US20130078070A1 - Lift Arms and Linkage Arrangement for Scoop Assembly - Google Patents
Lift Arms and Linkage Arrangement for Scoop Assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20130078070A1 US20130078070A1 US13/242,542 US201113242542A US2013078070A1 US 20130078070 A1 US20130078070 A1 US 20130078070A1 US 201113242542 A US201113242542 A US 201113242542A US 2013078070 A1 US2013078070 A1 US 2013078070A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- bucket
- distal
- proximal
- tilt
- cylinder
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 claims description 37
- 230000033001 locomotion Effects 0.000 claims description 20
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 abstract description 16
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 8
- 239000003245 coal Substances 0.000 description 6
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000007935 neutral effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000012856 packing Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000003562 lightweight material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000002028 premature Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008602 contraction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002950 deficient Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002349 favourable effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
- E02F3/00—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines
- E02F3/04—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven
- E02F3/28—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging tools mounted on a dipper- or bucket-arm, i.e. there is either one arm or a pair of arms, e.g. dippers, buckets
- E02F3/34—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging tools mounted on a dipper- or bucket-arm, i.e. there is either one arm or a pair of arms, e.g. dippers, buckets with bucket-arms, i.e. a pair of arms, e.g. manufacturing processes, form, geometry, material of bucket-arms directly pivoted on the frames of tractors or self-propelled machines
- E02F3/342—Buckets emptying overhead
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
- E02F3/00—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines
- E02F3/04—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven
- E02F3/28—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging tools mounted on a dipper- or bucket-arm, i.e. there is either one arm or a pair of arms, e.g. dippers, buckets
- E02F3/34—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging tools mounted on a dipper- or bucket-arm, i.e. there is either one arm or a pair of arms, e.g. dippers, buckets with bucket-arms, i.e. a pair of arms, e.g. manufacturing processes, form, geometry, material of bucket-arms directly pivoted on the frames of tractors or self-propelled machines
- E02F3/345—Buckets emptying side-ways
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
- E02F3/00—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines
- E02F3/04—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven
- E02F3/28—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging tools mounted on a dipper- or bucket-arm, i.e. there is either one arm or a pair of arms, e.g. dippers, buckets
- E02F3/36—Component parts
- E02F3/40—Dippers; Buckets ; Grab devices, e.g. manufacturing processes for buckets, form, geometry or material of buckets
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
- E02F3/00—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines
- E02F3/04—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven
- E02F3/76—Graders, bulldozers, or the like with scraper plates or ploughshare-like elements; Levelling scarifying devices
- E02F3/7609—Scraper blade mounted forwardly of the tractor on a pair of pivoting arms which are linked to the sides of the tractor, e.g. bulldozers
- E02F3/7618—Scraper blade mounted forwardly of the tractor on a pair of pivoting arms which are linked to the sides of the tractor, e.g. bulldozers with the scraper blade adjustable relative to the pivoting arms about a horizontal axis
Definitions
- This disclosure relates generally to wheel dozers, and more specifically to wheel dozers designed for dozing and loading lighter materials such as woodchips and coal. Still more specifically, this disclosure relates to an improved scoop assembly for such wheel dozers.
- Each lift arm may be spaced from one another a distance that is slightly narrower than the width of the bucket.
- the lift arms and the bucket are normally raised and lowered by a pair of lift cylinders that are connected to each lift arm or a crossbeam that connects the two lift arms together.
- Dump cylinders for the bucket are provided that are connected between the lift arms and the bucket.
- the bucket may be filled or dumped by actuating the pair of dump cylinders to pivot the bucket with respect to distal ends of the lift arms.
- the combination of the lift arms, lift cylinders, linkages, dump cylinders and bucket will be referred to herein as a “scoop assembly”.
- Some wheel dozer buckets are specifically designed for moving and stockpiling lighter materials, such as coal, woodchips and other low density materials.
- the buckets increase production by being able to both doze and carry a load.
- different sizes of buckets are available for different machines and for different materials.
- Some wheel dozers include a tilt function which enables the bucket and the lift arms to tilt to the left or right or about a longitudinal axis that passes between and parallel to the lift arms.
- One tilt function may be provided by a tilt cylinder, one end of which may be mounted directly or indirectly to the wheel dozer and the other end of which may be mounted to one of the lift arms. Retraction or extension of the lift cylinder causes the frame formed by the lift arms and cross beams to tilt to the right or left, dependent upon which arm the tilt cylinder is connected to.
- Other tilt functions are provided by special bearing and linkage arrangements disposed between the work tool and the frame. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,269,561.
- currently available tilt mechanisms are limited to a tilt range of 2°-3°. For some applications, a range of 2°-3° is insufficient and therefore additional tilting capabilities are desired beyond the currently available tilt range.
- buckets for light weight materials are generally not that versatile, it would be beneficial to have a quick and easy lift arm and linkage arrangement which would enable a bucket to be quickly and easily replaced with a blade or similar tool.
- current bucket designs for light weight materials typically include a lower cutting edge for facilitating dozing operations. Unfortunately, many current bucket designs for light weight materials place the cutting edge too low are too far below the surface when the bucket is in the dump position, thereby putting undue strain on the wheel dozer when combining dumping and dozing operations.
- a scoop assembly which includes right and left lift arms.
- Each lift arm may include a proximal end, a proximal portion disposed between its proximal end and a hook shaped distal portion disposed between its proximal portion and its distal end.
- the distal ends of the right and left lift arms may be pivotally coupled to the right and left side walls of the bucket respectively.
- the right and left lift arms may also be coupled together by a distal cross beam.
- the bucket may include a center pocket with a rear opening.
- the distal cross beam may be coupled to one end of a dump cylinder having another end that may be received in and pivotally connected to the central pocket of the bucket.
- a scoop assembly which also includes right and left lift arms.
- Each lift arm may include a proximal end, a proximal portion disposed between its proximal end and a hook shaped distal portion that terminates at a distal end.
- the proximal ends of the right and left lift arms may be coupled to a distal cross beam.
- the scoop assembly also includes a bucket that includes right and left side walls and a curved wall disposed therebetween.
- the right sidewall may include a right pocket with a rear opening for receiving the distal end and at least part of the distal portion of the right lift arm.
- the left sidewall may include a left pocket with a rear opening for receiving the distal end and at least part of the distal portion of the left lift arm.
- the distal ends of the right and left lift arms may be pivotally coupled to the right and left side walls of the bucket respectively.
- the bucket may also include a center pocket with a rear opening for receiving a dump cylinder connection.
- the dump cylinder may be connected to the distal cross beam and the bucket, inside the central pocket.
- Each lift arm may include a proximal end, a proximal portion disposed between the proximal end and a distal end.
- the scoop assembly may also include a bucket comprising right and left sidewalls and a curved wall disposed therebetween.
- the right sidewall may include a right pocket with a rear opening for receiving the distal end and at least part of the distal portion of the right lift arm.
- the left sidewall may include a left pocket with a rear opening for receiving the distal end and at least part of the distal portion of the left lift arm.
- the distal ends of right and left lift arms may be pivotally coupled to the right and left sidewalls of the bucket respectively while being disposed inside the right and left pockets respectively.
- the bucket may include a center pocket with a rear opening.
- the distal cross beam may be coupled to one end of a dump cylinder that has another end that may be received in and pivotally connected within the central pocket of the bucket.
- the scoop assembly may also include right and left tilt cylinders, right and left tilt levers, and right and left cylinder brackets.
- the right tilt lever may be pivotally coupled to the proximal end of the right lift arm.
- the left tilt lever may be pivotally coupled to the proximal end of the left lift arm.
- the right cylinder bracket may be coupled to the right lift arm between the proximal and distal ends thereof; the left cylinder bracket may be coupled to the left lift arm between the proximal and distal ends thereof.
- a proximal cross beam extends between and may be pivotally and slidably coupled to the right and left tilt levers. Retraction of the right tilt cylinder in combination with extension of the left tilt cylinder causing the right and left lift arms and the blade to tilt to the right while the proximal cross beam remains stationary and coupled to the right and left tilt levers. Extension of the right tilt cylinder in combination with retraction of the left tilt cylinder causing the right and left lift arms and the blade to tilt to the left while the proximal cross beam remains stationary and coupled to the right and left tilt levers.
- the right sidewall may include a right pocket with a rear opening for receiving the distal end and at least part of the distal portion of the right lift arm.
- the left sidewall includes a left pocket with a rear opening for receiving the distal end and at least part of the distal portion of the left lift arm.
- the dump cylinder may be disposed substantially in the central pocket in throughout a range of motion provided by contracting and extending the dump cylinder.
- the distal ends of the right and left lift arms may be connected to the right and left sidewalls along a first axis passing through the distal ends of the right and left lift arms.
- the end of the dump cylinder that is connected to the central pocket of the bucket may be connected to the bucket at a first point that may be disposed vertically above the first axis throughout a range of motion of the bucket provided by the dump cylinder.
- the dump cylinder may be connected to the central pocket at a first point that may be disposed above a center of gravity of the bucket throughout a range of motion provided by contracting and extending the dump cylinder.
- the distal ends of the right and left lift arms may be disposed along a first axis, and a center of gravity of the bucket may be disposed below the first axis throughout a range of motion provided by contracting and extending the dump cylinder.
- right and left tilt cylinders, right and left tilt levers and right and left cylinder brackets may be included in combination with a dump cylinder and a central pocket in the bucket for protecting the dump cylinder from debris, etc.
- the right and left tilt levers may be pivotally coupled to the proximal ends of the right and left lift arms respectively.
- the right and left cylinder brackets may be coupled to the right and left lift arms respectively between the proximal and distal ends thereof.
- the right and left tilt cylinders may be disposed on the proximal portions of the right and left lift arms respectively.
- the proximal cross beam includes right and left ends that may be pivotally coupled to the proximal ends of the right and left lift arms respectively.
- the right and left tilt levers may be connected to right and left spherical bearings.
- the right and left ends of the proximal cross beam may include right and left trunnions respectively.
- the right and left trunnions may be received in the right and left spherical bearings respectively.
- the right and left spherical bearings may provide clearance for maintaining the right and left trunnions within the right and left spherical bearings respectively when the proximal ends of the right and left lift arms are deflected inwardly towards each other when the scoop assembly is tilted.
- the right and left spherical bearings may each include a housing and a bearing insert for receiving one of the trunnions. Each housing may provide clearance for its respective bearing insert to maintain contact with its respective trunnion when the proximal ends of the right and left lift arms are deflected inwardly towards each other when the scoop assembly is tilted.
- the distal cross beam may include a pair of devises for connection to a blade.
- the blade may include a front and a rear.
- the rear of the blade may include right and left mounts.
- the right and left mounts may be coupled to right and left pitch cylinders respectively.
- the right and left pitch cylinders may also be coupled to the right and left cylinder brackets along with the right and left tilt cylinders respectively.
- the right side wall of the bucket may be connected to a right pocket with a rear opening for receiving the distal end and at least part of the distal portion of the right lift arm.
- the left side wall of the bucket may be connected to a left pocket with a rear opening for receiving the distal end and at least part of the distal portion of the left lift arm.
- the bucket may further include a center pocket with a rear opening.
- the distal cross beam may be coupled to one end of a dump cylinder having another end that may be received in and that may be pivotally connected to the central pocket of the bucket.
- at least part of the dump cylinder may be disposed in the central pocket.
- FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a prior art scoop assembly shown in a dump position.
- FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a disclosed scoop assembly shown in a dump position.
- FIG. 3 is another rear perspective view of the disclosed scoop assembly shown in FIG. 2 with the bucket in a rest position.
- FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the scoop assembly shown in FIGS. 2-3 , with the bucket in a rest position.
- FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the scoop assembly disclosed in FIGS. 2-4 , particularly illustrating the ease in which the bucket may be removed from the frame.
- FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the frame shown in FIGS. 2-5 with a blade attached to the frame, particularly illustrating the ease in which one can convert from use of a bucket ( FIGS. 2-5 ) to use of a blade with the disclosed frame.
- FIG. 7 is a partial rear perspective view of the frame and blade illustrated in FIG. 6 , particularly illustrating the coupling of the pitch cylinders between the blade and the right cylinder bracket, which may also be used to support the right tilt cylinder which may extend between the right cylinder bracket and the right lever as shown in FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 8 is a side plan view of the frame and blade illustrated in FIGS. 6-7 with the pitch cylinders in a retracted position.
- FIG. 9 is another side plan view of the frame and blade shown in FIGS. 6-8 , with the pitch cylinders in a fully extended position thereby permitting the blade to dig below the ground line.
- FIG. 10 is a side plan view of a disclosed scoop assembly with the bucket in a rest position.
- FIG. 11 is a side view of a prior art scoop assembly with the bucket in a rest position.
- FIG. 12 is a side view of a disclosed scoop assembly with the bucket in a dump position.
- FIG. 13 is a side view of a prior art scoop assembly with the bucket in a dump position.
- FIG. 14 is a side view of the disclosed scoop assembly with the bucket in a combination dozing and dumping position with the cutting edge of the bucket disposed below ground level.
- FIG. 15 is a side view of a prior art scoop assembly in a combination dozing and dumping position.
- FIGS. 16-17 illustrate the disclosed scoop assembly in a mid-tilt-left position ( FIG. 16 ) and a mid-tilt-right position ( FIG. 17 ) wherein the mid-tilt positions may be obtained by extending or retracting one of the tilt cylinders only.
- FIGS. 18-19 are rear views of the disclosed scoop assembly in a max-tilt-left position ( FIG. 18 ) and a max-tilt-right position ( FIG. 19 ), both of which require retraction of one tilt cylinder and extension of the other tilt cylinder.
- FIGS. 20-21 are rear views of the disclosed frame and blade in the mid-tilt-right position ( FIG. 20 ) and the mid-tilt-left position ( FIG. 21 ), both of which may be obtained by extending or retracting one tilt cylinder or a combination of two tilt cylinders.
- FIGS. 22-23 illustrate the disclosed frame and blade in the max-tilt-left position ( FIG. 22 ) and the max-tilt-right position ( FIG. 23 ), both of which may be obtained by extending one tilt cylinder and retracting the other tilt cylinder.
- FIGS. 24-25 illustrate the differences in the distances between the bearing assemblies when the frame is in the max-tilt-left position ( FIG. 24 ) and a level or no-tilt position ( FIG. 25 ).
- FIG. 26 is a plan view of a disclosed proximal cross beam.
- FIG. 27 is a plan view of a prior art frame for connecting a bucket to a machine, and which particularly illustrates the problems associated with the tilt mechanism, particularly the max-tilt position which causes the proximal portions of the lift arms to be deflected inward.
- FIG. 28 is a partial view of a disclosed frame equipped with a spherical bearing and housing that provides freedom for lateral movement of the spherical bearings with respect to the trunnions attached to the proximal cross beam during a tilting of the frame.
- FIG. 29 is an enlarged view of the spherical bearing and housing shown in FIG. 28 .
- FIG. 30 is a front plan view of the spherical bearing and housing shown in FIGS. 28-29 .
- FIGS. 31-32 are partial views of the disclosed bucket assemblies, particularly illustrating the pivotal movement of the disclosed spherical bearing and housing (with the cover portion removed), as mounted on the right tilt lever and showing the right tilt cylinder in a fully extended position ( FIG. 31 ) and a fully retracted position ( FIG. 32 ).
- the prior art scoop assembly 40 may include an H-shaped frame 41 that may include a right lift arm 42 , a left lift arm 43 and a cross beam 75 .
- the cross beam 75 may include brackets 45 , 46 for coupling to a pair of lift cylinders (not shown).
- the scoop assembly 40 may also include right and left dump cylinders 47 , 48 respectively which will cause the bucket 49 to pivot about the distal ends 51 , 52 of the lift arms 42 , 43 respectively.
- pins one of which is shown at 53 , may connect the distal ends 51 , 52 of the lift arms 42 , 43 to the right and left sides 54 , 55 of the bucket 49 .
- a tilt cylinder 56 which may be coupled to a tilt lever 57 and a cylinder bracket 58 .
- a disclosed scoop assembly 70 may include a frame 71 that may include right and left lift arms 72 , 73 that may be coupled together by two cross beams, including a proximal cross beam 74 and a distal cross beam 75 .
- the proximal cross beam 74 may be fixed to the machine as indicated by the plurality of fasteners shown at 76 .
- the proximal cross beam may also be coupled to the right and left lift arms 72 , 73 by spherical bearing assemblies 77 , 78 which may be coupled to the right and left tilt levers 79 , 81 respectively.
- the right and left tilt levers 79 , 81 may be coupled to the proximal ends 82 , 83 of the right and left lift arm 72 , 73 respectively.
- the right and left tilt levers 79 , 81 may be used to support right and left tilt cylinders 84 , 85 respectively.
- the right and left tilt cylinders 84 , 85 may also be supported by right and left cylinder brackets 86 , 87 respectively. Again, the brackets 45 , 46 disposed on the distal cross beam 75 may be utilized for coupling the scoop assembly 70 to lift cylinders (not shown).
- the scoop assembly 70 also may include a bucket 89 which may include a right wall 91 , a left wall 92 and a curved wall 93 extending therebetween.
- the curved wall 93 may include a central pocket 94 with a rear opening 95 .
- the curved wall 93 may also form right and left pockets 96 , 97 respectively, both with rear openings 98 , 99 respectively.
- the right pocket 96 may accommodate a distal portion 101 of the right lift arm 72 (see FIG. 5 ) which also may include a proximal portion 102 , a distal end 103 and a proximal end 82 .
- the left pocket 97 may accommodate the distal portion 105 of the left lift arm 73 , which also may include a proximal portion 106 , a distal end 107 and a proximal end 83 as shown in FIG. 5 .
- the central pocket 94 may accommodate the single dump cylinder 108 which may extend between the distal cross beam 75 and the inside of the central pocket 94 .
- the dump cylinder 108 By placing the dump cylinder 108 inside the central pocket 94 , the dump cylinder 108 is not exposed to dirt, debris, etc. as the dump cylinder is not in the path of material flow.
- the dump cylinder 108 is positioned above the path of material flow which avoids packing of material between the dump cylinder 108 and any portion of the frame or any portion of the central pocket 94 .
- FIG. 2 illustrates the scoop assembly 70 in a dump position
- FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the scoop assembly 70 in a tilted position.
- the right tilt cylinder 84 may be extended and the left tilt cylinder 85 may be retracted.
- the tilt lever 79 must pivot away from the cylinder 84 due to the fixed position of the right cylinder bracket 86 .
- bearing assembly 77 receives the right trunnion 110 of the proximal cross beam 74 (see FIG. 26 ), which also may include a left trunnion 111 .
- the right tilt lever 79 may be coupled to the rod 112 that extends from the right tilt cylinder 84 by the link 113 .
- the right tilt lever 79 may also be coupled to the proximal end 82 of the lift arm 72 by the link 114 . Because the bearing assembly 77 supports the back of the right tilt lever 79 on the trunnion 110 , as the rod 112 pushes the link 113 and the top of the right tilt lever 79 rearward or towards the proximal cross beam 74 , the lower link 114 and the bottom of the tilt lever 79 pivot upward thereby raising the right lift arm 72 .
- FIGS. 3 and 4 show the links 116 , 117 , 118 that may be used to couple the right lift arm 72 , dump cylinder 108 and left lift arm 73 to the right pocket 96 , central pocket 94 and left pocket 97 respectively.
- FIG. 4 also illustrates the stiffening ribs 121 , 122 disposed in the curved wall 93 of the bucket 89 .
- FIGS. 5 and 6 the ease in which the bucket 89 may be removed from the frame 71 is illustrated. Specifically, a pin may be removed that decouples the dump cylinder 108 from the dump cylinder bracket 109 . Also, the pins 116 , 118 that bridge the right and left pockets 96 , 97 are removed thereby releasing the distal ends 103 , 107 of the right and left lift arms 72 , 73 from the bucket 89 . With the bucket 89 removed, the blade 125 may be installed on the frame 71 . Specifically, the front of the distal cross beam 75 may include a clevis 126 or other type of bracket or fixture for coupling to the rear of the blade 125 as illustrated in FIG. 8 . Returning to FIG.
- the blade may be further secured to the right and left lift arm 72 , 73 by the right and left pitch cylinders 127 , 128 respectively.
- the pitch cylinders 127 , 128 may be secured to mounts 129 ( FIG. 7 ), 131 ( FIG. 6 ) as well as the right and left cylinder brackets 86 , 87 , which may also support the right and left tilt cylinders 84 , 85 respectively.
- the three links are removed to decouple the bucket 89 from the frame 71 .
- the links 116 , 118 that secure the proximal ends 103 , 107 of the right and left lift arms 72 , 73 to the right and left pockets 96 , 97 are removed as is the link 119 that secures the dump cylinder 108 to the bracket 109 .
- the clevis 126 FIG. 8
- the pitch cylinders 127 , 128 are installed using a total of four pins 120 (see FIGS. 6 and 7 ), two of which are already in place on the right and left cylinder brackets 86 , 87 .
- the transition between the bucket 89 and the blade 125 is fast and straight forward.
- FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate the frame 71 and blade 125 in the upright ( FIG. 8 ) and pitched forward ( FIG. 9 ) positions.
- the blade 125 may be installed with its full pitch function provided by the pitch cylinders 127 , 128 in addition to a full tilt function provided by the tilt cylinders 84 , 85 as explained in greater detail below in connection with FIGS. 16-32 .
- the S-shape profile of the lift arms 72 , 73 raise the distal ends 103 , 107 ( FIG. 5 ) as well as the dump cylinder above ground level and above the proximal portions 102 , 106 of the lift arms 72 , 73 . Because the dump cylinder 108 is disposed higher than the dump cylinders 47 , 48 of the scoop assembly 40 ( FIG. 11 ) and further because the dump cylinder 108 ( FIG.
- the center of gravity of the bucket 89 is shown at 131 .
- the center of gravity of the bucket 49 is shown at 132 .
- the center of gravity 131 By raising the distal ends 103 , 107 of the lift arms 72 , 73 upward, the center of gravity 131 also moves upward with respect to the center of gravity 132 and, in fact, for frames of the same size, the center of gravity 131 of the scoop assembly 70 may be about 5% higher than the center of gravity 132 of the conventional scoop assembly 40 when the buckets 89 , 49 are in their rest positions.
- the payload center of gravity 131 may be disposed about 8.5% farther forward or away from the machine (not shown) when the bucket 89 is in the rest position. In other words, the distance represented by the line 133 may be about 8.5% longer than the distance represented by the line 134 .
- the capital S-shaped profile of the arms 72 , 73 provides an additional advantage wherein, in the dump position, as shown in FIGS. 12-13 , the center of gravity 131 for the bucket 89 of the disclosed scoop assembly 70 may be about 32% closer to the machine than the center of gravity 132 of the bucket 49 .
- the center of gravity 131 closer to the machine a tremendous mechanical advantage may be provided for the lift cylinders (not shown) as less force may be needed to maintain the lift arms 72 , 73 in a raised position during a dumping operation.
- the distance represented by the line 135 may be about 32% shorter than the distance represented by the line 136 .
- the center of gravity 131 for the bucket 89 may be 20% higher than the center of gravity 132 for the bucket 49 .
- the center of gravity 131 may be disposed closer to the machine and at a higher position which provide a tremendous mechanical advantage for the lift cylinders (not shown) over the currently available design as illustrated in FIG. 13 .
- the scoop assemblies 70 , 40 are shown in their respective dozing positions with the cutting edges 136 , 137 respectively disposed below the bottom of their respective frames 71 , 41 .
- the cutting edge 137 of the bucket 49 may be disposed approximately 32% deeper than the cutting edge 136 of the bucket 89 .
- the distance represented by the line 138 is approximately 32% shorter than the distance represented by the line 139 .
- both tilt cylinders 84 , 85 are disposed in a neutral position while the bucket 89 is disposed in a dump position with the dump cylinder 108 fully extended.
- the dump cylinder 108 has been retracted, but the bucket 89 is in a tilted left position.
- the right tilt cylinder 84 has been extended, thereby raising the right lift arm 72 while the left tilt cylinder 85 has been retracted, thereby lowering the left lift arm 73 .
- FIG. 3 represents the scoop assembly 70 in a full-tilt-left position.
- FIGS. 16-17 illustrate the bucket 89 of the scoop assembly 70 in a mid-tilt-left position ( FIG. 16 ) and a mid-tilt-right position ( FIG. 17 ).
- the tilt magnitude ranges from about 2° to about 3°
- use of only one tilt cylinder 84 or 85 is needed. In other words, a full extension of the right tilt cylinder will achieve the mid-tilt-left position shown in FIG. 16 .
- a full retraction of the left tilt cylinder 85 will achieve the mid-tilt-left position shown in FIG. 16 as well.
- the left tilt cylinder 85 is fully extended while leaving the right tilt cylinder 84 in a neutral position.
- the right tilt cylinder 84 is fully retracted while leaving the left tilt cylinder 85 in a neutral position to achieve the same mid-tilt-right position shown in FIG. 17 .
- FIGS. 18-19 the bucket 89 are shown in full-tilt-left ( FIG. 18 ) and full-tilt-right ( FIG. 19 ) positions.
- the right tilt cylinder 84 is fully extended and the left tilt cylinder 85 is fully retracted.
- the magnitude of the tilt is about twice that shown in FIG. 16 or within a range of from about 5° to about 6°.
- the right tilt cylinder is fully retracted while the left tilt cylinder 85 is fully extended.
- FIGS. 20-23 the same mid-tilt and full-tilt positions may be achieved with the blade 125 connected to the frame 71 .
- FIG. 20 shows the blade in the mid-tilt-right position, which can be achieved by fully retracting the right tilt cylinder 84 , fully extending the left tilt cylinder 85 or using a partial retraction of the right tilt cylinder 84 in combination with a partial extension of the left tilt cylinder 85 .
- the right tilt cylinder 84 may be fully extended, the left tilt cylinder 85 may be fully retracted or a combination of a partial extension of the right tilt cylinder 84 and a partial retraction of the left tilt cylinder 85 may be employed.
- the right tilt cylinder 84 may be fully extended and the left tilt cylinder 85 may be fully retracted.
- the right tilt cylinder 84 may be fully retracted and the left tilt cylinder 85 may be fully extended.
- FIGS. 24-32 illustrate the use of spherical bearings 77 , 78 for maintaining a connection to the right and left trunnions 110 , 111 , which are fixed in place as the proximal cross beam 74 is fixed to the machine (not shown).
- the distance between the spherical bearings 77 , 78 increases as the spherical bearings 77 , 78 are no longer axially aligned with the right and left trunnions 110 , 111 as illustrated in FIG. 25 .
- the bearing housing 145 may include a bottom half 146 and a top half 147 .
- the bottom and top halves 146 , 147 are secured together by a pair of fasteners 148 with the bearing insert 175 sandwiched between the housing halves 146 , 147 .
- the distance between the trunnions 110 , 111 of the proximal cross beam 74 is, of course, fixed. Further, the position of the cross beam 74 is fixed as it may be mounted to the machine using the fasteners 76 . However, when the frame 71 may be tilted, as shown in FIG. 24 , the distance between the spherical bearings 77 , 78 has increased as the left tilt lever 81 has pivoted forward and downward, carrying the spherical bearing assembly 78 with it and thereby driving the left tilt arm 73 downward.
- the right tilt lever 79 has been pushed rearward by the extension of the right tilt cylinder 84 thereby causing the bottom of the right tilt lever 79 to push the lift arm 72 upward as shown in FIG. 24 .
- the distance between the spherical bearings 77 , 78 has increased as the spherical bearings 77 , 78 are mounted to the tilt levers 79 , 81 .
- the spherical bearing inserts 175 must permit the spherical bearing inserts 175 to slide outwardly with respect the trunnions 110 , 111 . By providing this additional clearance or “play”, no torque is applied to the frame 71 .
- the frame 41 may include only a single tilt cylinder 56 and a single tilt lever 57 .
- Use of a single cylinder 56 and a single lever 57 results in a moderate expansion of the distance between the conventional bearings 151 , 152 .
- tilting the frame 41 causes the lift arms 42 , 43 to be deflected inward toward each other, or in the direction of the arrows 153 , 154 .
- the prior art frame 41 shown in FIG. 27 is only capable of tilting from about 2° to about 3° while the disclosed frame 71 is capable of tilting to within a max-tilt range of from about 5° to about 6°.
- the extent to which the elevation or vertical position of the spherical bearing 77 changes with respect to the lift arm 72 is illustrated in FIGS. 28 and 31 . Simply put, the change in the vertical position of spherical bearing 77 is a result of the pivoting action of the tilt lever 79 .
- the disclosed scoop assembly 70 provides a number of benefits over the prior art scoop assembly 40 with the typical H-shaped frame 41 .
- the dump cylinder 108 may be protected from material flow which thereby eliminates the potential for chip and coal packing between the dump cylinder and a portion of the frame or a surface of the pocket 94 .
- the packing of wood chips and coal between a cylinder and a frame can cause cylinder damage and failure.
- the disclosed scoop assembly 70 requires only a single dump cylinder 108 as opposed to dual dump cylinders 47 , 48 of prior art designs.
- the distal ends 103 , 107 of the lift arms 72 , 73 are raised as are the positions of the attachment pins 116 , 118 on the bucket 89 .
- the raised positions and resulting geometry constrict the position payload of the center of gravity 131 . While the center of gravity 131 may be farther away from the machine than the center of gravity 132 while the buckets 79 , 49 are in a resting position as shown in FIGS. 10-11 respectively, in the dump position, the center of gravity 131 may be a full 32% closer to the machine or dozer than the center of gravity 132 as illustrated in FIGS. 12-13 .
- the disclosed scoop assembly 70 also eliminates the potential of “bucket overrun”, which has the tendency to pull the dump cylinder rod 100 ( FIG. 12 ) out of the dump cylinder 108 when a load is being dumped.
- the scoop assembly 70 makes this possible by shifting the payload center of gravity 131 closer to the dump cylinder 108 when the bucket 89 is in the dump position as illustrated in FIG. 12 .
- the higher position of the center of gravity 131 along with its more forward position in the bucket rest position results in a mechanical advantage for the frame 71 of the disclosed scoop assembly 70 of at least 5%.
- the mechanical advantage is at least 20% as the center of gravity 131 is disposed closer to the machine than the center of gravity 132 for the conventional scoop assembly 40 .
- the center of gravity 131 for the disclosed scoop assembly 70 is about 32% closer to the machine than the center of gravity 132 as illustrated in FIGS. 12-13 .
- the cutting edge 136 of the bucket 89 will dip below the frame 71 , but not as far below the frame as in the prior art design represented by the H-shaped frame 41 . Specifically, the cutting edge 136 drops about 24% less than the cutting edge 137 of the bucket 49 as illustrated in FIGS. 14-15 .
- the two tilt cylinders 84 , 85 provided with the scoop assembly 70 enables twice the tipping angle (from about 5° to about 6° as opposed to from about 2° to about 3°) for the bucket 89 as well as the blade 125 .
- the scoop assembly 70 may be quickly and easily replaced by a standard blade 125 as illustrated in FIGS. 5-6 .
- the blade 125 may also be equipped with the full range of pitch angles by supplying dual pitch cylinders 127 , 128 , which may also be mounted to the right and left cylinder brackets 86 , 87 with the tilt cylinders 84 , 85 as illustrated in FIG. 6 .
- the full range of the tilt capability of the blade 125 is illustrated in FIGS. 20-23 .
- the new frame 71 design with a single raised dump cylinder 108 eliminates debris packing and dump cylinder 108 binding.
- the new frame 71 design also constricts the range of motion of the payload center of gravity 131 and draws the payload center of gravity 131 closer to the machine for improved bucket performance.
- a standard blade 125 may be easily attached directly to the frame 71 for added versatility in coal and chip working operations.
- the full range of pitch and role motions of the blade 125 are enabled by the disclosed frame 71 .
- the spherical bearings 77 , 78 with the translational degree of freedom enables an increased tilt range for both the bucket 89 and blade 125 .
Abstract
A scoop assembly is disclosed for a wheel dozer. The scoop assembly includes a frame that includes right and left lift arms that may be coupled together by a distal cross beam. The lift arms include proximal portions that extend between the two cross beams and a distal hook-shaped portion that extends forward beyond the distal cross beam. The distal hook-shaped portions pivotally connect to the bucket. The distal cross beam provides a place for the location of a bracket that supports a single dump cylinder that extends upward into a central pocket disposed in the back of the bucket. The dump cylinder is protected from debris due to its raised position and placement inside a centralized pocket that does not experiment the flow of debris materials.
Description
- This disclosure relates generally to wheel dozers, and more specifically to wheel dozers designed for dozing and loading lighter materials such as woodchips and coal. Still more specifically, this disclosure relates to an improved scoop assembly for such wheel dozers.
- It is common practice to mount a bucket or blade to the front of a wheel dozer by a pair of lift arms. Each lift arm may be spaced from one another a distance that is slightly narrower than the width of the bucket. The lift arms and the bucket are normally raised and lowered by a pair of lift cylinders that are connected to each lift arm or a crossbeam that connects the two lift arms together. Dump cylinders for the bucket are provided that are connected between the lift arms and the bucket. The bucket may be filled or dumped by actuating the pair of dump cylinders to pivot the bucket with respect to distal ends of the lift arms. The combination of the lift arms, lift cylinders, linkages, dump cylinders and bucket will be referred to herein as a “scoop assembly”.
- Some wheel dozer buckets are specifically designed for moving and stockpiling lighter materials, such as coal, woodchips and other low density materials. The buckets increase production by being able to both doze and carry a load. Of course, different sizes of buckets are available for different machines and for different materials.
- One problem associated with current designs for wheel dozers equipped with a bucket and linkages designed for loading lighter materials is the exposure of the dump cylinders to the lighter materials. Specifically, the woodchips and/or coal can become packed between the dump cylinders and the bucket or between the dump cylinders and the lift arms, which can cause cylinder damage and potential failure. If one of the dump cylinders fails, the second dump cylinder may be prone to binding and premature failure.
- Another problem associated with current bucket designs for lighter materials relates to the center of gravity of current bucket designs. Specifically, current bucket designs have a center of gravity that may be disposed a substantial distance from the wheel dozer and low to the ground thereby requiring the wheel dozer to provide a substantial amount of torque in order to lift the bucket.
- Some wheel dozers include a tilt function which enables the bucket and the lift arms to tilt to the left or right or about a longitudinal axis that passes between and parallel to the lift arms. One tilt function may be provided by a tilt cylinder, one end of which may be mounted directly or indirectly to the wheel dozer and the other end of which may be mounted to one of the lift arms. Retraction or extension of the lift cylinder causes the frame formed by the lift arms and cross beams to tilt to the right or left, dependent upon which arm the tilt cylinder is connected to. Other tilt functions are provided by special bearing and linkage arrangements disposed between the work tool and the frame. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,269,561. However, currently available tilt mechanisms are limited to a tilt range of 2°-3°. For some applications, a range of 2°-3° is insufficient and therefore additional tilting capabilities are desired beyond the currently available tilt range.
- Further, because buckets for light weight materials are generally not that versatile, it would be beneficial to have a quick and easy lift arm and linkage arrangement which would enable a bucket to be quickly and easily replaced with a blade or similar tool. Finally, current bucket designs for light weight materials typically include a lower cutting edge for facilitating dozing operations. Unfortunately, many current bucket designs for light weight materials place the cutting edge too low are too far below the surface when the bucket is in the dump position, thereby putting undue strain on the wheel dozer when combining dumping and dozing operations.
- In one embodiment, a scoop assembly is disclosed which includes right and left lift arms. Each lift arm may include a proximal end, a proximal portion disposed between its proximal end and a hook shaped distal portion disposed between its proximal portion and its distal end. The distal ends of the right and left lift arms may be pivotally coupled to the right and left side walls of the bucket respectively. The right and left lift arms may also be coupled together by a distal cross beam. The bucket may include a center pocket with a rear opening. The distal cross beam may be coupled to one end of a dump cylinder having another end that may be received in and pivotally connected to the central pocket of the bucket.
- In another embodiment, a scoop assembly is disclosed which also includes right and left lift arms. Each lift arm may include a proximal end, a proximal portion disposed between its proximal end and a hook shaped distal portion that terminates at a distal end. The proximal ends of the right and left lift arms may be coupled to a distal cross beam. The scoop assembly also includes a bucket that includes right and left side walls and a curved wall disposed therebetween. The right sidewall may include a right pocket with a rear opening for receiving the distal end and at least part of the distal portion of the right lift arm. The left sidewall may include a left pocket with a rear opening for receiving the distal end and at least part of the distal portion of the left lift arm. The distal ends of the right and left lift arms may be pivotally coupled to the right and left side walls of the bucket respectively. The bucket may also include a center pocket with a rear opening for receiving a dump cylinder connection. The dump cylinder may be connected to the distal cross beam and the bucket, inside the central pocket.
- Another scoop assembly is disclosed that includes right and left lift arms. Each lift arm may include a proximal end, a proximal portion disposed between the proximal end and a distal end. The scoop assembly may also include a bucket comprising right and left sidewalls and a curved wall disposed therebetween. The right sidewall may include a right pocket with a rear opening for receiving the distal end and at least part of the distal portion of the right lift arm. The left sidewall may include a left pocket with a rear opening for receiving the distal end and at least part of the distal portion of the left lift arm. The distal ends of right and left lift arms may be pivotally coupled to the right and left sidewalls of the bucket respectively while being disposed inside the right and left pockets respectively. The bucket may include a center pocket with a rear opening. The distal cross beam may be coupled to one end of a dump cylinder that has another end that may be received in and pivotally connected within the central pocket of the bucket. The scoop assembly may also include right and left tilt cylinders, right and left tilt levers, and right and left cylinder brackets. The right tilt lever may be pivotally coupled to the proximal end of the right lift arm. The left tilt lever may be pivotally coupled to the proximal end of the left lift arm. The right cylinder bracket may be coupled to the right lift arm between the proximal and distal ends thereof; the left cylinder bracket may be coupled to the left lift arm between the proximal and distal ends thereof. A proximal cross beam extends between and may be pivotally and slidably coupled to the right and left tilt levers. Retraction of the right tilt cylinder in combination with extension of the left tilt cylinder causing the right and left lift arms and the blade to tilt to the right while the proximal cross beam remains stationary and coupled to the right and left tilt levers. Extension of the right tilt cylinder in combination with retraction of the left tilt cylinder causing the right and left lift arms and the blade to tilt to the left while the proximal cross beam remains stationary and coupled to the right and left tilt levers.
- In any one or more of the embodiments described above, the right sidewall may include a right pocket with a rear opening for receiving the distal end and at least part of the distal portion of the right lift arm. The left sidewall includes a left pocket with a rear opening for receiving the distal end and at least part of the distal portion of the left lift arm.
- In any one or more of the embodiments described above, the dump cylinder may be disposed substantially in the central pocket in throughout a range of motion provided by contracting and extending the dump cylinder.
- In any one or more of the embodiments described above, the distal ends of the right and left lift arms may be connected to the right and left sidewalls along a first axis passing through the distal ends of the right and left lift arms. The end of the dump cylinder that is connected to the central pocket of the bucket may be connected to the bucket at a first point that may be disposed vertically above the first axis throughout a range of motion of the bucket provided by the dump cylinder.
- In any one or more of the embodiments described above, the dump cylinder may be connected to the central pocket at a first point that may be disposed above a center of gravity of the bucket throughout a range of motion provided by contracting and extending the dump cylinder.
- In any one or more of the embodiments described above, the distal ends of the right and left lift arms may be disposed along a first axis, and a center of gravity of the bucket may be disposed below the first axis throughout a range of motion provided by contracting and extending the dump cylinder.
- In any one or more of the embodiments described above, right and left tilt cylinders, right and left tilt levers and right and left cylinder brackets may be included in combination with a dump cylinder and a central pocket in the bucket for protecting the dump cylinder from debris, etc. The right and left tilt levers may be pivotally coupled to the proximal ends of the right and left lift arms respectively. The right and left cylinder brackets may be coupled to the right and left lift arms respectively between the proximal and distal ends thereof.
- In anyone or more of the embodiments described above, the right and left tilt cylinders may be disposed on the proximal portions of the right and left lift arms respectively.
- In anyone or more of the embodiments described above, the proximal cross beam includes right and left ends that may be pivotally coupled to the proximal ends of the right and left lift arms respectively.
- In anyone or more of the embodiments described above, the right and left tilt levers may be connected to right and left spherical bearings. The right and left ends of the proximal cross beam may include right and left trunnions respectively. The right and left trunnions may be received in the right and left spherical bearings respectively. The right and left spherical bearings may provide clearance for maintaining the right and left trunnions within the right and left spherical bearings respectively when the proximal ends of the right and left lift arms are deflected inwardly towards each other when the scoop assembly is tilted. Still further, the right and left spherical bearings may each include a housing and a bearing insert for receiving one of the trunnions. Each housing may provide clearance for its respective bearing insert to maintain contact with its respective trunnion when the proximal ends of the right and left lift arms are deflected inwardly towards each other when the scoop assembly is tilted.
- In anyone or more of the embodiments described above, the distal cross beam may include a pair of devises for connection to a blade. Further, the blade may include a front and a rear. The rear of the blade may include right and left mounts. The right and left mounts may be coupled to right and left pitch cylinders respectively. The right and left pitch cylinders may also be coupled to the right and left cylinder brackets along with the right and left tilt cylinders respectively.
- In anyone or more of the embodiments described above, the right side wall of the bucket may be connected to a right pocket with a rear opening for receiving the distal end and at least part of the distal portion of the right lift arm. The left side wall of the bucket may be connected to a left pocket with a rear opening for receiving the distal end and at least part of the distal portion of the left lift arm. The bucket may further include a center pocket with a rear opening. The distal cross beam may be coupled to one end of a dump cylinder having another end that may be received in and that may be pivotally connected to the central pocket of the bucket. In a further refinement of this concept, at least part of the dump cylinder may be disposed in the central pocket.
-
FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a prior art scoop assembly shown in a dump position. -
FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a disclosed scoop assembly shown in a dump position. -
FIG. 3 is another rear perspective view of the disclosed scoop assembly shown inFIG. 2 with the bucket in a rest position. -
FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the scoop assembly shown inFIGS. 2-3 , with the bucket in a rest position. -
FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the scoop assembly disclosed inFIGS. 2-4 , particularly illustrating the ease in which the bucket may be removed from the frame. -
FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the frame shown inFIGS. 2-5 with a blade attached to the frame, particularly illustrating the ease in which one can convert from use of a bucket (FIGS. 2-5 ) to use of a blade with the disclosed frame. -
FIG. 7 is a partial rear perspective view of the frame and blade illustrated inFIG. 6 , particularly illustrating the coupling of the pitch cylinders between the blade and the right cylinder bracket, which may also be used to support the right tilt cylinder which may extend between the right cylinder bracket and the right lever as shown inFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 8 is a side plan view of the frame and blade illustrated inFIGS. 6-7 with the pitch cylinders in a retracted position. -
FIG. 9 is another side plan view of the frame and blade shown inFIGS. 6-8 , with the pitch cylinders in a fully extended position thereby permitting the blade to dig below the ground line. -
FIG. 10 is a side plan view of a disclosed scoop assembly with the bucket in a rest position. -
FIG. 11 is a side view of a prior art scoop assembly with the bucket in a rest position. -
FIG. 12 is a side view of a disclosed scoop assembly with the bucket in a dump position. -
FIG. 13 is a side view of a prior art scoop assembly with the bucket in a dump position. -
FIG. 14 is a side view of the disclosed scoop assembly with the bucket in a combination dozing and dumping position with the cutting edge of the bucket disposed below ground level. -
FIG. 15 is a side view of a prior art scoop assembly in a combination dozing and dumping position. -
FIGS. 16-17 illustrate the disclosed scoop assembly in a mid-tilt-left position (FIG. 16 ) and a mid-tilt-right position (FIG. 17 ) wherein the mid-tilt positions may be obtained by extending or retracting one of the tilt cylinders only. -
FIGS. 18-19 are rear views of the disclosed scoop assembly in a max-tilt-left position (FIG. 18 ) and a max-tilt-right position (FIG. 19 ), both of which require retraction of one tilt cylinder and extension of the other tilt cylinder. -
FIGS. 20-21 are rear views of the disclosed frame and blade in the mid-tilt-right position (FIG. 20 ) and the mid-tilt-left position (FIG. 21 ), both of which may be obtained by extending or retracting one tilt cylinder or a combination of two tilt cylinders. -
FIGS. 22-23 illustrate the disclosed frame and blade in the max-tilt-left position (FIG. 22 ) and the max-tilt-right position (FIG. 23 ), both of which may be obtained by extending one tilt cylinder and retracting the other tilt cylinder. -
FIGS. 24-25 illustrate the differences in the distances between the bearing assemblies when the frame is in the max-tilt-left position (FIG. 24 ) and a level or no-tilt position (FIG. 25 ). -
FIG. 26 is a plan view of a disclosed proximal cross beam. -
FIG. 27 is a plan view of a prior art frame for connecting a bucket to a machine, and which particularly illustrates the problems associated with the tilt mechanism, particularly the max-tilt position which causes the proximal portions of the lift arms to be deflected inward. -
FIG. 28 is a partial view of a disclosed frame equipped with a spherical bearing and housing that provides freedom for lateral movement of the spherical bearings with respect to the trunnions attached to the proximal cross beam during a tilting of the frame. -
FIG. 29 is an enlarged view of the spherical bearing and housing shown inFIG. 28 . -
FIG. 30 is a front plan view of the spherical bearing and housing shown inFIGS. 28-29 . -
FIGS. 31-32 are partial views of the disclosed bucket assemblies, particularly illustrating the pivotal movement of the disclosed spherical bearing and housing (with the cover portion removed), as mounted on the right tilt lever and showing the right tilt cylinder in a fully extended position (FIG. 31 ) and a fully retracted position (FIG. 32 ). - Comparing
FIGS. 1 and 2 , twoscoop assemblies art scoop assembly 40 may include an H-shapedframe 41 that may include aright lift arm 42, aleft lift arm 43 and across beam 75. Thecross beam 75 may includebrackets 45, 46 for coupling to a pair of lift cylinders (not shown). Thescoop assembly 40 may also include right and leftdump cylinders bucket 49 to pivot about the distal ends 51, 52 of thelift arms lift arms sides 54, 55 of thebucket 49. Also shown inFIG. 1 is atilt cylinder 56, which may be coupled to atilt lever 57 and a cylinder bracket 58. - In the prior art mechanism of
FIG. 1 , only asingle tilt cylinder 56 is utilized and, second,conventional bearings 59, 61 are utilized which may cause the proximal ends 62, 63 of the right and left liftarms scoop assembly 40 is tilted because of the difference in distances between thebearings 59, 61. Specifically, the distance between thebearings 59, 61 in a no-tilt condition is shorter than when the frame is tilted by way of movement of thebearing 59 due to its attachment to thetilt lever 57. As a result, thescoop assembly 40 inFIG. 1 , with itssingle tilt cylinder 56 has a limited tilt magnitude ranging from about 2° to about 3°. - Turning to
FIG. 2 , a disclosedscoop assembly 70 is shown that may include aframe 71 that may include right and left liftarms proximal cross beam 74 and adistal cross beam 75. Theproximal cross beam 74 may be fixed to the machine as indicated by the plurality of fasteners shown at 76. The proximal cross beam may also be coupled to the right and left liftarms spherical bearing assemblies left lift arm tilt cylinders tilt cylinders cylinder brackets brackets 45, 46 disposed on thedistal cross beam 75 may be utilized for coupling thescoop assembly 70 to lift cylinders (not shown). - Still referring to
FIG. 2 , thescoop assembly 70 also may include abucket 89 which may include aright wall 91, aleft wall 92 and acurved wall 93 extending therebetween. Thecurved wall 93 may include acentral pocket 94 with a rear opening 95. Thecurved wall 93 may also form right and leftpockets 96, 97 respectively, both withrear openings right pocket 96 may accommodate adistal portion 101 of the right lift arm 72 (seeFIG. 5 ) which also may include aproximal portion 102, adistal end 103 and aproximal end 82. Returning toFIG. 2 , the left pocket 97 may accommodate thedistal portion 105 of theleft lift arm 73, which also may include aproximal portion 106, adistal end 107 and aproximal end 83 as shown inFIG. 5 . - Returning to
FIG. 2 , thecentral pocket 94 may accommodate thesingle dump cylinder 108 which may extend between thedistal cross beam 75 and the inside of thecentral pocket 94. By placing thedump cylinder 108 inside thecentral pocket 94, thedump cylinder 108 is not exposed to dirt, debris, etc. as the dump cylinder is not in the path of material flow. Specifically, thedump cylinder 108 is positioned above the path of material flow which avoids packing of material between thedump cylinder 108 and any portion of the frame or any portion of thecentral pocket 94. - While
FIG. 2 illustrates thescoop assembly 70 in a dump position,FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate thescoop assembly 70 in a tilted position. Specifically, inFIGS. 3 and 4 , theright tilt cylinder 84 may be extended and theleft tilt cylinder 85 may be retracted. As one can see inFIGS. 3 and 4 , with theright tilt cylinder 84 extended, thetilt lever 79 must pivot away from thecylinder 84 due to the fixed position of theright cylinder bracket 86. The reader will also note that bearingassembly 77 receives theright trunnion 110 of the proximal cross beam 74 (seeFIG. 26 ), which also may include a left trunnion 111. Returning toFIGS. 3 and 4 , theright tilt lever 79 may be coupled to therod 112 that extends from theright tilt cylinder 84 by thelink 113. Theright tilt lever 79 may also be coupled to theproximal end 82 of thelift arm 72 by thelink 114. Because the bearingassembly 77 supports the back of theright tilt lever 79 on thetrunnion 110, as therod 112 pushes thelink 113 and the top of theright tilt lever 79 rearward or towards theproximal cross beam 74, thelower link 114 and the bottom of thetilt lever 79 pivot upward thereby raising theright lift arm 72. - In contrast, referring to the action of the
left tilt cylinder 85, when theleft tilt cylinder 85 is retracted, thelink 115 and the top of theleft tilt lever 81 moves forward and downward thereby causing the lower end (not shown inFIGS. 3-4 ) of theleft tilt lever 81 that is coupled to theproximal end 83 of theleft lift arm 73 to move downward thereby lowering theleft lift arm 73 as theright lift arm 72 is raised. Also shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 are thelinks right lift arm 72,dump cylinder 108 andleft lift arm 73 to theright pocket 96,central pocket 94 and left pocket 97 respectively.FIG. 4 also illustrates the stiffeningribs 121, 122 disposed in thecurved wall 93 of thebucket 89. - Turning to
FIGS. 5 and 6 , the ease in which thebucket 89 may be removed from theframe 71 is illustrated. Specifically, a pin may be removed that decouples thedump cylinder 108 from the dump cylinder bracket 109. Also, thepins pockets 96, 97 are removed thereby releasing the distal ends 103, 107 of the right and left liftarms bucket 89. With thebucket 89 removed, theblade 125 may be installed on theframe 71. Specifically, the front of thedistal cross beam 75 may include aclevis 126 or other type of bracket or fixture for coupling to the rear of theblade 125 as illustrated inFIG. 8 . Returning toFIG. 6 , the blade may be further secured to the right andleft lift arm pitch cylinders pitch cylinders FIG. 7 ), 131 (FIG. 6 ) as well as the right and leftcylinder brackets tilt cylinders - Thus, the three links are removed to decouple the
bucket 89 from theframe 71. Specifically, thelinks arms pockets 96, 97 are removed as is thelink 119 that secures thedump cylinder 108 to the bracket 109. Further, to secure theblade 125 to theframe 71, the clevis 126 (FIG. 8 ) may be coupled to the rear of theblade 125 and thepitch cylinders FIGS. 6 and 7 ), two of which are already in place on the right and leftcylinder brackets bucket 89 and theblade 125 is fast and straight forward. -
FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate theframe 71 andblade 125 in the upright (FIG. 8 ) and pitched forward (FIG. 9 ) positions. Thus, theblade 125 may be installed with its full pitch function provided by thepitch cylinders tilt cylinders FIGS. 16-32 . - Returning to
FIGS. 10-11 , a comparison of the disclosedframe 71 with the S-shaped profile and theprior art frame 41 with the H-shaped profile (from a top view) is provided. Specifically, the S-shape profile of thelift arms FIG. 5 ) as well as the dump cylinder above ground level and above theproximal portions lift arms dump cylinder 108 is disposed higher than thedump cylinders FIG. 11 ) and further because the dump cylinder 108 (FIG. 10 ) is out of the flow path of material and debris, there is very little chance that material and debris may be packed between thedump cylinder 108 and the central pocket 95 (FIG. 3 ) which thereby avoids the binding and potential dump cylinder failure. Referring toFIGS. 1 and 11 , it is clear that thedump cylinders bucket 49 which thereby enables material to be packed between thedump cylinders lift arms cylinders dump cylinders - Still referring to
FIGS. 10 and 11 , the center of gravity of thebucket 89 is shown at 131. In contrast, the center of gravity of thebucket 49 is shown at 132. By raising the distal ends 103, 107 of thelift arms gravity 131 also moves upward with respect to the center ofgravity 132 and, in fact, for frames of the same size, the center ofgravity 131 of thescoop assembly 70 may be about 5% higher than the center ofgravity 132 of theconventional scoop assembly 40 when thebuckets gravity 131 may be disposed about 8.5% farther forward or away from the machine (not shown) when thebucket 89 is in the rest position. In other words, the distance represented by theline 133 may be about 8.5% longer than the distance represented by the line 134. - Referring to
FIGS. 12-13 , the capital S-shaped profile of thearms FIGS. 12-13 , the center ofgravity 131 for thebucket 89 of the disclosedscoop assembly 70 may be about 32% closer to the machine than the center ofgravity 132 of thebucket 49. By having the center ofgravity 131 closer to the machine, a tremendous mechanical advantage may be provided for the lift cylinders (not shown) as less force may be needed to maintain thelift arms line 135 may be about 32% shorter than the distance represented by theline 136. Additionally, a tremendous mechanical advantage may be provided for the return of the bucket to the rest position when the single dump cylinder is fully extended, as the bucket center of gravity would be in a position mechanically favorable for the retraction of the dump cylinder. Further, in the dump position shown inFIGS. 12-13 , the center ofgravity 131 for thebucket 89 may be 20% higher than the center ofgravity 132 for thebucket 49. Thus, the center ofgravity 131 may be disposed closer to the machine and at a higher position which provide a tremendous mechanical advantage for the lift cylinders (not shown) over the currently available design as illustrated inFIG. 13 . - Turning to
FIGS. 14-15 , thescoop assemblies respective frames cutting edge 137 of thebucket 49 may be disposed approximately 32% deeper than thecutting edge 136 of thebucket 89. In other words, the distance represented by theline 138 is approximately 32% shorter than the distance represented by theline 139. - Referring to
FIGS. 2-3 and 16-19, the mechanisms for tilting thebucket 89 with respect to the stationaryproximal cross beam 74 is illustrated. Turning first toFIG. 2 , bothtilt cylinders bucket 89 is disposed in a dump position with thedump cylinder 108 fully extended. InFIG. 3 , thedump cylinder 108 has been retracted, but thebucket 89 is in a tilted left position. Specifically, as explained above in connection withFIG. 3 , theright tilt cylinder 84 has been extended, thereby raising theright lift arm 72 while theleft tilt cylinder 85 has been retracted, thereby lowering theleft lift arm 73. As theright tilt cylinder 84 is extended, the top or, specifically thelink 113 of thetilt lever 79 will be pushed rearward and downward, which causes thelower link 114 of thetilt lever 79 to pivot upward as shown inFIG. 3 . Thus, extension of theright tilt cylinder 84 results in a raising of theright lift arm 72 and a tilt of the bucket to the left. A tilt to the left is also provided by retraction of theleft tilt cylinder 85 which causes thetilt lever 81 to pivot forward and downward, thereby causing the lower link 123 (not shown inFIG. 3 , seeFIG. 4 ) of thetilt lever 81 to pull theleft lift arm 73 downward. Thus,FIG. 3 represents thescoop assembly 70 in a full-tilt-left position. - In contrast,
FIGS. 16-17 illustrate thebucket 89 of thescoop assembly 70 in a mid-tilt-left position (FIG. 16 ) and a mid-tilt-right position (FIG. 17 ). To achieve the mid-tilt positions ofFIGS. 16-17 , where the tilt magnitude ranges from about 2° to about 3°, use of only onetilt cylinder FIG. 16 . Similarly, leaving theright tilt cylinder 84 in a neutral position, a full retraction of theleft tilt cylinder 85 will achieve the mid-tilt-left position shown inFIG. 16 as well. Turning toFIG. 17 , to achieve the mid-tilt-right position, theleft tilt cylinder 85 is fully extended while leaving theright tilt cylinder 84 in a neutral position. Similarly, theright tilt cylinder 84 is fully retracted while leaving theleft tilt cylinder 85 in a neutral position to achieve the same mid-tilt-right position shown inFIG. 17 . - Turning to
FIGS. 18-19 , thebucket 89 are shown in full-tilt-left (FIG. 18 ) and full-tilt-right (FIG. 19 ) positions. To achieve the full-tilt-left position shown atFIG. 18 , theright tilt cylinder 84 is fully extended and theleft tilt cylinder 85 is fully retracted. The magnitude of the tilt is about twice that shown inFIG. 16 or within a range of from about 5° to about 6°. Similarly, to achieve the full-tilt-right position shown inFIG. 19 , the right tilt cylinder is fully retracted while theleft tilt cylinder 85 is fully extended. - Turning to
FIGS. 20-23 , the same mid-tilt and full-tilt positions may be achieved with theblade 125 connected to theframe 71.FIG. 20 shows the blade in the mid-tilt-right position, which can be achieved by fully retracting theright tilt cylinder 84, fully extending theleft tilt cylinder 85 or using a partial retraction of theright tilt cylinder 84 in combination with a partial extension of theleft tilt cylinder 85. To achieve the mid-tilt-left position shown inFIG. 21 , theright tilt cylinder 84 may be fully extended, theleft tilt cylinder 85 may be fully retracted or a combination of a partial extension of theright tilt cylinder 84 and a partial retraction of theleft tilt cylinder 85 may be employed. To achieve the full-tilt-left position shown inFIG. 22 , theright tilt cylinder 84 may be fully extended and theleft tilt cylinder 85 may be fully retracted. To achieve the full-tilt-right position shown inFIG. 23 , theright tilt cylinder 84 may be fully retracted and theleft tilt cylinder 85 may be fully extended. -
FIGS. 24-32 illustrate the use ofspherical bearings trunnions 110, 111, which are fixed in place as theproximal cross beam 74 is fixed to the machine (not shown). Specifically, when theframe 71 is tilted to the left, for example, as inFIG. 24 , the distance between thespherical bearings spherical bearings trunnions 110, 111 as illustrated inFIG. 25 . To compensate for this increased distance, which may be low in terms of the percentage of the distance between thetrunnions 110, 111, but which may still be a significant amount, e.g. about 18 mm,spherical bearings bearings spherical bearing housing 145 as thearms FIG. 29 , the bearinghousing 145 may include a bottom half 146 and atop half 147. The bottom andtop halves 146, 147 are secured together by a pair offasteners 148 with the bearing insert 175 sandwiched between thehousing halves 146, 147. - Returning to
FIGS. 24-27 , the distance between thetrunnions 110, 111 of theproximal cross beam 74 is, of course, fixed. Further, the position of thecross beam 74 is fixed as it may be mounted to the machine using thefasteners 76. However, when theframe 71 may be tilted, as shown inFIG. 24 , the distance between thespherical bearings left tilt lever 81 has pivoted forward and downward, carrying thespherical bearing assembly 78 with it and thereby driving theleft tilt arm 73 downward. Simultaneously, theright tilt lever 79 has been pushed rearward by the extension of theright tilt cylinder 84 thereby causing the bottom of theright tilt lever 79 to push thelift arm 72 upward as shown inFIG. 24 . Thus, due to the movement of thetilt lever spherical bearings spherical bearings trunnions 110, 111 within thespherical bearings trunnions 110, 111. By providing this additional clearance or “play”, no torque is applied to theframe 71. - In contrast, referring to the prior art H-shaped
frame 41 shown inFIG. 27 , theframe 41 may include only asingle tilt cylinder 56 and asingle tilt lever 57. Use of asingle cylinder 56 and asingle lever 57 results in a moderate expansion of the distance between theconventional bearings trunnions 110, 111 or the end of theproximal crossbeam 74 are trapped within thebearings frame 41 causes thelift arms arrows 153, 154. The additional stresses caused by the use of a second tilt cylinder will generate too much inward defective pressure on thelift arms prior art frame 41 shown inFIG. 27 is only capable of tilting from about 2° to about 3° while the disclosedframe 71 is capable of tilting to within a max-tilt range of from about 5° to about 6°. The extent to which the elevation or vertical position of thespherical bearing 77 changes with respect to thelift arm 72 is illustrated inFIGS. 28 and 31 . Simply put, the change in the vertical position ofspherical bearing 77 is a result of the pivoting action of thetilt lever 79. The position of thetilt lever 79 inFIG. 31 along with the extension oftilt cylinder 84 results in the upward pivotal movement of thelink 114 disposed at the bottom of thetilt lever 79, which thereby raises thelift arm 72. In contrast, the contraction of thetilt cylinder 84 results in a forward pivotal movement of thelink 113 and downward pivotal movement of thelink 114, thereby causing theright lift arm 72 to be lowered. - The disclosed
scoop assembly 70 provides a number of benefits over the priorart scoop assembly 40 with the typical H-shapedframe 41. For example, by positioning thedump cylinder 108 above the center ofdistal cross beam 75 and above theproximal portions lift arms dump cylinder 108 within acentral pocket 94 in thecurved wall 93 of thebucket 89, thedump cylinder 108 may be protected from material flow which thereby eliminates the potential for chip and coal packing between the dump cylinder and a portion of the frame or a surface of thepocket 94. The packing of wood chips and coal between a cylinder and a frame can cause cylinder damage and failure. - Further, the disclosed
scoop assembly 70 requires only asingle dump cylinder 108 as opposed todual dump cylinders - Also, by providing the hook-shaped
distal portions lift arm lift arms bucket 89. The raised positions and resulting geometry constrict the position payload of the center ofgravity 131. While the center ofgravity 131 may be farther away from the machine than the center ofgravity 132 while thebuckets FIGS. 10-11 respectively, in the dump position, the center ofgravity 131 may be a full 32% closer to the machine or dozer than the center ofgravity 132 as illustrated inFIGS. 12-13 . By placing the bucket payload center ofgravity 131 closer to the machine, a drastic reduction of the shifting of the payload center ofgravity 131 occurs as the load is being dumped. This is made possible by relocation of thedump cylinder 108 and thedump cylinder pin 104 closer to the payload center ofgravity 131. The disclosedscoop assembly 70 also eliminates the potential of “bucket overrun”, which has the tendency to pull the dump cylinder rod 100 (FIG. 12 ) out of thedump cylinder 108 when a load is being dumped. Thescoop assembly 70 makes this possible by shifting the payload center ofgravity 131 closer to thedump cylinder 108 when thebucket 89 is in the dump position as illustrated inFIG. 12 . - In summary, as illustrated in
FIGS. 10-11 , the higher position of the center ofgravity 131, along with its more forward position in the bucket rest position results in a mechanical advantage for theframe 71 of the disclosedscoop assembly 70 of at least 5%. Further, as illustrated inFIGS. 12-13 , when thebucket 89 is in a dump position, the mechanical advantage is at least 20% as the center ofgravity 131 is disposed closer to the machine than the center ofgravity 132 for theconventional scoop assembly 40. In one example, the center ofgravity 131 for the disclosedscoop assembly 70 is about 32% closer to the machine than the center ofgravity 132 as illustrated inFIGS. 12-13 . - Further, when dumping the
bucket 89, thecutting edge 136 of thebucket 89 will dip below theframe 71, but not as far below the frame as in the prior art design represented by the H-shapedframe 41. Specifically, thecutting edge 136 drops about 24% less than thecutting edge 137 of thebucket 49 as illustrated inFIGS. 14-15 . - Also, the two
tilt cylinders scoop assembly 70 enables twice the tipping angle (from about 5° to about 6° as opposed to from about 2° to about 3°) for thebucket 89 as well as theblade 125. This is made possible by the use ofspherical bearings spherical bearings frame 71 is in a tilted position with respect to theproximal cross beam 74. - Another advantage provided by the
scoop assembly 70 is that itsbucket 89 may be quickly and easily replaced by astandard blade 125 as illustrated inFIGS. 5-6 . Theblade 125 may also be equipped with the full range of pitch angles by supplyingdual pitch cylinders cylinder brackets tilt cylinders FIG. 6 . The full range of the tilt capability of theblade 125 is illustrated inFIGS. 20-23 . - In summary, the
new frame 71 design with a single raiseddump cylinder 108 eliminates debris packing and dumpcylinder 108 binding. Thenew frame 71 design also constricts the range of motion of the payload center ofgravity 131 and draws the payload center ofgravity 131 closer to the machine for improved bucket performance. Astandard blade 125 may be easily attached directly to theframe 71 for added versatility in coal and chip working operations. The full range of pitch and role motions of theblade 125 are enabled by the disclosedframe 71. Thespherical bearings bucket 89 andblade 125.
Claims (20)
1. A scoop assembly comprising:
right and left lift arms, each lift arm including a proximal end, a proximal portion, a distal portion and a distal end, each proximal portion disposed between its respective proximal end and its respective hook shaped distal portion, each hook shaped distal portion disposed between its respective proximal portion and its respective distal end, the right and left lift arms being coupled together by a distal cross beam;
a bucket including right and left sidewalls and a curved wall disposed therebetween, the distal ends of right and left lift arms being pivotally coupled to the right and left sidewalls respectively, the bucket further including a center pocket with a rear opening;
the distal cross beam being coupled to one end of a dump cylinder having another end that is received in and pivotally connected to the central pocket of the bucket.
2. The scoop assembly of claim 1 wherein the right sidewall includes a right pocket with a rear opening for receiving the distal end and at least part of the distal portion of the right lift arm, the left sidewall including a left pocket with a rear opening for receiving the distal end and at least part of the distal portion of the left lift arm.
3. The scoop assembly of claim 1 wherein the dump cylinder is disposed substantially in the central pocket throughout a range of motion provided by contracting and extending the dump cylinder.
4. The scoop assembly of claim 1 wherein the distal ends of the right and left lift arms are connected to the right and left sidewalls along a first axis that passes through the distal ends of the right and left lift arms,
the dump cylinder being connected to the central pocket of the bucket at a first point that is disposed vertically above the first axis throughout a range of motion of the bucket provided by the dump cylinder.
5. The scoop assembly of claim 1 wherein dump cylinder is connected to the central pocket at a first point that is disposed above a center of gravity of the bucket throughout a range of motion provided by contracting and extending the dump cylinder.
6. The scoop assembly of claim 1 wherein the distal ends of the right and left lift arms have a first axis passing therethrough, and
a center of gravity of the bucket is disposed below the first axis throughout a range of motion provided by contracting and extending the dump cylinder.
7. The scoop assembly of claim 1 wherein the distal cross beam includes a bracket for connection to a blade.
8. The scoop assembly of claim 1 further including right and left tilt cylinders, right and left tilt levers and right and left cylinder brackets;
the right tilt lever being pivotally coupled to the proximal end of the right lift arm, the left tilt lever being pivotally coupled to the proximal end of the left lift arm, the right cylinder bracket being coupled to the right lift arm between the proximal and distal ends thereof, the left cylinder bracket being coupled to the left lift arm between the proximal and distal ends thereof.
9. The scoop assembly of claim 8 wherein the right and left cylinder brackets are disposed on the proximal portions of the right and left lift arms respectively.
10. The scoop assembly of claim 1 further including a proximal cross beam having right and left ends that are pivotally coupled to the proximal ends of the right and left lift arms respectively.
11. The scoop assembly of claim 8 further including a proximal cross beam having right and left ends that are pivotally coupled to the right and left tilt levers respectively.
12. The scoop assembly of claim 11 wherein the right and left tilt levers are coupled to right and left spherical bearings, the right and left ends of the proximal cross being received in the right and left spherical bearings respectively.
13. The scoop assembly of claim 12 wherein the right and left ends of the proximal cross beam are right and left trunnions respectively.
14. The scoop assembly of claim 13 wherein the right and left spherical bearings provide translational freedom along the common axis for maintaining the right and left trunnions within the right and left spherical bearings respectively when the proximal ends of the right and left lift arms are tilted.
15. The scoop assembly of claim 14 wherein the right and left spherical bearings each include a housing and a bearing insert for receiving one of the trunnions, each housing providing a lateral translational degree of freedom for its respective bearing insert to move within its respective housing when the proximal ends of the right and left lift arms are tilted.
16. A scoop assembly comprising:
right and left lift arms, each lift arm including a proximal end, a proximal portion, a distal portion and a distal end, each proximal portion disposed between respective its proximal end and respective its hook shaped distal portion, each hook shaped distal portion disposed between its respective proximal portion and its respective distal end, the right and left lift arms being further coupled together by a distal cross beam;
a bucket comprising right and left sidewalls and a curved wall disposed therebetween, the right sidewall includes a right pocket with a rear opening for receiving the distal end and at least part of the distal portion of the right lift arm, the left sidewall including a left pocket with a rear opening for receiving the distal end and at least part of the distal portion of the left lift arm, the distal ends of right and left lift arms being pivotally coupled to the right and left sidewalls respectively while being disposed inside the right and left pockets respectively;
the bucket further including a center pocket with a rear opening, the distal cross beam being coupled to one end of a dump cylinder having another end that is received in and pivotally connected to the central pocket of the bucket.
17. The scoop assembly of claim 16 wherein the dump cylinder is disposed substantially in the central pocket in throughout a range of motion provided by contracting and extending the dump cylinder.
18. The scoop assembly of claim 16 wherein the distal ends of the right and left lift arms connected to the right and left sidewalls along a first axis passing through the distal ends of the right and left lift arms,
the end of the dump cylinder that is connected to the central pocket of the bucket is connected to the bucket at a first point that is disposed vertically above the first axis throughout a range of motion of the bucket provided by the dump cylinder.
19. The scoop assembly of claim 16 wherein the distal ends of the right and left lift arms have a first axis passing therethrough, and
a center of gravity of the bucket is disposed below the first axis throughout a range of motion provided by contracting and extending the dump cylinder.
20. A scoop assembly comprising:
right and left lift arms, each lift arm including a proximal end, a proximal portion, a distal end, and a distal portion, each proximal portion disposed between its respective proximal end and its respective distal portion, each distal portion disposed between its respective proximal portion and its respective distal end;
a bucket comprising right and left sidewalls and a curved wall disposed therebetween, the right sidewall includes a right pocket with a rear opening for receiving the distal end and at least part of the distal portion of the right lift arm, the left sidewall including a left pocket with a rear opening for receiving the distal end and at least part of the distal portion of the left lift arm, the distal ends of right and left lift arms being pivotally coupled to the right and left sidewalls respectively while being disposed inside the right and left pockets respectively;
the bucket further including a center pocket with a rear opening, the distal cross beam being coupled to one end of a dump cylinder having another end that is received in and pivotally connected to the central pocket of the bucket;
right and left tilt cylinders, right and left tilt levers, and right and left cylinder brackets, the right tilt lever being pivotally coupled to the proximal end of the right lift arm, the left tilt lever being pivotally coupled to the proximal end of the left lift arm, the right cylinder bracket being coupled to the right lift arm between the proximal and distal ends thereof, the left cylinder bracket being coupled to the left lift arm between the proximal and distal ends thereof, a proximal cross beam extending between and being pivotally and slidably coupled to the right and left tilt levers;
wherein retraction of the right tilt cylinder in combination with extension of the left tilt cylinder causing the right and left lift arms and the bucket to tilt to the right while the proximal cross beam remains stationary and coupled to the right and left tilt levers and wherein extension of the right tilt cylinder in combination with retraction of the left tilt cylinder causing the right and left lift arms and the bucket to tilt to the left while the proximal cross beam remains stationary and coupled to the right and left tilt levers.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/242,542 US20130078070A1 (en) | 2011-09-23 | 2011-09-23 | Lift Arms and Linkage Arrangement for Scoop Assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/242,542 US20130078070A1 (en) | 2011-09-23 | 2011-09-23 | Lift Arms and Linkage Arrangement for Scoop Assembly |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20130078070A1 true US20130078070A1 (en) | 2013-03-28 |
Family
ID=47911475
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/242,542 Abandoned US20130078070A1 (en) | 2011-09-23 | 2011-09-23 | Lift Arms and Linkage Arrangement for Scoop Assembly |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20130078070A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10179986B1 (en) | 2017-11-01 | 2019-01-15 | Richard A Morrison, Sr. | Plow conversion kit |
US10544561B2 (en) | 2017-12-04 | 2020-01-28 | C.A. Hull Co., Inc. | Collector assembly |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2672994A (en) * | 1950-03-10 | 1954-03-23 | Wagner Iron Works | Hydraulic implement control unit |
US2678508A (en) * | 1950-06-09 | 1954-05-18 | Bucyrus Erie Co | Adjustable bulldozer |
US2781928A (en) * | 1952-10-09 | 1957-02-19 | Massey Harris Ferguson Ltd | Tip scoop |
US4274213A (en) * | 1978-10-02 | 1981-06-23 | Gene Yadlowsky | Scraper blade mounting assembly |
-
2011
- 2011-09-23 US US13/242,542 patent/US20130078070A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2672994A (en) * | 1950-03-10 | 1954-03-23 | Wagner Iron Works | Hydraulic implement control unit |
US2678508A (en) * | 1950-06-09 | 1954-05-18 | Bucyrus Erie Co | Adjustable bulldozer |
US2781928A (en) * | 1952-10-09 | 1957-02-19 | Massey Harris Ferguson Ltd | Tip scoop |
US4274213A (en) * | 1978-10-02 | 1981-06-23 | Gene Yadlowsky | Scraper blade mounting assembly |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10179986B1 (en) | 2017-11-01 | 2019-01-15 | Richard A Morrison, Sr. | Plow conversion kit |
US10544561B2 (en) | 2017-12-04 | 2020-01-28 | C.A. Hull Co., Inc. | Collector assembly |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20130078069A1 (en) | Tilt Mechanism for Interchangeable Scoop and Plow Assemblies | |
RU2637684C2 (en) | Lifting linkage of front loader | |
US2482612A (en) | Shovel loader | |
US4103791A (en) | Shovel attachment means for hydraulic excavator | |
US3411647A (en) | Boom assembly for tractor loader | |
US7153084B2 (en) | Boom clamp | |
SE533999C2 (en) | Work machine comprising a boom | |
US3250028A (en) | Universal bucket for a tractor mounted loader | |
US5595471A (en) | Linkage arrangement | |
JPS5916056B2 (en) | Large capacity bucket with increased damping performance | |
US20130078070A1 (en) | Lift Arms and Linkage Arrangement for Scoop Assembly | |
US3426928A (en) | Ejector mechanism for loader buckets | |
US20130074378A1 (en) | Scoop and Dozer System with Lift Arms and Linkage Arrangement for Interchangeable Bucket and U-Blade | |
US3786953A (en) | Loader linkage | |
JP3863193B2 (en) | Tilt link mechanism | |
US3526329A (en) | Bucket attachment for wheel loaders | |
US2959306A (en) | Tractor loaders | |
US8770908B2 (en) | Tilt cylinder support structure | |
US3447708A (en) | Tractor mounted loader | |
US3590929A (en) | Bulldozer blade mounting | |
US4329797A (en) | Amplified loader arm | |
US4143778A (en) | Shovel attachment means for hydraulic excavator | |
US2783903A (en) | Bucket arrangements for power loaders | |
KR102060855B1 (en) | Bucket movement mechanism of loader improved property of horizontal lifting | |
US3291330A (en) | Power loader |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: CATERPILLAR, INC., ILLINOIS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MAY, MICHAEL P.;REEL/FRAME:026959/0588 Effective date: 20110922 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |