excavator 10, such as when the excavator thumb 44 makes contact with the ground while digging with the bucket. As shown in FIG. 4, the retractable portion 72 may include shafts 80a and 80b and an engagement member 84 attached to the bottom of the shafts, which prevents the shafts from retracting beyond the fully retracted position B.
Shafts 80a and 80b liiay be slidably engaged with the fixed portion 70 through the apertures 76a and 76b, respcctivcly. Shafts 80a and 80b may include a top stopping member 82a and 82b, respectively, which may be configured to retain the shafts 80a and 80b within the apertures 76a and 76b when gravitational forces pull the retractable portion 72 into the fully extended position A. As shown in r1G. 5, the shaft 80 may also include a hole 86 configured to receive a retaining clcment, such as a retaining pin (not shown). Specifically, when the retractable portion 72 is in a substantially retracted position, hole 86 may be configured to line up with retaining pin hole 78 of the fixed portion 70. A retaining pin (not shown) may then be inserted through the retaining pin hole 78 and hole 86 to hold the retractable portion 72 in a substantially retracted position.
The engagement member 84 may be crntfigurcd to engage rocks or other large objects during operation of the excavator 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the engagement member 84 may include a support member 88 and one or more teeth 90, such as teeth 90a, 90b, and 90c, attached to the support member. The support member 88 may be fixedly attached to the ends of shafts 80a and 80b. The support member may also be removably, slidably or fixedly attached to the ends of the shafts, to permit a user to exchange the engagement member 84 for an alternative engagement member 84, or to vary the orientation of the engagement member 84 relative to the complimentary shafts 80, as desired.
Likcwisc, teeth 90a, 90b and 90c tnay bc fixedly attached to the support member 88. The teeth 90a, 90b and 90c may also be removably, slidably andlor pivotally attached to the support.
mcmbcr, to permit a uscr to rcplace damaged tccth, or to vary the orientation of the teeth relative to the complimentary shafts 80 as desired. The teeth 90a, 90b and 90c may include a tip 92 made of steel, carbide, or any other suitable ntaterial for gripping rocks, concrete or other large materials. The tip 92 may be removably attached to the remained of the tooth to permit a user to replace a damaged tip.
FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of an excavator thumb 144. Similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5, the excavator thumb 144 may include a~ixed portion 170, atid a retractable portion 172 with shafts 180a and 180b and an engagcmcnt member 184.
Unlike the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5, the engagement member 184 may include: a support member 188: fixed receiving mcmbers 182a and 182b; a plurality of removable receiving members, such as rccciving members 186a, 186h, 186c, t86d, and 186e;
one or more teeth, such ac teeth 190a, 190b, 190c and 190d; and end plates 194a and 194b. The support membcr 188 may be a bar, rod, shaft or othcr suitable support member.
The fixed receiving mcmbcrs 182a and 182b may be a cuff, slccvc, tube, or other suitahle receiving member, and may bc f"ixediy attached to the bottom end of elte shafts 180a and 180b, respectively. The receiving members 186a-e, may be substantially the same as receiving members 182a and 182b, except that they are not fixedly attachcd to the shafts 180a or 180b. The teeth. such as teeth 190a-d, may be Cixedly attached to some or all of the rcceiving members 186a-e.
The engagement member 184 may be assembled as show in FIG. 6. Spccifically, the height and width of the support member 188 and tho receiving members 182a, 182b and 186a-e may be selected to so that the support member may be slidably engaged with each of the receiving members. Further, receiving members 182a and 182b may be oriented in such a fashion that the support member 188 and the receiving members 182a, 182b, and 186a-e may be assembled similar to a string of pearls, as shown. After assembly, end plaoes 194a and 194b may be either fixedly or removably attached to the ends of the support member 188 to prevent support menilser from slidably disengaging from the receiving members during operation of the excavator 10. Preferably, Iittle or no space will be left between each of the receiving membcrs I82a, 182b or 186a-e along the length of the support membcr 188, and spacers (not shown) may be used to ensure a snug rt. It should be appreciated that a user may variably select the number of teeth they want thc engagement mcmbor 184 lo include. Specifically, a user may include fewer teeth by simply using receiving members that do not have teeth attached to them. A user may include more teeth hy making sure that all of the receiving members have teeth attached to them, or by using a longer support member 188. Further, receiving members may be provided that allow teeth to be removably, pivotally or slidably attached to them, such that a user rnay add or remove teeth, may replace damaged teeth, or may vary the orientation of the teeth relative to the shafts 180a and 18Ub, as desired.
The specific embodiments of an excavator thumb for cxcavator equipment as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to bc considered in a lintiting scnse as numerous variations are possibtc. The subject matter of this disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subconibinations of the various features, elements, functions andlor prnperties disclosed herein. No single feature, function, element or property of the disclosed embodiments is essential. The following claims define certain combinations and subcombinations which are regarded as novel and non-obvious. Other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/orproperties may be claimed through amcndmcnt of the pment claims or presentation of new claims in this or a related application. Such claims, whether they are different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the cuiginal claims, are also reFarded as included within the subject matter of the disclosure.
Claims (11)
1. An excavator thumb assembly for use with an excavator having a boom, a hydraulic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder shaft that extends and retracts from the hydraulic cylinder, a bucket, a bucket linkage arm, and a cam, where the bucket is pivotally attached to an end of the boom along a first pivot axis, a first end of the cam is pivotally attached to the boom along a second pivot axis, a first end of the bucket linkage arm is pivotally attached to the bucket along a third pivot axis, a second end of the bucket linkage arm is pivotally attached to a second end of the cam along a fourth pivot axis, and the hydraulic cylinder shaft is pivotally attached to the second end of the cam along the fourth pivot axis, the excavator thumb assembly comprising: a thumb pivot plate attached to an intermediate portion of the boom and including a thumb attachment point positioned above the longitudinal axis of the boom; a thumb pivotally attached to the thumb attachment point along a fifth pivot axis, and including a thumb/actuator attachment point; and an actuator including: a first end pivotally attached to the thumb/actuator attachment point along a sixth pivot axis; and a second end that includes a cam/actuator attachment point pivotally attached to the cam along a seventh pivot axis; wherein the excavator thumb assembly is configured so that the thumb and bucket opposably grab and release objects as the hydraulic cylinder shaft extends and retracts, respectively.
2. The excavator thumb assembly of claim 1, the actuator and thumb each having a longitudinal axis, wherein the longitudinal axis of the actuator is oriented to be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the thumb.
3. The excavator thumb assembly of claim 1, the boom having a longitudinal axis, wherein the thumb pivot plate includes more than one thumb attachment point positioned above the longitudinal axis of the boom, and at varying distances from the bucket along the longitudinal axis of the boom, and wherein the thumb is pivotally attachable to any one of the more than one thumb attachment points.
4. The excavator thumb assembly of claim 1, wherein the thumb includes more than one thumb/actuator attachment point, and wherein the first end of the actuator is pivotally attachable to any one of the more than one thumb/actuator attachment points.
5. The excavator thumb assembly of claim 1, wherein the second end of the actuator includes more than one cam/actuator attachment point, and wherein any one of the more than one cam/actuator attachment points is pivotally attachable to the cam.
6. The excavator thumb assembly of claim 1, wherein the thumb includes a first portion pivotally attached to the thumb attachment point along the fifth pivot axis, and a second portion slidably engaged with the first portion, and movable between extended and retracted positions relative to the fifth pivot axis.
7. The excavator thumb assembly of claim 6, wherein the second portion is biased by gravitational forces to move toward the extended position, and is securable in the retracted position by a retaining element.
8. The excavator thumb assembly of claim 6, wherein second portion includes an engagement member configured to engage objects as they are opposably grabbed by the bucket and the thumb.
9. The excavator thumb assembly of claim 8, wherein the engagement member includes at least one tooth for engaging objects.
10. The excavator thumb assembly of claim 9, wherein the at least one tooth includes a carbide tip that is removably attached to the engagement member.
11. The excavator thumb assembly of claim 1, wherein the first end of the actuator is pivotally attached to the thumb/actuator attachment point with a thumb/actuator pivot pin, the second end of the actuator is attached to the cam/actuator attachment point with a cam/actuator pivot pin, and wherein at least one of the thumb/actuator pivot pin and the cam/actuator pivot pin are removable so as to operatively detach the thumb from the hydraulic cylinder shaft; and wherein the excavator thumb assembly further includes a securing mechanism for securing the operatively detached thumb to the boom.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2596727 CA2596727A1 (en) | 2007-08-09 | 2007-08-09 | Excavator thumb for use with excavator equipment |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2596727 CA2596727A1 (en) | 2007-08-09 | 2007-08-09 | Excavator thumb for use with excavator equipment |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2596727A1 true CA2596727A1 (en) | 2009-02-09 |
Family
ID=40348347
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2596727 Abandoned CA2596727A1 (en) | 2007-08-09 | 2007-08-09 | Excavator thumb for use with excavator equipment |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2596727A1 (en) |
-
2007
- 2007-08-09 CA CA 2596727 patent/CA2596727A1/en not_active Abandoned
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