MULTIFUNCTION TOOL DESCRIPTION

The present invention refers to an operating tool to be used in tunnel-making operations.

In particular, the present invention refers to a multifunction tool, equipped both with operating excavation abilities and gripping and/or supporting abilities.

As is known, tunnel-making works envisage specific operating stages. Reporting a full treatment of excavation and making techniques is not deemed necessary, as those are absolutely standardized, well-known to those skilled in the art and commonly used.

Let us merely recall that, at least according to one of the techniques in use, the making of a tunnel envisages the carrying out of an excavation performed with an operating tool, such as a demolition hammer, a ripper tooth or the like.

Concomitantly, as the excavation advances, supporting structures are positioned to support the vault, for instance ribs placed in sequence, which in turn are then connected therebetween to form a single reinforcement for the lining of the tunnel.

The above-described ones are the steps that most relate to the present invention and more evidently benefit therefrom, as will be detailed hereinafter.

As is known, the above-indicated steps can be described in three macrostages (steps): excavation;

- positioning of a rib;

- connection of the rib that has just been positioned with the preceding ones (or with other structures).

Each of these macrostages requires the use of specific tools. In particular, excavation is carried out with a demolition hammer, or with a so-called ripper tooth, or other alike tools. Positioning of the rib envisages a gripping thereof, its hoisting and its correct positioning; to this end, a gripping tool is used. Finally, connection of the rib is manually carried out by workers, who therefore have to be brought level with the rib, e.g. via a basket. It has to be noted that what is at issue is characterized by particularly relevant dimensions and weights. A tunnel is an excavation, often carried out in rock, having a face of several tens of square meters; a rib is an arc-like metal structure, as wide as the entire vault of the tunnel and of a weight of several tons.

Hence, the tools at issue are all dimensioned with respect to the job to be carried out and, in order to be used, are mounted on the free end of the mechanical arm of an excavator.

Therefore, it is evident that either plural excavators are available, each equipped with a specific tool, or the tool shall have to be changed each time, for the carrying out of the different working stages.

Changing the tool on the mechanical arm of an excavator, though today made relatively simpler by quick connections or the like, remains however a lengthy and dangerous operation, requiring the intervention of several persons.

Moreover, to date, use of all tools is necessarily required for carrying out these working steps, with the entailed economic burden for the company to the ends of their purchase, maintenance, etc.

Hence, object of the present invention is to solve the abovementioned problems, by proposing a multifunction tool as defined in independent claim 1.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a gripping device to be mounted on already existing tools, as defined in claim 16.

Preferred features of the present invention are reported in the respective dependent claims thereof.

The present invention entails several evident advantages.

In particular, the present invention allows to reunite in a single device plural operating functions, in particular the excavating and gripping ones.

The gripping function could advantageously be exploited, both to pick and hoist the rib, and to carry an operator-carrying basket; all this without ever having to take apart the excavation tool.

Evidently, this allows to remarkably save on working times, and further enables the company to not have to necessarily own two, three or four different tools in order to carry out all working steps, by always being able to use the same excavation tool.

Moreover, it being provided also in the form of attachment, the present invention allows to make use of the same advantages, though having traditional tools (hammers or hooks).

In fact, an attachment according to the present invention is prearranged to be fixed to a standard tool, with the consequence of making it immediately multifunction.

Further advantages, as well as the features and the operation modes of the present invention, will be made apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, given by way of example and not for limitative purposes. Reference will be made to the figures of the annexed drawings, wherein:

- Figures 1A to 1D illustrate the main steps during the excavation of a tunnel, carried out with the use of known tools;

Figures 2A and 2B are views of a first embodiment of a tool according to the present invention;

- Figure 3 is a view illustrating the use of the tool of Figure 2, in its rib-hoister function;

- Figures 4A and 4B are views illustrating the use of the tool of Figure 2, in its basket-holder function;

- Figure 5 is a schematic view of a basket specifically adapted to be carried by a tool according to the present invention;

- Figure 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a tool according to the present invention;

Figures 7A and 7B are views illustrating the use of the tool of Figure 6, in its rib-hoister function;

- Figures 8A and 8B are views illustrating the use of the tool of Figure 6, in its basket-carrier function;

- Figure 9 is a side view of a third embodiment of a tool according to the present invention; - Figure 10 is a side view of a fourth embodiment of a tool according to the present invention;

- Figure 11 is a side view of a fifth embodiment of a tool according to the present invention; and

- Figures 12A and 12B are views of a gripping attachment according to the present invention.

To describe the present invention, hereinafter reference will be made to the above-indicated figures.

As already briefly illustrated hereto, the excavation of a tunnel requires the use of several different tools, illustrated by way of example in Figures 1 A to 1 D.

In particular, for the actual excavation a demolition hammer or a different tool (ripper tooth, etc.) may be used, carried by the free end of the mechanical arm of an excavator, as exemplarily illustrated in Figure 1A or in Figure 1B.

After having carried out a first excavation portion, the procedure envisages the positioning of a rib to support the vault of the tunnel that is being excavated.

To this end the rib, prearranged on the ground, has to be hoisted and correctly positioned.

This hoisting step is usually carried out with a specific tool, a gripper, as illustrated in Figure 1C. Once again, also the gripper has to be mounted on the free end of the mechanical arm of an excavator. Therefore, either a second excavator (or self-moving crane arm) is available, or it will be necessary to take apart the demolition hammer and mount the gripper in order to hoist the rib.

After having correctly positioned the rib in its place, and having secured it to the ground, it should be fixed to other ribs or other support structures. Having to carry out such fixing steps at considerable heights, operators need to be carried in situ via a basket mounted, once again, on the free end of an excavator arm or a crane arm, as illustrated in Figure 1D.

Therefore, either a further means is available, or the gripping tool will have to be removed to make place for the basket. Upon ending this rib-fixing step the cycle restarts, having to go on with the excavation. Therefore, it will be necessary to mount again the demolition hammer or another excavation tool, thereby restarting the operating cycle.

This sequence of changing steps, though made mandatory by laws in force, makes however the working process particularly heavy and less than efficient. For this reason, however, it is often avoided and operators carry out some operations under scarcely safe conditions. For instance, they hoist the rib with the point of the demolition hammer, without however any holding safety thereof, hovering it on the excavation point.

Referring now to Figures 2A and 2B, these show a first embodiment of a multifunction tool 10 according to the present invention.

According to such a first embodiment, the multifunction tool 10 is substantially a demolition hammer, of the type used in combination with an excavator.

Delving into hammer manufacturing with regard to its excavating function is deemed unnecessary, as it is to be considered within the reach of a person skilled in the art and said function is in no way modified in the scope of the present invention.

The tool 10 comprises a main body 11, a section 12 for coupling to an excavator arm and an excavation point 13.

According to the present invention, the tool 10 further comprises a gripping device 15, made integral to the main body 11.

Such a gripping device 15 in turn comprises a support section 16 for housing the item to be picked. The support section 16 is preferably a plane region, but it is evident that its geometry could advantageously be designed depending on specific items to be carried.

According to the embodiment described herein, the primary function of such a gripping device is that of being able to couple a rib in a manner such as to be able to hoist and correctly position it. To this end, a plane support section, tilted of some degrees (σ) with respect to a longitudinal axis of the hammer, seems preferable. Such a tilt enables to easily maneuver the tool and always keep the correct position, during the steps of picking up the rib from the ground, its hoisting and the placing thereof in a standing position.

At an edge 17 of the support section 16, in particular the edge corresponding to the free end of the tool, first holding means 18 is provided, apt to engage with the item to be carried, e.g. with a rib contour. In this case as well, the shape of such first holding means 18 could be designed in a manner such as to adapt to the item. According to the described embodiment, the first holding means 18 is made in the form of an engagement lip 18 folded to form substantially a recess or groove.

Such a form is suggested by the specific application for which the device is conceived, i.e., that of being able to pick and hoist a rib.

. In fact, as visible also in Figure 2B, a rib 100 is usually made with a pair of suitably dimensioned iron beams 101 , 102 having an H-like section (H-beams). Then, one of the beams 102 engages into the groove formed by the engagement lip 18.

The rib 100, which overall has an arc-like shape, could rest on the support section 16. It is understood that rib dimensions are substantially standardized; therefore, it is conceivable that the support section, as well as the engagement lip, be dimensioned depending on rib standards.

Second holding means 19, 20 is provided at an edge 22 opposite to the edge 17 of the support section 16.

In particular, such second holding means comprises a coupling member 19, pivotally mounted on pins, in a manner such as to be able to generally rotate about an axis "a".

The rotation about axis "a" allows the coupling member 19 to move between an uncoupling position and a gripping position.

Actuation means 21 is advantageously provided for moving the coupling member 19 between said two positions. In particular, such actuation means comprises at least one hydraulic ram, connected between the coupling member 19 and the main body 11 of the tool. The hydraulic ram 21 , actuable via the hydraulic system for moving the excavator, is connected via pivot bushes and/or bearings.

In the uncoupling position, the coupling member 19 is retracted in a manner such as to free the corresponding portion of support section 16, whereas in the gripping position the coupling member 19, and precisely a front edge 20 thereof, is brought into an advanced position, in a manner such as to form a second engagement recess, opposite to that formed by the lip 18.

Moreover, in the uncoupling position, a rib can be housed on the support section 16. Then, by moving the coupling member to the gripping position, the front edge 20 engages the beam 101 of the rib, locking it between the two recesses.

Then, the rib 100, locked by the gripping device 15, could be hoisted and placed in the correct position without having had the need to change the excavator tool, as illustrated in Figure 3.

Referring now to Figures 4A and 4B, these illustrate how the hereto-described tool 10 could be advantageously used also to hoist an operator-carrying basket 30.

A basket 30 according to the present invention comprises a cage-like structure 31 having side guard rail frames, and a base element 32.

The base element 32 is configured in a manner such as to perfectly adapt to a positioning on the support section 16 of the tool 10.

In particular, the base element 16 has respective edges apt to engage into the recesses formed by the lip 18 and by the front edge 20 of the gripping device 11.

Therefore, the basket 30 is removable with respect to the tool 10, by coupling and/or uncoupling of the coupling member 19.

The configuration of the basket 30 and of its base element 32, and also its dimensions, allow among other things an easy maneuver of mounting/demounting the same on the tool 10. In fact, it will suffice to rest the basket on the ground, in an upturned position, so that an excavator operator could, even without further assistance from anyone, control the excavator arm to bring the tool into a coupling position and control the coupling member 19.

Advantageously, one of the guard rail frames of the basket 30 is made tiltable. This allows to implement an access ramp to the basket, sensibly facilitating the operators' safe boarding and landing during rib assembling steps. ■ The next Figure 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a multifunction tool according to the present invention.

According to such a second embodiment, a tool 50 is made in the form of a so- called ripper tooth.

The tool 20 comprises a main body 51, a section 52 for coupling to an excavator arm, and an excavation point 53.

According to the present invention, the tool 50 further comprises a gripping device 55, made integral to the main body 51.

Such a gripping device 55 in turn comprises a support section 56 for housing the item to be picked. The support section 16 is preferably a plane region, but it is evident that its geometry could advantageously be designed depending on specific items to be carried.

According to the embodiment described herein, the primary function of such a gripping device is that of being able to couple a rib in a manner such as to be able to hoist and correctly position it.

At an edge 57 of the support section 56, in particular the edge corresponding to the free end of the tool, first holding means 58 is provided, apt to engage with the item to be carried, e.g. with a rib contour. In this case as well, the shape of said first holding means 58 could be designed in a manner such as to adapt to the item. According to the described embodiment, the first holding means 58 is made in the form of an engagement lip 58 folded to form substantially a recess or groove.

This form is suggested by the specific application for which the device is conceived, i.e. that of being able to pick and hoist a rib.

In fact, as is visible also in Figures 7A and 7B, a rib 100 is usually made with a pair of suitably dimensioned iron beams 101 , 102 having an H-like section (H- beams). Then, one of the two beams 102 engages into the groove formed by the engagement lip 58. The rib 100, which overall has an arc-like shape, could rest onto the support section 56. It is understood that rib dimensions are substantially standardized; therefore, it is conceivable that the support section, as well as the engagement lip, be dimensioned depending on rib standards.

Second holding means 59, 60 is provided at an edge 62 opposite to the edge 57 of the support section 56.

In particular, such second holding means comprises a coupling member 59, pivotally mounted on pins, in a manner such as to be able to generally rotate about an axis "b".

The rotation about axis "b" allows the coupling member 59 to move between an uncoupling position and a gripping position.

Actuation means 61 is advantageously provided for moving the coupling member 59 between said two positions. In particular, such actuation means comprises at least one hydraulic ram, connected between the coupling member 59 and the main body 51 of the tool. The hydraulic ram 61 , connectible to the hydraulic system for moving the excavator, is connected via pivot bushes and/or bearings.

In the uncoupling position, the coupling member 59 is retracted in a manner such as to free the corresponding portion of support section 56, whereas in the gripping position the coupling member 59, and precisely a front edge 60 thereof, is brought into an advanced position, in a manner such as to form a second engagement recess, opposite to that formed by the lip 58.

Moreover, in the uncoupling position, a rib can be housed on the support section 56. Then, by moving the coupling member to the gripping position, the front edge 60 engages the beam 101 of the rib, locking it between the two recesses.

Then, the rib 100, locked by the gripping device 55, could be hoisted and placed in the correct position without having had the need to change the excavator tool, as illustrated in Figure 7B.

The next Figures 8A and 8B illustrate how also the tool 50, in the second embodiment provided, could be used also to carry a basket 30, as already described in connection with the first embodiment.

Figure 9 is a view of a third embodiment of a multifunction tool 70 according to the present invention. The tool 70 according to such third embodiment is again a ripper tooth.

Its features are substantially the same of those described with reference to the second embodiment; therefore it does not seem necessary to repeat them again.

The only difference with respect to the second embodiment is the operation mode of the hydraulic ram 71 , which in this case is pull-operated rather than push- operated.

Figure 10 is a view of a fourth embodiment of a multifunction tool 80 according to the present invention. The tool 80 according to such a fourth embodiment is again a ripper tooth.

Its features are substantially the same of those described with reference to the second embodiment; therefore, it does not seem necessary to repeat them again.

With respect to the second embodiment, it is different the operation mode of the hydraulic ram 81 , which in this case is pull-operated rather than push-operated.

Moreover, in this fourth embodiment, it is different also the arrangement of the engagement lip and of the coupling member, whose position is inverted with respect to the preceding embodiments.

It has to be pointed out that, though the "push" operation mode is anyhow preferable owing to issues related to mechanism safety in case of failure, it is understood that the present invention also refers to any other mode, like e.g. the "pull" one, or also to different actuation modes other than hydraulic systems, be them mechanical, electric, electromechanical, etc.

Figure 11 is a view of a fifth embodiment of a multifunction tool 90 according to the present invention. The tool 90 according to said fifth embodiment is again a ripper tooth.

The substantial difference from the preceding embodiments of ripper tooth lies in the opposite placement of the support section 96. In fact, in the preceding embodiments of the ripper tooth, the support section was made at the concave portion of the tool. In this case, the support section 96 is made at the convex portion of the tool 90.

In said fifth embodiment the hydraulic ram 91 is operated according to the preferred mode, i.e. the "push" one.

Moreover, the next Figures 11A and 11B show a further subject-matter of the present invention, in particular they refer to a gripping device 200, mountable as attachment on an excavation tool 210.

The device 200 comprises a main support 201. The main support 201 will of course be shaped in a manner such as to adapt to the shapes and dimensions of the tool for which it is intended. Therefore, it is understood that the gripping device 200 according to the present invention could be made of various shapes and dimensions, adapted to the designs of tools commonly available on the market. Merely by way of example, herein it will be described a gripping device apt to be mounted on a demolition hammer 210.

The main support 201 comprises a support section 216 for housing the item to be picked. The support section 216 is preferably a plane region, but it is evident that its geometry could advantageously be designed depending on specific items to be carried.

According to the embodiment described herein, the primary function of such a gripping device is that of being able to couple a rib in a manner such as to be able to hoist and correctly position it. To this end, a plane support section, tilted of some degrees (σ) with respect to a longitudinal axis of the hammer, seems preferable. Such a tilt allows to easily maneuver the tool and always keep the correct position, during the steps of picking up the rib from the ground, its hoisting and the placing thereof in a standing position.

At an edge 217 of the support section 216, in particular the edge corresponding to the free end of the tool, first holding means 218 is provided, apt to engage with the item to be carried, e.g. with a rib contour. In this case as well, the shape of such first holding means 218 could be designed in a manner such as to adapt to the item. According to the embodiment described, the first holding means 18 is made in the form of an engagement lip 218 folded to form substantially a recess or groove.

Such a form is suggested by the specific application for which the device is conceived, i.e. that of being able to pick and hoist a rib.

As already described, a rib 100 is usually made with a pair of suitably dimensioned iron beams 101, 102 having an H-like section (H-beams). Then, one of the two beams 102 engages into the groove formed by the engagement lip 218.

The rib 100, which overall has an arc-like shape, could rest onto the support section 216. It is understood that rib dimensions are substantially standardized; therefore, it is conceivable that the support section, as well as the engagement lip, be dimensioned depending on rib standards.

Second holding means 219, 220 is provided at an edge 222 opposite to the edge 217 of the support section 216.

In particular, such second holding means comprises a coupling member 219, pivotally mounted on pins, in a manner such as to be able to generally rotate about an axis "c".

The rotation about axis "c" allows the coupling member 219 to move between an uncoupling position and a gripping position.

Actuation means 221 is advantageously provided for moving the coupling member 219 between said two positions. In particular, such actuation means comprises at least one hydraulic ram, connected between the coupling member 219 and the main support 201 of the gripping device. The hydraulic ram 221, actuable via the hydraulic system for moving the excavator, is connected via pivot bushes and/or bearings.

In the uncoupling position, the coupling member 219 is retracted in a manner such as to free the corresponding portion of support section 216, whereas in the gripping position the coupling member 219, and precisely a front edge 220 thereof, is brought into an advanced position, in a manner such as to form a second .engagement recess, opposite to that formed by the lip 218.

Moreover, in the uncoupling position, a rib can be housed on the support section 216. Then, by moving the coupling member toward the gripping position, the front edge 220 engages the beam 101 of the rib, locking it between the two recesses.

The gripping device 200 may advantageously be mounted on the main body of a tool 210.

The fixing of the device on the tool could be of removable type, by means of bolts or the like, or definitive, e.g. through welding.

The present invention has been hereto described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof. It is understood that other embodiments might exist, all falling within the concept of the same invention, and all comprised within the protective scope of the claims hereinafter.