WO2012030994A2

WO2012030994A2 - Trenching machine with rear guide

Info

Publication number: WO2012030994A2
Application number: PCT/US2011/050017
Authority: WO
Inventors: Richard W. Shelton
Original assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Co
Current assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Co
Priority date: 2010-08-31
Filing date: 2011-08-31
Publication date: 2012-03-08
Anticipated expiration: 2013-02-28
Also published as: WO2012030994A3

Abstract

A trenching machine is disclosed. The trenching machine includes a cutting wheel defining a cutting wheel plane perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the cutting wheel. The cutting wheel is adapted for cutting a trench when rotated about the axis of rotation of the cutting wheel. The trenching machine also includes a front pivot location positioned in front of the cutting wheel for pivotally connecting the trenching machine to a propelling vehicle at a front pivot axis. The trenching machine further includes a rear guide component positioned rearward of the cutting wheel. The rear guide is configured to project downwardly into the trench during trenching. A position of the rear guide component can be laterally adjusted relative cutting wheel plane.

Description

TRENCHING MACHINE WITH REAR GUIDE

This application is being filed on 31 August 201 1, as a PCT International Patent application in the name of Vermeer Manufacturing Company, a U.S. national corporation, applicant for the designation of all countries except the US, and Richard W. Shelton, a citizen of the U.S., and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial Number 61/378,753 filed August 31, 2010, the subject matter of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to excavation machines. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to trenching machines such as micro- trenching machines.

Background

Telecommunications networks such as fiber optic networks have expanded greatly in recent years. Telecommunications cables of such networks are often installed underground. A method for installing cables, known as micro-trenching, has been developed whereby a relatively narrow trench is cut into a roadway. After the trench has been cut, telecommunications cable, conduit for receiving

telecommunications cable, or other product is then installed within the trench.

Thereafter, the trench is backfilled to repair the roadway. Example micro trenching methods are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,879,109 and 5,934,834. Other micro- trenching methods are described in U.S. Patent Publication Nos. US 2008/0298755 and US 2001/00086254.

More recent developments have focused on increasing the trench depth of micro -trenches to provide for better protection of the installed product (e.g., underground cable). Increasing the depth of the trench creates different challenges for the trenching machine, including concerns relating to the durability or longevity of the trenching machine. Summary

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a trenching machine having a rear guide component that causes the trenching machine to track along a desired path (e.g., a linear path). In certain embodiments, the guide component can be laterally adjustable relative to an intended direction/path of travel of the trenching machine. In still other embodiments, the guide component is not used to either clean the trench, or to pull material into the trench. In such embodiments, the guide component may extend only a relatively short distance into the trench so as to assist in guiding the trenching machine while minimizing the potential for disrupting side walls of the trench.

Brief Description of the Drawings

FIG. 1 is a rear, right side perspective view showing a trenching machine in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure being pulled by a propelling vehicle;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the trenching machine of FIG. 1 set to a first trenching depth;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the trenching machine of FIG. 1 set to a second trenching depth that is less than the first trenching depth of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a rear view showing the trenching machine of FIGS. 1-3 cutting a trench through asphalt paving adjacent to a concrete curb;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 2 showing a side view of a guide component of the trenching machine;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 4 showing a rear view of the guide component of the trenching machine;

FIG. 7 is a rear, left perspective view of the trenching machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is an exploded, rear, right perspective view of the guide component of the trenching machine of FIG. 1 ; and

FIG. 9 is a rear, left perspective view of the trenching machine of FIG. 1 shown cutting a trench through asphalt along a curb line. Detailed Description

FIG. 1 shows a trenching machine 20 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The trenching machine 20 is shown being pulled by a propelling vehicle 22 (e.g., tractor, truck or other vehicle). The trenching machine 20 is depicted as an attachment mounted at an offset configuration relative to the propelling vehicle 22 (e.g., the trenching machine 20 is shown offset to the right side of the propelling vehicle 22). The trenching machine 20 is connected to the propelling vehicle 22 at a front pivot location 24 that allows the trenching machine 20 to pivot relative to the propelling machine 22 about a vertical front pivot axis 26. The trenching machine 20 also includes a rear guide component 28 that assists in encouraging the rear of the trenching machine 20 to track at a desired position (e.g., directly behind) relative to the front pivot axis 26 of the trenching machine 20.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the trenching machine 20 is shown being used to cut a trench 37 through an asphalt road surface 32 along an edge 34 of a concrete curb 36. Asphalt is typically softer than concrete and therefore easier to cut. To enhance the longevity of a cutting component of the trenching machine 20, it is desirable for the cutting component to have minimal contact with the concrete curb 36. In this regard, the rear guide component 28 is preferably configured such that during trenching the trenching machine 20 tracks in a generally straight line along the edge 34 of the concrete curb 36 while minimizing contact between the cutting component of the trenching machine 20 and the concrete curb 36.

During trenching operations, it is also desirable to remove cuttings from the trench as the trench is excavated. In this regard, a vacuum system can be used to evacuate cuttings/debris from the trench 37. As shown at FIGS. 1 and 2, the evacuation system can include a vacuum hose adapter 38 positioned adjacent the front of the trenching machine 20 allowing a vacuum hose 39 to be coupled to the trenching machine 20. The adapter 38 provides fluid communication between the vacuum hose 39 and a front portion of the trench 37 being excavated. The vacuum hose 39 is preferably in fluid communication with a source of vacuum 41 for carrying the cuttings/debris from the trench 37 to a collection tank 43. In certain embodiments, the source of vacuum 41 and the collection tank 43 can be carried by a separate vehicle (e.g., a truck) driven next to, behind or in front of the propelling vehicle 22. In other embodiments, the source of vacuum 41 and collection tank 43 may be carried by the propelling vehicle 22.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the trenching machine 20 can also include a feed arrangement 40 mounted adjacent to a rear end of the trenching machine 20. The feed arrangement 40 can be configured to feed product (e.g., communications cable, conduit, etc.) into the trench at a location behind the trenching machine 20. During trenching operations, the feed arrangement 40 can be configured to concurrently feed product into the trench behind the trenching machine 20 as the trenching machine 20 trenches in a forward direction 45. In certain embodiments, product such as telecommunications cable can be paid off a spool and fed through the feed arrangement 40. In certain embodiments, the feed arrangement can include a conduit that extends downwardly into the trench 37 at a location rearward of the rear guide component 28. The product can be fed through the interior of the conduit and into the trench 37.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 7 the trenching machine 20 includes a cutting component in the form of cutting wheel 42 (i.e., a trenching wheel). The cutting wheel 42 includes a wheel/disc shaped carrier 44 to which a plurality of cutting elements 46 (e.g., cutters, teeth, grinding elements, etc.) are mounted. The cutting wheel 42 is rotated in an up-cutting direction 47 about a central axis 48 by a drive mechanism such a hydraulic motor 50. The cutting wheel 42 is coupled to a rotational drive shaft of the hydraulic motor 50. The hydraulic motor 50 is mounted to a frame 52 such that the frame functions to supports/holds the cutting wheel 42 at a desired position while the cutting wheel 42 is free to rotate relative to the frame 52 about the central axis 48. The frame 52 also forms a protective shroud over an upper portion of the cutting wheel 42 and controls/limits the depth the cutting wheel 42 can cut into the structure being trenched so as to control the trenching depth of the trenching machine 20. A linkage 54 connects the frame 52 to a front bracket 56. The front bracket 56 includes pin receivers 58 for receiving a vertical pivot pin used to pivotably connect the trenching machine 20 to the propelling vehicle 22 at the pivot location 24.

The up-cut rotational direction of the cutting wheel 42 causes the cutting wheel 42 to carry cuttings/debris upwardly and forwardly from the bottom of the trench 37 away from the rear guide component 28 and toward the entrance opening of the vacuum hose adapter 38 positioned adjacent the front of the trenching machine 20. While an up-cut trenching machine is shown, it will be appreciated that aspects of the present disclosure are applicable to both up-cut trenching machine and down-cut trenching machines.

The frame 52 includes an upper portion 60 to which the hydraulic motor 50 is mounted. The upper portion 60 forms a protective shroud that covers the upper portion of the cutting wheel 42. The frame 52 also includes a lower foot 62 (i.e., a shoe) for limiting the cutting depth of the trenching machine 20 and for riding along the top surface of pavement being trenched. The foot 62 is pivotably movable about an axis 64 relative to the upper portion 60. Specifically, the foot 62 is pivotably movable relative to the upper portion 60 between a first position 66 (shown at FIG. 2) and a second position 68 (shown at FIG. 3). In the first position 66, a maximum amount of the cutting wheel 42 is exposed below the foot 62. Thus, the first position 66 represents a maximum trenching depth Dl of the trenching machine 20. In the second position 68, a smaller portion of the cutting wheel 42 projects downwardly beyond the foot 62. Therefore, in the second position 68, the trenching machine 20 configured to cut a trench having a depth D2 that is smaller than the depth Dl . Foot 62 can be set at a plurality of intermediate positions between the first position 66 and the second position 68 to provide other trenching depths.

A fastener 70 can be used to secure the foot 62 in a rotational position corresponding to a desired trenching depth (e.g., the first position 66, the second position 68, or an intermediate position between the first and second positions). To move the foot 62 from the first position 66 to the second position 68, the fastener 70 can be removed and the foot 62 can be pivoted in a clockwise direction about the axis 64 from the first position 66 to the second position 68. The fastener 70 can then be used to secure the foot 62 in the second position 68. To move the foot 62 from the second position 68 to the first position 66, the fastener 70 can be removed and the foot 62 can be pivoted in a counterclockwise direction about the axis 64 from the second position 68 to the first position 66. The fastener 70 can then be used to secure the foot 62 in the first position 66.

In the embodiment shown at FIGS. 2 and 3, four different trenching depth settings are possible. The trenching depth setting corresponds to openings 72a-72d. Openings 72a receive the fastener 70 when the foot 62 is in the first position 66 to secure the foot 62 in the first position 66. Openings 72d receive the faster 70 when the foot 62 is in the second position 68 to secure the foot 62 in the second position 68. Openings 72b and 72c receive the fastener 70 when the foot 62 is set at intermediate positions between the first and second positions 66, 68.

In one embodiment, the trench depth Dl is about 9.5 inches and the trench depth D2 is about 8 inches. However, it will be appreciated that various aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to the specific depths described herein and that various aspects of the present disclosure are applicable to trenching machines having other trenching depths than those specifically described herein.

The linkage 54 of the trenching machine 20 includes a main link 80. The main link 80 includes one end pivotably connected to the front bracket 56 at pivot axis 82 and a second end pivotably connected to the upper portion 60 of the frame 52 at pivot axis 84. A hydraulic cylinder 86 pivots the main link 80 about the pivot axis 82 to selectively raise or lower the trenching machine 20. For example, the hydraulic cylinder 86 pivots the main link 80 in a counterclockwise direction about the pivot axis 82 to raise the cutting wheel 42 from a trenching position to a non- trenching position. Similarly, hydraulic cylinder 86 moves the main link 80 in a clockwise direction about the pivot axis 82 to move the cutting wheel 42 from a non- trenching position to a trenching position. A hydraulic cylinder 88 is used to change the rotational position of the frame 52 relative to the main link 80. Retraction of the hydraulic cylinder 88 causes the frame 52 to move in a clockwise direction about the pivot axis 84. Conversely, extension of the hydraulic cylinder 88 causes the frame 52 to move in a counterclockwise direction about the pivot axis 84. Slide member 90 provides a further connection between the upper portion 60 of the frame 52 and the main link 80. When the upper shroud/motor support 60 is pivoted about the pivot axis 84 by the hydraulic cylinder 88, one end of the slide member 90 slides within an elongated slot 92 defined by the main link 80. The ability to adjust the rotational position of the frame 52 relative to the main link 80 allows the lower foot 62 to be oriented at a position where a bottom surface of the foot 62 is parallel to the top surface of the structure being trenched regardless of the angular position of the foot 62 relative to the upper portion 60 of the frame 52. For example, by adjusting the rotational position of the frame 52 relative to the main link 80, the bottom surface of the foot 62 is can ride flat against the top surface of the structure being trenched in the trenching depth setting of FIG. 2 and in the trenching depth setting of FIG. 3.

Referring to FIG. 4, the rear guide component 28 is attached to the frame 52 and projects downwardly into the trench 37. In cutting the trench 37, it is desirable for a cutting wheel plane CWP defined by the cutting wheel 42 to be parallel to the intended trenching path/direction. In the depicted embodiment, the intended trenching path extends along the edge 34 of the concrete curb 36. In the depicted embodiment, the front pivot axis 26, the cutting wheel 42 and the rear guide component 28 are all aligned generally along the cutting wheel plane CWP and the cutting wheel plane CWP is generally parallel to the concrete curb 36. The positioning of the rear guide component 28 within the trench 37 assists in ensuring that the cutting wheel 42 tracks directly behind the front pivot location 24 and maintains an orientation in which the cutting wheel plane CWP is parallel to the desired cutting path. Contact between the rear guide component 28 and the sides of the trench 37 limit the amount the angle of the cutting wheel plane CWP can deviate from being parallel with the intended cutting path.

In a preferred embodiment, the rear guide component 28 projects a distance D3 into the trench 37. The distance D3 is preferably less than the maximum cutting depth Dl of the trenching machine 20. In one embodiment, the D3 is less than 50% of the depth Dl. In another embodiment, the depth D3 is less than 25% the depth Dl.

Typical asphalt paving generally has a thickness T that is in the range of about 2 to 5 inches. When being used a guide, the rear guide component 28 is preferably positioned between the relatively hard cut surfaces of the pavement (e.g., the side walls defined by the asphalt pavement and/or the concrete curb) such that the rear guide component 28 rides along relatively smooth hard surfaces. The trench 37 typically extends through the paving material into the sub-base supporting the paving material. The sub-base is typically formed of an aggregate material and has a less solid construction than the paving material. Thus, contact between the rear guide component 28 and the wall of the trench defined by the sub-base can lead to deterioration crumbling of the trench wall. For this reason, it is preferred for the guide to project into the trench a distance less than or equal to the minimum thickness of the paving material forming a wall of the trench. For example, referring to FIG. 4, it is desirable for the depth D3 to be less than the thickness T of the asphalt paving material. In a preferred embodiment, the depth D3 is less than 5 inches, or less than 3 inches or equal to or less than 2 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the depth D3 is about 2 inches.

In certain embodiments, the rear guide component 28 has a width Wl that is relatively close in size to a cutting width W2 of the cutting wheel 42. For example, in one embodiment, the cutting width W2 is no more than one quarter inch larger than the width Wl . In another embodiment, the cutting width W2 is no more than one eighth inch larger than the width Wl . Of course, in other embodiments, rear guide components 28 having widths outside of the width specifically identified above can be used in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

In certain embodiments, the rear guide component 28 can be laterally adjustable relative to the cutting wheel plane CWP of the cutting wheel 42. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 4, it may be desirable to move the rear guide component 28 a distance S to the right of the cutting plane CP so that the rear guide component 28 is brought into contact with the concrete curb 36. In this way, the right side of the rear guide component 28 rides against the right wall of the trench defined by the concrete curb 36 during trenching and prevents the cutting elements 46 of the cutting wheel 42 from actively cutting the concrete curb. In this way, damage to the concrete curb 36 is prevented and the lives of the cutting elements 46 are extended.

Depending upon the desired trenching operation, it may be desirable to move the rear guide component 28 either leftwardly or rightwardly relative to the cutting wheel plane CWP. Once a desired lateral position of the rear guide component 28 has been established, it is preferable to be able to lock or otherwise retain the rear guide component 28 at the established position. In certain embodiments, a drive mechanism such as a motor, cylinder or other structure can be used to allow an operator to modify the lateral position of the rear guide component 28 from a location remote from the trenching machine 20. For example, an operator operating the propelling vehicle 22 may utilize a controller at the operator station of the propelling vehicle 22 to cause lateral movement of the rear guide component 28. In this way, the operator can manipulate the lateral position of the rear guide component 28 on the fly during operation of the trenching machine 20 to set the rear guide component 28 at a lateral position that achieves ideal performance.

Referring to FIGS. 4-6, the rear guide component 28 (i.e., a guide bar, guide member, guide element, guide finger) is shown mounted between reinforcing flanges 100 secured to a rear portion of the foot 62. Because the trenching machine 20 is operated with the bottom side of the foot 62 parallel to the top surface of the structure being trenched, mounting the rear guide component 28 ensures that the rear guide component 28 extends a sufficient depth within the trench 37 to provide the guidance function. As shown at FIG. 5, the rear guide component 28 is shown as a guide bar having a first leg 102 that extends downwardly from the foot 62 into the trench 37, and a second leg 104 that extends forwardly toward the cutting wheel 42 to a location within the trench 37 that is beneath the foot 62.

Slide pins 105 extend laterally between the flanges 100. The rear guide component 28 is slidably movable between the flanges 100 along the slide pins 105 in a left lateral direction L and a right lateral direction R relative to the cutting wheel plane CWP. This allows the rear guide component 28 to be selectively moved adjacent to the left sidewall or the right sidewall of the trench being excavated. An actuator 106 is used to laterally move the rear guide component 28 along the slide pins 105 relative to the cutting wheel plane CWP. The actuator 106 is shown as a bolt 107 having a threaded portion 1 12 located between the flanges 100. The threaded portion 112 engages (i.e., intermeshes with) an internally threaded opening 114 defined by the rear guide component 28. A snap ring 116 is mounted on the bolt 107 to prevent the bolt 107 from disengaging from the flanges 100. By rotating the bolt 107 about its longitudinal axis in a first direction, the rear guide component 28 is caused by the intermeshing threads to move in the leftward direction along the slide pins 105. In contrast, by rotating the bolt in a second rotational direction about its longitudinal axis, the rear guide component 28 is caused by the intermeshing threads to move in a rightward direction along the slide pins. Once the rear guide component 28 has been moved to a desired position, a locking sleeve 1 18 can be mounted at the end of the bolt 107 to prevent the bolt from unintentionally rotating during operation of the trenching machine 20. In this way, the bolt 107 retains the rear guide component 28 at the established lateral position.

For certain applications, it may be desirable to lower the trenching machine 20 directly downwardly in a plunge-cut operation. For such applications, the rear guide component 28 can be mounted in a configuration that allows the rear guide component 28 to be moved from the lowered position of FIG. 5 to a raised position where the entire rear guide component 28 is above the bottom surface of the foot 62. It will be appreciated that pivotable or slideable configurations can be used for allowing the rear guide component 28 to be moved between a raised position and a lowered position.

As used herein, the phrase "generally vertical" means vertical or almost vertical. Also, the phrase "generally horizontal" means horizontal or almost horizontal. Further, the phrase "generally parallel" means parallel or almost parallel. Also, the phrase "generally perpendicular" means perpendicular or almost perpendicular.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A trenching machine comprising:

a cutting wheel defining a cutting wheel plane perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the cutting wheel, the cutting wheel being adapted for cutting a trench when rotated about the axis of rotation of the cutting wheel;

a front pivot location positioned in front of the cutting wheel for pivotally connecting the trenching machine to a propelling vehicle at a front pivot axis; and a rear guide component positioned rearward of the cutting wheel, the rear guide being configured to project downwardly into the trench during trenching, wherein a position of the rear guide component can be laterally adjusted relative cutting wheel plane.

2. The trenching machine of claim 1 , wherein the axis of rotation of the cutting wheel is generally horizontal and the front pivot axis is generally vertical.

3. The trenching machine of claim 1, wherein the trenching machine has a maximum trenching depth, and wherein the rear guide component has a guide depth that is less than 50 percent of the maximum trenching depth.

4. The trenching machine of claim 1 , wherein the trenching machine has a maximum trenching depth, and wherein the rear guide component has a guide depth that is less than 25 percent of the maximum trenching depth.

5. The trenching machine of claim 1 , wherein the rear guide component projects downwardly into the trench for a guide depth less than 5 inches.

6. The trenching machine of claim 1, wherein the rear guide component projects downwardly into the trench for a guide depth less than 3 inches.

7. The trenching machine of claim 1 , wherein the rear guide component projects downwardly into the trench for a guide depth less or equal to about 2 inches.

8. The trenching machine of claim 1 , further comprising a drive mechanism for rotating the cutting wheel about the axis of rotation of the cutting wheel, wherein the drive mechanism is mounted to a frame at least partially enclosing an upper portion of the cutting wheel, and wherein the rear guide component is mounted to the frame.

9. The trenching machine of claim 8, wherein the rear guide component is mounted to the frame via a slide arrangement that allows the rear guide component to be slid laterally relative to the cutting wheel plane.

10. The trenching machine of claim 9, wherein the slide arrangement includes slide pins on which the rear guide component can slide, the slide pins being oriented generally perpendicular to the cutting wheel plane.

11. The trenching machine of claim 8, wherein the frame includes an upper portion to which the drive mechanism is mounted and a lower foot pivotally connected to the upper portion, and wherein the rear guide component is mounted to a rear portion of the lower foot.

12. A trenching machine comprising:

a drive mechanism for rotating the cutting wheel about the axis of rotation; a frame to which the drive mechanism is mounted, the frame at least partially enclosing an upper portion of the cutting wheel;

a rear guide component connected to the frame at a position rearward of the cutting wheel, the rear guide being configured to project downwardly into the trench during trenching, wherein the rear guide component has a guide depth that is less than 50 percent of a maximum trenching depth of the trenching machine.

13. The trenching machine of claim 12, wherein the guide depth is less than 5 inches.

14. The trenching machine of claim 12, wherein the guide depth is less than 3 inches.

15. The trenching machine of claim 12, wherein the guide depth is less than or equal to about 2 inches.

16. A method for trenching comprising:

cutting a trench through pavement using a cutting wheel, the pavement having a pavement thickness;

guiding the cutting wheel with a guide positioned in the trench at a location trailing the cutting wheel, the guide projecting downwardly into the trench for a depth less than the pavement thickness.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the trench is cut through asphalt pavement along a concrete curb line, and wherein the pavement thickness is defined by the asphalt pavement.