Wing shroud arrangement for earth-moving equipment

Abstract

NOT VISIBLE DUE TO STATUS OF PATENT

Description

[0001] WING SHROUD ARRANGEMENT FOR EARTH-MOVING EQUIPMENT

[0002] The present application claims priority from European patent application 23218992.8, filed on 21 December 2023, the contents of which is to be considered to be incorporated into this specification by this reference.

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present disclosure pertains to ground engaging tools (GET) for earth-moving equipment, in particular to ground engaging tools for side cutter plates or wings of the bucket of such earth-moving equipment, more in particular the disclosure pertains to a wing shroud arrangement for a bucket of a earth-moving equipment.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] Ground engaging tools (GET), for earth moving equipment, such as those used in mining operations, operate in a highly abrasive environment, are subjected to high impact forces, and therefore wear out or become damaged through use. GET, such as shrouds / teeth used to protect bucket of earth moving equipment, therefore require regular replacement. Traditionally, GET’s are welded onto the buckets. When GET come to the end of their useful life, they can be cut from the bucket, and new GET welded in their place. It will be appreciated that such cutting and re-welding operations are complex, time consuming and relatively expensive. Further, they must generally be done in a workshop, requiring the bucket to be transported away from the earth moving equipment.

[0007] SUMMARY

[0008] Accordingly, an object of the invention is to provide an improved wing shroud design which will be retained tightly against the bucket leading edge to facilitate improved load distribution and reduce the impact of acting forces on the bucket. Such configuration will improve the service life of the equipment and hence improve machine availability. It is a further object to wing shrouds associated with reduced cost of repair and easy replacement.

[0009] In line with the observations detailed above, the present inventors have made valuable technical insights to solve or at least mitigate one or more of the challenges referred to in the previous section. These insights will be presented as inventive aspects below as well as in the detailed description section, the appended claims and the drawings. The list of inventive aspects is not to be seen as exhaustive but rather a summary of particularly beneficial inventive aspects.

[0010] The present invention overcomes the afore-mentioned disadvantages by suggesting aspects as it is specified by the features of the respective independent claim.

[0011] Preferred embodiments of the disclosure are specified in the respective dependent claims.

[0012] There is disclosed a wing shroud arrangement for mounting to a side wing of a bucket for earth moving equipment. Where the Earth-moving equipment refers to the machinery designed mainly for the purpose of moving, digging, lifting, or leveling earth and other materials during construction, mining essentially for tasks like excavation, grading, hauling, and demolition. For example, Excavators, Bulldozers, Backhoe Loaders, Wheel Loaders, Dump Trucks, Graders, Scrapers, Trenchers, Cranes etc. The arrangement comprising a first wing shroud having a first groove configured to receive a first portion of a wing leading edge of the wing in a mounted position of the wing shroud arrangement, and a second wing shroud having a second groove configured to receive a second portion of the wing leading edge in the mounted position. The first wing shroud is configured to arrest displacement of the second wing shroud at least in a first direction along the wing leading edge in the mounted position.

[0013] In some aspects, a first end portion of the first shroud and a second end portion of the second shroud are configured to at least partially overlap in the mounted position.

[0014] In some aspects, the first wing shroud comprises a first leading edge and the second wing shroud comprises a second leading edge, wherein the first leading edge and the second leading edge are substantially contiguous in the mounted position. In some aspects, the first wing shroud is configured to arrest displacement of the second wing shroud in a second direction along the normal of the wing leading edge in the mounted position.

[0015] In some aspects, the second wing shroud is a lower wing shroud configured to receive a lower portion of the wing leading edge, and wherein the first wing shroud is an upper wing shroud configured to receive an upper portion of the wing leading edge, such as an upper portion in relation to the lower portion.

[0016] In some aspects, further comprising a mechanical locking mechanism for fixedly attaching the first wing shroud to the wing in a releasable manner, such as by means of pulling the first wing shroud towards the wing leading edge.

[0017] In some aspects, the first wing shroud comprises a first contact surface, preferably the first contact surface is inclined relative the first leading edge and / or slopes towards the first leading edge, and wherein the second wing shroud comprises a corresponding second contact surface, preferably the second contact surface is inclined relative the second leading edge and / or slopes towards the second leading edge, wherein the first contact surface and the second contact surface face in opposite directions, such as directly opposite directions.

[0018] In some aspects, the second wing shroud comprises at least one second locking groove, wherein a respective second locking groove of the at least one second locking groove is configured to receive a respective locking lug projecting from one or more of a wing outer surface and a wing inner surface, for locking displacement of the second wing shroud in a direction along the second leading edge.

[0019] In some aspects, the second locking groove comprises a first pair of surfaces configured to cooperate with a second pair of surfaces of the locking lug for preventing rotation of the second wing shroud when the locking lug is received in the second locking groove. In some aspects, the first wing shroud comprises a first locking element, and one or more of a wing outer surface and a wing inner surface of the wing comprises a second locking element, wherein the mechanical locking mechanism is configured to engage with the first locking element and the second locking element for fixedly attaching the first wing shroud to the wing in a releasable manner.

[0020] In some aspects, the first groove is configured such that a first groove inner wall of the first groove abuts the wing leading edge in the mounted position,

[0021] In some aspects, the second groove is configured such that a second groove inner wall of the second groove abuts the wing leading edge in the mounted position.

[0022] In some aspects, one or more of the first wing shroud and the second wing shroud comprises cut-outs provided adjacent the leading edge, preferably the cut-outs are provided distributed along the longitudinal length of the wing shroud.

[0023] In some aspects, the first wing shroud is substantially symmetrical, such as in a central plane.

[0024] In some aspects, the first wing shroud comprises a first end portion and wherein the second wing shroud comprises a complementary shaped second end portion.

[0025] In some aspects, the first end portion and the second end portion are tapered.

[0026] In some aspects, a depth-wise direction of the first groove extends into the first wing shroud towards the first leading edge.

[0027] In some aspects, a depth-wise direction of the second groove extends into the second wing shroud (40) towards the second leading edge.

[0028] In some aspects, the second groove extends in the longitudinal direction along an entire longitudinal length of the second wing shroud. In some aspects, the first groove extends in a longitudinal direction throughout an entire longitudinal length of the first wing shroud.

[0029] In some aspects, the first wing shroud is configured to wedge the second wing shroud (40) against the wing leading edge in the mounted position.

[0030] In some aspects, the second wing shroud is configured to extend at least partially between the first wing shroud and the wing leading edge in the mounted position.

[0031] In some aspects, one or more of the first contact surface and the second contact surface comprises a pad for adjusting play and / or accommodating for paly between the first and second wing shrouds.

[0032] In some aspects, the first contact surface is configured to apply a retaining force to the second locking surface in response to displacement of the second wing shroud along a proximal direction of the first wing shroud, wherein the retaining force comprises a first component that is parallel to the wing leading edge and / or parallel second leading edge and a second component that is transverse the second leading edge.

[0033] In some aspects, the second contact surface forms a third angle C with the second leading edge, wherein the third angle C is in the range of 100 to 170 degrees, preferably 120 to 150 degrees, more preferably 130 to 140 degrees.

[0034] In some aspects, the first contact surface forms a second angle B with the first leading edge, wherein the second angle B is in the range of 10 to 80 degrees, preferably 30 to 60 degrees, more preferably 40 to 50 degrees.

[0035] In some aspects, the first contact surface and the second contact surface are configured to, in the mounted position, be arranged inclined with respect of a normal N of the wing leading edge, such as a normal extending in the plane of the wing, preferably a respective of the first and second locking surfaces forms, in the mounted position, a first angle A with the normal N that is in the range of 10 to 90 degrees, more preferably 30 to 60 degrees, such as about 45 degrees. In some aspects, one or more of a wing outer surface and a wing inner surface of the wing comprises a locking lug projecting in a direction normal to said surface.

[0036] In some aspects, the mechanical locking mechanism is operable pull the first wing shroud towards the leading edge by means of one of a contraction or an expansion of cooperating threaded element of the mechanical locking mechanism.

[0037] In some aspects, the mechanical locking mechanism comprises a contractable and expandable pin assembly configured to engage the first and second locking elements, push first and second locking element apart, and

[0038] In some aspects, mechanical locking mechanism comprises a locking pin assembly, preferably the pin assembly is configured to engage with the first locking element and the second locking element for fixedly attaching the first wing shroud to the wing in a releasable manner, wherein the first wing shroud comprises a cavity that opens towards a first shroud inner side of the first should adapted to face towards one or more of the wing inner surface and the wing outer surface in the mounted position, wherein the cavity is configured to receive the pin assembly in the cavity from the first shroud inner side.

[0039] There is disclosed a wing shroud, which may be the first wing shroud according to aspects of the disclosure. The wing shroud may comprise any of the features of the first wing shroud and configured for use in the wing shroud arrangement according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0040] There is disclosed a wing shroud, which may be the second wing shroud according to aspects of the disclosure. The wing shroud may comprise any of the features of the second wing shroud and configured for use in the wing shroud arrangement according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0041] There is disclosed an earth moving equipment comprising a bucket and the wing shroud arrangement according to aspects of the disclosure. In some aspects, the bucket comprises any of the features of the bucket according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0042] The aforementioned aspects are associated with a number of advantages.

[0043] Considering that lower wing shrouds oftentimes will wear out faster than upper wing shrouds, and thus needs more replacement compared to upper wing shrouds, the proposed wing shroud arrangement provides a relatively inexpensive lower wing shroud that does not require complicated attachment mechanisms.

[0044] Moreover, the symmetrical properties of the upper wing shroud according to some aspects enables it to be used interchangeably on both opposite wings of the bucket.

[0045] Likewise, the lower wing shroud according to some aspects may be used on both opposite wings of the bucket.

[0046] Accordingly, the lower wing shroud design according to aspects is kept as simple as possible and it may be retained in place with the aid of the simple locking lug and the upper wing shroud according to aspects, where the upper wing shroud may be held in place by means of mechanical locking mechanism according to aspects.

[0047] The herein detailed aspects facilitate reduced manufacturing cost of the lower wing shroud due to its simple design, whilst still retaining it in place and reduces the replacement cost for the customers as well as the inventory, since only one locking mechanism is needed per shroud arrangement i.e. bucket side.

[0048] Aspects of the disclosure allows replacement of wear parts instantly at the site where the earth moving machine operates in contrast to time consuming welding and joining process which requires skilled labour and moving the bucket to a workshop which increases the cost and machine downtime.

[0049] Aspects of the disclosure thus facilitate uninterrupted operation of the machine and improves machine availability. Furthermore, some currently offered wing shroud locking systems in underground application are provided on respective outer sides of the wings, thereby the retention or locking system may get subjected to the high impact forces due the fact that it may catch the rock projection from the wall, especially during the reversing the earth moving equipment. This will damage / destroy the retention system and cause dislodging of the wing shroud or severely deform the locking assembly to an extent that the shroud may have to be cut away to remove it from bucket, completely negating any advantage of mechanical connection.

[0050] By providing the mechanical locking mechanism on an inside of the bucket according to aspects of the disclosure, this configuration will at least to some extent protect the retention system from suffering from damage specially in underground application from rock projections from the wall. The retention system will only be subjected to loading due to dumping which are not that serious and the locking mechanism according to aspects of the disclosure can typically handle such forces and keep the wing shroud secured in place.

[0051] Other aspects, objectives, features and advantages of the inventive aspects will appear from the flowing detailed disclosure as well as from the claims and the drawing. Generally, all terms used herein are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein.

[0052] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0053] It will be convenient to further describe the invention with reference to preferred embodiments of the present invention. Other embodiments are possible / conceivable, and consequently, the particularity of the following discussion is not to be understood as superseding the generality of the preceding description of the invention, In the drawings:

[0054] Fig. 1 shows an earth-moving equipment, according to an embodiment.

[0055] Fig. 2 is an isometric view of a bucket for a earth moving equipment, according to an embodiment.

[0056] Fig. 3a is a side view of a wing shroud arrangement in a mounted position according to an embodiment.

[0057] Fig. 3b shows details of the embodiment of Fig. 3a. Fig. 3c is an isometric view of the wing shroud arrangement of Fig. 3a in an unmounted position, according to an embodiment.

[0058] Fig. 4a is an isometric view of a wing shroud according to an embodiment. Fig. 4b is another view of the wing shroud of Fig. 4a.

[0059] Fig. 5a is an isometric view of a wing shroud according to an embodiment.

[0060] Fig. 5b is another view of the wing shroud of Fig. 5a showing a wing shroud inner side.

[0061] Fig. 6a is a cross view of the wing shroud of Fig. 5a.

[0062] Fig. 6b is cross view of the wing shroud of Fig. 5a, a pin assembly and a locking boss, according to embodiments.

[0063] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] The disclosed embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which certain embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example, so that this disclosure will be through and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0065] With reference to Fig. 1 there is shown an earth moving equipment 10 according to some aspects. In the example shown, the earth moving equipment 10 is a loader. The earth moving equipment 10 comprises a bucket 20 and a wing shroud arrangement 30 according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0066] Fig. 2 shows a bucket 20 for earth-moving equipment 10 according to some aspects. The bucket 20 comprises a wing shroud arrangement 30 in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. The bucket comprises two laterally opposed wings 21 , also referred to as side cutter plate, each extending in a vertical direction and being provided with such a wing shroud arrangement 30. The respective wing shroud arrangements 30 are mounted to a lower portion of a wing leading edge 23, adjacent a bucket corner 72 of a bucket lip 70. Typically, one or more ground engaging tools (GET) are mounted to the bucket lip 70. The bucket corner 72 may be comprise plate material having a material thickness greater than the wing leading edge 23. In some embodiments, the entire bucket lip 70 is provided welded to the bucket 20. A respective wing 21 of the two opposite wings has an inner face 22a facing towards an interior of the bucket 20 and an outer face 22b facing away from the bucket 20.

[0067] Fig. 3a to Fig.3c show details of wing shroud arrangement 30 for mounting to a side wing 21 of a bucket 20 for earth moving equipment 10 according to aspects of the disclosure. Fig. 3a shows a mounted position of the arrangement 30 whereas Fig. 3c shows an unmounted position.

[0068] The arrangement 30 comprises a first wing shroud 50, here embodied as an upper wing shroud, has a first groove 53 configured to receive a first portion of a wing leading edge 23 of a wing 21 in a mounted position of the wing shroud arrangement 30. The leading edge 23 may comprise a surface, such as a continuous surface, having a normal N extending in a plane of the wing 21 and formed by the material thickness of the wing 21 .

[0069] The first groove 53 is formed at least partially by two legs 58a, 58b. A respective leg of the two legs 58a, 58b is configured to extend along a respective surface of the wing inner surface 22a and the wing outer surface 22b in the mounted position.

[0070] The first wing shroud 50 may be substantially symmetrical, such as in a central plane. The center plane may be arranged transverse a first leading edge 51 of the first wing shroud 50. Thereby the first wing shroud can be used on both opposite wings of the bucket. For example, when a lower portion of the first wing shroud 50 has worn out, the shroud may be moved to an opposite wing of the bucket 20 and mounted with the worn- out portion upwards to improve the wear life of the shroud.

[0071] The second wing shroud 40 may be substantially symmetrical. For example, the second wing shroud may be symmetrical in a center plane arranged along, such as parallel to, the second leading edge 41. Thereby the second wing shroud can be used on both opposite wings of the bucket.

[0072] A second wing shroud 40, here embodied as a lower wing shroud, has a second groove 43 configured to receive a second portion, such as a lower portion, of the wing leading edge 23 in the mounted position. The upper wing shroud 50 may thus receive an upper portion of the wing leading edge 23 in relation to the lower portion. A depth-wise direction of the second groove 43 extends into the second wing shroud 40 towards the second leading edge 41 and terminates at a second groove inner wall 49 of the second groove 43. The second groove 43 may extend in the longitudinal direction along an entire longitudinal length of the second wing shroud 40.

[0073] As derivable from Fig. 3a, the first wing shroud 50 is configured to arrest displacement of the second wing shroud 40 in a first direction along the wing leading edge 23 in the mounted position, in particular in a direction away from the bucket corner 72.

[0074] Referring to Fig. 3a the first groove 53 is configured such that the first groove inner wall 59 of the first groove 53 abuts the wing leading edge 23 in the mounted position.

[0075] The second groove 43 is configured such that the second groove inner wall 49 of the second groove 43 abuts the wing leading edge 23 in the mounted position.

[0076] The first wing shroud 50 may be configured to wedge the second wing shroud 40 against the wing leading edge 23 in the mounted position.

[0077] The second wing shroud 40 may be configured to extend at least partially between the first wing shroud 50 and the wing leading edge 23 in the mounted position.

[0078] The first wing shroud 50 comprises a first end portion 55 and the second wing shroud 40 comprises a complementary shaped second end portion 45 for facilitating appropriate cooperation between the first and second wing shrouds 50, 40 in fulfilling the functionality detailed herein. In particular, the first end portion 55 and the second end portion 45 may be tapered as shown in the appended drawings, such as in a plane of the wing 21 . However, in some embodiments the respective end portions 45, 55 may be other than tapered.

[0079] The first end portion 55 and the second end portion 45 are configured to at least partially overlap in the mounted position, such as in a direction along the normal of the leading edge 23. This configuration brings about the benefit that the first wing shroud may assist in retaining the second wing shroud 40 against the wing leading edge 23. The first wing shroud comprises a first leading edge 51 extending in a longitudinal direction of the first wing shroud 50 and the second wing shroud 40 comprises a second leading edge 41 extending in a longitudinal direction of the second wing shroud), wherein the first leading edge 51 and the second leading edge 41 are substantially contiguous in the mounted position.

[0080] Referring to Fig. 3c, the wing lower portion of the wing 21 received by the second wing shroud 40 is constituted by the bucket corner 72. The wing lower portion has a thickness that is greater than the wing upper portion received by the first wing shroud 50. Accordingly, a width of the second groove 49 may be greater than a width of the first groove 49. This configuration facilitates a proper fit between the shrouds and the wing 21.

[0081] Still referring to Fig. 3c, the bucket corner 72 comprises an upper edge 73. The upper edge may be horizontal, or substantially horizontal, when the bucket 20 rests on a horizontal substrate as shown in Fig. 2.

[0082] As is further derivable from Fig. 5a, Fig. 5b, the first wing shroud 50 tapers towards the first leading edge 51 , such as in a plane transverse the longitudinal direction of the first wing shroud 50.

[0083] The first wing shroud 50 is configured to arrest displacement of the second wing shroud 40 in a second direction along the normal N of the wing leading edge 23 in the mounted position.

[0084] A depth-wise direction of the first groove 53 extends into the first wing shroud 50 towards the first leading edge 51. The first groove 53 may extend in a longitudinal direction throughout an entire longitudinal length of the first wing shroud 50.

[0085] In the exemplary embodiments shown, the second wing shroud 40 is a lower wing shroud configured to receive a lower portion of the wing leading edge 23, such as a lowermost portion of the wing leading edge 23 adjacent the bucket corner 72. In the exemplary embodiments shown, the first wing shroud 50 is an upper wing shroud configured to receive an upper portion of the wing leading edge 23, such as an upper portion in relation to the lower portion.

[0086] Considering Fig. 4b, Fig. 5b, the first wing shroud comprises a first contact surface 54. The first contact surface 54 may be configured to face in a proximal direction of the wing leading edge 23 in the mounted position.

[0087] Likewise, the second wing shroud 40 comprises a corresponding second contact surface 44. The second contact surface 44 may be configured to face in a distal direction of the wing leading edge 23 in the mounted position.

[0088] The first contact surface 54 and the second contact surface 44 may be configured to cooperate, such as surface contact, for arresting displacement of the second wing shroud 40 at least in the first direction along the wing leading edge 23.

[0089] As can be noted, one or more of the first contact surface 54 and the second contact surface 44 may comprise a respective pad 44a, 54a for adjusting play between the first and second wing shrouds 40, 50. Such play may result from manufacturing tolerances during casting of the wing shrouds 40, 50.

[0090] The first contact surface 54 may be configured to apply a retaining force to the second contact surface 44 in response to displacement of the second wing shroud 40 along a proximal direction of the first wing shroud 50, wherein the retaining force comprises a first component that is parallel to the wing leading edge 23, such as parallel the second leading edge 41 , and a second component that is transverse the second leading edge 41.

[0091] Referring again to Fig. 3b, the second contact surface 44 may form an angle C with the second leading edge 41 , wherein the angle C is in the range of 100 to 170 degrees, preferably 120 to 150 degrees, more preferably 130 to 140 degrees.

[0092] The first contact surface 54 may form an angle B with the first leading edge 51 , wherein the angle B is in the range of 10 to 80 degrees, preferably 30 to 60 degrees, more preferably 40 to 50 degrees, such as about 45 degrees. The first contact surface 54 and the second contact surface 44 are configured to, in the mounted position, be arranged inclined with respect of a normal N of the wing leading edge, such as a normal extending in the plane of the wing. A respective of the first and second contact surfaces 44, 54 may form, in the mounted position, an angle A with the normal N that is in the range of 10 to 90 degrees, more preferably 30 to 60 degrees, such as about 45 degrees.

[0093] Generally, the second contact surface may be adapted to be substantially parallel with the bucket corner upper edge 73. Thereby the width of the second groove 49 can be adapted to the thickness of the bucket corner 72 and the width of the first groove 53 can be adapted to the thickness of the upper portion of the wing 21. This configuration ensures proper fit between the shrouds 40, 50 and the wing 21.

[0094] Referring to Fig. 4a, Fig. 4b, the second wing shroud 40 comprises at least one second locking groove 42 configured to receive a respective of the locking lug(s) 24 in response to a displacement of the second wing shroud 40 in a direction along the second leading edge 41 and / or along wing leading edge 23, such as parallel the wing leading edge 23 when the wing leading edge 23 is received in the second groove 43. The locking lug(s) 24 may be provided on the bucket 20 by welding, mechanical fitting or they may be provided as integral elements of the bucket 20.

[0095] The at least one second locking groove 42 is provided in one or more of two opposite legs 48a, 48b of the second wing shroud 40. The two legs 48a, 48b forms at least part of the second groove 43. A respective leg of the two legs 48a, 48b is configured to extend along a respective surface of the wing inner surface 22a and the wing outer surface 22b in the mounted position. In some embodiments, a respective second locking groove 42 is provided in a respective leg of the two legs 48a, 48b of the second shroud 40.

[0096] Referring again to Fig. 3a, the second locking groove 42 comprises a first pair of surfaces configured to cooperate with a second pair of surfaces of the locking lug 24 for preventing rotation of the second wing shroud 40 when the locking lug 24 is received in the second locking groove 42. As can be noted from Fig. 3c, one or more of a wing outer surface 22b and a wing inner surface 22a of the wing 21 comprises a locking lug 24 projecting in a direction normal to said surface. In some embodiments both the wing outer surface 22b and the wing inner surface 22a comprises a locking lug 24. The locking lug 24 may typically comprise a pair of parallel surfaces configured to cooperate with a pair of parallel surfaces of a second locking groove 42, for preventing rotation of the second wing shroud 40.

[0097] A shape of the locking lug(s) 24, such as in the plane of the wing 21 , may be obround or stadium shaped, circular, elliptical, trapezoid, square or rectangular. However other suitable shapes are possible withing the spirit of the invention. Generally, the shape may be non-circular.

[0098] A respective of the at least one second locking groove 42 comprises an open end 47 for receiving a respective locking lug 24, and a closed end 46 for locking displacement of the second wing shroud 40 in a direction along the second leading edge 41, such as in a distal direction (away from) of the first wing shroud 50.

[0099] As is further derivable from Fig. 4a, Fig. 4b, the second wing shroud 40 tapers towards the second leading edge 41 , such as seen in a plane transverse the longitudinal direction of the second wing shroud.

[0100] Considering Fig. 6b the first wing shroud 50 comprises a mechanical locking mechanism 54 for fixedly attaching the first wing shroud 50 to the wing 21 in a releasable manner.

[0101] Referring to Fig. 3c, Fig. 6b the first wing shroud 40 comprises a first locking element 56, and one or more of a wing outer surface 22b and a wing inner surface 22a of the wing 21 comprises a second locking element 62, wherein the mechanical locking mechanism 60 is configured to engage with the first locking element 56 and the second locking element 27 for fixedly attaching the first wing shroud to the wing in a releasable manner.

[0102] The second locking element 62 may be provided by a boss 61 that is welded to one of the wing inner surface 22a or the wing outer surface 22b, preferably the wing inner surface 22b. By providing the boss 61 on the wing inner surface 22a, the mechanical locking mechanism 60 will be better protected from wear during earth-moving operations.

[0103] The first wing shroud 50 may be configured to receive the pin assembly 63 of the mechanical locking mechanism 60. An exemplary pin assembly design could be locking assembly is disclosed in document WO2021 / 170237 A1. The mechanical locking mechanism 60 is operable pull the first wing shroud 50 towards the leading edge 23 by means of one of a contraction or an expansion of cooperating threaded elements of the mechanical locking mechanism 60.

[0104] As will become apparent, in the embodiments shown the first wing shroud 50 is pulled towards the leading edge 23 in response to an expansion of the pin assembly 63. This configuration facilitates that the first groove inner wall 59 is pulled tightly against the wing leading edge 23. A tight abutment between the first groove inner wall 59 and the wing leading edge 23 facilitates a uniform distribution of load from the first shroud to the wing leading edge 23. This effectively reduces the likelihood of damaging the bucket during operation and thus facilitates improved longevity of the bucket.

[0105] The mechanical locking mechanism 60 comprises the pin assembly 63 operable to contract and to expand respectively, such as by means of cooperating threaded elements. The pin assembly 63 is configured to engage the first and second locking elements 56, 62 to push first and second locking element 56, 62 apart to thereby pull the first wing shroud 50 towards the wing leading edge 23.

[0106] The first wing shroud 50 comprises a cavity 52 that opens towards a first shroud inner side 57a of the first should 50 adapted to face towards the wing 21 in the mounted position, for receiving the pin assembly 63 in the cavity 52. The cavity 52 is configured to receive the pin assembly 63 from the inner side 57a and to arrest displacement of the pin assembly towards the first shroud outer side 57b of first wing shroud 50.

[0107] Referring to Fig. 4a, Fig. 4b, Fig. 5a, Fig. 5b, one or more of the first wing shroud 50 and the second wing shroud 40 comprises cut-outs 14, 15 provided adjacent the leading edge 51 , 41. The cut-outs 14, 15 may be provided distributed along the longitudinal length of the wing shroud 50, 40.

[0108] The provision of the cut-outs 14, 15 brings about the advantage that the leading edges 41 , 51 are self-sharpening. As the leading edges 41 , 51 wear, the cut-outs 14, 15 contribute to maintaining a reduced thickness of the leading edges 41 , 51.

[0109] The provision of the cut-outs 14, 15 facilitates a uniform hardness of the shrouds. In particular, by reducing a material thickness of the shrouds 40, 50 the cooling of the shrouds during casting manufacture is influenced such as to facilitate uniform hardness.

[0110] The preceding description has been presented with reference to presently preferred embodiments. However, other embodiments and / or features of the embodiments disclosed but not detailed hereinabove may be employed. Furthermore, persons skilled in the art and technology to which these embodiments pertain will appreciate that still other alterations and changes in the described structures and methods of operation may be practiced without meaningfully departing from the principle and scope of these embodiments. Additionally, the foregoing description should not be read as pertaining only to the precise structures described and shown in the accompanying drawings, but rather should be read as consistent with and as support for the following claims, which are to have their fullest and fairest scope.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A wing shroud arrangement (30) for mounting to a side wing (21) of a bucket (20) for earth moving equipment (10), comprising: a first wing shroud (50) having a first groove (53) configured to receive a first portion of a wing leading edge (23) of the wing (21) in a mounted position of the wing shroud arrangement (30); a second wing shroud (40) having a second groove (43) configured to receive a second portion of the wing leading edge (23) in the mounted position; wherein the first wing shroud (50) is configured to arrest displacement of the second wing shroud (40) at least in a first direction along the wing leading edge (23) in the mounted position.

2. The wing shroud arrangement (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a first end portion (55) of the first shroud (50) and a second end portion (45) of the second shroud (40) are configured to at least partially overlap in the mounted position.

3. The wing shroud arrangement (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first wing shroud comprises a first leading edge (51) and the second wing shroud (40) comprises a second leading edge (41), wherein the first leading edge (51) and the second leading edge (41) are substantially contiguous in the mounted position.

4. The wing shroud arrangement (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first wing shroud (50) is configured to arrest displacement of the second wing shroud (40) in a second direction along the normal (N) of the wing leading edge (23) in the mounted position.

5. The wing shroud arrangement (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second wing shroud (40) is a lower wing shroud configured to receive a lower portion of the wing leading edge (23), and wherein the first wing shroud (50) is an upper wing shroud configured to receive an upper portion of the wing leading edge (23), such as an upper portion in relation to the lower portion.

6. The wing shroud arrangement (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first wing shroud comprises a first contact surface (54), wherein the first contact surface (54) slopes towards the first leading edge (51), and wherein the second wing shroud (40) comprises a corresponding second contact surface (44), wherein the second contact surface (44) slopes towards leading edge(41), wherein the first contact surface (54) and the second contact surface (44) face in opposite directions.

7. The wing shroud arrangement (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second wing shroud (40) comprises at least one second locking groove(42), wherein a respective second locking groove (42) is configured to receive a respective locking lug (24) projecting from one or more of a wing outer surface (22b) and a wing inner surface (22a), for locking displacement of the second wing shroud (40) in a direction along the second leading edge (41).

8. The wing shroud arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a respective second locking groove (42) comprises a respective first pair of surfaces configured to cooperate with a second pair of surfaces of a respective locking lug (24) for preventing rotation of the second wing shroud (40) when the locking lug (24) is received in the second locking groove (42).

9. The wing shroud arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a mechanical locking mechanism (60) for fixedly attaching the first wing shroud (50) to the wing (21) in a releasable manner, and wherein the first wing shroud (40) comprises a first locking element (56), and one or more of a wing outer surface (22b) and a wing inner surface (22a) of the wing (21) comprises a second locking element (62), wherein the mechanical locking mechanism (60) is configured to engage with the first locking element (56) and the second locking element (62) for fixedly attaching the first wing shroud (50) to the wing (21) in a releasable manner.

10. The wing shroud arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mechanical locking mechanism (60) comprises a locking pin assembly (63),wherein the first wing shroud (50) comprises a cavity (52) that opens towards a first shroud inner side (57a) of the first should (50) adapted to face towards one or more of the wing inner surface (22a) and the wing outer surface (22b) in the mounted position, wherein the cavity is configured to receive the pin assembly (63) in the cavity (52) from the first shroud inner side (57a).

11. The wing shroud arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first groove (53) is configured such that a first groove inner wall (59) of the first groove (53) abuts the wing leading edge (23) in the mounted position, and wherein the second groove (43) is configured such that a second groove inner wall (49) of the second groove (43) abuts the wing leading edge (23) in the mounted position.

12. The wing shroud arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more of the first wing shroud (50) and the second wing shroud (40) comprises respective cut-outs (14, 15) provided adjacent the respective leading edges (51 , 41), preferably the cut-outs (14, 15) are provided distributed along the longitudinal length of the wing shroud (50, 40).

13. The wing shroud arrangement (30) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein one or more of the first wing shroud and the second wing shroud comprises symmetrical properties for allowing interchangeable employment on both opposite wings of the bucket.

14. A wing shroud (50) being the first wing shroud (50) of the wing shroud arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 13.

15. A wing shroud (40) being the second wing shroud (40) of the wing shroud arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 13.

16. A earth moving equipment (10) comprising a bucket (20) and a wing shroud arrangement (30) according the any one of the preceding claims 1 to 13.