Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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POLE SPLINT DRIVER IMPLEMENT
BACKGROUND
[0001] This disclosure is directed toward implements that are capable of being
operably
coupled to power machines. More particularly, this disclosure is directed
toward implements
capable of driving a member such as a pole splint for reinforcing a utility
pole into the
ground. Many utility poles that are used, for example, to support electrical
power wires, are
partially inserted into the ground. Over time, such utility poles, especially
the portion of the
poles that is near or in the ground, tend to deteriorate. Splints are
sometimes used to reinforce
partially deteriorated utility poles to extend their useful life. Such a
splint is partially inserted
into the ground adjacent a utility pole and secured to the utility pole to
provide increased
strength to compensate for deterioration of the utility pole.
[0002] Placing splints around a utility pole that is partially buried in the
ground can be labor
intensive. Such splints are necessarily driven several feet into the ground
and current methods
and apparatuses require several persons, many process steps, and relatively
long period of
time to drive a pole splint into the ground. Improved methods or apparatus for
driving pole
splints or other reinforcing members around a utility pole to increase
efficiency would be
beneficial.
[0003] Power machines, for the purposes of this disclosure, include any type
of machine that
generates power for the purpose of accomplishing a particular task or a
variety of tasks. One
type of power machine is a work vehicle. Work vehicles are generally self-
propelled vehicles
that have a work device, such as a lift arm (although some work vehicles can
have other work
devices) that can be manipulated to perform a work function. Work vehicles
include
excavators, loaders, utility vehicles, tractors, and trenchers, to name a few
examples. Power
machines and especially work vehicles are often configured to be operably
coupled to any
number of different types of implements (sometimes known as "attachments").
The power
machine/implement combination can be advantageously used to perform various
work tasks.
[0004] The discussion above is merely provided for general background
information and is
not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed
subject matter.
SUMMARY
[0005] Disclosed embodiments are directed toward driver implements and methods
for
driving rigid members into a support surface. In some embodiments, the
disclosed driver
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implement is combined with a power machine that provides operation signals to
the driver
implement. Other embodiments disclose a rigid member that is configured to be
driven into a
support surface by various embodiments of the driver implement.
[0006] In one embodiment, an implement for driving a rigid member into a
support surface
is disclosed. The implement includes a frame, a power machine interface, a
driving
mechanism, and a positioning mechanism. The power machine interface includes a
mounting
interface that is operably coupled to the frame and is configured to be
mounted on an
implement carrier of a power machine. The control interface is configured to
receive a
control signal from the power machine. The driving mechanism is carried by the
frame and
configured to engage with and provide a driving force to the rigid member. The
positioning
mechanism is coupled to the frame and is configured to position the driving
mechanism in
response to a control signal received via the control interface.
[0007] In another embodiment, a method of driving a rigid member into a
support surface is
disclosed. The method includes coupling an implement having a control
interface for
receiving a control signal from a power machine to the power machine. The
method further
includes placing the rigid member in a selected position for insertion into
the support surface
and placing the implement in position to engage the rigid member.
Additionally, a control
signal is provided from the power mechanism to a positioning mechanism on the
implement
to cause the positioning mechanism to position a driving mechanism in a drive
position
relative to the rigid member. The driving mechanism transfers a driving force
to the rigid
member to urge the rigid member into the support surface.
[0008] In yet another embodiment, a power machine is disclosed in combination
with an
implement that is configured to urge a rigid member into a support surface.
The power
machine includes a power machine frame, a power source, an operator input, and
an
implement interface that provides a connection point for providing a control
signal. The
implement includes an implement frame, a power machine interface, a driving
mechanism,
and a positioning mechanism. The power machine interface includes a mounting
interface
that is operably coupled to the frame and is configured to be mounted on an
implement
carrier of a power machine. The power machine interface also includes control
interface
configured to receive a control signal from the power machine. The driving
mechanism is
carried by the implement frame and is configured to engage with and provide a
driving force
to the rigid member. The positioning mechanism is coupled to the implement
frame and is
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configured to position the driving mechanism in response to a control signal
received via the
control interface.
[0009] This Summary and the Abstract are provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a
simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description.
This Summary is
not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed
subject matter, nor is
it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed
subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating functional systems of a
representative
implement on which embodiments of the present disclosure can be practiced and
a power
machine to which the representative implement can be coupled.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating functional systems of another
representative
implement on which embodiments of the present disclosure can be practiced and
a power
machine to which the representative implement can be coupled.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of one representative power machine
with which
implements, such as disclosed driver implements, can be utilized.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a side elevation of another representative power machine with
which
implements, such as disclosed driver implements, can be utilized.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a driver implement for driving a
rigid member
into a support surface according to one illustrative embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a rear view of a driver implement incorporating the features
of FIG. 5 and
showing a frame thereof in a fully retracted position according to one
illustrative
embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a side view of the driver implement of FIG. 6 showing the
frame in a fully
extended position.
[0017] FIG. 8 illustrates an enlarged view of a driving mechanism for the
driver implement
shown in FIG. 6.
[0018] FIG. 8A illustrates engagement between a rigid member in the form of a
pole splint
and an engagement member of the driver implement of FIG. 6.
[0019] FIG. 9 is an illustration of a lower section of a frame of the driver
implement in
accordance with an example embodiment.
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[0020] FIG. 10 is an illustration of a portion of the driver implement with
the frame of the
driver implement rotated with respect to a mounting interface on the driver
implement for
mounting the driver implement to a power machine.
[0021] FIG. 11 is a back view of a portion of the driver implement showing the
frame
rotated relative to the mounting interface.
[0022] FIG. 12 is a diagram of a control system for the implement of FIG. 6.
[0023] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a driver implement incorporating the
features of
FIG. 5 and showing a frame thereof with a driving mechanism in a lowered
position
according to another illustrative embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the driver implement of FIG. 13
illustrating a
driving mechanism in a raised position.
[0025] FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view of the implement of FIG. 13,
showing an
actuation mechanism engaging the driving mechanism to raise it to a fully
raised position.
[0026] FIG. 16 is side cross-sectional view of the implement of FIG. 13,
showing the
driving mechanism in a fully lowered position.
[0027] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a portion of the driving mechanism of
the implement
of FIG. 13.
[0028] FIG. 18 illustrates a portion of one embodiment of a rigid member of
the type that
can be driven into a support surface by the implement of FIG. 13.
[0029] FIGs. 19 and 19A illustrate an adapter for use with splints that are
not specifically
configured to be driven into a support surface by the implement of FIG. 13.
[0030] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the implement of
claim 13, showing
features of the driving mechanism.
[0031] FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating a first method embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 22 is a block diagram illustrating a second method embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] The concepts disclosed herein are described and illustrated with
reference to their
application in exemplary embodiments. These concepts, however, are not limited
in their
application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components
in the
illustrative embodiments and are capable of being practiced or being carried
out in various
other ways. The terminology in this document is used for the purpose of
description and
should not be regarded as limiting. Words such as including, comprising, and
having and
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variations thereof as used herein are meant to encompass the items listed
thereafter,
equivalents thereof, as well as additional items.
[0034] These concepts can be practiced on various implements, including those
as will be
described below. A representative implement 100 on which the embodiments can
be
practiced and a power machine 10 to which the implement can be operably
coupled are
illustrated in diagram form in FIG. 1 and described below before any
embodiments are
disclosed. For the sake of brevity, only one implement and power machine
combination is
discussed. However, as mentioned above, the embodiments below can be practiced
on any of
a number of implements and these various implements can be operably coupled to
a variety
of different power machines. Power machines, for the purposes of this
discussion, include a
frame, at least one work element, and a power source that is capable of
providing power to
the work element to accomplish a work task. One type of power machine is a
self-propelled
work vehicle. Self-propelled work vehicles are a class of power machines that
include a
frame, work element, and a power source that is capable of providing power to
the work
element. At least one of the work elements on self-propelled work vehicles is
a motive
system for moving the power machine under power.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 1, a block diagram illustrates basic systems of
power machine
as are relevant to interact with implement 100 as well as basic features of
implement 100,
which represents an implement upon which the embodiments discussed below can
be
advantageously incorporated. At their most basic level, power machines for the
purposes of
this discussion include a frame 20, a power source 30, and a work element, as
shown in FIG.
1, an implement interface 40. On power machines such as loaders and excavators
and other
similar work vehicles, implement interface 40 includes an implement carrier 50
and a power
port 60. The implement carrier 50 is typically rotatably attached to a lift
arm or other work
element and is capable of being secured to the implement. The power port 60
provides a
connection for the implement 100 to provide power from the power source to the
implement.
Power source 30 represents one or more sources of power that are generated on
power
machine 10. This can include either or both of pressurized fluid and
electrical power.
[0036] The implement 100, which is sometimes known as an attachment or an
attachable
implement, has a power machine interface 110 and a tool 120, which is coupled
to the power
machine interface 110. The power machine interface 110 illustratively includes
a machine
mount 112 and a power port 114 for coupling with power machine 10. Machine
mount 112
can be any structure capable of being coupled to the implement interface 40 of
power
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machine 10. Power port 114, in some embodiments, includes hydraulic and/or
electrical
couplers. Power port 114 can also include a wireless electrical connection, as
may be
applicable on a given implement. While both machine mount 112 and power port
114 is
shown, some implements may have only one or the other as part of their power
machine
interface 110. Other implements, such as a bucket, would not have a power port
114 at all.
[0037] In instances where a power machine has a specific implement carrier,
the machine
mount 112 will include a structure that complements the specific implement
carrier. For
power machines without an implement carrier, the machine mount includes
features to
directly mount the implement 100 to the power machine 10 such as bushings to
accept pins
for mounting the implement to a lift arm and an actuator for moving the
implement. Some
implements are not intended to be physically mounted to a power machine at
all. One
example of an implement that is not intended to be physically mounted to a
power machine
would be a handheld implement.
[0038] For the purposes of this discussion, implements can be categorized as
simple or
complex. A simple implement has no work element. One example of a simple
implement is a
bucket. A complex implement has at least one actuable work element. Complex
implements
are further divided into those that have one actuable work element and those
that have
multiple work elements.
[0039] In FIG. 1, the implement 100 illustrates a tool 120 for a complex
implement with a
single work element 124. The tool 120 includes a frame 122, which is coupled
with or
integral to the machine mount 112. A work element 124 is coupled to the frame
122 and is
moveable in some way (rotation, extension, etc.) with respect to the frame. An
actuator 126 is
mounted to the frame 122 and the work element 124 and is actuable under power
to move the
work element with respect to the frame. Power is provided to the actuator 126
via the power
machine. Power is selectively provided in the form of pressurized hydraulic
fluid (or other
power source) directly from the power machine 10 to the actuator 126 via power
ports 60 and
114.
[0040] FIG. 2 illustrates an implement 100', which depicts a complex, multi-
function
implement. The features in FIG. 2 that are similarly numbered to those in FIG.
1 are
substantially similar and are not discussed again here for the sake of
brevity. Implement 100'
has one or more additional work elements 124", which are shown in block form.
Each work
element 124" has a corresponding actuator 126" coupled thereto for controlling
movement of
the work element 124". A control system 130 receives power from the power
machine and
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selectively provides power to the actuators 126' and 126" in response to
signals from
operator inputs. The control system 130 includes a controller 132, which is
configured to
receive electrical signals from the power machine 10 indicative of operator
input
manipulation and control power to the various actuators based on those
electrical signals. The
controller 132 can provide electrical signals to some or all of the actuators
126' and 126" to
control their function. Alternatively, the controller 132 can control optional
valve 134, which
in turn controls actuation of some or all of the actuators 126' and 126" by
providing
pressurized hydraulic fluid to the actuators.
[0041] Although not shown in either of FIGs. 1-2, in some instances,
controller 132 can
receive signals indicative of operator actuation of user inputs that are
mounted on the
implement, as opposed to the power machine. In these applications, the
implement is
controlled from an operator position that is located remotely from the power
machine (i.e.
next to the implement 100').
[0042] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of a representative power machine 200
with which
implements of the present disclosure can be engaged and operated. The power
machine 200
illustrated in FIG. 3 is a self-propelled work vehicle in the form of a skid
steer loader, but
other types of work vehicles may engage and operate implements of the type
disclosed
below. A few examples of the many different types of power machines that may
operate
implements of the type disclosed below include other types of loaders such as
tracked
loaders, steerable wheeled loaders, including all-wheel steer loaders,
excavators, and
telehandlers. The loader 200 includes a supporting frame or main frame 202,
which supports
a power source 204, which in some embodiments is an internal combustion
engine. A power
conversion system 206 is operably coupled to the power source 204. Power
conversion
system 206 illustratively receives power from the power source 204 and
operator inputs to
convert the received power into power signals in a form that is provided to
and utilized by
functional components of the power machine. In some embodiments, such as with
the loader
200 in FIG. 3, the power conversion system 206 includes hydraulic components
such as one
or more hydraulic pumps and various actuators and valve components that are
illustratively
employed to receive and selectively provide power signals in the form of
pressurized
hydraulic fluid to some or all of the actuators used to control functional
components of the
loader 200. Alternatively, the power conversion system 206 can include
electric generators or
the like to generate electrical control signals to power electric actuators.
For the sake of
simplicity, the actuators discussed in the disclosed embodiments herein are
referred to as
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hydraulic or electrohydraulic actuators primarily in the form of motors and
cylinders, but
other types of actuators can be employed in some embodiments.
[0043] Among the functional components that are capable of receiving power
signals from
the power conversion system 206 are tractive elements 208, illustratively
shown as wheels,
which are configured to rotatably engage a support surface to cause the power
machine to
travel. Other examples of power machines can have tracks or other tractive
elements instead
of wheels. In an example embodiment, a pair of hydraulic motors (not shown in
FIG. 3), are
provided to convert a hydraulic power signal into a rotational output. In
power machines such
as skid-steer loaders, a single hydraulic motor can be operatively coupled to
both of the
wheels on one side of the power machine. Alternatively, a hydraulic motor can
be provided
for each tractive element to allow for independent drive control for each
tractive element on a
machine. Steering a skid-steer loader is accomplished by providing unequal
rotational outputs
to the tractive element or elements on one side of the machine as opposed to
the other side. In
some power machines, steering is accomplished through other means, such as,
for example,
steerable axles or articulating frames.
[0044] The loader 200 also includes a lift arm structure 214 that is capable
of being raised
and lowered with respect to the frame 202. The lift arm structure 214
illustratively includes a
lift arm 216 that is pivotally mounted to the frame 202 at joint 218. An
actuator 220, which in
some embodiments is a hydraulic cylinder configured to receive pressurized
fluid from power
conversion system 206, is pivotally coupled to both the frame 202 and the lift
arm 216 at
joints 222 and 224, respectively. Actuator 220 is sometimes referred to as a
lift cylinder, and
is a representative example of one type of actuator that may be used in a
loader 200.
Extension and retraction of the actuator 220 causes the lift arm 216 to pivot
about joint 218
such that an end of the lift arm 214 represented generally by a joint 232
(discussed in more
detail below) is raised and lowered along a generally vertical path indicated
approximately by
arrow 238. The lift arm 216 is representative of one type of lift arm that may
be attached to
loader 200. The lift arm structure 214 shown in FIG. 3 includes a second lift
arm and actuator
disposed on an opposite side of the loader 200, although neither is shown in
FIG. 3. Other lift
arm structures, with different geometries, components, and arrangements can be
coupled to
the loader 200 or other power machines upon which the embodiments discussed
herein can be
practiced without departing from the scope of the present discussion. For
example, power
machines can have a lift arm such that joint 232 is raised in a generally
radial path. Other
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power machines such as excavators and telehandlers have substantially
different lift arm
geometries as well as joints from those on the loader 200 illustrated in FIG.
3.
[0045] Loader 200 includes an implement interface 226, which is capable of
accepting and
attaching an implement to the loader. As discussed above with respect to
implement 100,
various simple and complex implements can be attached to loader 200. To that
end, the
implement interface 226 provides two different mechanisms to which an
implement can be
attached. The first mechanism is an implement carrier 230, which is capable of
providing a
mechanical connection to operably couple an implement to the lift arm assembly
214. The
second mechanism a port 234, which can provide signals to control a function
on a complex
implement when coupled to the implement. Attaching various implements to the
loader 200
can be accomplished by attaching the implement to one or both of the implement
carrier 230
and the port 234.
[0046] The implement carrier 230 is pivotally mounted to the lift arm 216 at
joint 232. One
or more actuators such as hydraulic cylinder 236 are pivotally coupled to the
implement
carrier 230 and the lift arm structure 214 to cause the implement carrier to
rotate under power
about an axis that extends through the joint 232 in an arc approximated by
arrow 228 in
response to operator input. In some embodiments, the one or more actuators
pivotally
coupled to the implement carrier 230 and the lift arm assembly 214 is a
hydraulic cylinder
capable of receiving pressurized hydraulic fluid from the power conversion
system 206. In
these embodiments, the one or more hydraulic cylinders 236, which are
sometimes referred to
as tilt cylinders, are further representative examples of actuators that may
be used in loader
200. The implement carrier 230 is configured to accept and secure any one of a
number of
different implements to the loader 200 as may be desired to accomplish a
particular work
task, including the implements described in the embodiments below. Other power
machines
can have different types of implement carriers than the one shown in FIG. 3.
Other types of
implement carriers include implement carriers of different geometries,
engagement and
securing mechanisms, and so forth. Still other power machines do not have
implement
carriers and instead allow for implements that are directly attached to a lift
arm.
[0047] The port 234 provides a source of power and control signals that can be
coupled to
an implement to control various functions on such an implement, in response to
operator
inputs, as will be described below in more detail relative to the implements
discussed below.
In one embodiment, port 234 includes hydraulic couplers that are connectable
to an
implement for providing power signals in the form of pressurized fluid
provided by the power
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conversion system 206 for use by an implement that is operably coupled to the
loader 200.
Alternatively or in addition, port 234 includes electrical connectors that can
provide power
signals and control signals to an implement to control and enable actuators of
the type
described above to control operation of functional components on an implement.
Other power
machines can have ports that provide power and/or control signals utilizing
different
locations or connection structures. The embodiments discussed herein are not
limited to any
particular port or connection between a particular power machine and an
implement for the
purpose of supplying power and/or control signals.
[0048] Loader 200 also illustratively includes a cab 240 that is supported by
the frame 202
and defines, at least in part, an operator station 242. Operator station 242
typically includes
an operator seat, operator input devices, and display devices that are
accessible and viewable
from a sitting position in the seat (none of which are shown in FIG. 3). When
an operator is
positioned properly at the operator station 242, the operator can manipulate
operator input
devices to control such functions as driving the loader 200, raising and
lowering the lift arm
structure 214, rotating the implement carrier 230 about the lift arm structure
214 and make
power and control signals available to implement via the sources available at
port 234.
Operator input devices can include joysticks, buttons, display panel input
devices, variable
input sliders, pressure sensitive devices and any other devices than can be
manipulated by an
operator for the purpose of controlling various functions on the loader 200 or
on an
implement that is operably coupled to the loader 200.
[0049] Loader 200 also includes an electronic controller 250 that is
configured to receive
input signals from at least some of the operator input devices and provide
control signals to
the power conversion system 206 and to implements via port 234. It should be
appreciated
that electronic controller 250 can be a single electronic control device with
instructions stored
in a memory device and a processor that reads and executes the instructions to
receive input
signals and provide output signals all contained within a single enclosure.
Alternatively, the
electronic controller 250 can be implemented as a plurality of electronic
devices coupled on a
network. The disclosed embodiments are not limited to any single
implementation of an
electronic control device or devices. The electronic device or devices such as
electronic
controller 250 are programmed and configured by the stored instructions to
perform various
operations related to control of the loader 200, conveying information to an
operating,
receiving inputs from an operator, and communicating with devices that are in
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communic ation with the electronic controller 250 including controllers on
implements such
as those described below.
[0050] FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of another representative power machine
300 with
which implements of the present disclosure can be engaged and operated. Power
machine 300
is a utility vehicle and includes an implement carrier 330 to which a simple
implement in the
form of a bucket 352 is attached but to which implements of the type discussed
below can be
coupled. Implement interface 326 includes an implement carrier 330 is
pivotally attached to a
lift arm 316, which is carried on a main frame 302. The main frame supports a
power source
304 and a power conversion system 306 that is operably coupled to the power
source 304.
Power conversion system 306 illustratively receives power from the power
source 304 and
operator inputs to convert the received power into power signals in a form
that is provided to
and utilized by functional components of the utility vehicle 300.
[0051] Utility vehicle 300 also includes an electronic controller 350 that is
configured to
receive input signals from at least some of the operator input devices and
provide control
signals to the power conversion system 306 and to implements via a port (not
shown in FIG.
4, but functionally similar to port 234 of FIG. 3). The utility vehicle 300
has various features
that are different from loader 200 in both form and function, but like the
loader 200, it is
capable of carrying and communicating with implements of the type disclosed
below. The
implement carrier 330 can be substantially similar to the implement carrier
230 such that the
exact same implement can be carried on either power machine (or other power
machines such
as other types of loaders, telehandlers and the like that have a substantially
similar implement
carrier). Furthermore, power and/or control signals provided by the utility
vehicle 300
through its port via the power conversion system 306 and/or controller 350 can
be
substantially similar to the power and/or control signals provided by loader
200.
[0052] FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram identifying components of an
implement 370
configured to urge or drive a rigid member such as a pole splint into a
support surface
according to one illustrative embodiment. Implement 370 includes a frame 374,
a driving
mechanism 372, a frame 374, which carries the driving mechanism, and an
actuation
mechanism 376 that is coupled to the frame. The actuation mechanism 376 can
include one or
more actuators coupled to the frame 374. The driving mechanism 372 is capable
of being
actuated to engage with and provide a driving force to the rigid member that
is to be driven
into a support surface. In one embodiment, the driving force provided by the
driving
mechanism is generated by a relatively constant vibratory mechanism that acts
against the
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rigid member. In alternative embodiments, a periodic impact force such as a
reciprocating
mechanism or a drop hammer can be used to provide a driving force. The
actuation
mechanism 376 is configured to position the driving mechanism 372. By
positioning the
driving mechanism 372, the actuation mechanism 376 not only places the driving
mechanism
372 in position to engage the rigid member, but also provides an additional
downward force
on the rigid member to further assist driving the rigid member into a support
surface. In some
embodiments, the driving mechanism 376 positions the driving mechanism by
adjusting one
or more portions of the frame 374. In other embodiments, the actuation
mechanism 376
positions the driving mechanism 372 by adjusting the position of the driving
mechanism
relative to the frame 374. This is accomplished by having the actuation
mechanism 376 be
coupled to the driving mechanism 372, shown in dotted line relationship in
FIG. 5.
[0053] A power machine interface 378 is provided for engagement with utility
vehicle 300.
The power machine interface 378 provides a conduit for providing power from a
source on
the power machine to the actuation mechanism 376 and the driving mechanism
372. In some
embodiments, the power machine interface 378 also includes a conduit for
control signals for
controlling actuation of the driving mechanism 372 and the actuation mechanism
376 and/or
a mounting interface for mounting the implement 370 to power machines such as
loader 200
and utility vehicle 300. Power machine interface 378 can also include a
mechanism for
mounting to a power machine, such as a physical structure that can be mounted
to an
implement carrier such as implement carriers 230 and 330 described above or
other mounting
mechanisms for mounting to power machines that do not have an implement
carrier such as
implement carriers 230 and 330 or other similar implement carriers. In some
embodiments,
one or more of the actuators of actuation mechanism 376 are coupled to a
portion of the
power machine interface 378, shown in dotted line relationship in FIG. 5.
[0054] FIGs. 6 and 7 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an implement 400
that
incorporates features discussed in conjunction with the implement 370 above.
Implement 400
is discussed below in terms of coupling and/or mounting to loader 200 for the
purposes of
simplicity, although the same or similar implement can also be coupled and/or
mounted to
utility vehicle 300 and other power machines. FIG. 6 shows a rear view of
implement 400
and FIG. 7 shows a side view of implement 400. Implement 400 includes a
driving
mechanism 402, a frame 404 to which the driving mechanism 402 is operably
coupled, an
actuation mechanism 406, which is coupled to the frame 404 and a power machine
interface
or mounting structure 409, which is coupled to the frame 404. The power
machine mounting
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structure 409 is configured to be engaged and secured with the implement
carrier230 of
loader 200. The power machine mounting structure 409, along with conduits that
are capable
of being attached to port 234 (discussed below) of loader 200 are both part of
the power
machine interface of implement 400. Alternative embodiments can include a
power machine
mounting structure having engagement features to allow the implement to be
secured to
implement carriers different from the implement carrier 230 shown in FIG. 3.
[0055] The frame 404 is a telescoping frame having a plurality of sections (in
this case three
sections: a first section 410, a second section 412, and a third section 414)
that collectively
operate to expand and contract the frame 404. The first section 410 is a base
section of the
frame 404 (shown in more detail in FIG. 9), the third section 414 is a top
section, and the
second section 412 is an intermediate section. The driving mechanism 402 is
coupled to the
third or top section 414 so that the driving mechanism is always positioned
above the frame
404, regardless of whether the frame is fully extended (as in FIG. 7), fully
retracted (as in
FIG. 6) or somewhere in between. Frame 404 has one intermediate section, but
in other
embodiments, a telescoping frame can have any number of intermediate sections.
[0056] The frame 404 is sized to allow a maximum reach when fully extended
that allows
for placement of the driving mechanism 402 above the top of a pole splint and
when fully
retracted allows for placement of the driving mechanism 402 to a low enough
position to
drive a pole splint the desired distance into the ground. Pole splints are
generally driven into
the ground until half of the splint is below the ground and half of the pole
splint is above the
ground. Pole splints vary in length. The implement 400 shown in FIGs. 6 and 7
is
advantageously capable of handling pole splints from ten to thirteen feet in
length, meaning
that when the frame 404 is fully extended, the driving mechanism 402 can be
raised to a
height of at least thirteen feet and when the frame is fully retracted, the
driving mechanism
402 can be lowered to a height of about five feet. The sizes of pole splints
are provided here
for illustrative purposes only and should not be regarded as limiting. Other
embodiments of
telescoping frames can be constructed to locate a driving mechanism to
different maximum
and minimum heights.
[0057] The actuation mechanism 406 includes a pair of actuators 416 and 418,
each of
which is coupled to the intermediate section 412. A first of the actuators 416
is also coupled
to the top section 414, while a second of the actuators 418 is also coupled to
the base section
410. In this illustrative example, the actuators 416 and 418 are hydraulic
cylinders that are
configured to be selectively powered by a source of hydraulic fluid provided
to the
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implement 400 via a power machine with which it is operably coupled. Actuators
416 and
418 are connected in parallel such that when hydraulic fluid is provided to
the actuators, they
each retract or expand, depending on which direction hydraulic fluid is
provided to the
actuators. In some embodiments, the actuation mechanism 406 includes one or
more
actuators (none shown in FIGs. 6-7) to control stabilizers that extend from
the frame to the
support surface or ground. In embodiments with stabilizers, positioning the
stabilizers onto
the ground can allow the frame to be raised off of the support surface,
thereby increasing the
maximum reach of the frame, resulting in a more compact frame when the frame
is fully
retracted for a given maximum reach. An example hydraulic circuit for
implement 400 is
discussed in more detail below.
[0058] As discussed above, the driving mechanism 402 is mounted to the top
section 414 of
the frame 404. FIG. 8 illustrates the driving mechanism 402 in more detail.
The driving
mechanism 402 includes a driving force generator 420, which is mounted to a
base 422. The
driving force generator 420 provides a driving force, which is transmitted to
the base 422.
The base 422 is coupled to the top section 414 via a plurality of isolators
424. Isolators 424
can be constructed of any suitable material capable of isolating the base 422
from the frame
404 so that the driving force generated by the driving force generator is
generally not
transmitted to the frame. The driving force generator 420 includes a hydraulic
motor 425
(shown in FIG. 6) that drives a pair of eccentrically weighted wheels to
generate a vibratory
force. The forces generated by each of the eccentrically weighted wheels are
such that they
cancel out vibrations in a horizontal direction represented by arrow 426
leaving substantially
only vibratory forces that act in a vertical direction, as represented by
arrow 428. Thus, the
vibratory forces are focused in a direction that will tend to urge a pole
splint into the ground
during operation of the implement 400.
[0059] The driving mechanism 402 also includes an engagement member 430, which
is
configured to engage a pole splint to urge it into place against a pole while
the pole splint is
being driven into the ground. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the
engagement member
430 has an engagement surface 432 that includes a plurality of projections 434
extending
therefrom. The projections 434 are positioned so that when the engagement
member 430 is
properly engaged with a splint, the engagement surface 432 is in contact with
an end of the
splint and at least one of the projections is on each side of the pole splint.
FIG. 8A shows a
portion of a pole splint 435 in an engagement with the engagement surface 432.
Two of the
three projections 434 are shown on one side of the pole splint 435, with the
third projection
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being positioned on the opposite side of the pole splint (and not shown in
FIG. 8A). The
positioning of the three projections in this manner provides some retaining
assistance when
the engagement member 430 is engaged with the pole splint 435. That is, the
pole splint 435
is generally held in a desired vertical orientation by the engagement between
the projections
434 and the contour of the pole splint 435. When properly engaged, the
vibratory forces are
transmitted via the engagement surface 432 to the splint, which the
projections 434 hold the
splint in place. The engagement member 430 is removably attached to the base
422 with
fasteners 436. This allows for attachment of various different engagement
members as may
be required for different shapes and sizes of splints.
[0060] FIG. 6 also illustrates various conduits for providing pressurized
hydraulic fluid to
the cylinders 416 and 418 as well as the hydraulic motor 425. A hose guide 440
is attached to
the frame 404 in which flexible hoses 442 and 444 that provide pressurized
hydraulic fluid to
motor 425 are carried. Hose guide 446 carries hoses 449 and 450, which are
provided to the
cylinders 416 and 418. Because the frame 404 is a telescoping frame, it is
necessary to have
at least part of the conduits be flexible. The hose guides 440 and 446
restrain the hoses that
are carried within them, thereby minimizing the likelihood of damage. Hoses
448 are
provided for connection to a power machine.
[0061] In FIGs. 6-7, the frame 404 is shown as being positioned vertically,
i.e. generally
normal to a support surface on which the implement 400 is placed. Put another
way, the
frame 404 is shown to be vertically aligned with the power machine interface
409. In some
applications, however, the ground or support surface adjacent a utility pole
that is to be
reinforced with a splint may be sloped. In such a case, the power machine and
implement 400
may be tilted such that when the driving mechanism 402 is positioned above the
splint, it
would be inclined to drive the splint into the ground at an angle with respect
to the pole. To
address this issue, the frame 404 of implement 400 is pivotally coupled to the
power machine
mounting structure 409 to allow the frame to be tilted with respect to the
power machine
mounting structure and thus the power machine.
[0062] FIG. 9 illustrates the first section 410 of the frame 404. The first
section includes an
interface portion 411, which provides for coupling to the power machine
mounting structure
409. As will be described below, the frame is tiltable under power via an
actuator. A bushing
455 is provided on the interface portion 411 for coupling to such an actuator.
[0063] FIGs. 10 and 11 illustrate the pivotal coupling between the power
machine mounting
structure 409 and the frame 404. The frame 404 is pivotally coupled at pivot
joint 452. An
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actuator 454 is coupled to the frame 404 at joint 456 (via bushing 455) and to
the power
machine mounting structure 409 at joint 458. The actuator 454 is configured to
pivot the
frame 404 in response to operator input. In FIG. 11, the frame 404 is shown
pivoted with
respect to the power machine mounting structure. In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 11, the
frame is capable of pivoting 15 degrees in either direction from a centered
position. Other
embodiments can have different tilting capabilities as may be advantageous.
[0064] FIG. 12 is a schematic of a control circuit 470 for use on implement
400. An actuator
control assembly 472 and an electronic controller 474 are installed on the
frame 404 of the
implement 400. Controller 474 is configured to be in communication with
controller 250 on
the loader 200 (or controller on 350 on utility vehicle 300 or a controller on
other power
machines capable of interfacing with implement 400) to receive indications
from operator
inputs. Controller 474 is, in one embodiment, connected to the power machine
via conduits
492 connected at port 234 (the connection not being shown in any of the
FIGs.), although any
suitable connection can be made between the controllers 250 and 474 without
departing from
the scope of this disclosure. The actuator control assembly 472 shown in FIG.
12 has three
hydraulic control valves: a first valve 476, a second valve 478, and a third
valve 480. The
actuator control assembly 472 is shown schematically as a single valve
assembly, but any
arrangement of valves and valve assemblies can be provided. In addition, other
types of
actuator controls can be employed, including other hydraulic arrangements,
electrical or
electronic actuator controls, and the like.
[0065] Three couplers 482, 484, and 486 are shown as being provided to this
particular
actuator control assembly 472. These couplers 482, 484, and 486 correspond to
hoses 448.
Couplers 482 and 484 are source couplers that are capable of receiving
pressurized hydraulic
fluid from a power machine in either a first direction, in through coupler 482
and out through
coupler 484 or a second direction, in though coupler 484 and out through
coupler 486.
Coupler 486 is provided as return line to a low volume reservoir. Power in the
form of
pressurized hydraulic fluid is made available to the first, second, and third
hydraulic control
valves 476, 478, and 480. Control valve 476 is operably coupled to actuator
454 for
controlling the angle of the frame 404 with respect to the power machine
mounting structure
409. Control valve 478 is operably coupled to the actuators 416 and 418 for
controlling the
extension and retraction of the frame 404. A valve 487 is in communication
with a base end
of each of the actuators 416 and 418. Valve 487 acts to prevent uncommanded
fluid flow
between the actuators 416 and 418 to prevent uncommanded lowering of
intermediate frame
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section 412. Control valve 480 is in communication with stabilizing or
platform leg extension
actuators 488 and 490. As discussed above, some embodiments can have
stabilizers and in
those embodiments, a control valve 480 is provided to control the position of
the stabilizers.
[0066] Each of the control valves 476, 478, and 480 are operated to control
the various
actuators to which they are operably coupled in response to operator inputs.
As shown in
FIG. 12, the control valves 476, 478, and 480 are in a blocking position, i.e.
they are each
position to prevent operation of each of the actuators. Controller 474 is
operably coupled to
each of the control valves 476, 478, and 480 to control the position thereof.
Control 474 is
shown as having six outputs, A-F, for controlling the control valves 476, 478,
and 480. These
six outputs can be individual signal lines, different signals provided on a
communication bus,
wireless signals, or any other acceptable communication scheme capable of
providing control
signals to the control valves. Control signals A and B are provided to control
valve 476 (to
either individual control devices such as the solenoids illustrated in FIG. 12
or any other
actuation device that control the position of control valve 476) for causing
the actuator 454 to
extend and retract, respectively. Control signals C and D are provided to
control valve 478
for causing the actuators 416 and 418 to extend and retract, respectively.
Control signals E
and F are provided to control valve 480 for causing actuators 488 and 490 to
extend and
retract, respectively. Pressurized hydraulic fluid is provided to motor 425 in
response to
operator input. As shown in FIG. 12, no actuator on the implement 400 is
controlled by
controller 474 to enable, or prevent, hydraulic flow to motor 424, although in
other
embodiments, such an actuator may be provided and controlled by a controller
onboard the
implement.
[0067] FIGs. 13-14 illustrate an implement 500 that can be attached to a power
machine
such as loader 200 or utility vehicle 300 and is configured to drive a rigid
member into the
ground according to another illustrative embodiment. The implement 500
includes the
components illustrated in FIG. 5, but unlike the implement 400 discussed
above, it is not
configured to position a driving mechanism at a top end of the rigid member
and apply a
downward force to the top end of the rigid member to drive it into the support
surface. This
provides the advantage that the length of the rigid member that implement 500
can drive into
a support surface is not limited by the maximum height of the frame as with
implement 400
above.
[0068] Implement 500 includes a frame 502, which is a generally vertical
member. A power
machine mounting interface 504 is operably coupled to the frame 502 and is
configured to be
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attached to an implement carrier on a power machine such as loader 200 and/or
utility vehicle
300. Mounting interface 504 can be either rigidly mounted to the frame 502 or
rotatably
mounted to the frame 502 to allow the frame 502 to be pivoted with respect to
the mounting
structure in a manner similar to the arrangement discussed above with respect
to implement
400.
[0069] Implement 500 has a driving mechanism 506 that is capable of engaging a
rigid
member and an actuation mechanism 508 that is capable of moving the driving
mechanism
relative to the frame 502. As will be discussed in more detail below, rather
than having a
telescopic frame, the position of which is being controlled by an actuation
mechanism, the
frame 502 of implement 500 is a rigid frame with no sections that move to
position the
driving mechanism 508. Instead, the driving mechanism 506 is positionable
relative to the
frame 502 under power of the actuation mechanism 508, at least so far as the
actuation
mechanism is capable raising the driving mechanism 506 relative to the frame.
The frame
502 has a channel 503 formed into it. The channel 503 is provided to guide a
rigid member
such as a pole splint into a proper position during the insertion process. The
channel 503 has
an aperture 505 so that a portion of the driving mechanism 506 can engage a
rigid member by
accessing the rigid member through the aperture. The implement 500 is
configured to work
with a rigid member that has a plurality of engagement features that the
driving mechanism
can access to drive the rigid member into the support surface. Thus, the
driving mechanism
need not be positioned on a top end of the rigid member to drive it into the
support surface.
Both the driving mechanism and the rigid member will be discussed in more
detail below.
[0070] FIGs. 15-16 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the implement
500 and a rigid
member 510, in the form of a pole splint. The actuation mechanism 508 includes
a hydraulic
motor 512 (shown in FIGs. 13-14) that has a sprocket 514 on its output shaft.
The sprocket
514 drives a chain 516 about a driven sprocket 518. The chain 516 is tensioned
by a
tensioning member 520. An interface block 522 has a pair of hydraulic couplers
524 and 526
of the type that can be coupled to a source of hydraulic power, such as would
be available at
port 234 and 334. A pair of conduits 528 and 529 supply and return hydraulic
fluid to the
motor 512. The actuation mechanism is operable under hydraulic power, in
response to an
operator input (such as might be located on the power machine to which the
implement is
coupled).
[0071] As the chain 516 rotates about the sprockets 514 and 518, it is capable
of engaging a
catch member 530 on the driving mechanism 506 to lift the driving mechanism
508 to the
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raised position. Once the catch member is 530 is in the fully raised position
as is shown in
FIG. 15, the chain 516 will continue to rotate, causing the catch member to
become
disengaged from the chain. As a result, the driving mechanism 506 is allowed
to fall, thereby
transferring a downward force onto the rigid member 510.
[0072] FIG. 17 illustrates an inner portion 532 of the driving mechanism 508.
The inner
portion 532 is carried within the frame 502 and is attached to an outer
portion in the form of
weights 534 that are attached to the inner portion and are also carried within
the frame. The
weights 534 can be a single assembly attached together or individual weights
that attached
only to the inner portion. The inner portion 532 and the outer portion 534
collectively provide
mass to increase the downward force onto the rigid member. The inner and outer
portions of
implement 500 are but one example of how to add mass to the driving mechanism
508 and
should not be considered limiting. Inner portion 532 is shown in FIG. 17 as
having the catch
member 530 attached to it.
[0073] FIG. 18 shows a portion of the rigid member 510. The rigid member has a
main
surface 570 and a pair of legs 572 that are generally perpendicular to the
main surface. In
alternate embodiments, the legs 572 can be positioned so that they are on
intersecting planes
or have other features that result in the surface of the legs being not
planar. This arrangement
allows for a handling member such a hydraulically actuated mechanism
integrated into
various embodiments of an implement to grab, hold, and position the rigid
member. The
rigid member 510 has a plurality of engagement features 550 that are formed
into the main
surface 570 that are capable of being engaged by the driving member 508 of
implement 500.
In one embodiment, the engagement features 550 are a series of evenly spaced
deformations
that extend along the vertically extending main surface 570 of the rigid
member 510.
Alternatively, the engagement features can be apertures formed through the
rigid member or
material such as a series of tabs attached to the rigid member.
[0074] Some rigid members and more particularly, some pole splints may not
have
engagement features such as those shown in FIG. 18. Since the implement 500
necessarily
needs to engage a series of engagement features to drive the rigid member into
the ground,
such pole splints cannot be ordinarily driven into the ground by implement
500. FIGs. 19 and
19A illustrate an adapter 600 that can be attached or positioned adjacent to
such a splint
during the driving process. The adapter 600 has vertical member 602 with a
series of
engagement members 604 and an adapter 606 with one more projections 608
extending
downwardly. Alternatively, the adapter 600 can have any feature that is
capable of engaging
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the splint, whether at the top of the splint or otherwise. The adapter 600 can
positioned so that
the adapter is on a top end of a splint with the vertical member 602 and the
projections 608
are on opposite sides of the splint. The splint is thus engaged by the adapter
600 and transfers
a downward force via the adapter to the splint.
[0075] FIG. 20 shows a portion of the driving mechanism 508, showing an
engagement
feature 560 for engaging the engagement features 550 on the rigid member 510.
The
engagement feature 560 is pivotally mounted to the inner portion 532 of
driving mechanism
508 at pivot 562. The engagement feature 560 is biased toward the splint by a
biasing
member 564 in the form of a spring. The engagement feature has an engagement
surface 561
that engages the engagement members 550 to transfer the dropping force onto
the rigid
member 510. Spring 566 if attached to the engagement member 560 and the frame
at tab 568
to bias the engagement member in a downward direction.
[0076] The actuation mechanism 508 includes chain 516, with a link 517, which
is
configured to catch the catch member 530 (shown in FIG. 15). As the actuation
mechanism
508 raises the driving mechanism 506, the engagement member 560 is raised
above the
engagement member 550. Dropping the driving mechanism 506 causes the
engagement
surface 561 to hammer onto the engagement surface 550, thereby urging the
rigid member
into the support surface. Eventually, as the rigid member is driven further
into the support
surface, the process of raising the driving member causes the engagement
member 560 to
engage the next engagement member 550 on the rigid member and in the process
continue to
drive the rigid member into the ground.
[0077] Referring now to FIG. 21, shown is a first embodiment of a method 700
of using an
implement that is coupled to a power machine to drive a rigid member such as a
pole splint
into the ground. Because the method includes a power machine, the implement
must
necessarily be coupled to the power machine is shown at block 705. The method
further
includes placing rigid member in a selected position for insertion into the
support surface, as
is shown at block 710. For example, a pole splint would be placed adjacent the
pole to be
reinforced. This can be accomplishing by manually placing the rigid member in
place or by
using the implement (in some embodiments) to grab the rigid member and
position it. A
control signal is provide from the power machine, as shown at block 715. The
control signal
can be provided in the form of pressurized hydraulic fluid, an electrical
signal, or both. In
response to the control signal a driving force is transferred to the rigid
member as shown at
block 720.
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[0078] Referring now to FIG. 22, shown is a second embodiment of a method 750
of using
a pole splint driver to drive a splint into the ground. As shown at block 755,
the method
includes positioning a telescoping frame of the pole splint driver relative to
a pole splint to
position a vibratory mechanism of the pole splint driver implement over a
splint. This can
also include positioning an arm of a power machine, extending the telescoping
frame,
rotating the frame relative to an attachment plate to accommodate uneven
ground, etc. Next,
as shown at block 760, the method includes controlling the vibratory mechanism
of the pole
splint driver to provide a driving force to drive the splint into the ground.
As shown at block
765, the method also includes retracting the telescoping frame while
controlling the vibratory
mechanism in order to apply additional driving force to drive the splint into
the ground.
[0079] The embodiments described above provide many important advantages. The
implements and the implements in combination with the power machines described
above
provide apparatuses and methods of installing pole splints in a much more
efficient way than
was previously available. Previously, several persons were required to perform
the various
complicated activities required to install pole splints. With the innovative
embodiments,
described above, the method installing such splints has been greatly
simplified, the manpower
required to install a splint has been reduced, and the installation can be
accomplished much
more quickly.
[0080] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to
structural
features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject
matter defined in
the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or
acts described above.
Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as
example forms of
implementing the claims. Other examples of modifications of the disclosed
concepts are also
possible, without departing from the scope of the disclosed concepts.
