AU2013101704A4

AU2013101704A4 - Mini loader

Info

Publication number: AU2013101704A4
Application number: AU2013101704A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Jamie Howard
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-08-15
Filing date: 2013-04-12
Publication date: 2015-01-15
Anticipated expiration: 2021-04-12
Also published as: AU2013204674A1; AU2013100988A4

Abstract

C:\NRPortb]\DCC\CAB\5072060_I.DOC-l2/04/20l3 A loader including a main body; a bucket; and support structure coupled to the body, for pivotally supporting the bucket; wherein, the support structure holds the bucket in spaced relation from the body so that the bucket is free to pivot between a shovelling position into a carrying position, to inhibit spill from the bucket, without the bucket lifting above the main body of the loader.

Description

C:\NRPortb]\DCC\CAB\5072060_I.DOC-l2/04/20l3 MINI LOADER FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a front end loader particularly, but not exclusively, a remote controlled low profile loader for use in scavenging material from beneath a mining conveyor. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] A remote controlled loader with a height of less than 600mm is known. The loader has a generally rectangular shaped body with tracks either side. The loader has a single boom that carries a bucket for digging and removing material from beneath an above ground conveyor, such as used in mining and bulk handling environments. The boom extends lengthwise of the body, off-set from a centre line of the loader. The boom is able to pivot from a lowered position where the bucket is arranged for digging, to a raised position above the loader body, for carrying the bucket. [0003] The bucket has a square shaped rear end facing the loader, in close proximity to the loader body. In order to shift material, the loader is driven forward with the bucket lowered in order to shovel the material into the bucket. The loader is then reversed and the boom raised above the body so that the bucket can be pivoted clear of the body, into a carrying orientation, to prevent the material spilling out of the bucket as the loader is driven to a dumping location. [0004] The loader provides a convenient mechanism for clearing material form beneath the conveyor. This is particularly advantageous given conveyor frames can be difficult to work around with traditional utility loaders so a low profile, remotely controlled loader can access the space beneath the conveyor where fugitive material might otherwise be hard to clear without shutting down operation of the conveyor.

C:\NRPortb]\DCC\CAB\5072060_I.DOC-l2/04/20l3 -2 OBJECT OF THE INVENTION [0005] The present invention seeks to provide an alternative form of loader. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] In accordance with the invention, there is provided a loader including a main body; a bucket; and support structure coupled to the body, for pivotally supporting the bucket; wherein, the support structure holds the bucket in spaced relation from the body so that the bucket is free to pivot between a shovelling position into a carrying position, to inhibit spill from the bucket, without the bucket lifting above the main body of the loader. [0007] Preferably, the body has a maximum height dimension less than 1 m. More preferably, the height dimension of the body is less than 625 mm. [0008] Preferably, the loader further includes a cooler assembly with dual fans positioned side-by-side, for moving air through the body. [0009] Preferably, the cooler assembly includes a radiator for coupling to a water cooling circuit of the loader. [0010] Preferably, the cooler assembly further includes piping coupled to an hydraulic fluid reservoir of the loader, the piping extending across the flow path of the air circulated by the fans so as to provide cooling to the hydraulic fluid. [0011] Preferably, the loader is remote controlled. [0012] Preferably, the support structure connects to a rear of the bucket and includes two spaced apart legs, that extend from a region adjacent a top of the main body to a position adjacent a ground surface, the legs being connected to the bucket by lateral feet that pivotally connect to a rear of the bucket. [0013] Preferably, the support structure defines a free space that accommodates rotation of the bucket into the carrying position.

C:\NRPortb]\DCC\CAB\5072060_I.DOC-l2/04/20l3 -3 [0014] Preferably, the support structure is coupled to a frame that is pivotally mounted to the body in order to lift the support structure and bucket above the body, when the loader is clear of an overhead conveyor or the like. [0015] Preferably, a piston is provided between the frame and the bucket to rotate the bucket between the shovelling position and the carrying position. More preferably, the piston is connected to the rear of the bucket, at a location above the connection of the support structure with the bucket. [0016] Preferably, the piston and support structure is attached to a plate mounted on a rear of the bucket. Preferably, the rear of the bucket and the plate are angled upwardly and forwardly, away from the loader body. [0017] Preferably, the frame includes two spaced apart booms connected by a cross beam, the booms being nested into the body of the loader and coupled to an actuator to lift the frame above the body, to elevate the bucket, if required. [0018] Preferably, the loader is explosion/flame proof, for use in an under ground mining environment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0019] The invention is more fully described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a loader with a bucket in a raised position; Figure 2 is a side view of the loader of Figure 1, with the bucket in a carrying position; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the loader of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the loader of Figure 3, illustrating bucket jaws in an open condition; C:\NRPortb]\DCC\CAB\5072060_I.DOC-l2/04/20l3 -4 Figure 5 is a side view of the loader, showing the bucket in a lowered position, with the jaws open; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the loader of Figure 5; Figure 7 is a side view of the loader of Figure 6, with the bucket in a forward pivoted position; Figure 8 is a perspective view of the loader of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a side view of the loader with the open bucket in an elevated position; Figure 10 is a perspective view of the loader of Figure 9; Figure 11 is a side view of the loader with bucket in a shovelling position; Figure 12 is a perspective view of the loader of Figure 11; Figure 13 is a side view of the loader with the bucket in the fully extended and lowered position; Figure 14 is a perspective view of the loader of Figure 13; Figure 15 is a side view of the loader with the bucket in the position shown in Figure 1; and Figure 16 is a partial perspective view of an inside of the loader, showing a cooling assembly.

C:\NRPortb]\DCC\CAB\5072060_I.DOC-l2/04/20l3 -5 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0020] Referring firstly to Figure 1, a remote controlled loader 1 is shown as including a generally rectangular main body 2 with support structure 3 that holds a bucket 4. The support structure 3 is connected to a frame 5 that is pivotally mounted to the body 2 via couplings 6. [0021] The frame 5 is formed of two spaced apart booms 7 interconnected by a crossbeam 8. At least one actuator 9 is connected between an outer end 10 of the boom 7 and a pivot point 11 below the coupling 6. The actuator 9 serves to raise and lower the frame 5, as required, in response to the actuator 9 being extended or retracted. The beam 8 forms a canopy 13 positioning of the actuator 9 underneath the canopy 13 protects the actuator 9 from damage and ensures the working parts of the actuator 9 are located at a lower position than the canopy 13, so that the operation of the actuator is maintained at a relatively low height or profile. [0022] The loader 1 also includes a cover 14 without a cover. The cover 14 would provides a planar top surface 15 of the loader body and defines the maximum height of the loader 1, which is of about the same height as side plates 12, to which the frame 5 is connected. Accordingly, when the frame 5 is lowered, the booms 7, canopy 13 and bucket 4 all sit below the maximum height of the loader 1. [0023] With the cover 14 removed, access is provided to an interior (not shown) of the body 2 where components such as a battery, motor and a hydraulic control circuit are mounted. All electrical components are explosion/flame proofed, as per mine site regulations. A ventilation panel 18 is provided on a back 19 of the loader 1 to ensure sufficient air flow to the components. [0024] Referring now to the support structure 3 holding the bucket 4, this is formed of two elongate sections 20 comprised of legs 21 that are attached to the crossbeam 8 at one end 22 and terminate in feet 23 at the other end 24. The positioning of the structure 3 and the bucket 4 provides a free space 25 into which the bucket 4 can rotate.

C:\NRPortb]\DCC\CAB\5072060_I.DOC-l2/04/20l3 -6 [0025] The feet 23 are pivotally coupled, at hinge connection 26, to lower plate 27 secured to a rear 28 of the bucket 4 and a piston 29 is coupled between an upper bracket 30 of the plate 27 and the crossbeam 8 of the frame 5. Movement of the piston 29 between an extended and retracted condition will thereby cause rotation of the bucket 4. [0026] A cover plate 16 spans between the legs 21 to protect the piston 29 during operation. The plate 16 has a central slot 17 to accommodate the piston 29 when the bucket 4 is moved into a different position, such as when the frame 5 is lowered. [0027] Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, the bucket 4 is in a position that is rotated relative to the position shown in Figure 1, as a result of the piston 29 being retracted. In particular, piston rod 31 has been retracted into piston cylinder 32 to cause the bucket 4 to rotate in a clockwise direction, as viewed. The position of the bucket 4 shown in Figure 2 is the elevated carrying position, in which an open mouth 33 of the bucket 4 is horizontal in order to limit spillage from the bucket 4 as the loader 1 is manoeuvred about or driven to a dumping location. In that position, the piston 29 is fully retracted and the actuator 9 is fully extended. [0028] With reference now to Figure 4, the bucket 4 is clearly shown as being formed of first and second jaws 34, 35 and the first jaw 34 is rotated open by action of two side pistons 36 that interconnect a lever 37 of the first jaw 34 and a base 38 of the second jaw 35. The bucket 4 has added functionality and versatility as a result of being formed of jaws 34, 35 that can open and close to either dump or bite, as required. [0029] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate the reach of the bucket 4, with the frame 5 lowered and the jaws 34, 35 open. The first jaw 34 has greater reach as a result of the plate 27 and the rear 28 of the bucket 4 being angled upward and forward relative to the loader body 2. [0030] Figures 7 and 8 illustrate the advantage of having the piston 29 connected to the plate 27 at a higher location compared to the connection of the feet 23 of the support structure 3. In particular, the piston 29 is able to be extended to rotate the bucket 4 forward, about the hinged connection 26, so that the jaws 34, 35 are able to C:\NRPortb]\DCC\CAB\5072060_I.DOC-l2/04/20l3 -7 operate in a region below the level of the loader body 2. [0031] Figures 9 and 10 illustrate yet another position of the bucket 4, which is in the same open condition but with the actuator 9 engaged to elevate the frame 5 so that the jaws 34, 35 are still open and tilted forward. In this position, both the piston 29 and the actuator 9 are fully extended, while the side pistons 36 are fully retracted. [0032] Referring now to Figures 11 and 12, the bucket 4 is shown in its normal shovelling position, in which the rear 28 of the bucket 4 is angled forward and the open mouth 33 is angled back from vertical. This position is ideal for driving the loader 1 forward and shovelling material into the bucket 4. From this position, it is possible for the bucket 4 to either be tilted forward, if required, by extending the piston 29, or tilted back toward the carrying position, into the free space 25, by retracting the piston 29. [0033] Accordingly, the loader 1 may scoop a load of material into the bucket 4 and then rotate the bucket 4 into the carrying position for transport. This has particular advantage is circumstances where the loader 1 clears clearing material from beneath a conveyor and the bucket needs to be kept beneath the height of the loader. [0034] Figures 13 and 14 illustrate the fully extended position of the bucket 4 when the actuator 9 is retracted, so that the frame sits below a top surface 39, and the plate 27 on the rear 28 of the bucket 4 is angled to a maximum degree. From that position, the actuator can be engaged and extended to lift the frame 5, as shown in Figure 15, back to the original position of Figure 1. [0035] Aside from increased range of movement as a result of the particular configuration of the connection of the piston 29 and support structure 3 to the angled rear plate 27, the higher positioning of the connection of the piston 29 provides additional mechanical advantage for rotating the bucket 4, due to the increased turning moment the piston is able to apply. Also, the symmetrical arrangement of the frame and the support structure 3, relative to the body 2 of the loader, means that balanced lifting and rotating forces can be applied to the bucket 4, as compared to the off-centre boom configuration of the prior art discussed in the background section.

C:\NRPortb]\DCC\CAB\5072060_I.DOC-l2/04/20l3 -8 [0036] The above described loader 1 is suitable for above ground use but is also designed for underground mining applications and, for that purpose, all the electrical/mechanical components 14 need to be designed to be explosion proof or otherwise housed within the body. [0037] The ideal height of the loader is less than 1 m and preferably less than 625 mm, in order to fit under conveyors or the like and, due to the low profile, the loader may be referred to as a mini loader. The mini loader preferably has a length dimension in the order of 2450 mm, a height dimension less than 625 mm, a width dimension in the order of 1300 mm and a ground clearance in the order of 50 mm. For providing drive, a hydraulic traction type drive is preferably used, with a proportional speed drive. Also, as will be apparent from the above, the bucket 4 is preferably a 4 in 1 design although other types of buckets could be utilised, as required. [0038] Referring now to Figure 16, the cover 14 has been lifted to show a partial perspective view of an inside of the loader 1, with a cooler assembly 40 mounted next to the rear ventilation panel 18. Due to the height constraints of the mini loader 1, dual fans 41 are positioned in a side-by-side configuration to maximise air flow through the body 2. [0039] The cooler assembly 40 has a casing 42 that houses a radiator 43 with couplings 44 to connect to a water cooling circuit (not shown) used to cool a motor of the loader 1. Piping 45 is also provided to connect to a hydraulic circuit (also not shown) of the loader 1 to enable hydraulic fluid to circulate from a fluid reservoir through the assembly 40 and back to the reservoir. For that purpose, the piping 45 is arranged to extend across a flow path of air moved by the fans 41 through the loader body 2 and out through the ventilation panel 18. [0040] As such, the cooler assembly 40 has a three-fold cooling function of generally ventilating the inside of the loader 1, cooling the working hydraulic fluid of the loader 1 and cooling water through the radiator 43 to allow for water-cooled operation of the motor. [0041] As may be appreciated, the loader 1 provides a unique design that allows it to fit into confined areas, such as under a conveyor while the conveyor is working, to C:\NRPortb]\DCC\CAB\5072060_I.DOC-l2/04/20l3 -9 clear out material under the conveyor by shovelling and carrying the material clear of the conveyor, without the need to stop the conveyor. The loader is also designed to satisfy mine site rules and compliance regulations in relation to explosion protection equipment for under ground mining. [0042] The invention has been described by way on non-limiting example only and many modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

C:\NRPortb]\DCC\CAB\5072060_I.DOC-l2/04/20l3 - 10 LIST OF PARTS 1. Loader 2. Body 3. Support structure 4. Bucket 5. Frame 6. Couplings 7. Boom 8. Crossbeam 9. Actuator 10. End 11. Pivot point 12. Sid plate 13. Canopy 14. Cover 15. Surface 16. Cover plate 17. Slot 18. Panel 19. Back 20. S-shaped section 21. Leg 22. End 23. Feet 24. End 25. Free space 26. Hinge connection 27. Plate 28. Rear 29. Piston 30. Bracket 31. Rod 32. Cylinder 33. Mouth C:\NRPortb]\DCC\CAB\5072060_I.DOC-l2/04/20l3 - 11 34. First jaw 35. Second jaw 36. Side pistons 37. Lever 38. Base 39. Top surface 40. Cooler assembly 41. Fans 42. Casing 43. Radiator 44. Couplings 45. Piping

Claims

1. A loader including: a main body; a bucket; and support structure coupled to the body, for pivotally supporting the bucket; wherein, the support structure holds the bucket in spaced relation from the body so that the bucket is free to pivot between a shovelling position into a carrying position, to inhibit spill from the bucket, without the bucket lifting above the main body of the loader.

2. The loader of claim 1, wherein the body has a maximum height dimension less than 1 m.

3. The loader of claim 2, wherein the height dimension of the body is less than 625 mm.

4. The loader of any one of claims 1 to 3, further including a cooler assembly with dual fans positioned side-by-side, for moving air through the body.

5. The loader of claim 4, wherein the cooler assembly includes a radiator for coupling to a water cooling circuit of the loader.

6. The loader of claim 5, wherein the cooler assembly further includes piping coupled to an hydraulic fluid reservoir of the loader, the piping extending across the flow path of the air circulated by the fans so as to provide cooling to the hydraulic fluid.

7. The loader of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the loader is remote controlled. C:\NRPortb]\DCC\CAB\5072060_I.DOC-l2/04/20l3 - 13

8. The loader of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the support structure connects to a rear of the bucket and includes two spaced apart legs, that extend from a region adjacent a top of the main body to a position adjacent a ground surface, the legs being connected to the bucket by feet that pivotally connect to a rear of the bucket.

9. The loader of claim 8, wherein the support structure defines a free space that accommodates rotation of the bucket into the carrying position.

10. The loader of claim 9, wherein the support structure is coupled to a frame that is pivotally mounted to the body in order to lift the support structure and bucket above the body, when the loader is clear of an overhead conveyor or the like.

11. The loader of claim 10, wherein a piston is provided between the frame and the bucket to rotate the bucket between the shovelling position and the carrying position.

12. The loader of claim 11, wherein a cover plate spans between the legs to protect the piston during operation.

13. The loader of claim 12, wherein the cover plate has a central slot to accommodate the piston when the bucket is rotated to different positions.

14. The loader of claim 11, wherein the piston is connected to at the rear of the bucket, at a location above the connection of the support structure with the bucket.

15. The loader of claim 14, wherein the piston and support structure is attached to a plate mounted on a rear of the bucket.

16. The loader of claim 15, wherein the rear of the bucket and the plate is angled upwardly and forwardly, away from the loader body. C:\NRPortb]\DCC\CAB\5072060_I.DOC-l2/04/20l3 - 14

17. The loader of claim 11, wherein the frame includes two spaced apart booms connected by a cross beam, the booms being nested into the body of the loader and coupled to an actuator to lift the frame above the body to elevate the bucket, if required.

18. The loader of claim 17, wherein the crossbeam forms a canopy to protect the actuator from damage.

19. The loader of claim 1, including a cover that fits onto the body and provides an explosion protection enclosure for internal electrical components of the loader.

20. A remote controlled mini loader, substantially as described, designed to satisfy mine site rules and compliance regulations, and also to have explosion proof/protection for an underground mining environment.

21. A loader, substantially as described with reference to the drawings.