AU2009202478A1

AU2009202478A1 - A Wear Member

Info

Publication number: AU2009202478A1
Application number: AU2009202478A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Gary Tonkin
Original assignee: HARDFACING IND WA Pty Ltd
Current assignee: HARDFACING INDUSTRIES WA Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2008-06-20
Filing date: 2009-06-19
Publication date: 2010-01-14

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Standard Patent Applicant(s): Hardfacing Industries WA Pty Ltd Invention Title: A Wear Member The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method for performing it known to me/us: P77843 AU.2 Pat_Set FiNng Application 20094-19 2.doc (P) 2 A WEAR MEMBER Field of the Invention 5 The present invention relates to a wear member for use with a "no-till" tyne bar. Background of the Invention 10 Minimal ground disturbance (or conservation) tilling is a modern alternative to traditional tilling methods. It comprises of such techniques as reduced-till, strip-till and no-till. The latter is the current popular method within Australia. Knife points are tools typically attached to 15 tynes that are themselves attached to a seeding bar and dragged behind farming machinery such as tractors, for the purpose of opening the soil just prior to seed placement. This process places high load and wear on the knife-point tool and corresponding fastening assemblies on the seeding 20 bar. In areas where the ground is hard and dense the sustained loads and wear can be considerable. As a result, such use can lead to high on-going and frequent costs for replacing the tools, the tynes themselves and indeed other components of the fastening assembly. 25 While the present invention was initially developed in relation to an agricultural no-till tool, embodiments of the invention maybe used with other ground engaging tools or like apparatus. 30 It will be clearly understood that, although prior art use(s) and/or publication(s) may be referred to herein, any such references do not constitute an admission that N:\Perth\Cases\Patent\77000-7999\P7643.AU.2\Specis\Specification 19/06/09.doc 3 any of these form a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or in any other country. Summary of the Invention 5 In the statement of invention and description of the invention which follow, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or 10 "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. 15 According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a wear member for use with a ground engaging member, said wear member comprising: a first portion having a first end for moving through ground soil when the ground engaging member is traversed 20 through the ground and, a second portion opposite said first end; wherein, said member comprises a shape that tapers substantially from said second portion to said first end for reducing the resistance of said member when the ground 25 engaging member is traversed through the ground. In another embodiment the shape comprises a first side opposite a second side, both sides comprising more than one planar surface arranged so each of said sides tapers 30 to the first end. In yet a further embodiment the first end comprises an edge formed from adjacent planar surfaces. N:\Perth\Cases\Patent\77000-77999\P77643.AU.2\Specis\Specification 19/06/09.doc 4 In one embodiment the first and second portions are formed as separate components which are configured to engage each other in a manner whereby the first portion is supported 5 by the second portion. In one example, this may be achieved by forming the second portion with a slot for receiving the first portion. In one form, the first portion is formed so that it may releaseably engage with the slot. 10 The second end is appropriately configured for being received by the receiving slot. The receiving slot may be formed to be of any appropriate depth that allows for secure receipt of the second end of the first portion and 15 for distributing the loadings applied to the first portion when engaging the ground. In another embodiment, the second end is placed into the receiving slot and welded in position using any known 20 welding methodology such as for example, brazing. In a further embodiment, the first portion is of a rectangular geometry having a thickness, width and height. In one form, the first portion has a thickness that is 25 substantially smaller than either of its width and height. In another embodiment, the receiving portion of the second portion comprises a substantially shallow slot formed along the length of the second portion within which the 30 second end is received. In a another embodiment, the second portion has a distal end configured for positioning the second portion proximal N:\Perth\Cases\Patent\77000-77999\P77643.AU.2\Specis\Specification 19/06/09.doc 5 a ground engaging portion of the ground engaging member. The distal end may be configured in a manner that compliments the surface, shape or contour of the relevant location of the ground engaging member upon which the 5 second portion is to be located. Generally, in use, the distal end is opposite the first end of the wear member. The distal end of the second portion may be attached to the ground engaging member using any known chemical, 10 electroplating or mechanical fastening means known in the art, or known welding methodologies, such as for example, brazing and like methods, for creating a rigid and secure join or bond between the surface of the ground engaging member and the distal end. 15 In one embodiment, the distal end may be substantially flat. For the embodiment of the wear member having this configuration, the second portion may comprise a substantially elongate member having two substantially 20 chamfered edges formed on a side of the second portion that is opposite the first surface. In this embodiment, the receiving slot of the second portion is formed substantially intermediate of the chamfers. 25 In one embodiment, the first and/or second portions comprise or are formed from tungsten, or other hard facing materials. In another embodiment, the first and second portions are 30 formed integral with one another. In a further embodiment, the wear member further comprises a coupling system whereby the first portion is releasably N:\Perth\Cases\Patent\77000-77999\P77643..AU.2\Specis\Specification 19/06/09.doc 6 attachable to the second portion so the first portion, when worn, may be replaced. In a further embodiment, the first end is substantially 5 flat. In another embodiment, the first end is shaped or sufficiently narrowed to further reduce resistance of said member when the ground engaging member is traversed through the ground. In further embodiments, the first end may be convex, or, chamfered (along either or both sides) 10 to establish or achieve variable resistance through the ground depending on the acceptable resistance. According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a ground engaging member comprising: 15 a ground engaging portion and a wear member attached thereto, the wear member comprising: a first portion having a first end for moving through ground soil when the ground engaging member is traversed through the ground and; 20 a second portion opposite said first end; wherein, said member comprise a shape that tapers substantially from said second portion to said first end for reducing the resistance of the said member when the ground engaging member is traversed through the ground. 25 In one embodiment, the wear member is positioned proximal a distal end of the ground engaging portion for being dragged through the ground. 30 In another embodiment, the wear member is oriented relative to the ground engaging member so that the first end is substantially facing the tilling direction. N:\Perth\Cases\Patent\77000-77999\P77643.AU.2\Specis\Specification 19/06/09.doc 7 Brief Description of the Drawings Various embodiments, incorporating all aspects of the invention, will now be described by way of example only 5 and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1A shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention; Figure lB shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention; 10 Figure 2 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3A shows a perspective view of yet a further embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3B shows an exploded perspective view of the 15 embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 3A; Figure 3C shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3D shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention; 20 Figure 3E shows a perspective view of yet a further embodiment in accordance with the present invention; Figure 3F shows still another embodiment in accordance with the present invention; and, Figure 4 shows an elevation view of the embodiments 25 shown in Figures 2 and 3 when applied to a tilling tool. N:\Perth\Cases\Patent\77000-77999\P77643.AU.2\Specis\Specification 19/06/09.doc 8 Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention With reference to Figure 1A there is shown one embodiment of a wear member 2 for use with a ground engaging member, 5 such as for example, a no-till tool 36 (hereinafter "tool") (shown in Figure 4) of an agricultural tillage bar. The wear member 2 comprises a first portion 4 having a first end 6 for moving within ground soil when a ground engaging portion 38 (shown in Figure 4) of the tool is 10 being dragged through the ground. The wear member 2 further comprises a second portion 8 that is formed opposite the first end 6 for attaching the wear member 2 to the tool 36. The shape of the wear member 2 tapers substantially from the second portion 8 towards the first 15 end 6 for reducing the resistance of the wear member 2 as it is dragged through the soil. The manner in which the taper for the wear member 2 is implemented can be carried out in a number of ways for 20 reducing the resistance of the tool when dragged through the ground. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1A, opposite sides 10, 10' of the wear member 2 taper linearly from the second portion 8 toward to the first end 6. However, it will be realised that it is possible to 25 implement further tapered shapes that reduce resistance, such as for example, embodiments where the sides 10, 10' are formed with a degree of concavity 12 or convexity 14 (shown as dotted lines in Figure 1). It will be appreciated that the degree of either concave or convex 30 forms may vary depending upon the ground to be tilled and the material that the wear member 2 is to be formed from. N:\Perth\Cases\Patent\77000-77999\P77643.AU.2\Specis\Specification 19/06/09.doc 9 The wear member 2 may also be configured with different combinations or arrangements of taper on sides 10, 10'. By way of example, side 10 may be configured with a generally linear taper from the second portion 8 to the 5 first end 6. In contrast however, the side 10' may be configured with a slight concave or convex shaped surface. With this combination, the overall tapered shape of the wear member 2 may provide for a particular drag characteristic depending on which tool in the assembly a 10 given embodiment of the wear member 2 is to be positioned upon, i.e, the left or right side of centre. In this regard, the shape of the wear member 2, and/or placement on a given tool 36, may assist the tracking of the tool when being dragged through the ground. It will be 15 appreciated that many combinations of taper may be achieved for sides 10, 10' of the wear member 2 for reducing the resistance of the tool 36. A further arrangement of the wear member 2 is shown in 20 Figure 1B where sides 10, 10' each comprise at least one substantially planar surface, 11 and 11' respectively, oriented or arranged so that both sides 10, 10' terminate at the first end 6 forming an edge 5. For the embodiment shown, each of the planar surfaces 11, 11' forming 10, 10' 25 comprise a faceted arrangement whereby surfaces, la, 11'a; 11b, 11'b; and 11c, 11'c are each angled or oriented increasingly towards the edge 5 so that the resistance, or drag of the member 2 through the ground is reduced. The wear member 2, in this embodiment may be formed of a high 30 impact material so as to offer increased longevity to containers while affording low drag characteristics. N:\Perth\Cases\Patent\77000-77999\P77643.AU.2\Specis\Specification 19/06/09.doc 10 The embodiment of the wear member 2 shown in Figures 1A and 1B both exhibit symmetry about a plane 16 which extends through the wear member 2 along a longitudinal axis 18. However, it may be appreciated that other 5 embodiments of the wear member 2 may be asymmetrical about plane 16 thereby altering the resistance. Figure 2 shows a further embodiment of the wear member 2 whereby the tapered shape of sides 10, 10' comprise 10 another configuration. In this embodiment, the side portions 10, 10' are formed from respective first side portions 20, 20' which extend from the base 24 and parallel to each other in a direction that is substantially parallel with plane 16 (not shown). The 15 first side portions 20, 20' terminate to form respective second side portions 22, 22' that each incline towards each other. The second side portions 22, 22' similarly terminate and extend in a direction substantially parallel again with plane 16 thereby forming respective third side 20 portions 26, 26' that finally terminate to form the first end 6 of the first portion 4. In the current embodiment, first side portions 20, 20' and third side portions 26, 26' are substantially or parallel 25 with each other. However, it will be understood that other embodiments may be formed where the relative alignment of the first 20, 20', second 22, 22' and third 26, 26' side portions may be of any configuration that provides for a general taper from the second portion 8 to 30 the first edge 6. For the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the base 24 of the second portion 8 is substantially flat for attachment to a N:\Perth\Cases\Patent\77000-77999\P77643.AU.2\Specis\Specification 19/06/09.doc 1l complimentary configured surface of tool 36 (shown in Figure 4). It may be appreciated that the surface of base 24 may be configured or formed in any manner that provides for a secure attachment to a given portion of the tool 36. 5 The attachment to the tool 36 may be achieved using any known welding methodology, mechanical, electroplating or chemical fastening system known in the art that would achieve a rigid and secure bond of the wear member 2 to the tool 36. 10 Figures 3A & 3B shows a further embodiment of the wear member 2 that is similar in configuration to the embodiment shown in Figure 2. In the current embodiment, the first portion 4 and second portion 8 are formed as 15 separate components. The second portion 8 is formed with a receiving slot 28 for receiving an end of the first portion 4 so both first and second portions 4,8 can engage together to form or provide the tapered shape of the wear member 2. The first portion 4 further comprises a second 20 end 30 disposed opposite the first end 6. The second end 30 is configured to engage the receiving slot 28 to provide a secure fit. The first portion 4 now comprises the third side portions 26, 26' for, when assembled with the second portion 8, forming or providing the tapered 25 form of sides 10, 10' respectively. In alternative embodiments, the second end 30 may be configured with an appropriate surface, contour or shape that engages a complimentary surface configuration within 30 the receiving slot 28. Examples of different embodiments of the receiving slot 28 and second end 30 are shown in Figures 3C, 3D, 3E and 3F. Figure 3C shows an embodiment where the receiving slot 28 comprises a protrusion 32 that N:\Perth\Cases\Patent\77000-77999\P77643.AU.2\Specis\Specification 19/06/09.doc 12 is formed within the receiving slot 28 and extends along substantially all of the length of the second portion 8. The second end 30 is configured with a complimentary slot 33 that receives the protrusion 32 when the first portion 5 4 is assembled with the second portion 8. A further embodiment is shown in Figure 3D where the first portion 4 is configured with third side portions 26, 26' so that they each incline toward one another forming a 10 taper from the second end 30 to the first end 6. The receiving slot 28 of the second portion 8 is formed with a slot having sides that conform substantially with the inclination of third side portions 26, 26'. Assembly of the first portion 4 with the second portion 8 is achieved 15 by sliding the second end 30 of the first portion 4 into the receiving slot 28 in direction 34 as indicated in Figure 3D. Other variations of this configuration can be implemented whereby the third side portions 26, 26' are formed with a concave or convex shaped surface that 20 engages complimentary shaped sides that form the receiving slot 28. A further configuration is shown in Figure 3E. In this configuration, the second end 30 of the first portion 4 is 25 formed having an apex 40 and receiving slot 28 is formed in a complimentary manner so that the apex 40 of the second end 30 of the first portion 4 may be appropriately located. In this configuration, load applied to the first end 6 of the first portion 4 when being dragged through 30 the ground may be more efficiently transmitted to the second portion 8 thus reducing the risk of the first portion 4 breaking. N:\Perth\Cases\Patent\77000-77999\P77643.AU.2\Specis\Specification 19/06/09.doc 13 Figure 3F shows a further configuration in which the second end 30 of the first portion 4 is formed with a lip portion 42 having a generally uniform circular form extending along the entirety of the second end 30. The 5 receiving slot 28 is formed of a complementary manner such that the lip portion 42 may be slid into position in a similar manner used for the configuration shown in Figure 3D. 10 For the embodiments of the wear member 2 shown in Figures 3A-3F, an advantage obtained is that the first portion 4 may be easily and readily replaced in the event the first end 6 is worn down (toward the second portion 8) to a degree that is unacceptable and resistance begins to 15 increase thus increasing the loads sustained by the machinery. The worn first portion 4 can be removed from the receiving slot 28 and a new first portion 4 secured in place to the second portion 8. In this embodiment, the first portion 4 is considered a sacrificial component. In 20 a further embodiment, the wear member 2 may be configured with a coupling system whereby the first 4 and second portion 8 are releasably detachable from one another so that the replacement can be effected without the need for welding and the like. In this configuration, the second 25 end 30 of the first portion 4 and the receiving slot 28 may be configured so that the first portion 24 can be easily secured in portion for installation and released when being replaced. Such fastening systems need to be of sufficient strength, and reliability to sustain the loads 30 and not allow the first portion 4 to become inadvertently decoupled from the second portion 8. N:\Perth\Cases\Patent\77000-77999\P77643.AU.2\Specis\Specification 19/06/09.doc 14 The first portion 4 may be formed from tungsten or any other like material that is resistant to wearing forces. The first portion 4 may have an additional coating such as, for example, a tungsten carbide coating or a thermally 5 stable diamond composite coating. The second portion 8 may be formed from the same material as that of the first portion 4 and/or have a similar wear resistance coating. Alternatively, both first and second portions 4,8 may be formed from different materials and/or have different 10 resistance coatings. Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the wear member 2 secured in position at a ground engaging portion 38 of the tool 36. The wear member 2 is positioned so that the first end 15 6 is substantially facing in a direction 7 with which the tool 36 is to be moved. The orientation of the wear member 2 on the tool 36 may also contribute to the reduced drag or resistance of the tool. It will be understood that the generally tapered form of the wear member 2 20 according to any of the embodiments previously described improves the drag resistance and reduces the sustained loads transmitted to the total assembly when tilling in areas where the ground is hard and dense, as soil and rocks are displaced more efficiently. It will be 25 appreciated that less power is required to till the same area, reducing fuel costs to the farmer; alternatively, for the same power consumption, tilling depth can be maintained or increased for areas with significant dry topsoil; furthermore, tilling depth is far more 30 consistent, due to the better tracking capabilities of the tool, leading to significant improvements in yield as the seedling can all be seeded at the optimal depth. Further, when the first portion 4 of the wear member 2 is worn down N:\Perth\Cases\Patent\77000-77999\P77643.AU.2\Specis\Specification 19/06/09.doc 15 to an unacceptable level, only the first portion 4 requires replacement and not the entire tool 36 whereby replacement of the worn tool-face is quicker and greatly simplified also economical. 5 Numerous variations and modifications will suggest themselves to persons skilled in the relevant art, in addition to those already described, without departing from the basic inventive concepts. All such variations 10 and modifications are to be considered within the scope of the present invention, the nature of which is to be determined from the above description. N:\Perth\Cases\Patent\77000-77999\P77643.AU.2\Specis\Specification 19/06/09.doc

Claims

1. A wear member for use with a ground engaging member, said wear member comprising: 5 a first portion having a first end for moving through ground soil when the ground engaging member is traversed through the ground and, a second portion opposite said first end; wherein, said member comprises a shape that tapers 10 substantially from said second portion to said first end for reducing the resistance of said member when the ground engaging member is traversed through the ground.

2. A wear member according to claim 1 wherein the shape 15 comprises a first side opposite a second side, both sides comprising more than one planar surface arranged so each of said sides tapers to the first end.

3. A wear member according to claim 2, wherein the 20 planar surfaces form a faceted arrangement whereby each of the surfaces are angled or increasingly oriented towards the first end.

4. A wear member according to any one of the preceding 25 claims wherein the first end comprises an edge formed from adjacent planar surfaces.

5. A wear member according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first end is shaped or sufficiently 30 narrowed to further reduce resistance of said member when the ground engaging member is traversed through the ground. N:\Perth\CaseS\Patent\77000-77999\P77643.AU.2\Specis\Specification 19/06/09.doc 17

6. A wear member according to claim 5, wherein the first end is convex or chamfered along either or both sides thereof. 5

7. A wear member according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second portion has a distal end configured for positioning the second portion proximal a ground engaging portion of the ground engaging member. 10

8. A wear member according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first and second portions are formed as separate components which are configured to engage each other in a manner whereby the first portion is supported by the second portion. 15

9. A wear member according to claim 8, wherein the wear member further comprises a coupling system whereby the first portion is releasably attachable to the second portion. 20

10. A wear member according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the second portion comprises a slot for receiving a second end of the first portion. 25

11. A wear member according to claim 10, wherein the second end is configured with a surface, contour or shape that engages a complimentary mating surface, contour or shape in the slot. 30

12. A wear member according to claim 11, wherein the slot comprises a protrusion that substantially extends an entire length of the slot and the second end is provided with a complimentary slot configured to receive the N:\Perth\Cases\Patent\77000-77999\P77643.AU.2\Specis\Specification 19/06/09.doc 18 protrusion when the first and second portions are engaged with one another.

13. A wear member according to claim 11, wherein the slot 5 has opposing sides that substantially conform with an angle of inclination of first and second sides of the first portion so that in use the first portion is slidably engaged within the slot of the second portion. 10

14. A wear member according to claim 11, wherein the second end of the first portion comprises two opposing sides inclined to form an apex and the slot is formed in a complimentary manner so that in use the apex of the second end is located in the second portion. 15

15. A wear member according to claim 11, wherein the second end of the first portion is provided with a lip portion having a generally uniform circular form extending substantially an entire length of the second end and the 20 slot is configured in a complimentary manner so that in use the first portion is slidably engaged within the slot of the second portion.

16. A wear member according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4 25 to 15, wherein the first portion is of a rectangular geometry having a thickness substantially smaller than either of its width and height dimensions.

17. A ground engaging member comprising: 30 a ground engaging portion and a wear member attached to the ground engaging portion, wherein the wear member is as defined in any one of claims 1 to 16. N:\Perth\Cases\Patent\27000-77999\P77643.AU.2\Specis\Specification 19/06/09.doc 19

18. A ground engaging member according to claim 17 wherein the wear member is positioned proximal a distal end of the ground engaging portion. 5

19. A ground engaging member according to claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the wear member is oriented relative to the ground engaging member so that the first end is substantially facing the tilling direction. 10

20. A wear member substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying Figures.

21. A ground engaging member substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying 15 Figures. N:\Perth\Cases\Patent\77000-77999\P77643.AU.2\Specis\Specification 19/06/09.doc