Digging wheel sector
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/IB2026/052949
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2025-03-27
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-01
Smart Images
Figure IB2026052949_01102026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
“Digging wheel sector”Description
[0001] Field of the invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a sector for a digging wheel of an excavator machine, as well as to a digging wheel comprising such a sector, and to an excavator machine comprising such a digging wheel.
[0003] In particular, it is the object of the present invention a sector for a digging wheel for forming mini or micro trenches.
[0004] Background art
[0005] Digging wheels connectable to excavator machines for forming trenches are known. Such digging wheels are formed by a rotating disc provided with teeth or digging tools which, upon rotation of the digging wheel about an excavator arm or a shovel of the excavator machine, penetrate into the ground, crushing it and removing it.
[0006] For laying optical fiber cables, excavating a trench of a reduced width is generally required, for example of less than 50 mm, also referred to as a mini or micro trench, so as to avoid the risk that wheels of bicycles get caught therein, causing the fall thereof. Consequently, for carrying out such excavations, corresponding digging wheels having a reduced width are required. However, a reduced width of the digging wheel implies a greater stress on the digging tools.
[0007] Reduced-width digging wheels are known to the inventors, formed of a body comprising the rotating disc portion, connectable to the excavator arm or shovel of the excavator machine, from which a plurality of digging tools extends.
[0008] Such digging wheels known to the inventors are particularly subject to wear, in particular at the digging tools, which exhibit reduced durability. Consequently, the rapid wear of the digging tools requires frequent replacements of the digging wheel, with a consequent increase in the overall costs for the execution of the excavation.
[0009] Solution
[0010] It is the object of the present invention to provide a sector for a digging wheel of an excavator machine, as well as to a digging wheel comprising such a sector, and to an excavator machine comprising such a digging wheel, which overcome at least some of the drawbacks identified in the prior art.
[0011] It is particular object of the present invention to provide a sector for a digging wheel of an excavator machine which is adapted to excavate mini or micro trenches of reduced width, in particular of less than 50 mm, and which, at the same time, allowsreducing both the overall costs and the execution times of the excavation.
[0012] These and other objects are achieved by means of a sector for a digging wheel of an excavator machine, according to the independent claim.
[0013] The dependent claims relate to preferred and advantageous embodiments of the present invention.
[0014] Figures
[0015] In order to better understand the invention and appreciate the advantages thereof, some non-limiting exemplary embodiments thereof will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0016] - Figure 1 shows a side perspective view of a sector for a digging wheel of an excavator machine, according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0017] - Figure 2 shows a perspective view, opposite to the view shown in Figure 1 , of the sector for a digging wheel of an excavator machine shown in Figure 1 ;
[0018] - Figure 3 shows a side view of the sector for a digging wheel of an excavator machine shown in Figure 1 ;
[0019] - Figure 4 shows a transverse cross-sectional view of a sector for a digging wheel, according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0020] - Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a sector-holder disc for a digging wheel of an excavator machine, according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0021] - Figure 6 shows a side view of a sector-holder disc for a digging wheel of an excavator machine, according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0022] - Figure 7 shows an axial sectional view of a portion of the sector-holder disc for a digging wheel of an excavator machine, shown in Figure 6;
[0023] - Figure 8 shows an axial sectional view of a screw for a digging wheel of an excavator machine, according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0024] - Figures 9A-9D show front views of screws for a digging wheel of an excavator machine, according to different embodiments of the invention;
[0025] - Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a digging wheel of an excavator machine, in a partially exploded configuration, according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0026] - Figure 11 shows an axial sectional view of a portion of the digging wheel of an excavator machine shown in Figure 10;
[0027] - Figure 12 shows a side view of a portion of the digging wheel of an excavator machine shown in Figure 10;
[0028] - Figure 13 shows a side view, opposite to Figure 12, of a portion of the digging wheel of an excavator machine shown in Figure 10;
[0029] - Figure 14 shows a side view of an excavator, showing two possible operating positions which may be assumed by the excavator, according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0030] - Figure 15 shows a diagrammatic side view of an excavator, according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0031] - Figure 16 shows a diagrammatic front view of an excavator, according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0032] Description of some preferred embodiments
[0033] Sector 1
[0034] With reference to the Figures, a sector is generally indicated by reference numeral 1.
[0035] The sector 1 is adapted for a digging wheel 2 for an excavator machine 3.
[0036] The digging wheel 2 is of the type comprising a sector-holder disc 7, in which the sector-holder disc 7 defines:
[0037] - an axial direction X-X;
[0038] - a radial direction R-R, orthogonal and incident to the axial direction X-X;
[0039] - a tangential direction T-T, orthogonal to the axial direction X-X and to the radial direction R-R.
[0040] The digging wheel 2 is rotatable with respect to the excavator machine 3 about the axial direction X-X.
[0041] The sector 1 substantially extends in length along a development direction 4. Furthermore, the sector 1 extends in width in a direction transverse to the development direction 4.
[0042] Specifically, in a configuration connected to the sector-holder disc 7, the development direction 4 is substantially parallel to the tangential direction T-T. Therefore, when connected to the sector-holder disc 7, the sector 1 extends in length along a direction parallel to the tangential direction T-T, and extends in width along a direction parallel to the axial direction X-X.
[0043] The sector 1 comprises at least two digging tools 5. The digging tools 5 are positioned substantially aligned, i.e., positioned one after the other, along the development direction 4. That is, the digging tools 5 are arranged in a row along the development direction 4.
[0044] The digging tools 5 are configured to perform an excavation along a direction parallel to the development direction 4.
[0045] The sector 1 further comprises a sector body 6, substantially extending along the development direction 4.
[0046] The at least two digging tools 5 are connected to the sector body 6.
[0047] In a configuration connected to the sector-holder disc 7, the sector body 6 extends substantially parallel to or coplanar with a plane defined by the radial direction R-R and the tangential direction T-T. The digging tools 5 extend in a direction opposite to the axial direction X-X.
[0048] The sector 1 extends in width along a direction orthogonal to the plane on which the sector body 6 substantially extends.
[0049] The sector 1 is connectable to and disconnectable from the sector-holder disc 7, at the sector body 6.
[0050] Furthermore, the sector 1 has a width of less than 50 mm.
[0051] Advantageously, a sector 1 thus configured is demountable and interchangeable, and therefore it allows excavating trenches of a reduced width, in particular of less than 50 mm, and, at the same time, reducing the overall costs and the excavation execution times.
[0052] According to an embodiment, the sector 1 is connectable to and disconnectable from the sector-holder disc 7, at the sector body 6, by means of a removable connection.
[0053] The sector body 6 comprises removable connection means 8, configured to obtain a removable connection of the sector 1 with the sector-holder disc 7. The removable connection means 8 are, for example, mechanical members.
[0054] Specifically, the removable connection means 8 allow a non-destructive disconnection of the sector-holder disc 7. Therefore, the removable connection means 8 allow a disconnection of sector 1 from the sector-holder disc 7 which does not cause the destruction or cutting of the sector-holder disc 7.
[0055] Advantageously, the sector 1 thus configured, in the conditions in which the digging tools 5 are damaged or reach complete wear, is disconnectable from the sectorholder disc 7 without causing the destruction of or a cutting operation on the sectorholder disc 7, and is therefore replaceable with a new sector 1. Therefore, the sector 1 thus configured allows obtaining an excavation of a width of less than 50 mm and, under wear conditions of the digging tools 5, it avoids replacing the entire digging wheel 2, onlyrequiring the replacement of the sector 1 with a new sector 1.
[0056] With a further advantage, the sector 1 thus configured is replaceable with a sector 1 having a different shape or width, thereby facilitating operations of widening the excavation without requiring a dismounting of the digging wheel 2.
[0057] According to an alternative embodiment, the sector 1 is connectable to the sector-holder disc 7, at the sector body 6, by means of a non-removable connection.
[0058] According to an embodiment, the sector 1 is connectable to the sector-holder disc 7 by welding. Specifically, the sector 1 is connectable to the sector-holder disc 7 by continuous welding or intermittent welding or by the interposition of a pin welded to the sector 1 and to the sector-holder disc 7.
[0059] Advantageously, the sector 1 thus configured, connected to the sector-holder disc 7 by means of a non-removable connection, is subsequently separable from the sector-holder disc 7 by means of, for example, an unwelding. Subsequently, following a grinding of the portion of the sector-holder disc 7 to which a sector 1 is associable, it is possible to connect a new sector 1 to the sector-holder disc 7, by means of a new nonremovable connection, for example a new welding. Advantageously, the grinding preserves the point of connection of the sector 1 to the sector-holder disc 7, allowing a new welding to be performed.
[0060] According to an embodiment, the sector 1 has a width of less than 40 mm or less than 30 mm or less than 20 mm or less than 15 mm.
[0061] Advantageously, a sector 1 thus configured allows assembling and using digging wheels 2 of thicknesses reduced with respect to the prior art, thereby allowing to obtain mini and micro trenches with complexity and times reduced with respect to the prior art.
[0062] According to an embodiment, each digging tool 5 has a width between 10 mm and 30 mm, or between 10 mm and 20 mm, or between 10 mm and 16 mm, or between 10 mm and 14 mm.
[0063] According to an embodiment, each digging tool 5 has a width substantially equal to 12.5 mm or substantially equal to 16.0 mm.
[0064] Similarly to what is defined in relation to the entire sector 1 , “width” means the extension of the digging tool 5 in a direction transverse to the development direction 4.
[0065] According to an embodiment, the sector 1 comprises at least three digging tools 5, of which a first digging tool 51 , a second digging tool 52 and a third digging tool 53, positioned substantially aligned along the development direction 4.
[0066] According to an embodiment, the sector 1 comprises a total of three digging tools 5, positioned substantially aligned along the development direction 4.
[0067] According to an embodiment, the sector body 6 has a circular crown portion shape.
[0068] In accordance with this embodiment, the sector body 6 defines a development direction 4 having a circumferential arc shape, optionally having an angular extension between 15° and 30°, or between 15° and 25°, or between 20° and 25°, or between 20° and 22°.
[0069] In accordance with this embodiment, the sector body 6 further defines a radial extension direction 9, orthogonal to the development direction 4.
[0070] In a configuration connected to the sector-holder disc 7, the radial extension direction 9 is positioned substantially parallel or coincident with the radial direction R-R.
[0071] According to an embodiment, the sector body 6 has a substantially plate-like shape, parallel to or coplanar with a plane defined by the development direction 4 and the radial extension direction 9.
[0072] Each digging tool 5 extends between a proximal end 10 and an opposite distal end 11.
[0073] The proximal end 10 faces and is connected to the sector body 6, while the distal end 11 is opposite to the sector body 6.
[0074] Each digging tool 5 defines a respective extended tool axis 12 passing between the proximal end 10 and the distal end 11 of the digging tool 5 itself.
[0075] According to an embodiment, the sector 1 comprises at least one digging tool 5 extending along a respective tool axis 12 parallel to or coincident or coplanar with the radial extension direction 9 of the sector body 6.
[0076] According to an embodiment, all the digging tools 5 of the sector 1 define respective tool axes 12 parallel to or coincident or coplanar with the radial extension direction 9 of the sector body 6.
[0077] Advantageously, such a configuration allows to obtain an excavation of minimal width.
[0078] According to an embodiment, the sector 1 comprises at least one digging tool 5 extending along a respective tool axis 12 inclined with respect to the radial extension direction 9.
[0079] Specifically, the tool axis 12 is inclined or incident with respect to the radial extension direction 9, having an inclination angle greater than 0° and less than 60° orless than 45° or less than 30°.
[0080] According to an embodiment, the sector 1 comprises at least two digging tools 5 positioned aligned along the development direction 4. The at least two digging tools 5 are further positioned extending along respective tool axes 12 inclined with respect to the radial extension direction 9, and further opposite to each other with respect to a plane defined by the development direction 4 and the radial extension direction 9.
[0081] Thereby, with reference to the plane defined by the development direction 4 and the radial extension direction 9, one of the two digging tools 5 defines a positive inclination angle, while the other of the two digging tools 5 defines a negative inclination angle.
[0082] Specifically, the tool axis 12 of one of the two digging tools 5 is inclined or incident with respect to the radial extension direction 9, with an inclination angle other than 0° and less than 60° or less than 45° or less than 30°, while the tool axis 12 of the other of the two digging tools 5 is inclined or incident with respect to the radial extension direction 9, with an inclination angle other than 0° and greater than -60° or greater than -45° or greater than -30°.
[0083] “Greater than -60°” means an angle between -60° and 0°, i.e., an angle whose module, or absolute value, is of less than 60 (the latter being the module of -60°).
[0084] According to an embodiment, the sector 1 comprises a total of three digging tools 5, of which a first digging tool 51 , a second digging tool 52 and a third digging tool 53, positioned aligned along the development direction 4. The second digging tool 52 is positioned interposed between the first digging tool 51 and the third digging tool 53.
[0085] According to an embodiment, the three digging tools 51 , 52, 53 are positioned so that:
[0086] - the first digging tool 51 defines a tool axis 12 inclined or incident or not coplanar with respect to the radial extension direction 9, having an inclination angle other than 0° and less than 60° or less than 45° or less than 30°;
[0087] - the second digging tool 52 defines a tool axis 12 parallel to or coincident or coplanar with the radial extension direction 9;
[0088] - the third digging tool 53 defines a tool axis 12 inclined or incident or not coplanar with respect to the radial extension direction 9, having an inclination angle other than 0° and greater than -60° or greater than -45° or greater than -30°.
[0089] Advantageously, such a configuration allows to extend the width of the excavation dug by means of the sector 1 , while at the same time subjecting the sector 1 and the digging wheel 2 to a substantially uniform stress.
[0090] According to an embodiment, the sector body 6 forms a plurality of tool seats 13 for inserting and fastening a respective digging tool 5.
[0091] According to an embodiment, each digging tool 5 is connected to the sector body 6, in particular at a respective tool seat 13, by brazing.
[0092] According to an embodiment, the tool body 6 comprises a plurality of plates 28, in which each plate 28 forms a respective tool seat 13 for accommodating and fastening a respective digging tool 5.
[0093] According to an embodiment, each digging tool 5 is a diamond tool.
[0094] According to an embodiment, each digging tool 5 is an insert of tungsten carbide and polycrystalline diamond (PCD).
[0095] According to an embodiment, the sector body 6 forms at least one sector hole 14, for fastening the sector 1 to the sector-holder disc 7.
[0096] The at least one sector hole 14 extends through the sector body 6 in a direction transverse to a plane defined by the development direction 4 and the radial extension direction 9.
[0097] The sector hole 14 is a through hole or a threaded hole.
[0098] According to an embodiment, each sector 1 forms a plurality of sector holes 14.
[0099] According to an embodiment, the sector body 6 forms a recess 15 at a respective sector hole 14. Specifically, the sector hole 14 opens into the recess 15.
[0100] The recess 15 is defined by an abutment wall 16 extending along a plane parallel to a plane defined by the development direction 4 and the radial extension direction 9, and by a circumferential wall 31 extending substantially transversely to the abutment wall 16. Optionally, the circumferential wall 31 is further substantially parallel to the development direction 4. The abutment wall 16 and the circumferential wall 31 are formed by the sector body 6.
[0101] The abutment wall 16 is comprised within the axial dimension of the sector body 6. The circumferential wall 31 is comprised within the radial dimension of the sector body 6. Thereby, the recess 15 is open in a direction facing the abutment wall 16 and in a direction opposite to the digging tools 5.
[0102] In particular, the abutment wall 16 extends in the radial direction from a radially lower end (opposite to the digging tools 5) to a radially upper end. The circumferential wall 31 is formed at the radially upper end of the abutment wall 16.
[0103] Advantageously, the recess 15 is configured to accommodate threadedconnection means, in particular so that a threaded element is positionable through the sector hole 14 and the recess 15, and a head of the threaded element is positionable abutting against the abutment wall 16. With a further advantage, such configuration reduces the axial dimensions of sector 1 and of the digging wheel 2, since the threaded elements are positioned comprised within the axial dimension of sector 1 , and therefore are recessed in sector 1. With a further advantage, such configuration allows the sectorholder disc 7 to be recessed into the recesses 15 of the sectors 1 connected to the sector-holder disc 7. Thereby, the sector-holder disc 7 housed in the recesses 15 is included within the axial dimension of the sectors 1.
[0104] Digging wheel 2
[0105] According to a further aspect of the invention, a digging wheel 2 comprises a sector-holder disc 7.
[0106] The sector-holder disc 7 defines:
[0107] - an axial direction X-X;
[0108] - a radial direction R-R, orthogonal and incident to the axial direction X-X;
[0109] - a tangential direction T-T, orthogonal to the axial direction X-X and to the radial direction R-R.
[0110] The digging wheel 2 is rotatable with respect to an excavator machine 3 about the axial direction X-X.
[0111] The sector-holder disc 7 extends, in the radial direction R-R, from a (radially inner) central portion 17 to a (radially outer) peripheral portion 18.
[0112] In particular, the sector-holder disc 7 is connectable to an excavator machine 3 at the central portion 17.
[0113] The digging wheel 2 further comprises a plurality of sectors 1 as previously described, in particular having a width of less than 50 mm.
[0114] The plurality of sectors 1 is connected all around the sector-holder disc 7, at the peripheral portion 18 of the sector-holder disc 7.
[0115] Specifically, the plurality of sectors 1 is connected to the sector-holder disc 7 so that the plurality of sectors 1 substantially extends on a plane coplanar with or parallel to a plane in which the sector-holder disc 7 substantially extends.
[0116] The plurality of sectors 1 connected to the sector-holder disc 7 substantially defines a circular crown positioned radially outwards with respect to the sector-holder disc 7.
[0117] In particular, the plurality of sectors 1 is connected to the sector-holder disc 7so that the development direction 4 of each sector 1 is positioned substantially parallel to the tangential direction T-T.
[0118] Furthermore, the digging wheel 2 has a width of less than 50 mm.
[0119] Consequently, the sector-holder disc 7 also has a width of less than 50 mm.
[0120] “Width of the digging wheel” means the dimension of the digging wheel 2, or of the sector-holder disc 7, in a direction parallel to the axial direction X-X.
[0121] Advantageously, a digging wheel 2 thus configured allows excavating trenches of a reduced width, in particular of less than 50 mm, and at the same time it allows reducing the overall costs and the excavation execution times.
[0122] According to an embodiment, the plurality of sectors 1 is connectable to and disconnectable from the sector-holder disc 7, at the sector body 6, by means of a removable connection.
[0123] The sector bodies 6 comprise respective removable connection means 8 configured to obtain a removable connection of the sectors 1 with the sector-holder disc 7.
[0124] Advantageously, the plurality of sectors 1 of the digging wheel 2 thus configured, in the conditions in which the digging tools 5 of the sectors 1 are damaged or reach complete wear, is disconnectable from the sector-holder disc 7 without causing the destruction of or a cutting operation on the sector-holder disc 7, and is therefore replaceable with new sectors 1. Therefore, the digging wheel 2 thus configured allows obtaining an excavation of a width of less than 50 mm and, under wear conditions of the digging tools 5, it avoids replacing the entire digging wheel 2, only requiring the replacement of the sector 1 with a new sector 1 .
[0125] With a further advantage, a digging wheel 2 thus configured allows performing excavations having different widths without requiring a disassembly of the entire digging wheel 2, but a simple disassembly and replacement of the sectors 1 with further sectors having a different shape or outline.
[0126] According to an alternative embodiment, the plurality of sectors 1 is connected to the sector-holder disc 7, at the sector body 6, by means of a non-removable connection.
[0127] According to an embodiment, the plurality of sectors 1 is connected to the sector-holder disc 7 by welding. Specifically, the sectors 1 are connectable to the sectorholder disc 7 by continuous welding or intermittent welding or by the interposition of a pin welded to the sectors 1 and to the sector-holder disc 7.
[0128] According to an embodiment, the digging wheel 2 has a width of less than 40 mm or less than 30 mm or less than 20 mm or less than 15 mm.
[0129] According to an embodiment, the sector-holder disc 7 forms a plurality of disc holes 19, for fastening the plurality of sectors 1 to the sector-holder disc 7. In particular, the plurality of disc holes 19 is formed at the peripheral portion 18.
[0130] The plurality of disc holes 19 extends through the sector-holder disc 7 in a direction parallel to the axial direction X-X.
[0131] The disc holes 19 are threaded holes or through holes.
[0132] According to an embodiment, the sectors 1 are shaped so that the one or more sector holes 14 of the respective sectors 1 are positionable at respective disc holes 19 of the sector-holder disc 7.
[0133] In particular, in accordance with this embodiment, the recess 15 of the sectors 1 is positioned opposite to the sector-holder disc 7.
[0134] According to an embodiment, the sector holes 14 are through holes, while the disc holes 19 are threaded holes.
[0135] According to an embodiment, each sector 1 is at least partially positioned overlapping the sector-holder disc 7, and abutting against the sector-holder disc 7, along a direction parallel to the axial direction X-X.
[0136] According to an embodiment, the reversible connection means 8 comprise threaded connection elements 20.
[0137] According to an embodiment, the threaded connection element 20 is a screw 21 extending coaxially with respect to a screw axis.
[0138] The screw 21 forms a collar 22 extending in a direction transverse to the screw axis.
[0139] Furthermore, the screw 21 forms an external thread 23, coaxial to the screw axis.
[0140] Furthermore, the screw 21 forms a shaped hole 24 at the collar 22, for the engagement of a through key.
[0141] The shaped hole 24 may be, by way of explanation, a hexagonal or triangular or square hole (Figures 9A-9D).
[0142] According to an embodiment, the shaped hole 24 extends through the screw 21 , coaxial to the screw axis (Figure 8), i.e., through the entire screw 21.Therefore, the shaped hole 24 extends from one end to the opposite end of the screw 21 , coaxial with respect to the screw axis, internally to the screw 21, thereby openingoutside the screw 21 both at the collar 22, at one end, as well as at the bottom of the outer screw thread 23, at the other end. The screw axis is the symmetry axis or development axis of the screw 21.Advantageously, a screw 21 thus configured may always be unscrewable, and therefore replaceable, even in conditions of wear of the opposite ends of the screw 21, i.e., in conditions of wear or damage of the collar 22 or of the opposite end at the external thread 23. In fact, the presence of the shaped hole 24, extending through the entire length of the screw 21, always has a gripping portion for a key so as to unscrew the screw 21, independently of how worn or damaged the screw 21 is. This is particularly advantageous in the operating conditions to which the digging wheel 2 is subjected, i.e., in the excavation of mini or micro trenches, in which the maneuvering space is minimal and the risk of damaging the ends of the screw 21 is greater.With a further advantage, the through configuration of the shaped hole 24 prevents the accumulation of dirt, powder or debris conventional for screws provided with a blind recess. Such a configuration, in fact, allows the free passage of any contaminants through the entire body of the screw 21, thus preventing the clogging of the actuation seat and ensuring accessibility to the key engagement in any operating condition.
[0143] According to an embodiment, the screw 21 is positioned inserted through the sector through hole 14 and screwed into the threaded disc hole 19, preferably so that the collar 22 is positioned abutting against the abutment wall 16 formed by the respective sector 1.
[0144] According to an embodiment, the sector-holder disc 7 defines a plurality of fastening holes 27, for fastening the sector-holder disc 7 to an excavator arm or shovel 26 of the excavator machine 3. In particular, the plurality of fastening holes 27 is formed at the central portion 17.
[0145] According to an embodiment, the circumferential wall 31 of the sector body 6 is shaped in the form of a lobe 29. Specifically, the lobe 29 extends in a direction opposite to the digging tools 5.
[0146] The lobe 29 and the abutment wall 16 therefore define the recess 15 previously described.
[0147] In accordance with this embodiment, the sector-holder disc 7 forms a plurality of respective shaped seats 30. The shaped seats 30 substantially extend in the radially inward direction with respect to the sector-holder disc 7 and are open in a radially outwards direction with respect to the sector-holder disc 7, i.e., they are open in the direction of the sectors 1.
[0148] Each shaped seat 30 is configured to accommodate, with shape coupling, a respective lobe 29.
[0149] Advantageously, the lobe 29 and the shaped seat 30 are configured to achieve a circumferential constraint such as to prevent or hinder relative movement between the sector 1 and the sector-holder disc 7 with respect to the development direction 4 or to the tangential direction T-T.
[0150] Specifically, the peripheral portion 18 of the sector-holder disc 7 is adapted to be housed, or accommodated, in the recesses 15 of the respective sectors 1, and is further adapted to obtain a geometric connection, with circumferential constraint, by means of the shaped seats 30 coupled to the respective lobes 29.
[0151] Excavator machine 3
[0152] According to a further aspect of the invention, an excavator machine 3 comprises a motorized frame 25 to which an excavator arm or shovel 26 (or skid steer loader) is connected.
[0153] The excavator machine 3 further comprises a digging wheel 2 as described above.
[0154] The digging wheel 2 is connected to an end of the excavator arm or shovel 26.
[0155] Specifically, the digging wheel 2 is rotatably connected to the excavator arm or shovel 26, so as to be rotatable with respect to the excavator arm or shovel 26 about the axial direction X-X.
[0156] According to an embodiment, the excavator machine 3 is an excavator. According to an alternative embodiment, the excavator machine 3 is a shovel or skidsteer loader.
[0157] Assembly method
[0158] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method of assembling a digging wheel 2 having a width of less than 50 mm, comprises the following implementation steps:
[0159] A) arranging a sector-holder disc 7, in which the sector-holder disc 7 defines:
[0160] - an axial direction X-X;
[0161] - a radial direction R-R, orthogonal and incident to the axial direction X-X;
[0162] - a tangential direction T-T, orthogonal to the axial direction X-X and to the radial direction R-R,
[0163] in which the digging wheel 2 is rotatable with respect to an excavator machine 3 about the axial direction X-X,
[0164] in which the sector-holder disc 7 extends, in the radial direction R-R, from a radially inner central portion 17 to a radially outer peripheral portion 18,
[0165] in which the sector-holder disc 7 is connectable to the excavator machine 3 at the central portion 17,
[0166] B) providing a plurality of sectors 1 , in which:
[0167] - each sector 1 substantially extends in length along a development direction 4, and extends in width in a direction transverse to the development direction 4,
[0168] - in which, in a configuration connected to the sector-holder disc 7, the development direction 4 is substantially parallel to the tangential direction T-T,
[0169] - in which the sector 1 comprises at least two digging tools 5 positioned substantially aligned along the development direction 4,
[0170] - in which the sector 1 comprises a sector body 6, substantially extending along the development direction 4,
[0171] - in which the at least two digging tools 5 are connected to the sector body 6,
[0172] - in which, in a configuration connected to the sector-holder disc 7, the sector body 6 extends substantially parallel to or coplanar with a plane defined by the radial direction R-R and the tangential direction T-T,
[0173] - in which the sector 1 is connectable to and disconnectable from the sectorholder disc 7, at sector body 6,
[0174] C) connecting the plurality of sectors 1 all around the sector-holder disc 7, at the peripheral portion 18,
[0175] in which, step C) of connecting the plurality of sectors 1 all around the sectorholder disc 7 at the peripheral portion 18, is performed:
[0176] C1) connecting the plurality of sectors 1 to the sector-holder disc 7, at the sector body 6, by means of a removable connection,
[0177] or
[0178] C2) connecting the plurality of sectors 1 to the sector-holder disc 7, at the sector body 6, by means of a non-removable connection.
[0179] Obviously, those skilled in the art will be able to make changes or adaptations to the present invention, without however departing from the scope of the following claims.List of references1. Sector2. Digging wheel3. Excavator machine4. Development direction5. Digging tool51. First digging tool52. Second digging tool53. Third digging tool6. Sector body7. Sector-holder disc8. Removable connection means 9. Radial extension direction 10. Proximal end11. Distal end12. Tool axis13. Tool seat14. Sector hole15. Recess16. Abutment wall17. Central portion18. Peripheral portion19. Disc hole20. Threaded connection element 21. Screw22. Collar23. Outer thread24. Shaped hole25. Motorized frame26. Excavator arm or shovel 27. Fastening hole28. Plate29. Lobe30. Shaped seat31. Circumferential wallX-X. Axial directionR-R. Radial direction T-T. Tangential direction
Claims
1. Claims1. A sector (1 ) for a digging wheel (2) for an excavator machine (3), wherein the digging wheel (2) comprises a sector-holder disc (7) defining:- an axial direction (X-X);- a radial direction (R-R), orthogonal and incident to the axial direction (X-X);- a tangential direction (T-T), orthogonal to axial direction (X-X) and radial direction (R-R),wherein the sector (1) substantially extends in length along a development direction (4), and extends in width in a direction transverse to the development direction (4), wherein, in a configuration connected to the sector-holder disc (7), the development direction (4) is substantially parallel to the tangential direction (T-T),wherein the sector (1) comprises at least two digging tools (5) positioned substantially aligned along the development direction (4),wherein the sector (1) comprises a sector body (6), substantially extending along the development direction (4),wherein the at least two digging tools (5) are connected to the sector body (6), wherein, in a configuration connected to the sector-holder disc (7), the sector body (6) extends substantially parallel to or coplanar with a plane defined by the radial direction (R-R) and the tangential direction (T-T),wherein the sector (1) is connectable to and disconnectable from the sector-holder disc (7), at the sector body (6),and wherein the sector (1 ) has a width of less than 50 mm.
2. A sector (1) according to claim 1, wherein the sector (1) is connectable to and disconnectable from the sector-holder disc (7), at the sector body (6), by means of a removable connection,and wherein the sector body (6) comprises removable connection means (8) configured to obtain a removable connection of the sector (1) with the sector-holder disc (7).
3. A sector (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the sector (1) is connectable to the sectorholder disc (7), at the sector body (6), by means of a non-removable connection, and wherein the sector (1 ) is connectable to the sector-holder disc (7) by welding.
4. A sector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, having a width of less than 40 mm or less than 30 mm or less than 20 mm or less than 15 mm.
5. A sector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each digging tool (5) has a width between 10 mm and 30 mm, or between 10 mm and 20 mm, or between 10 mm and 16 mm, or between 10 mm and 14 mm,or substantially equal to 12.5 mm or 16.0 mm.
6. A sector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least three digging tools (5), of which a first digging tool (51), a second digging tool (52) and a third digging tool (53) being positioned substantially aligned along the development direction (4),wherein, optionally, the sector (1) comprises a total of three digging tools (5), positioned substantially aligned along the development direction (4).
7. A sector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sector body (6) has a circular crown portion shape,or wherein the sector body (6) defines a development direction (4) having a circumferential arc shape, optionally having an angular extension between 15° and 30°, or between 15° and 25°, or between 20° and 25°, or between 20° and 22°.
8. A sector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sector body (6) defines a radial extension direction (9) orthogonal to the development direction (4), wherein, in a configuration connected to the sector-holder disc (7), the radial extension direction (9) is positioned substantially parallel to or coincident with the radial direction (R-R),wherein the sector body (6) has a substantially plate-like shape, parallel to or coplanar with a plane defined by the development direction (4) and the radial extension direction (9),wherein each digging tool (5) extends between a proximal end (10) and an opposite distal end (11), wherein the proximal end (10) faces and is connected to the sector body (6), while the distal end (11) is opposite to the sector body (6),wherein each digging tool (5) defines a respective extended tool axis (12) passing between the proximal end (10) and the distal end (11) of the digging tool (5) itself, and wherein:- the sector (1) comprises at least one digging tool (5) extending along a respective tool axis (12) parallel to or coincident or coplanar with the radial extension direction (9) of thesector body (6), or- all the digging tools (5) of the sector (1) define respective tool axes (12) parallel to or coincident or coplanar with the radial extension direction (9) of the sector body (6).
9. A sector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the sector body (6) defines a radial extension direction (9) orthogonal to the development direction (4), wherein, in a configuration connected to the sector-holder disc (7), the radial extension direction (9) is positioned substantially parallel to or coincident with the radial direction (R-R),wherein the sector body (6) has a substantially plate-like shape, parallel to or coplanar with a plane defined by the development direction (4) and the radial extension direction (9),wherein each digging tool (5) extends between a proximal end (10) and an opposite distal end (11), wherein the proximal end (10) faces and is connected to the sector body (6), while the distal end (11) is opposite to the sector body (6),wherein each digging tool (5) defines a respective extended tool axis (12) passing between the proximal end (10) and the distal end (11) of the digging tool (5) itself, and wherein:- the sector (1) comprises at least one digging tool (5) extending along a respective tool axis (12) inclined with respect to the radial extension direction (9), optionally with an inclination angle greater than 0° and less than 60° or less than 45° or less than 30°, or - the sector (1) comprises at least two digging tools (5) positioned aligned along the development direction (4), and extending along respective tool axes (12) inclined with respect to the radial extension direction (9), and opposite to each other with respect to a plane defined by the development direction (4) and the radial extension direction (9), optionally wherein the tool axis (12) of one of the two digging tools (5) is inclined or incident with respect to the radial extension direction (9) with an inclination angle other than 0° and less than 60° or less than 45° or less than 30°, while the tool axis (12) of the other of the two digging tools (5) is inclined or incident with respect to the radial extension direction (9) with an inclination angle other than 0° and greater than -60° or greater than -45° or greater than -30°.
10. A sector (1) according to claim 6, wherein the sector body (6) defines a radial extension direction (9) orthogonal to the development direction (4),wherein, in a configuration connected to the sector-holder disc (7), the radial extensiondirection (9) is positioned substantially parallel to or coincident with the radial direction (R-R),wherein the sector body (6) has a substantially plate-like shape, parallel to or coplanar with a plane defined by the development direction (4) and the radial extension direction (9),wherein each digging tool (5) extends between a proximal end (10) and an opposite distal end (11), wherein the proximal end (10) faces and is connected to the sector body (6), while the distal end (11) is opposite to the sector body (6),wherein each digging tool (5) defines a respective extended tool axis (12) passing between the proximal end (10) and the distal end (11) of the digging tool (5) itself, and wherein the three digging tools (51 , 52, 53) are positioned so that:- the first digging tool (51 ) defines a tool axis (12) inclined or incident or not coplanar with respect to the radial extension direction (9), having an inclination angle other than 0° and less than 60° or less than 45° or less than 30°;- the second digging tool (52) defines a tool axis (12) parallel to or coincident or coplanar with the radial extension direction (9);- the third digging tool (53) defines a tool axis (12) inclined or incident or not coplanar with respect to the radial extension direction (9), having an inclination angle other than 0° and greater than -60° or greater than -45° or greater than -30°.
11. A sector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sector body (6) forms a plurality of tool seats (13) for inserting and fastening a respective digging tool (5),and wherein the tool body (6) comprises a plurality of plates (28), wherein each plate (28) forms a respective tool seat (13) for accommodating and fastening a respective digging tool (5).
12. A sector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sector body (6) forms at least one sector hole (14) for fastening the sector (1) to the sector-holder disc (7),wherein the at least one sector hole (14) extends through the sector body (6) in a direction transverse to a plane defined by the development direction (4) and the radial extension direction (9),wherein the sector hole (14) is a through hole or a threaded hole.
13. A sector (1) according to claim 12, wherein the sector body (6) forms a recess (15) at a respective sector hole (14), wherein the sector hole (14) leads into the recess (15), wherein the recess (15) is defined by an abutment wall (16) extending along a plane parallel to a plane defined by the development direction (4) and the radial extension direction (9), and by a circumferential wall (31) extending transversely to the abutment wall (16),and wherein the abutment wall (16) is within the axial dimension of the sector body (6), and wherein the circumferential wall (31 ) is within the radial dimension of the sector body (6).
14. A digging wheel (2), comprising a sector-holder disc (7) defining:- an axial direction (X-X);- a radial direction (R-R), orthogonal and incident to the axial direction (X-X);- a tangential direction (T-T), orthogonal to axial direction (X-X) and radial direction (R-R),wherein the digging wheel (2) is rotatable with respect to an excavator machine (3) about the axial direction (X-X),wherein the sector-holder disc (7) extends, in the radial direction (R-R), from a radially inner central portion (17) to a radially outer peripheral portion (18),wherein the sector-holder disc (7) is connectable to the excavator machine (3) at the central portion (17),wherein the digging wheel (2) further comprises a plurality of sectors (1) according to any one of the preceding claims,wherein the plurality of sectors (1) is connected all around the sector-holder disc (7), at the peripheral portion (18),and wherein the digging wheel (2) has a width of less than 50 mm.
15. A digging wheel (2) according to claim 14, wherein the plurality of sectors (1) is connectable to and disconnectable from the sector-holder disc (7), at the sector body (6), by means of a removable connection,and wherein the sector bodies (6) comprise respective removable connection means (8) configured to obtain a removable connection of the sectors (1 ) with the sector-holder disc (7).
16. A digging wheel (2) according to claim 14, wherein the plurality of sectors (1) isconnected to the sector-holder disc (7), at the sector body (6), by means of a nonremovable connection,and wherein the plurality of sectors (1) is connected to the sector-holder disc (7) by welding.
17. A digging wheel (2) according to any one of claims 14 to 16, having a width of less than 40 mm or less than 30 mm or less than 20 mm or less than 15 mm.
18. A digging wheel (2) according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the sectorholder disc (7) forms a plurality of disc holes (19) for fastening the plurality of sectors (1 ) to the sector-holder disc (7), wherein the plurality of disc holes (19) is formed at the peripheral portion (18), and extends through the sector-holder disc (7) in a direction parallel to the axial direction (X-X),wherein the sector body (6) of the plurality of sectors (1) forms at least one sector hole (14) for fastening the sector (1) to the sector-holder disc (7),wherein the sectors (1) are shaped so that the one or more sector holes (14) of the respective sectors (1) are positionable at respective disc holes (19) of the sector-holder disc (7),wherein the sector holes (14) are through holes, while the disc holes (19) are threaded holes,wherein each sector (1) is at least partially positioned overlapping the sector-holder disc (7), and abutting against the sector-holder disc (7) along a direction parallel to the axial direction (X-X),wherein the reversible connection means (8) comprise threaded connection elements (20), wherein the threaded connection element (20) is a screw (21) extending coaxially to a screw axis,wherein the screw (21) forms:- a collar (22) extending in a direction transverse to the screw axis;- an external thread (23) coaxial to the screw axis;- a shaped hole (24) at the collar (22), for the engagement of a through key, wherein the screw (21) is positioned inserted through the sector hole (14) passing through and screwed to the threaded disc hole (19),and wherein the shaped hole (24) extends through the entire screw (21), coaxial to the screw axis.
19. A digging wheel (2) according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein, in each sector (1), the sector body (6) forms at least one sector hole (14) for fastening the sector (1) to the sector-holder disc (7), wherein the at least one sector hole (14) extends through the sector body (6) in a direction transverse to a plane defined by the development direction (4) and the radial extension direction (9), wherein the sector hole (14) is a through hole or a threaded hole,wherein the sector body (6) forms a recess (15) at a respective sector hole (14), wherein the sector hole (14) leads into the recess (15), wherein the recess (15) is defined by an abutment wall (16) extending along a plane parallel to a plane defined by the development direction (4) and the radial extension direction (9), and by a circumferential wall (31) extending transversely to the abutment wall (16), and wherein the abutment wall (16) is within the axial dimension of the sector body (6), and wherein the circumferential wall (31) is within the radial dimension of the sector body (6), wherein the circumferential wall (31) of the sector body (6) is shaped as a lobe (29), wherein the lobe (29) and the abutment wall (16) define the recess (15),and wherein the sector-holder disc (7) forms a plurality of respective shaped seats (30) substantially extending in a radially inward direction with respect to the sector-holder disc (7) and open in a radially outwards direction with respect to the sector-holder disc (7), and wherein each shaped seat (30) is configured to accommodate a respective lobe (29) with shape coupling.
20. An excavator machine (3), comprising a motorized frame (25) to which an excavator arm or shovel (26) is connected,wherein the excavator machine (3) comprises a digging wheel (2) according to any one of claims 14 to 19,wherein the digging wheel (2) is rotatably connected to the excavator arm or shovel (26), so as to be rotatable with respect to the excavator arm or shovel (26) about the axial direction (X-X),and wherein the excavator machine (3) is an excavator or a shovel or skid steer loader.
21. A method of assembling a digging wheel (2) having a width of less than 50 mm, comprising the following implementation steps:A) arranging a sector-holder disc (7) defining:- an axial direction (X-X);- a radial direction (R-R), orthogonal and incident to the axial direction (X-X);- a tangential direction (T-T), orthogonal to axial direction (X-X) and radial direction (R-R),wherein the digging wheel (2) is rotatable with respect to an excavator machine (3) about the axial direction (X-X),wherein the sector-holder disc (7) extends, in the radial direction (R-R), from a radially inner central portion (17) to a radially outer peripheral portion (18), wherein the sector-holder disc (7) is connectable to the excavator machine (3) at the central portion (17),B) providing a plurality of sectors (1), wherein:- each sector (1) substantially extends in length along a development direction (4), and extends in width in a direction transverse to the development direction (4),- wherein, in a configuration connected to the sector-holder disc (7), the development direction (4) is substantially parallel to the tangential direction (T-T), - wherein the sector (1) comprises at least two digging tools (5) positioned substantially aligned along the development direction (4),- wherein the sector (1) comprises a sector body (6), substantially extending along the development direction (4),- wherein the at least two digging tools (5) are connected to the sector body (6), - wherein, in a configuration connected to the sector-holder disc (7), the sector body (6) extends substantially parallel to or coplanar with a plane defined by the radial direction (R-R) and the tangential direction (T-T),- wherein the sector (1) is connectable to and disconnectable from the sectorholder disc (7), at the sector body (6),C) connecting the plurality of sectors (1) all around the sector-holder disc (7), at the peripheral portion (18),and wherein, step C) of connecting the plurality of sectors (1 ) all around the sector-holder disc (7) at the peripheral portion (18), is performed:C1) by connecting the plurality of sectors (1) to the sector-holder disc (7), at the sector body (6), by means of a removable connection,orC2) by connecting the plurality of sectors (1) to the sector-holder disc (7), at the sector body (6), by means of a non-removable connection.