WO2016116894A1

WO2016116894A1 - Kit of telescopic arms for in-depth vertical machining

Info

Publication number: WO2016116894A1
Application number: PCT/IB2016/050319
Authority: WO
Inventors: Francesco BILLI
Original assignee: Cosben S.R.L.
Priority date: 2015-01-22
Filing date: 2016-01-22
Publication date: 2016-07-28

Abstract

The kit (1) of telescopic arms for in-depth vertical machining comprises: - at least two telescopic arms (2a, 2b), each having at least an outer tubular unit (5) containing at least an inner tubular unit (6) removable, and with the telescopic arms (2a, 2b) being different to one another; at least two base elements (3) integrally associated with respective outer tubular units (5) and having an attachment side (8), the attachment sides (8) of the base elements (3) being substantially equal to one another; at least a first attachment element (4a), having a first base portion (10a) quick coupling to the attachment sides (8) and a first machine portion (11a) to be associated with a first type of prime movers for in-depth vertical machining; and - at least a second attachment element (4b), having a second base portion (10b) quick coupling to the attachment sides (8) and a second machine portion (l ib) to be associated with a second type of prime movers for in-depth vertical machining; wherein the base portions (10a, 10b) are substantially equal to one another and the machine portions (11a, 11b) are substantially different to one another to allow the union with the types of prime movers that are different to one another.

Description

KIT OF TELESCOPIC ARMS FOR IN-DEPTH VERTICAL MACHINING

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a kit of telescopic arms for in-depth vertical machining.

Background Art

For in-depth vertical machining, such as foundation excavations, excavations for wells, or other types of excavations that require the attainment of vertical depths, the use is known of operating machines provided with special telescopic arms supporting the tool required for machining (buckets, drills, drill bits of various kinds, etc.).

Known telescopic arms consist of two or more tubular units, extractable and retractable the one with respect to the other.

Known arms are associated with the respective operating machine by means of specific attachment means arranged in the proximity of the machine and in the proximity of the arm.

Usually, such attachment means provide for the hinging of the arm to the machine by means of suitable hinge pins, so as to allow the telescopic arm to rotate around the axis of the pins themselves assuming different positions.

The hinge pins are inserted in through holes formed on attachment elements welded to the arm itself.

Depending on the type of machining and the depth to be reached, machines of different mass and power and arms of different size and weight are used.

In particular, the greater the depths to be reached and/or the dimensions of the tool to be supported, the larger the size of the arm.

The machine used in turn must have a mass sufficient to counter-balance the weight of the arm and of the tool.

A drawback of prior art is that the machines on the market used for vertical machining are adapted to support a single telescopic arm specifically designed for the machine itself.

In particular, the arm in question has dimensions and weight within certain values compatible with the machine itself. This implies that the user, in case of having to work with arms of different length, must have several machines, with a consequent increase in overall dimensions, transport costs and costs associated with the machines themselves. In the case where the end user does not intend purchasing or finds it too costly to purchase several machines, he/she has the chance to rent them from special rental companies.

This circumstance, however, does not solve the above problem in an absolute way, but simply shifts the problem over to the rental companies which, to cover the widest possible supply range, should have to buy as many machines as there are types of telescopic arms, with consequent rise in costs.

As an alternative, end users and rental companies may disassemble the arm of a machine and assemble it on another.

In this case as well however, various drawbacks are encountered related to the fact that any interchangeability of the arms is only possible if these are of the same brand as the machine.

This is due to the fact that the attachment means with which the telescopic arm is hinged to the machine differ by characteristics, sizes and shapes from one brand to another.

Furthermore, another drawback is that the assembly and disassembly operations of the telescopic arms on the machine itself take a very long execution time due to the operations required to remove and refit the hinge pins (application of the necessary tightening forces, lubrication, etc.).

Description of the Invention

The main aim of the present invention is to provide a kit of telescopic arms for in-depth vertical machining that allows to assemble and disassemble easily and fast different types of telescopic arms on one or more machines.

One object of the present invention is to provide a kit of telescopic arms for in- depth vertical machining that allows to assemble telescopic arms of the same type on machines of different brands.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a kit of telescopic arms for in-depth vertical machining that allows to overcome the mentioned drawbacks of the prior art within the ambit of a simple, rational, easy and effective to use and affordable solution.

The above mentioned objects are achieved by the present kit of telescopic arms for in-depth vertical machining having the features of claim 1.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become better evident from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a kit of telescopic arms for in-depth vertical machining, illustrated by way of an indicative, but non-limiting, example in the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a side view of a component of the kit according to the invention; Figure 2 is a partially exploded view of a detail of the kit according to the invention;

Figures 3 and 4 are axonometric views that illustrate two possible combinations of the kit according to the invention;

Figure 5 is an axonometric view of a detail of the kit according to the invention; Figure 6 is a sectional view of a detail of the kit according to the invention. Embodiments of the Invention

With particular reference to such figures, reference number 1 globally indicates a kit of telescopic arms for in-depth vertical machining.

According to the invention, the kit 1 comprises at least two telescopic arms 2a, 2b, at least two base elements 3, at least a first attachment element 4a and at least a second attachment element 4b.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the kit 1 comprises two telescopic arms 2a, 2b, two base elements 3, a first attachment element 4a and a second attachment element 4b which will be described in detail later in this treatise. Alternative embodiments cannot however be ruled out wherein the kit 1 comprises a greater number of telescopic arms 2a, 2b, base elements 3 and attachment elements 4a, 4b.

The telescopic arms 2a, 2b have each at least an outer tubular unit 5 containing at least an inner tubular unit 6.

As illustrated in Figure 1, the inner tubular unit 6 is removable from the outer tubular unit 5 so as to form a substantially vertical longitudinal element having the outer tubular unit 5 substantially at the top and the inner tubular unit 6 substantially at the bottom.

In particular, the outer tubular unit 5 is directly driven by a prime mover 9 so as to carry out in-depth vertical machining jobs such as excavations for foundations or the like, etc.

The telescopic arms 2a, 2b are also different to one another.

In the present embodiment, the arms 2a, 2b differ by the shape of the cross section.

As illustrated in figure 2 and figure 3, the arm 2a has a square cross section, while the arm 2b has a circular cross section.

Embodiments cannot however be ruled out wherein the arms 2a, 2b differ, not only in terms of shape, but also in terms of weight and dimensions, in particular their length.

The tubular units on the market, in fact, are designed to reach different depths depending on the type of machining job to be carried out.

By way of example only, the fact is underlined that arms exist on the market that reach depths of up to 18 metres, arms that reach up to 21 metres and arms that reach greater depths.

The base elements 3 are integrally associated with respective said outer tubular units 5.

In particular, each base element 3 is welded to an outer tubular unit 5.

In the present embodiment, the base elements 3 are formed by two edges 7 parallel to each other and arranged in a longitudinal manner to the larger dimension of the outer tubular unit 5.

Alternative solutions cannot however be ruled out wherein the base elements consist of edges transversal to the larger dimension of the tubular unit, or wherein different solutions to the edges are adopted such as, e.g., plates, joints, coupling elements of different type, etc.

In any case, the base elements 3 have an attachment side 8 adapted to allow the link between the outer tubular unit 5 and the prime mover 9.

Furthermore, the attachment sides 8 of the base elements 3 are substantially identical to each other, i.e., the attachment side 8a mounted on the arm 2a is the same as the attachment side 8b mounted on the arm 2b. With reference to the present embodiment, the first attachment element 4a has a first base portion 10a quick coupling to the attachment sides 8 and a first machine portion 11a to be associated with a first type of prime movers for in- depth vertical machining.

As shown in the illustrations, the first attachment element 4a is configured, e.g., as a component having two humps and comprising two hinging points 12 formed precisely at the two humps.

These units allow the coupling thereof to the actuator elements 13 of a first compatible prime mover and are configured as through holes aligned along an axis that is precisely the axis around which the outer tubular unit 5 can rotate. Similarly, the second attachment element 4b has a second base portion 10b quick coupling to the attachment sides 8 and a second machine portion 1 lb to be associated with a second type of prime movers for in-depth vertical machining.

The second attachment element 4b, e.g., is configured as a component having a single hump, of pseudo-triangular shape, and also comprising two hinging points 12.

The first and second attachment elements 4a, 4b are compatible with two different types of prime movers.

Alternative solutions cannot however be ruled out wherein the attachment elements 4a, 4b have shapes different from those shown, with hinging points 12 of different sizes obtained at different positions depending on the prime movers with which they must be associated.

The base portions 10a, 10b are substantially equal to one another, while the machine portions 11a, l ib are substantially different to one another to allow the union with types of prime movers that are different to one another.

This way, therefore, it is possible to associate different types of telescopic arms 2a, 2b with different types of prime movers, according to several combinations of available pieces.

The base portions 10a, 10b comprise protruding elements 14 and the attachment sides 8 comprise at least a housing seat 15 of the protruding elements 14.

Solutions cannot be ruled out wherein the attachment sides 8 comprise protruding elements 14, with the base portions 10a, 10b comprising at least a housing seat 15 of the protruding elements 14.

In the present embodiment, the protruding elements 14 are cylindrical pins formed on the base portions 10a, 10b and the axis of which is transversal to the edges of the base element 3.

The housing seat 15 is formed undercut in the proximity of the extremities of the edges 7 which, in use (figure 1), are directed towards the bottom of the outer tubular unit 5.

The cylindrical pins 14 engage in the housing seats 15 and a configuration is achieved whereby the attachment element 4a or 4b is prevented from translating along the edges 7 and transversely to them, while rotation is allowed around the axis of the cylindrical pins themselves.

Alternative solutions cannot however be ruled out whereby the housing seat 15 is obtained differently, e.g. as a single recess formed at the extremity of a plate, or as a coupling element adapted to constrain the attachment element 4a or 4b to the base element 3.

Solutions cannot however be ruled out wherein the housing seats 15 are arranged in a different position along the base element 3.

In the present embodiment auxiliary seats 16 are also present, formed along the edges 7 of the base element 3 and adapted to house auxiliary pins 17.

These are arranged substantially in the middle of the edges 7 and have a substantially semi-circular shape, so as to accommodate the auxiliary pins 17. This way, the correct positioning of the base portions 10a, 10b on the attachment sides 8 is facilitated.

Advantageously, the base portions 10a, 10b comprise a first profile 18 and the attachment sides 8 comprise a second profile 19 so to define, in assembly configuration, a recess 18, 19 in which a clamping bar 20 can be inserted.

In particular, the second profile 19 comprises at least an inclined surface for the wedge insertion of the clamping bar 20.

In the present embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, both profiles 18, 19 comprise an inclined surface.

The recess 18, 19 is also undercut, but has the cavity facing the opposite side with respect to the housing seat 15.

In the present embodiment, the recess 18, 19 and the housing seat 15 are diametrically opposite.

The clamping bar 20 is a longitudinal body with a trapezium- shaped cross section.

The part corresponding to the shorter base of the trapezium is intended to be inserted in the recess 18, 19 so as to facilitate the grip between the clamping bar 20 and the recess 18, 19, while the inclined sides of the trapezium are wedged on the inclined surfaces of the profiles 18, 19.

The clamping bar 20 is associable with a connecting element 21 adapted to join the clamping bar 20 integrally to the base element 3.

The solution cannot be ruled out wherein the connecting element 21 joins the clamping bar 20 to the attachment element 4a or 4b or to both elements 4a, 4b. In particular, the connecting element 21 comprises an elongated portion 22, 23 having a first extremity 22 adapted to grip on the attachment element 4a or 4b and a second extremity 23 adapted to couple to the clamping bar 20 by means of a tightening threaded element 24.

More particularly, there are two connecting elements 21 and the clamping bar 20 has through holes 26 into which the second extremities 23 of the connecting elements 21 can be fitted.

Advantageously, the elongated portion 22, 23 of each connecting element 21 is associated with at least a spring element 25 adapted to apply an action opposing to the pulling action of the threaded element 24.

In particular, the threaded element 24, when tightened, tends to pull the elongated portion of the connecting element 21 towards the clamping bar 20. The screw connection between the threaded element 24 and the elongated portion 22, 23 in the long run is subjected to high mechanical stresses and vibrations caused by the use of the arms 2a, 2b; the presence of the spring element 25 reduces these stresses and vibrations, preventing the loosening of the screw connection and thus avoiding any risk for the seal of the quick coupling.

The operation of the present invention is as follows. Once the combination between the telescopic arm 2a or 2b and the prime mover 9 has been chosen, the attachment element 4a is positioned on the base element 3 so as to create the quick coupling between the components.

In particular, the first to be fitted are the protruding elements 14 and the auxiliary pins 17, present on the base portion 10a, in the housing seat 15 and in the auxiliary seat 16 so as to position the attachment element 4a with respect to the base element 3.

To permanently block the attachment element 4a, the clamping bar 20 is inserted in the recess 18, 19 and the connecting elements 21 are inserted in the respective through holes 26.

By tightening the threaded elements 24, the attachment element 4a is constrained integrally to the base element 3.

By loosening the same, the attachment element 4a can be removed and therefore the telescopic arm 2a can be disassembled.

The operations described above may be repeated in an identical way considering another attachment element 4b with the same telescopic arm 2a, or considering the same attachment element 4a with a different telescopic arm 2b (figures 3 and 4).

In practice it has been found how the described invention achieves the proposed objects and in particular the fact is stressed that the provided kit allows, thanks to the special quick coupling system described above, to assemble and disassemble different types of telescopic arms in an easy and fast manner on one or more different machines.

In particular, the provided kit permits mounting telescopic arms of the same type on machines of different brands.

In fact, the attachment elements and the base elements which create the quick coupling have a base portion and an attachment side respectively that are equal regardless of the type of attachment required by the prime mover or the type of arm to be assembled.

This way, therefore, the interchangeability is guaranteed for different types of required solutions.

Claims

1) Kit (1) of telescopic arms for in-depth vertical machining, characterized by the fact that it comprises:

at least two telescopic arms (2a, 2b), each having at least an outer tubular unit (5) containing at least an inner tubular unit (6) removable from said outer tubular unit (5) to form a substantially vertical longitudinal element having said outer tubular unit (5) substantially at the top and said inner tubular unit (6) substantially at the bottom, said telescopic arms (2a, 2b) being different to one another;

at least two base elements (3) integrally associated with respective said outer tubular units (5) and having an attachment side (8), the attachment sides (8) of said base elements (3) being substantially equal to one another; at least a first attachment element (4a), having a first base portion (10a) quick coupling to said attachment sides (8) and a first machine portion (11a) to be associated with a first type of prime movers for in-depth vertical machining; and

at least a second attachment element (4b), having a second base portion (10b) quick coupling to said attachment sides (8) and a second machine portion (l ib) to be associated with a second type of prime movers for in- depth vertical machining;

wherein said base portions (10a, 10b) are substantially equal to one another and said machine portions (11a, l ib) are substantially different to one another to allow the union with said types of prime movers that are different to one another.

2) Kit (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said base portions (10a, 10b) comprise protruding elements (14) and said attachment sides (8) comprise at least a housing seat (15) of said protruding elements (14).

3) Kit (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said attachment sides (8) comprise protruding elements (14) and said base portions (10a, 10b) comprise at least a housing seat (15) of said protruding elements (14).

4) Kit (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said housing seat (15) is formed undercut. 5) Kit (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said base portions (10a, 10b) comprise a first profile (18) and said attachment sides (8) comprise a second profile (19), said first profile (18) and said second profile (19) being adapted to define in assembly configuration a recess (18, 19) in which a clamping bar (20) can be inserted.

6) Kit (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that at least one of said first profile (18) and said second profile (19) comprise at least an inclined surface for the wedge insertion of said clamping bar (20).

7) Kit (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said recess (18, 19) is undercut with the cavity facing the opposite side with respect to said housing seat (15).

8) Kit (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said clamping bar (20) is associable with a connecting element adapted to join said clamping bar (20) integrally to at least one of said base elements (3) and said attachment elements (4a, 4b).

9) Kit (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said connecting element (21) comprises an elongated portion (22, 23) having a first extremity (22) adapted to grip on said attachment element (4a, 4b) and a second extremity (23) adapted to couple to said clamping bar (20) by means of at least a tightening threaded element (24).

10) Kit (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said elongated portion (22, 23) is associated with at least a spring element (25) adapted to apply an action opposing to the pulling action of said threaded element (24).