CN106661861B

CN106661861B - Wear part for ground engaging tool

Info

Publication number: CN106661861B
Application number: CN201580040107.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: T·M·小康登; M·美圭乌鲁; N·W·比格斯
Original assignee: Caterpillar Inc
Current assignee: Caterpillar Inc
Priority date: 2014-07-29
Filing date: 2015-07-10
Publication date: 2020-03-27
Anticipated expiration: 2035-07-10
Also published as: CA2956083A1; RU2688999C1; BR112017001216A2; WO2016018588A1; CA2956083C; BR112017001216B1; AU2015296952B2; US20160032556A1; AU2015296952A1; CN106661861A; EP3175046A1

Abstract

A wear surface (40, 140) for a ground engaging tool (30) includes a longitudinally extending mounting portion (50), the longitudinally extending mounting portion (50) being connectable to a mounting assembly (34) of the ground engaging tool (30). The wear component (40, 140) further includes at least one wear portion (60, 160), the at least one wear portion (60, 160) being connected to the mounting portion (50). The at least one wear portion (60, 160) forms at least one ground engaging edge (68). The wear component (40, 140) further includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced ribs (70), the plurality of longitudinally spaced ribs (70) protruding from the at least one wear portion (60, 160) and connected to the mounting portion (50). The plurality of ribs (70) are configured to influence a flow direction of material passing along the at least one wear portion (60, 160).

Description

Wear part for ground engaging tool

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to a wear part and, more particularly, to a wear part for a ground engaging tool.

Background

Machines such as motor graders, dozers, wheel loaders, and excavators are commonly used in material movement applications. These machines include a ground engaging tool having a cutting edge member configured to contact a material. For example, motor graders are commonly used to perform the displacement, distribution, and leveling of materials, such as stones and/or soil. The motor grader may move the ground engaging tool over the ground surface to engage the cutting edge member with stone and/or soil to displace, distribute, or level the stone and/or soil.

During use of the cutting edge component, material may wear the cutting edge component causing it to corrode. Thus, the cutting edge component may be removably attached to the ground engaging tool and periodically replaced. Conventional skiving edge components may be formed as a single plate of constant thickness. Such conventional skiving edge components can be expensive to manufacture and difficult to handle due to their weight.

An alternative cutting edge component is described in U.S. patent No. 1,633,057 to Wold (the' 057 patent). Specifically, the cutting edge feature of the' 057 patent includes an upper portion that is about half the thickness of the lower portion. By reducing the thickness of the upper portion, the cutting edge component may require less material and may be lighter in weight than conventional cutting edge components having a single plate of constant thickness. However, the skiving edge component of the' 057 patent may still be expensive to manufacture and difficult to handle due to its weight. Moreover, the cutting edge component may not be able to effectively guide material, such as stones and/or soil, around the cutting edge component.

The disclosed system is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems set forth above.

Disclosure of Invention

In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a wear component for a ground engaging tool. The wear component includes a longitudinally extending mounting portion that is connectable to a mounting assembly of a ground engaging tool. The wear component also includes at least one wear portion connected to the mounting portion. The at least one wear portion forms at least one ground engaging edge. The wear component further includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced ribs projecting from the at least one wear portion and connected to the mounting portion. The plurality of ribs is configured to affect a direction of flow of material through along the at least one wear portion.

In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a wear component for a ground engaging tool. The wear component includes a mounting portion connectable to a mounting assembly of a ground engaging tool. The wear component also includes at least one wear portion connected to the mounting portion and forming at least one ground engaging edge. The at least one wear portion has a thickness similar to the mounting portion along the first direction and is offset from the mounting portion along the first direction. The wear part further comprises at least one rib protruding from the at least one wear portion. The at least one rib is configured to affect a direction of flow of material through along the at least one wear portion.

In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a wear component for a ground engaging tool. The wear component includes a mounting portion connectable to a mounting assembly of a ground engaging tool. The wear component also includes a plurality of wear portions spaced along the distal end of the mounting portion and connected thereto. Each wear portion forms a ground engaging edge. The wear component also includes a plurality of ribs projecting from the plurality of wear portions. A plurality of ribs are connected to the mounting portion and extend distally therefrom. Each rib is configured to affect the direction of flow of material through the respective rib.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a side view of a machine according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an elevation view of a cutting edge member of the machine of FIG. 1 attached to a moldboard assembly;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the cutting edge member and moldboard assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the cutting edge component of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an elevation view of a cutting edge member coupled to a moldboard assembly according to another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the cutting edge member and moldboard assembly of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the cutting edge component of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is an elevation view of a cutting edge member coupled to a moldboard assembly according to yet another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the cutting edge member and moldboard assembly of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the cutting edge component of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is an elevation view of a cutting edge member coupled to a moldboard assembly according to another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the cutting edge member and moldboard assembly of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the cutting edge component of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the cutting edge component of FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 is an elevation view of a cutting edge member coupled to a moldboard assembly according to yet another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a side view of the cutting edge member and moldboard assembly of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the cutting edge component of FIG. 15; and

fig. 18 is a bottom view of the cutting edge component of fig. 15.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

An exemplary embodiment of a machine 10 is illustrated in fig. 1. Machine 10 may be, for example, a motor grader, a backhoe loader, an agricultural tractor, a wheel loader, a skid-steer loader, a dozer, an excavator, or any other type of machine known in the art. As a motor grader, machine 10 may include a frame assembly 12. The frame assembly 12 may include a pair of front wheels 14 (or other traction devices) and may support an operator station 16. The frame assembly 12 may also include one or more compartments 18 for housing a power source (e.g., an engine) and associated cooling components. The power source may be operably connected to one or more pairs of rear wheels 20 (or other traction devices) for propelling machine 10.

Machine 10 may also include one or more ground engaging tools 30. The ground engaging tool(s) 30 may include one or more wear components, such as one or more cutting edge components 40. In the case of a motor grader, as shown in fig. 1, the ground engaging tool 30 may include a plurality of cutting edge members 40 (e.g., six cutting edge members). Alternatively, other numbers of cutting edge components 40 may be provided, such as from one to eight cutting edge components, depending on the application.

In the embodiment of the motor grader illustrated in fig. 1, the ground engaging tool 30 may include a drawbar-circle-moldboard (DCM) assembly 32 with a moldboard assembly 34 (or other mounting assembly), the moldboard assembly 34 including a support surface 36. The cutting edge component 40 may be removably attached to the support surface 36. DCM assembly 32 may be operably connected to frame assembly 12 or another portion of machine 10, and supported by frame assembly 12 or by another portion of machine 10. The DCM assembly 32 may control the movement of the moldboard assembly 34 and thus also the cutting edge member 40 mounted to the support surface 36 of the moldboard assembly 34. DCM assembly 32 may also be supported by a hydraulic rod assembly 38, with hydraulic rod assembly 38 controlling movement of DCM assembly 32. As a result, DCM assembly 32 and/or hydraulic ram assembly 38 can control one or more of the vertical, horizontal or pivotal movement of moldboard assembly 34 and cutting edge member 40 mounted to support surface 36 of moldboard assembly 34. Alternatively, different mechanical and/or hydraulic arrangements may be provided, for example, in addition to the DCM assembly 32 and/or the hydraulic rod assembly 38 described above, to allow movement of the cutting edge component 40.

Fig. 2-4 illustrate one exemplary embodiment of a cutting edge component 40. The term "longitudinal" refers to a dimension generally in a lengthwise direction relative to the cutting edge component 40, as indicated by arrow a in fig. 2. The term "transverse" refers to a dimension extending generally between the proximal end or edge 58 of the cutting edge component 40 and the ground engaging edge 68, as indicated by arrow B in fig. 2. The proximal edge 58 and the ground engaging edge 68 may extend generally longitudinally as shown. In one embodiment, the length of the cutting edge component 40 along the longitudinal direction may range from about 24 feet to about 92 feet, and the length of the cutting edge component 40 along the transverse direction may range from about 8 feet to about 16 feet. In one embodiment, the cutting edge component 40 may be about 48 feet in the longitudinal direction and about 16 feet in the transverse direction.

The terms "distal" and "proximal" are used herein to refer to the relative positions of the components of the exemplary cutting edge component along the transverse dimension. As used herein, "distal" refers to an end of the cutting edge component 40 in the transverse dimension, e.g., located proximate the ground engaging edge 68 of the cutting edge component 40. Conversely, "proximal" refers to the end of the cutting edge component 40 opposite the distal end in the transverse dimension, e.g., located near the proximal edge 58 of the cutting edge component 40.

While the cutting edge component 40 shown in fig. 2-4 may be positioned at a substantially right angle to the normal direction of travel of the cutting edge component 40, as indicated by arrow C in fig. 3, it should be understood that the cutting edge component 40 may be oriented at an angle and/or curved. The terms "front" and "rear" are also used herein to refer to the relative positions of the components of the exemplary cutting edge component. As used herein, "front" refers to a side of the cutting edge component 40, e.g., located near a front side of the cutting edge component 40 relative to a direction of travel of the machine 10. Conversely, "rear" refers to the side of the cutting edge component 40 opposite the front side. The rear side of the cutting edge component 40 may be the side that is connected to or near the support surface 36 of the ground engaging tool 30 on which the cutting edge component 40 is mounted.

The cutting edge component 40 may be replaceable to help ensure productivity and/or efficiency of the machine 10. For example, the cutting edge component 40 may be removably connected to the support surface 36 of the ground engaging tool 30 by one or more fasteners (not shown), such as bolts, inserted through one or more mounting holes 42 in the cutting edge component 40.

The cutting edge component 40 may include one or more mounting portions 50, and the one or more mounting portions 50 may include mounting holes 42 coupled to one or more wear portions 60. The cutting edge component 40 shown in fig. 2-4 includes: a mounting portion 50 including a proximal edge 58 of the cutting edge component 40; and a wear portion 60 that includes a ground engaging edge 68 of the cutting edge component 40.

The mounting portion 50 may include a longitudinally extending substantially planar portion 52, the longitudinally extending substantially planar portion 52 including a rear surface 54, a front surface 56, and a proximal edge 58. As shown in fig. 3, the posterior and

anterior surfaces

54, 56 may be substantially planar, and the substantially planar portion 52 may taper toward the proximal end of the cutting edge component 40 to form a proximal edge 58. The substantially planar portion 52 may be capable of being coupled to the moldboard assembly 34. For example, the substantially planar portion 52 may include mounting holes 42, the mounting holes 42 for receiving fasteners (not shown) to attach the cutting edge member 40 to the support surface 36 of the moldboard assembly 34. As shown in fig. 3, the rear surface 54 may be configured to contact and abut against the support surface 36.

The wear portion 60 may include a longitudinally extending substantially planar portion 62, the longitudinally extending substantially planar portion 62 including a rear surface 64, a front surface 66, and a ground engaging edge 68. The rear surface 64 and the front surface 66 may be substantially flat, and the substantially planar portion 62 may taper toward the distal end of the cutting edge component 40 to form a ground engaging edge 68. Alternatively, instead of being substantially flat, the substantially planar portion 52 of the mounting portion 50 and/or the substantially planar portion 62 of the wear portion 60 may be substantially curved or may have another type of distribution. Moreover, as shown in fig. 3, the substantially planar portion 52 of the mounting portion 50 and the substantially planar portion 62 of the wear portion 60 may have a similar and constant thickness T1 (e.g., between the rear surface 54 and the front surface 56, and between the rear surface 64 and the front surface 66) throughout substantially the entire substantially planar portion 52 and the entire substantially planar portion 62 (e.g., except for the proximal edge 58, the ground engaging edge 68, the mounting hole 42, and/or any beveled edges). In one embodiment, the minimum value of thickness T1 may range from about 10 millimeters to about 80 millimeters, for example, about 35 millimeters in one embodiment. Alternatively, the substantially planar portion 52 of the mounting portion 50 and/or the substantially planar portion 62 of the wear portion 60 may have a variable thickness depending on the application. In one embodiment having a variable thickness of the substantially planar portion 52 and/or the substantially planar portion 62 therein, the thickness of the substantially planar portion 52 of the mounting portion 50 may not exceed the thickness of the substantially planar portion 62 of the wear portion 60.

The mounting portion 50 and the wear portion 60 may be positioned to form a generally S-shaped distribution, as shown in fig. 3. For example, substantially planar portion 52 of mounting portion 50 may extend generally transversely along axis a1 intermediate through the thickness of substantially planar portion 52, and substantially planar portion 62 of wear portion 60 may extend generally transversely along axis a2 intermediate through the thickness of substantially planar portion 62. The axes a1 and a2 may be substantially parallel and/or offset in the depth direction, as shown in fig. 3. Moreover, the front surface 56 of the substantially planar portion 52 of the mounting portion 50 and the front surface 66 of the substantially planar portion 62 of the wear portion 60 may be substantially parallel and/or offset in the depth direction. Due to the generally S-shaped profile, at least a portion of the wear portion 60 may be aligned downwardly below the moldboard assembly 34 (e.g., the support surface 36).

The cutting edge component 40 may also include one or more ribs 70. The ribs 70 may be configured to influence the direction of flow of material through the wear portion 60 and may be proportional to the size of the cutting edge component 40 to support the bend in the S-shaped distribution of the cutting edge component 40, which may improve the structural integrity of the cutting edge component 40. In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 2-4, the cutting edge component 40 includes eight ribs 70. Alternatively, fewer or more than eight ribs 70 may be provided. The ribs 70 may protrude from the front surface 66 of the substantially planar portion 62 of the wear portion 60 and may be longitudinally spaced. As shown in fig. 3, the rib 70 may be connected to a distal end of the mounting portion 50 and may extend distally from the mounting portion 50. The ribs 70 may also protrude from the wear portion 60 such that the ribs 70 are laterally aligned under at least a portion of the mounting portion 50. Each rib 70 may have a distal end 72 located in the transverse direction proximate a middle portion of the substantially planar portion 62 of the wear portion 60. As shown in fig. 3, each rib 70 may also have a depth D1 that tapers at the distal end 72.

The maximum value of the depth D1 may correspond to the distance between the front surface 56 of the substantially planar portion 52 of the mounting portion 50 and the front surface 66 of the substantially planar portion 62 of the wear portion 60. In one embodiment, the maximum value of the depth D1 may be about three times the thickness T1 or less. 2-4, the front surface of each rib 70 may be continuous with the front surface 56 of the substantially planar portion 52 of the mounting portion 50 and the front surface 66 of the substantially planar portion 62 of the wear portion 60.

Fig. 5-7 illustrate a cutting edge component 140 according to another exemplary embodiment. The cutting edge component 140 may be similar to the cutting edge component 40 shown in fig. 1-4, with the differences described below.

The cutting edge component 140 may include a plurality of wear portions or teeth 160 instead of the single wear portion 60 of fig. 1-4. Each tooth 160 may have similar features to the single wear portion 60 described above. In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 5-7, the cutting edge member 140 includes eight teeth 160. Alternatively, fewer or more than eight teeth 160 may be provided. Teeth 160 may be coupled to the distal end of mounting portion 50 and spaced longitudinally along the distal end of mounting portion 50. As shown in fig. 5, each tooth 160 may have a width W1 that may taper from the proximal end of the tooth 160 connected to the mounting portion 50 toward the respective ground engaging edge 68. Each tooth 160 may include one or more ribs 70, and in the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 5-7, each tooth 160 includes one rib 70, the one rib 70 extending centrally on the tooth 160 relative to the width W1. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, the rear surface 64 of the tooth 160 may include a beveled edge. The ratio of the width W1 of a tooth 160 to the width of the gap between a pair of adjacent teeth 160 may be about 3: 1 or less (e.g., the width W1 may be equal to or greater than three times the gap width).

Fig. 8-10 illustrate a cutting edge component 240 according to another exemplary embodiment. The cutting edge component 240 may be similar to the cutting edge component 140 shown in fig. 5-7, with the differences described below.

The cutting edge component 240 may include a mounting portion 250 and a plurality of wear portions or teeth 260. In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 8-10, the cutting edge component 240 includes twelve teeth 260. Alternatively, fewer or more than twelve teeth 260 may be provided. Teeth 260 may be coupled to a distal end of mounting portion 250 and spaced longitudinally along the distal end of mounting portion 250. As shown in fig. 5, each tooth 260 may have a width W2 that may taper from the proximal end of the tooth 260 connected to the mounting portion 50 toward the respective ground engaging edge 68.

The mounting portion 250 and the teeth 260 may be similar to the mounting portion 50 and the teeth 160 described above, but may not include the ribs 70 and may have a different side profile, as shown in FIG. 9. For example, the substantially planar portion 52 and the substantially planar portion 62 of the cutting edge component 140 may not have a substantially constant thickness T1, and the cutting edge component 140 may not be generally S-shaped.

As shown in fig. 9, the substantially planar portion 52 of the mounting portion 250 may have a variable thickness T2 that tapers from the distal end of the mounting portion 250 connected to the tooth 260 toward the proximal edge 58 (e.g., between the rear surface 54 and the front surface 56), and the substantially planar portion 62 of each tooth 260 may have a variable thickness T3 that tapers from the proximal end of the tooth 260 connected to the mounting portion 250 toward the ground engaging edge 68 (e.g., between the rear surface 64 and the front surface 66). The tapering of thicknesses T2 and T3 may be substantially continuous such that a maximum of thickness T2 of substantially planar portion 52 of mounting portion 250 may be located closer to the distal end of mounting portion 250 (or teeth 260) than to proximal edge 58, and a maximum of thickness T3 of substantially planar portion 62 of each tooth 260 may be located closer to the proximal end thereof (or mounting portion 250) than to ground engaging edge 68. Thus, the middle portion of the cutting edge component 240 in the transverse direction may be thicker than the proximal edge 58 and the ground engaging edge 68. Also, a maximum value of the thickness T3 of each tooth 260 may be greater than a maximum value of the thickness T2 of the mounting portion 250, and an average value of the thickness T3 of each tooth 260 may be greater than an average value of the thicknesses T2 of the mounting portion 250. In one embodiment, the thickness T2 of the substantially planar portion 52 of the mounting portion 250 may not exceed the thickness T3 of the substantially planar portion 62 of the tooth 260. Depending on the application, thickness T2 and/or thickness T3 may vary in different ranges between about 10 millimeters to about 80 millimeters. In one embodiment, the minimum value of thickness T2 may be, for example, at least about 35 millimeters to maintain structural integrity, and the minimum value of thickness T3 may be, for example, at least about 60 millimeters to provide a longer wear life.

Further, as mounting portion 250 becomes thicker toward its distal end, at least a portion of thickness T2 of mounting portion 250 may extend both rearward and forward relative to the location of proximal edge 58. At least a portion of the front surface 56 of the mounting portion 250 may be angled forward toward the distal end of the mounting portion 250.

The middle portion of the cutting edge component 140 in the transverse direction may also include a step 280. As shown in fig. 9, the step 280 may be formed by the rear surface 54 of the substantially planar portion 52 of the mounting portion 250 and a step surface 282, which may be located below the lower edge of the support surface 36 of the moldboard assembly 34 when the cutting edge member 140 is mounted to the support surface 36. In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 8-10, the step 280 is a right angle. Alternatively, the step surface 282 may form an acute or obtuse angle with respect to the rear surface 54. The step surface 282 may be located at a thicker portion of the mounting portion 250, wherein the thickness T2 of the mounting portion 250 extends both rearward and forward relative to the location of the proximal edge 58.

Fig. 11-14 illustrate a cutting edge component 340 according to another exemplary embodiment. The cutting edge component 340 may be similar to the cutting edge component 40 shown in fig. 1-4, with the differences described below.

The cutting edge component 340 may include a mounting portion 350 and a wear portion 360. The mounting portion 350 and wear portion 360 may be similar to the mounting portion 50 and wear portion 60 described above, but may have a different side profile, as shown in FIG. 12. For example, the substantially planar portion 52 and the substantially planar portion 62 of the cutting edge component 340 may not have a substantially constant thickness T1, and the cutting edge component 340 may not be generally S-shaped and may not include the ribs 70.

As shown in fig. 12, substantially planar portion 52 of mounting portion 350 may have a variable thickness T4 that tapers from a distal end of mounting portion 350 connected to wear portion 360 toward proximal edge 58 (e.g., between rear surface 54 and front surface 56), and substantially planar portion 62 of wear portion 360 may have a variable thickness T5 that tapers from a proximal end of substantially planar portion 62 connected to mounting portion 350 toward ground engaging edge 68 (e.g., between rear surface 64 and front surface 66). The tapering of thicknesses T4 and T5 may be substantially continuous such that a maximum of thickness T4 of substantially planar portion 52 of mounting portion 350 may be located closer to a distal end of mounting portion 350 (or wear portion 360) than proximal edge 58, and a maximum of thickness T5 of substantially planar portion 62 of wear portion 360 may be located closer to a proximal end of wear portion 360 (or mounting portion 350) than ground engaging edge 68. Thus, the middle portion of the cutting edge component 340 in the transverse direction may be thicker than the proximal edge 58 and the ground engaging edge 68. Also, a maximum value of the thickness T5 of the wear part 360 may be greater than a maximum value of the thickness T4 of the mounting part 350, and an average value of the thickness T5 of the wear part 360 may be greater than an average value of the thickness T4 of the mounting part 350. In one embodiment, thickness T4 of substantially planar portion 52 of mounting portion 350 may not exceed thickness T5 of substantially planar portion 62 of wear portion 360. Depending on the application, thickness T4 and/or thickness T5 may vary in different ranges between about 10 millimeters to about 80 millimeters. In one embodiment, the minimum value of thickness T4 may be, for example, at least about 35 millimeters to maintain structural integrity, and the minimum value of thickness T5 may be, for example, at least about 60 millimeters to provide a longer wear life.

Further, as mounting portion 350 becomes thicker toward its distal end, at least a portion of thickness T4 of mounting portion 350 may extend both rearward and forward relative to the location of proximal edge 58. At least a portion of the front surface 56 of the mounting portion 350 may be angled forward toward the distal end of the mounting portion 350. Also, the maximum value of the thickness T5 of the wear portion 360 may be located below the location of the lower edge of the support surface 36 of the moldboard assembly 34 when the cutting edge member 140 is mounted to the support surface 36.

The cutting edge component 340 may also include one or more recesses 390. In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 11-14, the cutting edge component 340 includes twelve recesses 390. Alternatively, fewer or more than twelve recesses 390 may be provided. Each recess 390 may be disposed in the front surface 66 of the substantially planar portion 62 of the wear portion 360. As shown in fig. 11, each recess 390 may extend proximally from ground engaging edge 68 toward mounting portion 350 and may extend along a majority of the lateral length of wear portion 360. The proximal end of each recess 390 may be located proximate a medial portion of the cutting edge feature 340 in the transverse direction. As shown in fig. 14, each recess 390 may be generally U-shaped with a bottom surface 392 and sides 394, and may have a depth D2 that may be shallower compared to the thickness T5 of the wear portion 360. The bottom surface 392 may be substantially parallel to the front surface 66 of the substantially planar portion 62 of the wear portion 360. In one embodiment, the depth D2 may be approximately 75% or less of the thickness T5 (or the maximum of the thickness T5) of the wear portion 360.

The side surfaces 394 of the recess 390 may form edges 396 with the front surface 66 of the substantially planar portion 62 of the wear portion 360. As wear progresses on the wear portion 360, the edge 396 may act as a self-sharpening tooth. For example, the wear portion 360 may wear from the bottom (e.g., at the ground engaging edge 68) and then upward (proximally). As the wear portion 360 wears away proximally, the unworn and sharpened portion of the edge 396 is exposed, and thus the edge 396 may self-sharpen.

The recess 390 may include a coating of wear resistant material. For example, the bottom surface 392, sides 394, and/or edges 396 of the recess 390 may be coated with a wear resistant material. The wear-resistant material may include carbides (e.g., tungsten carbide, titanium carbide, and/or chromium carbide) and/or metal oxides (e.g., aluminum oxide and/or chromium oxide). The wear-resistant material (e.g., in particulate form) may be applied to recess 390 by welding, plasma transferred arc deposition, and/or laser deposition. In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 14, the coating may not fill the recess 390, such that the recess 390 maintains the distribution of the bottom surface 392, the sides 394, the edges 396, and the depth D1. Alternatively, the coating may fill the recess 390.

Fig. 15-18 illustrate a cutting edge component 440 according to another exemplary embodiment. The cutting edge component 440 may be similar to the cutting edge component 340 illustrated in fig. 11-14, with the differences described below.

The cutting edge component 440 may include multiple wear portions or teeth 460 rather than the single wear portion 360 of fig. 11-14. In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 15-18, the cutting edge member 440 includes twelve teeth 460. Alternatively, fewer or more than twelve teeth 460 may be provided. Teeth 460 may be coupled to a distal end of mounting portion 350 and spaced longitudinally along the distal end of mounting portion 350. As shown in fig. 15, each tooth 460 may have a width W3 that may taper toward the respective ground engaging edge 68. Each tooth 460 may include one or more grooves 390, and in the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 15-18, each tooth 460 includes one groove 390, the one groove 390 extending centrally on the tooth 460 relative to the width W3. Also, as shown in fig. 16, the rear surface 64 of the tooth 460 may include a beveled edge.

Additionally, the teeth 460 may taper toward the rear surface 64, as shown in FIG. 18. The side surfaces of the teeth 460 (extending between the rear surface 64 and the front surface 66) may be angled relative to a plane perpendicular to the front surface 66, ranging from about 0 degrees to about 15 degrees. The tapering of the teeth 460 toward the rear surface 64 may improve the cutting efficiency of the cutting edge member 440 by reducing the drag or friction caused by the flow of material against the side surfaces of the teeth 460.

Industrial applicability

The disclosed cutting edge component may be applied to any machine having a ground engaging tool. Various advantages may be associated with the cutting edge feature. The cutting edge component may exhibit improved performance and longer wear life. For example, the cutting edge component may penetrate and break hard and/or frozen ground, and may direct the flow of material through the cutting edge component as the cutting edge component moves horizontally and/or vertically into the ground.

The

cutting edge components

40, 140, 240, 340, and 440 may have a thickness that gradually narrows toward the distal end of the

cutting edge components

40, 140, 240, 340, and 440 to form the ground engaging edge 68, as shown in the side views of fig. 3, 6, 9, 12, and 16. Further, the

cutting edge components

140, 240, and 440 may include

teeth

160, 260, and 460 having widths (e.g., widths W1, W2, and W3) that also taper toward the distal ends of the

cutting edge components

140, 240, and 440 to form the ground engaging edge 68, as shown in the front views of fig. 5, 8, and 15. For example, as the

cutting edge components

40, 140, 240, 340, and 440 move horizontally and/or vertically into the ground, the tapering of the width and/or thickness may form a chisel-like member at the ground engaging edge 68 to penetrate and break up hard and/or frozen ground.

The

cutting edge components

140, 240, and 440 may also include

teeth

160, 260, and 460 that are spaced apart to allow material that is crushed by the ground engaging edge 68 to flow through the

teeth

160, 260, and 460. The widths W1, W2, and W3 and spacing of the

teeth

160, 260, and 460 may vary depending on the intended function of the

cutting edge components

140, 240, and 440. For example, for structural purposes, the width W1 of the teeth 160 of the cutting edge component 140 may be wider than the widths W2 and W3 of the

teeth

260 and 460 of the

cutting edge components

240 and 440 because the average thickness (e.g., thickness T1) of the cutting edge component 140 may be less than the average thickness (e.g., thicknesses T2, T3, T4, and T5) of the

cutting edge components

240 and 440.

Also, the spacing of the teeth 160 of the cutting edge component 140 (e.g., the width of the gaps between the teeth) may be wider than the spacing of the

teeth

260 and 460 of the

cutting edge components

240 and 440. For example, the spacing may depend on the size of the particles of material that are crushed by the ground engaging edge 68. Because the width W1 and/or spacing of the cutting edge component 140 may be wider than the widths W2 and W3 and/or spacing of the

cutting edge components

240 and 440, the cutting edge component 140 may include eight teeth 160 and the

cutting edge components

240 and 440 may include twelve

teeth

260 and 460.

The

cutting edge components

40 and 140 may include ribs 70, the ribs 70 configured to adjust the direction of flow of material that is crushed by the ground engaging edge 68. The flow of material may be directed by the ribs 70 along the wear portion 60 or teeth 160, over the mounting portion 50, and onto the moldboard assembly 34 where the material may be redirected and fall to one side of the machine 10. The ribs 70 may also support a bend in the S-shaped profile of the cutting edge component 40, which may improve the structural integrity of the cutting edge component 40 and make the cutting edge component 40 stronger.

Cutting

edge components

340 and 440 may include a groove 390, the groove 390 including a self-sharpening edge 396, the self-sharpening edge 396 may assist in penetrating and breaking hard and/or frozen ground, which may help reduce the penetration force required by cutting

edge components

340 and 440. The recess 390 may also include a coating of wear resistant material, which may increase wear life. Thus, the recess 390 may serve as a location for depositing wear-resistant material without additional machining. Although not shown, the cutting edge component 240 may also include a groove 390 and/or a coating of wear-resistant material.

Also, for example, as the mounting

portions

250 and 350 become thicker toward the distal end, at least a portion of the thickness T4 of the mounting

portions

250 and 350 of the

cutting edge components

240 and 340 may each extend rearward and forward, e.g., relative to the location of the proximal edge 58, and at least a portion of the front surfaces 56 of the mounting

portions

250 and 350 may be inclined forward toward the distal ends of the mounting

portions

250 and 350. As a result, the flow of material that is crushed by the ground engaging edge 68 may be directed over the front surface 56 of the

mounts

250 and 350 and onto the moldboard assembly 34 where the material may be redirected and fall to the side of the machine 10.

The

cutting edge components

40, 140, 240, 340, and 440 may also be configured for optimal placement of the material used to form the

cutting edge components

40, 140, 240, 340, and 440 to reduce the weight, cost, and amount of discarded material at the end of the life of the

cutting edge components

40, 140, 240, 340, and 440. Providing a maximum thickness in the transverse direction proximate the middle portion of the

cutting edge components

40, 140, 240, 340, and 440 may result in a longer wear life. The maximum thickness may be provided below the location of the lower edge of the support surface 36 of the moldboard assembly 34 when the

cutting edge members

40, 140, 240, 340, and 440 are mounted to the support surface 36.

As shown in the side views of fig. 3, 6, 9, 12, and 16, the mounting

portions

50, 250, and 350 may have a thickness (e.g., thickness T1, T2, or T4) that is less than a maximum thickness of the

cutting edge components

40, 140, 240, 340, and 440. For example, the substantially planar portion 52 of the mounting

portions

50, 250, and 350 may taper toward the proximal end of the

members

40, 140, 240, 340, 440 to form the proximal edge 58. Moreover, the substantially planar portions 52 of the mounting

portions

250 and 350 may have a variable thickness (e.g., thickness T2 or T4) that tapers substantially continuously from the distal end toward the proximal edge 58.

In addition, the

wear portions

60 and 360 or the

teeth

160, 260, and 460 may also have a thickness (e.g., thickness T1, T3, or T5) that is less than the maximum thickness of the

cutting edge components

40, 140, 240, 340, and 440. For example, the

wear portions

60 and 360 or the substantially planar portions 62 of the

teeth

160, 260, and 460 may taper toward the distal ends of the

components

40, 140, 240, 340, and 440 to form the ground engaging edge(s) 68. Moreover, the wear portion 360 and the substantially planar portion 62 of the

teeth

260 and 460 may have a variable thickness (e.g., thickness T3 or T5) that tapers substantially continuously from the proximal end toward the ground engaging edge 68.

As a result of the optimal placement of the material used to form the

cutting edge components

40, 140, 240, 340, and 440, the

cutting edge components

40, 140, 240, 340, and 440 may be manufactured using less material, which may reduce manufacturing costs and may minimize the amount of material that is discarded at the end of life. Moreover, the

cutting edge components

40, 140, 240, 340, and 440 may have a lighter weight, which may make them easier to handle.

In addition, the

cutting edge components

40, 140, 240, 340, and 440 may be formed of cast steel, which may reduce the time and cost used to manufacture the

cutting edge components

40, 140, 240, 340, and 440 described above and shown in fig. 2-18, for example, as compared to rolled steel. Thus, the

cutting edge components

40, 140, 240, 340, and 440, such as the mounting

portions

50, 250, and 350, the

wear portions

60 and 360, the

teeth

160, 260, and 460, and/or the ribs 70, including the features described above, may be formed as a single unitary and/or continuous piece.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and changes may be made to the disclosed cutting edge components. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosed cutting edge components. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope being indicated by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A wear component (40, 140) for a ground engaging tool (30), the wear component comprising:

a longitudinally extending mounting portion (50), the longitudinally extending mounting portion (50) being connectable to a mounting assembly (34) of the ground engaging tool (30); and

at least one wear portion (60, 160), the at least one wear portion (60, 160) connected to the mounting portion (50), the at least one wear portion (60, 160) forming at least one ground engaging edge (68); and

a plurality of longitudinally spaced ribs (70), the plurality of longitudinally spaced ribs (70) protruding from the at least one wear portion (60, 160) and connected to the mounting portion (50), the plurality of longitudinally spaced ribs (70) configured to affect a direction of flow of material through along the at least one wear portion (60, 160), a depth (D1) of at least one rib of the plurality of longitudinally spaced ribs corresponding to a distance between a surface (56) of the mounting portion (50) and at least one surface (66) of the at least one wear portion (60, 160), each rib having a depth that gradually narrows at a distal end.

2. The wear component (40, 140) of claim 1, wherein the plurality of longitudinally spaced ribs (70) are connected to a distal end of the mounting portion (50).

3. The wear component (40, 140) of claim 1, wherein the at least one wear portion comprises a single wear portion (60) and the plurality of longitudinally spaced ribs (70) protrude from the single wear portion (60).

4. The wear component (40, 140) of claim 1, wherein the at least one wear portion includes a plurality of wear portions (160) and at least one rib of the plurality of longitudinally spaced ribs (70) protrudes from each of the plurality of wear portions (160).

5. The wear component (40, 140) of claim 1, wherein at least one surface of the at least one rib (70) is continuous with the surface of the mounting portion (50) and the at least one surface of the at least one wear portion (60, 160).

6. The wear component (40, 140) of claim 1, wherein at least one rib of the plurality of longitudinally spaced ribs (70) tapers at a distal end (72) thereof at a mid-portion of the at least one wear portion (60, 160).

7. The wear component (40, 140) of claim 1, wherein the mounting portion (50) and the at least one wear portion (60, 160) form a generally S-shaped distribution.

8. A wear component (40, 140) for a ground engaging tool (30), the wear component comprising:

a mounting portion (50), the mounting portion (50) being connectable to a mounting assembly (34) of the ground engaging tool (30); and

at least one wear portion (60, 160), the at least one wear portion (60, 160) connected to the mounting portion (50) and forming at least one ground engaging edge (68), the at least one wear portion (60, 160) having a thickness similar to the mounting portion (50) along a first direction and being offset from the mounting portion (50) along the first direction; and

at least one rib (70), the at least one rib (70) protruding from the at least one wear portion (60, 160), the at least one rib (70) configured to affect a direction of flow of material through along the at least one wear portion (60, 160), a depth (D1) of the at least one rib corresponding to a distance between a surface (56) of the mounting portion (50) and at least one surface (66) of the at least one wear portion (60, 160), each rib having a depth that tapers at a distal end.

9. The wear component (40, 140) of claim 8, wherein:

the mounting portion (50) includes a substantially planar portion (52) having a first thickness, and the at least one wear portion (60, 160) includes at least one substantially planar portion (62) having a second thickness similar to the first thickness; and

the at least one substantially planar portion (62) of the at least one wear portion (60, 160) is substantially parallel to the substantially planar portion (52) of the mounting portion (50).