Wired wear element assembly for earthmoving machines and protective device therefor - Patents.com

Abstract

An assembly for an earth moving machine comprising a first member and a second member coupled to the first member, the first member being a wear element for a digging implement and the second member being a digging implement or a second wear element for a digging implement, the first member comprising a first cavity adapted to receive at least one sensor, a channel adapted to receive at least one electric wire, and at least one electric wire, the one or more electric wires being introduced into both the channel and the first cavity and attached to the second member, as well as an earth moving machine including the above assembly, and a wiring method.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of earth moving machines. More particularly, the present invention relates to an assembly with wear elements and an earth moving machine equipped with electronics including wired connections for communication and / or energization. [Background technology]

[0002] Earthmoving machines, such as excavators, loaders, shovels, etc., are equipped with excavation implements, e.g., buckets, shovels, dredge heads, etc., by which material is pushed, penetrated, excavated, scratched, pulled, loaded, and / or collected. The machine, the excavation implements, and all components involved in the movement and rotation of the excavation implement during engagement of material (e.g., boom, stick, etc.) need to be carefully operated, taking into account the characteristics of the machine's components and the characteristics of the material or soil being engaged (including, but not limited to, its hardness, shape, weight, etc.). Such operation is important not only for the proper movement of the machine on the soil (i.e., movements commanded to the machine) and loading and unloading of material, but also for the health and safety of both the machine and the operator (if any).

[0003] The engagement of the material causes damage to the excavation implement, which is subjected to high loads, impacts and stresses that can gradually wear, deform and destroy said implement. Therefore, to protect the various parts from these harmful phenomena, a number of wear elements are attached to the excavation implement. The wear elements are subject to wear and deformation due to the engagement with the ground that the excavation implement undergoes when they are lost or damaged. Wear elements, also called ground engagement tools in the field of earth moving machinery, have been an essential element of earth moving machinery for many years.

[0004] Because wearing elements are now the surface of earthmoving machinery that comes into contact with material in a quarry or mine, they are not only designed to resist wear and deformation, but also to engage the material in a more effective way to move, cut through and penetrate the soil.

[0005] Typically, an excavation implement has numerous wear elements deployed, such as lips, adapters, teeth, wear caps, and shrouds. Each of these wear elements experiences significant forces from the ground material, generating torques on the wear element. Because the different wear elements are mechanically coupled, both forces and torques are transferred between them. Depending on the magnitude of the forces and torques, and over time, the wear elements may eventually break or even fall off the excavation implement. The force magnitudes are particularly high during bump, scratch, and load operations, as shown in Figure 10, which shows the force magnitudes measured by a single sensor in a wear element during an earthmoving machine's duty cycle.

[0006] Although the replacement of the wear elements is necessary, it is very important to determine or know the time of replacement in time in order to avoid possible damage to the drilling implement or the possibility of the broken wear elements being loaded into the drilling implement together with the ground material. Moreover, it is equally very important to perform predictive maintenance and operate the machine in such a way that the frequency of replacing the wear elements is reduced. This allows the machine to be operated more safely, saves costs and time, and utilizes all of its ground engagement capacity. Optimal management of the wear elements increases the efficiency of the machine and in particular the availability of the machine, since there are fewer occasions when the machine has to be stopped for unscheduled maintenance or repair of the wear elements. Moreover, thanks to the instantaneous data on the load on the wear elements, it is also possible to improve the efficiency of the machine by adjusting how the drilling implement engages with the ground material.

[0007] To improve the operation of a machine, it is therefore necessary to know how the wear elements behave during their life while the machine is in operation, i.e. to know the strains and forces to which the wear elements are subjected, not only their magnitude but also their direction and the points at which they are applied.

[0008] Sensors can measure these physical magnitudes, but because they are located within the wear elements, the measurements must be transmitted to other parts of the machine, such as a control unit or cabin, or to a location remote from the machine, such as a control center. The transmission must also be complete and fast enough to allow a reaction in real time or near real time, which means that enough data must be received and the latency in receiving the measurements must be well below 1 second (e.g. 100s of a second). ms or less), otherwise a reaction to a problematic ground engagement could occur once a wear element or another part of the machine (e.g. the hydraulic system) is damaged.

[0009] Due to space and installation complexity considerations, the measurement values ​​are transmitted wirelessly: high-frequency electronics is installed alongside the sensor, and the sensor measurements are transmitted as electromagnetic signals by an antenna.

[0010] Since there is not just one wear element placed on the machine, the physical magnitude of most (or each) wear element must be measured and transmitted, since each wear element experiences a different instantaneous load than the others. A wireless system could be installed on each sensor, but all sensor measurements must be transmitted within a short time window. This makes it possible to monitor the operation of the machine and take corrective actions (if necessary) in (near) real time.

[0011] The coexistence of multiple transmissions within a frequency band does not make wireless systems fully scalable, especially considering both the stringent transmission requirements and the limited bandwidth and radiation power due to the regulated electromagnetic spectrum, but more importantly, the transmissions tend to be unreliable due to the overlap of different electromagnetic signals and the losses that the transmissions must overcome to reach the receiving device without error.

[0012] Concerning losses in transmission, the most mechanically loaded operations (i.e., collision, scratching, loading operations) involve the insertion of wear elements and excavation tools into the earth material. Sensors and high-frequency electronics are also inserted into the earth material, and therefore partially or completely buried in the material. Being inserted into the material increases the propagation loss of the electromagnetic waves. The type of material and its characteristics such as humidity also play a role in the losses, as do the weather conditions (rain, snow, etc., increase the propagation loss). As an example, for 2.4 GHz, the loss for every 10 cm of the antenna of the high-frequency electronics inserted into the material is 5.6 dB if the material is dry soil and 27.0 dB if the material is wet soil. Since loading operations usually involve the insertion of the antenna tens of centimeters to several meters (this can be seen, for example, from the diagram of the excavation tool in Figure 11), it is clear that there are large propagation losses in these conditions.

[0013] To overcome the losses, the antenna must radiate with more power, thereby increasing power consumption. The more the antenna (together with the sensor) is protected by the wear element, which is desirable to avoid the loads placed on the wear element and the malfunction of high frequency electronics and sensors due to particles and fines adhering to these parts, the more the losses increase as it is located further inside the wear element.

[0014] Wireless energy consumption is also an issue, not only because lower power consumption is more environmentally friendly, but also because wireless systems contain power sources such as batteries, which consume power. If the power sources run out of energy faster, the power sources need to be replaced more frequently, leading to more frequent machine downtime. Also, when batteries are no longer usable, they must be recycled for proper disposal.

[0015] This makes wireless systems problematic as a system for reliable and timely transmission of measurements important for the proper operation of an earthmoving machine, especially during the most critical moments of the machine's operation and when a larger number of wear elements need to be monitored. Problematic operation of wireless systems generally appears when data of sensors in several wear elements must be transmitted and / or received due to a high duty cycle in the operation of the wear elements. And the global packet error rate increases as the number of sensors in the wear elements becomes larger or as the number of wear elements becomes larger (depending on the size of the excavation implement and / or the particularity of the ground engaged). If this problem occurs and some corrective action must be taken based on the data transmitted by the sensors, either the corrective action will be delayed or the data will be deemed missing, either of which consequences can cause malfunction of the machine or its components, damage to any of them beyond repair, etc.

[0016] Wired systems cannot be easily integrated into drilling implements due to design concerns. Wires run through most of the drilling implement and / or wear elements, from devices that send and receive data or provide power. How wiring is installed in one component of the machine affects how it must be installed in further components of the machine and how the components must be manipulated to insert, repair or replace the wiring. The latter operations are complicated when they involve time-consuming and laborious disassembly of components, thereby increasing the time the machine must be shut down. Another design concern is that wiring may get in the way of machine components and reduce the range of motion of the drilling implement.

[0017] There is a need to transmit measurements of sensing devices located within an excavation implement so that data can be transmitted quickly and reliably, and / or to power the sensing devices to reduce the number of times the machine must be shut down for maintenance. Regarding the former, a self-controlling, or autonomous, earthmoving machine can operate more efficiently by having more data with less latency. Summary of the Invention

[0018] The following aspects are intended to overcome at least the problems mentioned above.

[0019] A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to an assembly for an earth moving machine, comprising: a first member and a second member coupled to the first member, the first member being a wear element for a drilling implement, the second member being a drilling implement or a lip for a drilling implement, the first member comprising a first cavity adapted to receive at least one sensor and a channel adapted to receive at least one electric wire; At least one electrical wire, the one or more electrical wires being introduced into both the channel and the first cavity and attached to the second member.

[0020] The assembly adapted to be connectable to an earth moving machine, in particular to, for example, a digging implement (in which case the second member is a lip) or a stick (in which case the second member is a digging implement), has one or more wear elements on which sensors can be arranged for measuring physical magnitudes or parameters, and the sensors are capable of transmitting data to and / or receiving electrical energy from a device located beyond the digging implement, and do so via one or more wired connections.

[0021] The wired connection allows for interference-free data transmission, which is particularly problematic during the operation of the earthmoving machine. This is all the more so since at certain moments, such as when the machine engages the ground and the drilling implement is embedded in the ground material, these moments are critical for the health of the wear elements and the drilling implement due to the loads they receive from the ground. By receiving the data in time, it is possible to adjust (or not) the operation of the machine and the drilling implement, since the trajectory and the angle of attack of the wear elements and the drilling implement affect the loads applied to them. The wired connection also allows for the powering of the sensor by a power source that is not in close proximity to the sensor and not in the first member.

[0022] The channel is formed such that the electric wire or wires can pass through the channel with little effect on the operation of the excavating implement, i.e., how the excavating implement is moved and rotated. Otherwise, the electric wire or wires may get in the way of different surfaces of the excavating implement or other parts of the machine, such as the stick, boom, etc., and may interfere with certain movements of the excavating implement or, even if they do not interfere with the movement of the excavating implement, may result in the excavating implement pulling on the electric wire until it eventually cuts through the electric wire or the electric wire breaks as the implement moves.

[0023] It goes without saying that restricted movement of excavating implements reduces the efficiency of earthmoving machinery and makes it more difficult to operate. Restricted movement means that the excavating implement envelope is narrowed (i.e. the range of motion of the excavating implement is limited).

[0024] In some embodiments, the channel extends from the first cavity.

[0025] The channel extends from the first cavity by having an end within the volume of the first cavity or adjacent to the first cavity, thereby protecting the at least one electrical wire at least where the connection is made, i.e., where the at least one electrical wire connects with the sensor.

[0026] Adjacent the end to the first cavity means that the end is a distance of 5.08 centimeters (or 2.0 inches) or less, preferably 2.54 centimeters (or 1.0 inches) or less, from the opening forming the first cavity, with the distance being zero if the end is within the volume of the first cavity. The shorter distance allows the at least one wire to interfere less with other elements of the wear element or with the second member when coupled thereto, and also allows the length of the at least one wire to be shorter.

[0027] In some embodiments, one or more of the at least one electrical wire is further attached to the first member. In some embodiments, the one or more electrical wires are attached to at least the first cavity for attachment to the first member. In some embodiments, the one or more electrical wires are attached to at least a surface of the first member different from the first cavity.

[0028] By attaching it to the first member, the wire is further less likely to come loose while the machine is in operation, causing a failure of the wire or interfering with the excavation equipment and reducing its envelope.

[0029] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the channel comprises one or more of a through hole formed in the first member, a through hole formed in a material that at least partially fills the first cavity, and a slot formed in at least one surface of the first member, In some embodiments, different portions of the channel comprise one or more through holes and / or slots.

[0030] The through-hole protects the at least one wire by leading it towards the second member through a surface different from the surface in which the first cavity is formed and allows the use of a different volume for accommodating the at least one wire that may not be suitable for sensing a different physical magnitude or parameter due to its position. The through-hole may be formed in the first member itself or in a material intended to at least partially fill the first cavity and protect the sensor and any other electronics it comprises, the material may be provided by a potting process.

[0031] The slot directs the at least one wire through the surface in which the first cavity is formed and toward the second member. The slot also protects the at least one wire because the wire is recessed rather than directly on the surface of the first member.

[0032] In some embodiments, at least one end of the channel is on a first surface of the first member that faces a second surface adapted to receive or engage a second member.

[0033] At least a portion of the channel (including one end) penetrates the outer surface of the first member, thereby protecting the at least one electrical wire even when the first cavity is on the outer surface of the first member and allowing a sensor to be positioned on the outer surface.

[0034] Such an arrangement of channels also makes it possible to carry out installation and maintenance operations of at least one electric wire without dismantling the entire assembly and / or the drilling implement. Indeed, in some mines, for safety reasons, workers are prohibited from going under the drilling implement. If, for example, one or more wires break during the operation of the machine, the workers can check the condition of the wires and repair them or replace them with new ones. This arrangement is also favorable from the point of view of measurement, since the relevant part of the first member is subject to a strain, i.e. a single deformation, which can be measured by at least one sensor.

[0035] Furthermore, said portion of the channel can be located on a part of the first surface that has a large mass, thereby reducing the impact on the resistance of the first member, especially if the first member is an adapter.

[0036] In some embodiments, the first cavity is formed in the first surface.

[0037] By locating the sensor on the outer surface of the first member, it is possible to measure some parameters, or to measure them more accurately, than if the sensor were located on the inner surface of the first member, such as sensing the type of substance it engages and its humidity. Furthermore, similar to a wire, if the first cavity is on the outer surface, the sensor is easier to access for an operator installing or maintaining the sensor. If the first cavity is on the inner surface, it is usually necessary to first remove and pull out one or more elements in order to access the sensor.

[0038] In some embodiments, the second member is a lip and the assembly further includes a third member, the third member being a digging tool, and the at least one electrical wire is further attached to at least one surface of the third member.

[0039] The wiring goes from the wear element through another wear element, in particular the lip, to the drilling implement. This means that the wiring is not limited to reach only the wear element immediately adjacent to the drilling implement, but rather can reach a wear element that is combined with other wear elements. In this way, sensing can be performed further beyond the drilling implement, with the wear element in contact with the ground. Such wear elements usually have even less space in which devices such as antennas and batteries can be placed. Such wear elements exacerbate the problem of wirelessly transmitting and receiving data.

[0040] In some embodiments, the wear element comprises one of an adapter, a cast nose, a welded nose, or a shroud. A cast nose is a wear element that includes a mating structure that mates with another wear element, such as a tooth, and an attachment for attaching the cast nose to the lip, as known in the art.

[0041] In some embodiments, the wear element comprises an adapter, the channel extending at least from the first member to the second member, preferably through the top surfaces of the two members, the first member and / or the second member having an opening formed in its surface. In these embodiments, the at least one electrical wire passes through the opening to a coupling area where the lip couples with the drilling implement, and / or the channel extends further to an opening formed in the surface of the first member and / or the second member to the coupling area.

[0042] Electrical wiring may be routed to the drilling implement and other parts of the machine through the bond area, which is the interface between the lip and the drilling implement. The electrical wiring preferably reaches the underside of the drilling implement by being routed through the bond area.

[0043] In the coupling region, the wiring may be arranged to run laterally of the drilling implement to reach one of the two sides of the drilling implement. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the assembly further comprises a protection device attached to the coupling region to protect the at least one electric wire, for example from contact with the ground. The protection device may extend across part or all of the coupling region laterally of the drilling implement to protect the at least one electric wire and other components (if any) when routed to a side edge of the drilling implement.

[0044] In some embodiments, the wear element comprises a cast or welded nose, the channel is a first channel, the second member is a lip, and the first and / or second member comprises a second channel extending at least through the first and / or second members, particularly extending from at least a portion or end of the first channel to a recess or groove at the aft end of the lip. In these embodiments, at least one electrical wire passes through both the first and second channels to reach the recess or groove.

[0045] The electrical wiring passes through a second channel formed on the inside of the first member and / or the second member. The first channel connects with the second channel and receives the electrical wiring therein until it reaches a recess or groove in the lip, typically formed on the underside of the lip. In this regard, each nose has a respective recess or groove at the rear end of the lip, the recess or groove typically being aligned or substantially aligned with the respective nose.

[0046] The recess or groove is a recess in the lip that has some free space through which the at least one electrical wire can pass and provides some protection from materials that it may engage during operation of the machine. However, in some embodiments, the wear element further comprises a protective device attached to the recess or groove to further protect the at least one electrical wire and other components (if any) from contact with, for example, the ground.

[0047] In some embodiments, the second member includes one or more third channels, each third channel extending between a respective pair of adjacent recesses or grooves. In these embodiments, the at least one electrical wire passes through at least one of the one or more third channels, preferably until each electrical wire reaches a recess or groove in a corner nose, i.e., a nose closest to one of the lip and the ends of the digging implement.

[0048] The electrical wiring may be routed using one or more third channels along the lateral direction of the drilling implement to a lateral side of the implement from which the electrical wiring is preferably routed to the top of the implement and to other parts of the machine.

[0049] In some embodiments, one or more protective tubes are introduced into each second channel and / or each third channel.

[0050] The electrical wiring passes through both the channel and the protective tube, reducing the risk of damage to the wires.

[0051] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the channel of the first member further extends through a cavity between the one or more first surfaces of the first member and the one or more second surfaces of the second member.

[0052] The wiring is passed through the space available between the two members when they are joined, and at least one of the first and second members, but not one wire, comes into contact with the ground and is protected from abrasion by its presence. This is accomplished without forming an additional cavity in the members, so that at least one wire can extend and be routed towards other parts of the machine by taking advantage of the space created by the joining of the members and between them.

[0053] In some embodiments, the second member includes a channel adapted to receive at least one electrical wire, hi some embodiments, the channel of the first member is positioned such that an end of the channel contacts an end of the channel of the second member.

[0054] The second member may include a unique channel for routing one or more electrical wires.

[0055] In some embodiments, the assembly further comprises one or more protectors attached to at least one surface of the first or second member, both the at least one surface and the one or more protectors being shaped such that a second cavity is formed between the at least one surface and each of the one or more protectors, and one or more wires of the at least one electrical wire are introduced into at least one of the second cavities.

[0056] Each protector is adapted to protect a wire or a T-connector as described below, which in some embodiments is included in the assembly. Each protector covers a portion of at least one wire as it passes through the surface of at least one member, and thus is exposed to abrasion, or covers the T-connector. Each protector is preferably made of steel, more preferably a weldable, abrasion-resistant compatible steel such as Hardox 500, and is attached to the surface to cover the wire or T-connector. To this end, the protector is shaped to form a second cavity through which the wire passes or the T-connector is located.

[0057] In some embodiments, the assembly further comprises a plurality of first members.

[0058] In some embodiments, the second member is coupled to the plurality of first members, and the assembly further includes N T-shaped connectors, where N is equal to or greater than the number of first members of the plurality of first members minus one, and the N T-shaped connectors are electrically connected in a cascaded manner therebetween, and the at least one electrical wire comprises at least as many electrical wires as the number of the plurality of first members, each electrical wire being electrically connected to one of the N T-shaped connectors. In some embodiments in which the assembly includes one or more protectors, at least one of the protectors covers one T-shaped connector such that each T-shaped connector is within the second cavity.

[0059] The wiring reaches the different first members in a distributed manner and with fewer wires by using cascaded T-connectors. Since the T-connectors connect three different wires, the connection of one T-connector to another is made such that each T-connector is connected to two T-connectors at the same time, except for the first and last T-connectors. One wire can extend from each T-connector toward one first member. The last T-connector is not connected to two connectors, so two of its terminals can be used to connect wires going to two first members.

[0060] Nevertheless, it should be noted that other T-connector configurations for wiring the first members are possible within the scope of the present disclosure, for example, N may be equal to the number of first members, with each T-connector connecting with a single first member.

[0061] The cascade configuration is particularly useful when transmitting data in a bus-like manner.

[0062] In some embodiments, the N T-shaped connectors are disposed in the coupling region.

[0063] In some embodiments, each T-connector of the N T-connectors is disposed in a respective one of the recesses or grooves.

[0064] The mating areas and recesses or grooves provide free space to receive the electrical wiring and the T-connector, and furthermore, these locations are protected from the mating material, reducing the risk of damage to the T-connector.

[0065] By placing a T-shaped connector in either the mating area or the recess, electrical wiring can be connected while at the same time running wiring to the side of the drilling implement and from there to other parts of the machine.

[0066] In some embodiments, the assembly further includes an additional member (e.g., a third member, or a fourth member), the additional member being a wear element attached to the first element and adapted to cover the first cavity.

[0067] The first cavity may be positioned such that the additional member also serves to protect the sensor within the cavity and the electrical wiring within the cavity.

[0068] In some embodiments, the assembly further comprises at least one sensor, each sensor of the at least one sensor being introduced into one first cavity, In some embodiments, the at least one sensor or each sensor of the at least one sensor is configured to sense one or more of strain, wear, pressure, temperature, acceleration, position (e.g., GPS), material / soil (for its identification), and shedding of wear elements.

[0069] The sensor measurements, whether processed (if the sensor includes a computing device configured to process the measurements and output data resulting from the processing) or unprocessed, may be transmitted via wiring to other parts of the assembly or machine. Additionally or alternatively, at least one sensor is powered via wiring.

[0070] In some embodiments, the channel includes a maximum opening of no greater than 1.27 centimeters.

[0071] The maximum size of the opening does not exceed 1.27 centimeters (i.e., half an inch), and preferably does not exceed 1.0 centimeter, so that the mechanical properties of the first member are more similar to what they would have in the absence of the channel. In the context of this disclosure, the maximum size of the opening refers to the maximum diameter or maximum length (the latter if the opening is not circumferential) of the entire cross-section of the channel.

[0072] In some embodiments, the one or more electrical wires are attached to the second member and (in some embodiments where the one or more electrical wires are also attached to the first member) are attached to the first member by one of an adhesive (e.g., silicone), introduction into a protector as disclosed above, introduction into a cavity formed between the two members, or friction between the electrical wire and the member to which it is attached.

[0073] A second aspect of the present disclosure relates to an earth moving machine comprising one or more assemblies according to the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0074] The earthmoving machine has a digging implement protected by an assembly and capable of measuring parameters and magnitudes by means of sensors arranged in one or more wear elements of the assembly. Furthermore, thanks to the assembly, the sensor measurements can be reliably transmitted to different parts of the machine at high data rates and bandwidths, without interference, and / or the sensors can be electrically powered without batteries that can be arranged in the assembly itself.

[0075] In some embodiments, the machine further comprises a wire connection panel and a control unit electrically connected to the wire connection panel, wherein one or more wire ends of the at least one electrical wire are electrically connected to the wire connection panel and wherein the one or more wire ends of the at least one electrical wire are electrically connected to one or more sensors of the one or more assemblies, thereby enabling data to be transferred between each connected sensor and the control unit.

[0076] The wire connection panel simplifies the management of wires and the routing of wires to various parts of the machine including the assembly, which in turn further reduces restrictions in operation that the reduced envelope of the excavation implement may cause, since the wires do not get in the way of the excavation implement, stick, boom, or other parts of the machine.

[0077] The wire connection panel may be located on the digging implement, preferably on its outer surface, adjacent or proximate (e.g., within 2 meters, 1 meter, or less) to where the digging implement is mated with the machine stick. The wire connection panel may likewise be located on the stick itself.

[0078] In some embodiments, each connected sensor is configured to transmit and / or receive data at a rate of 512 kbps or greater.

[0079] In this sense, the one or more wires are preferably arranged in a bus configuration, whereby data is transmitted and received according to a bus configuration, such as a Modbus bus configuration, which allows for cost-effective wiring of the earthmoving machine for a large number of sensors while providing data rates of 512 kbps or more per sensor, and also manages the bus for transmission lengths of up to 100 meters or more.

[0080] Either a control unit connected to the wires and configured to transmit and / or receive data, or a separate controller in the machine, manages the bus, preferably to enforce a maximum bus load of between 60% and 80% (endpoints included) of its load capacity. Such a configuration, leaving some of the load capacity available, reduces the number of collisions between packets, thus avoiding packet loss and / or minimizing the global packet error rate.

[0081] In wireless systems for earthmoving machines, transmission is unreliable at the data rates mentioned above, and becomes even less reliable as the number of sensors and / or data rate increases. In wireless systems, the number of sensors is limited due to the amount of packets that do not arrive at the receiving device, or that arrive with errors. Ways to address this issue to some extent in wireless systems are to increase the transmission power (but channel bandwidth limitations may also be an issue), reduce the number of sensors, or transmit less data per unit of time. All of these have significant drawbacks: larger batteries are required or batteries are replaced more frequently, and less data is available to monitor the operation of the machine, to name a few.

[0082] In some embodiments the control unit is configured to operate the earth moving machine based on data received from each connected sensor.

[0083] The control unit processes data received from connected sensors in the wear elements as described above to determine how the wear elements and drilling implements are behaving or what the properties of the engaged material are. After making such a determination, the control unit derives one or more instructions to adjust the operation of the machine (if the measurements indicate this is necessary), such as to adjust the force applied by the machine, to change the angle of attack of the drilling implement, or to change the trajectory of the drilling implement.

[0084] The control unit may have a number of predefined thresholds set therein and may make decisions on the behavior of the wear elements and the drilling implement, either with respect to the forces that each of them endures or the wear that they have undergone at the time. Depending on whether the force or wear of one or more sensors exceeds one, some or all of the predefined thresholds (e.g. a predefined excessive force threshold) and / or whether the calculated force is less than an optimal operating level (e.g. a predefined optimal force threshold), the instructions derived are one way or the other.

[0085] The control unit may assist the machine operator with instructions to automatically adjust, regulate, and correct at least one of the force applied by the machine, the angle of attack of the drilling implement, and the trajectory of the drilling implement. Such instructions assist the operator in performing digging and loading operations in the most optimal and productive manner based on predefined thresholds set in the control unit, including reducing or avoiding wear elements and / or damage to the drilling implement. This prevents unscheduled downtime and improves cost per ton moved.

[0086] The ways in which adjustments, modulations and corrections are made are by applying more or less force to the excavating implement when engaging the ground (i.e. more or less pressure is applied to the cylinders of the hydraulic system), by changing the angle of attack at which the excavating implement contacts the ground during digging and loading operations, and / or by changing the trajectory followed by the excavating implement during digging and loading operations, the latter being accomplished by moving the boom and stick of the machine.

[0087] The processing performed by the control unit preferably includes performing machine learning to progressively determine the state and operation of the wear elements and optionally the machine more accurately, thereby making it possible to provide instructions that are better suited to the situation the wear elements and the machine find themselves in. In this respect, the control unit may use historical data of the operation of the wear elements and / or the machine, inputs from the machine received during operation of the machine and / or its historical data, etc.

[0088] A third aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method comprising: disposing a first member, the first member being a wear element for a digging implement of an earthmoving machine, the wear element comprising a first cavity adapted to receive at least one sensor and a channel adapted to receive one or more electrical wires; a first member coupled to a second member, the second member being a digging implement or a lip for a digging implement of an earth moving machine; introducing one or more sensors of the at least one sensor into the first cavity; electrically connecting an end of one or more wires of the at least one electrical wire to one or more sensors of the at least one sensor; Introducing at least a first portion of one or more wires into the channel; At least a second portion of the one or more wires is attached to a second member.

[0089] This method makes it possible to incorporate sensors in wear elements of the earthmoving machine that transmit measurements via at least one electrical wire to different parts of the machine and / or are powered by different parts of the machine.

[0090] In some embodiments, the method further includes attaching the first portion and / or the third portion of the one or more wires to the first member, e.g., attached to the first cavity or to a surface of the first member different from the first cavity.

[0091] In some of these embodiments, the method further includes at least partially filling the first cavity with a material (eg, a resin) by potting.

[0092] In some embodiments, the channel extends from the first cavity.

[0093] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the channel comprises one or more of a through hole formed in the first member, a through hole formed in a material that at least partially fills the first cavity, and a slot formed in at least one surface of the first member.

[0094] In some embodiments, at least one end of the channel is on a first surface of the first member that faces a second surface adapted to receive or engage a second member.

[0095] In some embodiments, the first cavity is formed in the first surface.

[0096] In some embodiments, the wear element comprises one of an adapter, a cast nose, a welded nose, and a shroud.

[0097] In some embodiments, the wear element constitutes an adapter, and the channel extends at least from the first member to the second member, preferably through the top surfaces of the two members, the first member and / or the second member having an opening formed in its surface. In these embodiments, the method further comprises introducing a second or third portion of the one or more wires into the opening to reach a bonding area where the lip bonds with the drilling implement. Additionally or alternatively, the channel extends further to an opening formed in the surface of the first member and / or the second member to reach the bonding area.

[0098] In some embodiments, the wear element comprises a cast or welded nose, the channel is a first channel, the second member is a lip, and the first and / or second member comprises a second channel extending at least through the first and / or second members, particularly extending from at least a portion or end of the first channel to a recess or groove at the rear end of the lip. In these embodiments, the method further comprises introducing a second or third portion of the one or more wires into the second channel to reach the recess or groove.

[0099] In some embodiments, the second member includes one or more third channels, each third channel extending between a respective pair of adjacent recesses or grooves. In these embodiments, the method preferably further includes introducing the second or third portion of the one or more wires into at least one of the one or more third channels until the respective wire reaches the recess or groove of the corner nose.

[0100] In some embodiments, the method further comprises introducing one or more protective tubes into each second channel and / or each third channel.

[0101] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the channel of the first member further extends through a cavity between the one or more first surfaces of the first member and the one or more second surfaces of the second member, and at least a second portion is attached to the second member within the cavity formed between the one or more first surfaces and the one or more second surfaces.

[0102] In some embodiments, the second member is a lip, and the method further includes coupling the second member to a third member and attaching at least a third portion of the one or more wires to the third member such that each of the one or more wires is routed toward a stick of the earthmoving machine, and the third member is a digging implement.

[0103] In some embodiments, the second member includes a channel adapted to receive one or more wires, and the method further includes introducing at least a second or third portion of the one or more wires into the channel of the second member. In some embodiments, the channel of the first member is positioned such that an end thereof contacts an end of the channel of the second member.

[0104] In some embodiments, the method further includes disposing a wire connection panel and / or a power source on a stick of the drilling implement or machine, and electrically connecting one or more ends of the at least one electrical wire to the wire connection panel and / or the power source such that data and / or power can be transferred between the at least one sensor and the wire connection panel and / or the power source.

[0105] In some embodiments, the method further includes disposing a control unit on the earth moving machine; electrically connecting the control unit to the wire connection panel; measuring one or more parameters or physical magnitudes with each of the at least one sensor during operation of the earth moving machine; transmitting measurements from each connected sensor via at least one electrical wire to the control unit; processing the received measurements by the control unit to determine at least one of forces and wear experienced by each sensor; and deriving, by the control unit, one or more instructions for operating the earth moving machine based on the determined determination.

[0106] In some embodiments, the transmission of measurements occurs at least when the earthmoving machine is engaged with the ground (i.e., when inserted into and / or when penetrated into the ground).

[0107] For example, wireless transmission of data, such as sensor measurements, typically cannot be performed reliably and / or at sufficient data rates while an earthmoving machine is scooping material, e.g., earth, because the material itself generates losses while the high frequency electronics are partially or fully buried in the earth.

[0108] During a significant portion of the duty cycle of an earthmoving machine, the wear elements are partially or completely buried. It is during this portion of the duty cycle that the worst mechanical problems occur for the wear elements and the excavation implement. In addition to fines, particles, etc., the forces on the wear elements also reach the sensor. It is to prevent these phenomena that the main reason why in the prior art the wear elements are usually introduced in deep cavities in the wear element. The radio transmission of an antenna located quite inside the wear element is affected by the Faraday cage, so the transmission must overcome both the additional losses of the Faraday cage and the losses due to the antenna being buried in the material on which it is loaded, as well as the air propagation losses that depend on the environment and weather.

[0109] Measurements relating to the forces and loads experienced by the wear elements are desirably provided at a sampling rate of 20 Hz or greater, especially in the most extreme conditions as described above, if such measurements are to be used to adjust the operation of the machine in real time or near real time. A delay (e.g., 200 ms, 500 ms, 1 sec, etc.) in adjusting the operation of the machine can mean the difference between experiencing a failure (e.g., breakage) or dislodging of a wear element, or avoiding such an event. For example, a rapid response in the form of a change in the angle of attack of the drilling implement, or a reduction in the force applied to the material by the drilling implement, can avoid one or more wear element breakages.

[0110] As mentioned above, to overcome this limitation in wireless systems, more transmission power is required, which would require using more energy or placing the receiving device closer to the transmitting device, which is usually not possible. In contrast, wired connections provide a reliable communication channel even when high frequency electronic devices are buried in materials.

[0111] In some embodiments the method further comprises making measurements of each sensor available at a control unit or at a cabin of the earth moving machine at a data rate of 512 kbps or greater.

[0112] Control of both the excavation implement and the machine, and / or assistance to the operator in controlling both the excavation implement and the machine, can be done in real time or near real time, whereas wireless alternatives are not possible or are not reliable enough to communicate, limiting the operation of autonomous earthmoving machines, especially those that do not require an operator. In these embodiments, the machine or operator can react quickly to input measurements and adjust the operation of the machine according to the measurements, e.g., change trajectory, angle of attack, etc.

[0113] In some embodiments, the one or more instructions include one or more of a force applied by the earthmoving machine, an angle of attack of the drilling implement when engaging the ground, and a trajectory of the drilling implement when engaging the ground.

[0114] In some embodiments, the method further includes attaching one or more protectors (i.e., protective devices) to at least one surface of the first or second member such that each protector surrounds one or more wires of at least one electrical cable on a side not in contact with the first and second members, and each protector is shaped such that a cavity is formed between its at least one surface facing the respective wire and the at least one surface of the first or second member to which the protector is attached.

[0115] In some embodiments, the method further includes arranging a plurality of first members, coupling each first member of the plurality of first members with a second member, the at least one sensor comprising at least as many sensors as the number of first members, the one or more sensors being introduced into a first cavity of each first member, arranging N T-shaped connectors to be electrically connected therebetween in a cascaded manner, N being equal to or greater than the number of first members in the plurality of first members minus one, the at least one electrical wire comprising at least as many electrical wires as the number of the plurality of first members, and further electrically connecting an end of each electrical wire electrically connected to the sensor with one of the N T-shaped connectors.

[0116] In some embodiments, the N T-shaped connectors are disposed in the coupling region.

[0117] In some embodiments, each T-connector of the N T-connectors is disposed in a respective recess or groove.

[0118] In some embodiments, the method further includes attaching an additional member (e.g., a third member, or a fourth member) to the first member to protect the first cavity, the additional member being a wear element.

[0119] In some embodiments, the channel has a maximum opening of no greater than 1.27 centimeters.

[0120] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a protector or protective device for electrical wiring for an earth moving machine comprising a plurality of members mechanically connectable thereto, each member adapted for mounting on a flat surface, each member being made of steel (e.g. Hardox 500), each member having a C-shape or U-shape for forming a cavity adapted for the introduction of the electrical wiring upon mounting of the members on the flat surface.

[0121] The C or U shape provides a cavity for routing and protecting electrical wiring. Depending on the material, the protector can be welded to the surface of the wear element or drilling tool.

[0122] In some embodiments, the protector further has rounded edges on the exterior surface of the C-shape or U-shape.

[0123] The rounded edges reduce the wear the protector undergoes and extend its service life.

[0124] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure relates to a wear element for a drilling implement for an earth moving machine, the wear element comprising a cavity adapted to receive at least one sensor and a channel adapted to receive at least one electrical wire. The wear element is one of an adapter, a cast nose, a welded nose, or a shroud.

[0125] The wear element can be easily installed in a wear element assembly according to the first aspect and in a drilling implement of an earth moving machine as described in the second aspect. The introduction of the sensor and electrical wiring in the wear element, in particular in the cavity and in the channel, allows for a wired connection extending from the sensor to another end point in the machine, e.g. for data transmission, for supplying power to the sensor, etc.

[0126] In some embodiments, the wear element further comprises at least one electrical wire, one or more electrical wires of the at least one electrical wire being introduced into both the channel and the first cavity.

[0127] In some embodiments, the wear element further comprises a protector according to the fourth aspect attached to at least one surface thereof.

[0128] In some embodiments, the channel is a channel as described in the above aspects.

[0129] In some embodiments, the cavity is a channel as described in the above aspects.

[0130] In some embodiments, one or both of the channel and cavity are adjacent to a means for ensuring coupling of the wear element with another wear element or drilling implement (cavity, through hole, etc.).

[0131] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure relates to a wiring assembly for an earth moving machine, comprising: at least one electric wire; and a protector according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the protector being positioned to cover one or more electric wires of the at least one electric wire.

[0132] In some embodiments, the wiring assembly comprises a wear element according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, and the protector is attached to the wear element.

[0133] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure relates to an excavation implement for an earthmoving machine, comprising: one or more assemblies according to the first aspect, and / or one or more protectors according to the fourth aspect, and / or one or more wear elements according to the fifth aspect, and / or One or more wiring assemblies according to the sixth aspect.

[0134] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure relates to an earthmoving machine, one or more protectors according to the fourth aspect, and / or one or more wear elements according to the fifth aspect, and / or one or more wiring assemblies according to the sixth aspect, and / or A drilling tool according to a seventh aspect. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0135] To complete the description and to provide a better understanding of the present disclosure, a set of drawings are provided. The drawings form an integral part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure, and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the disclosure, but merely as examples of how the disclosure may be implemented. The drawings include the following figures: [Figure 1] 1 and 3 show a cross section of an adapter of an assembly according to an embodiment, and FIGS. 2A-2B show an adapter of an assembly according to an embodiment and a cross section thereof. [Figure 2A] 1 and 3 show a cross section of an adapter of an assembly according to an embodiment, and FIGS. 2A-2B show an adapter of an assembly according to an embodiment and a cross section thereof. [Figure 2B] 1 and 3 show a cross section of an adapter of an assembly according to an embodiment, and FIGS. 2A-2B show an adapter of an assembly according to an embodiment and a cross section thereof. [Diagram 3] 1 and 3 show a cross section of an adapter of an assembly according to an embodiment, and FIGS. 2A-2B show an adapter of an assembly according to an embodiment and a cross section thereof. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a cross section of an assembly according to an embodiment. [Figure 5A] 5A-5B and 6 show an assembly according to an embodiment. [Figure 5B] 5A-5B and 6 show an assembly according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 5A-5B and 6 show an assembly according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a T-connector and a protector of an assembly according to an embodiment. [Figure 8A] 8A-8D are cross-sectional views of a protector according to an embodiment. [Figure 8B] 8A-8D are cross-sectional views of a protector according to an embodiment. [Figure 8C] 8A-8D are cross-sectional views of a protector according to an embodiment. [Figure 8D]8A-8D are cross-sectional views of a protector according to an embodiment. [Figure 9A] 9A-9B show an assembly according to an embodiment. [Figure 9B] 9A-9B show an assembly according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a graph showing forces measured by sensors in an assembly according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic showing the engagement of the excavation implement with the ground and the scooping up of material. [Figure 12A] 12A-12E show different views of the assembly (and drilling implement) according to an embodiment. [Figure 12B] 12A-12E show different views of the assembly (and drilling implement) according to an embodiment. [Figure 12C] 12A-12E show different views of the assembly (and drilling implement) according to an embodiment. [Figure 12D] 12A-12E show different views of the assembly (and drilling implement) according to an embodiment. [Figure 12E] 12A-12E show different views of the assembly (and drilling implement) according to an embodiment. [Figure 13A] 13A-13F show different views of the assembly (and drilling implement) according to an embodiment. [Figure 13B] 13A-13F show different views of the assembly (and drilling implement) according to an embodiment. [Figure 13C] 13A-13F show different views of the assembly (and drilling implement) according to an embodiment. [Figure 13D] 13A-13F show different views of the assembly (and drilling implement) according to an embodiment. [Figure 13E] 13A-13F show different views of the assembly (and drilling implement) according to an embodiment. [Figure 13F] 13A-13F show different views of the assembly (and drilling implement) according to an embodiment. [Figure 14]FIG. 14 shows an assembly (and drilling implement) according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0136] FIG. 1 shows a cross section of an adapter 11a of an assembly according to an embodiment. The adapter 11a, which is a wear element of an earthmoving machine, has a first end 27 adapted to connect with another wear element, e.g. a tooth, an intermediate adapter, etc., and a second end 28 opposite the first end 27 adapted to connect with an excavation implement, e.g. a bucket, a shovel, a dredging head, etc., e.g. a plate lip or its blade. The adapter 11a can be more securely connected to the excavation implement by welding or by being cast thereon, as known in the art. In this embodiment, the first end 27 comprises a male part (but in other embodiments the first end 27 comprises a female part) and the second end 28 is a mounting end.

[0137] The adapter 11a also comprises means 41 for fixing the connection with another wear element, in this case the means 41 being a through hole for receiving a pin which penetrates the tooth when connected to the adapter 11a. Other means 41 are possible as known in the art. The adapter 11a also comprises a lifting eye 22, as is customary in the art.

[0138] The adapter 11a has a cavity 30 adapted to receive the sensor formed in a first surface 25, in particular the outer surface of the adapter 11a where the ground material usually reaches during operation of the earthmoving machine, even if the device directly contacting the ground is a tooth. The first surface 25 is the outermost surface of the adapter 11a. The cavity 30 is a recess on said surface.

[0139] The adapter 11a further has a channel 40 in the form of a through hole leading from the first surface 25, more particularly from the cavity 30, to a second surface 26 opposite the first surface 25. The second surface 26 is an inner surface, in this particular embodiment a surface of the cavity for receiving a drilling tool. The channel 40 is adapted to receive at least one electrical wire.

[0140] Thanks to the channel 40, one or more electrical wires 50 of the assembly can pass from a sensor installed in the cavity 30 through the adapter 11a to a drilling tool or even another wear element. As in some of the following embodiments, the electrical wires 50 go to the rear, i.e., second end 28, of the adapter 11a in order to protect the electrical wires 50 within the adapter 11a itself.

[0141] FIG. 2A shows an adapter 11b of an assembly according to an embodiment, and FIG. 2B shows a cross-section of the adapter 11b.

[0142] In the adaptor 11b, the sensor cavity 30 is formed on the first surface 25, but on a side of the adaptor 11b. In this embodiment, the cavity 30 is formed adjacent to a through hole 41 for receiving a pin.

[0143] One or more electrical wires 50 extend from each one of the sensors 35 (in this case there are two sensors 35 in cavity 30) through the through hole 41 to the inner surface 26 of the adapter 11b, through a channel 40b (seen in FIG. 2B) that extends from an inner portion of the through hole 41 toward the second end 28 until it reaches the inner surface 26 of the adapter 11b. When the adapter 11b is mated with a lip or excavating implement, the one or more electrical wires 50 can be attached to its surface to be routed toward other portions of the earthmoving machine.

[0144] FIG. 3 shows a cross section of an adapter 11c of an assembly according to an embodiment.

[0145] The adapter 11c includes a cavity 30 for the sensor formed in the inner surface 26 and a channel 40c extending therefrom towards the inner surface 26 to allow one or more electrical wires 50 of the assembly, which are electrically connected to the sensor in the cavity 30, to reach other parts of the earthmoving machine. In this case, not shown, the cavity 30 is filled with a material, for example a resin, by a potting process. The potting is performed when the sensor is already in the cavity 30, and the channel 40c passes through the material of the potting process to extend from the sensor to the inner surface 26.

[0146] Cavity 30 is preferably formed adjacent through hole 41 at the forward most portion (ie, closest to the end which engages the ground) of the cavity which receives other wear elements or drilling implements.

[0147] FIG. 4 shows an assembly 5 according to an embodiment.

[0148] The assembly 5 comprises a first member and a second member. The first member is an adapter 11a as described in relation to FIG. 1, but may also be an adapter 11b, 11c as described in relation to FIGS. 2A, 2B and 3, or another wear element. The second member is a plate lip 12a for the drilling implement. The assembly 5 may include several adapters 11a coupled or coupleable to the plate lip 12a, making it possible to measure a parameter with a sensor 35 in each adapter 11a and to feed one or more electric wires 50 from each one of the sensors 25 towards the plate lip 12a, further beyond the plate lip 12a itself, for example to a stick, a boom, a cabin, another surface of the drilling implement, etc.

[0149] The assembly 5 may likewise include teeth 10 that are coupled or coupleable to the adapter 11a with the aid of pins 45 and / or an intermediate adapter (for coupling with the teeth), and / or a wear cap 13. With regard to the latter, in a preferred embodiment as in FIG. 4, a cavity 30 for a sensor 35 is formed in the outer surface of the adapter 11a such that a wear cap 13 is coupled to the outer surface of the adapter 11a to protect the cavity 30. The wear cap 13 protects both the adapter 11a and the sensor 35.

[0150] As can be seen in Figure 4, the channel 40a of each adapter 11a also extends between the inner surface of the adapter 11a and the outer surface of the plate lip 12a, forming a channel cavity 40d when the two wear elements are joined. Wiring 50 passes through the channel cavity 40d toward the rear end of the plate lip 12a.

[0151] The assembly 5 may also comprise a protector 60a adapted to be attached to the surface of the second member. The protector 60a forms a cavity of its own with the surface of the plate lip 12a. One or more electric wires 50 pass through the cavity of the protector 60a. When the earthmoving machine excavates the ground, the excavated material reaches the protector 60a but not the electric wires 50. The protector 60a is preferably arranged to start protecting the cable from the position where it leaves the first member, for example immediately after it reaches the rear end of the adapter 11a. The electric wires 50 may be connected with a T-shaped connector 55 as shown in this embodiment, but in other embodiments no T-shaped connector is provided. The protector 60b for the T-shaped connector 55 is preferably arranged when the assembly includes a T-shaped connector 55.

[0152] 5A and 5B show an assembly according to an embodiment, in which the wear cap 13 is not shown and electrical wires 51a, 51b are shown for clarity in FIG. 5B.

[0153] The assembly comprises a plurality of first members in the form of cast noses 15 (but could equally well be welded noses) and a second member in the form of a lip 12b, for example in the form of a cast lip, which can be coupled to a drilling tool. The assembly comprises or can comprise other wear elements such as teeth, shrouds, wear caps 13.

[0154] Each nose 15 includes a cavity 30 for receiving a sensor 35, the cavity 30 being formed in the same location as the adapter 11a of the embodiment of Figure 1. The nose 15 also includes a plurality of channels 40e or a plurality of channels 40f, in this example as slots, for receiving one or more electrical wires 51a, 51b. In some embodiments, a plurality of channels 40f are formed, and in some other embodiments, a plurality of channels 40e are formed.

[0155] Additionally, in these embodiments, the lips 12b may also include channels 40f as slots formed in the front surface of the lips 12b, specifically between each pair of noses 15 of the lips 12b.

[0156] The assembly further includes electrical wiring, and for clarity, two alternative wiring options 51a, 51b are illustrated, each of which may be included in one or the other embodiments and corresponds to one or the other options between channels 40e and 40f.

[0157] In some embodiments, a first type of wiring 51a is part of the assembly, whereby one or more wires 51a pass from a cavity 30 of the sensor through a channel 40e to another cavity 30 of the sensor. The wires 51a may be protected at the front side of the lip 12b by a protector 60c. The lip 12b may also include a channel (not shown) formed in this portion, and in embodiments where a protector 60c is located, it is located in or on the channel.

[0158] In some other embodiments, a second type of wiring 51b is part of the assembly, whereby one or more electrical wires 51a run from a sensor cavity 30 through a channel 40f formed as a slot in the upper outer surface of the nose 15 to the other sensor cavity 30, and in some embodiments are connected to a channel 40g formed as a slot in its upper outer surface, of the lip 12b, particularly between each pair of cavities 30.

[0159] As can be seen in FIGS. 5A and 5B, and as in several embodiments below, electrical wires 51a, 51b exit laterally from respective cavities 30.

[0160] FIG. 6 shows an assembly according to an embodiment.

[0161] 5A-5B, but also shows another type of wiring 51c and channel 40g present in other embodiment assemblies. The third type of wiring 51c passes through a channel 40g formed as a slot in the upper exterior surface of the cast nose 15 (or in other embodiments, the welded nose), but substantially along the length of the nose 15. In this way, the wire or wires 51c extend from the cavity 30 to a more aft portion of the nose 15 to reach the lip 12b (e.g., the cast lip), and thus closer to the drilling equipment.

[0162] Channel 40g can pass adjacent to lifting eye 22 so that lifting eye 22 is not mechanically affected by channel 40g and electrical wiring 51c does not become entangled in lifting eye 22. Grooves 40g for side 18 of lip 12b (one shown on the left) can pass through that side.

[0163] Moreover, the assembly includes multiple T-connectors 55 arranged in a cascade such that one or more wires 51c can reach the sensor 35 of each cavity from the rear of the lip 12b, thus saving wiring. In this sense, the left T-connector 55 first has one or more wires 50 going towards the inside of the page (upper side of the drawing), which wires are intended to connect all the sensors 35 with a wire connection panel, and / or a control unit, and / or a power source, etc. In some embodiments, the T-connector 55 on both sides has such wire(s) 50 so that the connection is achieved through both sides, while in some other embodiments the connection is made only from one side. Said T-connector 55 likewise has one or more second wires 51c going from there to the leftmost sensor in FIG. 6, and one or more third wires 50 electrically connected to another T-connector 55, which is connected to yet another T-connector 55 and one sensor, etc. The use of T-connectors 55 is preferred when using a bus-like configuration. In other embodiments, each wire 51c is not connected to any T-connector 55, but rather to something else, such as a wire connection panel, a control unit, a power supply, etc. This in turn requires more wiring and increases the overall weight of the assembly.

[0164] Apart from these embodiments, the arrangement of the T-shaped connector 55 can also be present in other embodiments, such as the embodiments according to Figures 1 to 5B.

[0165] FIG. 7 shows a T-connector 55 and protectors 60a, 60b of an assembly according to an embodiment.

[0166] The T-shaped connector 55 has three terminals that are electrically connected to the electrical wires 50, allowing data and / or power to be transmitted between the different wires 50.

[0167] The T-shaped connector 55 may be protected by a protector 60b that forms a cavity between the protector 60b itself and the surface on which the protector 60b (and the T-shaped connector 55) is placed, e.g., the plate lip 12a, the casting lip 12b, the outer surface of the drilling tool 1.

[0168] Protector 60b is preferably shaped such that protector 60a for the electrical wires can also be mechanically coupled to protector 60b to protect electrical wires 50 before they reach T-connector 55. Protector 60a for the electrical wiring going to the sensor preferably extends from the end of adapter 11 in this embodiment to fully protect electrical wires 50.

[0169] Figures 8A-8D show cross-sections of protectors 61a-61d according to embodiments, each having a C-shape or U-shape with a cavity 62 and a surface 63 adapted to contact a wear element, a casting lip or a surface of a drilling tool. The different protectors 61a-61d can be used for any of the protectors 60a, 60c, 60d for wiring described with reference to the embodiments of Figures 1-7 and 9A-9B.

[0170] The first protector 61a has rounded edges on its outer periphery to avoid excessive wear during operation. The second protector 61b does not include such rounded edges. The third protector 61c has connecting edges between the surface 63 and its lateral edges adapted to facilitate welding of the protector 61c to a wear element, a casting lip or a drilling tool. The fourth protector 61d is similar to the third protector 61c and also includes the rounded edges of the first protector 61a.

[0171] 9A and 9B show an assembly 5 according to an embodiment, with FIG. 9B being an enlarged version of FIG. 9A and also showing the shroud 16, which is not shown in FIG. 9A for clarity only.

[0172] The assembly 5 comprises a plurality of first members in the form of adapters 11 and a second member in the form of a plate lip 12a. The plate lip 12a is coupled or coupleable to a drilling implement 1, which in some embodiments is also included in the assembly 5.

[0173] Each adapter 11 has a cavity for receiving a sensor and a channel for one or more electrical wires of the assembly to pass from the respective cavity to a second member, i.e. plate lip 12a, with one or more wires being provided on side 2 of the drilling implement 1 and one or more electrical wires being attached (e.g. by adhesive) to plate lip 12a and proceeding to the side so that a connection can be made beyond the drilling implement 1, e.g. to a stick, boom, cabin, etc.

[0174] As explained above, the assembly 5 also preferably includes a wear cap 13 which covers the cavity of the adapter 11 .

[0175] The assembly 5 also comprises one or more protectors 60d attached to the outer surface of the plate lip 12a. The wiring, or at least a portion thereof, passes through a cavity formed by the protectors 60d and the outer surface of the plate lip 12a. The location of the wiring is such that it is spaced from the edge of the plate lip 12a that contacts the drilling implement 1, so that if the plate lip 12a is welded to the drilling implement 1 rather than attached by a mechanical device, the wiring is spaced from the weld, thereby avoiding damage. Similarly, said location of the wiring causes the wires to run in a straight line on the plate lip 12a, thereby reducing the length of wire required for wiring the assembly 5.

[0176] On one or both sides of the plate lip 12a, electrical wiring leads from the plate lip 12a or the endmost adapter 11 to the drilling tool 1. A protector 60e, which may or may not be constituted by an assembly 5, is preferably positioned on the drilling tool 1 adjacent its inner side 2. The wiring and protector 60e preferably run through the entire inner side 2 of the drilling tool 1, at which point the wiring preferably reaches the outside of the drilling tool 1 by way of a through hole formed to receive the wiring.

[0177] From the outside, the electrical wiring can be connected to a wire connection panel located on the surface of the excavating tool near or adjacent to where the tool is mated with the machine stick. One or more other wires then extend from the wire connection panel to the stick. Alternatively, instead of connecting to the wire connection panel on the excavating tool, the electrical wiring can extend further to the stick or connect to additional electrical wiring or a wire connection panel on the stick of the earthmoving tool.

[0178] The electrical wiring that runs from the exterior of the drilling implement to the stick is preferably in a flexible protective tube or flexible cable harness.

[0179] From the stick the electrical wiring preferably runs together with other wiring of the machine such as wiring for the machine's lighting and / or wiring for the machine's hydraulics.

[0180] It should be noted that wiring can include a single wire or multiple wires.

[0181] As shown in FIG 9B, the shroud 16 of the plate lip 12a can be placed over the protector 60d to add an additional level of protection to the electrical wiring. To do so, the shroud 16 may have to be manufactured so that its shape accommodates the presence of the protector 60d and therefore the shape of the protector 60d. If no protector is in place, the shroud 16 is sized to allow the electrical wiring to pass under the shroud 16 or has slots formed therein to make passage for the electrical wiring.

[0182] Although not shown, in some of these and some other embodiments, each shroud 16 also includes, preferably on its underside (i.e., the surface that contacts plate lip 12a), a cavity for receiving a sensor, a channel for electrical wiring, and a sensor. For example, shroud 16 may have a cavity in its underside similar to adapter 11c of FIG. 3, which may be filled or partially filled with material by a potting process.

[0183] FIG. 10 is a graph showing forces measured by sensors in an assembly according to an embodiment.

[0184] The graph shows the force measured by a single sensor in a cavity in the wear element as the excavating implement begins to impact and scratch the soil 100, impacts, scratches and loads the soil 101, transports the soil 102, and unloads the soil 103.

[0185] Of these operations, the ones that need to be monitored more reliably and with more data are the impact operation 100 and the scratch operation 101, as they have the greatest impact on the health of the excavation implement and its wear elements and also change the amount of material loaded.

[0186] During the impacting 100 and scratching 101 operations, the sensor is substantially buried in the soil, but the data it generates must be provided to the machine operator or control center. In this way, ongoing ground engagement can be adjusted and / or stopped based on the condition of both the soil and the excavation implement. Otherwise, wear elements may break or the excavation implement's trajectory or angle of attack may become suboptimal. The presence of the sensor in the soil reduces the effectiveness of wireless communication. It is noted that excavation implements typically incorporate multiple sensors with high sampling frequencies, and therefore wireless communication must address all of these demands. In contrast, the presently disclosed assembly is capable of transmitting data even when the sensor is in the soil.

[0187] The sensor measurements and their transmission are important to know what forces the wear elements are subjected to at what angles, especially during the impact operation 100 and the scratch operation 101, to detect different events during the operation of the earthmoving machine (e.g. working time, digging time, filling time of the excavation implement, etc.), to determine and classify the operation and soil. All this is digitally processed by one or more computing devices or control units of the earthmoving machine to automatically adjust the operation of the earthmoving machine, i.e. to make it operate autonomously, or even automatically assist the operator of the earthmoving machine in managing the machine, in which case the computing device or control unit modifies the applied forces, the trajectory, and / or the angle of attack of the excavation implement.

[0188] FIG. 11 illustrates diagrammatically the engagement of ground and scooping of material by a digging implement 1 of an earthmoving machine (not shown).

[0189] The machine, by means of the boom and its stick, moves the bucket 110 according to a trajectory 75 intended to engage the ground 90 with the wearing elements such as the teeth 10 and scoop the ground material, thereby causing the excavation implement 1 to carry the fill material 91. During the engagement and scooping, which correspond to the impact movement 100 and the scratch movement 101 in the graph of FIG. 10, the excavation implement 1 is rotated according to a rotational movement 76 which changes the angle of attack of the excavation implement 1 and thus of the teeth 10.

[0190] During engagement and scooping of the ground 90, a portion of the wear element and typically a portion of the drilling implement 1 are inserted into the ground 90. Position 80 is shown for clarity only. Sensors and corresponding electronics are inserted into the ground 90 along with the wear element and the drilling implement 1. And, if the electronics includes an RFID tag or antenna for wireless communication of data, the insertion into the ground 90 increases the losses that must be overcome for the wireless communication to reach a receiving device with sufficient power, the more the RFID tag or antenna is inserted.

[0191] Wired communications extending from the sensors themselves in accordance with the present disclosure allow data to be transmitted reliably at high data rates and with low latency, thereby making the data generated available, for example, to the machine cabin or control center while the machine engages a material such as ground.

[0192] 12A-12E show different views of an assembly 5 and a drilling implement 1 according to an embodiment.

[0193] The drilling tool 1 and assembly 5 comprises at least a first member in the form of an adapter 11 and a second member in the form of a plate lip 12a, which is preferably coupled to the drilling tool 1 by at least a weld joint 66 (one weld joint 66 is shown in FIG. 12E). In this example, there are multiple first members. The drilling tool 1 may be the third member of the assembly 5 in some embodiments.

[0194] Each adapter 11 comprises a cavity 30 for receiving one or more sensors. Each adapter 11 also has a channel formed between the inner surface of the adapter 11 and the outer surface of the plate lip 12a. Preferably, the channel is on the upper surface of the plate lip 12a. One or more electrical wires run from the one or more sensors in the adapter 11 to an opening formed in the (upper) surface of the plate lip 12a, or in the (upper) surface of the drilling implement 1, or in both the surface of the plate lip 12a and the surface of the drilling implement 1. The opening communicates with a coupling area 19 where the plate lip 12a couples with the drilling implement 1. One or more electrical wires pass through said openings in the same way until they reach the coupling area 19.

[0195] The bonding area 19 is at the rear end of the plate lip 12a and at the front end of the drilling tool 1, at the underside of the drilling tool 1, i.e. the side closest to the ground during normal operation of the drilling tool 1. The bonding area 19 forms an L-shape when viewed from the side, due to the way in which the two components are bonded together and due to the large thickness characteristic of the plate lip 12a or blade. It is therefore in the cavity formed by said L-shape that the wiring and the protector are placed together.

[0196] The wear cap 13 and / or adapter 11 themselves protect the one or more electrical wires 50 on their path from the sensor to the opening until they reach the coupling area 19, however, to reduce potential damage to the one or more electrical wires, a protector 60a may be disposed, such as on the (upper) surface of the plate lip 12a through which the one or more electrical wires extend.

[0197] A protector 65a is preferably placed on the joining area 19. The protector 65a is joined to both the plate lip 12a and the drilling tool 1 and provides a cavity for the electric wires to pass through. The protector 65a further protects a T-shaped connector 55 (shown in Figs. 12A, 12B and 12D) which may be placed on the joining area 19 to connect one or more electric wires of each adapter 11 with one or more electric wires of the remaining adapter 11. The protector 65a likewise covers the opening 56 on the plate lip 12a from the side of the joining area 19.

[0198] An enlarged side view of protector 65a is shown in FIG. 12B, which shows an enlargement of the circular portion shown in FIG. 12A.

[0199] Fig. 12C shows the assembly 5 and the excavation tool 1 from the underside of the latter in order to better illustrate the coupling area 19 and the protector 65a, while Fig. 12D shows the assembly 5 and the excavation tool 1 from the same perspective, but without the protector 65a. As can be seen in Fig. 12D, the T-shaped connector 55 is provided in the coupling area 19 in such a way that the electric wires can extend laterally to the excavation tool 1 so that they can reach one of the sides of the excavation tool 1. As the protector 65a extends laterally of the excavation tool 1 (laterally being the direction into or out of the paper in the view of Fig. 12A), both the electrical wiring of the coupling area 19 and the T-shaped connector 55 are protected, in particular from impact and erosion when the excavation tool comes into contact with the engaged material during its operation.

[0200] FIG. 12E is an enlarged view of the circled portion of FIG. 12D showing two T-shaped connectors 55 and openings 56 through which respective wires 50 may pass to reach the T-shaped connectors 55 and / or through which the T-shaped connectors 55 are introduced.

[0201] At one end of the coupling area 19, in this case the end shown in Figure 12E, the wires are allowed to pass through the openings 56 to reach the other surface of the plate lip 12a, in this case the upper surface, and to be routed towards the excavating implement and to another part of the earth moving machine. Furthermore, at one end of the coupling area 19, in this case the end not shown in Figure 12E, a T-connector 55 is not normally provided, as there is no junction of at least three wires, unless the wires of the sensors of at least two adapters are routed towards the excavating implement and through that end to another part of the earth moving machine, i.e. unless the wires are on both sides of the excavating implement and are routed towards the machine on both sides.

[0202] 13A-13F show different views of an assembly 5 and a drilling implement 1 according to an embodiment.

[0203] The drilling tool 1 and assembly 5 comprises at least a first member in the form of a nose 15 and a second member in the form of a cast lip 12b connected to the drilling tool 1, for example welded thereto. In this case there are multiple first members. The drilling tool 1 may in some embodiments be a third member of the assembly 5.

[0204] Each nose 15 has at least a cavity 30 for receiving one or more sensors 35 and a first channel 40a formed therein that communicates with a second channel 40h, as shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 13A. The second channel 40h extends from the first channel 40a to a recess or groove 17 in the rear end of the lip 12b. In some embodiments, the second channel 40h can extend from a hole 46 in the nose 15 for receiving a pin to the recess or groove 17.

[0205] For this purpose, in alignment with each nose 15, there is a recess 17 formed in the rear end of lip 12b, as best seen in Figure 13B. Preferably, second channel 40h is as high as possible in lip 12b to have as much material between the floor and second channel 40h. Second channel 40h may be of such a height that its opening in recess 17 is flush with the top surface of recess 17, or may have as little clearance as possible between it and the top surface.

[0206] The recess 17 protects what is housed therein, and similar to the embodiment of FIG. 14, a protector 65b can be positioned to surround the housed parts.

[0207] One or more electrical wires 50 pass from the sensor 35 through the first channel 40a and the second channel 40h to the recess 17. To connect the electrical wires 50 coming from the sensors 35 of different first members, a T-shaped connector 55 can be disposed in the recess 17. Furthermore, the electrical wires 50 of different first members can be connected by a third channel 40i formed between each pair of adjacent recesses 17, as shown in FIG. 13F.

[0208] The enlarged portions of Figures 13C and 13E respectively illustrate the circled portions of Figures 13B and 13D and show the arrangement of T-shaped connectors 55 within recesses 17, together with electrical wires 50 connecting with both sensors in the corresponding nose, and electrical wires 50 in the laterally adjacent recesses 17 of the drilling implement 1.

[0209] At least in the recess 17 corresponding to one of the corners 15 of the lip 12b, the electrical wires 50 can be routed from the recess 17 to the rearward portion to allow the electrical wires 50 to exit toward other portions of the digging implement 1 or earth moving machine. An opening 56 can be formed in the lip 12b or digging implement 1 to allow the electrical wires to pass from the lower surface to the upper surface. As described with reference to Figures 12A-12E, the electrical wires can be exited at only one end of the assembly 5 or digging implement 1, however, in some embodiments the electrical wires are exited at both ends of the assembly 5 or digging implement 1 in the manner just described.

[0210] Additionally, in some embodiments, a protective tube 67 is disposed within the second channel 40h and / or the third channel 40i through which the electrical wire 50 passes.

[0211] 13F is a cross-sectional view of the lip 12b, specifically one half thereof, which allows the routing of the wires 50 between adjacent recesses 17 to be seen. Each recess 17 is preferably provided with a T-shaped connector 55 for connecting the different wires 50. Similarly, a protective tube 67 may be placed in the channel 40i to protect the wires 50 therein.

[0212] One, some or each of the first, second and third channels 40a, 40h, 40i are preferably formed during the steel casting process of the lip 12b. For example, a tube capable of withstanding temperatures typical of the casting process is placed in a mold for the lip 12b. As an example, a ceramic tube tends to withstand the casting temperatures. The tube may be left in the manufactured lip 12b in some embodiments for routing and protection of wires.

[0213] By forming the channels during the casting process, the resulting lip 12b is more cost-effective to manufacture since little or no machining is required to form the channels.

[0214] FIG. 14 shows an assembly (and drilling implement) according to an embodiment.

[0215] The assembly has a cavity 30 for a sensor 35 at the forward end of the nose 15 which engages the cavity in the tooth. The cavity 30 is further forward than a hole 46 for receiving a pin and is connected to the recess or groove 17 by a first channel 40a extending between the cavity 30 and the hole 46, and a second channel 40h extending between the hole 46 and the recess or groove 17.

[0216] The first and second channels 40a, 40h are preferably formed during the casting process, as described above.

[0217] At least one electrical wire 50 runs from the cavity 30 of the sensor 35 through the nose 15, the hole 46, the lip 12b, and through the first and second channels 40a, 40h to the recess or groove 17.

[0218] Preferably, the wiring 50 coming from the sensors 35 of the different noses 15 are interconnected with one or more T-shaped connectors 55 disposed in the recesses or grooves 17, as described with reference to the embodiment of Figures 13A-13F, with the wiring passing through the openings 56 and the third channel.

[0219] Wiring 50 can be brought out from behind lip 12b (as shown in the right-most portion of FIG. 14) for connection to other parts of the machine via one or more openings and / or channels, for example as described with reference to the embodiment of FIGS. 13-13F.

[0220] The components located inside the recess or groove 17 can be further protected by a protector 65b. The protector 65b can be a plate made of steel or another alloy that is attached, preferably with a welded joint, to the edge of the recess or groove 17. Other types of protectors 65b are also possible.

[0221] In this specification, the term "comprise" and its derivatives (such as "comprising") should not be understood in an exclusive sense, i.e., these terms should not be interpreted as excluding the possibility that what is described and defined may include additional elements, steps, etc.

[0222] However, it is clear that the present invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described herein, but encompasses all modifications that may occur to those skilled in the art (e.g., with regard to the selection of materials, dimensions, components, configurations, etc.) within the general scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. An assembly (5) for an earthmoving machine, comprising a first member (11a - 11c, 15, 16) and a second member (1, 12a, 12b) coupled to the first member, wherein the first member (11a - 11c, 15, 16) is a wear element for an excavation tool (1), and the second member (1, 12a, 12b) is an excavation tool (1) or a lip (12a, 12b) for an excavation tool, the first member (11a - 11c, 15, 16) comprising a first cavity (30) adapted to receive at least one sensor (35), the first member (11a - 11c, 15, 16) further comprising channels (40a - 40f) adapted to receive at least one electrical wire (50, 51a - 51c), the assembly further comprising the at least one electrical wire (50, 51a - 51c), one or more of the at least one electrical wire (50, 51a - 51c) being introduced into both the channels (40a - 40f) and the first cavity (30) and being attached to the second member (1, 12a, 12b).

2. The assembly (5) according to claim 1, wherein the channels (40a - 40f) extend from the first cavity (30).

3. At least a part of the channels (40a - 40f) comprises through - holes (40a - 40b) formed in the first member (11a - 11c, 15, 16), through - holes (40c) formed in a material at least partially filling the first cavity (30), and slots (40e - 40f) formed in at least one surface of the first member (11a - 11c, 15, 16), the assembly according to claim 1 or 2 comprising one or more of the above.

4. At least one end of the channels (40a - 40f) is on a first surface (25) of the first member (11a - 11c, 15, 16) facing a second surface (26) adapted to receive or engage the second member (1, 12a, 12b), the assembly (5) according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The second member (1, 12a, 12b) is the lip (12a, 12b), the assembly (5) further comprises a third member (1), the third member is the excavation tool (1), and the at least one electric wire (50, 51a - 51c) is further attached to at least one surface of the third member (1). The assembly (5) according to claim 1 or 2.

6. At least a part of the channels (40a - 40f) of the first member (11a - 11c, 15, 16) further extends through a cavity (40d) between one or more first surfaces of the first member and one or more second surfaces of the second member (1, 12a, 12b). The assembly (5) according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The assembly (5) according to claim 1 or 2 further comprises one or more protectors (60a - 60e, 61a - 61d) attached to at least one surface of the first or second member (1, 11a - 11c, 12, 15, 16), and both the at least one surface and the one or more protectors (60a - 60e, 61a - 61d) are shaped such that a second cavity (62) is formed between each of the at least one surface and the one or more protectors (60a - 60e, 61a - 61d), and one or more electric wires of the at least one electric wire (50, 51a - 51c) are introduced into at least one of the second cavities (62).

8. The assembly (5) according to claim 1 or 2 further comprises a plurality of the first members (11a - 11c, 15, 16), the second member (1, 12a, 12b) is coupled to the plurality of first members, the assembly further comprises N T - shaped connectors (55), N is equal to or greater than the number of first members in the plurality of first members (11a - 11c, 15, 16) minus 1, the N T - shaped connectors (55) are electrically connected to each other in a cascade manner, the at least one electric wire (50, 51a - 51c) includes at least the same number of electric wires as the number of the plurality of first members (11a - 11c, 15, 16), and each electric wire (50, 51a - 51c) is electrically connected to one of the N T - shaped connectors (55).

9. The assembly (5) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising at least one sensor (35), wherein one or more sensors (35) of the at least one sensor are introduced into the first cavity (30).

10. The assembly (5) according to claim 9, wherein one or more sensors (35) of the at least one sensor are configured to sense strain.

11. The assembly (5) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first member (11a - 11c, 15, 16) is an adapter (11a - 11c).

12. An excavation tool for an earthmoving machine, comprising one or more assemblies (5) according to claim 1.

13. An earthmoving machine, comprising one or more assemblies (5) according to claim 1 and / or the excavation tool according to claim 12.

14. The earthmoving machine according to claim 13, further comprising a wire connection panel and a control unit electrically connected to the wire connection panel, wherein one or more ends of the at least one wire (50, 51a - 51c) are electrically connected to the wire connection panel, and one or more ends of the at least one wire (50, 51a - 51c) are electrically connected to one or more sensors (35) of the one or more assemblies (5), thereby enabling data transfer between each connected sensor (35) and the control unit, and each connected sensor (35) is preferably configured to transmit and / or receive data at a rate equal to or greater than 512 kbps, and the control unit is configured to operate the earthmoving machine based on data received from each connected sensor (35).

15. A step of arranging a first member (11a - 11c, 15, 16), wherein the first member is a wear element for an excavation tool (1) of an earthmoving machine, and the wear element comprises a first cavity (30) adapted to receive at least one sensor (35). A step of coupling the first member (11a - 11c, 15, 16) to a second member (1, 12a, 12b), wherein the second member is an excavation tool (1) or a lip (12a, 12b) for an excavation tool of an earthmoving machine. introducing one or more sensors (35) of said at least one sensor into said first cavity (30); electrically connecting one or more ends of one or more wires (50, 51a - 51c) of at least one wire to one or more sensors (35) of said at least one sensor; said wear element further comprising channels (40a - 40f) adapted to receive said one or more wires (50, 51a - 51c); said method further comprising: introducing at least a first portion of said one or more wires (50, 51a - 51c) into said channels (40a - 40f); attaching at least a second portion of said one or more wires (50, 51a - 51c) to said second member (1, 12a, 12b).

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein said second member (1, 12a, 12b) is a lip (12a, 12b), said method further comprising: coupling said second member (1, 12a, 12b) to a third member, and attaching at least a third portion of said one or more wires (50, 51a - 51c) to the third member such that each of said one or more wires (50, 51a - 51c) is routed towards the stick of the earthmoving machine, said third member being said excavation tool (1); disposing a wire connection panel on said excavation tool (1) or on the stick of said machine; electrically connecting one or more ends of said at least one wire (do, 51a - 51c) to said wire connection panel to enable data transfer between said at least one sensor (do) and said wire connection panel and / or said power source; disposing a control unit on said earthmoving machine; electrically connecting said control unit to said wire connection panel; measuring, at each of said at least one sensor (do), one or more parameters or physical magnitudes during operation of said earthmoving machine; transmitting measurement values from each connected sensor (do) to said control unit via said at least one wire (50, 51a - 51c); A step of processing the received measurement values such that the control unit determines at least one of the force and wear received by each sensor (35); A method comprising a step of deriving, by the control unit, one or more instructions for operating the earthmoving machine based on the determined determination.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the transmission of the measurement values is performed at least when and / or after the earthmoving machine is inserted into the ground (90).

18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the one or more sensors (35) of the at least one sensor are configured to sense strain.

19. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the first member (11a - 11c, 15, 16) is an adapter (11a - 11c).

20. A wear element for an excavation tool for an earthmoving machine, A cavity (30) adapted to receive at least one sensor (35); Channels (40a - 40f) adapted to receive at least one electric wire (50, 51a - 51c); Comprising the at least one electric wire (50, 51a - 51c), One or more of the at least one electric wire (50, 51a - 51c) are introduced into both the channel (40a - 40f) and the first cavity (30), The wear element is one of an adapter (11a - 11c), a casting nose (15), a welding nose or a shroud (16).

Images