Self-propelled tracked vehicle provided with a system for removing earth material possibly accumulated on the vehicle during movement thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a self-propelled tracked vehicle with a hydrostatic transmission provided with a system for removing earth material that can undesirably accumulate on the vehicle during the use thereof More precisely, the hydraulic circuit which actuates the vehicle is also connected to a hydraulic motor which actuates a compressor for the introduction of compressed air into a tank. The latter, by means of multiple conduits, is connected to a plurality of nozzles appropriately located on the track carriages and on the frame of the vehicle undercarriage, in order to eject therefrom earth material possibly accumulated thereon during its use. The vehicle according to the invention can also comprise a pair of trowels projecting from the turret of the vehicle on diametrically opposite sides with respect to the slewing bearing. Upon a rotation of the turret with respect to the undercarriage, the trowels tend to push away from the frame earth material possibly accumulated on the vehicle during a use thereof.

Description

[0001] Self-propelled tracked vehicle provided with a system for removing earth material possibly accumulated on the vehicle during movement thereof Field of application of the invention

[0002] The present invention applies to the field of so-called “tracked” self-propelled vehicles, i.e., land vehicles the movement of which takes place via a pair of tracks, each of which slides with respect to the chassis of the vehicle to which the track is connected, by means of a first wheel, of the drive type generally at the rear, a second wheel, idle and usually at the front, a plurality of carrier rollers, placed at the bottom between the two wheels, and one or more support rollers opposite to the carrier rollers and therefore placed at the top between the two wheels. The wheels and rollers associated with each track are supported by a “track carriage” generally including a bar, or a similar element, extending from one to the other of the two aforesaid wheels parallel to the ground on which the vehicle transits. The assembly comprising a track, the drive wheel, the idle wheel, the carrier rollers and the support rollers associated with the track, and the track carriage to which the two wheels and the rollers associated with the track are connected is generally defined as a “tracked assembly”.

[0003] The present invention relates, in particular, to self-propelled tracked vehicles comprising a first load-bearing structure, commonly known as the “undercarriage”, comprising the members, including the tracks, by means of which the movement of the vehicle on the ground takes place, and a second structure known as the “turret”, supported by the undercarriage and rotatable with respect to the latter about an axis generally arranged orthogonally to the ground on which the vehicle transits. The rotation of the turret with respect to the undercarriage takes place by a slewing bearing which is part of the undercarriage and is located in an intermediate position between the two track carriages of the two tracked assemblies of the vehicle, respectively.

[0004] Highlighting of the technical problem and review of the prior art

[0005] When a self-propelled vehicle transits on soft ground, the tracks of the vehicle tend to sink at least partially into the ground. As a result, earth material tends to accumulate between the drive wheel and the idle wheel of each track, especially between the track carriage bar and the upper segment of the track, close to the support rollers.

[0006] The earth material that accumulates inside the two tracked assemblies must be periodically removed. This operation is generally carried out manually during a period in which the vehicle is inactive. The formation of the aforesaid accumulations of earth material during the use of a self-propelled tracked vehicle is thus a problem.

[0007] The Applicant is not aware of any self-propelled tracked vehicle provided with systems for removing the accumulations of earth material mentioned above. Objects of the invention

[0008] It is the object of the present invention to overcome the aforesaid drawbacks by suggesting a self-propelled tracked vehicle provided with a system for removing earth material that can undesirably accumulate on the vehicle during the use thereof.

[0009] Summary and advantages of the invention

[0010] The present invention relates to a self-propelled tracked vehicle comprising:

[0011] • an undercarriage including:

[0012] - a first and a second “tracked assembly” opposite to each other and each of which comprising: a track carriage; a drive wheel connected to said track carriage and rotatable with respect to the latter about a first axis; an idle wheel connected to said track carriage and rotatable with re- spect to the latter about a second axis parallel to said first axis; one or more carrier rollers each of which connected to said track carriage and rotatable with respect to the latter about an axis parallel to said first axis; one or more support rollers each of which connected to said track carriage and rotatable with respect to the latter about an axis parallel to said first axis, said one or more support rollers being, as a whole, opposite to said one or more carrier rollers, as a whole, each of said one or more support rollers being at a higher level than that on which each of said one or more carrier rollers lies; a track extending in length and closed onto itself (i.e. , comprising a first end and a second end opposite to each other and connected to each other), so as to embrace a (i.e., the) unit consisting of said drive wheel, said idle wheel, said one or more carrier rollers and said one or more support rollers, said track being in contact with said drive wheel, said idle wheel, said one or more carrier rollers and said one or more support rollers, a lower segment of said track extending from said drive wheel to said idle wheel and being in contact with said one or more carrier rollers, an upper segment of said track extending from said drive wheel to said idle wheel and being in contact with said one or more support rollers, said track thus delimiting, at least partially, a space portion interposed between said upper segment and said lower segment of said track and in which said drive wheel, said idle wheel, said one or more carrier rollers and said one or more support rollers are at least partially housed, said track being coupled to said drive wheel so that a rotation of said drive wheel about said first axis results in said track sliding about said unit consisting of said drive wheel, said idle wheel, said one or more carrier rollers and said one or more support rollers, said first axis of said drive wheel of said first tracked assembly being parallel to, and preferably coinciding with, said first axis of said drive wheel of said second tracked assembly;

[0013] - a slewing bearing interposed between said first and second tracked assemblies;

[0014] • a turret connected to said undercarriage at said slewing bearing so as to be rotatable, with respect to said undercarriage, about an axis arranged orthogonally to said first axis of said drive wheel of each of said first and second tracked assemblies,

[0015] • actuation means at least partially housed in said turret and connected to both said drive wheel of said first tracked assembly and said drive wheel of said second tracked assembly, said actuation means being suitable for rotating said two drive wheels of said first and second tracked assemblies, respectively, about the respective first axis, where, according to the invention, said vehicle further comprises:

[0016] • a tank suitable for containing compressed air;

[0017] • compression means connected to said tank and comprising at least one motor upon actuation of which said compression means are adapted to (i.e., they can):

[0018] - compress atmospheric air and

[0019] - introduce compressed air into said tank;

[0020] • at least a first nozzle connected to said tank by at least a first conduit so that compressed air possibly contained in said tank can:

[0021] - flow into said first conduit reaching said first nozzle and then

[0022] - flow out of said first nozzle, said first nozzle, or each of said first nozzles if more than one, being directed so that, when compressed air flows out of said first nozzle, the compressed air flowing out of said first nozzle:

[0023] - crosses, at least partially, said space portion interposed between said upper segment and said lower segment of said track of said first tracked assembly and

[0024] - exits from said space portion interposed between said upper segment and said lower segment of said track of said first tracked assembly, away from said track of said second tracked assembly, so that, if the compressed air flowing out of said first nozzle, while at least partially crossing said space portion interposed between said upper segment and said lower segment of said track of said first tracked assembly, intercepts earth material possibly housed in said space portion interposed between said upper segment and said lower segment of said track of said first tracked assembly, the compressed air flowing out of said first nozzle tends to expel said earth material from said space portion interposed between said upper segment and said lower segment of said track of said first tracked assembly, on the opposite side with respect to that where said second tracked assembly lies with respect to said first tracked assembly;

[0025] • at least a second nozzle connected to said tank by at least a second conduit so that compressed air possibly contained in said tank can:

[0026] - flow into said second conduit reaching said second nozzle and then

[0027] - flow out of said second nozzle, said second nozzle, or each of said second nozzles if more than one, being directed so that, when compressed air flows out of said second nozzle, the compressed air flowing out of said second nozzle:

[0028] - crosses, at least partially, said space portion interposed between said upper segment and said lower segment of said track of said second tracked assembly and

[0029] - exits from said space portion interposed between said upper segment and said lower segment of said track of said second tracked assembly, away from said track of said first tracked assembly, so that, if the compressed air flowing out of said second nozzle, while at least partially crossing said space portion interposed between said upper segment and said lower segment of said track of said second tracked assembly, inter- cepts earth material possibly housed in said space portion interposed between said upper segment and said lower segment of said track of said second tracked assembly, the compressed air flowing out of said second nozzle tends to expel said earth material from said space portion interposed between said upper segment and said lower segment of said track of said second tracked assembly, on the opposite side with respect to that where said first tracked assembly lies with respect to said second tracked assembly;

[0030] • adjustment means suitable for adjusting both the flow of compressed air flowing out of said first nozzle, or out of each of said first nozzles if more than one, and the flow of compressed air flowing out of said second nozzle, or out of each of said second nozzles if more than one, said adjustment means being controllable by a user of said vehicle.

[0031] The vehicle according to the invention is advantageously provided with a compressed air system for removing earth material possibly accumulated between the wheels and the rollers of each of the two tracked assemblies during a use thereof.

[0032] Other innovative features of the present invention are disclosed in the following description and mentioned in the dependent claims.

[0033] According to an aspect of the invention, said track carriage of at least one of said first and second tracked assemblies comprises at least one element extending in length between said drive wheel and said idle wheel of said tracked assembly in which said track carriage is included, said element extending in length being at least partially housed in said space portion interposed between said upper segment and said lower segment of said track of said tracked assembly in which said track carriage is included comprising said element extending in length, if said track carriage comprising said element extending in length is included in said first tracked assembly, said first nozzle, or at least one of said first nozzles if more than one, being directed so that, when compressed air flows out of said first nozzle, the compressed air flowing out of said first nozzle:

[0034] • crosses, at least partially, said space portion interposed between said upper segment and said lower segment of said track included in said first tracked assembly, said sector being interposed between said upper segment of said track included in said first tracked assembly and said element extending in length of said track carriage included in said first tracked assembly, and

[0035] • exits from said sector away from said track included in said second tracked assembly, so that, if the compressed air flowing out of said first nozzle, while at least partially crossing said sector of said space portion interposed between said upper segment and said lower segment of said track included in said first tracked assembly, intercepts earth material possibly housed in said sector, the compressed air flowing out of said first nozzle tends to expel said earth material from said sector on the opposite side with respect to that where said second tracked assembly lies with respect to said first tracked assembly, if said track carriage comprising said element extending in length is included in said second tracked assembly, said second nozzle or at least one of said second nozzles if more than one, being directed so that, when compressed air flows out of said second nozzle, the compressed air flowing out of said second nozzle:

[0036] • crosses, at least partially, said space portion interposed between said upper segment and said lower segment of said track included in said second tracked assembly, said sector of said space portion interposed between said upper segment and said lower segment of said track included in said second tracked assembly, being interposed between said upper segment of said track included in said second tracked assembly and said element extending in length of said track carriage included in said second tracked assembly, and

[0037] • exits from said sector of said space portion interposed between said upper segment and said lower segment of said track included in said second tracked assembly, away from said track included in said first tracked assembly, so that, if the compressed air flowing out of said second nozzle, while at least partially crossing said sector of said space portion interposed between said upper segment and said lower segment of said track included in said second tracked assembly, intercepts earth material possibly housed in said sector of space portion interposed between said upper segment and said lower segment of said track included in said second tracked assembly, the compressed air flowing out of said second nozzle tends to expel said earth material from said sector of said space portion interposed between said upper segment and said lower segment of said track included in said second tracked assembly, on the opposite side with respect to that where said first tracked assembly lies with respect to said second tracked assembly.

[0038] In larger self-propelled tracked vehicles each track carriage generally comprises a bar extending in length between the drive wheel and the idle wheel of the tracked assembly of which the track carriage is a part. Since it is usually between the aforementioned bar and the upper track segment opposite thereto that earth material accumulates during use of the vehicle, one or more of the nozzles of the vehicle according to the invention are advantageously oriented so as to "blow" compressed air between the aforementioned track carriage bar and the upper track segment opposite thereto.

[0039] According to another aspect of the invention, if said track carriage comprising said element extending in length is included in said first tracked assembly, said first nozzle, or at least one of said first nozzles if more than one, is connected to (and thus supported by) said element extending in length of said track carriage included in said first tracked assembly, if said track carriage comprising said element extending in length is included in said second tracked assembly, said second nozzle or at least one of said second nozzles if more than one, being connected to (and thus supported by) said element extending in length of said track carriage included in said second tracked assembly.

[0040] Advantageously, according to this aspect of the invention, one or more nozzles of at least one of the two tracked assemblies is supported by the element extending in length of the track carriage included in the tracked assembly of which said one or more nozzles are part.

[0041] According to another aspect of the invention, said undercarriage comprises a frame to which said slewing bearing and said track carriage of each of said first and second tracked assemblies are connected, said frame being at least partially opposing said turret, said frame including at least a first cavity at least partially interposed between said track carriage of said first tracked assembly and said slewing bearing, and at least a second cavity at least partially interposed between said track carriage and said second tracked assembly and said slewing bearing, each of said first and second cavities being through cavities so that, when the earth material is located at said first or second cavity, said earth material tends to fall towards the ground, when said vehicle rests on the ground at said tracks, crossing said frame at said first or second cavity, respectively.

[0042] According to another aspect of the invention, said vehicle comprises:

[0043] • at least a third nozzle connected to said tank by at least a third conduit so that compressed air possibly contained in said tank can:

[0044] - flow into said third conduit reaching said third nozzle and then

[0045] - flow out of said third nozzle, said third nozzle, or each of said third nozzles if more than one, being directed so that, when compressed air flows out of said third nozzle, the compressed air flowing out of said third nozzle:

[0046] - crosses, at least partially, said first cavity and

[0047] - exits from said first cavity at least partially directed towards the ground when said vehicle rests on the ground at said tracks, so that, when the compressed air flowing out of said third nozzle, while it at least partially crosses said first cavity, intercepts earth material possibly at least partially obstructing said first cavity, the compressed air flowing out of said third nozzle tends to eject from said first cavity said earth material causing the latter to fall at least partially towards the ground when said vehicle rests on the ground at said tracks, said adjustment means being suitable for also adjusting the flow of compressed air flowing out of said third nozzle, or out of each of said third nozzles if more than one, and / or

[0048] • at least a fourth nozzle connected to said tank by at least a fourth conduit so that compressed air possibly contained in said tank can:

[0049] - flow into said fourth conduit reaching said fourth nozzle and then

[0050] - flow out of said fourth nozzle, said fourth nozzle, or each of said fourth nozzles if more than one, being directed so that, when compressed air flows out of said fourth nozzle, the compressed air flowing out of said fourth nozzle:

[0051] - crosses, at least partially, said second cavity and

[0052] - exits from said second cavity at least partially directed towards the ground when said vehicle rests on the ground at said tracks, so that, when the compressed air flowing out of said fourth nozzle, while it at least partially crosses said second cavity, intercepts earth material possibly at least partially obstructing said second cavity, the compressed air flowing out of said fourth nozzle tends to eject from said second cavity said earth material causing the latter to fall at least partially towards the ground when said vehicle rests on the ground at said tracks, said adjustment means being suitable for also adjusting the flow of compressed air flowing out of said fourth nozzle, or out of each of said fourth nozzles if more than one.

[0053] Upon the passage of a tracked vehicle, the portion (i.e., the two strips) of ground on which the tracks transit tends to connect to the latter. Said connection causes, when a track moves away from the ground by sliding on the drive or idle wheel, part of the soil in contact with the track to be raised off the ground and transported by the track within the gap between the undercarriage and the turret. If the earth material transported by the tracks obstructs the aforementioned first and second cavities, this disadvantageously causes the gradual ac- cumulation of earth material between the undercarriage and the turret.

[0054] Like the earth material that accumulates within the two tracked assemblies, the earth material that accumulates between the undercarriage and the turret must be periodically removed. Also this operation, like that usually carried out, according to the prior art, to remove the earth material that accumulates inside the two tracked assemblies, is generally carried out during a period of inactivity of the vehicle. The formation of accumulations of earth material between the undercarriage and the turret during the use of a self-propelled tracked vehicle is thus a problem.

[0055] The compressed air system for removing earth material with which the vehicle according to the invention is provided is, according to the present aspect, advantageously suitable for unblocking from earth material the aforementioned first and / or second cavity of the frame of the undercarriage of the vehicle.

[0056] According to another aspect of the invention, said vehicle comprises:

[0057] • at least a fifth nozzle connected to said tank by at least a fifth conduit so that compressed air possibly contained in said tank can:

[0058] - flow into said fifth conduit reaching said fifth nozzle and then

[0059] - flow out of said fifth nozzle, said fifth nozzle, or each of said fifth nozzles if more than one, being directed so that, when compressed air flows out of said fifth nozzle, the compressed air flowing out of said fifth nozzle flows, at least partially, between said frame and said turret approaching said first cavity, so that, when the compressed air flowing out of said fifth nozzle, while it at least partially crosses said first frame and said turret, intercepts earth material possibly at least partially accumulated between said frame and said turret, the compressed air flowing out of said fifth nozzle tends to push said earth material towards said first cavity so as to cause it to fall, through the latter, at least partially towards the ground when said vehicle rests on the ground at said tracks, said adjustment means being suitable for also adjusting the flow of compressed air flowing out of said fifth nozzle, or out of each of said fifth nozzles if more than one, and / or

[0060] • at least a sixth nozzle connected to said tank by at least a sixth conduit so that compressed air possibly contained in said tank can:

[0061] - flow into said sixth conduit reaching said sixth nozzle and then

[0062] - flow out of said sixth nozzle, said sixth nozzle, or each of said sixth nozzles if more than one, being directed so that, when compressed air flows out of said sixth nozzle, the compressed air flowing out of said sixth nozzle flows, at least partially, between said frame and said turret approaching said second cavity, so that, when the compressed air flowing out of said sixth nozzle, while it at least partially crosses said first frame and said turret, intercepts earth material possibly at least partially accumulated between said frame and said turret, the compressed air flowing out of said sixth nozzle tends to push said earth material towards said second cavity so as to cause it to fall, through the latter, at least partially towards the ground when said vehicle rests on the ground at said tracks, said adjustment means being suitable for also adjusting the flow of compressed air flowing out of said sixth nozzle, or out of each of said sixth nozzles if more than one.

[0063] The compressed air system for removing earth material with which the vehicle according to the invention is provided is, according to the present aspect, advantageously suitable for removing, from the frame of the vehicle undercarriage, earth material possibly accumulated between the frame and the turret, “blowing” said earth material towards the first and / or the second cavity.

[0064] According to another aspect of the invention, said vehicle comprises at least a seventh nozzle connected to said tank by at least a seventh conduit so that compressed air possibly contained in said tank can:

[0065] • flow into said seventh conduit reaching said seventh nozzle and then flow out of said seventh nozzle, said seventh nozzle, or each of said seventh nozzles if more than one, being directed so that, when compressed air flows out of said seventh nozzle, the compressed air flowing out of said seventh nozzle flows, at least partially, between said frame and said turret away from said slewing bearing, so that, when the compressed air flowing out of said seventh nozzle, while it at least partially crosses said first frame and said turret, intercepts earth material possibly at least partially accumulated between said frame and said turret, the compressed air flowing out of said seventh nozzle tends to push said earth material away from said frame so as to cause it to fall from the latter, at least partially towards the ground when said vehicle rests on the ground at said tracks, said adjustment means being suitable for also adjusting the flow of compressed air flowing out of said seventh nozzle, or out of each of said seventh nozzles if more than one.

[0066] The compressed air system for removing earth material with which the vehicle according to the invention is provided is, according to the present aspect, advantageously suitable for removing, from the frame of the vehicle undercarriage, earth material possibly accumulated between the frame and the turret, “blowing” said earth material away from said frame away from said slewing bearing.

[0067] According to another aspect of the invention:

[0068] • said third nozzle, if provided, or at least one of said third nozzles if more than one,

[0069] • said fourth nozzle, if provided, or at least one of said fourth nozzles if more than one,

[0070] • said fifth nozzle, if provided, or at least one of said fifth nozzles if more than one,

[0071] • said sixth nozzle, if provided, or at least one of said sixth nozzles if more than one,

[0072] • said seventh nozzle, if provided, or at least one of said seventh nozzles if more than one, is connected to (and thus supported by) said frame of said undercarriage.

[0073] According to another aspect of the invention, said actuation means comprise at least one hydraulic pump connected, by a hydraulic circuit, to at least a first and a second hydraulic actuator for an actuation thereof, said first hydraulic actuator being connected to said drive wheel of said first tracked assembly so that an actuation of said first hydraulic actuator causes a rotation of said drive wheel of said first tracked assembly about its first axis, and said second hydraulic actuator being connected to said drive wheel of said second tracked assembly so that an actuation of said second hydraulic actuator causes a rotation of said drive wheel of said second tracked assembly about its first axis, so that said vehicle is of the “hydrostatic transmission” type, said compression means comprise a third hydraulic actuator, said hydraulic pump, by means of said hydraulic circuit, also being connected to said third hydraulic actuator for an actuation thereof, said hydraulic actuator corresponding, or being included in, said motor of said compression means so that an actuation of said third hydraulic actuator causes a compression of atmospheric air and an introduction of the compressed air into said tank.

[0074] Self-propelled tracked vehicles with a hydrostatic transmission generally comprise a pair of hydraulic actuators connected to the two drive wheels, respectively, and the actuation of which causes a rotation of said wheels. The actuation of the hydraulic actuators takes place by causing a liquid to flow into the actuators, the liquid being pressurized by a hydraulic pump in turn actuated by a combustion engine or electric motor. Self-propelled tracked vehicles with a hydrostatic transmission are substantially known. Therefore, no further details will be provided.

[0075] Advantageously, according to this aspect of the invention, the compression means are hydraulically actuated (by a hydraulic motor) by utilizing the same working fluid circulating in the hydraulic circuit with which the vehicle is provided (being of the “hydrostatic transmission” type).

[0076] According to another aspect of the invention, said vehicle comprises at least one element connected to said turret and projecting from the latter towards said frame so as to be at least partially interposed between said turret and said frame, said element projecting from said turret being shaped so that and being connected to said turret so that, upon a rotation of said turret, with respect to said undercarriage, about its axis, said projecting element:

[0077] • does not come into contact with said frame of said undercarriage, or with said track of said first tracked assembly, or with said track of said second tracked assembly and

[0078] • can be transited:

[0079] - between said track of said first tracked assembly and said slewing bearing or between said track of said second tracked assembly and said slewing bearing and

[0080] - above said first cavity or above said second cavity with reference to when said vehicle rests on the ground at said tracks, so that, if said element projecting from said turret, upon a rotation of the latter, with respect to said undercarriage, about its axis, intercepts earth material possibly accumulated between said frame and said turret, said projecting element tends to push said earth material:

[0081] • towards said first cavity so as to cause it to fall, through the latter, at least partially towards the ground when said vehicle rests on the ground at said tracks or

[0082] • towards said second cavity so as to cause it to fall, through the latter, at least partially towards the ground when said vehicle rests on the ground at said tracks or

[0083] • away from said frame so as to cause it to fall, through the latter, at least partially towards the ground when said vehicle rests on the ground at said tracks.

[0084] Advantageously, according to this aspect of the invention, the vehicle comprises at least one element projecting from the turret (e.g., a sort of trowel) tending, upon a rotation of the turret with respect to the undercarriage, to push earth material possibly accumulated between the turret and the frame of the undercarriage, towards the first or the second cavity of the frame or away from the latter. According to another aspect of the invention, said vehicle comprises at least a first and a second of said elements projecting from said turret and opposite to each other with respect to said slewing bearing, said first element projecting from said turret being shaped so that and being connected to said turret so that, upon a rotation of said turret, with respect to said undercarriage, about its axis, said first projecting element can be transited:

[0085] • between said track of said first tracked assembly and said slewing bearing and

[0086] • above said first cavity with reference to when said vehicle rests on the ground at said tracks, so that, if said first element projecting from said turret, upon a rotation of the latter, with respect to said undercarriage, about its axis, intercepts earth material possibly accumulated between said frame and said turret, said first projecting element tends to push said earth material:

[0087] • towards said first cavity so as to cause it to fall, through the latter, at least partially towards the ground when said vehicle rests on the ground at said tracks or

[0088] • away from said frame so as to cause it to fall, through the latter, at least partially towards the ground when said vehicle rests on the ground at said tracks, said second element projecting from said turret being shaped so that and being connected to said turret so that, upon a rotation of said turret, with respect to said undercarriage, about its axis, said second projecting element can be transited:

[0089] • between said track of said second tracked assembly and said slewing bearing and above said second cavity with reference to when said vehicle rests on the ground at said tracks, so that, if said second element projecting from said turret, upon a rotation of the latter, with respect to said undercarriage, about its axis, intercepts earth material possibly accumulated between said frame and said turret, said second projecting element tends to push said earth material:

[0090] • towards said second cavity so as to cause it to fall, through the latter, at least partially towards the ground when said vehicle rests on the ground at said tracks or

[0091] • away from said frame so as to cause it to fall, through the latter, at least partially towards the ground when said vehicle rests on the ground at said tracks.

[0092] Brief description of the drawings

[0093] Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments thereof and from the accompanying drawings, merely given by way of non-limiting explanation, in which:

[0094] - Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic perspective side view of a self-propelled tracked vehicle according to the present invention;

[0095] - Figures 2 to 5 show diagrammatic and partial perspective views of some components of the vehicle in Figure 1 .

[0096] Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

[0097] Hereinafter in the present description, a figure can also be shown with reference to elements not expressly indicated in that figure but indicated in other figures instead. The scale and proportions of the various depicted elements do not necessarily correspond to the real ones.

[0098] Figure 1 shows a self-propelled vehicle 1 of the “tracked” type and according to the invention belonging, by way of example, to the category of machinery generally referred to as “earth-moving machines”. More precisely, the vehicle 1 is, by way of example, a “bucket” excavator.

[0099] The excavator 1 comprises a first structure 2 including the members by means of which the movement of the excavator 1 takes place on the ground. The struc- ture 2 is known as an “undercarriage” and substantially corresponds to the lower part of the excavator 1. The undercarriage 2 supports a second structure 3 being rotatable with respect thereto and known as a “turret”. The latter preferably comprises at least part of the engine or motor of the excavator 1 and a cab 4 for the driving thereof. As the excavator 1 is, by way of example, a bucket excavator, it comprises an arm 5 connected to the tower 3 at a first end 6 thereof, and to a bucket 7 at a second end 8 thereof opposite to the end 6. The cab 4, in addition to being a “driver’s cab” of the excavator 1 , is a “maneuvering cab” of the boom 5.

[0100] The undercarriage 2 comprises a first tracked assembly 9 and a second tracked assembly 10 opposite to the tracked assembly 9 and partially visible in Figures 2 and 4. Each of the tracked assemblies 9 and 10 includes a track carriage 11 to which a plurality of wheels and rollers are connected for moving the excavator 1 . More precisely, the track carriage 11 of each of the tracked assemblies 9 and 10 is connected to: a drive wheel 12 (on the right in Figure 1 ) rotatable with respect to said track carriage 11 about a first axis, an idle wheel 13 (on the left in Figure 1 ) rotatable with respect to said track carriage 11 about a second axis parallel to said first axis, one or more carrier rollers 14 (placed at the bottom between the aforesaid wheels 12 and 13, and shown, by way of example, in a number equal to nine) each of which is rotatable with respect to said track carriage 11 about an axis parallel to the aforesaid first axis, and one or more support rollers 15 (placed at the top between the aforesaid wheels 12 and 13, and shown, by way of example, in a number equal to two) each of which is rotatable with respect to said track carriage 11 about an axis parallel to the aforesaid first axis. In each of the tracked assemblies 9 and 10, the support rollers 15 are, considered as a whole, opposite to the carrier rollers 14, also considered as a whole. As mentioned above, in each of the tracked assemblies 9 and 10, each of the support rollers 15 lies at a higher level than that on which each of the carrier rollers 14 lies.

[0101] Each of the tracked assemblies 9 and 10 further comprises a track 16 extending in length and closed onto itself so as to embrace the unit consisting of the wheels 12 and 13 and the rollers 14 and 15 included in said tracked assembly 9 or 10. In each of the tracked assemblies 9 and 10, the track 16 is in contact with the wheels 12 and 13 and with the wheels 14 and 15 included in said tracked assembly 9 or 10. More precisely, in each of the tracked assemblies 9 and 10, a lower segment 17 of the track 16 extends from the wheel 12 to the wheel 13 included in said tracked assembly 9 or 10, and is in contact with the rollers 14 included in said tracked assembly 9 or 10, and an upper segment 18 of the track 16 extends, like the segment 17, from the wheel 12 to the wheel 13 included in said tracked assembly 9 or 10, but is in contact with the rollers 15 included in said tracked assembly 9 or 10. In light of the above, in each of the tracked assemblies 9 and 10, the track 16 delimits, at least partially, a space portion 19 interposed between the segments 17 and 18 of said track 16 and in which they are housed, and at least partially, the wheels 12 and 13 and the rollers 14 and

[0102] 15 included in said tracked assembly 9 or 10. In each of the tracked assemblies

[0103] 9 and 10, the track 16 is coupled to the wheel 12 of said tracked assembly 9 or

[0104] 10 so that a rotation of said wheel 12 about its (first) axis results in the track 16 sliding about the aforesaid unit consisting of the wheels 12 and 13 and the rollers 14 and 15 included in said tracked assembly 9 or 10.

[0105] The rotation axis of the wheel 12 of the tracked assembly 9 is parallel to, and preferably coincides with, the rotation axis of the wheel 12 of the tracked assembly 10.

[0106] The engine of the excavator 1 , falling within the aforementioned “actuation means” and at least partially housed in the turret 3, is connected to both wheels

[0107] 12 and is suitable for rotating each of said wheels 12 about its (first) axis. Incidentally, a rotation of the wheels 12 about its respective axis by the engine of the excavator 1 results in each of the tracks 16 sliding about the wheels 12 and

[0108] 13 and the rollers 14 and 15 of the tracked assembly 9 or 10 of which said track

[0109] 16 is part, and therefore the excavator 1 to move (when it rests on the ground at the tracks 16 and with respect to the ground on which it rests). Again incidentally, when the excavator 1 rests on the ground at the tracks 16, the axes of rotation of the wheels 12 (and along with the latter, the axes of rotation of the wheels 13 and of the rollers 14 and 15) are substantially parallel to the ground on which the excavator 1 rests. The undercarriage 2 comprises a slewing bearing 20 (visible in Figure 4) interposed between the tracked assemblies 9 and 10 and at which the turret 3 is connected to the undercarriage 2 so as to be rotatable, with respect to the latter, about an axis arranged orthogonally to the rotation axis of each of the wheels 12. Again incidentally, when the excavator 1 rests on the ground at the tracks 16, the rotation axis of the turret 3 with respect to the undercarriage 2 is substantially arranged orthogonally to the ground on which the excavator 1 rests.

[0110] The tracked assemblies 9 and 10 are preferably mutually specular (i.e., symmetrical to each other with respect to a plane).

[0111] The excavator 1 differs from known self-propelled tracked vehicles due to the fact that it comprises a tank suitable for containing compressed air. Said tank is connected to a compressor including a motor upon actuation of which the compressor is suitable for compressing atmospheric air and introducing the compressed air into said tank. The latter is further connected, by respective conduits previously identified as “first conduits”, to one or more nozzles 21 , previously identified as “first nozzles”, so that the compressed air contained in the aforesaid tank can reach each nozzle 21 by flowing in the connection conduit of said nozzle 21 to the aforesaid tank, and then flow out of said nozzle 21.

[0112] As can be seen in Figure 2, each of the nozzles 21 is directed so that, when compressed air flows out of said nozzle 21 , the compressed air flowing out of said nozzle 21 crosses, at least partially, the space portion 19 interposed between the segments 17 and 18 of the track 16 of the tracked assembly 9, and exits from said space portion 19 (interposed between the segments 17 and 18 of the track 16 of the tracked assembly 9) away from the track 16 of the tracked assembly 10, so that, if the compressed air flowing out of said nozzle 21 , while at least partially crossing said space portion 19 (interposed between the segments 17 and 18 of the track 16 of the tracked assembly 9), intercepts earth material possibly housed in said space portion 19 (interposed between the segments 17 and 18 of the track 16 of the tracked assembly 9), the compressed air flowing out of said nozzle 21 tends to eject said earth material from said space portion 19 on the opposite side with respect to where the tracked assem- bly 10 lies with respect to the tracked assembly 9 (i.e., outside the undercarriage 2).

[0113] The compressed air tank of the excavator 1 is also connected, by further respective conduits previously identified as “second conduits”, to one or more further nozzles, not visible in the figures and previously identified as “second nozzles”, so that the compressed air contained in the aforesaid tank can reach each of the aforesaid second nozzles by flowing in the connection conduit of said second nozzle to the aforesaid tank, and then flow out of said second nozzle. Like the nozzles 21 , each of the aforesaid second nozzles is directed so that, when compressed air flows out of said second nozzle , the compressed air flowing out of said second nozzle crosses, at least partially, the space portion 19 interposed between the segments 17 and 18 of the track 16 of the tracked assembly 10, and exits from said space portion 19 (interposed between the segments 17 and 18 of the track 16 of the tracked assembly 10) away from the track 16 of the tracked assembly 9 so that, if the compressed air flowing out of said second nozzle, while at least partially crossing said space portion 19 (interposed between the segments 17 and 18 of the track 16 of the tracked assembly 10), intercepts earth material possibly housed in said space portion 19 (interposed between the segments 17 and 18 of the track 16 of the tracked assembly 10), the compressed air flowing out of said second nozzle tends to eject said earth material from said space portion 19 (interposed between the segments 17 and 18 of the track 16 of the tracked assembly 10) on the opposite side with respect to where the tracked assembly 9 lies with respect to the tracked assembly 10 (i.e., outside the undercarriage 2).

[0114] Both the flow of compressed air flowing out of each nozzle 21 and the flow of compressed air flowing out of each of the aforementioned second nozzles are adjustable by a user of the excavator 1 (i.e., by an operator of the excavator), by means of known adjustment means (e.g., including solenoid valves), preferably from the cab 4. For each nozzle 21 , a user of the excavator 1 can preferably decide whether to cause compressed air to flow out of nozzle 21 or not, regardless of the other nozzles 21 and other nozzles possibly included on the excavator 1 . Likewise, for each of the aforesaid second nozzles, a user of the ex- cavator 1 can preferably decide whether to cause compressed air to flow out of said second nozzle or not, regardless of the other second nozzles and other nozzles possibly included on the excavator 1 .

[0115] Just as the tracked assemblies 9 and 10 are preferably mutually specular, the nozzles 21 are preferably specular to the aforesaid second nozzles.

[0116] As can be noted in Figures 1 and 2, the track carriage 11 of at least one of the tracked assemblies 9 and 10, and preferably each of the tracked assemblies 9 and 10, comprises at least one element 22 extending in length between the wheels 12 and 13 of the tracked assembly 9 and 10 including said track carriage 11. In each of the tracked assemblies 9 and 10, the element 22 is at least partially, and preferably completely, housed in the space portion 19 interposed between the segments 17 and 18 of the track 16 of said tracked assembly 9 or 10.

[0117] At least one of the nozzles 21 , and preferably each of the nozzles 21 , is preferably connected to the element 22 of the track carriage 11 of the tracked assembly 9 and is preferably directed so that, when compressed air flows out of said nozzle 21 , the compressed air flowing out of said nozzle 21 crosses a sector 23 of the space portion 19 interposed between the segments 17 and 18 of the track 16 of the tracked assembly 9, said sector 23 being interposed between the element 22 of the tracked assembly 9 and the (upper) segment 18 of the track 16 of the tracked assembly 9, and exits from said sector 23 away from the track 16 of the tracked element 10 (i.e. , outside the undercarriage 2), so that, if the compressed air flowing out of said nozzle 21 , while at least partially crossing the sector 23 of said space portion 19 (interposed between the segments 17 and 18 of the track 16 of the tracked assembly 9), intercepts earth material possibly housed in said sector 23, the compressed air flowing out of said nozzle 21 tends to eject said earth material from said sector 23 (of the space portion 19 interposed between the segments 17 and 18 of the track 16 of the tracked assembly 9) on the opposite side with respect to where the tracked assembly 10 lies with respect to the tracked assembly 9.

[0118] Like what was stated for the nozzles 21 , at least one of the aforesaid second nozzles and preferably each of said second nozzles, is preferably connected to the element 22 of the track carriage 11 of the tracked assembly 10 and is preferably directed so that, when compressed air flows out of said second nozzle, the compressed air flowing out of said second nozzle crosses a sector of the space portion 19 interposed between the segments 17 and 18 of the track 16 of the tracked assembly 10, said sector being interposed between the element 22 of the tracked assembly 10 and the (upper) segment 18 of the track 16 of the tracked assembly 10, and exits from said sector of said portion 19 (interposed between the segments 17 and 18 of the track 16 of the tracked assembly 10) away from the track 16 of the tracked element 9 (i.e. , outside the undercarriage 2), so that, if the compressed air flowing out of said second nozzle, while at least partially crossing said sector of said space portion 19 (interposed between the segments 17 and 18 of the track 16 of the tracked assembly 10), intercepts earth material possibly housed in said sector, the compressed air flowing out of said second nozzle tends to eject said earth material from said sector (of the space portion 19 interposed between the segments 17 and 18 of the track 16 of the tracked assembly 10) on the opposite side with respect to where the tracked assembly 9 lies with respect to the tracked assembly 10.

[0119] As can be seen in Figures 3 and 4, the slewing bearing 20 is connected to the track carriages 11 of the tracked assemblies 9 and 10 by a frame 24 at least partially opposing the turret 3. The frame 24 included in the undercarriage 3, comprises at least a first cavity 25 at least partially interposed between the track carriage 11 of the tracked assembly 9 and the slewing bearing 20, and at least a second cavity 26 at least partially interposed between the track carriage 11 and the tracked assembly 10 and the slewing bearing 20. The cavities 25 and 26 are preferably specular to one another and each of them is preferably substantially shaped like an isosceles triangle, with the base centrally opposing the track carriage 11 partially delimiting said cavity 25 or 26, or like an isosceles trapezoid with the major base centrally opposing the track carriage 11 partially delimiting said cavity 25 and 26. Each of the cavities 25 and 26 is a through cavity so that, when the earth material is located at said cavity 25 or 26, said earth material tends to fall towards the ground (when the excavator 1 rests on the ground at the tracks 16), crossing the frame 24 at said cavity 25 or 26. The compressed air tank of the excavator 1 is preferably also connected, by respective conduits previously identified as “third conduits”, to one or more nozzles 27, previously identified as “third nozzles”, so that the compressed air contained in the aforesaid tank can reach each nozzle 27 by flowing in the connection conduit of said nozzle 27 to the aforesaid tank, and then flow out of said nozzle 27. Each of the nozzles 27 is directed so that, when compressed air flows out of said nozzle 27, the compressed air flowing out of said nozzle 27 crosses, at least partially, the cavity 25 and flows out of the latter at least partially directed towards the ground when the excavator 1 rests on the ground at the tracks 16, so that, when the compressed air flowing out of said nozzle 27, while at least partially crossing the cavity 25, intercepts earth material possibly at least partially obstructing the cavity 25, the compressed air flowing out of said nozzle 27 tends to eject from the cavity 25 said earth material causing the latter to fall at least partially towards the ground when the excavator 1 rests on the ground at the tracks 16.

[0120] The compressed air tank of the excavator 1 is preferably also connected, by respective further conduits previously identified as “fourth conduits”, to one or more nozzles 28, previously identified as “fourth nozzles”, so that the compressed air contained in the aforesaid tank can reach each nozzle 28 by flowing in the connection conduit of said nozzle 28 to the aforesaid tank, and then flow out of said nozzle 28. Each of the nozzles 28 is directed so that, when compressed air flows out of said nozzle 28, the compressed air flowing out of said nozzle 28 crosses, at least partially, the cavity 26 and flows out of the latter at least partially directed towards the ground when the excavator 1 rests on the ground at the tracks 16, so that, when the compressed air flowing out of said nozzle 28, while at least partially crossing the cavity 26, intercepts earth material possibly at least partially obstructing the cavity 26, the compressed air flowing out of said nozzle 28 tends to eject from the cavity 26 said earth material causing the latter to fall at least partially towards the ground when the excavator 1 rests on the ground at the tracks 16.

[0121] Both the flow of compressed air flowing out of each nozzle 27 and the flow of compressed air flowing out of each nozzle 28 are adjustable by a user of the excavator 1 (i.e., by an operator of the excavator 1 ), by means of the aforesaid “adjustment means” (e.g., including solenoid valves), preferably from the cab 4. For each nozzle 27, a user of the excavator 1 can preferably decide whether to cause compressed air to flow out of nozzle 27 or not, regardless of the other nozzles 27 and other nozzles possibly included on the excavator 1. Likewise, for each nozzle 28, a user of the excavator 1 can preferably decide whether to cause compressed air to flow out of nozzle 28 or not, regardless of the other nozzles 28 and other nozzles possibly included on the excavator 1 .

[0122] At least one of the nozzles 27, and preferably each of the nozzles 27, is preferably connected to the frame 24, preferably close to the vertex of the cavity 25, if substantially shaped like an isosceles triangle, proximal to the slewing bearing 20, or of the minor base of the cavity 25, if substantially shaped like an isosceles trapezoid. Likewise, at least one of the nozzles 28, and preferably each of the nozzles 28, is preferably connected to the frame 24, preferably close to the vertex of the cavity 26, if substantially shaped like an isosceles triangle, proximal to the slewing bearing 20, or of the minor base of the cavity 26, if substantially shaped like an isosceles trapezoid.

[0123] Just as the cavities 25 and 26 are preferably mutually specular, the nozzles 27 are preferably specular to the nozzles 28.

[0124] The compressed air tank of the excavator 1 is preferably also connected, by respective conduits previously identified as “fifth conduits”, to one or more nozzles 29, previously identified as “fifth nozzles”, so that the compressed air contained in the aforesaid tank can reach each nozzle 29 by flowing in the connection conduit of said nozzle 29 to the aforesaid tank, and then flow out of said nozzle 29. Each of the nozzles 29 is directed so that, when compressed air flows out of said nozzle 29, the compressed air flowing out of said nozzle 29 flows, at least partially, between the frame 24 and the turret 3 towards the cavity 25, so that, if the compressed air flowing out of said nozzle 29, while at least partially flowing between the frame 24 and the turret 3, intercepts earth material possibly accumulated between the frame 24 and the turret 3, the compressed air flowing out of said nozzle 29 tends to push said earth material towards the cavity 25 so as to cause it to fall, through the latter, at least partially towards the ground when the excavator 1 rests on the ground at the tracks 16.

[0125] The compressed air tank of the excavator 1 is preferably also connected, by respective further conduits previously identified as “sixth conduits”, to one or more nozzles 30, previously identified as “sixth nozzles”, so that the compressed air contained in the aforesaid tank can reach each nozzle 30 by flowing in the connection conduit of said nozzle 30 to the aforesaid tank, and then flow out of said nozzle 30. Each of the nozzles 30 is directed so that, when compressed air flows out of said nozzle 30, the compressed air flowing out of said nozzle 30 flows, at least partially, between the frame 24 and the turret 3 towards the cavity 26, so that, if the compressed air flowing out of said nozzle 30, while at least partially flowing between the frame 24 and the turret 3, intercepts earth material possibly accumulated between the frame 24 and the turret 3, the compressed air flowing out of said nozzle 30 tends to push said earth material towards the cavity 26 so as to cause it to fall, through the latter, at least partially towards the ground when the excavator 1 rests on the ground at the tracks 16.

[0126] Both the flow of compressed air flowing out of each nozzle 29 and the flow of compressed air flowing out of each nozzle 30 are adjustable by a user of the excavator 1 (i.e., by an operator of the excavator), by means of the aforesaid “adjustment means” (e.g., including solenoid valves), preferably from the cab 4. For each nozzle 29, a user of the excavator 1 can preferably decide whether to cause compressed air to flow out of nozzle 29 or not, regardless of the other nozzles 29 and other nozzles possibly included on the excavator 1. Likewise, for each nozzle 30, a user of the excavator 1 can preferably decide whether to cause compressed air to flow out of nozzle 30 or not, regardless of the other nozzles 30 and other nozzles possibly included on the excavator 1 .

[0127] At least one of the nozzles 29, and preferably each of the nozzles 29, is preferably connected to the frame 24, preferably close to the mutually congruent oblique sides of the cavity 25. Likewise, at least one of the nozzles 28, and preferably each of the nozzles 28, is preferably connected to the frame 24, preferably close to the mutually congruent oblique sides of the cavity 25.

[0128] Just as the cavities 25 and 26 are preferably mutually specular, the nozzles 29 are preferably specular to the nozzles 30. The compressed air tank of the excavator 1 is preferably also connected, by respective further conduits previously identified as “seventh conduits”, to one or more nozzles 31 , previously identified as “seventh nozzles”, so that the compressed air contained in the aforesaid tank can reach each nozzle 31 by flowing in the connection conduit of said nozzle 31 to the aforesaid tank, and then flow out of said nozzle 31 . Each of the nozzles 31 is directed so that, when compressed air flows out of said nozzle 31 , the compressed air flowing out of said nozzle 31 flows, at least partially, between the frame 24 and the turret 3 away from the slewing bearing 20, so that, if the compressed air flowing out of said nozzle 31 , while at least partially flowing between the frame 24 and the turret 3, intercepts earth material possibly accumulated between the frame 24 and the turret 3, the compressed air flowing out of said nozzle 31 tends to push said earth material away from the frame 24 so as to cause it to fall at least partially towards the ground when the excavator 1 rests on the ground at the tracks 16.

[0129] The flow of compressed air flowing out of each nozzle 31 is adjustable by a user of the excavator 1 (i.e. , by an operator of the excavator), by means of the aforesaid “adjustment means” (e.g., including solenoid valves), preferably from the cab 4. For each nozzle 31 , a user of the excavator 1 can preferably decide whether to cause compressed air to flow out of nozzle 31 or not, regardless of the other nozzles 31 and other nozzles possibly included on the excavator 1 .

[0130] The nozzles 31 are preferably connected to the frame 24, preferably at the two portions of the latter (one of which can be seen in Figure 4) lying on the opposite side with respect to the slewing bearing 20 and each of which extending from one to the other of the two tracked assemblies 9 and 10 of the excavator 1 . Said two frame portions 24 substantially correspond to the front and rear portions of the frame 24 (with reference to the advancement direction of the excavator 1 ), respectively.

[0131] The excavator 1 preferably has a hydrostatic transmission. This means that the combustion engine or electric motor of the excavator 1 preferably actuates a hydraulic pump connected, by means of a hydraulic circuit, to a pair of hydraulic actuators for an actuation thereof. Said hydraulic actuators are connected to the drive wheels 12 of the tracked assemblies 9 and 10, respectively, so that an ac- tuation of one of said hydraulic actuators causes the rotation of the wheel 12 to which it is connected. The compressor motor of the excavator 1 preferably corresponds to, or includes, a third hydraulic actuator connected to the aforesaid hydraulic pump by means of the aforesaid hydraulic circuit. In light of the foregoing, the compressor motor of the excavator 1 is preferably a hydraulic motor. The compressor of the excavator 1 is thus preferably hydraulically actuated by utilizing the same working fluid by means of which the wheels 12 are rotated.

[0132] With reference to Figure 5 it is possible to note that the excavator 1 preferably also comprises at least one element 32 connected to the turret 3 and projecting from the latter towards the frame 24, so as to be at least partially interposed, and preferably completely interposed, between the turret 3 and the frame 24. The element 32 is preferably substantially flat and is preferably formed like a sort of trowel. The latter is shaped so that and is connected to the turret 3 so that, upon a rotation of the turret 3, with respect to the undercarriage 2, about its axis, the trowel 32 can be transited between the slewing bearing 20 and the track 16 of the tracked assembly 9 and 10 and above the cavity 25 and 26 (with reference to when the excavator 1 rests on the ground at the tracks 16) without coming into contact with the frame 24 or the tracks 16, so that, when the trowel 32, upon a rotation of the turret 3, with respect to the undercarriage 2, about its axis, intercepts earth material possibly 33 accumulated between the turret 3 and the frame 24, the trowel 32 tends to push the earth material 33 towards the cavity 25 or 26 so as to cause it to fall, through the latter, at least partially towards the ground (with reference to when the excavator 1 rests on the ground at the tracks 16), or tends to push the earth material 33 away from the frame 24 so as to cause said earth material 33 to fall at least partially towards the ground (again with reference to when the excavator 1 rests on the ground at the tracks 16).

[0133] Incidentally, equivalently to the above, the trowel 32, rather than being “directly” connected to the turret 3, can be connected to the latter by the slewing bearing 20, i.e. , it can be connected to the slewing bearing 20 and by means of the latter to the turret 3 so as to rotate integrally therewith (and to appear projecting from the turret 3). The excavator 1 preferably comprises a pair of trowels 32 preferably opposite to each other with respect to the slewing bearing 20 (i.e. , preferably diametrically opposite). One of the two trowels 32 is preferably shaped so that and is preferably connected to the turret 3 so that, upon a rotation of the turret 3, with respect to the undercarriage 2, about its axis, said trowel can be transited between the slewing bearing 20 and the track 16 of the tracked assembly 9 and above the cavity 25 (with reference to when the excavator 1 rests on the ground at the tracks 16) without coming into contact with the frame 24 or the track 16 of the tracked assembly 9, so that, when said trowel, upon a rotation of the turret 3, with respect to the undercarriage 2, about its axis, intercepts earth material possibly accumulated between the turret 3 and the frame 24, said trowel tends to push said earth material towards the cavity 25 so as to cause it to fall, through the latter, at least partially towards the ground (with reference to when the excavator 1 rests on the ground at the tracks 16), or tends to push said earth material away from the frame 24 so as to cause said earth material to fall at least partially towards the ground (with reference to when the excavator 1 rests on the ground at the tracks 16). The other of the two trowels 32 is preferably shaped so that and is preferably connected to the turret 3 so that, upon a rotation of the turret 3, with respect to the undercarriage 2, about its axis, said other trowel can be transited between the slewing bearing 20 and the track 16 of the tracked assembly 10 and above the cavity 26 (with reference to when the excavator 1 rests on the ground at the tracks 16) without coming into contact with the frame 24 or the track 16 of the tracked assembly 10, so that, when said other trowel, upon a rotation of the turret 3, with respect to the undercarriage 2, about its axis, intercepts earth material possibly accumulated between the turret 3 and the frame 24, said other trowel tends to push said earth material towards the cavity 26 so as to cause it to fall, through the latter, at least partially towards the ground (with reference to when the excavator 1 rests on the ground at the tracks 16), or tends to push said earth material away from the frame 24 so as to cause said earth material to fall at least partially towards the ground (with reference to when the excavator 1 rests on the ground at the tracks 16).

[0134] In light of the foregoing, the compressor of the excavator 1 , the compressed air tank, the conduits and nozzles listed above, like the trowel(s) 32, if provided, act, as a whole, as a system for removing earth material possibly accumulated on the excavator 1 during a movement thereof.

[0135] Based on the description provided for a preferred embodiment, it is apparent that some changes can be introduced by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

C L A I M S1. A self-propelled tracked vehicle (1 ) comprising:• an undercarriage (2) including:- a first and a second tracked assembly (9, 10) opposite to each other and each of which comprising: a track carriage (11 ); a drive wheel (12) connected to said track carriage (11 ) and rotatable with respect to the latter about a first axis; an idle wheel (13) connected to said track carriage (11 ) and rotatable with respect to the latter about a second axis parallel to said first axis; one or more carrier rollers (14) each of which connected to said track carriage (11 ) and rotatable with respect to the latter about an axis parallel to said first axis; one or more support rollers (15) each of which connected to said track carriage (11 ) and rotatable with respect to the latter about an axis parallel to said first axis, said one or more support rollers (15) being, as a whole, opposite to said one or more carrier rollers (14), as a whole, each of said one or more support rollers (15) being at a higher level than that on which each of said one or more carrier rollers (14) lies; a track (16) extending in length and closed onto itself so as to embrace a unit consisting of said drive wheel (12), said idle wheel (13), said one or more carrier rollers (14) and said one or more support rollers (15), said track (16) being in contact with said drive wheel (12), said idle wheel (13), said one or more carrier rollers (14) and said one or more support rollers (15), a lower segment (17) of said track (16) extending from said drive wheel (12) to said idle wheel (13) and being in contact with said one or more carrier rollers (14), an upper segment (18) of said track (16) extending from said drive wheel (12) to said idle wheel (13) and being in contact with said one or more support rollers (15),said track (16) thus delimiting, at least partially, a space portion (19) interposed between said lower segment (17) and said upper segment (18) of said track (16) and in which said drive wheel (12), said idle wheel (13), said one or more carrier rollers (14) and said one or more support rollers (15) are at least partially housed, said track (16) being coupled to said drive wheel (12) so that a rotation of said drive wheel (12) about said first axis results in said track (16) sliding about said unit consisting of said drive wheel (12), said idle wheel (13), said one or more carrier rollers (14) and said one or more support rollers (15), said first axis of said drive wheel (12) of said first tracked assembly (9) being parallel to said first axis of said drive wheel (12) of said second tracked assembly (10);- a slewing bearing (20) interposed between said first and second tracked assemblies (9, 10);• a turret (3) connected to said undercarriage (2) at said slewing bearing (20) so as to be rotatable, with respect to said undercarriage (2), about an axis arranged orthogonally to said first axis of said drive wheel (12) of each of said first and second tracked assemblies (9, 10);• actuation means at least partially housed in said turret (3) and connected to both said drive wheel (12) of said first tracked assembly (9) and said drive wheel (12) of said second tracked assembly (10), said actuation means being suitable for rotating said two drive wheels (12) of said first and second tracked assemblies (9, 10), respectively, about the respective first axis, said vehicle (1 ) being characterized in that it further comprises:• a tank suitable for containing compressed air;• compression means connected to said tank and comprising at least one motor upon actuation of which said compression means are adapted to:- compress atmospheric air and- introduce compressed air into said tank;• at least a first nozzle (21 ) connected to said tank by at least a first conduit so that compressed air possibly contained in said tank can:- flow into said first conduit reaching said first nozzle (21 ) and then- flow out of said first nozzle (21 ), said first nozzle (21 ), or each of said first nozzles (21 ) if more than one, being directed so that, when compressed air flows out of said first nozzle (21), the compressed air flowing out of said first nozzle (21 ):- crosses, at least partially, said space portion (19) interposed between said lower segment (17) and said upper segment (18) of said track (16) of said first tracked assembly (9) and- exits from said space portion (19) interposed between said lower segment (17) and said upper segment (18) of said track (16) of said first tracked assembly (9), away from said track (16) of said second tracked assembly (10), so that, if the compressed air flowing out of said first nozzle (21), while at least partially crossing said space portion (19) interposed between said lower segment (17) and said upper segment (18) of said track (16) of said first tracked assembly (9), intercepts earth material possibly housed in said space portion (19) interposed between said lower segment (17) and said upper segment (18) of said track (16) of said first tracked assembly (9), the compressed air flowing out of said first nozzle (21 ) tends to expel said earth material from said space portion (19) interposed between said lower segment (17) and said upper segment (18) of said track (16) of said first tracked assembly (9), on the opposite side with respect to that where said second tracked assembly (10) lies with respect to said first tracked assembly (9);• at least a second nozzle connected to said tank by at least a second conduit so that compressed air possibly contained in said tank can:- flow into said second conduit reaching said second nozzle and then- flow out of said second nozzle,said second nozzle, or each of said second nozzles if more than one, being directed so that, when compressed air flows out of said second nozzle, the compressed air flowing out of said second nozzle:- crosses, at least partially, said space portion interposed between said lower segment and said upper segment of said track (16) of said second tracked assembly (10) and- exits from said space portion interposed between said lower segment and said upper segment of said track (16) of said second tracked assembly (10), away from said track (16) of said first tracked assembly (9), so that, if the compressed air flowing out of said second nozzle, while at least partially crossing said space portion interposed between said lower segment and said upper segment of said track (16) of said second tracked assembly (10), intercepts earth material possibly housed in said space portion interposed between said lower segment and said upper segment of said track (16) of said second tracked assembly (10), the compressed air flowing out of said second nozzle tends to expel said earth material from said space portion interposed between said lower segment and said upper segment of said track (16) of said second tracked assembly (10), on the opposite side with respect to that where said first tracked assembly (9) lies with respect to said second tracked assembly (10);• adjustment means suitable for adjusting both the flow of compressed air flowing out of said first nozzle (21 ), or out of each of said first nozzles (21 ) if more than one, and the flow of compressed air flowing out of said second nozzle, or out of each of said second nozzles if more than one, said adjustment means being controllable by a user of said vehicle (1 ).

2. A vehicle (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said track carriage (11) of at least one of said first and second tracked assemblies (9, 10) comprises at least one element (22) extending in length between said drive wheel (12) and said idle wheel (13) of said tracked assembly (9, 10) in which said track carriage (11 ) is included, said element (22) extending in length extending in length being at least partiallyhoused in said space portion (19) interposed between said lower segment (17) and said upper segment (18) of said track (16) of said tracked assembly (9, 10) in which said track carriage (11 ) is included comprising said element (22) extending in length, if said track carriage (11) comprising said element (22) extending in length is included in said first tracked assembly (9), said first nozzle (21 ), or at least one of said first nozzles (21 ) if more than one, being directed so that, when compressed air flows out of said first nozzle (21 ), the compressed air flowing out of said first nozzle (21 ):• crosses, at least partially, a sector (23) of said space portion (19) interposed between said lower segment (17) and said upper segment (18) of said track (16) included in said first tracked assembly (9), said sector (23) being interposed between said upper segment (18) of said track (16) included in said first tracked assembly (9) and said element (22) extending in length of said track carriage (11 ) included in said first tracked assembly (9), and• exits from said sector (23) away from said track (16) included in said second tracked assembly (10), so that, if the compressed air flowing out of said first nozzle (21 ), while at least partially crossing said sector (23) of said space portion (19) interposed between said lower segment (17) and said upper segment (18) of said track (16) included in said first tracked assembly (9), intercepts earth material possibly housed in said sector (23), the compressed air flowing out of said first nozzle (21 ) tends to eject said earth material from said sector (23) on the opposite side with respect to that where said second tracked assembly (10) lies with respect to said first tracked assembly (9), if said track carriage comprising said element extending in length is included in said second tracked assembly (10), said second nozzle or at least one of said second nozzles if more than one, being directed so that, when compressed air flows out of said second nozzle, the compressed air flowing out of said second nozzle:• crosses, at least partially, said space portion interposed between said lower segment and said upper segment of said track (16) included in said second tracked assembly (10), said sector of said space portion interposed between said lower segment and said upper segment of said track (16) included in said second tracked assembly (10), being interposed between said upper segment of said track (16) included in said second tracked assembly (10) and said element extending in length of said track carnage included in said second tracked assembly (10), and• exits from said sector of said space portion interposed between said lower segment and said upper segment of said track (16) included in said second tracked assembly (10), away from said track (16) included in said first tracked assembly (9), so that, if the compressed air flowing out of said second nozzle, while at least partially crossing said sector of said space portion interposed between said lower segment and said upper segment of said track (16) included in said second tracked assembly (10), intercepts earth material possibly housed in said sector of space portion interposed between said lower segment and said upper segment of said track (16) included in said second tracked assembly (10), the compressed air flowing out of said second nozzle tends to eject said earth material from said sector of said space portion interposed between said lower segment and said upper segment of said track (16) included in said second tracked assembly (10), on the opposite side with respect to that where said first tracked assembly (9) lies with respect to said second tracked assembly (10).

3. A vehicle (1 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that, if said track carriage (11 ) comprising said element (22) extending in length is included in said first tracked assembly (9), said first nozzle (21 ), or at least one of said first nozzles (21) if more than one, is connected to said element (22) extending in length of said track carnage (11 ) included in said first tracked assembly (9), if said track carriage comprising said element extending in length is included in said second tracked assembly (10), said second nozzle or at least one of said second nozzles if more than one, being connected to said element extending inlength of said track carriage included in said second tracked assembly (10).

4. A vehicle (1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said undercarriage (2) comprises a frame (24) to which said slewing bearing (20) and said track carriage (11 ) of each of said first and second tracked assemblies (9, 10) are connected, said frame (24) being at least partially opposing said turret (3), said frame (24) including at least a first cavity (25) at least partially interposed between said track carriage (11 ) of said first tracked assembly (9) and said slewing bearing (20), and at least a second cavity (26) at least partially interposed between said track carriage and said second tracked assembly (10) and said slewing bearing (20), each of said first and second cavities (25, 26) being a through cavity so that, when the earth material is located at said first or second cavity (25, 26), said earth material tends to fall towards the ground, when said vehicle (1) rests on the ground at said tracks (16), crossing said frame (24) at said first or second cavity (25, 26), respectively.

5. A vehicle (1 ) according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises:• at least a third nozzle (27) connected to said tank by at least a third conduit so that compressed air possibly contained in said tank can:- flow into said third conduit reaching said third nozzle (27) and then- flow out of said third nozzle (27), said third nozzle (27), or each of said third nozzles (27) if more than one, being directed so that, when compressed air flows out of said third nozzle (27), the compressed air flowing out of said third nozzle (27):- crosses, at least partially, said first cavity (25) and- exits from said first cavity (25) at least partially directed towards the ground when said vehicle (1 ) rests on the ground at said tracks (16), so that, when the compressed air flowing out of said third nozzle (27), while it at least partially crosses said first cavity (25), intercepts earth material possibly at least partially obstructing said first cavity (25), the compressed air flow-ing out of said third nozzle (27) tends to eject from said first cavity (25) said earth material causing the latter to fall at least partially towards the ground when said vehicle (1 ) rests on the ground at said tracks (16), said adjustment means being suitable for also adjusting the flow of compressed air flowing out of said third nozzle (27), or out of each of said third nozzles (27) if more than one, and / or• at least a fourth nozzle (28) connected to said tank by at least a fourth conduit so that compressed air possibly contained in said tank can:- flow into said fourth conduit reaching said fourth nozzle (28) and then- flow out of said fourth nozzle (28), said fourth nozzle (28), or each of said fourth nozzles (28) if more than one, being directed so that, when compressed air flows out of said fourth nozzle (28), the compressed air flowing out of said fourth nozzle (28):- crosses, at least partially, said second cavity (26) and- exits from said second cavity (26) at least partially directed towards the ground when said vehicle (1 ) rests on the ground at said tracks (16), so that, when the compressed air flowing out of said fourth nozzle (28), while it at least partially crosses said second cavity (26), intercepts earth material possibly at least partially obstructing said second cavity (26), the compressed air flowing out of said fourth nozzle (28) tends to eject from said second cavity (26) said earth material causing the latter to fall at least partially towards the ground when said vehicle (1 ) rests on the ground at said tracks (16), said adjustment means being suitable for also adjusting the flow of compressed air flowing out of said fourth nozzle (28), or out of each of said fourth nozzles (28) if more than one.

6. A vehicle (1 ) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that it comprises:• at least a fifth nozzle (29) connected to said tank by at least a fifth conduit so that compressed air possibly contained in said tank can:- flow into said fifth conduit reaching said fifth nozzle (29) and then- flow out of said fifth nozzle (29), said fifth nozzle (29), or each of said fifth nozzles (29) if more than one, being directed so that, when compressed air flows out of said fifth nozzle (29), the compressed air flowing out of said fifth nozzle (29) flows, at least partially, between said frame (24) and said turret (3) approaching said first cavity (25), so that, when the compressed air flowing out of said fifth nozzle (29), while it at least partially crosses said first frame (24) and said turret (3), intercepts earth material possibly at least partially accumulated between said frame (24) and said turret (3), the compressed air flowing out of said fifth nozzle (29) tends to push said earth material towards said first cavity (25) so as to cause it to fall, through the latter, at least partially towards the ground when said vehicle (1 ) rests on the ground at said tracks (16), said adjustment means being suitable for also adjusting the flow of compressed air flowing out of said fifth nozzle (29), or out of each of said fifth nozzles (29) if more than one, and / or• at least a sixth nozzle (30) connected to said tank by at least a sixth conduit so that compressed air possibly contained in said tank can:- flow into said sixth conduit reaching said sixth nozzle (30) and then- flow out of said sixth nozzle (30), said sixth nozzle (30), or each of said sixth nozzles (30) if more than one, being directed so that, when compressed air flows out of said sixth nozzle (30), the compressed air flowing out of said sixth nozzle (30) flows, at least partially, between said frame (24) and said turret (3) approaching said second cavity (26), so that, when the compressed air flowing out of said sixth nozzle (30), while it at least partially crosses said first frame (24) and said turret (3), intercepts earth material possibly at least partially accumulated between said frame (24) and said turret (3), the compressed air flowing out of said sixth nozzle (30)tends to push said earth material towards said second cavity (26) so as to cause it to fall, through the latter, at least partially towards the ground when said vehicle (1 ) rests on the ground at said tracks (16), said adjustment means being suitable for also adjusting the flow of compressed air flowing out of said sixth nozzle (30), or out of each of said sixth nozzles (30) if more than one.

7. A vehicle (1 ) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that it comprises at least a seventh nozzle (31) connected to said tank by at least a seventh conduit so that compressed air possibly contained in said tank can:• flow into said seventh conduit reaching said seventh nozzle (31 ) and then• flow out of said seventh nozzle (31 ), said seventh nozzle (31 ), or each of said seventh nozzles (31 ) if more than one, being directed so that, when compressed air flows out of said seventh nozzle (31 ), the compressed air flowing out of said seventh nozzle (31 ) flows, at least partially, between said frame (24) and said turret (3) away from said slewing bearing (20), so that, when the compressed air flowing out of said seventh nozzle (31 ), while it at least partially crosses said first frame (24) and said turret (3), intercepts earth material possibly at least partially accumulated between said frame (24) and said turret (3), the compressed air flowing out of said seventh nozzle (31 ) tends to push said earth material away from said frame (24) so as to cause it to fall from the latter, at least partially towards the ground when said vehicle (1) rests on the ground at said tracks (16), said adjustment means being suitable for also adjusting the flow of compressed air flowing out of said seventh nozzle (31 ), or out of each of said seventh nozzles (31 ) if more than one.

8. A vehicle (1 ) according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that:• said third nozzle (27), if provided, or at least one of said third nozzles (27) if more than one,• said fourth nozzle (28), if provided, or at least one of said fourth nozzles (28) if more than one,• said fifth nozzle (29), if provided, or at least one of said fifth nozzles (29) if more than one,• said sixth nozzle (30), if provided, or at least one of said sixth nozzles (30) if more than one,• said seventh nozzle (31), if provided, or at least one of said seventh nozzles (31) if more than one, is connected to said frame (24).

9. A vehicle (1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said actuation means comprise at least one hydraulic pump connected, by a hydraulic circuit, to at least a first and a second hydraulic actuator for an actuation thereof, said first hydraulic actuator being connected to said drive wheel (12) of said first tracked assembly (9) so that an actuation of said first hydraulic actuator causes a rotation of said drive wheel (12) of said first tracked assembly (9) about its first axis, and said second hydraulic actuator being connected to said drive wheel of said second tracked assembly (10) so that an actuation of said second hydraulic actuator causes a rotation of said drive wheel of said second tracked assembly (10) about its first axis, so that said vehicle (1 ) is of the “hydrostatic transmission” type, said compression means comprise a third hydraulic actuator, said hydraulic pump, by means of said hydraulic circuit, also being connected to said third hydraulic actuator for an actuation thereof, said hydraulic actuator corresponding, or being included in, said motor of said compression means so that an actuation of said third hydraulic actuator causes a compression of atmospheric air and an introduction of the compressed air into said tank.

10. A vehicle (1) according to one of claims 4 to 8 or according to claim 9 when dependent on one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that it comprises at least one element (32) connected to said turret (3) and projecting from the latter towards said frame (24) so as to be at least partially interposed between saidturret (3) and said frame (24), said element (32) projecting from said turret (3) being shaped so that and being connected to said turret (3) so that, upon a rotation of said turret (3), with respect to said undercarriage (2), about its axis, said projecting element (32):• does not come into contact with said frame (24) of said undercarriage (2), or with said track (16) of said first tracked assembly (9), or with said track (16) of said second tracked assembly (10) and• can be transited:- between said track (16) of said first tracked assembly (9) and said slewing bearing (20) or between said track (16) of said second tracked assembly (10) and said slewing bearing (20) and- above said first cavity (25) or above said second cavity (26) with reference to when said vehicle (1) rests on the ground at said tracks (16), so that, if said element (32) projecting from said turret (3), upon a rotation of the latter, with respect to said undercarriage (2), about its axis, intercepts earth material possibly (33) accumulated between said frame (24) and said turret (3), said projecting element (32) tends to push said earth material (33):• towards said first cavity (25) so as to cause it to fall, through the latter, at least partially towards the ground when said vehicle (1 ) rests on the ground at said tracks (16) or• towards said second cavity (26) so as to cause it to fall, through the latter, at least partially towards the ground when said vehicle (1 ) rests on the ground at said tracks (16) or• away from said frame (24) so as to cause it to fall, through the latter, at least partially towards the ground when said vehicle (1) rests on the ground at said tracks (16).

11. A vehicle (1 ) according to claim 10, characterized in that it comprises at least a first and a second of said elements (32) projecting from said turret (3),said first and second projecting elements (32) being opposite to each other with respect to said slewing bearing (20), said first element (32) projecting from said turret (3) being shaped so that and being connected to said turret (3) so that, upon a rotation of said turret (3), with respect to said undercarriage (2), about its axis, said first projecting element (32) can be transited:• between said track (16) of said first tracked assembly (9) and said slewing bearing (20) and• above said first cavity (25) with reference to when said vehicle (1 ) rests on the ground at said tracks (16), so that, if said first element (32) projecting from said turret (3), upon a rotation of the latter, with respect to said undercarriage (2), about its axis, intercepts earth material possibly (33) accumulated between said frame (24) and said turret (3), said first projecting element (32) tends to push said earth material (33):• towards said first cavity (25) so as to cause it to fall, through the latter, at least partially towards the ground when said vehicle (1 ) rests on the ground at said tracks (16) or• away from said frame (24) so as to cause it to fall, through the latter, at least partially towards the ground when said vehicle (1) rests on the ground at said tracks (16), said second element projecting from said turret (3) being shaped so that and being connected to said turret (3) so that, upon a rotation of said turret (3), with respect to said undercarriage (2), about its axis, said second projecting element can be transited:• between said track (16) of said second tracked assembly (10) and said slewing bearing (20) and• above said second cavity (26) with reference to when said vehicle (1 ) rests on the ground at said tracks (16), so that, if said second element projecting from said turret (3), upon a rotation ofthe latter, with respect to said undercarriage (2), about its axis, intercepts earth material possibly accumulated between said frame (24) and said turret (3), said second projecting element tends to push said earth material:• towards said second cavity (26) so as to cause it to fall, through the latter, at least partially towards the ground when said vehicle (1 ) rests on the ground at said tracks (16) or• away from said frame (24) so as to cause it to fall, through the latter, at least partially towards the ground when said vehicle (1) rests on the ground at said tracks (16).

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