GB2557879A

GB2557879A - Hitch assembly for machine

Info

Publication number: GB2557879A
Application number: GB1609889.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: J Webb Adrian; L Wallace Gavin; Yamauchi Yuki; Robson Joshua
Original assignee: Caterpillar Inc
Current assignee: Caterpillar Inc
Priority date: 2016-06-07
Filing date: 2016-06-07
Publication date: 2018-07-04
Also published as: GB201609889D0

Abstract

A hitch 22 is provided for an articulated machine (10, Figure 1), such as a wheel loader, the machine having first and second frame members (12, 14, Figure 1), for example engine and non-engine end frames. Hitch 22 includes a shaft 24 having first and second shaft ends and a body 34 having first and second body ends. Body 34 has a first trunnion 44 extending perpendicularly from a first surface, and a second trunnion 46 extending perpendicularly from a second surface. The hitch includes first and second coupling members 48, 52, typically machined C-shaped caps, respectively disposed around portions of first and second trunnions 44, 46 and a pair of mounts 56 at second frame member 14.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

(56) Documents Cited:

DE 002528050 A1 SU 000835870 A1

FR 002651741 A1 US 2308613 A

Caterpillar Inc.

(Incorporated in USA - Delaware)

100 Northeast Adams Street, Peoria, Illinois 61629, United States of America (58) Field of Search:

INT CL B60D, B62D Other: EPODOC, WPI, TXTA (72) Inventor(s):

Adrian J Webb Gavin L Wallace Yuki Yamauchi Joshua Robson (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Anaud Varu

Caterpillar UK Legal Services Division, Eastfield, PETERBOROUGH, Cambs, PE1 5FQ, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: Hitch assembly for machine Abstract Title: Hitch for articulated machine (57) A hitch 22 is provided for an articulated machine (10, Figure 1), such as a wheel loader, the machine having first and second frame members (12, 14, Figure 1), for example engine and non-engine end frames. Hitch 22 includes a shaft 24 having first and second shaft ends and a body 34 having first and second body ends. Body 34 has a first trunnion 44 extending perpendicularly from a first surface, and a second trunnion 46 extending perpendicularly from a second surface. The hitch includes first and second coupling members 48, 52, typically machined C-shaped caps, respectively disposed around portions of first and second trunnions 44, 46 and a pair of mounts 56 at second frame member 14.

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FIG. 3

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FIG. 1

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FIG. 2

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FIG. 3

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FIG. 4

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-1HITCH ASSEMBLY FOR MACHINE

Technical Field [0001] The present disclosure relates to a hitch assembly, and more particularly, relates to the hitch assembly for an articulated machine.

Background [0002] Generally, an articulated machine, such as a wheel loader, includes an engine end frame and a non-engine end frame. The engine end frame and the non-engine end frame are coupled with each other via a hitch assembly. The hitch assembly enables movement of the non-engine end frame with respect to the engine end frame. The hitch assembly may include multiple parts, such as a shaft connected to the engine end frame, a support member connected to the nonengine end, and a stopper, for preventing the non-engine end frame from moving beyond a predefined distance. Presence of such multiple parts adds to the cost of manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance.

[0003] EiS Patent Number 3,806,158, hereinafter referred to as the Ί58 patent, describes a hinge joint for connecting the front and rear frames of an articulated vehicle including a single arm extending from one frame and having a cylindrical bore therein. The hinge joint includes a pair of other arms extending from the other frame and disposed on either side of the single arm. The hinge joint further includes a pin member having a spherical bearing portion and having a pair of integral trunnions extending from the bearing portion. The hinge joint further includes cap members that are provided for clamping the trunnions to the pair of other arms so as to locate the spherical bearing portion vertically between the pair of other arms, and a spherical bushing in the cylindrical bore is provided for receiving the spherical bearing portion therein. However, the Ί58 patent fails to disclose a hinge joint for a machine, that is cost effective and easy to assemble.

Summary of the Disclosure [0004] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a hitch assembly for an articulated machine having a first frame member and a second frame member is provided. The hitch assembly includes a shaft having a first end and a second —2— end distal to the first end. The first end is coupled to the first frame member of the machine. The hitch assembly further includes a body member having a first end and a second end distal to the first end. The body member includes a first surface and a second surface. The second end of the body member is coupled to the second frame member of the machine. The first end of the body member is coupled to the second end of the shaft. The body member further includes a first trunnion extending perpendicularly from the first surface of the body member and a second trunnion extending perpendicularly from the second surface of the body member. The second trunnion is aligned with respect to the first trunnion. The hitch assembly further includes a first coupling member disposed around a portion of the first trunnion and a second coupling member disposed around a portion of the second trunnion. The hitch assembly further includes a pair of mounting members provided at the second frame member of the machine. The first coupling member and the second coupling member are adapted to couple with the pair of mounting members for coupling the first frame member with the second frame member of the machine.

[0005] Other features and aspects of this disclosure will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0006] FIG. 1 is a top view of an exemplary machine having a hitch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0007] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the machine having the hitch assembly;

[0008] FIG. 3 is a pictorial view of the hitch assembly of FIG. 1 in a first position of the machine;

[0009] FIG. 4 is a pictorial view of the hitch assembly of FIG. 1 being displaced from the first position of the machine to a second position of the machine; and [0010] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the hitch assembly of FIG. 2.

-3Detailed Description [0011] Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, corresponding or similar reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts. Moreover, references to various elements described herein, are made collectively or individually when there may be more than one element of the same type. However, such references are merely exemplary in nature. It may be noted that any reference to elements in singular may also be construed to relate to the plural and vice-versa without limiting the scope of the disclosure to the exact number or type of such elements unless set forth explicitly in the appended claim.

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a machine 10, according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the machine 10. In the illustrated FIG. 1, the machine 10 is an articulated machine, such as a wheel loader. Alternatively, the machine 10 may be any excavator machine including, but not limited to a wheel tractor scraper. The machine 10 includes a first frame member 12 and a second frame member 14. The first frame member 12 includes a support member 13. The support member 13 includes a flange portion 15 (as shown in FIG. 2) having multiple through holes (not shown). In an embodiment, the first frame member 12 is an Engine End Frame (EEF) and the second frame member 14 is a Non-Engine End Frame (NEEF).

[0013] In an embodiment, a power source (not shown) is provided on the first frame member 12 of the machine 10. The power source may be any power source known in the art, such as an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, power storage device like batteries and a hybrid engine. The power source is configured to provide power to the machine 10 for operational and mobility requirements. The machine 10 includes ground engaging members 16, such as wheels or track. The ground engaging members 16 are configured to provide mobility to the machine 10. The machine 10 also includes a drivetrain (not shown) coupled between the power source and the ground engaging members 16. The drivetrain may include a transmission system having one or more gears,

-4shafts, differentials, torque convertor, hydraulic pump, and motor. The drivetrain may transmit motive power from the power source to the ground engaging members 16.

[0014] The machine 10 further includes an implement 18 along with other associated components pivotally coupled to the second frame member 14 of the machine 10. It should be noted that the machine 10 may include any other implement, such as an auger, a blade, a fork, a hammer, a ripper. The machine 10 further includes an operator cabin (not shown) provided on the first frame member 12 of the machine 10. The operator cabin includes an operator interface (not shown). Although not shown, the operator interface may include one or more input devices such as pedals, steering, joystick, knobs, levers, switches, display devices, etc. The input devices may be actuated for operating and controlling the implement 18.

[0015] The machine 10 further includes a hitch assembly 22 for coupling the first frame member 12 with the second frame member 14. The manner in which the hitch assembly 22 facilitates coupling of the first frame member 12 with the second frame member 14 will be described hereinafter with respect to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.

[0016] FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 illustrate the hitch assembly 22 in two different positions of the machine 10. In particular, FIG. 3 illustrates the hitch assembly 22 in an assembled condition at a first position and FIG. 4 illustrates the hitch assembly 22 in a displaced or articulated position. The hitch assembly 22 enables movement of the second frame member 14 with respect to the first frame member 12 from the first position to a second position (shown in FIG. 4). The hitch assembly 22 includes a shaft 24. The shaft 24 includes a first end 26 (shown in FIG. 5) and a second end 28 (shown in FIG. 5) located distantly from the first end

26. The first end 26 of the shaft 24 is coupled to the support member 13 of the first frame member 12 via a plurality of fastening members 25. In an example, the plurality of fastening members 25 may be bolts or any other fastening members known in the art. The first end 26 of the shaft 24 includes multiple holes 32 (as shown in FIG. 5). The flange portion 15 (shown in FIG. 2) is

-5coupled to the support member 13. The flange portion 15 (shown in FIG. 2) has an inner surface that includes the multiple through holes. Further, an outer surface of the shaft 24 includes the multiple holes 32. In an example, the multiple holes 32 may be threading blind holes having a predefined depth. As such, when the multiple through holes of the flange portion 15 and the multiple holes 32 of the shaft 24 are aligned with each other, the shaft 24 is coupled to the support member 13 of the first frame member 12 by the plurality of fastening members 25 (shown in FIG. 1). The plurality of fastening members 25 is inserted from the flange portion 15 and is received in the multiple holes 32 of the shaft 24 to couple the shaft 24 with the support member 13.

[0017] The hitch assembly 22 further includes a body member 34 having a first end 36 and a second end 38 located distantly from the first end 36. The first end 36 of the body member 34 is coupled to the second end 28 of the shaft 24. In an example, the second end 28 of the shaft 24 may be welded to the first end 36 of the body member 34. In another example, the shaft 24 may be an integral part of the body member 34. In yet another example, the shaft 24 may be coupled to the body member 34 via any fastening mechanism known in the art. Further, the second end 38 of the body member 34 is coupled to the second frame member 14. The body member 34 further includes a first surface 40 and a second surface 42 spaced apart from the first surface 40.

[0018] The body member 34 further includes a first trunnion 44 extending perpendicularly from the first surface 40 of the body member 34. In an example, the first trunnion 44 may be a cylindrical protrusion used as a pivoting point in the hitch assembly 22. The body member 34 further includes a second trunnion 46 extending perpendicularly from the second surface 42 of the body member 34. In an example, the second trunnion 46 may be a cylindrical protrusion used as a pivoting point in the hitch assembly 22. The second trunnion 46 is aligned with respect to the first trunnion 44 along a longitudinal axis “L-A” of the first trunnion 44. In the illustrated embodiment, the first trunnion 44 and the second trunnion 46 are integral part of the body member 34, thus the body member 34 is a single component.

-6[0019] The body member 34 further includes a pin 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the pin 30 functions as a stopper and prevents the first frame member 12 of the machine 10 from moving beyond a predefined distance. Similar to the first trunnion 44 and the second trunnion 46, the pin 30 is an integral part of the body member 34. In an example, the pin 30 may be welded to the body member 34. As such, the first trunnion 44, the second trunnion 46, and the pin 30 constitute the body member 34.

[0020] The hitch assembly 22 further includes a first coupling member 48 disposed around a portion 50 (as shown in FIG. 5) of the first trunnion 44. In an example, the first coupling member 48 may be a machined C-shaped cap. The portion 50 mentioned herein with respect to the first trunnion 44 may be understood as a peripheral surface of the first trunnion 44 that is in contact with a first mating surface 61 (as shown in FIG. 5) of the first coupling member 48. The first mating surface 61 is formed to conform to the peripheral surface of the first trunnion 44. In such cases, the first coupling member 48 may be provided as an arcuate cap having the first mating surface 61 greater than a semicircle, unlike illustrated in FIG. 3, FIG. 4, and FIG. 5.

[0021] The hitch assembly 22 further includes a second coupling member 52 disposed around a portion 54 (as shown in FIG. 5) of the second trunnion 46. In an example, the second coupling member 52 may be a machined C-shaped cap. The portion 54 mentioned herein with respect to the second trunnion 46 may be understood as a peripheral surface of the second trunnion 46 that is in contact with a second mating surface 63 of the second coupling member 52. The second mating surface 63 is formed to conform to the peripheral surface of the second trunnion 46. In such cases, the second coupling member 52 may be provided as an arcuate cap having the second mating surface 63 greater than a semicircle, unlike illustrated in FIG. 3, FIG. 4, and FIG. 5.

[0022] The hitch assembly 22 further includes a pair of mounting members 56, individually referred to as a first mounting member 57 and a second mounting member 59, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. The first mounting member 57 and a second mounting member 59 are provided at the second frame member 14 of the

..η..

machine 10. The first coupling member 48 is coupled to the first mounting member 57 and the second coupling member 52 is coupled to the second mounting member 59 for coupling the first frame member 12 with the second frame member 14. In an example, the first mounting member 57 and the second mounting member 59 may be machined C-shaped caps. In another example, the pair of mounting members 56 may be arcuate caps disposed on the second frame member 14 of the machine 10. In particular, the first coupling member 48 and the second coupling member 52 are coupled to the first mounting member 57 and the second mounting member 59, respectively, by a plurality of fastening members 62.

[0023] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the hitch assembly 22 of FIG. 2. The hitch assembly 22 further includes a first bearing 58 disposed between the first trunnion 44 and the first coupling member 48. In an example, the first bearing 58 may be a non-metallic bearing having a cylindrical cross-section and an inner diameter larger than outer diameter of the first trunnion 44. Due to the larger diameter of the first bearing 58, the first bearing 58 is snugly disposed around the first trunnion 44. The hitch assembly 22 further includes a second bearing 60 disposed between the second trunnion 46 and the second coupling member 52. In an example, the second bearing 60 may be a non-metallic bearing having a cylindrical cross-section and an inner diameter larger than outer diameter of the second trunnion 46. Due to the larger diameter of the second bearing 60, the second bearing 60 is snugly disposed around the second trunnion 46. The first bearing 58 and the second bearing 60 permits movement of the second frame member 14 with respect to the first frame member 12. The hitch assembly 22 further includes a first set of rings 65 and a second set of rings 67. The second set of rings 67 may reduce wear between the first frame member 12 and the second frame member 14. The first set of rings 65 are installed between a seal 69 and the first coupling member 48. In an example, the first set of rings 65 may be a washer or thin strip of material used to align the first frame member 12 with the second frame member 14. The first set of rings 65 facilitate coupling of the first trunnion 44 with the first bearing 58. Further, the first set of rings 65 may be

-8provided on the shaft 24. The first set of rings 65 facilitate coupling of the shaft 24 with the support member 13 of the first frame member 12.

Industrial Applicability [0024] The present disclosure relates to the hitch assembly 22 for the machine 10 having the first frame member 12 and the second frame member 14. The hitch assembly 22 facilitates coupling of the first frame member 12 with the second frame member 14 to enable movement of the second frame member 14 with respect to the first frame member 12. For example, the hitch assembly 22 is designed in a manner such that the hitch assembly 22 allows movement of the second frame member 14 about the longitudinal axis “L-A” of the first trunnion 44. The first trunnion 44 and the second trunnion 46 are formed as integral part of the body member 34, which were otherwise provided as separate components of the hitch assembly 22. Therefore, the hitch assembly 22 is manufactured as a single component, thereby minimizing cost of manufacture of the hitch assembly 22.

[0025] While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed machines, systems and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of what is disclosed. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof.

-9Claim

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A hitch assembly for an articulated machine having a first frame member and a second frame member, the hitch assembly comprising:

a shaft having a first end and a second end distal to the first end, the first end coupled to the first frame member of the machine;

a body member having a first end and a second end distal to the first end, the body member includes a first surface and a second surface, the second end of the body member coupled to the second frame member of the machine, the first end of the body member coupled to the second end of the shaft, the body member includes:

a first trunnion extending perpendicularly from the first surface of the body member; and a second trunnion extending perpendicularly from the second surface of the body member, the second trunnion being aligned with respect to the first trunnion;

a first coupling member disposed around a portion of the first trunnion;

a second coupling member disposed around a portion of the second trunnion; and a pair of mounting members provided at the second frame member of the machine, the first coupling member and the second coupling member are adapted to couple with the pair of mounting members for coupling the first frame member with the second frame member of the machine.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: Claims searched: