A cushioning system for arresting swing movement of a dipper door

Abstract

A cushioning system (284) for arresting a swing movement of a door (184) relative to a body (180) of a bucket (128). The cushioning system (284) includes a brake assembly (288), an arm structure (292), and a linkage structure (296). The brake assembly (288) is configured to be fixedly mounted to the body (180). The arm structure (292) is configured for performing a rotation about a first axis (312), the rotation of the arm structure (292) being damped by the brake assembly (288). The linkage structure (296) is rotatably coupled to the arm structure (292) for rotation about a second axis (316) and is movable to apply and transfer a force F to the arm structure (292) in correspondence with the swing movement of the door (184). A direction of the force F defines an angle between 80-100 degrees relative to an axis (326) or a plane (328) through the first axis (312) and the second axis (316) throughout the swing movement of the door (184).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to machines with buckets for scooping and conveying materials on a construction site. More specifically, this invention relates to a buffer system for preventing the bucket door from swinging relative to the bucket body. Background Technology

[0002] Excavators such as electric rope excavators typically use a bucket to excavate and scoop a quantity of material from a material storage area at a work site (e.g., a mine). The bucket typically includes a body defining a mouth and a port. The bucket may also include a door that is movable (e.g., swings) to open and close the port. In a typical operating cycle, the operator may bring the mouth (e.g., the edge defined by the mouth) against the material storage engagement, scoop material from the storage area into the bucket body, move the bucket across the container (e.g., the dump truck body), and release the door, causing it to swing open to release material (e.g., under gravity) as a payload into the dump truck body. The door may then return or swing backward to close the port. The bucket is then turned back towards the material pile to scoop the next quantity of material from the pile.

[0003] It is known that such buckets include a damping system that applies or provides damping to the swinging movement of the door, thereby preventing the door from impacting the body or any external structure (e.g., a container) when it is closed and / or opened. However, with conventional damping systems, a relatively large portion or component of the force associated with the swinging motion of the door is poorly regulated, resulting in ineffective utilization of the damping system's torque capacity and damping effect. In some cases, this component of the force may also be improperly transmitted to the bucket body and / or the door.

[0004] U.S. Patent No. 9,096,992 relates to a bucket assembly including a bucket, a bucket door, a closing mechanism, and one or more block assemblies. The bucket door is pivotally mounted to the bucket and has a closed position in which the bucket door covers the bottom of the bucket. The closing mechanism has a locked position and an unlocked position and is coupled to the rear of the bucket and the bucket door. In the locked position, the closing mechanism holds the bucket door in the closed position. In the unlocked position, the closing mechanism allows the bucket door to swing out of the closed position. The block assemblies are coupled to the rear of the bucket and limit the rotation of the side chain plates to a predetermined angle corresponding to the closed position. Summary of the Invention

[0005] On one hand, the present invention relates to a buffer system for preventing swinging movement of a bucket door relative to the bucket body. The buffer system includes a braking assembly, a boom structure, and a linkage structure. The braking assembly is configured to be fixedly mounted to the bucket body. The boom structure is configured to perform reciprocating rotation about a first axis, the reciprocating rotation of the boom structure being damped by the braking assembly. The linkage structure is rotatably connected to the boom structure to rotate relative to the boom structure about a second axis. The linkage structure can move in response to swinging movement of the door and is configured to apply and transmit forces associated with the swinging movement of the door to the boom structure. The direction of the force applied to the boom structure by the linkage structure in response to the swinging movement of the door is defined at an angle between 80 and 100 degrees relative to an axis or plane passing through the first and second axes throughout the swinging movement of the door.

[0006] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a bucket for a bulldozer. The bucket includes a body, a door, and a buffer system. The body defines a cavity, a first end defines a spout for receiving material into the cavity, and a second end opposite the first end defines a port for releasing material from the cavity. The door is configured to perform a swinging movement relative to the body to selectively open and close the port. The buffer system prevents the swinging movement of the door relative to the body. The buffer system includes a braking assembly, a boom structure, and a linkage structure. The braking assembly is fixedly mounted to the body of the bucket. The boom structure is configured to perform reciprocating rotation about a first axis. The reciprocating rotation of the boom structure is damped by the braking assembly. The linkage structure is rotatably connected to the boom structure to rotate relative to the boom structure about a second axis. The linkage structure can move in response to the swinging movement of the door and is configured to apply and transmit forces associated with the swinging movement of the door to the boom structure. The direction of the force applied to the boom structure by the linkage structure in response to the swinging movement of the door is defined at an angle between 80 and 100 degrees relative to an axis or plane passing through the first and second axes throughout the swinging movement of the door.

[0007] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a machine. The machine includes a main frame, a linkage assembly movably coupled to the main frame, and a bucket movably coupled to the linkage assembly and configured to receive material from a material reservoir and transfer the material into a container. The bucket includes a body, a door, and a buffer system. The body defines a cavity, a first end defines a spout for receiving material into the cavity, and a second end opposite the first end defines a port for releasing material from the cavity into a container. The door is configured to perform a swinging movement relative to the body to open and close the port. The buffer system prevents the swinging movement of the door relative to the body. The buffer system includes a braking assembly, an arm structure, and a linkage structure. The braking assembly is fixedly mounted to the body of the bucket. The arm structure is configured to perform reciprocating rotation about a first axis. The reciprocating rotation of the arm structure is damped by the braking assembly. The linkage structure is rotatably coupled to the arm structure to rotate relative to the arm structure about a second axis. The linkage structure can move in response to the swinging movement of the door and is configured to apply and transmit forces associated with the swinging movement of the door to the arm structure. The direction of the force applied to the arm structure by the linkage structure in response to the swinging movement of the door is defined at an angle between 80 and 100 degrees relative to the axis or plane passing through the first axis and the second axis throughout the swinging movement of the door. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a side view of a machine having a linkage assembly and a bucket according to one aspect of the present invention;

[0009] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The illustration shows the door of a bucket between a closed state and an open state according to one aspect of the invention, and also shows a buffer system for preventing the door from swinging between the closed and open states.

[0010] Figure 4 This is a partial isometric view illustrating certain details of the buffer system and the bucket according to one aspect of the invention; and

[0011] Figure 5 and Figure 6 These are different views of exemplary configurations and / or layouts of a buffer system illustrated by schematic line diagrams according to one aspect of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0012] Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Generally, corresponding reference numerals may be used throughout the drawings to denote the same or corresponding parts.

[0013] Reference Figure 1A bulldozer 100 is shown. The bulldozer 100 may include a rope bulldozer 104, such as a rope bulldozer that can be operated and powered electrically and / or by burning fuel. For convenience, the bulldozer 100 may be simply referred to as machine 108 below. Machine 108 may be used at a work site 112, such as in a mining environment, like a mine, to scrape and scoop material from a material storage 116 and transfer the scooped material into a container (e.g., into the dump truck body) (not shown). Such a container may be positioned adjacent to machine 108 during the scooping and material transfer operations. Machine 108 may include a main frame 120, a linkage assembly 124, and a bucket 128. Aspects of the invention may also be applied to other machines, such as excavators.

[0014] The main frame 120 can be supported on the traction device 132 (in Figure 1 Only one traction device 132 is visible. The traction device 132 enables the machine 108 to travel from one location on site 112 to another location on site 112. The traction device 132 may include wheels or tracks, individually or in combination with each other. At least one traction device may be disposed on each side of the machine 108. In some embodiments, the main frame 120 may be rotatably supported on the traction device 132 to allow the main frame 120 and various components coupled to the main frame 120 to rotate relative to the traction device 132 and perform scooping and material transfer operations. Furthermore, the main frame 120 may define a front end 136 and a rear end 140.

[0015] The front end 136 and the rear end 140 can be understood based on an exemplary direction of travel (see direction T) in which the machine 108 can move over and along the area of ​​the work site 112, the direction of travel being defined as from the rear end 140 toward the front end 136. The movement of the machine 108 can be achieved by the propulsive action of the traction device 132, and the traction device 132 can be powered by a power source (e.g., an electric power source or a fuel-based power source or both).

[0016] Linkage assembly 124 may be coupled (e.g., pivotally coupled) to the front end 136 of the main frame 120 of machine 108. For this purpose, linkage assembly 124 may include a boom 144 coupled (e.g., pivotally coupled) and extending upward and outward from the front end 136 of the main frame 120. Machine 108 may also include a constriction mechanism 148 and a lifting mechanism 152 disposed on boom 144. Constriction mechanism 148 may include a handle 156 that may be configured to slidably move relative to boom 144. Lifting mechanism 152 may include a winch (not shown), a pulley 160, and a lifting cable 164 that may be coupled to the winch and travel around pulley 160, as shown.

[0017] Bucket 128 is pivotally coupled to end 168 of handle 156 and can be configured to receive and retain soil (and / or other materials) during scooping and material transfer operations. Additionally, end 172 of lifting cable 164 can extend on pulley 160 and can be coupled to bucket 128. Based on the rotation of the winch, lifting cable 164 can retract or extend relative to the winch to raise or lower bucket 128 relative to ground 176 on which machine 108 can travel and operate. Furthermore, based on the sliding movement of handle 156 relative to boom 144, bucket 128 can extend or retract relative to boom 144. Bucket 128 may include body 180 and door 184.

[0018] refer to Figures 1 to 4 The body 180 of the bucket 128 can define a cavity 188, and the first end 192 defines a nozzle 196 for receiving material into the cavity 188 (see...). Figure 2 and Figure 3 ), and the second end 200, opposite to the first end 192, defines a port 204 for releasing material from the cavity 188 (see Figure 3 The body 180 defines a first outer surface portion 208 and a second outer surface portion 212, each disposed at least partially around the cavity 188. The second outer surface portion 212 may be positioned opposite the first outer surface portion 208, and each of the first outer surface portion 208 and the second outer surface portion 212 may extend between the mouth portion 196 and the port 204 or between the first end 192 and the second end 200. Furthermore, a first lateral side surface portion 216 and a second lateral side surface portion 220 (see...) Figure 4 It can extend between the mouth portion 196 and the port 204, or between the first end 192 and the second end 200. The first lateral side surface portion 216 and the second lateral side surface portion 220 can be arranged opposite each other, and the first outer surface portion 208 and the second outer surface portion 212 can be integrally connected to each other.

[0019] In combination, the first outer surface portion 208, the second outer surface portion 212, the first lateral side surface portion 216, and the second lateral side surface portion 220 can be an integral and continuous structure defined around the cavity 188 of the bucket 128. Furthermore, in combination, the first outer surface portion 208, the second outer surface portion 212, the first lateral side surface portion 216, and the second lateral side surface portion 220 can give the overall structure of the body 180 of the bucket 128 and the cavity 188 defined within the body 180 of the bucket 128 a generally cubic shape or profile. Additionally, a set of hinge supports (e.g., the first hinge support 228 and the second hinge support 232) (see also...) Figure 4 (First hinge bracket 228 and second hinge bracket 232) (See also) Figure 4 ).

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the body 180 defines a first edge 236 at a first end 192 to define a mouth 196 at the first end 192. A portion 240 of the first edge 236 may accommodate one or more protruding members 244, which may be assembled with or integrally formed with the body 180 at said portion 240 of the first edge 236 to serve as a set of teeth. During scooping and material transfer operations, the protruding members 244 may be used to engage a material reservoir 116 and scoop a portion of material from the material reservoir 116 into a cavity 188. Furthermore, according to one aspect of the invention, the body 180 may define a second edge 248 at a second end 200 to define a port 204 at the second end 200.

[0021] Door 184 is configured to perform a swinging movement relative to body 180 to selectively open and close port 204. In one case, door 184 can move away from the second edge 248 to the open state (see...). Figure 3 In one case, the door 184 can be moved to a closed state in contact with the second edge 248 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 2 The door 184 is closed at port 204. Therefore, the swinging of the door 184 can be understood as being operable in one or both clockwise and counterclockwise directions between a closed and an open state. To perform the swinging movement, the door 184 can be pivotally coupled to the body 180 (e.g., coupled to the first outer surface portion 208 of the body 180), and a suitable pivoting mechanism (discussed exemplary below) can facilitate opening and closing the door 184 relative to the body 180 of the bucket 128. When the door 184 moves to the closed state (… Figure 2 When the port 204 is closed, the door 184 may define a side surface portion 252 extending in a direction defined between the first outer surface portion 208 and the second outer surface portion 212. Although not limited, the side surface portion 252 of the door 184 may define a generally planar profile.

[0022] Regarding the pivoting mechanism between door 184 and body 180, door 184 can be pivotally connected to body 180 (e.g., connected to the first outer surface portion 208 of body 180) via a pair of L-shaped hinge members (e.g., first L-shaped hinge member 256 and second L-shaped hinge member 260) (see also) Figure 4Each of the first L-shaped hinge member 256 and the second L-shaped hinge member 260 may include a first rod portion 264 and a second rod portion 268, wherein the first rod portion 264 of the first L-shaped hinge member 256 and the second L-shaped hinge member 260 may extend along a planar profile defined by the door 184 (e.g., in the same direction). The second rod portion 268 of the first L-shaped hinge member 256 and the second L-shaped hinge member 260 may be correspondingly curved relative to the first rod portion 264 of the first L-shaped hinge member 256 and the second L-shaped hinge member 260. In some embodiments, the second rod portion 268 of the first L-shaped hinge member 256 and the second L-shaped hinge member 260 may extend correspondingly orthogonal to the first rod portion 264 of the first L-shaped hinge member 256 and the second L-shaped hinge member 260.

[0023] The second link portion 268 can each define a hinge end (e.g., the first hinge end 272 and the second hinge end 276) (see...). Figure 4 While not limited, each of the first L-shaped hinge member 256 and the second L-shaped hinge member 260 may be integrally formed with the remainder of the body of the door 184. In the assembly of the door 184 and the body 180, the first hinge end 272 may be aligned with the first hinge bracket 228, and the second hinge end 276 may be aligned with the second hinge bracket 232. Furthermore, corresponding rotating members (such as pin 234) may pass through the assembly of the first hinge end 272 and the first hinge bracket 228, and through the assembly of the second hinge end 276 and the second hinge bracket 232, to define a pivoting mechanism between the door 184 and the body 180. In some embodiments, the door 184 may pivot relative to the body 180 about an axis (hereinafter referred to as the fourth axis 280, for understanding one or more aspects of the invention). In some embodiments, the fourth axis 280 may extend (e.g., orthogonally) between the first lateral side surface portion 216 and the second lateral side surface portion 220.

[0024] According to one or more aspects of the present invention, a buffer system 284 for a bucket 128 is disclosed. The buffer system 284 can be used to prevent the door 184 of the bucket 128 from swinging relative to the body 180 of the bucket 128. The buffer system 284 includes a braking assembly 288, a boom structure 292, and a linkage structure 296, each of which will be discussed in detail below.

[0025] The braking assembly 288 may be disposed between the first hinge bracket 228 and the second hinge bracket 232. For example, the braking assembly 288 may include a base 300. Figure 4The door 184 of the bucket 128 is fixedly mounted to a first outer surface portion 208 of the body 180 of the bucket 128. The braking assembly 288 may include a housing 304 and a damping member 308 (e.g., a shaft) rotatable relative to the housing 304. Rotation of the damping member 308 (e.g., a shaft) may be damped by a suitable damping mechanism disposed within the housing 304. As an example, the damping mechanism may be fluid-based, where, for example, the transfer of a portion of fluid from one cavity to another (within the housing 304) can cause damping of the rotation of the damping member 308, for example, when rotating in either direction (clockwise or counterclockwise). Such damping mechanisms and other such mechanisms are well known to those skilled in the art and will therefore not be discussed further. Subsequent damping action may be applied to prevent swinging movement of the door 184 of the bucket 128 relative to the body 180 of the bucket 128, and the manner of this application will be understood from the following disclosure.

[0026] Arm structure 292 may be coupled (e.g., fixedly coupled) to damping member 308. In this way, arm structure 292 can rotate relative to housing 304 of braking assembly 288. For example, arm structure 292 may be configured to perform reciprocating rotation relative to housing 304 of braking assembly 288. When arm structure 292 is coupled to damping member 308, and since the rotation of damping member 308 is damped by damping mechanism, the reciprocating rotation of arm structure 292 may also be damped by braking assembly 288. In some embodiments, the axis of rotation of arm structure 292 may be the same axis of rotation of damping member 308. This axis may be referred to as first axis 312. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the rotation of damping member 308 may be limited to an angular range. Thus, arm structure 292 is also capable of performing reciprocating motion (e.g., rotation) within the corresponding angular range to traverse and define a sector of a circle during its rotation about first axis 312.

[0027] See Figures 2 to 6 The linkage structure 296 can be rotatably coupled to the arm structure 292 to rotate (e.g., freely rotate) relative to the arm structure 292 about a second axis 316. Furthermore, the linkage structure 296 can also be pivotally or rotatably coupled to the side surface portion 252 of the door 184 and can rotate relative to the door 184 about a third axis 324, as shown. For example, the linkage structure 296 can be pivotally coupled to the side surface portion 252 of the door 184 via a mounting bracket 320 arranged on the side surface portion 252. With this connection, the linkage structure 296 can accommodate the swinging movement of the door 184 and can receive a force F from the door 184 during the swinging movement of the door 184 (see Figure 184). Figure 5Effectively, the linkage structure 296 can move in response to the swinging movement of the door 184, and can also be configured to apply and transmit the force F associated with the swinging movement of the door 184 to the arm structure 292.

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, the direction of the force F applied to the arm structure 292 by the linkage structure 296 in response to the swinging movement of the door 184 is relative to the axis 326 or plane 328 passing through the first axis 312 and the second axis 316 during the swinging movement of the door 184 (see...). Figure 5 and Figure 6 The angle (A) is defined. Angle (A) can be between 80 and 100 degrees – see [link / reference] Figure 2 and Figure 3 Together Figure 5 Angle (A) is depicted therein. In this regard, the following description further discusses an exemplary configuration and / or layout of the buffer system 284, which helps to maintain said angle (A) between 80 and 100 degrees throughout the entire swing movement of the door 184. This layout and / or configuration is discussed using schematic line drawing 332.

[0029] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in Figure 6 The section discusses schematic line graph 332 to aid visualization, which is relative to... Figure 5 The orientation is slightly tilted to provide a perspective view of plane 328 and the direction or action of force F relative to plane 328. Schematic line drawing 332 illustrates each of axes 280, 312, 316, and 324 as described above. As can be noted, schematic line drawing 332 also illustrates multiple reference lines shown as extending between axes 280, 312, 316, and 324. Furthermore, the direction of force F applied to arm structure 292 by linkage structure 296 in response to the swing of door 184 can also be seen through schematic line drawing 332. To further understand the exemplary configuration of schematic line drawing 332 and buffer system 284, the following conditions can be considered exemplarily: each of the first axis 312, second axis 316, third axis 324, and fourth axis 280 can be parallel to each other, and can define corresponding distances between them. For example, a first distance D1 can be defined between the first axis 312 and the second axis 316, a second distance D2 can be defined between the second axis 316 and the third axis 324, a third distance D3 can be defined between the third axis 324 and the fourth axis 280, and a fourth distance D4 can be defined between the fourth axis 280 and the first axis 312.

[0030] The first distance D1 can be defined along a first reference line 336 (arranged along axis 326 or in plane 328) extending orthogonally between the first axis 312 and the second axis 316; the second distance D2 can be defined along a second reference line 340 (along which the force F is defined) extending orthogonally between the second axis 316 and the third axis 324; the third distance D3 can be defined along a third reference line 344 extending orthogonally between the third axis 324 and the fourth axis 280; and the fourth distance D4 can be defined along a fourth reference line 348 extending orthogonally between the fourth axis 280 and the first axis 312. It is understood that the third distance D3 can vary as the door 184 swings between an open state and a closed state. Furthermore, each of the first reference line 336, the second reference line 340, the third reference line 344, and the fourth reference line 348 can be arranged in a common plane.

[0031] According to an exemplary configuration of the present invention, the second distance D2 may be greater than twice the first distance D1, and the fourth distance D4 may be shorter than the first distance D1. Furthermore, when the door 184 moves to the closed state to close the port 204, both the first distance D1 and the fourth distance D4 may be shorter than each of the second distance D2 and the third distance D3, the third distance D3 may be greater than twice the first distance D1, and the third distance D3 may be shorter than the second distance D2.

[0032] According to another example, in the closed state of door 184, the first distance D1 can be between 200 and 1000 mm; the second distance D2 can be between 500 and 2000 mm; the third distance D3 can be between 500 and 2000 mm; and the fourth distance D4 can be between 0 and 300 mm. Optionally or additionally, in the closed state of door 184 (see...) Figure 2 And also saw Figure 6 In this context, the angle between the first reference line 336 and the second reference line 340 (e.g., see Figure (A)) can be between 80 degrees and 100 degrees; the angle between the second reference line 340 and the third reference line 344 (e.g., see angle (B)) can be between 10 degrees and 30 degrees; the angle between the third reference line 344 and the fourth reference line 348 (e.g., see angle (C)) can be between 160 degrees and 180 degrees; and the angle between the fourth reference line 348 and the first reference line 336 (e.g., see angle (E)) can be between 60 degrees and 80 degrees. Optionally or additionally, in the open state of door 184 (see also...), Figure 3The angle between the first reference line 336 and the second reference line 340 can be maintained between 80 degrees and 100 degrees; the angle between the second reference line 340 and the third reference line 344 can be between 30 degrees and 50 degrees; the angle between the third reference line 344 and the fourth reference line 348 can be between 80 degrees and 100 degrees; and the angle between the fourth reference line 348 and the first reference line 336 can be between 150 degrees and 170 degrees. Figure 5 and 6 As can be seen from the schematic line drawing 332, when the door 184 is in the closed state, the first reference line 336, the second reference line 340, the third reference line 344, and the fourth reference line 348 together define a roughly quadrilateral outline with irregular sides. Furthermore, it can be seen that the included angle between the first reference line 336 and the second reference line 340 can be maintained between 80 and 100 degrees throughout the entire swinging movement of the door 184 between the closed and open states.

[0033] Industrial applicability

[0034] During operation, the operator can actuate the linkage assembly 124 to extend the bucket 128 toward the material reservoir 116 and engage it against the mouth of the material reservoir 116 (e.g., the edge or protruding member 244 at the mouth 196) to scoop material from the material reservoir 116 into the cavity 188. The operator can then control the linkage assembly 124 to retract from the material reservoir 116, causing the bucket 128 to translate over a container (such as the dump truck body) (not shown), and can release the door 184 to move it from a closed state (i.e., swing it out) to an open state to open the port 204. As a result, material from the cavity 188 can be released through the port 204 or fall into the container (e.g., under gravity). Once the material has been released, the door 184 can return to the closed state and be latched onto the second edge 248 defining the port 204. As part of a subsequent operating cycle, the operator can actuate the linkage assembly 124 to return to the material magazine 116 to scoop the next batch of material from the material magazine 116 into the cavity 188. The latching and unlocking mechanisms of the door 184 will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and will not be discussed further.

[0035] In each operating cycle, when door 184 is released or unlocked to swing open and move from the closed state to the open state, the direction of the force F applied to arm structure 292 by linkage structure 296 in response to the swinging movement of door 184 is defined by an angle (A) between 80 and 100 degrees relative to axis 326 of plane 328 passing through first axis 312 and second axis 316 (e.g., defined along first reference line 336) throughout the entire swinging movement of door 184. Thus, a portion or component of the force F associated with the swinging action of door 184 is primarily transmitted to braking assembly 288, resulting in proper utilization of the torque capacity and damping or deceleration provided by braking assembly 288 of buffer system 284. Therefore, the force F is effectively regulated. Furthermore, as force F is primarily transmitted to braking assembly 288, a relatively negligible portion of force F is transmitted to either body 180 and / or door 184, thereby keeping body 180 and / or door 184 largely fixed and unaffected by the repetitive swinging action of door 184, thus extending their lifespan.

[0036] Furthermore, unlike many conventional applications that require at least one pair of buffer systems, by properly utilizing the torque capacity provided by the braking assembly 288, it may be necessary to require only a single buffer system (i.e., buffer system 284) to dampen or prevent the swinging movement of the door 184. This reduces the overall cost and eases the operability and serviceability of the machine.

[0037] Those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and variations can be made to the methods and / or systems of the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the description and practice of the methods and / or systems disclosed herein. This specification and examples are intended to be considered merely exemplary, and the true scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A buffer system (284) for preventing swinging movement of the door (184) of a bucket (128) relative to the body (180) of the bucket (128), the buffer system (284) comprising: Braking assembly (288) is configured to be fixedly mounted to the body (180) of the bucket (128). The boom structure (292) is configured to perform reciprocating rotation about a first axis (312) fixed relative to the body (180) of the bucket (128), the reciprocating rotation of the boom structure (292) being damped by the braking assembly (288); and A linkage structure (296) is rotatably connected to the arm structure (292) for rotation about a second axis (316) relative to the arm structure (292). The linkage structure (296) is movable in response to the swinging movement of the door (184) and is configured to apply and transmit a force F associated with the swinging movement of the door (184) to the arm structure (292). The direction of the force F applied to the arm structure (292) by the linkage structure (296) in response to the swinging movement of the door (184) is defined at an angle between 80 and 100 degrees relative to the axis (326) or plane (328) passing through the first axis (312) and the second axis (316) throughout the swinging movement of the door (184). The linkage structure (296) is configured to be pivotally coupled to the door (184) to receive the force F and to rotate relative to the door (184) about a third axis (324), and When the body (180) of the bucket (128) is in an upright orientation, the third axis (324) can move from a first state where the horizontal plane passing through the first axis (312) is lower than when the door (184) is fully closed to a second state where the horizontal plane passing through the first axis (312) is higher than when the door (184) is fully open. The body (180) of the bucket (128) is in the upright orientation in both the first and second states such that the orientation of the horizontal plane relative to the body (180) of the bucket (128) is fixed in both the first and second states.

2. The buffer system (284) according to claim 1, wherein, The first distance D1 is defined between the first axis (312) and the second axis (316), and the second distance D2 is defined between the second axis (316) and the third axis (324). The door (184) pivots relative to the body (180) about a fourth axis (280), a third distance D3 is defined between the third axis (324) and the fourth axis (280), and a fourth distance D4 is defined between the fourth axis (280) and the first axis (312).

3. The buffer system (284) according to claim 2, wherein, The second distance D2 is more than twice the first distance D1.

4. The buffer system (284) according to claim 2, wherein, When the door (184) is closed, the first distance D1 and the fourth distance D4 are shorter than each of the second distance D2 and the third distance D3.

5. The buffer system (284) according to claim 2, wherein, When the door (184) is closed, the third distance D3 is more than twice the first distance D1.

6. The buffer system (284) according to claim 2, wherein, When the door (184) is closed, the third distance D3 is shorter than the second distance D2.

7. The buffer system (284) according to claim 2, wherein, The fourth distance D4 is shorter than the first distance D1.

8. The buffer system (284) according to claim 2, wherein, The body (180) defines a cavity (188), a mouthpiece (196) for receiving material into the cavity (188), a second end (200) opposite the first end (192) and defining a port (204) for releasing the material from the cavity (188), a first outer surface portion (208) disposed at least partially around the cavity (188) and extending between the mouthpiece (196) and the port (204), a second outer surface portion (212) disposed partially around the cavity (188) and extending between the mouthpiece (196) and the port (204), the second outer surface portion (212) being positioned opposite the first outer surface portion (208), and When the door (184) moves to the closed state to close the port (204), the door (184) defines a side surface portion (216) extending in a direction defined between the first outer surface portion (208) and the second outer surface portion (212). The braking assembly (288) is configured to be fixedly mounted to the first outer surface portion (208) and the linkage structure (296) is pivotally coupled to the side surface portion (216) of the door (184) so ​​as to rotate relative to the door (184) about the third axis (324).

9. A bucket (128) for a bulldozer, said bucket (128) comprising: The body (180) defines a cavity (188), a first end (192) defines a mouth (196) to receive material into the cavity (188), and a second end (200) defines a port (204) opposite to the first end (192) to release the material from the cavity (188). The door (184) is configured to perform a swinging movement relative to the body (180) to selectively open and close the port (204); and A buffer system (284) for preventing the door (184) from swinging relative to the body (180), the buffer system (284) comprising: Braking assembly (288) is fixedly mounted to the body (180) of the bucket (128). The boom structure (292) is configured to perform reciprocating rotation about a first axis (312) fixed relative to the body (180) of the bucket (128), the reciprocating rotation of the boom structure (292) being damped by the braking assembly (288); and A linkage structure (296) is rotatably connected to the arm structure (292) for rotation about a second axis (316) relative to the arm structure (292). The linkage structure (296) is movable in response to the swinging movement of the door (184) and is configured to apply and transmit a force F associated with the swinging movement of the door (184) to the arm structure (292). The direction of the force F applied to the arm structure (292) by the linkage structure (296) in response to the swinging movement of the door (184) is defined at an angle between 80 and 100 degrees relative to the axis (326) or plane (328) passing through the first axis (312) and the second axis (316) throughout the swinging movement of the door (184). The linkage structure (296) is configured to be pivotally coupled to the door (184) to receive the force F and to rotate relative to the door (184) about a third axis (324), and When the body (180) of the bucket (128) is in an upright orientation, the third axis (324) can move from a first state where the horizontal plane passing through the first axis (312) is lower than when the door (184) is fully closed to a second state where the horizontal plane passing through the first axis (312) is higher than when the door (184) is fully open. The body (180) of the bucket (128) is in the upright orientation in both the first and second states such that the orientation of the horizontal plane relative to the body (180) of the bucket (128) is fixed in both the first and second states.

10. The bucket (128) according to claim 9, wherein, The first distance D1 is defined between the first axis (312) and the second axis (316), and the second distance D2 is defined between the second axis (316) and the third axis (324). The door (184) pivots relative to the body (180) about a fourth axis (280), a third distance D3 is defined between the third axis (324) and the fourth axis (280), and a fourth distance D4 is defined between the fourth axis (280) and the first axis (312).

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