MOBILE EARTH WORKING MACHINE ENCOMPASSING A FUNCTIONAL APPARATUS PREFERABLY TOOLLESSLY COUPLED DETACHABLY TO A MACHINE FRAME

Abstract

A mobile earth working machine (10), the earth working machine (10), in a reference state ready for earth-working operation, encompassing: a machine frame (20); a working apparatus for material-removing earth working; a functional apparatus that is different from the working apparatus (12) and is connected to the machine frame (20) pivotably movably relative to the machine frame (20); a pivot joint arrangement, arranged functionally between the machine frame (20) and the functional apparatus, having a frame-associated joint element (46) that is connected to the machine frame (20) immovably relative to the machine frame (20), and having an apparatus-associated joint element (50) that is coupled to the frame-associated joint element (46) pivotably relative thereto by means of a pivot joint (54) around a pivot axis (S) and is connected to the functional apparatus. There is embodied between the machine frame (20) and the functional apparatus (34, 86) a mechanical coupling structure (44) by means of which the functional apparatus is coupled intentionally physically detachably to the machine frame (20); the coupling structure (44) comprising a frame-side coupling configuration (56) and comprising an apparatus-side counterpart coupling configuration (58); the frame-side coupling configuration (56) and the apparatus-side counterpart coupling configuration (58) being either both embodied on the frame-associated joint element (46) or both embodied on the apparatus-associated joint element (50).

Claims

1-15. (canceled)

16. A mobile earth working machine in a reference state ready for earth-working operation, comprising: a machine frame; a plurality of ground engaging drive units connected to the machine frame for moving the earth working machine across a ground surface; a working apparatus supported from the machine frame and configured to remove material from a region of a substrate; a functional apparatus different from the working apparatus; a pivot joint arrangement arranged functionally between the machine frame and the functional apparatus, the pivot joint arrangement including a frame-associated joint element connected to the machine frame immovably relative to the machine frame, and the pivot joint arrangement including an apparatus-associated joint element connected to the functional apparatus, the apparatus-associated joint element being pivotably connected to the frame-associated joint element by a pivot joint such that the apparatus-associated joint element is pivotable around a pivot axis relative to the frame-associated joint element; and a mechanical coupling arranged functionally between the machine frame and the functional apparatus, the mechanical coupling being configured to detachably couple the functional apparatus to the machine frame, the mechanical coupling including a frame-side coupling configuration connected to the machine frame and an apparatus-side counterpart coupling configuration connected to the functional apparatus, the mechanical coupling being spaced from the pivot joint such that the frame-side coupling configuration and the apparatus-side counterpart coupling configuration are both included on the frame-associated joint element or such that the frame-side coupling configuration and the apparatus-side counterpart coupling configuration are both included on the apparatus-associated joint element.

17. The mobile earth working machine of claim 16, wherein: the functional apparatus includes at least one of a substrate material transport apparatus and a carrying apparatus.

18. The mobile earth working machine of claim 16, wherein: the pivot axis extends parallel to a yaw axis of the mobile earth working machine.

19. The mobile earth working machine of claim 16, further comprising: an actuator configured for pivoting displacement of the apparatus-associated joint element relative to the frame-associated joint element around the pivot axis, the actuator being connected to the machine frame at a bracing location, and the actuator being connected to the apparatus-associated joint element at an articulation location, the bracing location and the articulation location both being on a same side of the coupling.

20. The mobile earth working machine of claim 16, wherein: one of the coupling configuration and the counterpart coupling configuration includes a first positive-engagement structure and the other of the coupling configuration and the counterpart coupling configuration includes a second positive-engagement structure, the first and second positive-engagement structures being in a positive engagement with one another, the positive engagement acting in a direction orthogonal to the pivot axis when the machine frame and the functional apparatus are in an operationally ready coupled state.

21. The mobile earth working machine of claim 20, wherein: the first positive-engagement structure is selected from the group consisting of a hook, a mandrel and a cup; and the second positive-engagement structure is selected from the group consisting of a bar, a rod, an eye and a ball.

22. The mobile earth working machine of claim 20, wherein: the first positive-engagement structure includes a hook having a hook jaw open in a direction parallel to the pivot axis; and the second positive-engagement structure includes a bar portion extending transversely to the pivot axis, the hook engaging partially around the bar portion when the machine frame and the functional apparatus are in the operationally ready coupled state.

23. The mobile earth working machine of claim 22, wherein: the hook includes a concave inner jaw surface extending transversely to the pivot axis; and the bar portion includes a convex outer surface abutting in planar fashion against the concave inner jaw surface when a positive engagement is established between the first and second positive-engagement structures.

24. The mobile earth working machine of claim 16, wherein: one of the coupling configuration and the counterpart coupling configuration includes an abutment structure having an abutment surface; the other of the coupling configuration and the counterpart coupling configuration includes a contact structure having a contact surface; and the abutment structure and the contact structure are configured such that when the machine frame and the functional apparatus are in an operationally ready coupled state the contact surface is in abutting engagement with the abutment surface, the abutting engagement acting at least in a direction extending transversely to the pivot axis.

25. The mobile earth working machine of claim 24, wherein: the abutment surface includes at least two differently aligned abutment surface portions arranged with an angular spacing around the pivot axis; and the contact surface includes at least two contact surface portions arranged with an angular spacing around the pivot axis.

26. The mobile earth working machine of claim 25, wherein: one of the coupling configuration and the counterpart coupling configuration includes a first positive-engagement structure and the other of the coupling configuration and the counterpart coupling configuration includes a second positive-engagement structure, the first and second positive-engagement structures being in a positive engagement with one another, the positive engagement acting in a direction orthogonal to the pivot axis when the machine frame and the functional apparatus are in the operationally ready coupled state; and when the machine frame and the functional apparatus are in the operationally ready coupled state at least one abutment surface portion and the contact surface portion engaging the at least one abutment surface portion are located, with respect to a direction orthogonal to the pivot axis, on each side of the first and the second positive-engagement structures.

27. The mobile earth working machine of claim 16, further comprising: a lock movable between a locking state securing the functional apparatus coupled to the machine frame against detachment from the machine frame, and a release state permitting detachment of the functional apparatus from the machine frame.

28. The mobile earth working machine of claim 27, wherein: the lock includes at least one displaceable locking member mounted displaceably on one of the frame side coupling configuration and the apparatus side counterpart coupling configuration, and the lock includes a securing member mounted on the other of the frame side coupling configuration and the apparatus side counterpart coupling configuration, wherein the displaceable locking member engages behind or passes through the securing member when the displaceable locking member is displaced to lock the functional apparatus to the machine frame.

29. The mobile earth working machine of claim 28, wherein: the one of the frame side coupling configuration and the apparatus side counterpart coupling configuration on which the displaceable locking member is mounted includes a guidance configuration configured such that the displaceable locking member engages behind or passes through the guidance configuration when the displaceable locking member engages behind or passes through the securing member.

30. The mobile earth working machine of claim 28, wherein: the displaceable locking member is displaceable parallel to the pivot axis.

31. The mobile earth working machine of claim 16, further comprising: at least one electrical plug connection or at least one fluidic quick-connect coupling connected between the functional apparatus and the machine frame.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] The present invention will be explained below with reference to the attached Figures, in which:

[0053] FIG. 1 schematically depicts an embodiment according to the present invention of an earth working machine during earth-working operation;

[0054] FIG. 2 is an enlarged detail view of a subassembly made up of a frame-associated joint element and a frame-side portion, connected thereto by a pivot joint, of an apparatus-associated joint element, the coupling configuration being embodied on the frame-side portion of the apparatus-associated joint element;

[0055] FIG. 3 shows the subassembly of FIG. 2 from a different perspective;

[0056] FIG. 4 shows the subassembly of FIGS. 2 and 3 from yet another perspective;

[0057] FIG. 5 is a side view of the subassembly of FIGS. 2 to 4, and of the apparatus-side portion of the apparatus-associated joint element which carries the counterpart coupling configuration, at the beginning of a coupling operation;

[0058] FIG. 6 shows the subassembly of FIG. 5, and the apparatus-side portion of the apparatus-associated joint element which carries the counterpart coupling configuration, after moving closer together;

[0059] FIG. 7 shows the subassembly of FIGS. 5 and 6, and the apparatus-side portion of the apparatus-associated joint element which carries the counterpart coupling configuration, after only a positive engagement has been established between the participating positive-engagement structures of the coupling configuration and counterpart coupling configuration;

[0060] FIG. 8 shows the subassembly of FIGS. 5 to 7, and the apparatus-side portion of the apparatus-associated joint element which carries the counterpart coupling configuration, after establishment both of a positive engagement between the participating positive-engagement structures and of an abutting engagement between the participating abutment and contact structures of the coupling configuration and counterpart coupling configuration; and

[0061] FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of a carrying apparatus constituting a further or alternative functional apparatus couplable to the machine frame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] In FIG. 1, an earth working machine according to the present invention (referred to hereinafter simply as a “machine”) is labeled in general with the number 10. Machine 10 according to the present invention is depicted by way of example as a large road milling machine, working apparatus 12 of which, having a milling drum 14 known per se as is typical for large road milling machines, is arranged between front drive units 16 and rear drive units 18. Drive units 16 and 18, respectively drivable preferably by a hydraulic motor (not depicted) for propelled motion, are steerable, and carry a machine frame 20 that in turn carries working apparatus 12. Machine 10 is thus a self-propelled vehicle.

[0063] The effective direction of gravity is labeled in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 5 to 8 with an arrow g.

[0064] Milling drum 14, rotatable around a rotation axis R that is orthogonal to the drawing plane of FIG. 1 and proceeds parallel to pitch axis Ni of machine 10, is shielded with respect to the external environment of machine 10 by a milling drum housing 22 that supports milling drum 14 rotatably around rotation axis R. In order to enable earth working as intended by machine 10, milling drum housing 22 is open toward the ground or substrate U, on which machine 10 stands with drive units 16 and 18 and which milling drum 14 removes.

[0065] Machine frame 20 is connected to drive units 16 and 18 via front lifting columns 17 and rear lifting columns 19, vertically adjustably along yaw axis Gi, with the result that, for example, the milling depth t of milling drum 14 is adjustable.

[0066] Machine 10 can be controlled from an operator's platform 24. Operator's platform 24 can be roofed in a manner known per se.

[0067] Substrate material removed from substrate U by milling drum 14 during earth working as intended is conveyed by a transport apparatus 26 from working apparatus 12 to a delivery location 28 where, in the example depicted, it is transferred to a transport truck 30 that, during earth working, precedes and accompanies machine 10 with a spacing in the direction of roll axis Ro. Earth working machine 10 and, in the example depicted, transport truck 30 as well, move forward in a working direction labeled by arrow a during earth working.

[0068] Transport apparatus 26 encompasses a receiving belt 32 located closer to working apparatus 12 and an ejector belt 34 that interacts with receiving belt 32 and is located farther from working apparatus 12. Receiving belt 32 is mounted on machine frame 20 in circulation-capable fashion, but unmodifiably with regard to its orientation relative to machine frame 20. At a transfer point 36, receiving belt 32 transfers the material conveyed by it onto ejector belt 34, which conveys the received material to delivery location 28. Ejector belt 34 is likewise circulation-capable but is pivotable relative to machine frame 20 around a yaw-axis-parallel pivot axis S and is preferably tiltable around a tilt axis N orthogonal to pivot axis S, so that delivery location 28, which coincides with the ejecting longitudinal end of ejector belt 34, is movable approximately over the surface of a spherical or ellipsoidal shell in order to adapt delivery location 28 to the respective accompanying vehicle. A tilt actuator 43, in the preferred form of at least one fluid-operated, preferably hydraulically operated, piston-cylinder arrangement, allows the tilt angle of ejector belt 34 to be modified from operator's platform 24.

[0069] In the example depicted, but not necessarily in principle, transport apparatus 26 is enclosed along its entire length by an enclosure 38 in order to avoid contamination of the external environment of transport apparatus 26 with dust and with material that might possibly drop off transport apparatus 26. That part of enclosure 38 which is located above receiving belt 32 is implemented for the most part by machine frame 20.

[0070] To further reduce emissions of dirt, in particular dust, from machine 10 because of working apparatus 12, the latter encompasses an extraction device 40 having a filter apparatus 42.

[0071] Ejector belt 34, constituting a functional apparatus, can be uncoupled from machine frame 20 at a coupling structure 44 in order to allow the weight of machine 10, and with the weight also its dimensions, to be reduced for transportation of machine 10.

[0072] A subassembly 45 that is on the frame side with respect to coupling structure 44 will be explained in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4.

[0073] A protruding joint element 46 of machine frame 20 carries, as frame-associated joint elements 46, two collinear bearing stems 48 which are of identical construction in the example depicted and which define pivot axis S around which ejector belt 34 is pivotable relative to machine frame 20. Frame-associated joint element 46 can be embodied in one piece with the remainder of machine frame 20, can be connected intermaterially to it, or can be connected to it by way of separate connecting means, for example bolts and nuts.

[0074] A frame-side portion 50a of an apparatus-associated joint element 50 is permanently pivotably mounted on bearing stems 48. Bearing stems 48 and bearing bushings 52 engaging around them, which (in the example depicted) are advantageously embodied in one piece with frame-side portion 50a of apparatus-associated joint element 50, form a pivot joint 54. Pivot joint 54 exists permanently, regardless of the coupling state of machine frame 20 and of ejector belt 34 constituting the couplable functional apparatus.

[0075] An apparatus-side subassembly 47 (not depicted in FIGS. 2 to 4 and partly depicted in FIGS. 5 to 8), encompassing an apparatus-side portion 50b of apparatus-associated joint element 50 and ejector belt 34 connected thereto, is couplable onto and uncouplable from subassembly 45 which is depicted in FIG. 2 and is on the frame side with respect to coupling structure 44.

[0076] Machine 10 encompasses, in a manner that is common to pivot axis S and pivot joint 54, an actuator apparatus 55 that is embodied, in the example depicted, as a hydraulically or pneumatically actuatable piston-cylinder apparatus. In order to exert maximally symmetrical pivoting moments in both opposite pivoting directions, actuator apparatus 55 preferably encompasses two piston-cylinder apparatuses that, when frame-associated joint element 46 and apparatus-associated joint element 50 are in an extended position, are preferably arranged mirror-symmetrically with reference to a plane of symmetry spanned by yaw axis Gi and roll axis Ro. Actuator apparatus 55 is braced on the machine frame 20 side against a frame-associated bracing location 57, and on the functional apparatus 34 side is articulated at an articulation location 59 that is apparatus-associated with respect to pivot axis S. In the example depicted, cylinder 55a of actuator apparatus 55 is braced against bracing location 57, and piston rod 55b is articulated at articulation location 59. Actuator apparatus 55 can also be installed in reverse, but it is preferred to arrange cylinder 55a, which needs to be supplied with fluid, closer to the frame since fluid is supplied as a rule from machine frame 20.

[0077] The entire actuator apparatus is arranged on the frame side and consequently remains unaffected by a coupling or uncoupling operation between machine frame 20 and functional apparatus 34.

[0078] Arranged at end region 50a1, located remotely from pivot axis S, of frame-side portion 50a of apparatus-associated joint element 50 is a frame-side coupling configuration 56 onto which a counterpart coupling configuration 58 (not depicted in FIGS. 2 to 4, and depicted in FIGS. 5 and 8) of apparatus-side portion 50b of apparatus-associated joint element 50 can be detachably, and preferably toollessly, coupled, and from which counterpart coupling configuration 58 can, again preferably toollessly, be uncoupled.

[0079] Coupling configuration 56 comprises as a first positive-engagement structure 60 a hook 62 having a hook jaw 64 that opens along pivot axis S and oppositely to effective direction of gravity g. In the exemplifying embodiment depicted, hook 62 has a concavely partly cylindrical inner jaw surface 64a that extends substantially orthogonally to pivot axis S, i.e. the cylinder axis of concavely partly cylindrical inner jaw surface 64a extends orthogonally to pivot axis S. Inner jaw surface 64a can thus, when a positive engagement is established, engage up to 180° around an (in the example depicted) convexly cylindrical outer bar surface 66a of a bar portion 66 (see FIGS. 5 to 8) constituting a second positive-engagement structure 68 of counterpart coupling configuration 58. When a positive engagement is established, outer bar surface 66a and inner jaw surface 64a abut in planar fashion against one another, so that the width of hook 62 defines a guidance length along which bar portion 66 is held in positionally defined fashion.

[0080] Embodied on that side of hook 62 which is located closer to machine frame 20 is an introduction surface 64b, in abutment against which bar portion 66 can slide into hook jaw 64. Introduction surface 64b is tilted relative to pivot axis S preferably around a tilt axis orthogonal to pivot axis S, so that a pivoting motion of apparatus-associated joint element 50 relative to frame-associated joint element 46 has as little detaching effect as possible on the positive engagement established between bar portion 66 and hook 62.

[0081] Coupling configuration 66 furthermore comprises an abutment structure 70, having a first abutment element 70a and having a second abutment element 70b embodied separately therefrom. The two abutment elements 70a and 70b are arranged on different sides of hook 62, and with a spacing therefrom in the direction of yaw axis Gi. Each of abutment elements 70a and 70b comprises a respective abutment surface portion 70a1, 70b1, only abutment surface 70a1 of abutment element 70a being visible in FIG. 2. Abutment surface portions 70a1 of abutment element 70a and 70b1 (see FIG. 4) of abutment element 70b, which together form an abutment surface 71, are preferably aligned parallel to pivot axis S in the example depicted and, when frame-associated joint element 46 and frame-side portion 50a of apparatus-associated joint element 50 are in the extended reference position, face both away from machine frame 20 along roll axis Ro and away from one another parallel to pitch axis Ni. In the aforesaid reference position, abutment surface portions 70a1 and 70b1 are arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to the aforementioned mirror-symmetry plane spanned by roll axis Ro and yaw axis Gi.

[0082] In FIG. 3, actuator apparatus 55 is omitted in the interest of better clarity. What is shown is a locking apparatus 72 that encompasses two locking studs 74 which are preferably displaceable along pivot axis S and which are fastened by a retainer 76 on frame-side portion 50a of apparatus-associated joint element 50.

[0083] Unlike what is depicted in FIG. 2, not only can abutment surface portions 70a1 and 70b1 be embodied on separate abutment elements 70a and 70b that are mounted onto a plate structure 53 on which articulation location 59 is also implemented, but abutment surface portions 70a1 and 70b1 can also be embodied in one piece with plate structure 53 of frame-side portion 50a of apparatus-associated joint element 50.

[0084] In each of its operating positions, i.e. regardless of its displacement state, locking stud 74 can be guided by an upper guidance configuration 78a and by a lower guidance configuration 78b arranged with a spacing along yaw axis Gi from upper guidance configuration 78a. Both guidance configurations 78a and 78b are embodied as eyes or as passthrough openings, which engage around the substantially cylindrical locking stud 74 along its entire circumference with a clearance fit or with a larger gap dimension than a clearance fit. Locking stud 74 is shown in FIG. 3 in its release position, in which locking apparatus 72 permits functional apparatus 34 to be coupled onto and uncoupled from machine frame 20.

[0085] Visible in FIG. 4 on the underside of plate structure 73, associated with each locking stud 74, is a respective recess 73a and 73b in which, when machine 10 is in the operationally ready state, securing configurations 80a and 80b (see FIG. 9) are arranged in such a way that apparatus-side securing configurations 80a and 80b, embodied as eyes or passthrough openings, align with frame-side guidance configurations 78a and 78b along a line parallel to pivot axis S. In this aligned arrangement, each locking stud 74 of locking apparatus 72 can be lowered, starting from the release position shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, into its locking position in which it passes both through frame-side guidance configurations 78a and 78b and through the respective apparatus-side securing configuration 80a or 80b associated with it, and thus prevents counterpart coupling configuration 58 from pivoting relative to coupling configuration 56 around bar portion 66 received in hook jaw 64.

[0086] FIGS. 3 and 4 depict the skirt-like enclosure 82 at transfer point 36 from receiving belt 32 onto ejector belt 34.

[0087] FIGS. 5 to 8 show a coupling operation in which apparatus-side portion 50b of apparatus-associated joint element 50 becomes coupled, with its counterpart coupling configuration 58, onto coupling configuration 56 of frame-side portion 50a of the same apparatus-associated joint element 50.

[0088] The side view of FIGS. 5 to 8 depicts a contact structure 84 having contact elements 84a and 84b; contact element 84a conceals contact element 84b that is arranged with a spacing therefrom in the direction of pitch axis Ni. Both contact elements 84a and 84b are, however, visible in FIG. 9. Contact elements 84a and 84b each comprise a contact surface portion 84a 1 and 84b1, which form a contact surface 85 and are embodied for abutting engagement with abutment surface portions 70a1 and 70b1. When machine 10 is in the operationally ready state, contact surface portions 84a1 and 84b1 also extend parallel to pivot axis S, and are directed toward machine frame 20 along roll axis Ro and toward one another parallel to pitch axis Ni.

[0089] Starting from the completely uncoupled state shown in FIG. 5, machine frame 20 is moved by drive units 16 and 18 toward counterpart coupling configuration 58 of the laid-down ejector belt 34 until outer surface 66a of bar portion 66 abuts against introduction surface (see FIG. 6).

[0090] Machine frame 20 is then lifted, by lifting column 17 alone or columns 17 and 19, relative to the laid-down ejector belt 34 and thus relative to counterpart coupling configuration 58, so that bar portion 66 slides along introduction surface 64b into positive engagement in hook jaw 64 (see FIG. 7).

[0091] Starting from this completed positive engagement of positive-engagement structures 60 and 68, hook 62, and with it bar portion 66 and thus apparatus-side portion 50b, rigidly connected to bar portion 66, of apparatus-associated joint element 50, is raised again. If applicable, machine frame 20, in the extended reference position shown, is moved forward along roll axis Ro until, while maintaining the positive engagement between first and second positive-engagement structure 60 and 68, abutment surface portions 70a1 and 70b1 come into and remain in abutting engagement with the respective contact surface portions 84a 1, 84b1 associated with them. In this established abutting engagement, the respective securing configurations 80a and 80b align with the respective associated guidance configurations 78a and 78b of the respective locking stud 74. Locking stud 74 can then be displaced from its release position into the locking position, and thereby secures the coupling between coupling configuration 56 and counterpart coupling configuration 58, and thus between machine frame 20 and ejector belt 34 constituting the functional apparatus.

[0092] It is evident that for the entire coupling process, and likewise for the oppositely directed uncoupling process, no tool of any kind is necessary, but that coupling and uncoupling can instead be achieved solely using onboard means of earth working machine 10, encompassing machine frame 20, functional apparatus 34, and joint elements 46 and 50 connected pivotably to one another by pivot joint 54.

[0093] FIG. 9 depicts a carrying apparatus 86 constituting a possible further functional apparatus, which is couplable via its counterpart coupling configuration 58 to coupling configuration 56. Components or subassemblies can be suspended on carrying eyes 88 of carrying apparatus 86 and can then be raised by way of the vertically adjustable machine frame 20 and moved by drive units 16 and 18. For example, earth working machine 10 can move its milling drum 14 by way of carrying apparatus 86 at least over short distances, for instance from an installation location to a transport vehicle.

[0094] Counterpart coupling configuration 58 of transport apparatus 86, encompassing bar portion 66, securing configurations 80a and 80b, and contact elements 84a and 84b having contact surfaces 84a 1 and 84b1, is embodied identically to a counterpart coupling configuration 58 of a frame 89 that constitutes part of apparatus-side subassembly 47 and carries ejector belt 34, so that what is depicted in FIG. 9 provides information not only regarding the conformation of counterpart coupling configuration 58 for carrying apparatus 86, but also regarding the conformation of counterpart coupling configuration 58 for ejector belt 34.