REPLACEMENT HYDRAULIC HOSE SET FOR A WORK MACHINE AND METHOD FOR REPLACING A HYDRAULIC WIRING HARNESS OF A WORK MACHINE

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] The invention relates to a replacement kit of a work machine, comprising at least one bundle of hydraulic hoses. Such a kit is known from document US 2008 / 110650 A1.

[0002] The invention further relates to a method for replacing a hydraulic harness of a working machine.

[0003] In mining and construction operations, it is common to have a hose failure situation. Replacement of hoses demands lot of time.BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0004] Viewed from a first aspect, there can be provided a replacement kit of a work machine, comprising at least one bundle of hydraulic hoses, the bundle comprising at least two hydraulic hoses, connectors for connecting to the work machine at the ends of hydraulic hoses, the kit further comprising at least two support frames, each support frame comprising at least one releasable attaching means arranged to attach the at least two hydraulic hoses of the bundle in the support frame and to keep the at least two hydraulic hoses of the bundle in said support frame in a shape that corresponds the shape of the bundle when attached in the work machine, characterized in that the support frames and the bundles attached thereto are releasably arranged in a carrier in the order of use.

[0005] Thereby a kit that reduces substantially the time need for replacing hydraulic hoses may be achieved.

[0006] Viewed from a second aspect, there can be provided a method for replacing a hydraulic harness of a working machine, the method comprising moving the kit defined above in close proximity of a work machine, arranging the support frame with the bundle attached thereto such that the connectors stand close to the corresponding counter-connectors of the work machine, attaching the connectors to said corresponding counter-connectors, and releasing the attaching means arranged to attach the bundle in the support frame between or after said attaching of the connectors.

[0007] Thereby a method for replacing a hydraulic harness of a working machine that is easy to the operators and quick to realize may be achieved.

[0008] The kit and the method are characterised by what is stated in the independent claims. Some other embodiments are characterised by what is stated in the other claims. Inventive embodiments are also disclosed in the specification and drawings of this patent application. The inventive content of the patent application may also be defined in other ways than defined in the following claims. The inventive content may also be formed of several separate inventions, especially if the invention is examined in the light of expressed or implicit sub-tasks or in view of obtained benefits or benefit groups. Some of the definitions contained in the following claims may then be unnecessary in view of the separate inventive ideas. Features of the different embodiments of the invention may, within the scope of the basic inventive idea, be applied to other embodiments.

[0009] In one embodiment, the support frame and the bundle attached thereto is releasably arranged in a carrier. An advantage is that the support frame is easy to transport in safe to the work machine.

[0010] In one embodiment, the carrier is a box. An advantage is that the box keeps the bundle(s) sheltered and protected from the environment.

[0011] In one embodiment, the carrier comprises multiple of frames, for instance three frames. An advantage is that even complex and heavy harnesses may be arranged in one carrier.

[0012] In one embodiment, the support frames are arranged in the carrier one on the other such that the bundle to be attached first in the work machine lies topmost in the carrier. An advantage is that the operators realizing the replacement work may be guided to an optimal order of working phases.

[0013] In one embodiment, the support frames are arranged side by side in the carrier. An advantage is that it is possible to reach a shape and size of the carrier that is optimal for some embodiments of the kits.

[0014] In one embodiment, the support frame is a slab, such as a wooden board. An advantage is that the frame is easy to manufacture and handle.

[0015] In one embodiment, the kit comprises bonding equipment for preventing mutual sliding of the hydraulic hoses in the bundle. An advantage is that the hydraulic hoses are in optimum mutual positions when they are to be connected to the work machine.

[0016] In one embodiment, the bonding equipment comprises a spiral. An advantage is that the spiral not only keep the hoses in correct positions but also protects the bundle against physical contacts and impacts.

[0017] In one embodiment, the kit comprises at least one clamp for attachment the bundle of hoses in the work machine. An advantage is that the replacement work is even more accelerated.

[0018] In one embodiment, the bundle further comprises at least one pneumatic hose. An advantage is that also hoses of the pneumatic system of the work machine may be renewed with the bundle.

[0019] In one embodiment, the bundle further comprises at least one greasing hose. An advantage is that also hoses of the greasing system of the work machine may be renewed with the bundle.

[0020] In one embodiment, the bundle further comprises at least one electric cable. An advantage is that also electric cables of the work machine may be renewed with the bundle.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0021] Some embodiments illustrating the present disclosure are described in more detail in the attached drawings, in which Figure 1a is a schematic view of a kit, Figure 1b is a schematic top view of a detail of the kit shown in Figure 1a, Figure 1c is a schematic top view of another detail of the kit shown in Figure 1a, Figure 1d is a schematic top view of a third detail of the kit shown in Figure 1a, Figure 2 is a schematic view of another kit, Figure 3a is a schematic crosscut view of a detail of a bundle, Figure 3b is a schematic crosscut view of another detail of a bundle, Figure 4 is a schematic side view of a detail of a kit, Figure 5 is a schematic side view of a detail of a kit, Figure 6a illustrates a method for replacing a hydraulic harness of a working machine, and Figure 6b is a schematic side view of a step of the method illustrated in Figure 6a.

[0022] In the figures, some embodiments are shown simplified for the sake of clarity. Similar parts are marked with the same reference numbers in the figures.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Figure 1a is a schematic view of a replacement kit, and Figures 1b - 1d are schematic top views of details of said kit. According to an aspect, the replacement kit 100 comprises at least one bundle 1 of hydraulic hoses 2 and connectors 3 for connecting ends of said hydraulic hoses to a work machine. It is to be noted that the work machine is not shown in Figures 1a - 1d.

[0024] The hydraulic hose 2 may comprise a flexible hose, a stiff tube, or a combination of at least one section of a flexible hose and at least one section of a stiff tube. The hydraulic hose 2 connects two separately arranged hydraulic components.

[0025] The kit 100 further comprises a support frame 4 that comprises releasable attaching means 5. The releasable attaching means 5 are arranged to attach the bundle 1 in the support frame 4 and to keep the bundle 1 in a shape that corresponds the shape of the bundle 1 when attached in the work machine. In an embodiment, the releasable attaching means 5 comprises cable ties that are simply cut for releasing the bundle.

[0026] In an embodiment, such as shown in Figure 1a, there are three bundles 1 and support frames 4 in the kit 100. However, number of bundles and support frames may vary from one to numbers beyond three. In an embodiment, the kit 100 comprises support frames 4 each having only one bundle 1 thereon. In another embodiment, the kit 100 comprises at least one support frame having two or more bundles arranged thereon.

[0027] According to an aspect, the kit 100 comprises at least essentially all the components needed in replacing hydraulic harness of the work machine. In an embodiment, the kit 100 comprises at least essentially all the components needed in replacing hydraulic harness in a boom of a drilling machine. In another embodiment, the kit 100 comprises at least essentially all the components needed in replacing hydraulic harness in a frame, such as a lower frame, of a work machine.

[0028] In an embodiment, the support frame 4 and the bundle 1 attached thereto is arranged in a carrier 6 such that the frame and the bundle can be released from said carrier. The carrier 6 may be e.g. a box comprising an openable lid 19, as shown in Figure 1a. In an embodiment, the box is made of wood material, such as plywood. However, other materials are possible, such as metal, polymer and / or composite materials. The carrier 6 may comprise a stand 13 for allowing the carrier to be moved by a fork-lift truck, for instance.

[0029] In other embodiments, the carrier 6 may have an open structure, basically a rack, a skeleton, a stand etc.

[0030] In an embodiment, such as shown in the Figures, the support frame 4 is a slab, such as a wooden board. In other embodiments, the support frame may be a rack, a skeleton a jig etc.

[0031] In an embodiment, the carrier 6 comprises at least two support frames 4, preferably arranged in order of use. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1a, there are three support frames 4. The support frames 4 are shown in Figures 1b - 1d. The support frames are arranged one on the other in the carrier 6 such that the bundle 1 to be attached first in the work machine lies topmost in the carrier 6. The support frame 4 may comprise support structures 14 that are arranged to hold up the next frame 4. Said support structures may be arranged on top-side, on bottom-side, or on both sides, of the support frame 4.

[0032] In an embodiment, the support frame 4 comprises handles 17 that facilitate moving of the support frame by hands or by means of transportation. Thus, the support frame 4 may be moved to close proximity of the work machine even in narrow mine galleries, for instance. Figures 1a - 1c are showing some alternatives to arrange the handles 17 in the support frame.

[0033] In an embodiment, the kit 100 comprises bonding equipment 7 for preventing mutual sliding of the hydraulic hoses 2 in the bundle 1. The bonding equipment 7 may comprise e.g. at least one of the following equipment: a bandage, a tape, a clamp, a spiral.

[0034] In an embodiment, the bundle comprises at least one clamp 8 for attachment the bundle 1 of hoses in the work machine. The clamp 8 may be arranged in the bundle 1 in its final attachment site. Alternatively, the clamp 8 is not attached to the bundle 1, but anyway preferably close to the final attachment site.

[0035] According to an aspect, the bundle comprises not only hydraulic hoses, but also other hoses, cables or wires. In an embodiment, the bundle comprises a pneumatic hose 9 for transferring pressurized gas. In an embodiment, the bundle comprises an electric cable 10 for transmission of electricity or electrical signals. In an embodiment, the bundle comprises a greasing hose 20 arranged for supplying lubricant or grease to components to be greased.

[0036] The connectors 3 for connecting ends of the hydraulic hoses to the work machine may be any type of connectors. In an embodiment, at least some of the connectors are quick-connect fittings or fast couplings that are easy and quick to connect in the work machine. Also, the cables and wires in the bundle, if any, may comprise quick-connect fittings or fast couplings.

[0037] In an embodiment, the hoses are provided with end caps or plugs that prevent the hoses to be contaminated.

[0038] In an embodiment, the kit 100 is provided with accessories 15 that may comprise e.g. loose hoses, electric cables, clamps, and a set of separate end caps or plugs. This set may be used for preventing leaking from used hoses disconnected from the work machine during replacement operation. The accessories 15 are preferably attached to the support frame 4 so that they are easy to find and not lost.

[0039] In an embodiment, the kit 100 comprises documents 16, such as operator's manual describing the instructions to use the kit. The documents 16 may mention e.g. correct tightening torques of the connectors, etc.

[0040] In an embodiment, ends of the hydraulic hoses 2 (and pneumatic hoses and / or the electric cables, if any) are provided with an identifier or tag, such as a coloured section, a symbol or alphabetical or numerical character. Thus, the hoses are easily recognized and connected with right counterparts in the work machine. Also, some information regarding details of the installation may be arranged to the ends of the hoses, such as correct tightening torque of the connector.

[0041] Figure 2 is a schematic view of another kit. In an embodiment, the support frames 4 are arranged side by side in the carrier 6.

[0042] Figure 3a is a schematic crosscut view of a detail of a bundle, and Figure 3b is a schematic crosscut view of another detail of a bundle.

[0043] In an embodiment, the bundle 1 comprises just two hydraulic hoses 2. In Figure 3a, the hoses 2 has a same diameter. However, this is not compulsory, and so in other embodiments, the hoses may differ in their diameter. In an embodiment, the two hydraulic hoses 2 are a supply hose and a return hose of an impact device of a rock drilling machine.

[0044] Figure 3b is showing a more complex bundle 1, that comprises nine hydraulic hoses 2. In an embodiment, the bundle 1 comprises boom hoses of a rock drilling rig. In another embodiment, the bundle 1 comprises hoses of a drilling machine, for instance hoses for rotating the drilling machine, delivery hose(s) and for stabilator, as well as hoses for a shank lubrication system.

[0045] In an embodiment, the kit 100 comprises one bundle described in connection of Figure 3a and the two bundles described in connection of Figure 3b, the bundles arranged on three support frames 4.

[0046] In an embodiment, the hydraulic hoses (and other hoses and cables, if any) are arranged so that their mutual positions in the bundle 1 corresponds essentially to the corresponding fittings in the work machine. In this way, the operator's connection work may be facilitated.

[0047] Figure 4 is a schematic side view of a detail of a kit. As it can be seen, in some embodiments the bundle 1 is arranged on a flat support frame 4 so that the bundle has basically a two-dimensioned shape on the support frame 4. In another embodiment, such as shown in Figure 5, the bundle is arranged in a three-dimensional shape on the support frame 4. The three-dimensional shape may facilitate the connection work of the bundle. The bundle 1 can be kept in said three-dimensional shape by holder(s) 18 arranged on the support frame 4. The holder 18 may have a simple shape, such as a prismatic shape, that just lifts a part of the bundle up. However, the holder 18 may be shaped to shape the bundle in very precise manner. It is to be noted, that the support frame 4 may have three-dimensional surface arranged to shape the bundle.

[0048] Figure 6a illustrates a method for replacing a hydraulic harness of a working machine, and Figure 6b is a schematic side view of a step of the method illustrated in Figure 6a.

[0049] The work machine W (shown by dashed line) may be any type of a utility vehicle, such as a tractor, a truck, a farming machine, a forestry machine etc. According to an aspect of the invention, the work machine is a mine machine or a construction machine. In mines - such as underground mines and surface mines - and at other work sites different type of work machines are used. The work machine is provided with one or more working device(s). For instance, the mine machine may be provided with working device(s) for executing mine work task at a work site. The mine machine or a construction machine may be e.g. a rock drilling rig, a development drill, a tunneling drilling machine, a surface drilling machine, a bolting or reinforcing vehicle, a rock removal machine, a longhole drill rig, an explosive charging machine, a loader, a transport vehicle, a loading or hauling machine, setting vehicles of gallery arcs or nets, a concrete spraying machine, a crusher or a measuring vehicle.

[0050] According to an aspect, the method for replacing a hydraulic harness of a working machine comprises moving 601 the kit 100 described in this description in close proximity of a work machine W. In an embodiment, all the kit 100 is moved at once, i.e. all the bundles 1 being arranged in a carrier 6. This is an effective way to realize the movement, but quite a lot of space around the work machine is demanded. In another embodiment, the kit 100 is moved one support frame at a time. This makes it possible to do the replacing work in very narrow or constricted space, e.g. in a narrow mine gallery.

[0051] The method further comprises arranging 602 the support frame 4 with the bundle 1 attached thereto such that the connectors 3 stand close to the corresponding counter-connector 11 of the work machine W, and if the bundle comprise the at least one clamp, so that the clamp(s) stand(s) close to the corresponding clamp site 12 in the work machine. This arranging step 602 may comprise turning of the support frame from a horizontal position to a more vertical position. Then, the connectors 3 are attached 603 to said corresponding counter-connectors 11, and the attaching means 5 arranged to attach the bundle in the support frame 4 are released 605 in suitable stages of the method, between or after said attaching 603 of the connectors.

[0052] In an embodiment of the method, wherein the kit comprises at least one clamp 8, the at least one clamp is attached 604 to the corresponding clamp site 12 of the work machine in suitable stages of the method, before, between or after said attaching 603 of the connectors.EXAMPLE

[0053] In a hose harness replacement work, it was replaced harness in a boom of a large mine drilling machine. The kit and method described in this description reduced the work time by about 80 % compared to a previous method not using the kit.

[0054] The invention is not limited solely to the embodiments described above, but instead many variations are possible within the scope of the inventive concept defined by the claims below. Within the scope of the inventive concept the attributes of different embodiments and applications can be used in conjunction with or replace the attributes of another embodiment or application.

[0055] The drawings and the related description are only intended to illustrate the idea of the invention. The invention may vary in detail within the scope of the inventive idea defined in the following claims.REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0056] 1bundle 2hydraulic hose 3connector 4support frame 5releasable attaching means 6carrier 7bonding equipment 8clamp 9pneumatic hose 10electric cable 11counter-connector 12clamp site 13stand 14support structure 15accessories 16documents 17handle 18holder 19lid 20greasing hose 100kit 601-605method steps Wwork machine

Claims

1. A replacement kit (100) for a work machine, comprising - at least one bundle (1) of hydraulic hoses (2), the bundle comprising • at least two hydraulic hoses (2), • connectors (3) for connecting to the work machine at the ends of hydraulic hoses (2), characterised in that the kit (100) further comprises, - at least two support frames (4), each comprising • at least one releasable attaching means (5) arranged to attach the at least two hydraulic hoses (2) of the bundle (1) in the support frame (4) and to keep the at least two hydraulic hoses (2) of the bundle (1) in said support frame (4) in a shape that corresponds the shape of the bundle when attached in the work machine (W); • the support frames (4) and the bundle (1) attached thereto are releasably arranged in a carrier (6) in the order of use.

2. The kit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the carrier (6) is a box.

3. The kit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the carrier comprises three frames (4).

4. The kit as claimed in claim 3, wherein the support frames (4) are arranged one on the other such that the bundle (1) to be attached first in the work machine lies topmost in the carrier (6).

5. The kit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support frames (4) are arranged side by side.

6. The kit as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the support frame (4) is a slab, such as a wooden board.

7. The kit as claimed in any of the preceding claims, comprising bonding equipment (7) for preventing mutual sliding of the hydraulic hoses (2) in the bundle (1).

8. The kit as claimed in claim 7, wherein the bonding equipment (7) comprises a spiral.

9. The kit as claimed in any of the preceding claims, comprising at least one clamp (8) for attachment the bundle of hoses in the work machine.

10. The kit as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the bundle (1) further comprises at least one pneumatic hose (9).

11. The kit as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the bundle (1) further comprises at least one greasing hose (20).

12. The kit as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the bundle (1) further comprises at least one electric cable (10).

13. A method for replacing a hydraulic harness of a working machine, the method comprising - moving (601) the kit (100) claimed in any of claims 1 - 11 in close proximity of a work machine (W), the method being characterized in that it includes the steps of - arranging (602) one of the at least two support frames (4) with the bundle (1) attached thereto such that the connectors (3) stand close to the corresponding counter-connectors (11) of the work machine, - attaching (603) the connectors (3) to said corresponding counter-connectors (11), and - releasing (605) the attaching means (5) arranged to attach the bundle in the one of the at least two support frames (4) before or after said attaching (603) of the connectors.

14. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the kit comprises at least one clamp (8) for attachment the bundle of hoses in the work machine, and wherein - the step arranging (602) the support frame (4) with the bundle (1) attached thereto comprises arranging the at least one clamp (8) stand close to the corresponding clamp site (12) in the work machine, and - attaching (604) the at least one clamp (8) to said corresponding clamp site (12).