MOTORIZED VEHICLE HAVING AN ARTICULATED ARM FOR MOVING SOLID CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL, IN PARTICULAR SELF-LOCKING PAVING BLOCKS

Abstract

 The motorized vehicle (10) for moving self-locking paving blocks comprises: a frame (12) with a pair of tracks (18); an articulated arm (14) with: a first arm element (24); a first hydraulic cylinder (30) to push, when driven, the first arm element (24) in rotation; a joint element (34) having a first, a second and a third hinge point (36;38;40), wherein the first arm element (24) is hinged on the first hinge point (36) of the joint element (34); a pair of second arm elements (26), arranged parallel to each other; a third arm element (28), hinged on the third hinge point (40) of the joint element (34); a second hydraulic cylinder (32) to push, when driven, the third arm element (28) in rotation; a pair of clamping members (16) adapted to be moved between a clamping position, wherein they maintain a row of self-locking paving blocks clamped, and a release position, wherein they are at a maximum distance from each other.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a motorized vehicle for moving solid construction material, in particular for moving self-locking paving blocks, in particular when arranged in rows on pallets.

[0002] As of today, solid construction materials, and in particular self-locking paving blocks or tiles, are typically stored in compact rows that take the shape, in the entirety thereof, of parallelepipeds. Typically, a series of rows is arranged side by side and on several pallet levels. Each row is formed by interlocking in a complementary manner the blocks or tiles that form the components of the self-locking paving. When it is necessary to use such solid construction materials, the human operator may use a motorized wheelbarrow, also known as a `minidumper' to transport them from one point to another. Nevertheless, the step of loading onto the minidumper and unloading from the minidumper is still carried out manually by operators who suffer the physical consequences to the back and joints of the legs and arms of such repetitive movements in order to move materials that are per se heavy and often cumbersome.

[0003] Some examples of known motorized vehicles are shown in the patent publications JP H06 49500 U, AU 61466 73 A, JP H07 69593 A and CN 201 442 833 U.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a motorized vehicle that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art in a simple and economical manner and that makes it possible to motorize not only the step of transporting the self-locking paving blocks or tiles but also the step of loading and unloading.

[0005] This and other objects are fully achieved according to the present invention by virtue of a motorized vehicle as defined in the appended independent claim 1.

[0006] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims, the content of which is to be understood as an integral part of the following description.

[0007] In short, the invention is based on the idea of providing a motorized vehicle comprising:

• a frame provided with a pair of tracks on two opposed sides, and whereupon a support structure is fixed;
• an articulated arm comprising in turn:
  • a first arm element, hinged on a first end on the support structure and rotatable relative thereto;
  • a first hydraulic cylinder hinged on one side on the support structure rotatable relative thereto and on the other side connected to the first arm element to push, when driven, the first arm element in rotation relative to the support structure;
  • a joint element having a first, a second and a third hinge point, or substantially a first, a second and a third hinging axis, wherein the first arm element is hinged, at a second end opposed to the first end, to the first hinge point of the joint element;
  • a pair of second arm elements, arranged parallel to each other, constructed essentially in the form of connecting rods, each hinged at a first end thereof on the support structure and rotatable relative thereto, and each hinged at a relevant second end, opposed to the relevant first end, on the second hinge point of the joint element;
  • a third arm element, hinged on a first end thereof on the third hinge point of the joint element and rotatable relative thereto;
  • a second hydraulic cylinder connected on one side to the joint element at the second hinge point thereof and on the other side at a second end of the third arm element, arranged opposed to the first end of the third arm element, to push, when driven, the third arm element in rotation relative to the first arm element;
  • a pair of clamping members, mounted at the second end of the third arm element, adapted to be moved between a clamping position, wherein they are at a minimum distance from each other, and wherein they keep the solid construction material clamped, in particular a row of self-locking paving blocks, and a release position, wherein they are at a maximum distance from each other.

[0008] Preferably, the vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention further comprises a hydraulic transmission to transmit hydraulic power to the pair of tracks, and such hydraulic transmission is also adapted to transmit power to the first hydraulic cylinder and to the second hydraulic cylinder in order to drive them. In such an embodiment, the vehicle preferably further comprises a pressure sensor adapted to measure a hydraulic pressure of said hydraulic transmission.

[0009] Preferably, the vehicle according to the invention further comprises a third hydraulic cylinder connected on a first side to a member of the pair of clamping members and on the other side to the other member of the pair of clamping members and adapted to move the pair of clamping members, when driven, between the clamping position and the release position.

[0010] Preferably, in the vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention the articulated arm is configured so that the relative angular orientation between the first arm element and the third arm element may be changed, by driving the second hydraulic cylinder, by at least 90°.

[0011] Preferably, according to one embodiment of the invention, each clamping member of the pair of clamping members is shaped as an L-shaped metal sheet, and the clamping members are oriented relatively so that they may maintain therebetween a row of self-locking paving blocks having a shape substantially perpendicular in the clamped position.

[0012] Preferably, the vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention further comprises a footplate mounted on the frame and adapted to accommodate a human operator in such a way that the human operator may drive the vehicle and operate the articulated arm from such position.

[0013] Preferably, in the vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention, the support structure is slidably fixed on the frame, and the vehicle further comprises a locking mechanism adapted to lock the position of the support structure relative to the frame.

[0014] Preferably, according to one embodiment of the invention, the first hydraulic cylinder and the second hydraulic cylinder may be driven independently from each other.

[0015] Preferably, the vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention further comprises a contact sensor mounted at one of the clamping members of the pair of clamping members adapted to sense the contact between such clamping member and solid construction material, in particular self-locking paving blocks.

[0016] The features and advantages of the present invention will be clarified by the detailed description that follows, given purely by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a 45° axonometric view from behind of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a side view of the vehicle of Figure 1 with the articulated arm in a first position;

Figure 3 is a view of the vehicle of Figure 2 with a human operator who is using it and a pallet having 12 rows of material arranged on two levels of 6, wherein the material is at the same level in relation to the vehicle;

Figure 4 is a view of the vehicle of Figure 2 with a human operator who is using it and a pallet having 10 rows of material arranged on two levels of 5, wherein the material is at a level that is higher in relation to the vehicle;

Figure 5 is a view of the vehicle of Figure 3 with a human operator who is using it and a pallet having 12 rows of material arranged on two levels of 6, wherein the articulated arm is shown in a further position;

Figure 6 is a view of the vehicle of Figure 3 with a human operator who is using it and a pallet having 11 rows of material arranged on two levels, wherein the articulated arm is shown in a further position;

Figure 7 is a view of the vehicle of Figure 4 (wherein, for simplicity, the human operator who is using it is omitted) and a pallet having 12 rows of material arranged on two levels of 6, wherein the articulated arm is shown in a further position;

Figure 8 is a view of the vehicle of Figure 7 wherein the human operator is shown;

Figure 9 is a view of the vehicle of Figure 8 wherein the articulated arm is shown in a further position.

[0017] With reference to the figures, the motorized vehicle according to the invention is indicated generally with reference numeral 10. The vehicle 10 may be used for moving solid construction material, in particular for moving self-locking paving blocks or tiles, characterized in that such materials are generally supplied or stored in rows having, in the entirety thereof, a parallelepiped shape.

[0018] The vehicle 10 essentially comprises a frame 12, an articulated arm 14 and a pair of clamping members 16.

[0019] The vehicle 10 substantially has the shape of a conventional motorized wheelbarrow, or a so-called `minidumper' wherein the loading portion has been modified in order to accommodate the articulated arm 14.

[0020] The frame 12 extends in a manner per se as a frame of a vehicle along a longitudinal direction and contains therein a motor and a hydraulic transmission mechanism (not shown, but known per se) as in conventional earth-moving or construction machinery. Preferably, also associated with the hydraulic transmission there is a pressure sensor adapted to measure a relative hydraulic pressure, that is a hydraulic pressure of a hydraulic circuit of the hydraulic transmission, in order to make it possible to more accurately control the vehicle 10.

[0021] Arranged upon the two opposed sides of the frame 12 is a pair of tracks 18, clearly connected to the motor by means of a hydraulic transmission so as to receive power from the motor and to allow the movement of the vehicle 10 also on steep terrain. The tracks 18 are controllable independently from each other in such a way as to allow the vehicle 10 to be driven in all directions of travel.

[0022] A support structure 20 is mounted on the frame 12. As may be seen in the examples of the figures, the support structure 20 preferably comprises a platform 22, arranged essentially parallel to the tracks and therefore to the terrain under normal usage conditions, and a strut 23 arranged vertically or essentially perpendicular to the platform 22. The support structure 20 is preferably mounted in a slidable manner on the frame 12, in particular slidable at least in the longitudinal direction. In such case, still more preferably, the vehicle 10 also comprises a locking mechanism (known per se and not shown) adapted to lock the position of the support structure 20 relative to the frame 12. In this way it is possible to reposition the support structure 20 at the front and at the back in relation to the conventional direction of travel of the vehicle 10.

[0023] Preferably, in one embodiment of the invention, the vehicle 10 also comprises a footplate (not shown but known per se) preferably constructed by bending a perforated metal sheet, mounted on the frame 12 close to the support structure 20. Such footplate may be adapted to accommodate a human operator standing for the entire period of usage and driving the vehicle 10.

[0024] The articulated arm 14 is constructed so as to able to carry the pair of clamping members 16 in proximity to the solid construction material, in particular self-locking paving blocks, in particular arranged in rows having the shape, in the entirety thereof, of parallelepipeds.

[0025] The articulated arm 14 essentially comprises a first arm element 24, a pair of second arm elements 26, a third arm element 28, as well as a first hydraulic cylinder 30, a second hydraulic cylinder 32, and a joint element 34.

[0026] The first arm element 24, the pair of second arm elements 26 and the third arm element 28 are constructed as beam structures or in any case as metal elements with a generally longitudinal extension.

[0027] The first arm element 24 is mounted in such a way as to be hinged at a first end 24a thereof on the support structure 20, and in the example in the figure in particular on the strut 23. In this way the first arm element 24 is rotatable in relation to the support structure 20.

[0028] The first hydraulic cylinder 30 is mounted and hinged on one side of the support structure 20 in such a way as to be rotatable relative thereto, for example by means of a hinged connection, and on the other side is connected to the first arm element 24 in such a way as to propel it into motion when the first hydraulic cylinder 30 is driven (in one direction or the other). In particular, the first hydraulic cylinder 30 is mounted in such a way as to push the first arm element 24 in rotation about the relevant hinge point thereof in relation to the support structure 20. For this reason, the first hydraulic cylinder 30 is mounted in such a way as to push the first arm element 24 at a point which lies between the first end 24a and the second end 24b of the first arm element 24 and which does not coincide with either of said ends. In this way, when the first hydraulic cylinder 30 is driven, and extends, the first arm element 24 rotates upwards, as shown for example in comparing in succession Figures 5, 6, and 7.

[0029] The joint element 34 is also constructed in metal, and has a first hinge point 36, or axis, a second hinge point 38, or axis, and a third hinge point 40, or axis. The joint element 34 is mounted in such a way as to allow for the relative articulation between the first arm element 24 and the pair of second arm elements 26, on one side, and the third arm element 28 on the other. In fact, at a second end 24b thereof, opposed to the first end 24a, the first arm element 24 is hinged on the first hinge point 36 and is rotatable relative thereto. Simultaneously, the third arm element 28 is hinged on a first end 28a thereof on the third hinge point 40 of the joint element 34 and is rotatable relative thereto. As shown in the figures, the joint element 34 is constructed in the form of a triangle, but may also be constructed in other shapes, such as for example the shape of a trapezoid.

[0030] Each of the second arm elements 26 of the pair of second arm elements 26 is instead hinged, at a relevant first end 26a thereof on the support structure 20 and is rotatable relative thereto. At the same time, at a relevant second end 26b thereof, opposed to the first end 26a, each second arm element 26 is hinged on the second hinge point 38 of the joint element 34. Essentially, therefore, the second arm elements 26 are arranged parallel to each other as connecting rods.

[0031] In the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures, each second arm element 26 is hinged at the first end 26a thereof on the strut 23 of the support structure 20, at a different point in relation to that wherein the first arm element 24 is hinged.

[0032] It should be noted that, even if only one second arm element 26 is visible in each figure at a time, the person skilled in the art understands for themselves the position of the additional second arm element 26. In fact, for example looking at Figure 1, only the 'left-hand' second arm element 26 is visible (in relation to the direction of travel of the vehicle 10); at the same time, looking at Figures 2 to 9, only the 'right-hand' second arm element 26 is visible (according to the direction of travel of the vehicle 10). In any case, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that the two second arm elements 26 are arranged similarly and symmetrically on the left and right sides of the vehicle 10.

[0033] The second hydraulic cylinder 32 is connected on one side to the joint element 34 at the second hinge point 38 of the joint element 34, and on the other side at a second end 28b of the third arm element 28, wherein the second end 28b is arranged opposed to the first end 28a. In this way, the second hydraulic cylinder 32 is adapted to push, when driven, and therefore when extended, the third arm element 28 in rotation relative to the first arm element 24. Such movement is for example shown in comparing Figures 8 and 9, wherein the third arm element 28 is pushed in rotation away from the first arm element 24 by the extension, or by the actuation, of the second hydraulic cylinder 32. Advantageously, the articulated arm 14 is configured, for example in the dimensions of the components thereof, or in the reciprocal positions thereof, in such a way that the relative angular orientation between the first arm element 24 and the third arm element 28 may be changed, by means of the actuation of the second hydraulic cylinder 32, by at least 90°, and still more preferably by at least 20° in one direction facing the frame 12 and by at least 70° in the opposite direction.

[0034] In any case, preferably, the first hydraulic cylinder 30 and the second hydraulic cylinder 32 are configured in such a way as to also be driven independently from each other.

[0035] As mentioned, a pair of clamping members 16 is mounted at the second end 28b of the third arm element 28. The clamping members 16 are adapted to be moved between a clamping position, wherein they are found to be at a minimum relative distance from each other, and wherein, therefore, they may maintain clamped the solid construction material, in particular a row of self-locking paving blocks having a shape, in the entirety thereof, of a parallelepiped, and a release position wherein they are found to be at a maximum distance from each other.

[0036] In order to allow for such movement, the vehicle 10 preferably further comprises a third hydraulic cylinder 42, which is interposed between the two clamping members 16, or which is connected on one side to one clamping member 16 of the pair of clamping members 16 and on the other side to the other clamping member 16 of the pair of clamping members in such a way as to move the pair of clamping members 16, when driven, between the clamping position and the release position.

[0037] Advantageously, the hydraulic transmission that transmits power to the pair of tracks 16 is configured in such a way as to transmit power also to the first hydraulic cylinder 30, to the second hydraulic cylinder 32, and, where present, to the third hydraulic cylinder 42.

[0038] Preferably, as may be seen in the embodiments shown in the figures, the third hydraulic cylinder 42 is arranged along a direction which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 10, or perpendicular to the direction of travel of the vehicle 10, or perpendicular to the extension direction of the first hydraulic cylinder 30, or of the second hydraulic cylinder 32 when projected onto the ground plane whereupon the vehicle 10 moves.

[0039] Advantageously, the clamping members 16 are constructed by bending metal sheets into an L-shape, in such a way as to make a shape that is complementary to a row of self-locking paving blocks that substantially has the shape of a parallelepiped.

[0040] In the most preferred embodiment of the invention, the vehicle 10 further comprises at least one contact sensor (known per se and not shown), adapted to detect the contact between at least one of the clamping members 16 of the pair of clamping members 16 and the solid construction material, in particular the row of self-locking paving blocks to be moved.

[0041] Alternatively, the contact sensor may be substituted or integrated with a distance detection sensor.

[0042] As is evident from the preceding description, the vehicle according to the present invention provides several advantages.

[0043] Above all, by virtue of the presence of an articulated arm, the vehicle according to the invention makes it possible to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and, in particular, makes it possible to automate the step of loading construction materials and, in particular, rows of self-locking paving blocks.

[0044] Furthermore, by virtue of the use of the same hydraulic transmission to transmit power both to the tracks and to the hydraulic cylinders of the articulated arm, it is easily possible to convert working vehicles with a hydraulic transmission into the vehicle according to the invention, with evident savings in costs and time.

[0045] Furthermore, by virtue of the use of the same hydraulic transmission to transmit power both to the tracks and to the hydraulic cylinders of the articulated arm, it is possible to improve the performance of the vehicle and in particular to reduce the energy consumption, the construction complexity and the number of maintenance operations necessary.

[0046] Of course, the principle of the invention being understood, the manufacturing details and the embodiments may vary widely with respect to that which is described and illustrated by way of non-limiting example only, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. Motorized vehicle (10) for moving solid construction material, in particular self-locking paving blocks, the vehicle (10) comprising:

- a frame (12), provided with a pair of tracks (18) on two opposed sides, and on which a support structure (20) is fixed;

- an articulated arm (14) comprising:

- a first arm element (24), hinged on a first end (24a) thereof on the support structure (20) and rotatable relative thereto;

- a first hydraulic cylinder (30) hinged on one side on the support structure (20) rotatable relative thereto and on the other side connected to the first arm element (24) to push, when driven, the first arm element (24) in rotation relative to the support structure (20);

- a joint element (34) having a first, a second and a third hinge point (36; 38; 40), wherein the first arm element (24) is hinged, at a second end (24b) thereof opposed to the first end (24a), to the first hinge point (36) of the joint element (34);

- a pair of second arm elements (26), arranged parallel to each other, each hinged at a respective first end (26a) on the support structure (20) and rotatable relative thereto, and each hinged at a respective second end (26b), opposed to the respective first end (26a), on the second hinge point (38) of the joint element (34);

- a third arm element (28), hinged on a first end (28a) thereof on the third hinge point (40) of the joint element (34) and rotatable relative thereto;

- a second hydraulic cylinder (32) connected on one side to the joint element (34) at the second hinge point (38) thereof and on the other side at a second end (28b) of the third arm element (28), arranged opposed to the first end (28a) of the third arm element (28), to push, when driven, the third arm element (28) in rotation relative to the first arm element (24);

- a pair of clamping members (16), mounted at the second end (28b) of the third arm element (28), adapted to be moved between a clamping position, wherein they are at a minimum relative distance from each other, and wherein they maintain solid construction material clamped, in particular a row of self-locking paving blocks, and a release position, wherein they are at a maximum distance from each other.

2. Vehicle according to claim 1, comprising a hydraulic transmission to transmit hydraulic power to the pair of tracks (16), wherein said hydraulic transmission is also adapted to transmit power to the first hydraulic cylinder (30) and to the second hydraulic cylinder (32) to drive them.

3. Vehicle according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a third hydraulic cylinder (42), connected on a first side to a member of the pair of clamping members (16) and on the other side to the other member of the pair of clamping members (16) and adapted to move the pair of clamping members (16), when driven, between the clamping position and the release position.

4. Vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the articulated arm (14) is configured so that the relative angular orientation between the first arm element (24) and the third arm element (28) may be changed, by means of the actuation of the second hydraulic cylinder (32), by at least 90°.

5. Vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each clamping member of the pair of clamping members (16) is shaped as an L-shaped metal sheet, and wherein the clamping members are oriented relatively so that the clamping members (16) may maintain therebetween a row of self-locking paving blocks having a shape substantially of a parallelepiped in the clamped position.

6. Vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a footplate mounted on the frame (12) and adapted to accommodate a human operator.

7. Vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support structure (20) is fixed slidably on the frame (12), and further comprising a locking mechanism adapted to lock the position of the support structure (20) relative to the frame (12).

8. Vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first hydraulic cylinder (30) and the second hydraulic cylinder (32) are drivable independently from each other.

9. Vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a contact sensor mounted at one of the clamping members of the pair of clamping members (16) adapted to detect the contact between said clamping member (16) and solid construction material, in particular self-locking paving blocks.

10. Vehicle according to any of the preceding claims from 2 to 9, further comprising a pressure sensor adapted to measure a hydraulic pressure of said hydraulic transmission.

Drawing