Earth conditioning apparatus, systems and methods

Abstract

Provided is an earth conditioning system/apparatus which removes/break-ups rock in the ground and has a front drawbar, a ground engaging tool arrangement and a rear rotary device (drum). A ground engaging tool arrangement includes a frame supporting ground engaging tools each mounted at a pivot. Actuators raise/lower the ground engaging tool(s) for desired depth control of the ground engaging tools. The rotary device slotted or ribbed drum acts as a crushing drum rolled over earth that has been broken up by the ground engaging tools. Actuators, provide height adjustment of the ground engaging tools relative to the ground engaging tool support frame and by adjusting the height from the ground of the ground engaging tool arrangement by operating the at least one adjuster acting between the rotary device and the ground engaging tool arrangement.

Claims

1. An earth conditioning system, including a ground engaging tool arrangement, the arrangement comprising: a ground engaging tool having a body formed of a first material and being configured to be for being urged below a ground surface, the ground engaging tool defining: a leading edge having a curved profile, the leading edge comprising a second material, wherein the second material is treated to be stronger or harder than the first material of the body; a replaceable wear part removably mounted to the body; a ground engaging tool support structure supporting the ground engaging tool; and an actuator operably connecting the ground engaging tool to the earth conditioning system, the actuator pivotally mounted to the body of the ground engaging tool; wherein the ground engaging tool is configured to move between: a deployed configuration in which the replaceable wear part is driven downwards and forwards into earth below the ground surface; and a retracted configuration in which the replaceable wear part is pivoted upwards and rearwards towards the ground surface, wherein the ground engaging tool is mounted to the ground engaging tool support structure at a pivot located at a proximal end of the ground engaging tool, such that in the deployed configuration the curved profile of the leading edge is configured to contact rock below the ground surface holding the rock down to cut therethrough.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the ground engaging tool arrangement is combined with a rotary device.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the rotary device includes a drum or roller arranged to follow the ground engaging tool arrangement.

4. The system of claim 2, the rotary device including a hollow drum with external ribs or a series of wall structures defining a number of edges with channels therebetween.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the ground engaging tool arrangement includes a ground engaging tool adjustment system to adjust a height of the engaging tool relative to the ground surface.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the height adjustment of the ground engaging tool is provided by at least one height adjustment actuator.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the at least one height adjustment actuator includes one or more of a hydraulic ram, a pneumatic ram, an electric actuator, a mechanical actuator, or a combination of any two or more thereof.

8. The system of claim 5, wherein the ground engaging tool arrangement is pivotably connected to a rotary device, and a height of the ground engaging tool support structure relative to the ground surface is adjusted by at the least one height adjustment actuator acting between the rotary device and the ground engaging tool arrangement.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the pivot allows the ground engaging tool arrangement to pivot relative to the rotary device during use over uneven ground and to allow the replaceable wear part to rotate towards the ground surface relative to the rotary device.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein a drawbar connection between a prime mover and the earth conditioning system comprises at least one of a horizontal shock dampener and a vertical shock dampener.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the ground engaging tool arrangement is mounted between a rotary device and a hitch portion, the ground engaging tool is pivotally connected to the rotary device via a height adjustment actuator and the hitch portion facilitates engagement with a prime mover, wherein the ground engaging tool is positionable relative to the ground surface by adjusting the height adjustment actuator.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the ground engaging tool is configured to be moved from the deployed configuration to the retracted configuration when the ground engaging tool strikes a very hard rock, a large rock or debris by overcoming the actuator.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein mechanical relief of the ground engaging tool is provided by at least one of: a shear pin; a biasing mechanism; a spring; a dampener; and an accumulator.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein: the ground engaging tool support structure supports a plurality of ground engaging tools, wherein each ground engaging tool is operatively connected to the earth conditioning system by a respective actuator, and wherein each respective actuator is pivotally mounted to the body of a respective ground engaging tool; and wherein each ground engaging tool is configured to pivot independently between the deployed configuration and the retracted configuration.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the ground engaging tool is released towards the retracted configuration upon sensing shock and/or pressure on the ground engaging tool from contact with rock or debris, the ground engaging tool rotating about the pivot to compress the actuator as the replaceable wear part is lifted upwards and rearwards towards the ground surface, such that the curved profile of the leading edge remains in contact with the rock or debris.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the curved profile of the leading edge has an s-shape.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein the ground engaging tool arrangement is configured to be towed behind a prime mover.

18. The system of claim 17, further comprising a rotary device that trails behind the ground engaging tool arrangement, wherein the rotary device provides a secondary rock crushing application, to crush rock cut by the ground engaging tool arrangement.

19. A method of use of an earth conditioning system providing: a ground engaging tool arrangement, the arrangement comprising: a ground engaging tool having a body formed of a first material and being configured to be urged below a ground surface, the ground engaging tool defining: a leading edge having a curved profile, the leading edge comprising a second material, wherein the second material is treated to be stronger or harder than the first material of the body; a replaceable wear part removably mounted to the body; a ground engaging tool support structure supporting the ground engaging tool; and an actuator operably connecting the ground engaging tool to the earth conditioning system, the actuator pivotally mounted to the body of the ground engaging tool; wherein the ground engaging tool is configured to move between: a deployed configuration in which the replaceable wear part is driven downwards and forwards into earth below the ground surface; and a retracted configuration in which the replaceable wear part is pivoted upwards and rearwards towards the ground surface, wherein the ground engaging tool is mounted to the ground engaging tool support structure at a pivot located at a proximal end of the ground engaging tool, such that in the deployed configuration the curved profile of the leading edge is configured to contact rock below the ground surface holding the rock down to cut therethrough.

20. The method of claim 19, including providing the ground engaging tool arrangement in combination with a rotary device.

21. The method of claim 20, the rotary device provided as a roller or drum acting behind the ground engaging tool arrangement to condition the earth after the at least one ground engaging tool has broken rocks in the earth and brought the broken rocks to the ground surface.

22. The method of claim 19, wherein the ground engaging tool arrangement pivots relative to a rotary device.

23. The method of claim 19, including propelling the ground engaging tool arrangement across an area of ground, adjusting a height of the ground engaging tool relative to the ground surface by adjusting at least one of: (i) a position of the ground engaging tool relative to the ground engaging tool support structure via actuation of the actuator; and (ii) varying a height of the ground engaging tool arrangement relative to a rotary device via adjustment of a height adjustment actuator.

24. The method of claim 19, wherein mechanical relief of the ground engaging tool is provided by at least one of: a shear pin; a biasing member; a spring; a dampener; and an accumulator.

25. The method of claim 19, including adjusting a height of the ground engaging tool relative to the ground surface by at least one height adjustment actuator.

26. The method of claim 19, wherein the actuator is selected from: a hydraulic actuator; a pneumatic actuator; an electric actuator; and a mechanical actuator.

27. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of: configuring the ground engaging tool to pivot from the deployed configuration to the retracted configuration when the ground engaging tool strikes a very hard rock, a large rock or debris below the ground surface.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the pivoting of the ground engaging tool is damped by a dampener or a shock absorber.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) In order to facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, several preferred embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

(2) FIGS. 1 to 4 provides progressive side views of operation of the earth conditioning system embodying the present invention.

(3) FIGS. 5 to 6 show views of the ground engaging tool arrangement with the ground engaging tools retracted (relieved) (FIG. 5) and deployed (FIG. 6) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(4) FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an earth conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(5) FIGS. 8A and 8B show an arrangement of the drum for crushing the soil and rock ripped up by the ground engaging tools.

(6) FIGS. 9A and 9B show respective front (FIG. 9A) and rear (FIG. 9B) views of an earth conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

(7) It is to be appreciated that each of the embodiments is specifically described and that the present invention is not to be construed as being limited to any specific feature or element of any one of the embodiments. Neither is the present invention to be construed as being limited to any feature of a number of the embodiments or variations described in relation to the embodiments.

(8) Referring to FIGS. 1 to 9B, there is shown an earth conditioning system 10 according to one or more embodiments of the present invention for us in earth conditioning by engaging into the earth behind a vehicle (not shown) and removing and/or breaking up rock (such as by ripping and/or crushing).

(9) The system 10 includes a front drawbar arrangement 12, an intermediate ground engaging tool arrangement 14 and a rear rotary device 16.

(10) The drawbar arrangement 12 includes a drawbar 18, a hitch 20 at a leading end 22 of the drawbar to attach the system to a prime mover (not shown).

(11) A pivot arrangement 26 is provided at the trailing end 24 of the drawbar.

(12) Support members 28,30 strengthen the drawbar arrangement and provide mounting for a dampener arrangement 32 which absorbs shocks otherwise transferred from the ground engaging tool arrangement and the rotary device to the hitch and thereafter the prime mover.

(13) The dampener arrangement may be connected to the ground engaging tool arrangement at a pivot 32a

(14) The dampener can include one or more mechanical dampeners (such as resilient materials and/or springs), a pneumatic or hydraulic accumulator/dampener or a combination of any two or more thereof. The dampener arrangement can be passive or can be actively controlled to react forces applied through the dampener.

(15) The ground engaging tool arrangement 14 includes a frame 34 supporting ground engaging tools 36.

(16) Each ground engaging tool is mounted at a pivot 38 and can pivot rearward and upward. An actuator 40 can be controlled to raise or lower the respective ground engaging tool(s) 36 depending on desired depth that the respective ground engaging tool is required to engage into the ground (which can depend on ground type, proportion of soil to rock, rock type, wet/dry ground, depth required to operate at, power of the prime mover etc.).

(17) Each ground engaging tool 36 can include a replaceable wear part 42. A quick release mechanism can be provided to facilitate removal and replacement of a worn ground wear part.

(18) A leading edge 44 of the ground engaging tool can be strengthened or of a stronger material (such as wear plate material, hardened steel, case hardened steel, bisalloy or alternatives) than a trailing part of the same ground engaging tool.

(19) A rotary device 16 can be attached to trail behind the ground engaging tool arrangement 14.

(20) The rotary device 16 can include a roller or drum 46, such as of a solid (preferably hollow) body with ribs thereon, or can be of spaced discs or wheels or ribs creating channels 48 therebetween.

(21) The rotary device can include a slotted or ribbed said drum 46 to act as a crushing drum for being rolled over earth that has been broken up by the ground engaging tools 36.

(22) The crushing drum function includes a number of reinforcements 50 in the form of crushing ribs 48.

(23) The drum can be hollow to provide a reservoir 52 to receive a ballast material, such as water or sand, to add weight to the drum and thereby increase crushing force over the ground ripped up by the ground engaging tools.

(24) The slotted drum 46 preferably weighs about 5 tonnes (though other weights fall within the scope of the present invention) when empty and more than 10 tonnes when a reservoir is filled with water. The weight of the frame 4.2 excluding the drum preferably weighs between 3 tonnes and 20 tonnes, more preferably between 4 tonnes and 20 tonnes, and yet more preferably between 5 tonnes and 20 tonnes. The weight of the drum 46 is preferably between 3 tonnes and 10 tonnes. It will be appreciated that the frame and/or drum are not limited to these weights and can individually or together be heavier or lighter depending on design, specification and construction factors.

(25) The earth conditioning system 10 provides a multi tonne system for high workload rock crushing for conditioning roads, agricultural and other tracts of land.

(26) The rotary device can be connected to the ground engaging tool arrangement by a pivot arrangement 54 allowing the rotary device and the ground engaging tool arrangement to pivot with respect to one another.

(27) One or more actuators 56, such as one or more hydraulic or pneumatic rams, enables height adjustment of the ground engaging tool arrangement relative to the ground by, for example, extending or contracting the actuator(s). Other actuator, such as electric motors, are envisaged to provide a similar function.

(28) Preferably, the one or more actuators 56 may connect to the ground engaging tool arrangement 14 at a respective pivot 56a.

(29) Therefore, one or more forms of the present invention provides for height adjustment of the ground engaging tools by: 1. Adjusting the height/depth of each ground engaging tool 36 relative to the ground engaging tool support frame 34; and 2. By adjusting the height from the ground of the ground engaging tool arrangement by operating the at least one adjuster acting between the rotary device and the ground engaging tool arrangement.

(30) A scraper device 58 can be provided across the drum 46 to remove any rocks and soil caught between the ribs. The scraper device can include multiple scrapers 60 with each scraper 60 fitting into a slot (or channel) 62 between edges 64 created by the ribs. The edges may be provided by plates being edge on to the body 66 of the rotary drum.

(31) In use, the earth conditioning system can include just the ground engaging tool arrangement mounted to a prime mover, such as a tractor, or may be self propelled. The ground engaging tools can be lowered to engage into the ground as the ground engaging tool arrangement is moved forward. Weight of the ground engaging tool arrangement aids breaking up of rock within the soil.

(32) Alternatively, with the rotary device attached, the depth of the ground engaging tools biting into the ground can be finely adjusted. Also, the drum of the rotary device helps to further break up, level and compact the soil and broken rock.

(33) As would be apparent, various alterations and equivalent forms may be provided without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. This includes modifications within the scope of the appended claims along with all modifications, alternative constructions and equivalents.

(34) There is no intention to limit the present invention to the specific embodiments shown in the drawings. The present invention is to be construed beneficially to the applicant and the invention given its full scope.

(35) In the present specification, the presence of particular features does not preclude the existence of further features. The words comprising, including and having are to be construed in an inclusive rather than an exclusive sense.

(36) It is to be recognised that any discussion in the present specification is intended to explain the context of the present invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that the material discussed formed part of the prior art base or relevant general knowledge in any particular country or region.