WO2007098542A1

WO2007098542A1 - Bucket

Info

Publication number: WO2007098542A1
Application number: PCT/AU2007/000239
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ronald Bell
Original assignee: Wear Applications & Management Services Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2006-02-28
Filing date: 2007-02-28
Publication date: 2007-09-07
Also published as: AU2007219715A1

Abstract

A bucket for use with a machine. The bucket includes at least first and second bucket portions, at least one connecting device for interconnecting the first and second bucket portions and a mounting for coupling the bucket to the machine.

Description

BUCKET

Background of the Invention

The present invention relates to a bucket for use in transporting material, and in particular to a loud haul dump bucket.

Description of the Prior Art

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that the prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

LHD (Load Hall Dump) buckets are used by the mining industry for moving heavy materials. The LHD bucket is typically exposed to high degrees of wear when used in loading, unloading and transporting materials. To reduce wear on the bucket, the bucket is typically fabricated in one piece and is provided with a wear package formed from a mixture of cast, quench and tempered steel liner plates. The liner plates are attached to the bucket to protect the original fabrication, and may include shaped parts, such as teeth or the like.

In this example, once the liner plates are worn, the bucket is removed from the machine on which it is used, and taken to a workshop where the worn liner plates and the components can be removed and replaced. This is a time consuming and labour intensive operation, which not only requires that the bucket is removed from use for a period of time, but can also render the relevant machine inoperative for a period time. As a result, the replacement of such bucket wear liners represents a significant expenditure for the mining industry.

Summary of the Present Invention

In a first broad form the present invention provides a bucket for use with a machine, the bucket including: a) at least first and second bucket portions; b) at least one connecting device for interconnecting the first and second bucket portions; and, c) a mounting for coupling the bucket to the machine.

Typically the mounting is provided on the first bucket portion, thereby allowing the second bucket portion to be separated from the first bucket portion whilst the first bucket portion is coupled to the machine.

Typically the first and second bucket portions are shaped such that the second bucket portion has a higher wear rate than the first bucket portion.

Typically the connecting device includes a connecting ridge formed from: a) a first ridge portion forming part of the first bucket portion; b) a second ridge portion forming part of the first bucket portion; and, c) a number of bolts for interconnecting the first and second ridge portions.

Typically the connecting device includes a connecting plate formed from: a) a first plate portion forming part of the first bucket portion; b) a second plate portion forming part of the first bucket portion; and, c) a number of bolts for interconnecting the first and second plate portions.

Typically the connecting device includes: a) one or more connectors; and, b) a number of connector bolts for selectively coupling the connectors to the first and second bucket portions to thereby interconnect the first and second portions.

Typically the connecting device includes: a) first teeth having first apertures forming part of the first bucket portion; and, b) second teeth having second apertures forming part of the second bucket portion, wherein in use, the teeth align to allow the connector bolts to be inserted through the first and second apertures to thereby couple the connectors to the first and second bucket portions.

Typically the bucket includes: a) at least one further bucket portion; b) at least one further connecting device for interconnecting the further portion with at least one of the first and second bucket portions.

In a second broad form the present invention provides a method of repairing a bucket, the bucket including first and second bucket portions interconnected by a connecting device and a mounting for coupling the bucket to the machine, the method including: a) separating the second bucket portion from the first bucket portion, while the first bucket portion remains connected to the machine; and, b) connecting the first bucket portion to a new second bucket portion.

Typically the method includes, disconnecting the connecting device to thereby separate the first and second bucket portions.

Typically the method includes, using the machinery to at least partially align the first bucket portion with the new second bucket portion.

Typically the method is performed using the bucket of the first broad form of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings An example of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: -

Figure IA is a schematic front perspective view of an example of a bucket;

Figure IB is a schematic diagram of the connecting ridge of Figure IA;

Figure 2 A is a schematic side view of the bucket of Figure IA; Figure 2B is a schematic diagram of the connectors of Figure 2 A;

Figure 2C is a schematic diagram of the second bucket portion;

Figure 3 A is a schematic rear perspective view of the bucket of Figure IA;

Figure 3B is a schematic diagram of the connecting plate of Figure 3 A;

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a second example of a bucket; and, Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a third example of a bucket.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

An example of a LHD bucket will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. - A -

As shown in Figure 1, the bucket 1 is formed from first and second bucket portions IA₅ IB. In this example, the bucket portions are coupled together at a split 2, via connectors 4, 5, a connecting ridge 6, and a connecting plate 10. This allows the first and second bucket portions to be selectively coupled together, allowing the bucket portions to be replaced independently.

In this example, use of the bucket will typically cause far greater wear to the second bucket portion IB. Accordingly, in this example, when the bucket 1 becomes partially worn, the second bucket portion IB can be detached and replaced, effectively reconditioning the entire bucket. This can avoid the need for the labour intensive process of replacing liner plates.

Examples of the manner of interconnection between the first and second bucket portions will now be described in more detail.

As shown in Figure IB, the connecting ridge 6 is formed from first and second ridge portions 6 A, 6B formed as part of each bucket portion IA, IB. Each connecting ridge 6 A, 6B is supported via corresponding support members 7A, 7B as shown. The connecting ridges 6A, 6B are then interconnected via appropriate bolts shown generally at 8.

As shown in Figure 2 A, 2B, 2C, each bucket portion IA, IB includes respective teeth 12 A, 12B, provided in the region of the split 2, each of the teeth 12 A, 12B having apertures extending therethrough (the apertures 14B for the bucket portion IB only are shown in Figure 2C for clarity, but it will be appreciated that the teeth 12A for the bucket portion IA would also include corresponding apertures 14A).

In use, the teeth 12A, 12B interlock so as to align with the connector 4, as shown in Figure 2B. This allows bolts 13 to be inserted into outer connectors 4, and through the apertures 14, into inner connectors 5. This effectively interconnects the first and second bucket portions IA, IB using the bolts 13 and the connectors 4, 5.

The first bucket portion IA also includes a mounting 9, shown in Figure 3 A, which allows the bucket to be connected to machinery in use. The mounting includes a connecting plate 10, which as shown in Figure 2B, includes first and second plate portions 1OA, 1OB interconnected via respective bolts 11. Accordingly, in this example, the bucket portions IA, IB are interconnected using the bolts 8, 11, and 13. This allows the bucket portions IA, IB to be disconnected relatively quickly, and without specialised equipment. The worn bucket portion, typically the second bucket portion IB that suffers greater wear, can then be rapidly replaced, allowing the respective machine to return to work with minimal delay, and without having to remove the bucket from site for reconditioning.

In the example shown, it is also notable that the mounting 9 is in a standard arrangement that is capable of being fitted to existing machinery. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2A, the mounting 9 is provided solely as part of the first bucket portion IA. This allows the bucket 1 to be connected to the machinery solely via the bucket portion IA, which in turn means the first and second bucket portions IA, IB can be disconnected whilst the bucket portion IA remains attached to the machinery. This in turn allows the bucket portion IB to be replaced rapidly, without even requiring that the bucket is disconnected from the machinery.

This can assist in the replacement process, by allowing the bucket 1 to be positioned resting on a surface such as the ground before the bolts 8, 11, 13 are removed, allowing the first and second bucket portions IA, IB to be physically disconnected. The first bucket portion IA can then be raised using the machine to physically separate the first and second bucket portions IA, IB. Following this, the second bucket portion IB can be replaced with a new bucket portion. The first bucket portion IA and the new second bucket portion can then be physically aligned, before the first bucket portion is lowered into physical engagement with the second bucket portion IB using the machine. The bolts 8, 11, 13 can then be replaced, to physically connected the first bucket portion IA and the new second bucket portion IB, so that the bucket is reconditioned. It will be appreciated that this advantageously uses the machine to assist in the replacement operation, thereby reducing the need for separate lifting equipment during the replacement operation.

Accordingly, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art, that rather than attempt to prolong the life of the bucket using liner plates, this process involves using a split bucket which can be dissembled, allowing the worn portion of the bucket to be replaced. Typically the second bucket portion would be manufactured to be disposable, and would therefore simply be replaced with a new second bucket portion. However, this is not essential, and instead the bucket portion could be reconditioned and refitted as desired.

In one example, the bucket portions are interconnected using bolts and appropriate connectors on the bucket portions. This allows the bucket portions to be separated rapidly using basic equipment. However, it will be appreciated that any suitable connector arrangement may be used, and that the above arrangement is for the purpose of example only.

Furthermore, by providing the mounting solely on one of the bucket portions, this allows the other bucket portion to be detached and replaced, whilst the bucket remains attached to the machinery. This further enhances the speed with which the replacement can be performed.

A further benefit of this arrangement is that this allows the relevant machinery to be used to manipulate the bucket, and in particular the bucket portion IA. Accordingly, when it is desired to replace the bucket portion IB, the bolts can be disconnected and the bucket portion IA raised to allow the separation to be performed. By then moving the machine and aligning the bucket portion IA with a new bucket portion IB, this allows the new bucket portion to be connected. This allows the bucket portion IB to be replaced without requiring additional lifting or other manipulating equipment, thereby further enhancing the replacability.

It will also be appreciated that the above example, in which only two bucket portions are provided, is by way of example only. It is also envisaged that a the bucket may be formed from a number of different portions, allowing different parts of the bucket to be replaced with differing frequencies depending on relative wear rates.

Thus, for example, the bucket can include a lip region, which generally would be used in scooping material into the bucket. This potion of the bucket will generally have a higher wear rate than surrounding portions, and accordingly, it may be desirable to form the lip region 3 as a further separate portion. In this instance, the lip portion could be attached to the second bucket portion IB, allowing it to be removed and replaced independently, while the remainder of the bucket is attached to the relevant machine.

An example of a bucket incorporated additional bucket portions is shown in Figure 4. In this example, bucket 41 includes three bucket portions 4 IA, 4 IB, 41C, split respectively as shown at 42 A, 42B. As a result of the split arrangement, the first bucket portion 41 A includes an upper part of the bucket that typically undergoes minimal wear. The first bucket portion 41 A also typically includes a mounting section 49 to allow the bucket portion 41 A to be mounted to a machine in use. The bucket portion 41B includes side walls of the bucket, which typically undergo moderate wear, whilst the bucket portion 41 C is formed from a lower surface of the bucket, which typically undergoes high wear.

The bucket portions would be interconnected utilising suitable connection means such as connectors 44, similar to the connectors 4, 5 described above, and corresponding teeth (not shown for clarity). Additionally, connecting ridges, similar to connecting ridges 6 may also be provided.

Accordingly, it will be appreciated that in this example three different bucket portions can be defined each which would generally have different wear rates. This arrangement therefore allows the bucket portions 41C, 41 B to replaced, as required, whilst allowing the bucket portion 41 A to remain connected to the machine in use. This in turn allows replacement of the worn bucket portions, thereby obviating the need to replace worn liner plates.

It will be appreciated that in the above arrangement, it may be necessary to remove the bucket portion 41C to gain access to the bucket portion 4 IB. However, if the shape of the bucket portions are suitably selected, then the bucket portion 41 B may only need replacing with half the frequency of the bucket portion 41C, allowing the bucket portion 41 B to replaced every other time the bucket portion 41 C is replaced. It will be appreciated however, that any suitable replacement frequency can be used. Alternatively, the bucket portion 41 C can be removed to allow the bucket portion 41B to be replaced, with the previous bucket portion 41 C being returned for use until it is sufficiently worn to require replacement.

Thus, it will be appreciated that a greater number of bucket portions may be used, allowing different portions of the bucket having different wear rates to be replaced independently. In addition to this, the relative shape of the different bucket portions can also be varied depending on the preferred implementation, to account for different wear rates experienced by different regions of the bucket. Thus, for example, the split between bucket portions may allow the under or working face of the bucket to be replaced independently of the sides of the bucket and the rear.

A third example bucket arrangement is shown in Figure 5. In this example, bucket 51 includes two bucket portions 5 IA, 5 IB, split at 52, and interconnected via appropriate connectors 55. A mounting 59, to allow mounting of the bucket 51 to a machine, is again provided on the first bucket portion 51 A allowing the bucket portion 51 A to be fitted to the machine and remain in place when the bucket portion 5 IB is replaced. Again in this example the bucket portion 5 IB can include the higher wearing side and lower walls of the bucket.

It will be appreciated that a wide range of designs are possible using multiple bucket portions, interconnected using suitable connection devices in any combination. By varying the position of the split between the bucket portions, and hence the shape of the bucket portions, this allows the arrangement used to be selected based on relative wear rates, so that high wear portions of the bucket are more easily removed and replaced than lower wear portions. This in turn can help to maximise the life span of bucket portions, and hence reduce replacement frequency.

It will therefore be appreciated that the above described system provides for a more rapidly maintainable bucket arrangement that overcomes disadvantages of using liner plates, which can be complex and costly to replace.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous variations and modifications will become apparent. All such variations and modifications which become apparent to persons skilled in the art, should be considered to fall within the spirit and scope that the invention broadly appearing before described.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1) A bucket for use with a machine, the bucket including: a) at least first and second bucket portions; b) at least one connecting device for interconnecting the first and second bucket portions; and, c) a mounting for coupling the bucket to the machine.

2) A bucket according to claim 1, wherein the mounting is provided on the first bucket portion, thereby allowing the second bucket portion to be separated from the first bucket portion whilst the first bucket portion is coupled to the machine. 3) A bucket according to claim 2, wherein the first and second bucket portions are shaped such that the second bucket portion has a higher wear rate than the first bucket portion.

4) A bucket according to any one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the connecting device includes a connecting ridge formed from: a) a first ridge portion forming part of the first bucket portion; b) a second ridge portion forming part of the first bucket portion; and, c) a number of bolts for interconnecting the first and second ridge portions.

5) A bucket according to any one of the claims 1 to 4, wherein the connecting device includes a connecting plate formed from: a) a first plate portion forming part of the first bucket portion; b) a second plate portion forming part of the first bucket portion; and, c) a number of bolts for interconnecting the first and second plate portions.

6) A bucket according to any one of the claims 1 to 5, wherein the connecting device includes: a) one or more connectors; and, b) a number of connector bolts for selectively coupling the connectors to the first and second bucket portions to thereby interconnect the first and second portions.

7) A bucket according to claim 6, wherein the connecting device includes: a) first teeth having first apertures forming part of the first bucket portion; and, b) second teeth having second apertures forming part of the second bucket portion, wherein in use, the teeth align to allow the connector bolts to be inserted through the first and second apertures to thereby couple the connectors to the first and second bucket portions. 8) A bucket according to any one of the claims 1 to 7, wherein the bucket includes: a) at least one further bucket portion; b) at least one further connecting device for interconnecting the further portion with at least one of the first and second bucket portions. 9) A method of repairing a bucket, the bucket including first and second bucket portions interconnected by a connecting device and a mounting for coupling the bucket to the machine, the method including: a) separating the second bucket portion from the first bucket portion, while the first bucket portion remains connected to the machine; and, b) connecting the first bucket portion to a new second bucket portion.

10)A method according to claim 9, wherein the method includes, disconnecting the comiecting device to thereby separate the first and second bucket portions. H) A method according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the method includes, using the machinery to at least partially align the first bucket portion with the new second bucket portion.

12) A method according to any one of the claims 9 to 11, wherein the method is performed using the bucket of any one of the claims 1 to 8.