WING PLOW

Abstract

A wing plow including a main moldboard; a first side plate secured to a first end of the main moldboard by a first hinge having a first vertical axis of rotation and a second side plate secured to a second opposing end of the main moldboard by a second hinge having a second vertical axis of rotation. The wing plow further includes a first actuator driving the first side plate and a second actuator driving the second side plate. Optionally, a programmable logic controller (PLC) is operably coupled to the first actuator and the second actuator and is programmed to control the first actuator and the second actuator to position the first side plate and the second side plate based on a sensed angle of orientation of the main moldboard and a plurality of modes that are operator selectable.

Claims

1. A wing plow comprising: a main moldboard; a first side plate secured to a first end of the main moldboard by a first hinge having a first vertical axis of rotation; a second side plate secured to a second opposing end of the main moldboard by a second hinge having a second vertical axis of rotation; a first actuator driving movement of the first side plate; a second actuator driving movement of the second side plate; and a programmable logic controller (PLC) operably coupled to the first actuator and the second actuator and that is programmed to control the first actuator and the second actuator to position the first side plate and the second side plate based on a sensed angle of orientation of the main moldboard and a plurality of modes that are operator selectable.

2. The wing plow as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of modes is selected from a group consisting of a wing mode, a box mode, a wide mode, a backdrag mode, a stow mode and combinations of the foregoing.

3. The wing plow as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a slip clutch operably coupled to at least one of the first side plate and the second side plate and adjusted to slip to allow the at least one of the first side plate and the second side plate to yield to mitigate damage if an obstacle is encountered.

4. The wing plow as claimed in claim 1, further comprising side plate position sensors sensing a position of at least one of the first side plate and the second side plate relative to the main moldboard, the side plate position sensors being in communication with the PLC.

5. The wing plow as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a moldboard position sensor sensing a position of the main moldboard, the moldboard position sensor being in communication with the PLC.

6. The wing plow as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the first actuator and the second actuator is coupled to the respective first side plate and second side plate via a gearbox and a slip clutch.

7. The wing plow as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a control interface selected from a group consisting of a smart phone wirelessly connected to the PLC, a rotating dial, switches and buttons wirelessly or wire connected to the PLC.

8. The wing plow as claimed in claim 1, further comprising side plate position sensors that sense a position of at least one of the first side plate and the second side plate relative to the main moldboard, the side plate position sensors being in communication with the PLC wherein the PLC is programmed to return the at least one of the first side plate and the second side plate to a prior orientation upon receiving a sensor signal indicating that the at least one of the first side plate and the second side plate has left the prior orientation in response to the encountering of an obstacle.

9. The wing plow as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the first actuator and the second actuator comprises a linear actuator, a hydraulic actuator, a linear electrical actuator, a hydraulic motor or an electrical motor.

10. A computer implemented method of controlling a wing plow by application of a programmable logic controller (PLC), wherein the wing plow comprises a main moldboard; a first side plate secured to a first end of the main moldboard by a first hinge having a first vertical axis of rotation; a second side plate secured to a second opposing end of the main moldboard by a second hinge having a second vertical axis of rotation; a first actuator driving the first side plate; a second actuator driving the second side plate; and wherein the programmable logic controller (PLC) is operably coupled to the first actuator and the second actuator, the computer implemented method programmed into the PLC, comprising: controlling the first actuator and the second actuator to position the first side plate and the second side plate based on a sensed angle of orientation of the main moldboard and a plurality of modes that are operator selectable.

11. The method as claimed in claim 10, further comprising receiving an operator selection at the PLC of a plowing mode selected from a group of plowing modes.

12. The method as claimed in claim 11, further comprising presenting to the operator, via the PLC, the group of plowing modes to select from the group consisting of a wing mode, a box mode, a wide mode, a backdrag mode, a stow mode and combinations of the foregoing.

13. The method as claimed in claim 10, further wherein the wing plow comprises: a slip clutch operably coupled to at least one of the first side plate and the second side plate adjusted to slip to allow the at least one of the first side plate and the second side plate to yield to mitigate damage if an obstacle is encountered; further wherein the wing plow comprises side plate position sensors sensing a position of at least one of the first side plate and the second side plate relative to the main moldboard, the side plate position sensors being in communication with the PLC; the method further comprising: receiving a signal from at least one of the side plate position sensors at the PLC that the position of the at least one of the first side plate and the second side plate relative to the main moldboard is different from a selected position; and controlling at least one of the first actuator and the second actuator to return the first side plate or the second side plate to the selected position.

14. The method as claimed in claim 10, further comprising receiving the operator's selection of one of the plurality of modes at the PLC via a control interface selected from a group consisting of a smart phone wirelessly connected to the PLC, a rotating dial, switches and buttons wirelessly or wire connected to the PLC.

15. A wing plow comprising: a main moldboard; a first side plate secured to a first end of the main moldboard by a first hinge having a first vertical axis of rotation; a second side plate secured to a second opposing end of the main moldboard by a second hinge having a second vertical axis of rotation; a first electrical actuator driving movement of the first side plate; a second electrical actuator driving movement of the second side plate; an onboard electrical power source independent of a prime mover power source except for charging providing electrical power to the first electrical actuator and the second electrical actuator; and at least one slip clutch operably coupled to at least one of the first side plate and the second side plate and adjusted to slip to allow the at least one of the first side plate and the second side plate to yield to mitigate damage if an obstacle is encountered.

16. The wing plow as claimed in claim 15, wherein at least one of the first electrical actuator and the second electrical actuator comprises a linear actuator or an electrical motor.

17. The wing plow as claimed in claim 15, further comprising a control interface operably coupled to at least one of the first electrical actuator and the second electrical actuator and operable from an operator's position of a prime mover to which the wing plow is coupled.

18. The wing plow as claimed in claim 15, wherein the onboard electrical power source comprises a storage battery.

19. The wing plow as claimed in claim 15, further comprising a third electrical actuator operably coupled to the main moldboard and a prime mover mount that adjusts an angle of orientation of the main moldboard relative to the prime mover mount that is operable from an operator's position of a prime mover to which the wing plow is coupled.

20. The wing plow as claimed in claim 19, further comprising a control interface selected from a group consisting of a smart phone wirelessly connected to a PLC, a rotating dial, switches and buttons wirelessly or wire connected to at least one of the first electrical actuator, the second electrical actuator and the third electrical actuator.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Subject matter hereof may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments in connection with the accompanying figures, in which:

[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of an example embodiment of the invention;

[0028] FIG. 2 is a perspective rear view of the example embodiment depicted in FIG. 1;

[0029] FIG. 3 is a perspective rear top view of an example embodiment of the invention;

[0030] FIG. 4 is a perspective side view of an example embodiment of the invention attached to an example of a prime mover;

[0031] FIG. 5 is a schematic depiction of a basic electrical system according to an example embodiment of the invention;

[0032] FIG. 6 depicts hydraulic and electrical connection between an example embodiment of the invention and the prime mover;

[0033] FIG. 7 is a top view of position sensor P3 and other structures;

[0034] FIG. 8 is a top view of the driver-side side plate motor and gearbox, battery, PLC, charging diode, and Bluetooth module according to an example embodiment of the invention;

[0035] FIG. 9 is a top view of the passenger-side side plate motor and gearbox according to an example embodiment of the invention;

[0036] FIG. 10 is a back view of the passenger-side side plate, motor, gearbox and slip clutch(es) according to an example embodiment of the invention;

[0037] FIG. 11 is a back view of the driver-side side plate, motor, gearbox and slip clutch;

[0038] FIG. 12 depicts examples of possible modes and resulting positions of the automatic side plates according to an example embodiment of the invention;

[0039] FIG. 13 is a line drawing depicting a rear of an example embodiment of the invention;

[0040] FIGS. 14A and 14B are respectively a line drawing perspective rear view and perspective front view of a driver-side side plate and main moldboard connection;

[0041] FIG. 15 depicts an example of the mode selection method for the smart phone option;

[0042] FIG. 16 is a line drawing depicting a top view of an example embodiment of the invention in wing mode, and with the main moldboard angled right;

[0043] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a gearbox, a slip clutch and related structures of a wing plow according to an example embodiment of the invention;

[0044] FIG. 18 is an isolated photographic perspective view of a slip clutch according to an example embodiment of the invention; and

[0045] FIG. 19 is a schematic rear view of a wing plow according to another example embodiment of the invention.

[0046] While various embodiments are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been depicted by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the claimed inventions to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter as defined by the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of an example embodiment of the invention 1. Main moldboard 4 is attached to the prime mover 15 by any known attachment structure 12. Main moldboard 4 has ground contacting plates 13 structured to scrape along the surface to plow snow from. Ground contacting plates are coupled to main moldboard 4 via a safety trip mechanism to mitigate damage to the plow and surface to be plowed. Safety mechanisms of this sort are commonly referred to as a trip edge. Main moldboard 4 includes hydraulic cylinders and pivot point 9 as depicted in FIG. 16 to angle the plow using known hydraulic, electrical or other mechanical approaches. Driver and Passenger side or first and second side plates 2 and 3 are rotatably attached to main moldboard 4 by shaft(s) 10. Each side plate 2 and 3 have a ground contacting member 14 designed to scrape the ground and have some free-floating mobility to follow contours of the surface to be plowed.

[0048] FIG. 2 depicts a perspective rear view of the example embodiment of the invention with main moldboard 4 and prime mover attachment 12. Driver-side side plate 2 and passenger-side side plate 3 are pivotally attached, and each have ground contacting members 14.

[0049] FIG. 3 is a top view of the example embodiment of the invention wing plow 1 with main moldboard positioned straight. Rotatably attached to main moldboard 4 are side plates 2 and 3. Two drive actuators are positioned on the driver and passenger side according to the side plate they operate. Drive actuators may include electrical or hydraulic motors, linear electrical actuators, hydraulic pistons, pneumatic pistons and other actuators known or later developed. In the depicted embodiment, motor M1 operates side plate 2, and motor M2 operates side plate 3. Attachment 12 is used to attach the example embodiment of the invention to the prime mover 15. Hydraulic hoses 5 are one known method of harnessing the hydraulic power of prime mover 15 to operate the cylinders and change the angle of the main moldboard 4 as depicted in FIG. 16. Wiring harness 6 is used to carry a charging voltage from the prime mover 15 to the battery depicted in FIG. 8, and in some embodiments to allow the operator to change plowing modes by operation of switches inside the cab. In this way, the electrical system of the prime mover is not burdened to supply electrical power to wing plow 1 other than the relatively low demand required to maintain a charge of battery B1. FIG. 12 displays some of the example plowing modes.

[0050] FIG. 4 depicts a driver-side view of the example embodiment of the invention 1 attached to an example of prime mover 15.

[0051] FIG. 5 is a basic schematic of the electrical system for the example embodiment of the invention. P1 is the position sensor for side plate 2. P3 is position sensor for sensing the current position of main moldboard 4. P2 is the position sensor for sensing the current position of side plate 3. Each sensor P1, P3, P2 are powered and send a PWM (pulse width modulation), voltage signal, or other known signal related to a method of sensory communication to the PLC Programmable Logic Controller. The PLC uses a known computer language to take inputs, make calculations, and output signals or power needed to produce movement in the motors M1 and M2. Motors M1 and M2 rotate a shaft and turn the output of gearboxes 8 depicted in FIGS. 10 and 11. The rotation of the output of gearbox 8 rotates shaft 10 in FIG. 11 or FIG. 10 and rotates slip clutch 9 and torque arm 11 attached to side plate 2 or 3 in FIG. 10 or 11.

[0052] FIG. 5 depicts a battery B1 which is the primary source of electrical power to operate PLC A1, and motors M1 and M2 according to an example embodiment. Battery B1 may not be necessary if there is enough power transferred through cable 6 in FIG. 6 by the prime mover 15. If the battery B1 is required, there is a small amount of charge coming from the prime mover 15 to keep the battery charged, or some other charging option, such as solar. Diode D1 in FIG. 8 should be used to isolate power coming from the battery B1 back to the prime mover 15.

[0053] When a remote Bluetooth? smart phone is used to switch the plowing modes depicted in FIG. 12 and FIG. 15, a Bluetooth? switching module C1 is required. By connecting a smart phone 13 depicted in FIG. 15 the operator is able to change plowing modes 14 from the cab of the prime mover 15, without the need for a dial or multi-switch control.

[0054] FIG. 6 depicts control cable 6 and hydraulic hose 5 connection point between the example embodiment of the invention and the prime mover 15. Known methods of connection are used.

[0055] FIG. 7 depicts hydraulic hoses 5 and electric cable 6 which route power from the prime mover 15 to the depicted example embodiment of the invention. Known hydraulic cylinders 7 operate from hydraulic power directed by the operator from the prime mover 15. Hydraulic cylinders 7 turn the main moldboard 4 about the axis 9 and angle the main moldboard 4 to the desired plowing angle. Position sensor P3 senses the current position of axis 9 and signals the position to an input in the PLC A1 from FIG. 5.

[0056] FIG. 8 depicts a top view portion of the driver-side of the example embodiment of the invention and main moldboard 4. Battery B1 is the main power source for PLC A1. Battery B1 is charged from the prime mover 15 and is isolated using a diode D1. PLC A1 takes inputs from sensors P1, P3, P2 and based on the mode selected by the operator will turn motor(s) M1 or M2 and gearbox(s) 8 which can position side plates 2 or 3 to pre-determined positions. Bluetooth? switching module C1 allows the operator to change modes remotely from a smart phone device.

[0057] FIG. 9 depicts a top view portion of the passenger-side of the example embodiment of the invention and main moldboard 4. Side plate 3 can be automatically positioned by the PLC which takes input signals from P1, P3, and P2 and drives motor M2 and gearbox 8 using power from battery or prime mover 15. Slip clutch 9 releases to prevent unwanted shock when ramming the side plate(s) 2 or 3 into obstacles or large piles of snow. Slip clutches are known and many different types are available. Slip clutch 9 is further described below.

[0058] FIG. 10 depicts a back view of the passenger-side side plate 3 and main moldboard 4. gearbox 8 is driven by motor M2. The output of gearbox 8 rotates shaft 10 which is pivotally connected to main moldboard 4 and attached to the bore of slip clutch 9. Therefore, as shaft 10 rotates, so does the slip clutch 9. Slip clutch 9 is clamped to torque arm 11 so that normally when slip clutch 9 rotates so does torque arm 11. Torque arm(s) 11 are affixed to side plates 2 and 3. Only when there is outside force applied to the torque arm 11, or the torque arm 11 is held fixed by some outside force or object, will slip clutch 9 rotate freely and torque arm 11 will turn. Also, if an outside force is applied which is enough to overcome the clamping force of the slip clutch 9 on it, torque arm 11 will move independently of the slip clutch 9. This is to protect the gearbox 8 from unwanted force and potential damage during plowing operations. Ideally the clamping force which slip clutch 9 has on torque arm 11 will be enough for the side plate 2, 3 attached to torque arm 11 to carry snow and not prematurely slip.

[0059] FIG. 11 depicts a back view of the passenger-side side plate 3 and main moldboard 4. Gearbox 8 is driven by motor M2. The output of gearbox 8 rotates shaft 10 which is pivotally connected to main moldboard 4 and attached to the bore of slip clutch 9. Therefore, as shaft 10 rotates, so does the slip clutch 9. Slip clutch 9 is clamped to torque arm 11 so that normally when slip clutch 9 rotates so does torque arm 11. Torque arm(s) 11 are affixed to side plates 2 and 3. Only when there is outside force applied to the torque arm, or the torque arm is held fixed by some outside force or object, will slip clutch 9 rotate freely and torque arm 11 will turn. Also, if an outside force is applied which is enough to overcome the clamping force of the slip clutch 9 on it, torque arm 11 will move independently of the slip clutch 9. This is to protect the gearbox 8 from unwanted force and potential damage during plowing operations. Ideally, the clamping force which slip clutch 9 has on torque arm 11 will be enough for the side plate 2,3 attached to torque arm 11 to carry snow and not prematurely slip.

[0060] FIG. 12 depicts some examples of the different modes the operator can choose from. The rows represent the different plowing modes 14 the operator can select from the smart phone device 13 in FIG. 15 or selected by a multi position switch or dial and communicated to the PLC A1 in FIG. 8 by the control cable 6 depicted in FIG. 6. Each mode has preset positions for the side plates 2 and 3 depending on the position of sensor P3. Therefore, when the operator chooses a mode, and operates the hydraulic power from the prime mover 15 to change position of the cylinders 7 from FIG. 16 the PLC A1 from FIG. 8 receive the change and move the motors M1 or M2 to pre-determined positions for sensors P1 and P2 from FIG. 8 and FIG. 9. If the operator chooses wing mode and the main moldboard is in the straight position of the side plates 2 and 3 will be positioned by the PLC to be approximately 15 degrees from the main moldboard toward the direction of travel. When the operator moves the main moldboard 4 to the left using the hydraulics or other available source of power with the prime mover 15, the side plate 2 moves to be parallel with the main moldboard to allow snow the path of least resistance off the driver-side of the example embodiment of the invention, and side plate 3 will stay at about a 15 degree angle from the main moldboard to help prevent snow spill. Other modes can be understood by reference to FIG. 12, and many other modes and functions that can be programmed into the PLC are contemplated here. Also, a manual mode is available to the operator to precisely position either side plate independently from any automatic mode or position that the PLC would dictate. In manual mode the operator has full control of the rotary position of side plate(s) using the smart phone device or manual switch. Since this example embodiment of the invention also contemplates using hydraulic motors to drive the gearboxes and given that some prime movers 15 may not be able to charge the battery on the example embodiment of the invention, manual mode may be the default in some of those special prime mover 15 applications.

[0061] FIG. 13 is a line drawing rear view of the example embodiment of the invention 1, and main moldboard 4. One example of known attachment structure to attach the example embodiment of the invention to the prime mover 15 is depicted as 12. Side plates 2 and 3 facilitate containing snow, and can be automatically moved to pre-determined positions by the PLC.

[0062] FIG. 14A is a line drawing perspective rear view of the driver-side main moldboard 4 and side plate 2 which is rotatably attached by shaft 10. Motor M1 is coupled to drive gearbox 8 and rotate shaft 10. Slip clutch 9 is depicted attached to shaft 10 and clamped to torque arm 11 also depicted in FIG. 14.

[0063] FIG. 14B is a line drawing perspective front view of the driver-side main moldboard 4 and side plate 2 which is rotatably attached by shaft 10 to main moldboard 4. P1 is a sensor to input the position of the side plate 2 back to the PLC to determine the current and desired position. FIG. 15 depicts an example of a smart phone device 13. The smart phone device according to an example embodiment of the invention has a downloadable app that connects to the Bluetooth? switching module C1 depicted in FIG. 8. The operator selects from the available modes and the Bluetooth? switching module sends a signal to the PLC A1 also depicted in FIG. 8, and the PLC sets the side plates to pre-determined positions based on the programming for that particular plowing mode from examples FIG. 12 and a current position of position sensor P3 from FIG. 7.

[0064] FIG. 16 depicts a top view of the example embodiment of the invention with main moldboard 4 angled to the passenger-side, and the plowing mode is set to the example wide mode.

[0065] FIG. 17 depicts a broken view of the driver-side side plate 2 and main moldboard 4 for the purpose of better exposing a relationship between the slip clutch(s) 9 and torque arm(s) 11. position sensor P1 is centered on shaft 10 in this example embodiment.

[0066] FIG. 18 depicts an example of the slip clutch 9. Slip clutch 9 has a center bore 16, an adjustment collar 17, Belville spring(s) 18, and friction discs 19. By tightening the adjustment collar 17, the Belville springs 18 push the friction discs 19 tightly against the torque arm 11 referenced in other drawings. This mechanism creates a safety clutch that breaks away when a certain amount of force is applied to the torque arm 11, or by the slip clutch 9 bore.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 19, a schematic depiction, according to another example embodiment, wing plow 1 includes main moldboard 4, a first side plate 2 secured to a first end 48 of main moldboard 4 by a first hinge 50 having a first vertical axis of rotation and second side plate 3 secured to a second opposing end 52 of the main moldboard by a second hinge 54 having a second vertical axis of rotation. First electrical actuator 56 drives movement of the first side plate 2 and second electrical actuator 58 drives movement of the second side plate 3. An onboard electrical power source B1 independent of a prime mover power source except for optionally charging provides electrical power to the first electrical actuator 56 and to the second electrical actuator 28. Wing plow 1 further includes at least one slip clutch 9 operably coupled to at least one of first side plate 2 and second side plate 3 and adjusted to slip to allow the at least one of the first side plate 2 and the second side plate 3 to yield to mitigate damage if an obstacle is encountered.

[0068] At least one of the first electrical actuator 56 and the second electrical actuator 58 may include a linear electrical actuator or an electrical motor.

[0069] A control interface 13 operably coupled to at least one of first electrical actuator 56 and second electrical actuator 58 may be included and if present is operable from an operator's position of a prime mover 15 to which the wing plow is coupled.

[0070] According to an example embodiment, the onboard electrical power source comprises a storage battery B1. As discussed above, storage battery B1 is optionally coupled with the electrical system of prime mover 15 only to provide charging of the battery such as trickle charging. Alternately, charging can be accomplished by solar cell for example. This has the unexpected benefit of allowing use of wing plow 1 with prime movers 15 that have no facilities for providing significant electrical power to implements that are attached to prime mover 15. For example, skid steer loaders commonly have hydraulic couplings for implements but lack options for supplying electrical power to attached implements. Generally, skid steer loaders are configured to have an electrical system limited to lighting and supporting heating and cooling of the operator compartment.

[0071] According to another example embodiment, wing plow 1 further includes third electrical actuator 60 operably coupled to main moldboard 4 and prime mover mount 12. The third electrical actuator 60 adjusts an angle of orientation of main moldboard 4 relative to prime mover mount 12 and is operable from an operator's position of the prime mover 15 to which wing plow 1 is coupled.

[0072] In another example, the wing plow includes control interface 13 selected from a group consisting of a smart phone wirelessly connected to PLC, a rotating dial, switches and buttons wirelessly or wire connected to at least one of the first electrical actuator, the second electrical actuator and the third electrical actuator.

[0073] Various embodiments of systems, devices, and methods have been described herein. These embodiments are given only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed inventions. It should be appreciated, moreover, that the various features of the embodiments that have been described may be combined in various ways to produce numerous additional embodiments. Moreover, while various materials, dimensions, shapes, configurations and locations, etc. have been described for use with disclosed embodiments, others besides those disclosed may be utilized without exceeding the scope of the claimed inventions.

[0074] Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that the subject matter hereof may comprise fewer features than illustrated in any individual embodiment described above. The embodiments described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the various features of the subject matter hereof may be combined. Accordingly, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the various embodiments can comprise a combination of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments, as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, elements described with respect to one embodiment can be implemented in other embodiments even when not described in such embodiments unless otherwise noted.

[0075] Although a dependent claim may refer in the claims to a specific combination with one or more other claims, other embodiments can also include a combination of the dependent claim with the subject matter of each other dependent claim or a combination of one or more features with other dependent or independent claims. Such combinations are proposed herein unless it is stated that a specific combination is not intended.

[0076] Any incorporation by reference of documents above is limited such that no subject matter is incorporated that is contrary to the explicit disclosure herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is further limited such that no claims included in the documents are incorporated by reference herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is yet further limited such that any definitions provided in the documents are not incorporated by reference herein unless expressly included herein.

[0077] For purposes of interpreting the claims, it is expressly intended that the provisions of 35 U.S.C. ? 112 (f) are not to be invoked unless the specific terms means for or step for are recited in a claim.