Bucket for handling grounding material

Abstract

BUCKET FOR HANDLING GROUNDING MATERIAL. This is a bucket for moving grounding material comprising a handling section that is connected to a separate load-loading section to form a fixed body. The handling and load-loading sections define a load-loading space and form a fixed open mouth through which material is received and discharged from the load-loading space. The handling section includes a top wall that extends in a direction opposite a front end adjacent to the open mouth to a rear end. The load-loading section includes a base wall and two side walls that project from each side of the base wall. The bucket includes a gripping arrangement that secures the handling section to the load-loading section. A method for altering the load-loading volume of a bucket and reforming a bucket by swapping the load-loading sections is also disclosed.

Description

1 / 26 “BUCKET FOR HANDLING GROUNDING MATERIAL” FIELD OF TECHNIQUE

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a bucket for moving soil. It also extends to a soil-moving machine that includes the bucket. It also extends to a method for altering the size of a bucket and to a method for refurbishing a bucket.

[0002] The present disclosure relates particularly, but not exclusively, to a bucket for a loader and a wheeled loader having a bucket mounted on arms that extend forward of the loader, for example, onto a surface or above the ground-level LHD loader. It will therefore be convenient to describe the invention hereafter in this document with reference to the present exemplary application. However, at the same time, it should be clearly understood that the invention is capable of a wider application. For example, it can be applied to other buckets and other ground-leveling machines. DEFINITION

[0003] In the descriptive report and claims, the term "comprising" shall be understood as having a broad meaning similar to the term "includes" and shall be understood as implying the inclusion of a given whole number or step or group of whole numbers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other whole number or step or group of whole numbers or steps. This definition also applies to variations on the term "comprising," such as "comprising" and "comprises."

[0004] In the descriptive report and claims, the term “grounding material” should be interpreted broadly and should be understood to include all broken material that comes from or is extracted from the ground, including rock, sand, earth and ore material. BACKGROUND

[0005] Earthmoving or land leveling machines have wide application in the construction, mining, and engineering industries. Such earthmoving machines include excavators, bulldozers, and loaders. Petition 870230022897, dated 03 / 17 / 2023, page 16 / 57 2 / 26

[0006] These machines have a bucket that is used to collect backfill material, move the backfill material, and then unload it at a different location. For example, loaders are used in mining operations to transfer backfill material from a mud pile or mound of broken rock material to a dump truck. Loose backfill materials include rock and minerals such as iron ore and coal.

[0007] A prior art bucket is integrally formed and has an upper region that interacts with a bucket handling arrangement and a lower region that receives and holds the earthwork material loaded into the bucket. The lower region of an earthwork or soil leveling bucket is subject to high levels of wear and tear during daily bucket operation. In contrast, the upper region is exposed to significantly lower levels of wear in use, and the service life of the bucket is therefore determined by the longevity of the lower load-carrying region.

[0008] One of the limitations with these buckets is that when the lower region is damaged or worn, the entire bucket needs to be replaced even though the upper region is still in usable condition when this occurs. There is a substantial cost to replacing an entire bucket, due to the high cost of manufacturing the bucket and machining some of the formations in the bucket, for example, the high-tolerance formations that interact with an external bucket handling arrangement.

[0009] Additionally, when a bucket fails and needs to be replaced, an associated loader may be out of commission for some time, resulting in a loss of output. Consequently, machine operators would like to replace a failed bucket as quickly as possible.

[0010] The reference to prior art in the background is not and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that the prior art referenced is part of common general knowledge in Australia or any other country. SUMMARY OF DESCRIPTION Petition 870230022897, dated 03 / 17 / 2023, p. 17 / 57 3 / 26

[0011] The Applicant acknowledges that it would be advantageous if at least some components of a bucket could be reused when a bucket has failed and required replacement. Furthermore, the Applicant acknowledges that it would be beneficial if a bucket could be refurbished quickly and easily if damaged, to limit the downtime of the machine on which the bucket was used. The Applicant also acknowledges that it would be beneficial if it were possible to change the size of a bucket and that this helps to optimize mining operations.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, a bucket is provided for a loader used in mining operations, wherein the bucket comprises: A handling section that is connected to a separate load-loading section to form a fixed body, wherein the handling and load-loading sections define a load-loading space and an open mouth through which material is received and discharged from the load-loading space, the handling section includes a top wall extending in a direction opposite to a front end adjacent to the open mouth to a rear end, and the load-loading section includes a base wall and two side walls projecting from each side of the base wall, and a gripping arrangement that secures the handling section to the load-loading section.

[0013] The handling section may include an assembly formation and the load loading section may include a supplementary assembly formation that interacts with said assembly formation.

[0014] The cargo loading section can be sized and configured to be received within the handling section with a small clearance. The top wall of the handling section has two sides, and the sides of the top wall can be positioned laterally outside the side walls of the cargo loading section. Petition 870230022897, dated 03 / 17 / 2023, page 18 / 57 4 / 26

[0015] The assembly formation may include locating elements on the sides of the upper wall that locate the load-bearing section over the handling section in a lateral direction.

[0016] The rear end of the top wall of the handling section may slide over the rear end of the base wall outside the base wall. The handling section may include locating formations, for example, that locate tabs on the top wall, to position the rear end of the base wall relative to the top wall.

[0017] The gripping arrangement may comprise a primary side gripping arrangement that attaches the side walls to the top wall and a secondary end gripping arrangement that attaches the rear end of the top wall to the base wall.

[0018] The primary side gripping arrangement may include a mechanical gripping arrangement comprising a pin on each side of the body operationally engaged with the side wall and top wall supporting the load-loading section over the handling section while allowing the handling section to pivot relative to the load-loading section. Each pin may be passed through aligned openings formed in the side wall and top wall, respectively. The top wall may include two spaced elements, each defining a pin opening therein, and the side wall may include an additional element defining a pin opening therein, and the side wall may be fitted between the two spaced elements in the top wall, with the pin being passed through all openings to support the load-loading section.

[0019] The secondary end clamping arrangement may include a plurality of mechanical clamping elements that secure the rear end of the top wall to the base wall.

[0020] The plurality of mechanical gripping elements can be spaced in a line from one side of the upper wall to the other adjacent to the rear end.

[0021] Instead of the gripping arrangement described earlier, the arrangement of Petition 870230022897, dated 03 / 17 / 2023, page 19 / 57 5 / 26 Secondary end gripping includes at least one weld to weld the rear end of the top wall to the base wall. The at least one weld may comprise two parallel weld lines extending through the top wall at the rear end. Alternatively, the secondary end gripping arrangement may include a combination of welding and mechanical gripping elements.

[0022] Furthermore, the primary side clamping arrangement may include at least one weld on each side of the top wall to weld the top wall to the side walls. The at least one weld may comprise two parallel weld lines extending along each side wall that weld the sides of the top wall to the load-bearing section.

[0023] The mouth may have a width extending from one side wall to the other side wall and a height extending from the base wall to the top wall at the mouth, and the width of the mouth may be greater than the height of the mouth. The mouth may face forward, i.e., on the opposite side of the rear end of the top wall when the bucket rests on a supporting surface and when the bucket engages stone material in use. The mouth does not face upward when it rests on a supporting surface.

[0024] The width of the mouth may be at least 20% greater than the height of the mouth, preferably at least 50% greater than the height and even more preferably at least 80% greater than the height.

[0025] The secondary end grip arrangement may be a different arrangement from the primary side grip arrangement, for example, with the use of different components or gripping technique than the side grip arrangement.

[0026] According to another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for altering the size of a loader bucket used in mining operations comprising a handling section that is connected to a separate loading section to form a fixed body that defines a loading space and an open mouth through which material is received and Petition 870230022897, dated 03 / 17 / 2023, p. 20 / 57 6 / 26 unloaded from the cargo loading space, wherein the handling section includes an upper wall extending in a direction opposite to a front end adjacent to the opening at a rear end and the cargo loading section includes a base wall and two side walls projecting from each side of the base wall, wherein the method comprises: separate said load-loading section from the handling section and replace the same with another load-loading section that is configured to be mounted on said handling section without modification of the handling section, wherein a volume of the load-loading space of the body formed by said other load-loading section and the handling section is different from the volume formed by said load-loading section and the handling section.

[0027] The handling section may include an assembly formation and the load-loading section may include a complementary assembly formation that interacts with said assembly formation. Said complementary assembly formations of each of said load-loading sections may be dimensioned and configured so that both fit into said assembly formation on the handling section (and said load-loading sections are interchangeable).

[0028] Both cargo loading sections can be received within the handling section.

[0029] The bucket body may have a depth in one direction from the front end to the rear end of the top wall, and changing the cargo loading section may increase / decrease the depth of the bucket body to increase / decrease the volume of the cargo loading space.

[0030] The bucket may include a gripping arrangement that secures the handling section to the cargo loading section, and removing said cargo loading section from the handling section may include removing the gripping arrangement.

[0031] Replacing said cargo loading section with another cargo loading section may include attaching the handling section to said other section. Petition 870230022897, dated 03 / 17 / 2023, page 21 / 57 7 / 26 Loading cargo using the gripping arrangement.

[0032] The gripping arrangement may include a primary side gripping arrangement that secures the side walls to the top wall of the handling section comprising mechanical fasteners, for example, in the form of a pin on each side of the body.

[0033] The clamping arrangement may also include a secondary end clamping arrangement that secures the rear end of the top wall to the base wall. The secondary end clamping arrangement may comprise a plurality of mechanical fasteners or at least one weld, or a combination of welds and mechanical fasteners that secure the rear end of the top wall to the base wall.

[0034] The bucket may include one or more of the optional bucket features defined in any prior aspect of the invention.

[0035] According to yet another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for reforming a bucket comprising a handling section and a separate loading section fastened together by a gripping arrangement to form a fixed body defining a loading space and an open mouth through which material is received and discharged from the loading space, wherein the handling section includes an upper wall extending in the opposite direction from the open mouth to a rear end and the loading section includes a base wall and two side walls projecting from each side of the base wall, wherein the method comprises: Separate the cargo handling and loading sections from each other by removing the gripping arrangement; place another cargo loading section adjacent to said handling section; attach said other cargo loading section to said handling section with the gripping arrangement by attaching the side walls to the top wall and attaching the rear end of the top wall to the wall. Petition 870230022897, dated 03 / 17 / 2023, page 22 / 57 8 / 26 base.

[0036] The said removal of the gripping arrangement may include cutting or detaching mechanical fasteners from the load handling and loading sections.

[0037] Said attachment of said other cargo loading section to said handling section with the attachment arrangement may include attaching the side walls to the top wall with mechanical fasteners and attaching the rear end of the top wall to the base wall with mechanical fasteners.

[0038] Instead, said removal of the gripping arrangement may include cutting welds that fasten the handling and load loading sections to each other.

[0039] Additionally, said gripping of another load loading section to said handling section may include welding the side walls to the top wall and welding the rear end of the top wall to the base wall.

[0040] The bucket may include one or more of the optional bucket features defined in any prior aspect of the invention.

[0041] According to yet another aspect of the invention, a loader is provided for use in mining operations comprising a front body section and a rear body section that can articulate with respect to the front body section to maneuver the loader in use, a pair of arms extending forward from the front body section, and a bucket mounted on the pair of arms, as defined in any of the preceding aspects of the invention.

[0042] The loader may include an intermediate overhead connection to the front and rear body sections that allows them to pivot relative to each other.

[0043] The loader may have wheels on the front and rear body sections for moving across the ground and the rear body section may include an operator's cab and a drive arrangement for the loader.

[0044] The loader may be a wheeled LHD loader used in above-ground mining operations.

[0045] The truck bed may include one or more of the optional truck bed features. Petition 870230022897, dated 03 / 17 / 2023, p. 23 / 57 9 / 26 defined in any previous aspect of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] A bucket and a machine that is a wheeled loader for use in surface mining operations, according to the present disclosure, can manifest themselves in a variety of forms. It will be convenient to describe hereafter various embodiments of the disclosure in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The purpose of providing this detailed description is to instruct persons interested in the subject matter of the invention in carrying out the invention in practice. However, it should be clearly understood that the specific nature of this detailed description does not supersede the generality of the preceding broad description. In the drawings: Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a prior art wheeled surface loader for use in above-ground operations; Figure 2 is a front perspective view of a bucket, according to an embodiment of the invention for mounting on a wheeled loader; Figure 3 is an exploded front perspective view of the truck bed shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 is a top rear perspective view of the truck bed shown in Figure 2; Figure 5 is a lower rear perspective view of the truck bed shown in Figure 2; Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the primary side gripping arrangement with a pin for the bucket of Figure 2; Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the primary side gripping arrangement in Figure 6 together with part of a handling section and an associated side of a load-loading section; Figure 8 is an assembled perspective view of the primary side gripping arrangement in Figure 6 with part of the handling section and the load loading section; Figures 9 to 11 are side views of three dump trucks that have different cargo loading space volumes, according to their configurations. Petition 870230022897, dated 03 / 17 / 2023, page 24 / 57 10 / 26 additional aspects of the invention; Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of a bucket, according to another embodiment of the invention, for mounting on a wheeled loader; Figure 13 is a perspective view of the bucket in Figure 12 shown in an assembled condition; Figure 14 is a rear view with a cross-sectional view of the bucket from Figure 12, section through YY; and Figure 15 is a front view with a cross-sectional view of the bucket of Figure 12, section through XX. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Figure 1 illustrates a wheel loader of the general type known in the art. The wheel loader has a vehicle body mounted on wheels and an operator's seat on the vehicle body. The body comprises a front body section and an articulated rear body section and a pair of arms projecting forward from the front body section with a bucket mounted at the ends of the arms. The loader additionally includes a bucket handling arrangement that includes one or more hydraulic systems for maneuvering the bucket, including raising and tilting the bucket in use.

[0048] In Figures 2 to 5, reference numeral 10 refers to a loader bucket, for example, an excavator or loader bucket for moving backfill material, for example, broken rock and ore material, according to the disclosure.

[0049] The bucket 10 largely comprises a handling section 12 which is rigidly connected to a separate loading section 16 by means of a gripping arrangement generally indicated by the reference numeral 20 to form a fixed body. The handling and loading sections 12 and 16 define an interior loading space 22 which has a volume and forms a fixed open mouth 24 through which material is received into the loading space 22 and through which material is discharged from the loading space 22. Petition 870230022897, dated 03 / 17 / 2023, page 25 / 57 11 / 26

[0050] The handling section 12 includes an upper wall 30 curved downwards in a direction opposite to the open mouth 24 along its length to a remote or rear end 32 that is contiguous with the cargo loading section 16. The curved upper wall has two sides 34 and 36 that extend from the mouth 24 to the rear end 32.

[0051] Handling section 12 also includes a bucket handling arrangement 38 that is coupled to and interacts with an external bucket handling arrangement (not shown in Figures 2 to 5, but shown in Figure 1) to operate and maneuver the bucket 10. In particular, the external bucket handling arrangement 38 is used to move the bucket 10 between a loading position to receive material and an inverted discharge position to discharge material from the bucket 10.

[0052] The load-bearing section 16 includes a base wall 40 and two side walls 42 and 44 that extend upwards from the base wall 40. The two side walls 42 and 44 have an upper edge 46 that is contiguous to the sides 34 and 36 of the upper wall 30. The base wall 40 has a front or mouth end 45 and a rear end 46 and two sides 47 and 48 extending between the mouth end 45 and the rear end 46.

[0053] The gripping arrangement 20, in turn, includes a primary side gripping arrangement 50 and a secondary end gripping arrangement 70. The primary side gripping arrangement 50 attaches each side of the handling section 12 to the associated side wall of the load-loading section 16. In comparison, the secondary end gripping arrangement 70 attaches the rear end 32 of the top wall 30 of the handling section 12 to the rear end 46 of the base wall 40 of the section 16. The primary and secondary gripping arrangements 50 and 70 are different from each other and will therefore be described separately in some detail below.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, each primary side gripping arrangement 50 comprises a primary fastener or pin 51 or 52 on each side of the body, extending through complementary aligned fastener openings 54 or 56 in Petition 870230022897, dated 03 / 17 / 2023, page 26 / 57 12 / 26 sections handle and load 12 and 16, respectively. Primary fasteners 51 and 52 are located adjacent to the open mouth 24 towards an upper end of the side walls 42 or 44. This fastens section 16 to section 12 adjacent to the mouth which is subject to a high load in use.

[0055] As shown in Figure 7, the primary side gripping arrangement includes protrusion formations indicated by the numerals 140, 142 which are formed respectively on the load handling and loading sections 12 and 16. The protrusion formations 140, 142 form the primary gripping openings 54, 56 which receive the primary fasteners 51, 52. Figure 8 shows the same structures as Figure 7, but with the primary side gripping assembly 50 shown from a different angle.

[0056] The protrusion formation 140 on the handling section 12, for example, has two elements or walls that are spaced apart, each defining a primary side gripping opening 54 or 56 through which the gripping member 51 or 52 is passed. In contrast, the protrusion formation 142 on the load loading section 16 has an individual element or wall with its side gripping opening that is received between or fitted between the two walls of the protrusion formation 140 of the handling section 12.

[0057] Additionally, the primary fasteners 51 and 52 are capable of rotating to some extent within the primary side gripping openings 54 and 56, and this allows the handling section 12 to pivot relative to the load-loading section 16. This allows the handling section 12 to be pivoted into engagement with the load-loading section 16 during bucket assembly 10, as will be described in more detail below.

[0058] Figures 6 to 8 illustrate the primary side gripping arrangement 50 in greater detail. However, this is merely an exemplary embodiment that has been used by the Applicant in putting the present invention into practice and there are many other ways in which this general principle can be implemented. Therefore, it should be understood that it does not limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. Petition 870230022897, dated 03 / 17 / 2023, page 27 / 57 13 / 26

[0059] Each primary fastener 51 and 52 is a reusable pin having a diameter of approximately 40-150 mm (illustrated in Figure 6). The pin has a head 130 protruding from the top wall 30 and the side wall 42 or 44. A removable retainer or cap 134 is mounted over the head 130 of the pin protruding from the top wall 30 so that it resists being removed from sections 12 and 16. The pin is sized and designed to withstand loads of the size that would be encountered when the bucket 10 is filled with broken stone material. The pin has an end opposite the head 130 which is received within a tight or snug passage 132 over the overhang of the handling section 12.

[0060] A plurality of secondary end fasteners 71 connect the upper wall 30 of the handling section 12 to the base wall 40 of the loading section 16. The secondary end fasteners 71 are arranged in a line from one side of the upper wall 30 (and base wall 40) to the other side, at the rear ends 46 and 32 of the same remote mouth 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the bucket 10 has approximately 16-24 end fasteners 71 that securely fasten the base wall 40 to the upper wall 30. However, it should be understood that the number of fasteners 71 extending through the upper wall will depend largely on the size of the bucket and may therefore vary considerably for different sizes.

[0061] The secondary end fasteners 70 include supplementary end fastener openings 72 and 74 set respectively on the top wall 30 of the handling section 12 and on the base wall 40 of the load loading section 16. When sections 12 and 16 are engaged to form a bucket 10, the corresponding secondary openings 72 and 74 are aligned with each other, and each secondary end fastener 71 is passed through a pair of aligned openings 72, 74.

[0062] Handling section 12 includes an assembly formation and cargo loading section 16 has a complementary assembly formation that interacts with said assembly formation by being received within said assembly formation. The assembly formation includes a transverse flange 80 that Petition 870230022897, dated 03 / 17 / 2023, page 28 / 57 14 / 26 depends on both sides 34, 36 of the top wall 30 perpendicular to the top wall 30. The flange 80 on the left side of the bucket is clearly shown in Figures 2 and 3 and there is a similar flange on the right side of the bucket 10. The flanges are positioned laterally outward from the side walls 42, 44 of the loading section 16 which is effectively received within the handling section 12.

[0063] The transverse flange 80 extends over its adjacent side wall 42 and provides mechanical support for the handling section 12 around the protrusion formations 140 and associated clamping openings 54 and 56. It will be considered that a substantial load is applied through the pins 51, 52 to the handling section 12 around the openings 54 and 56.

[0064] The walls or elements with their fastening openings 54 or 56 in the load handling and loading sections 12 and 16 (with the load loading section wall fitted between the spaced walls of the handling section) assist in positioning the load loading section 16 precisely with respect to the handling section 12. In particular, these walls position sections 12 and 16 correctly with respect to each other in a width direction.

[0065] The bucket 10 also includes locating tabs 90° over the handling section 12. These locating tabs 90° assist in locating a new cargo loading section 16 in position within the existing handling section 12, particularly in a front-to-back direction. In particular, the tabs assist in locating the rear end of the base wall in position relative to the top wall. In the illustrated embodiment, these locating tabs 90° comprise blocks or buttress formations welded over the top wall 30 that are spaced across the width of the top wall 30 of section 12. The bucket includes additional tabs adjacent to the sides of the handling section 12 to locate the side walls of the cargo loading section 16 against the handling section 12.

[0066] During the assembly of a bucket 10, the base wall 40 of section 16 is received within the rear end 32 of the top wall 30 of section 12 and is Petition 870230022897, dated 03 / 17 / 2023, page 29 / 57 15 / 26 is displaced or slides through an inner surface of the upper wall 30 until the rear end 46 of the base wall 40 is contiguous with the locating tabs 90 on the handling section 12. The locating tabs 90 are positioned so that, when the rear end 46 of the base wall 40 is contiguous with the formations 90, sections 12 and 16 are aligned with each other in a front-to-back direction. In this position, the secondary end fastener openings 72 and 74 are also aligned with each other in a front-to-back direction. Additionally, the locating tabs in the direction of the sides of the upper wall help to align the openings 72 and 74 in a transverse direction.

[0067] The bucket additionally includes GET (ground penetration teeth) formations 110 extending around the open mouth 24 to improve wear protection of this high-wear region of the bucket 10. The GET formations 110 typically comprise discrete teeth that are individually mounted on the mouth end 45 of the base wall 40 of the load-loading section 16. The GET formations 110 may also include folded plates that are mounted on a leading edge of the side walls 42 and 44. The structure and function of the GET formations 110 are known in the prior art and do not form part of the invention disclosed in the present application. They will therefore not be disclosed in further detail in the present detailed description.

[0068] Additionally, the bucket 10 includes deflector plates 120 mounted on an outer surface of each side wall 42, 44 of the load-loading section 16. The deflector plates 120 are extended outward from the side wall 42 or 44 in a direction opposite to the mouth 24. The deflector plates 120 function to reflect broken stone material in the direction opposite to the wheels of the loader vehicle in use. Since these deflector plates 120 are known in loaders of the prior art, they will not be described in greater detail in this descriptive report.

[0069] Additionally, the upper wall 30 of the handling section 16 has an arrangement of elongated slots 126 defined in it towards the mouth 24 or Petition 870230022897, dated 03 / 17 / 2023, page 30 / 57 16 / 26 leading end of the same near the mouth 24. These slots 126 in the upper wall 30 increase the visibility of the ground in front of the bucket 10 for a driver or loader operator. Again, since these elongated slots 126 are known in the art, they will not be described in further detail in the present detailed description.

[0070] In use, a new bucket 10 of the type described above with reference to Figures 2 to 8 will typically be supplied from a workshop to a loader operator for use on a surface loader that is similar to that shown in Figure 1. The load handling and loading sections 12 and 16 are operationally connected to each other by means of the mechanical gripping arrangement 20 to form an individual bucket body that is ready for use. The bucket 10 can be mounted on an external bucket handling arrangement of the loader by means of the handling formation 38 and the loader is then ready for use. During operation, the bucket 10 is used to collect and move broken rock and ore material, for example, generated in mining operations.For example, a loader can be used to collect material from a mud pile after blasting and deposit it into an ore truck, which then loads the material in the opposite direction from the mud pile.

[0071] Bucket 10 is exposed to a harsh environment in mining operations that subjects it to high wear. After a period of use, the loading section 16 will become worn and / or damaged to the point where bucket 10 can no longer perform its function and section 16 needs to be replaced.

[0072] To accomplish this, the bucket 10 and specifically the handling formation 38 of section 12, can first be detached or removed from the outer bucket handling arrangement or loader arms to which it is attached. This, therefore, basically removes the bucket from the loader 14 on which it is mounted. This would typically be the case where a bucket is damaged and requires complete overhaul.

[0073] Therefore, the load loading section 16 is highlighted or Petition 870230022897, dated 03 / 17 / 2023, page 31 / 57 17 / 26 removed from handling section 12 by releasing and / or removing fasteners from the mechanical gripping arrangement 20. This involves first removing the secondary fasteners 71 that extend along the width of the base wall 40. This is done manually by a technician using appropriate tools for the type of fasteners being used as secondary fasteners. In the case where the fasteners 71 are nut and bolt fasteners, the nuts can be removed, allowing the bolts to be removed from their fastener openings. Depending on their condition, the fasteners 71 are either reused to secure the new load-bearing section or discarded and replaced with new fasteners.

[0074] After the secondary fasteners 71 are removed, the primary fasteners, which are the pins 51 and 52, are removed from the primary side fastener openings 54, 56 in the protrusion formations 140, 142 of the load handling and loading sections 12 and 16. This is accomplished by removing the cap retainers 134 from the gripping members 51, 52 and then removing the fasteners 51 and 52 from their side fastener openings 54 and 56.

[0075] Once this is done, sections 12 and 16 are effectively detached and the handling section 12 can be lifted from the detached cargo loading section 16 and replaced with a new cargo loading section 16.

[0076] When mounting or installing the new load-loading section 16 over the handling section 12, the various fastening openings 54 and 56 and 72 and 74 need to be registered with each other, that is, aligned with each other. However, it is not a straightforward task to align or register all the associated fastening openings with each other, due to the fact that the harsh operating environment causes deformation of the bucket in use. In addition to wear on the load-loading section 16, the handling section 12 may also be deformed, even though it has less contact with rocks and other grounding material than the load-loading section 16.

[0077] In a first step, the 142 protrusion formations on section 16 are received between the 140 protrusion formations on section 12. This positions Petition 870230022897, dated 03 / 17 / 2023, page 32 / 57 18 / 26 correctly the handling section 12 with respect to the side walls 42, 44 of section 16 in a width direction, that is, extending from one side wall to the other side wall.

[0078] The primary gripping members 51, 52 are then passed through their associated side gripping openings 54, 56 in sections 12 and 16 which provide a basic fixation of sections 12 and 16. Sections 12 and 16 are then aligned with each other in a transverse direction but can pivot relative to each other in a front-to-back direction. That is, the primary gripping members 51, 52 can rotate within the primary side gripping openings 54, 56.

[0079] Therefore, sections 12 and 16 need to be placed in their mounting position in a front-to-back direction. To accomplish this, the handling section 12 is pivoted into its mounting position on the load-bearing section 16. The handling section 12 is correctly positioned when the rear end 46 of the base wall 40 of the load-bearing section 16 is contiguous against the locating tabs 90 on the top wall 30.

[0080] This action registers the associated pairs of secondary end fastener openings 72 and 74 of the two sections 12 and 16 in a front-to-back direction. This allows the secondary end fasteners 71 to be inserted through the associated pairs of end openings 72, 74 to attach the new section 16 to the existing section 12. Once this is done, the bucket 10 is ready for use and can be operationally mounted onto the loader's external bucket handling arrangement.

[0081] One advantage of the embodiments illustrated in Figures 2 to 8 is that a worn load-carrying section can be changed quite easily and quickly at a mining site, for example, an open-cut mine. The gripping arrangement can be mechanically removed to separate the old load-carrying section 16 from the handling section 12 using basic tools, due to the fact that the sections are not welded together. This makes Petition 870230022897, dated 03 / 17 / 2023, page 33 / 57 19 / 26 obviously requires cutting torches and welding equipment that would require different replacements to be used and implies an additional cost.

[0082] The combination of primary side gripping arrangements and secondary end gripping arrangements helps to facilitate proper mechanical fastening and connection of load handling and loading sections with limited equipment. This arrangement helps to facilitate the attachment of a new load loading section to an existing handling section, even when the latter is deformed to some extent.

[0083] Additionally, the primary side gripping arrangement comprising the pins passed through the openings on the sides of sections 12 and 16 considerably simplifies the gripping arrangement and makes it more user-friendly than previous techniques. Yet another advantage of the functional embodiment in Figures 2 to 8 above is that it facilitates the alignment of the secondary end gripping openings to allow the secondary end fasteners to be passed through the openings without the need for re-drilling. This helps reduce the changeover time for changing load-bearing sections.

[0084] While the process of changing load-carrying sections can technically be performed in the field, more typically, mine managers insist that it be performed in a workshop for workplace safety reasons. In some applications where there is a simple change of load-carrying sections to alter the load-carrying volume of the bucket and no overhaul is required, the bucket can remain operationally connected to the loader while the load-carrying section is replaced.

[0085] An advantage of all illustrated bucket configurations is that when a lower load-carrying section of a bucket fails or is damaged, it can be removed and replaced with a new load-carrying section.The handling section is reused, which is advantageous because the handling components that interact with external controls are machined to a tight tolerance and are expensive to manufacture. Petition 870230022897, dated 03 / 17 / 2023, page 34 / 57 20 / 26

[0086] Yet another advantage of all the illustrated embodiments is that the handling section comprises a curved upper wall that extends behind the mouth to the loading section. Additionally, the loading section comprises a substantially flat base wall that corresponds to the upper wall of the handling section and two substantially flat side walls that extend from the base that close the sides of the bucket. This basic structure aids in the manufacture of the handling and loading sections.

[0087] Another advantage of all the described configurations of a two-piece bucket is that manufacturing separate handling and loading sections takes up less workshop space. Additionally, the separate sections are smaller and some 'working at height' hazards are removed, improving safety.

[0088] In this regard, the manufactured sections can be handled separately after manufacturing, which is easier due to the fact that the sections are smaller than a combined bucket. A large bucket can be expensive to transport from its manufacturing location to a mining site, and it can be cheaper and easier to transport two smaller components to the site. By manufacturing the handling and loading sections separately, the sections can be packaged more effectively, for example, 'flat pack' for transport to the customer, which reduces transport costs. The difficulty of transporting large unit buckets to remote customers in foreign countries adds a significant cost and, in some extreme cases, can result in lost sales.

[0089] Figures 12 to 15 illustrate a bucket, according to another embodiment of the invention. In Figures 12 to 15, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same components, unless otherwise illustrated. Additionally, the following description will focus on the difference between the present embodiment and the embodiment described previously with reference to Figures 2 to 5.

[0090] The bucket in Figures 12 to 15 has complementary hitch formations respectively in the cargo handling and loading sections 12 and 16 which Petition 870230022897, dated 03 / 17 / 2023, p. 35 / 57 21 / 26 allows sections 12 and 16 to fit together and have surfaces that interlock with each other.

[0091] Handling section 12 has a coupling formation comprising flanges 210 and 212 on the sides of the top wall 30 extending downwards over complementary coupling formations on the load-loading section 16. In turn, the complementary coupling formations on the load-loading section 16 are formed by upper edge regions 216 and 218 of the side walls 42 and 44 extending from the sides of the base wall 40. The side walls 42, 44 and, particularly, the upper edge regions 216 and 218 thereof, are received within the flanges 210 and 212 extending below the top wall 30. The flanges 210 and 212 are dimensioned to receive the formations 216 and 218 within them with a small amount of clearance. That is, cargo loading section 16 is received within handling section 12.

[0092] Additionally, the rear edge 32 of the top wall 30 is positioned outside the base wall 40 of section 16 (which is received inside the top wall) and the rear edge 46 of the base wall 40 is correctly positioned in a front-to-back direction by location formations 220 on section 12.

[0093] In the embodiment of Figure 12, the gripping arrangement on the bucket comprises a plurality of welds that weld sections 12 and 16 together. More specifically, the complementary coupling formations on the cargo handling and loading sections 12 and 16 are welded to each other.

[0094] Section 12 is welded to section 16 together with each side 34 and 36 of the top wall 30. As shown in Figure 14 in more detail, there are two weld lines 230, 232 together with side 34, 36 of the top wall 30. One weld line 230 is located where the edge of section 12 is contiguous against the side wall 42, 44 of section 16. That is, where the end edge of flanges 110, 112 is contiguous to the surface of side wall 42 or 44. The other weld line 232 is located where the top edge of side walls 42, 44 is contiguous to the handling section 12. That is, where the end edge of the engagement formations formed by the top edge regions 116 and 118 Petition 870230022897, dated 03 / 17 / 2023, pp. 36 / 57 22 / 26 is adjacent to handling section 12.

[0095] Additionally, section 12 is welded to section 16 together with the rear end 32 of the top wall 30. As shown in Figure 15 in the illustrated embodiment, there are two weld lines 240, 242 that extend along the rear end 32 of the top wall 30. One weld line 240 welds the terminal end 32 of the top wall 30 to the adjacent surface of the base wall 40. Another weld line 242 welds the rear end 46 of the base wall 40 to the adjacent contiguous surface of the top wall 30.

[0096] In use, when an operator wishes to replace an existing load-loading section, for example, a worn-out 16, with a new load-loading section 16, the same cuts through the welds along the weld lines to detach or separate section 16 from section 12.

[0097] A new section 16 is then placed in position below the handling section 12 and the configurations of sections 12, 16 with their complementary engagement formations 210, 212 and 216, 218 help to locate them in a correct position relative to each other. The new section 16 is then welded to the existing handling section 12. This provides a bucket 10 with a new load-loading section 16 and a new service life.

[0098] Additionally, in another embodiment not illustrated in the drawings, sections 12 and 16 of the new bucket 10 can be fastened to each other by means of a combination of mechanical fasteners and welds. For example, the side walls 42, 44 can be fastened to the top wall 32 by mechanical fasteners such as the primary side fasteners shown in Figures 2 to 5 and the rear ends 46 and 32 of the base wall 40 and the top wall 32 can be welded to each other.

[0099] Instead, the side walls can be welded to section 12 and the rear ends of the base wall and top wall can be fastened to each other by mechanical fasteners such as the secondary fasteners shown in Figures 2 to 5. Additional and different combinations of mechanical fasteners and welds could also be used to fasten the handling section to the section of Petition 870230022897, dated 03 / 17 / 2023, page 37 / 57 23 / 26 cargo loading.

[00100] Figures 9 to 11 illustrate a bucket that is structurally similar to the bucket shown in Figures 1 to 8. However, the cargo loading space volume in the bucket can be altered by replacing one cargo loading section with a different size cargo loading section.

[00101] Figure 9 shows a bucket that has a first volumetric capacity. As shown in the drawings, a leading edge 100 of the load-loading section 16 is established back from the primary fastening 50 or pin of the load-loading section 16 to the handling section 12. That is, it is turned or inclined towards the rear, for example, of the top and bottom walls, as it extends downwards in the opposite direction from the pin of the primary fastening 50.

[00102] Figure 10, in turn, shows a bucket 10 that is very similar to that in Figure 9 except for the fact that it defines a larger load-loading space 22 than the bucket in Figure 9. As shown in the drawings, the leading edge 100 of the load-loading section 16 extends in a line directly downwards or straight down from the primary side fastener or pin. Therefore, the front of the leading edge of section 16 of the bucket 10 is shown in Figure 9. The depth of the bucket in Figure 10 is greater than in Figure 9 and, in this way, the bucket 10 defines a larger load-loading space 22.

[00103] Figure 11 shows a bucket 10 that is very similar to the bucket in Figures 9 and 10, but which defines a volumetric capacity that is greater than the bucket shown in Figures 9 or

[00104] In this case, the leading edge 100 of the load-loading section 16 extends in a line that extends forward (towards the mouth) of the primary side fastener or pin of the load-loading section 16. Said design alters the yields of an additional volume of load-loading space 22 in the bucket 10. Petition 870230022897, dated 03 / 17 / 2023, page 38 / 57 24 / 26

[00105] Apart from the aforementioned design difference, the other dimensions of the bucket are basically the same as those of the bucket in Figures 9 and 10. Specifically, the handling section 12 is identical in all respects in the buckets of Figures 9 to 11, since it is the position and arrangement of the mounting arrangement on the load-loading section. Therefore, the same mounting formation on the handling section 12 is used for the different sizes of load-loading sections 16.

[00106] In use, a mine operator using the bucket shown in Figure 9 can exchange the load-carrying section 16 of the bucket 10 with that shown in Figure 11 and effectively and substantially increase the volumetric load-carrying capacity of the bucket 10. In this way, an individual handling section 12 with an individual mechanical gripping arrangement can be used to provide a bucket with a range of different volumes. In the illustrated embodiment, the bucket volume is increased by 20-25%. However, in other embodiments, larger increases can easily be achieved.

[00107] In some situations, bucket 10 may be able to remain operationally connected to the loader while the loader sections are changed. This is obviously advantageous for a mine operator, due to the fact that the sections can be changed more quickly and with less downtime. Additionally, fewer manpower and equipment resources are required when the loader section can be replaced without removing the bucket from the loader.

[00108] One advantage of the methods described above with reference to Figures 9 to 11 is that standardizing an individual handling section for different bucket sizes can help achieve production efficiencies. A standard stand can be provided for high-tolerance manufacturing, which greatly reduces assembly time frames. Additionally, better use of robotic welding processes with minimal programming input can be achieved when there is an individual standard handling section size to manufacture.

[00109] The modality in Figures 9 to 11 also gives a contractor an option Petition 870230022897, dated 03 / 17 / 2023, pp. 39 / 57 25 / 26 of changing the load-loading sections and adjusting the volumetric capacity of the bucket 10 to suit an application for which the bucket is used. Some illustrative scenarios in which this may occur are set out below.

[00110] One scenario in which a mine operator wishes to increase the bucket capacity is that a substantial amount of lighter overburden is required to be removed before the ore material can be reached and recovered. A larger bucket capacity will be preferable for removing overburden, due to the fact that the overburden is lighter and therefore a larger volume of material can be loaded into each bucket. This can be achieved by changing a smaller load-loading section for a larger load-loading section in the manner described above.

[00111] In another scenario, a mining contractor may operate a fleet of wheel loaders that need to be relocated and deployed to another mining site where the density of the ore being recovered is different. Alternatively, the density of an ore being recovered at a particular site may change, and the contractor wishes to adjust the bucket size in response to different material densities to optimize their mining operation. The interchangeable capability of different sized loading sections within a single-size handling section makes the bucket more versatile and adaptable to provide different loading volumes. Margins are often tight, and sub-ideal bucket sizes lead to inefficient loading and lost production. Contractors are paid per ton of material removed and therefore wish to optimize their bucket size.

[00112] In another scenario, a customer may be working at a new mining site with limited information on the ore body and still be trying to establish an optimized bucket load volume. In this situation, the properties of the ore and rock material to be handled are not precisely known until operations have been conducted for some time (after the bucket is manufactured). In this scenario, the bucket in Figures 9 to 11 provides the flexibility Petition 870230022897, dated 03 / 17 / 2023, pp. 40 / 57 26 / 26 to adapt and optimize the load-carrying volume of the bucket at a later stage by replacing the load-carrying section with a section that alters the bucket volume to provide the correct overall load-carrying volume. The Applicant is aware that incorrectly specified bucket volumes may lead to production targets not being met. In some extreme cases where the manufactured bucket volume is far from optimized, entirely new individual-piece buckets may need to be manufactured, which is extremely costly and wasteful.

[00113] In this regard, a mining company may have multiple mining leases and its own fleet of wheel loaders for each lease, with buckets sized to suit its specific operating conditions. However, when a lease expires, or is placed under care and maintenance, or production is ramped up at other locations, the loaders may need to be transferred between sites. Existing loaders may have bucket sizes that are sub-optimal for the new site, and this feature allows the bucket volume to be altered to suit the current situation.

[00114] Naturally, it will be perceived that the above has been provided only as an illustrative example of the invention and that all modifications and variations thereof, as would be evident to persons skilled in the art, are considered to be encompassed by the broad scope and scope of the invention, as presented in this document. Petition 870230022897, dated 03 / 17 / 2023, pp. 41 / 57

Claims

1 / 7 CLAIMS 1. Bucket for a loader, the bucket characterized by comprising: a handling section connected to a separate load-loading section to form a fixed body, the handling and load-loading sections defining a load-loading space and an open mouth through which material is received and discharged from the load-loading space, the handling section includes a top wall extending rearward in a direction opposite to the open mouth, and the load-loading section includes a base wall and two side walls projecting upward from each side of the base wall, and a primary side gripping arrangement that secures each side wall of the load-loading section to the top wall of the handling section, the primary side gripping arrangement mounting the load-loading section onto the handling section while allowing the handling section to pivot relative to the load-loading section,and a secondary end gripping arrangement that differs from the primary side gripping arrangement, in that during load-bearing section replacement, the handling section can be mounted on the load-bearing section and pivoted to a mounting position where the secondary end gripping arrangement secures the top wall to the base wall.

2. Bucket for a loader, according to claim 1, characterized in that the primary side gripping arrangement is configured to correctly position the handling section relative to the load loading section in a lateral direction.

3. Bucket for a loader, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the primary side gripping arrangement comprises a pin on each side of the load-loading section, each pin being engaged with the side wall and the top wall so as to allow the handling section to pivot Petition 870260024721, dated 03 / 17 / 2026, page 19 / 34 2 / 7 on the load-loading section.

4. Bucket for a loader, according to claim 3, characterized in that the primary side gripping arrangement comprises a protrusion formation on each side of the load loading section forming a gripping opening, and an additional protrusion formation on each side of the handling section forming an additional gripping opening, and wherein said gripping opening and additional gripping opening on each side are aligned with each other to receive the pin through them.

5. Bucket for a loader, according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the handling section comprises an assembly formation, and the load loading section comprises a complementary assembly formation interacting with said assembly formation.

6. Bucket for a loader, according to claim 5, characterized in that the complementary mounting formation in the load loading section is dimensioned and configured to be received within the mounting formation of the handling section.

7. Bucket for a loader, according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the handling section assembly formation includes locating tabs on each side of the upper wall that locate the load-loading section over the handling section in a lateral direction and / or the handling section assembly formation additionally includes locating tabs on the upper wall to locate the load-loading section over the handling section in a front-to-back direction.

8. Bucket for a loader, according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the secondary end gripping arrangement comprises a plurality of fasteners that fasten the top wall to the base wall, and the plurality of fasteners being arranged in a line from one side of the top wall to the other side.

9. Bucket for a loader, according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the mouth has a width extending from one side wall to the other side wall and a height extending from the base wall to the top wall at the mouth, and the width of the mouth is at least 50% greater than the height of the mouth.

10. Bucket for a loader, according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the secondary end gripping arrangement comprises at least one weld for welding the rear end of the top wall to the base wall.

11. Method for altering the size of a bucket for a loader comprising a handling section that is connected to a separate load-loading section to form a fixed body defining a load-loading space and an open mouth through which material is received and discharged from the load-loading space, the handling section including a top wall extending in a direction opposite to the open mouth, and the load-loading section including a base wall and two side walls projecting upwards from each side of the base wall, a primary side gripping arrangement that secures each side wall of the load-loading section to the top wall of the handling section, the primary side gripping arrangement mounting the load-loading section onto the handling section while allowing the handling section to pivot relative to the load-loading section,and a secondary end gripping arrangement that is different from the primary side gripping arrangement, the method characterized by comprising: separating said load-loading section from the handling section by removing the secondary end gripping arrangement to separate the top wall from the base wall, and then removing the primary side gripping arrangement to separate the side walls from the top wall, Petition 870260024721, dated 03 / 17 / 2026, page 21 / 34 4 / 7 placing another load-loading section of different size to said load-loading section in a position adjacent to said handling section, mounting said handling section onto the load-loading section by means of the primary side gripping arrangement so that the handling section is supported on the other load-loading section, pivoting the handling section into a mounting position on the other load-loading section,and then attach the top wall to the base wall with the secondary end clamping arrangement to form a bucket of a different size.

12. Method for altering the size of a bucket for a loader, according to claim 11, characterized in that the primary side gripping arrangement is configured to correctly position the handling section relative to the load loading section in a lateral direction.

13. Method for altering the size of a bucket for a loader, according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the primary side gripping arrangement comprises a pin on each side of the load-loading section that allows the handling section to pivot on the load-loading section.

14. Method for altering the size of a bucket for a loader, according to claim 13, characterized in that the primary side gripping arrangement comprises a protrusion formation on each side of the load loading section forming a gripper opening, and an additional protrusion formation on each side of the handling section forming an additional gripper opening, and wherein said gripper opening and additional gripper opening on each side are aligned with each other to receive the primary gripper through them.

15. Method for altering the size of a bucket for a loader, according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the handling section includes an assembly formation, and the loading section includes a complementary assembly formation interacting with said assembly formation.

16. Method for altering the size of a bucket for a loader, according to claim 15, characterized in that the complementary assembly formation of each of said load loading sections is dimensioned and configured to be received within the assembly formation of the handling section.

17. Method for reforming a bucket for a loader comprising a handling section that is connected to a separate load-loading section to form a fixed body defining a load-loading space and an open mouth through which material is received and discharged from the load-loading space, the handling section including a top wall extending rearward in a direction opposite to the open mouth, and the load-loading section including a base wall and two side walls projecting upward from each side of the base wall, a primary side gripping arrangement that secures each side wall of the load-loading section to the top wall of the handling section, the primary side gripping arrangement mounting the load-loading section onto the handling section while allowing the handling section to pivot relative to the load-loading section,and a secondary end gripping arrangement that is different from the primary side gripping arrangement, the method characterized by comprising: separating said load-bearing section from the handling section by removing the secondary end gripping arrangement to separate the top wall from the base wall, and then removing the primary side gripping arrangement to separate the side walls from the top wall, placing another load-bearing section in a position adjacent to said handling section, mounting said handling section onto the other load-bearing section by means of the primary side gripping arrangement so that the handling section is supported on the other load-bearing section, pivoting the handling section into a mounting position on the other load-bearing section,and then attach the top wall to the base wall with the secondary end clamping arrangement to form a reformed bucket.

18. Method for reforming a bucket, according to claim 17, characterized in that said primary side gripping arrangement is configured to correctly position the handling section relative to the load loading section in a lateral direction.

19. Method for reforming a bucket, according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the primary side gripping arrangement comprises a pin on each side of the load-loading section that allows the handling section to pivot on the load-loading section.

20. A loader for use in mining operations, characterized by comprising a front body section and a rear body section that can articulate with respect to the front body section to maneuver the loader in use, a pair of arms extending forward from the front body section, and a bucket mounted on the pair of arms, the bucket comprising: a handling section connected to a separate load-loading section to form a fixed body, the handling and load-loading sections defining a load-loading space and an open mouth, the handling section including an upper wall that extends rearward in a direction opposite to the open mouth, and the load-loading section including a base wall and two side walls that project upward from each side of the base wall,and a primary side gripping arrangement that secures each side wall of the load-loading section to the top wall of the handling section by pivotally mounting the load-loading section onto the handling section, and a secondary end gripping arrangement that differs from the primary side gripping arrangement, Petition 870260024721, dated 03 / 17 / 2026, p. 24 / 34 7 / 7, in that during replacement of the load-loading section, the handling section may be mounted onto the load-loading section and pivoted to a mounting position in which the secondary end gripping arrangement secures the top wall to the base wall.

21. Loader, according to claim 20, characterized in that the loader has wheels on the front and rear body sections for moving across the ground, and the rear body section includes an operator's cab and a drive arrangement for the loader. Petition 870260024721, dated 03 / 17 / 2026, p. 25 / 34

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