VIBRATING DEMOLITION APPARATUS

Abstract

 A vibrating demolition apparatus (1) comprising a frame (2) which can be associated with the movable arm of an excavator, a unidirectional vibrating assembly (3) adapted to impart an alternating translational motion along a work axis (L), related retention means (4) interposed between the frame (2) and the vibrating assembly (3), and at least one work tool (5) which is associated with the vibrating assembly (3) and protrudes from the frame (2) along the work axis (L).
The retention means (4) comprise at least one first connecting assembly (8) adapted to allow an alternating translational motion in a direction that is substantially parallel to the work axis (L) and to hinder translations along directions that are incident to such work axis (L).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a vibrating demolition apparatus.

[0002] Vibrating apparatuses are known, called vibrating "rippers", which are mainly used for the demolition of materials, and in use they are coupled to the end of the work arm of an excavator for executing, for example, earth moving operations on the ground.

[0003] These vibrating apparatuses are substantially constituted by a frame that can be associated with the arm of the excavator and which supports a vibrating assembly adapted to generate unidirectional vibrations along a work axis and a work tool, of the type of a tooth, which is associated with the vibrating assembly and extends along the work axis. This tool, by virtue of the vibrations transmitted by the vibrating assembly, is designed to progressively crumble the material to be demolished.

[0004] The vibrating assembly comprises a box-like body inside which is accommodated at least one pair of counter-rotating eccentric masses, which are adapted to generate unidirectional vibrations of predefined amplitude along the work axis.

[0005] The vibrating assembly is associated with the frame via a pair of linkages that are parallel to each other, each of which has one end articulated to the frame and the opposite end articulated to the vibrating assembly, so as to define an articulated parallelogram.

[0006] Means for damping the vibrations are also interposed between the frame and the vibrating assembly, so as to reduce the transmission of unwanted stresses to the arm of the excavator.

[0007] The coupling of the vibrating assembly to the frame using articulated linkages determines a movement path of the assembly itself and of the tool associated with it along a circular arc.

[0008] Therefore, for each work stroke, the path of the tool has a component that is parallel to the work axis (generally vertical) and a component that is transverse to the work axis (generally horizontal).

[0009] The motion component of the tool that is transverse to the work axis can determine the risk of the tool becoming trapped in the material to be demolished, thus resulting in the transmission of bothersome vibrations to the arm of the excavator.

[0010] These conventional vibrating apparatuses are not, therefore, devoid of drawbacks, including the fact that the vibrations transmitted to the arm of the excavator if the tool becomes wedged in the material to be demolished makes it difficult for the operator on board the excavator to maneuver the arm.

[0011] The risk that the tool might remain trapped in the material before succeeding in crumbling it increases with the hardness of the material, therefore the use of such vibrating apparatuses is not recommended, or in any case such use is somewhat demanding, if the materials to be worked on are particularly hard.

[0012] The aim of the present invention is to eliminate the above mentioned drawbacks of the prior art, by providing a vibrating demolition apparatus that makes it possible to reduce, or even eliminate, the motion components transmitted to the work tool transversely to the work axis, so as to prevent the work tool from becoming trapped in the material to be demolished and prevent unwanted stresses from being transmitted to the arm of the excavator.

[0013] Within this aim, an object of the present invention is to enable a safe and effective use of the apparatus independently of the hardness of the materials on which to work.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is for it to be capable of being incorporated in existing apparatuses with some simple structural modifications.

[0015] Last but not least, another object of the present invention is to provide a simple structure which is easy and practical to implement, safe in use and effective in operation, and of low cost.

[0016] This aim and these and other objects which will become better apparent hereinafter are all achieved by the present vibrating demolition apparatus which presents the characteristics recited in claim 1 below and is optionally provided with one or more of the characteristics in the subsequent dependent claims.

[0017] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become better apparent from the detailed description of some preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of a vibrating demolition apparatus, illustrated for the purposes of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective side view of a first embodiment of a vibrating demolition apparatus, according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view like Figure 1, in which a side wall of the external frame of the apparatus according to the invention has been removed;

Figure 3 is a partially exploded view of the apparatus of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a front perspective view, partially exploded, of the apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a perspective side view of a second embodiment of a vibrating demolition apparatus, according to the invention;

Figure 6 is a perspective view like Figure 5, in which a side wall of the external frame of the apparatus according to the invention has been removed;

Figure 7 is a partially exploded view of the apparatus of Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a front perspective view, partially exploded, of the apparatus of Figure 5;

Figure 9 is a perspective side view of a third embodiment of a vibrating demolition apparatus, according to the invention;

Figure 10 is a perspective view like Figure 9, in which a side wall of the external frame of the apparatus according to the invention has been removed;

Figure 11 is a partially exploded view of the apparatus of Figure 10;

Figure 12 is a front perspective view, partially exploded, of the apparatus of Figure 9;

Figure 13 is a perspective side view of a variation of the third embodiment of a vibrating demolition apparatus, according to the invention;

Figure 14 is a front perspective view, partially exploded, of the apparatus of Figure 13.

[0018] With reference to the figures, the reference numeral 1 generally designates a vibrating demolition apparatus.

[0019] The apparatus 1 comprises a frame 2 which can be associated with the movable arm of an excavator (not shown), a unidirectional vibrating assembly 3 adapted to impart an alternating translational motion along a work axis L, related retention means 4 interposed between the frame 2 and the vibrating assembly 3, and at least one work tool 5 which is associated with the vibrating assembly 3 and protrudes from the frame 2 along the work axis L.

[0020] The frame 2 is substantially constituted by a box-like shell provided with an opening in the lower face through which the tool 5 is inserted so as to pass through it, and a pair of mutually opposite side walls 6. In an upward region the frame 2 is provided with anchoring means 7 which can be associated with the arm of the excavator according to methods known to the person skilled in the art.

[0021] The vibrating assembly 3, not described in detail as it is conventional, comprises a box-like body inside which at least two counter-rotating eccentric masses are accommodated which are supported by respective shafts associated with means of rotary actuation. The vibrating assembly 3 is adapted to generate unidirectional vibrations along the work axis L, so as to impart an alternating translational motion along this axis to the tool 5 connected to the vibrating assembly.

[0022] The vibrating assembly 3 is accommodated so that it can move inside the frame 2.

[0023] Conventional vibration damping elements 13 are interposed between the frame 2 and the vibrating assembly 3. In more detail, these vibration damping elements 13 are interposed between the side walls 6 of the frame 2 and the box-like body of the vibrating assembly 3. In the embodiments shown, there are four vibration damping elements 13 interposed between the vibrating assembly 3 and each one of the side walls 6, and they are arranged at the corresponding corners. However, the number and the arrangement of the vibration damping elements 13 can vary on the basis of the specific implementation.

[0024] The tool 5 is of the type of a conventional demolition tooth and extends substantially along the work axis L. The tool 5 protrudes below the frame 2 with its tip directed downward.

[0025] In the configuration of use, the apparatus 1 is generally arranged with the work axis L substantially vertical.

[0026] In the present description the term "substantially" means "except for the usual machining tolerances and tolerances in the assembly of the component parts".

[0027] According to the invention, the retention means 4 comprise at least one first connecting assembly 8 adapted to allow an alternating translational motion in a direction that is substantially parallel to the work axis L and to hinder translations along directions that are incident to that work axis.

[0028] Advantageously, the first connecting assembly 8 allows a single degree of freedom in translation along the work axis L, thus preventing translations along directions that are incident to the work axis, except for the usual machining tolerances and tolerances in the assembly of the components.

[0029] The first connecting assembly 8 comprises at least one sliding guide 9 arranged substantially parallel to the work axis L and a movable element 10 associated with alternating sliding along this guide.

[0030] Preferably the first connecting assembly 8 comprises two sliding guides 9, arranged mutually spaced apart and parallel, and the movable element 10 is associated with alternating sliding between these.

[0031] The movable element 10 can be constituted by at least one slider 11 which is adapted to slide on the sliding guide(s) 9 or by at least one idle 12 wheel which is adapted to roll on the sliding guide(s) 9.

[0032] The vibrating assembly 3 is supported by the frame 2 via the retention means 4. The retention means 4 act on the vibrating assembly 3 at a first axis A1 and at a second axis A2 which are substantially parallel to each other and are substantially perpendicular to the work axis L.

[0033] The work axis L, the first axis A1 and the second axis A2 lie on a single plane which is substantially vertical during the use of the apparatus 1.

[0034] In the figures the first axis A1 is arranged above the second axis A2.

[0035] The at least one first connecting assembly 8 is arranged along either or both of the first axis A1 and the second axis A2.

[0036] The apparatus 1 comprises at least one first pivot 14 arranged along the first axis A1 and associated with either the frame 2 or the vibrating assembly 3.

[0037] In the embodiments shown, there is a single first pivot 14 passing through the vibrating assembly 3.

[0038] The first pivot 14 can protrude from opposite sides of the vibrating assembly 3 for connection with the retention means 4.

[0039] The possibility is not ruled out, however, of there being two separate first pivots which protrude from opposite sides of the vibrating assembly 3 along the first axis A1 or of there being two first pivots which protrude internally within the frame 2 along the first axis A1.

[0040] Furthermore, the apparatus 1 comprises at least one second pivot 15 arranged along the second axis A2 and associated with either the frame 2 or the vibrating assembly 3.

[0041] In the embodiments shown, there is a single second pivot 15 passing through the vibrating assembly 3.

[0042] The second pivot 15 can protrude from opposite sides of the vibrating assembly 3 for connection with the retention means 4.

[0043] The possibility is not ruled out, however, of there being two separate second pivots which protrude from opposite sides of the vibrating assembly 3 along the second axis A2 or of there being two second pivots which protrude internally within the frame 2 along the second axis A2.

[0044] Preferably there are two first connecting assemblies 8 interposed between the frame 2 and the vibrating assembly 3 along either or both of the first axis A1 and the second axis A2 on opposite sides of the vibrating assembly.

[0045] In the embodiments shown, each first connecting assembly 8 has the movable element 10 associated with the corresponding first pivot 14 or second pivot 15 and the sliding guides 9 associated with the side walls 6 of the frame 2.

[0046] For each first connecting assembly 8 the sliding guides 9 are accommodated at a slot 21 defined in the corresponding side wall 6 and the movable element 10 is arranged to protrude through this slot between the sliding guides 9.

[0047] In a possible embodiment (Figures 1-12) each movable element 10 comprises a supporting block 16 which bears on opposite sides two skids 11, each one facing toward a respective sliding guide 9. The block 16 is provided with a hole for allowing the insertion of the corresponding pivot 14 or 15 and is associated with a cover 17 for locking that pivot.

[0048] In a variation (Figures 13-14) each movable element 10 comprises an idle wheel 12 associated with the corresponding first pivot 14 or the second pivot 15.

[0049] If there are first groups connection 8 of the type described above only at one of the axes A1 or A2, the retention means 4 can have a second connecting assembly 19 provided with an articulation linkage 20 interposed between the frame 2 and the vibrating assembly 3.

[0050] The linkage 20 has a first end articulated to the vibrating assembly 3 at the other one of the axes A1 and A2, i.e. the axis along which there are no first connecting assemblies 8, by way of the respective first or second pivot 14 or 15.

[0051] The linkage 20 has a second end, opposite to the first end, which is pivoted to the frame 2 about a third axis A3 substantially parallel to the axes A1 and A2 at a third pivot 22.

[0052] In a first preferred embodiment (Figures 1-4) the apparatus 1 has retention means 4 constituted by four first connecting assemblies 8 of the type described above, of which two are arranged along the first axis A1 and two are arranged along the second axis A2 on opposite sides of the vibrating assembly.

[0053] In this case the first pivot and the second pivot 14 and 15 are protruding on opposite sides of the vibrating assembly for connection to respective skids 11.

[0054] In the figures, the first connecting assemblies 8 are provided with skids 11, but the possibility is not ruled out that as an alternative they could be provided with idle wheels 12.

[0055] This solution makes it possible to prevent the transmission of stresses transverse to the work axis L to the arm of the excavator, in that the vibrating assembly 3 and the tool 5 associated therewith oscillate solely along the work axis L.

[0056] In a second embodiment (Figures 5-8), the apparatus 1 has retention means 4 which are constituted by two first connecting assemblies 8 arranged along the second axis A2 on opposite sides of the vibrating assembly 3 and a second connecting assembly 19 with the linkage 20 pivoted at the first axis A1.

[0057] In the figures, the first connecting assemblies 8 are provided with skids 11, but the possibility is not ruled out that as an alternative they could be provided with idle wheels 12.

[0058] The second pivot 15 protrudes from opposite sides of the vibrating assembly 3 for connection to respective skids 11.

[0059] The linkage 20 is pivoted to the vibrating assembly 3 at the first pivot 14 and to the frame 2 at the third pivot 22.

[0060] In this case the possibility of the tool 5 to move transversely to the work axis L and, as a consequence, the risk of its becoming trapped in the material to be demolished is in any case reduced compared with the technical solutions known in the state of the art by virtue of the presence of the first connecting assemblies 8 which allow only an alternating translational motion along the work axis L.

[0061] In a third embodiment (Figures 9-12), the apparatus 1 has retention means 4 which are constituted by two first connecting assemblies 8 arranged along the first axis A1 on opposite sides of the vibrating assembly 3 and a second connecting assembly 19 with the linkage 20 pivoted at the second axis A2.

[0062] The first connecting assemblies 8 are provided with skids 11.

[0063] The first pivot 14 protrudes from opposite sides of the vibrating assembly 3 for connection to respective skids 11.

[0064] The linkage 20 is pivoted to the vibrating assembly 3 at the second pivot 15 and to the frame 2 at the third pivot 22.

[0065] Figures 13-14 show a variation of the third embodiment in which the first connecting assemblies 8 are provided with respective idle wheels 12 fitted over the ends of the first pivot 14, as an alternative to the above mentioned skids 11.

[0066] It should be noted that existing apparatuses, conventionally provided with two linkages interposed between the frame and the vibrating assembly, can be modified according to the invention by replacing one or both of the linkages with two or four first connecting assemblies 8 as described above.

[0067] In practice it has been found that the invention as described achieves the intended aim and objects and, in particular, attention is drawn to the fact that the apparatus according to the invention makes it possible to reduce, or even eliminate, the unwanted stresses transmitted to the arm of the excavator, making the work of the operators safer and easier, independently of the hardness of the material to be demolished.

[0068] Furthermore, the invention can be incorporated both in apparatuses of new manufacture and in apparatuses that are already in use, thus optimizing their performance.

[0069] The invention, thus conceived, is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims.

[0070] Moreover, all the details may be substituted by other, technically equivalent elements.

[0071] In practice the materials employed, as well as the contingent dimensions and shapes, may be any according to requirements without for this reason departing from the scope of protection claimed herein.

[0072] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102020000032363 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

[0073] Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

1. A vibrating demolition apparatus (1) comprising a frame (2) which can be associated with the movable arm of an excavator, a unidirectional vibrating assembly (3) adapted to impart an alternating translational motion along a work axis (L), related retention means (4) interposed between said frame (2) and said vibrating assembly (3), and at least one work tool (5) which is associated with said vibrating assembly (3) and protrudes from said frame (2) along said work axis (L), characterized in that said retention means (4) comprise at least one first connecting assembly (8) adapted to allow an alternating translational motion in a direction that is substantially parallel to said work axis (L) and to hinder translations along directions that are incident to said work axis (L).

2. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one first connecting assembly (8) comprises at least one sliding guide (9) arranged substantially parallel to said work axis (L) and a movable element (10) associated with alternating sliding along said at least one sliding guide (9).

3. The apparatus (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that said at least one first connecting assembly (8) comprises two of said sliding guides (9), the movable element (10) being associated with alternating sliding between said guides.

4. The apparatus (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that said movable element (10) comprises at least one slider (11) associated with alternating sliding along said at least one sliding guide (9).

5. The apparatus (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that said movable element (10) comprises at least one idle wheel (12) which is associated with alternating sliding along said at least one sliding guide (9).

6. The apparatus (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said retention means (4) are associated with said vibrating assembly (3) at a first axis and at a second axis (A1, A2) which are substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to said work axis (L), the at least one first connecting assembly (8) being arranged at least at one of the first axis and the second axis (A1, A2).

7. The apparatus (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that said retention means (4) comprise two of said first connecting assemblies (8) interposed between said frame (2) and said vibrating assembly (3) along either or both of said first axis and said second axis (A1, A2) on opposite sides of said vibrating assembly.

8. The apparatus (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that said retention means (4) comprise four of said first connecting assemblies (8) interposed between said frame (2) and said vibrating assembly (3), of which two are arranged along said first axis (A1) and two are arranged along said second axis (A2) on opposite sides of said vibrating assembly.

9. The apparatus (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that said retention means (4) comprise a second connecting assembly (19) provided with an articulation linkage (20) interposed between said frame (2) and said vibrating assembly (3) at the other one of said first axis and said second axis (A1, A2).

10. The apparatus (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises at least one first pivot (14) arranged along said first axis (A1) and associated with either said frame (2) or said vibrating assembly (3) and at least one second pivot (15) arranged along said second axis (A2) and associated with either said frame (2) or said vibrating assembly (3), the at least one first connecting assembly (8) being associated with either or both of the at least one first pivot (14) and the at least one second pivot (15).

Drawing