A rod for engaging a hammer tool within the hammer housing

Abstract

The hydraulic hammer (140) includes a housing (210) configured to receive a housing portion (240) of a tool (145) and a first plurality of rods (220) provided within the housing (210). The first plurality of rods (220) are configured to engage a first portion of the housing portion (240) of the tool (145). The first plurality of rods (220) are parallel to a longitudinal axis (280) of the tool (145). The hydraulic hammer (140) further includes a second plurality of rods (230) provided within the housing (210). The second plurality of rods (230) are configured to engage a second portion of the housing portion (240) of the tool (145). The second plurality of rods (230) are parallel to the longitudinal axis (280) of the tool (145).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to machine hammers, for example, to a rod that engages a tool provided within a housing of the hammer. [Background technology]

[0002] The hydraulic hammer may be attached to a work machine such as an excavator, a wheel loader, and / or a backhoe, among other examples. The hydraulic hammer may be configured to perform various operations, such as breaking up concrete and / or breaking up rock, among other examples. The hydraulic hammer may perform various operations as a result of hydraulic fluid flowing from the work machine.

[0003] Typically, a hydraulic hammer includes a housing that receives a tool and two cylindrical bushings (within the housing) that receive the tool. As the tool is used to perform the various operations described above, the bushings are subject to wear due to tool movement and / or tool vibration. Typically, the bushings are subject to uneven wear. For example, a small portion of the bushing (e.g., a bottom portion) may receive a significant amount of wear, while the remaining portion of the bushing may receive little or no wear. In this regard, the bushing may be replaced when the amount of wear in the small portion meets a wear threshold, regardless of whether the remaining portion of the bushing receives little or no wear.

[0004] In addition to being subject to uneven wear and premature replacement, bushings are made from large pieces of metal that are machined to create a desired shape and size for the bushing. As a result of machining the metal piece to create the desired shape and size, a significant amount of metal is removed, resulting in waste. In addition to wasting a significant amount of metal, bushings are significantly large in size and weight. Therefore, due to their significant size and weight, repairing and replacing bushings is a difficult task.

[0005] Korean Patent Application Publication No. KR20100006437U ('437 Publication) discloses a rod support having an arc-shaped rod support that prevents the rod from moving sideways when the rod collides. The arc-shaped rod support of the '437 Publication does not address the problems associated with bushings mentioned above.

[0006] The hammer of the present disclosure solves one or more of the above-mentioned problems and / or other problems in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In some implementations, the hydraulic hammer includes a housing configured to receive a housing portion of the tool, a first plurality of rods provided within the housing and configured to engage a first portion of the housing portion of the tool and parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tool, and a second plurality of rods provided within the housing and configured to engage a second portion of the housing portion of the tool and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tool.

[0008] In some implementations, the machine includes a machine body, a boom supported by the machine body, a stick attached to the boom, and a hydraulic hammer attached to the stick, the hydraulic hammer comprising a housing configured to receive a tool, a first plurality of rods provided within the housing and configured to engage a first portion of the tool, and a second plurality of rods provided within the housing and configured to engage a second portion of the tool.

[0009] In some implementations, the housing of the machine hammer includes a first plurality of rods configured to engage a first portion of the tool housing portion and a second plurality of rods configured to engage a second portion of the tool housing portion, the second portion being below the first portion. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary machine described herein. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary hammer described herein. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary hammer described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Implementations described herein are directed to replacing bushings typically included in a hammer housing with multiple rods. The multiple rods may engage a tool received by the housing. The multiple rods may be provided circumferentially around the tool within the housing. In some circumstances, the multiple rods may provide a guide surface for guiding the tool as it is received by the housing.

[0012] The multiple rods can be configured to distribute wear caused by tool movement across the multiple rods. Each rod of the multiple rods can be individually replaced when the wear on the rod meets a wear threshold (e.g., the wear reaches a wear limit). In some examples, the multiple rods can be inserted into the housing through an opening in a portion of the housing (e.g., through an opening in a front head of the housing).

[0013] In some cases, the tool may include a plurality of grooves, in which each rod of the plurality of rods may engage with a corresponding one of the plurality of grooves, and in some implementations, the housing may include a first plurality of rods and a second plurality of rods.

[0014] In some examples, the size, shape, and / or weight of two or more rods of the first plurality of rods may be the same. Thus, the two or more rods may be configured to replace one another. Similarly, the size, shape, and / or weight of two or more rods of the second plurality of rods may be the same. Thus, the two or more rods (of the second plurality of rods) may be configured to replace one another. Furthermore, at least one rod (of the first plurality of rods) and at least one rod (of the second plurality of rods) may be configured to replace one another.

[0015] One or more rods of the first plurality of rods can be rotatably provided within the housing such that the one or more rods are configured to rotate as a result of tool movement. By rotating the one or more rods during tool movement, the amount of wear experienced by the rod can be distributed across multiple portions of the rod (as opposed to a small, single, bottom portion of the rod). Additionally, due to the cylindrical shape of the rod, less material can be removed from the metal piece (during the manufacturing process to produce the rod) than the amount of material removed from the metal piece during the manufacturing process to produce the bushing.

[0016] The term "machine" may refer to a device that performs an operation related to an industry, such as, for example, mining, construction, agriculture, transportation, or another industry. Additionally, one or more implements may be connected to a machine. As an example, a machine may include a construction vehicle, a work vehicle, or a similar vehicle related to the aforementioned industries.

[0017] Figure 1 is a diagram of an example machine 100 described herein. As shown in Figure 1, machine 100 is embodied as an earthmoving machine, such as an excavator. Alternatively, machine 100 may be another type of machine, such as a dozer.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1 , machine 100 includes ground engaging members 110, a machine body 115, and an operator cabin 120. Ground engaging members 110 may include tracks (as shown in FIG. 1 ), wheels, rollers, and / or the like for propelling machine 100. Ground engaging members 110 are mounted to a rotating frame (not shown) and are driven by one or more engines and drivetrains (not shown). Machine body 115 is mounted on the rotating frame (not shown). Operator cabin 120 is supported by machine body 115, which is mounted on the rotating frame. Operator cabin 120 includes an integrated display (not shown) and operator controls 125, such as, for example, an integrated joystick. Operator controls 125 may include one or more input components. In some examples, the controller may provide a notification indicating the machine has transitioned from operating in a first lift mode to operating in a second lift mode.

[0019] In the case of an autonomous machine, operator controls 125 may not be designed for use by an operator, but rather may be designed to operate independently of an operator. In this case, for example, operator controls 125 may include one or more input components that provide input signals for use by another component without any operator input. Machine 100 may include a pivot member (not shown) that allows the rotating frame (and machine body 115) to rotate (or pivot). For example, the pivot element may allow the rotating frame (and machine body 115) to rotate (or pivot) relative to ground engaging members 110.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1 , machine 100 includes a boom 130, a stick 135, and a hammer 140. Boom 130 is pivotally mounted at a proximal end to machine body 115 and articulated relative to machine body 115 by one or more fluid-actuated cylinders (e.g., hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders), electric motors, and / or other electromechanical components. Stick 135 is pivotally mounted at a distal end of boom 130 and articulated relative to boom 130 by one or more fluid-actuated cylinders, electric motors, and / or other electromechanical components. Boom 130 and / or stick 135 may be referred to as a linkage. Hammer 140 is mounted at a distal end of stick 135 and may be articulated relative to stick 135 by one or more fluid-actuated cylinders, electric motors, and / or other electromechanical components.

[0021] As an example, a hydraulic pump (not shown) may be configured to provide hydraulic fluid (e.g., pressurized hydraulic fluid) to articulate one or more hydraulic cylinders 150 to the boom 130, the stick 135, and / or the hammer 140, as described above. In this regard, the hammer 140 may be referred to as a hydraulic hammer. The hammer 140 may include a tool 145. A hydraulic supply system (associated with the hydraulic pump) may drive the hammer 140 to provide a reciprocating impact motion to the tool 145.

[0022] Based on the reciprocating impact motion, tool 145 may perform various operations such as breaking up concrete, breaking up rock, and / or chipping metal slag from a foundry pot, among other examples. For example, tool 145 may be actuated to generate a cyclical vibratory motion with sufficient intensity to perform the various operations discussed above. As shown in FIG. 1 , by way of example, tool 145 may include a bit. Alternatively, tool 145 may include other components configured to interact with hammer 140 to perform the various operations described above.

[0023] The housing of the hammer 140 may include a plurality of rods configured to guide the tool 145 when it is received by the housing and to engage the tool 145 within the housing after it is received. The housing and the plurality of rods are described in more detail below in connection with FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0024] 1 , machine 100 includes a controller 155 (e.g., an electronic control module (ECM), a computer vision controller, an autonomous controller, among other examples) and one or more inertial measurement units (IMUs) 160 (individually referred to herein as “IMU 150” and collectively referred to herein as “IMUs 160”). Controller 155 may control and / or monitor the operation of machine 100.

[0025] 1 , IMUs 160 are mounted at different locations on components or portions of machine 100, such as, for example, machine body 115, boom 130, stick 135, and hammer 140. IMUs 160 include one or more devices capable of receiving, generating, storing, processing, and / or providing signals indicative of the position and orientation of the component of machine 100 on which IMU 160 is mounted. Although the examples discussed herein refer to IMUs 160, the present disclosure is applicable to the use of one or more other types of sensor devices that may be used to determine the position and orientation of the component of machine 100.

[0026] As noted above, Figure 1 is provided as an example. Other embodiments may differ from those described in connection with Figure 1.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a perspective view 200 of an exemplary hammer described herein. As shown in FIG. 2, the exemplary hammer is hammer 140. As shown in FIG. 2, hammer 140 may include a tool 145, a housing 210, a first plurality of rods 220, a second plurality of rods 230, a tool stop member 260, and a retaining member 270. Housing 210 may include a metal, polymer, and / or plastic material, among other examples. Housing 210 may be configured to receive a portion of tool 145. For example, housing 210 may be configured to receive housing portion 240 of tool 145. An exposed portion 250 of tool 145 may be external to housing 210.

[0028] The distance between housing portion 240 and working end 290 of tool 145 may exceed the distance between exposed portion 250 and working end 290. In some situations, depending on the orientation of hammer 140, housing portion 240 may be the top portion of tool 145 and exposed portion 250 may be the bottom portion of tool 145. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 , when hammer 140 is provided in a vertical position, housing portion 240 may be the top portion provided above the bottom portion of tool 145 (e.g., provided above exposed portion 250).

[0029] The housing 210 may include a power cell (not shown) and a piston (not shown). The power cell may utilize a fluid (e.g., hydraulic and / or pneumatic fluid) to reciprocally impact the piston against the upper end of the housing portion 240 to drive the tool 145 and perform the various operations discussed herein.

[0030] 2, housing 210 may further include a first plurality of rods 220, a second plurality of rods 230, a tool stop member 260, and a retaining member 270. First plurality of rods 220 may be configured to engage a first portion of housing portion 240 of tool 145. As shown in FIG. 2, first plurality of rods 220 may be parallel to a longitudinal axis 280 of tool 145. First plurality of rods 220 may be provided circumferentially around tool 145 when tool 145 is received by housing 210.

[0031] In some embodiments, the size, weight, and / or shape of two or more rods of first plurality of rods 220 may be the same. For example, the length of a first rod (of first plurality of rods 220) may be the same as the length of a second rod (of first plurality of rods 220), the width of a first rod may be the same as the width of a second rod, the diameter of a first rod may be the same as the diameter of a second rod, the weight of a first rod may be the same as the weight of a second rod, and / or the shape of a first rod may be the same as the shape of a second rod. Thus, the first rod and the second rod may be configured to be interchangeable with each other.

[0032] Some rods of the first plurality of rods 220 may include steel. Additionally or alternatively, the rods may include brass, carbide, and / or non-metallic materials. In some implementations, the rods may have a diameter of approximately 53 mm, a length of approximately 300 mm, and a weight of approximately 5 kg.

[0033] In some embodiments, first plurality of rods 220 may be rotatably provided within housing 210. For example, one or more rods of first plurality of rods 220 may be configured to rotate during movement of tool 145 (e.g., during operation of tool 145). By rotating in this manner, an amount of rod wear may be distributed over multiple portions of the rod, as opposed to a single portion of the rod experiencing wear. By distributing the amount of wear over multiple portions, the life of the rod may be extended. Thus, the rod may not need to be replaced prematurely.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, the second plurality of rods 230 can be configured to engage a second portion of the housing portion 240 of the tool 145. The second portion of the housing portion 240 can be opposite the first portion of the housing portion 240. As shown in FIG. 2, the second plurality of rods 230 can be parallel to the longitudinal axis 280 of the tool 145. The second plurality of rods 230 can be provided circumferentially around the tool 145 when the tool 145 is received by the housing 210.

[0035] In some embodiments, the size, weight, and / or shape of two or more rods of second plurality of rods 230 may be the same. For example, the length of a third rod (of second plurality of rods 230) may be the same as the length of a fourth rod (of second plurality of rods 230), the width of the third rod may be the same as the width of the fourth rod, the diameter of the third rod may be the same as the diameter of the fourth rod, the weight of the third rod may be the same as the weight of the fourth rod, and / or the shape of the third rod may be the same as the shape of the fourth rod. Thus, the third rod and the fourth rod may be configured to interchange with each other.

[0036] Similarly, the size, weight, and / or shape of one or more first rods of first plurality of rods 220 may be the same as the size, weight, and / or shape of one or more second rods of second plurality of rods 230. Thus, one or more first rods and one or more second rods may be configured to interchange with one another. For example, a first rod and a third rod may be configured to interchange with one another.

[0037] In some embodiments, second plurality of rods 230 may be rotatably provided within housing 210. For example, one or more rods of second plurality of rods 230 may be configured to rotate during movement of tool 145 (e.g., during operation of tool 145). By rotating in this manner, an amount of rod wear may be distributed across multiple portions of the rod, as described above with respect to first plurality of rods 220.

[0038] In some implementations, the quantity of second plurality of rods 230 is equal to the quantity of first plurality of rods 220. In some implementations, housing 210 may include a single plurality of rods. For example, housing 210 may include second plurality of rods 230 without including first plurality of rods 220. Alternatively, housing 210 may include first plurality of rods 220 without including second plurality of rods 230.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2 , a tool stop member 260 may be provided between the first plurality of rods 220 and the second plurality of rods 230. The tool stop member 260 may include a metal, polymer, and / or plastic material, among other examples. In some cases, the tool stop member 260 may be configured to limit movement of the tool 145 along the longitudinal axis 280 in a direction toward the first plurality of rods 220. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 , if the hammer 140 is provided in a vertical position, the movement may be upward movement, and the direction may be in an upward direction. By preventing movement of the tool 145 in this manner, the tool stop member 260 may prevent damage to components of the machine 100, such as the hammer 140 and / or the boom 130 and / or the stick 135, among other examples.

[0040] A tool stop member 260 may be provided adjacent a first end of the second plurality of rods 230. As shown in FIG. 2 , a retaining member 270 may be provided adjacent a second end of the second plurality of rods 230 opposite the first end. The retaining member 270 may comprise a metal, polymer, and / or plastic material, among other examples. In some cases, the retaining member 270 may be configured to limit movement of the tool 145 that may remove the tool 145 from the housing 210 (e.g., limit movement of the tool 145 that may cause the tool 145 to fall / drop from the housing 210). By preventing movement of the tool 145 in this manner, the retaining member 270 may prevent damage to components of the machine 100.

[0041] As noted above, Figure 2 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from those described in connection with Figure 2.

[0042] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view 300 of an example hammer described herein. As shown in FIG. 3, the example hammer is hammer 140. Some elements of hammer 140 are described above in connection with FIG. 2. In some embodiments, first plurality of rods 220 can be aligned with second plurality of rods 230. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, first rod 220-1 of first plurality of rods 220 can be longitudinally aligned with second rod 230-1 of second plurality of rods 230.

[0043] 3 , a first portion of the housing portion 240 of the tool 145 includes a first plurality of grooves 310. A second portion of the housing portion 240 of the tool 145 includes a second plurality of grooves 320. In some implementations, the quantity of the first plurality of grooves 310 may be equal to the quantity of the first plurality of rods 220. Additionally or alternatively, the quantity of the second plurality of grooves 320 may be equal to the quantity of the second plurality of rods 230.

[0044] In some implementations, one or more rods of the first plurality of rods 220 may be configured to engage with a corresponding one or more grooves of the first plurality of grooves 310. Additionally or alternatively, one or more rods of the second plurality of rods 230 may be configured to engage with a corresponding one or more grooves of the second plurality of grooves 320. In some examples, the shape of one or more rods of the first plurality of rods 220 may be the same as the corresponding grooves of the first plurality of grooves 310. Additionally or alternatively, the shape of one or more rods of the second plurality of rods 230 may be the same as the shape of the corresponding grooves of the second plurality of grooves 320.

[0045] As noted above, Figure 3 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from those described in connection with Figure 3. [Industrial Applicability]

[0046] The implementations described herein are directed to replacing bushings typically included in hammer housings with multiple rods. Typically, bushings are subject to uneven wear. Uneven wear leads to premature bushing replacement. In addition to being subject to uneven wear and premature replacement, a significant amount of material is wasted during the bushing manufacturing process. Furthermore, bushings are significantly larger and heavier. Therefore, due to their significant size and weight, repairing and replacing bushings can be a challenging task.

[0047] According to implementations described herein, multiple rods may be provided circumferentially around the tool within the housing. In this regard, the multiple rods may distribute wear across several rods. By distributing wear, the multiple rods may distribute contact pressure across several rods, thus reducing the wear experienced by a single rod.

[0048] Additionally, the weight, size, and / or shape of the rods may be identical. Thus, the rods may be configured to replace one another. Additionally, the size and weight of the rods may facilitate repair and replacement of the rods.

[0049] Additionally, each rod can be individually replaced once the amount of wear on the rod meets a wear threshold. By individually replacing each rod, implementations described herein can reduce the overall operating costs associated with the hammer. Additionally, multiple rods also provide torsional resistance that is typically controlled by providing additional pins within a typical hammer.

[0050] As mentioned above, the cylindrical shape of the rod (as described herein) may remove less material from the metal piece than the amount of material removed from the metal piece during the manufacturing process to manufacture the bushing, and therefore the manufacturing process to manufacture the rod may be more efficient than the manufacturing process to manufacture the bushing.

[0051] The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the implementations to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications and variations may be made in light of the above disclosure or acquired from practice of the implementations. Furthermore, any of the implementations described herein may be combined unless the foregoing disclosure clearly indicates why one or more implementations cannot be combined. Although particular combinations of features are recited in the claims and / or disclosed herein, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of various implementations. While each dependent claim listed below may depend directly on only one claim, the disclosure of various implementations includes each dependent claim in combination with all other claims in the series.

[0052] As used herein, the terms "a," "an," and "set" are intended to include one or more items and may be used interchangeably with "one or more." Additionally, as used herein, the article "the" is intended to include one or more items referenced in connection with the article "the" and may be used interchangeably with "the one or more." Additionally, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "based, at least in part, on," unless expressly stated otherwise. Additionally, as used herein, the term "or" is intended to be inclusive when used in a series and may be used interchangeably with "and / or" unless expressly stated otherwise (e.g., when used in combination with "either" or "only one of"). Additionally, spatially relative terms, such as "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as shown in the figures. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of devices, apparatus, and / or elements in use or operation in addition to the orientation shown in the figures. Devices may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may likewise be interpreted accordingly.

Claims

1. A machine (100) comprising: A machine body (115); a boom (130) supported by the machine body (115); a stick (135) attached to the boom (130); a hydraulic hammer (140) attached to the stick (135), The hydraulic hammer (140) a housing (210) configured to receive a tool (145); A first plurality of rods (220) provided within the housing (210), a first plurality of rods (220) configured to engage a first portion of the tool (145); A second plurality of rods (230) provided within the housing (210), a hydraulic hammer (140) comprising a second plurality of rods (230) configured to engage a second portion of the tool (145).

2. the first portion of the tool (145) includes a first plurality of grooves (310); the second portion of the tool (145) includes a second plurality of grooves (320); the number of the first plurality of grooves (310) is equal to the number of the first plurality of rods (220); The machine (100) of claim 1, wherein a quantity of the second plurality of grooves (320) is equal to a quantity of the second plurality of rods (230).

3. each rod of the first plurality of rods (220) configured to engage a corresponding one of the first plurality of grooves (310); The machine (100) of claim 2, wherein each rod of the second plurality of rods (230) is configured to engage a corresponding one of the second plurality of grooves (320).

4. a length of a first rod (220-1) of said first plurality of rods (220) is equal to a length of a second rod (230-1) of said first plurality of rods (220); The width of the first rod (220-1) is equal to the width of the second rod (230-1), The machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the shape of the first rod (220-1) is the same as the shape of the second rod (230-1).

5. a length of a first rod (220-1) of said first plurality of rods (220) is equal to a length of a second rod (230-1) of said second plurality of rods (230); The width of the first rod (220-1) is equal to the width of the second rod (230-1), The machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the shape of said first rod (220-1) is the same as the shape of said second rod (230-1).

6. The second plurality of rods (230) are rotatably provided within the housing (210); The machine (100) of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein one or more rods of the second plurality of rods (230) are configured to rotate during movement of the tool (145).

7. The machine (100) of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a first rod (220-1) of the first plurality of rods (220) is longitudinally aligned with a second rod (230-1) of the second plurality of rods (230).

8. A housing (210) for a hammer (140) of a machine (100), said housing (210) comprising: A first plurality of rods (220), a first plurality of rods (220) configured to engage a first portion of a housing portion (240) of the tool (145); a second plurality of rods (230), configured to engage a second portion of the housing portion (240) of the tool (145); The second portion of the housing (210) comprises a second plurality of rods (230) below the first portion.

9. the first plurality of rods (220) are parallel to a longitudinal axis (280) of the tool (145); The housing (210) of claim 8, wherein the second plurality of rods (230) are parallel to the longitudinal axis (280) of the tool (145).

10. The first plurality of rods (220) are rotatably provided within the housing (210); The second plurality of rods (230) are rotatably provided within the housing (210); 10. A housing (210) according to any one of claims 8 and 9, wherein one or more rods of at least one of the first plurality of rods (220) or the second plurality of rods (230) are configured to rotate during movement of the tool (145).

11. A housing (210) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein a size of a first rod (220-1) of the first plurality of rods (220) is equal to at least one of a size of a second rod (230-1) of the first plurality of rods (220) or a size of a third rod of the first plurality of rods (220).

12. the first portion of the housing portion (240) of the tool (145) includes a first plurality of grooves (310); the second portion of the housing portion (240) of the tool (145) includes a second plurality of grooves (320); each rod of the first plurality of rods (220) configured to engage a corresponding one of the first plurality of grooves (310); A housing (210) according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein each rod of the second plurality of rods (230) is configured to engage with a corresponding one of the second plurality of grooves (320).

13. A housing (210) according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein a first rod (220-1) of the first plurality of rods (220) is longitudinally aligned with a second rod (230-1) of the second plurality of rods (230).

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