Patent ID: 12233437

In the attached figures, a preferred implementation10of the machine is illustrated, especially a padding machine, for the burying of pipes, in particular arranged in a respective excavation of the ground, for example, gas pipelines, oil pipelines, aqueducts, or others, and in particular in the form of a machine for the covering of said pipe with a corresponding material, especially such a treated, i.e. screened, material, as to not damage the pipe or such as not to create empty zones around the same pipe, and preferably consisting of the waste material of the pipe laying excavation.

In particular, the machine10comprises a main support framework12of the apparatus, in particular which extends according to a respective longitudinal axis of the same machine10, and a cabin24for housing the driver of the machine10, such a cabin, it will be in any case best inferred from the following of the present description, is in the form of a cabin movable with respect to said main support frame12.

As illustrated, said cabin24for housing the driver of the machine10has a lower wall241, defining a lower support platform of the cabin24, a front wall242, a rear wall243, opposite side walls244,245, and an upper covering wall246, and, furthermore, it is provided with corresponding view windows for the driver240, at least provided at the front wall242and at least part of the side walls244,245, in particular in a substantial prolongation to, or in the proximity of, the front window, as well as having at least a small door247for the access to the same cabin24, preferably provided at a side wall244or245of the same cabin24.

In particular, as it can be inferred from said figures, in the machine means14for advancing the machine with respect to the ground are provided, in particular in the form of revolving means, which engage the ground and support said main support frame12, and preferably a first and a second side tracks141,142for advancing and supporting the machine on the ground.

In particular, as it can be inferred from the figures, in the machine means, or apparatus, 16 for the collection of a material for covering the pipe are provided, in particular for the collection of said material from the ground, in particular comprising a member161for separating said material, in particular in the form of a horizontal cutting member.

In particular, as it can be inferred fromFIG.1A, the machine has means, or apparatus,18for discharging the material, in particular the treated material, above said pipes, and especially into the housing excavation of the same pipe, in particular said means, or apparatus,18for discharging the material are adapted to laterally extend, beyond the respective side of said machine10, in particular at both sides of the same machine10, and preferably are in the form of a respective conveyor belt having a support frame181supported by said main support frame12of said machine10and an endless belt182rotatable on said support frame.

In particular, as it can be inferred fromFIG.1A, in the machine means, or apparatus20are provided, for the treatment of said material, in particular in the form of means, or apparatus, for screening said material, in particular including a perforated plate201, preferably extending from the top down, according to the rear direction with respect to the machine10, on which plate201said material is dropped, which material falls, passing through the screen on the upstream end of said means, or apparatus18for discharging the material, while that portion of the material that does not pass through the screen is preferably discharged at the rear of the same machine10.

However, it shall be understood that said perforated plate could also be substituted by a convenient net suitable to the purpose.

Furthermore, the machine could comprise means for treating the material which, being in the form of the above-mentioned screen, could also be defined by corresponding bars or rotors which are adapted to perform the same function, or in the form of a corresponding crusher, adapted to crush the stones or hard material of said material, in order to reduce the dimensions thereof.

In particular, as it can be inferred from the figures, in the machine, means, or apparatus22are provided, for lifting the material above said means, or apparatus18for the treatment of said material, which are preferably in the form of a respective ascending conveyor belt, extending between a lowered end upstream, substantially at the level of the ground, receiving the material through said means, or apparatus16for the collection of a material for covering the tube, and a lifted end downstream, which lets the material fall on said means, or apparatus20for the treatment of said material.

Said means, or apparatus22for lifting the material above said means, or apparatus18for the treatment of said material comprising a frame220for supporting an endless lifting belt223, which frame220is supported by said main support frame12of said machine10, with said endless belt223being rotatable on said support frame220.

As illustrated, said means, or apparatus22for lifting the material above said means, or apparatus18for the treatment of said material have opposite side small edges221,222for holding the material on said endless belt, which small edges extend, diverging from each other, anteriorly to said endless belt with respective ends221′,222′, which are arranged at the same ground and provide for centrally conveying it on said endless lifting belt223, and/or on said means, or apparatus16for the collection of a tube covering material.

Advantageously, as it can be inferred from the figures, said cabin24for housing the driver of the machine10can be positioned, in corresponding vertical positions, or placed at height levels different from each other, preferably moving vertically, or perpendicularly to said ground, or perpendicularly to a corresponding horizontal plane120of the framework12of the machine supporting said cabin24, in particular defined by corresponding transversal bars.

In this manner, it is possible to arrange the cabin in corresponding advantageous vertical operating positions.

Advantageously, as it can be inferred in particular fromFIG.7A, said cabin24for housing the driver of the machine10has a single seat25for the driver and the corresponding devices27for controlling the machine, arranged at said seat25and in particular internally, or at the rear, with respect to the front wall242of the same cabin24for housing the driver of the machine10.

As it is inferred from the corresponding figures, said seat is adapted to support a driver facing the front wall of the cabin.

In this manner, the number of devices to control the machine needs not to be duplicated; and, furthermore, the driver can operate while always staying in a sitting condition.

With advantage, as it can be inferred from the figures, said cabin24for housing the driver of the machine10is supported, in particular directly supported, by said support framework12, and with respect to which it is movable in corresponding operating positions, as it will be in any case best inferred from the following of the present description.

In particular, advantageously, said cabin24for housing the driver of the machine10is movable in a lowered transport position, in which it falls within the corresponding vertical footprint of the machine, in particular having the respective upper part, in particular the respective part which is at the upper wall246of the cabin28, which is in height inferiorly positioned with respect to the upper end part22′ of the remaining part of said machine10, or of the upper end part22′ of said means, or apparatus22for lifting the material above said means, or apparatus18for the treatment of said material.

As it can be inferred from the figures, in the normal advancing position of the machine, i.e., also in said transport position, said cabin24for housing the driver of the machine10has the respective wall or front face242, which is directed longitudinally forward and with the respective side walls244,245, which are transversally recessed with respect to the sides of said machine10.

In this manner, it is possible to transport the machine without having to disassemble said cabin.

In particular, as it can be inferred from the figures, in the normal advancing position of the machine, i.e., also in said transport position, the cabin28is centrally positioned with respect to the footprint or transversal extension of said machine10.

In a particularly advantageous manner, as it can be inferred from theFIGS.2A and2B, said cabin24for housing the driver of the machine10is in the form of a cabin24movable in a lowered position, which for the same driver is to access to and/or exit from the same housing cabin24, in particular, said lowered access and/or exit position of the driver from the same cabin28is such as to allow the access and/or exit of a driver who positions himself on the ground on which the same machine10rests.

In this manner, it is possible for the driver to get on and off said cabin without the aid of bulky elongated stairs.

With advantage, in said lowered position for the access and/or exit of the driver, the respective support lower wall241of the same cabin24is at a height from the ground ranging between 65 cm and 80 cm, and preferably at a height equal to, or substantially equal to, 70 cm.

Advantageously, as it can be inferred from theFIGS.3A to5, said cabin24for housing the driver of the machine10is in the form of a cabin24movable in a respective raised working position.

Advantageously, as it can be inferred from theFIGS.3A to5, said cabin24for housing the driver of the machine10in the respective raised working position protrudes vertically above and beyond, or has the respective upper part, or wall246which is vertically above the upper end part22′ of the remaining part of said machine10, or of the upper end part22′ of said means, or apparatus22for lifting the material above said means, or apparatus18for the treatment of said material.

In this manner, it is possible for the driver to have a good view.

With advantage, as it can be inferred from theFIGS.3A and3B, said cabin24for housing the driver of the machine10is in the form of a cabin24movable in a respective working position, in particular raised, for driving the machine in transfer advance, preferably in which said cabin24for housing the driver of the machine10has the respective wall or front face242which is directed longitudinally forward.

Advantageously, as it can be inferred from the figures, said position of the cabin24for driving the machine in transfer advance is vertically aligned with said lowered position of the same cabin24for the access and/or exit of the driver.

In this manner, the predetermined longitudinal size of the machine is maintained.

In a particularly advantageous manner, said position of the cabin24for driving the machine in transfer advance, and/or said lowered position of the same cabin24for the access and/or exit of the driver, are vertically aligned, or is vertically aligned, to said lowered position of the same cabin24for transposing the same machine10.

In this manner, the predetermined longitudinal size of the machine is maintained.

With advantage, as it can be inferred from the figures, said cabin24moves between said position for driving the machine in transfer advance and said lowered position of the same cabin24for the access and/or exit of the driver, or between said position for driving the machine in transfer advance, or said lowered position of the same cabin24for the access and/or exit of the driver, and said lowered position of the same cabin24for transposing the same machine10, with vertical movement, or with movement perpendicular to said ground, or perpendicular to the main support framework12of the machine.

In this manner, the predetermined longitudinal size of the machine is maintained.

Advantageously, as it can be inferred from theFIGS.4A to5, said cabin24for housing the driver of the machine10moves in a respective lateral working position, in which it controls a respective side of the machine10, or in respective first and second opposite lateral working positions, in which it controls the respective side of the machine10, in which lateral working positions it controls the covering of the pipe, i.e., the filling of the excavation, with said material, as pointed out by the dashed line ofFIG.4A, while controlling the forwarding of the machine.

Advantageously, as it is inferred from the corresponding figures, in the respective lateral working position, the same cabin24has the corresponding wall or front face242which is laterally facing the machine10.

In this manner, it is possible to use only one seat for the driver, and single control devices to drive the respective working operation of the machine.

With advantage, as it can be inferred from the figures, said cabin24for housing the driver of the machine10in the respective working position projects in cantilevered fashion from said machine10, in particular supported by said main support frame of the machine10.

Advantageously, as it can be inferred from the figures, said cabin24for housing the driver of the machine10, in the respective position for driving the machine in transfer advance, projects in cantilevered fashion longitudinally of said machine10.

Advantageously, as it can be inferred from the figures, said cabin24for housing the driver of the machine10in the respective lateral working position, in which it controls a respective side of the machine10projects cantilevered sideways to said machine10, in particular extending beyond the side of the machine.

With advantage, as it can be inferred from the figures, said cabin24for housing the driver of the machine10is movable, through a rotation movement with respect to a respective axis R, in particular perpendicular or vertical, in a lateral working position, in which it controls a respective side of the machine10, or in respective first and second opposite lateral working positions, in which it controls the respective side of the machine10.

In a particularly advantageous manner, as it can be inferred from the figures, said rotation axis R is outside the cabin and is preferably rearward and spaced therefrom.

Advantageously, as it can be inferred from the figures, said cabin24for housing the driver of the machine10is movable, through said rotation movement, between said first and second opposite lateral working positions, in which it controls the respective side of the machine10, with an angular movement equal to, or substantially equal to, 180°.

With advantage, as it can be inferred from the figures, said cabin24for housing the driver of the machine10is movable, through said rotation movement, between the respective lateral working position, in which it controls the respective side of the machine10, and said driving position of the machine in transfer advance, with angular movement equal to, or substantially equal to, 90°.

Advantageously, said cabin24moves perpendicularly downwards only when the same cabin24for housing the driver of the machine10is the position for driving the machine in transfer advance working facing longitudinally with respect to the machine10.

Advantageously, as it can be inferred from the figures, in the lowered position for the access and/or exit of the driver, the cabin24has the lower part thereof, in particular at least said lower wall241, defining a lower support platform of the cabin24, which is arranged next to the respective front end221′,222′ of the respective side small edge221,222for conveying the ground of said means, or apparatus,22for lifting the material above said means, or apparatus18for the treatment of said material, or between said front ends221′,222′ of the same side small edges221,222for conveying the ground of the same means, or apparatus22for lifting the material.

With advantage, as it can be inferred from the figures, said cabin24for housing the driver of the machine10is supported by a corresponding support frame26.

In a particularly advantageous manner, as it can be inferred from the figures, said frame26for supporting said cabin24for housing the driver of the machine10has a rotatable fulcrum with respect to said main support frame12, in particular with respect to said rotation axis R of the cabin24.

Advantageously, as it can be inferred from the figures, said frame26for supporting said cabin24for housing the driver of the machine10is supported vertically movable with respect to said main support frame12.

With advantage, as it can be inferred from the figures, said frame26for supporting said cabin24for housing the driver of the machine10comprises side upright means, preferably comprising opposite first and second side uprights261,262, in particular arranged in an intermediate position with respect to the respective side of said cabin24for housing the driver of the machine10.

In this manner, the cabin support frame does not obstruct the driver's view.

Advantageously, as it can be inferred from the figures, said frame26for supporting said cabin24for housing the driver of the machine10comprises rear upright means, preferably a respective rear upright263, in particular centrally located.

Advantageously, as it can be inferred from the figures, said frame26for supporting said cabin24for housing the driver of the machine10comprises lower strut means, preferably comprising a plurality of lower struts, including a pair of side lower struts265,266, and optionally an intermediate strut.

With advantage, as it can be inferred from the figures, said frame26for supporting said cabin24for housing the driver of the machine10comprises upper strut means, preferably comprising a plurality, in particular a pair of upper struts268,269, in particular arranged at the respective side of said cabin24for housing the driver of the machine10.

Advantageously, as it can be inferred from the figures, said opposite first and second side uprights261,262connect together, in an intermediate position, the corresponding lower struts265,266and upper struts268,269.

In a particularly advantageous manner, as it can be inferred from the figures, lower crossbeam means are provided, in particular comprising corresponding front and rear crossbeams,26ia,26ip, respectively, and an intermediate crossbeam26ii, which are preferably equidistant therefrom, which, especially at the respective ends, connect said lower struts265,266together.

With advantage, as it can be inferred from the figures, upper crossbeam traverso are provided, in particular comprising corresponding front and rear crossbeams26sa,26sp, respectively, which connect, especially at the respective ends, said pair of side upper struts268,269.

Advantageously, as it can be inferred from the figures, respective oblique reinforcements26oare provided, which connect the side upper struts268,269, of said frame26for supporting said cabin24for housing the driver of the machine10, to the corresponding front and rear crossbeams26sa,26sp, respectively.

Advantageously, as it can be inferred from the figures, said rear upright263is connected to the rear upper crossbeam26spand to the rear lower crossbeam26ip.

With advantage, as it can be inferred from the figures, in the machine10, said frame26for supporting said cabin24for housing the driver of the machine10is vertically, or perpendicularly, connected while being movable to a corresponding rotatable frame28, in particular a horizontally rotatable frame.

Advantageously, as it can be inferred in particular fromFIG.6, said frame26for supporting said cabin24for housing the driver of the machine10is vertically, or perpendicularly, actuated while being movable with respect to said rotatable frame28, through corresponding actuating means29, preferably in the form of a corresponding cylinder, preferably a hydraulic cylinder,29, in particular vertically, or perpendicularly, oriented, and having the respective cylinder291secured to said rotatable frame28and the corresponding movable stem292connected to said frame26for supporting said cabin24for housing the driver of the machine10.

In a particularly advantageous manner, as it can be inferred from the figures, said frame26for supporting said cabin24for housing the driver of the machine10is connected to the corresponding rotatable frame28, through corresponding guide means268′,286on said frame26for supporting said cabin24for housing the driver of the machine10and on said rotatable frame28, respectively.

In particular, said guide means comprise a pair of parallel guides286,286on said rotatable frame28and a pair of sliding pads268′,268′ at the end of corresponding arms268″,268″, projecting at the rear from said frame26for supporting said cabin24for housing the driver of the machine10.

With advantage, as it can be inferred from saidFIG.6, said rotatable frame28comprises a pair of vertical uprights281,282, in particular bearing said vertical guides286,286, and a pair of crossbeams, respectively upper and lower crossbeams283,284.

Advantageously, as it can be inferred from the figures and in particular fromFIG.6, in the machine a corresponding fulcrum body30is provided, in particular having a part, in particular an outer part301, which is supported in a fixed condition by said main support frame12, and a part302, which is rotatably supported by said fixed part301, preferably internally to the same fixed part301, which rotatable part302is integral, at a respective side, of said rotatable frame28, which is thus supported off-centered with respect to said rotation axis R.

Advantageously, as it can be inferred from the figures, actuating means for the rotation of said cabin24for housing the driver of the machine10are provided.

With advantage, as it can be inferred from the figures, said actuating means for the rotation of said cabin24for housing the driver of the machine10comprise a corresponding motor, in particular housed within said fulcrum body30, or in the form of corresponding hydraulic cylinder means, which rotate said rotatable part302of the fulcrum body30.

In a particularly advantageous manner, as it can be inferred from the figures, means, or apparatus32for the actuation of said machine10, or for moving said means14for advancing the machine with respect to the ground and/or other operative means of the machine10are provided.

Advantageously, as it can be inferred from the figures, said fulcrum body30is supported in front of said means, or apparatus32for the actuation of said machine10.

With advantage, as it can be inferred from theFIGS.7A and7B, means35for the protection of the cabin24, in particular of said front wall242of the cabin24are provided.

Advantageously, as it can be inferred from theFIGS.7A and7B, said means for protecting the cabin24, in particular of said front wall242of the cabin24, comprise a corresponding protection grid, in particular a metallic grid35, especially arranged in front of said front wall242of the cabin24.

With advantage, said protection grid, in particular a metallic grid35, extends throughout the entire extent of said front wall242of the cabin24and it is preferably curved in order to follow the curved trend thereof.

In this manner, the driver is protected, and he/she can safely operate.

Advantageously, in a preferred manner, said lowered transport position coincides, or substantially coincides, with said lowered position for the access and/or exit of the driver.

Advantageously, said movable stem292of the actuating means is in an extended condition for positioning the cabin24in said position for driving the machine in transfer advance, and in a retracted condition for positioning the cabin24in said lowered position for the access and/or exit of the driver, i.e., in said lowered transport position.

In this manner, it is easy to drive the actuating means and/or when the machine is transposed it is not necessary to keep the hydraulic circuit under pressure.

In practice, as it can be understood, the technical characteristics illustrated above allow, singularly or in a respective combination, achieving one or more of the following advantageous results:it is possible to arrange the cabin in advantageous vertical operating positions;the number of devices to control the machine needs not to be duplicated;it is possible to transport the machine without having to disassemble said cabin;it is possible for the driver to get on and off said cabin without the aid of bulky elongated stairs;it is possible for the driver to have a good view;the predetermined longitudinal size of the machine is maintained;it is possible to use only one seat for the driver and single control devices to drive the respective working operation of the machine;the cabin support frame does not obstruct the driver's view;the driver is protected, and he/she can safely operate.

The present finding is susceptible of obvious industrial application. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will be able to devise a number of modifications and/or variations to make to the same finding, while still falling within the scope of the inventive concept, as widely set forth herein. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will be able to devise further preferred implementations of the finding, which comprise one or more of the above-illustrated characteristics of the preferred implementation. Furthermore, it has also to be understood that all the details of the finding can be substituted by technically equivalent members.