Ring assembly for implement

Abstract

A circular ring assembly for an implement of a motorized grader includes a circular ring and one or more mounting assemblies adapted to couple the circular ring with the implement. Each of the one or more mounting assemblies includes a first bracket coupled to the annulus. The first bracket includes a first arm, a second arm axially spaced from the first arm, and a third arm connecting the first arm with the second arm. Each of the one or more mounting assemblies also includes a second bracket removably coupled to the first bracket. The second bracket is adapted to couple with an implement. Each of the one or more mounting assemblies also includes a fastener that removably couples the first bracket with the second bracket via the first arm and the second arm.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to motorized graders. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a ring assembly for an implement of a motorized grader, an implement assembly for a motorized grader, and a mounting assembly for an implement of a motorized grader. Background Technology

[0002] Graders can be used for the construction and maintenance of various surfaces such as roads. These graders can be used to cut, spread, and level materials such as soil, gravel, and snow. To perform these tasks, graders include implements also known as plows. The implements are supported and positioned on the grader by various components including drawbars and ring assemblies.

[0003] The ring assembly includes a ring, a pair of side arms connected to the ring at opposite ends, and a pair of tool brackets. The tool brackets are removably connected to a corresponding side arm of the pair of side arms, and to a tool. Conventionally, each tool bracket is connected to its corresponding side arm via a pin. Specifically, the tool bracket is connected to its corresponding side arm via a single shear pin joint. Such a single shear pin joint exhibits limited durability and load-bearing capacity, which can cause damage to the side arms, tool brackets, and / or pins, and may reduce the lifespan of such components. During operation, the pin is subjected to significant shear loads due to this single shear pin joint, leading to shear failure of the pin. Failure of the pin, side arm, or tool bracket can increase maintenance costs and downtime associated with grader machinery.

[0004] GB561271A describes a bulldozer or side-shovel bulldozer in which the blade is carried by a frame and pivots to a subframe of a tractor's crawler track. When traversing uneven ground, the subframe is swaying relative to the tractor, and the position of the frame is controlled by a crank or rocker arm supported on the tractor, and preferably adjusted by a hydraulic cylinder. The swaying movement of the track subframe is compensated about the blade by a pivoting support, which is pivoted about each subframe and carries the corresponding crank and cylinder pivots. This support also pivots to a connecting rod that pivots to the tractor frame. Each support may include a yoke structure bridging the top of the corresponding subframe and includes V-shaped side plates welded to a channel member supporting the pivot. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one aspect of this disclosure, a ring assembly for a motorized grader is provided. The ring assembly includes a ring. The ring assembly also includes one or more mounting components adapted to engage the ring with the implement. Each of the one or more mounting components includes a first bracket coupled to the ring. The first bracket includes a first arm, a second arm axially spaced from the first arm, and a third arm connecting the first arm and the second arm. Each of the one or more mounting components also includes a second bracket removably coupled to the first bracket. The second bracket is adapted to engage with the implement. Each of the one or more mounting components also includes a fastener that removably engages the first bracket and the second bracket via the first arm and the second arm. When the fastener is engaged with the first bracket and the second bracket, a portion of the second bracket is axially disposed between the first arm and the second arm.

[0006] In another aspect of this disclosure, an implement assembly for a motorized grader is provided. The implement assembly includes a ring assembly. The ring assembly includes a ring. The ring assembly further includes one or more mounting components for engaging the ring to an implement. Each of the one or more mounting components includes a first bracket coupled to the ring. The first bracket includes a first arm, a second arm axially spaced from the first arm, and a third arm connecting the first arm and the second arm. Each of the one or more mounting components also includes a second bracket removably coupled to the first bracket. The second bracket is coupled to the implement. Each of the one or more mounting components further includes a fastener that removably engages the first bracket and the second bracket via the first arm and the second arm. When the fastener is engaged with the first bracket and the second bracket, a portion of the second bracket is axially disposed between the first arm and the second arm. Each of the one or more mounting components includes a cylinder body coupled to the first bracket at a first end and to the second bracket at a second end. The implement assembly also includes an implement removably coupled to the ring assembly.

[0007] In another aspect of this disclosure, a mounting assembly for an implement of a motorized grader is provided. The mounting assembly includes a first bracket adapted for attachment to an annular portion of the motorized grader. The first bracket includes a first arm, a second arm axially spaced from the first arm, and a third arm connecting the first and second arms. The mounting assembly also includes a second bracket removably attached to the first bracket. The second bracket is adapted for attachment to the implement. The mounting assembly further includes fasteners that removably attach the first and second brackets via the first and second arms. When the fasteners are attached to the first and second brackets, a portion of the second bracket is axially disposed between the first and second arms.

[0008] Other features and aspects of this disclosure will be apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary motorized grader;

[0010] Figure 2 Examples of this disclosure are shown. Figure 1 A perspective view of the tow bar and ring assembly associated with a motorized grader;

[0011] Figure 3A It shows Figure 2 An exploded view of a portion of the annular component;

[0012] Figure 3B It shows Figure 3A A cross-sectional side view of the first bracket of the annular assembly;

[0013] Figure 4A It shows the relationship with Figure 2 A perspective view of the mounting components associated with the annular assembly;

[0014] Figure 4B It shows the relationship with Figure 2 A perspective view of the two second brackets of the two mounting components associated with the annular assembly;

[0015] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 Front view of the circular component; and

[0016] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view showing the first bracket of the mounting assembly connected to the second bracket of the mounting assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0017] In all the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals will be used as much as possible to denote the same or similar parts.

[0018] refer to Figure 1 The image shows a perspective view of a motorized grader 100. The motorized grader 100 can be used to cut / dig the work surface and / or move snow, debris, etc., during the leveling process prior to road construction, without any limitations.

[0019] Motorized grader 100 includes a frame 102. Frame 102 defines a front end 104 and a rear end 106. Furthermore, motorized grader 100 includes two pairs of rear wheels 108 disposed near the rear end 106 and a pair of front wheels 110 disposed near the front end 104. The front wheels 110 and rear wheels 108 allow motorized grader 100 to move.

[0020] The frame 102 supports various components of the motor grader 100, such as a power source (not shown), operator's cab 114, front wheels 110, and rear wheels 108, all housed within the housing 112. The power source can be an engine, such as an internal combustion engine, a battery system, or a fuel cell. The power source provides output power to the various components of the motor grader 100 for their operation. Furthermore, the motor grader 100 includes an operator's cab 114. The motor grader 100 also includes a drawbar 116 connected to the frame 102. The drawbar 116 is connected to the frame 102 at its end 118 via a ball joint (not shown), allowing the drawbar 116 to pivot relative to the frame 102.

[0021] Now for reference Figure 2 The drawbar 116 includes one or more drawbar beams 120 and an annular mounting portion 122. The annular mounting portion 122 is circular in shape. Figure 2 In the illustrated example, the tow bar 116 includes two tow bar beams 120, but it should be understood that the tow bar 116 may include any suitable number of tow bar beams 120, or any other suitable configuration known to those skilled in the art. The tow bar 116 may include additional elements (not shown herein) that facilitate connection of the tow bar 116 to other components of the motorized grader 100 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 1 ).

[0022] The motorized grader 100 also includes an implement assembly 124. The implement assembly 124 is connected to a drawbar 116. The implement assembly 124 includes a ring assembly 126 for an implement 128 of the motorized grader 100. The implement assembly 124 also includes an implement 128 removably connected to the ring assembly 126. The implement 128 may include a blade or a plowshare. The implement 128 can be used to perform operations such as leveling or snow removal.

[0023] refer to Figure 3A The ring assembly 126 includes a ring 130. The ring assembly 126 also includes one or more mounting components 200, 201 to connect the ring 130 to the tool 128 (see [link]). Figure 2 Specifically, the annular assembly 126 includes a first mounting assembly 200 disposed on a first side 131 of the annular 130 and a second mounting assembly 201 disposed on a second side 132 of the annular 130. The mounting assembly 200 may be interchangeably referred to as "first mounting assembly 200" hereinafter. The mounting assembly 201 may be interchangeably referred to as "second mounting assembly 201" hereinafter. The first mounting assembly 200 and the second mounting assembly 201 are similar to each other in construction and function, and are symmetrical about the vertical axis A1.

[0024] Each of one or more mounting components 200, 201 includes a first bracket 202 coupled to an annulus 130. Each first bracket 202 is fixedly coupled to the annulus 130 at a first side 131 and a second side 132, respectively. In an example, each first bracket 202 is fixedly coupled to the annulus 130 by welding. However, any other joining technique besides welding may be used to fix the first bracket 202 to the annulus 130. The first bracket 202 defines a first distal end 204 and a second distal end 206, the second distal end being spaced apart from the first distal end 204 along the first bracket 202. The first distal end 204 is disposed adjacent to the annulus 130, and the second distal end 206 is disposed distal to the annulus 130. Specifically, the first bracket 202 is coupled to the annulus 130 near the first distal end 204.

[0025] Now for reference Figure 3A and 3B The first bracket 202 includes a first arm 208, a second arm 210 axially spaced from the first arm 208, and a third arm 212 connecting the first arm 208 and the second arm 210. The first bracket 202 also includes a fourth arm 213, which is spaced from the third arm 212 and connects the first arm 208 and the second arm 210. Figure 3A and 3B As shown, the first bracket 202 has a box-shaped cross-section along at least a portion of the first bracket 202. In other words, the first arm 208, the second arm 210, the third arm 212, and the fourth arm 213 together form a box-shaped cross-section. Furthermore, the second arm 210, the third arm 212, and the fourth arm 213 extend only along a portion of the first bracket 202. The second arm 210 extends from the second distal end 206 toward the first distal end 204. Furthermore, the first arm 208 extends from the first distal end 204 to the second distal end 206. The third arm 212 and the fourth arm 213 can be fixedly connected to the first arm 208 and the second arm 210, for example, by welding. Alternatively, the first arm 208, the second arm 210, the third arm 212, and the fourth arm 213 can be integral with each other.

[0026] In other instances, the first bracket 202 may include a C-shaped cross-section. In such instances, the first bracket 202 may omit the fourth arm 213 and include only the first arm 208, the second arm 210, and the third arm 212.

[0027] Refer again Figure 3A The first bracket 202 also includes a first bushing 214 coupled to the first arm 208. The first bushing 214 may be fixedly coupled to the first arm 208, for example, by welding. Alternatively, the first bushing 214 and the first arm 208 may be integral with each other. The first bushing 214 is disposed near the second distal end 206 of the first bracket 202. A portion of the first bushing 214 is received within the first arm 208 (in...). Figure 6(best visible in the middle), and the remainder of the first bushing 214 extends axially outward from the first arm 208. It should be noted that the first bushing 214 and the third arm 212 extend from the opposing surfaces of the first arm 208.

[0028] The first bracket 202 also includes a second bushing 216 coupled to the second arm 210. The second bushing 216 and the first bushing 214 are aligned with each other. The second bushing 216 can be fixedly coupled to the second arm 210, for example, by welding. Alternatively, the second bushing 216 and the second arm 210 can be integral with each other. The second bushing 216 is disposed near the second distal end 206 of the first bracket 202. A portion of the second bushing 216 is received within the second arm 210 (in... Figure 6 (best visible in the middle), and the remainder of the second bushing 216 extends axially outward from the second arm 210. It should be noted that the second bushing 216 and the third arm 212 extend from the opposing surfaces of the second arm 210.

[0029] refer to Figure 4A and 4B Each of one or more mounting components 200, 201 further includes a second bracket 218 removably coupled to the first bracket 202. The second bracket 218 is coupled to the tool 128. The second bracket 218 includes various elements that allow the second bracket 218 to be coupled to the tool 128. The second bracket 218 includes a body 220. The body 220 is a single integral element defining the first member 222, the second member 224, and the third member 226.

[0030] like Figure 4B As shown, each second bracket 218 has a substantially triangular profile. A first member 222 and a second member 224 extend at an angle to each other from a first vertex portion 228 of the body 220. Additionally, a third member 226 extends at an angle to the first member 222 from a second vertex portion 230 to connect the second member 224 at the third vertex portion 232, thus giving the second bracket 218 a substantially triangular profile. The first member 222 of the second bracket 218 includes a pair of portions 219 axially spaced apart from each other to accommodate a cylinder body 240 therebetween. Figure 5 (As shown in the figure). Similarly, the second member 224 of the second bracket 218 may also include a pair of portions (not shown herein) axially spaced apart from each other to accommodate the cylinder 240 therebetween. It should be noted that the second bracket 218 may have any other design or profile as required.

[0031] like Figure 4A and Figure 5As shown, each of the one or more mounting components 200, 201 further includes a fastener 234 that removably connects the first bracket 202 to the second bracket 218 via a first arm 208 and a second arm 210. The first bracket 202 is removably connected to the second bracket 218 near a third apex portion 232. Furthermore, the first bracket 202 is connected to the second bracket 218 via the fastener 234, such that the second bracket 218 pivots / hinges relative to the first bracket 202 about axis A2. By means of the hinge of the second bracket 218 relative to the first bracket 202, the second bracket 218 can at least partially facilitate the tool 128 relative to the frame 102 (see [link to documentation]) during leveling operations. Figure 1 ( ) or the tilt of the working surface. Fastener 234 is referred to herein as pin 234. Fastener 234 may be interchangeably referred to as "pin 234" hereinafter. In addition, pin 234 includes body portion 236 ( Figure 6 (shown in the image) and head portion 238 ( Figure 6 (as shown in the image).

[0032] like Figure 5 As shown, each of the one or more mounting assemblies 200, 201 further includes a cylinder 240, which is coupled to a first bracket 202 at a first end (not shown herein) and to a second bracket 218 at a second end 242. During operation of the motorized grader 100 (see...), Figure 1 During this period, 128 pieces of equipment (see...) Figure 2 and Figure 4A The implement 128 can be moved to many positions. For example, by sliding the implement 128 laterally (using cylinder 240), the implement 128 can move toward the left or right side of the motorized grader 100. Furthermore, the ring assembly 126 includes a plate 246 fixedly connected to the ring 130 and each first bracket 202. In an example, the plate 246 can be fixedly connected to the ring 130 and each first bracket 202 by welding.

[0033] Now for reference Figure 6 The first bracket 202 defines a first through hole 248 and a second through hole 250. Specifically, a first bushing 214 defines the first through hole 248, and a second bushing 216 defines the second through hole 250. Furthermore, a second bracket 218 defines a third through hole 252. The third through hole 252 is defined proximal to the third apex portion 232. Moreover, each of the first through hole 248, the second through hole 250, and the third through hole 252 is aligned with each other to receive a fastener 234.

[0034] like Figure 6As shown, when fastener 234 is connected to the first bracket 202 and the second bracket 218, a portion of the second bracket 218 is axially disposed between the first arm 208 and the second arm 210. Specifically, the third apex portion 232 is at least partially disposed between the first arm 208 and the second arm 210. Furthermore, when fastener 234 is connected to the first bracket 202 and the second bracket 218, fastener 234 is at least partially disposed in the first bushing 214. Furthermore, when fastener 234 is connected to the first bracket 202 and the second bracket 218, fastener 234 is at least partially disposed in the second bushing 216. Furthermore, when fastener 234 is connected to the first bracket 202 and the second bracket 218, the head portion 238 of pin 234 is disposed adjacent to the first bushing 214.

[0035] Each of one or more mounting assemblies 200, 201 further includes a first bearing 254 radially disposed between the first bushing 214 and the fastener 234. The first bearing 254 is received within a first through hole 248. Each of one or more mounting assemblies 200, 201 further includes a second bearing 256 radially disposed between the second bushing 216 and the fastener 234. The second bearing 256 is received within a second through hole 250. Each of one or more mounting assemblies 200, 201 further includes one or more third bearings 258 radially disposed between the second bracket 218 and the fastener 234. The third bearing 258 is received within a third through hole 252. Figure 6 In the illustrated example, mounting assemblies 200, 201 include two third bearings 258. Alternatively, mounting assemblies 200, 201 may include a single third bearing. Furthermore, each mounting assembly 200, 201 also includes a collar 260 coupled to the body portion 236 of the fastener 234. The collar 260 is disposed adjacent to the second arm 210.

[0036] It should be understood that a single feature shown or described for one embodiment may be combined with a single feature shown or described for another embodiment. The above embodiments do not limit the scope of this disclosure in any way. Therefore, it should be understood that although some features are shown or described to illustrate the use of this disclosure in the context of the functional paragraphs, such features may be omitted from the scope of this disclosure without departing from the spirit of this disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

[0037] Industrial applicability

[0038] This disclosure relates to a ring assembly 126 for a motorized grader 100, the ring assembly including mounting assemblies 200, 201. Each mounting assembly 200, 201 includes a first bracket 202 removably coupled to a second bracket 218 via fasteners 234. The first bracket 202 includes a first arm 208 and a second arm 210 spaced apart from the first arm 208. Specifically, the second bracket 218 is removably coupled to each of the first arm 208 and the second arm 210 via a double shear pin joint. Such a double shear pin joint increases the durability of the joint between the first bracket 202 and the second bracket 218.

[0039] Furthermore, the design of the first bracket 202, which allows for the connection of the first bracket 202 and the second bracket 218, can increase the load-bearing capacity and service life of the joint between the first bracket 202 and the second bracket 218. Additionally, the design of the first bracket 202 and the second bracket 218 as described herein can reduce the probability of joint failure between the first bracket 202 and the second bracket 218, which in turn can reduce the maintenance and repair costs associated with the motorized grader 100.

[0040] The first bracket 202 described herein includes a sub-assembly box structure that can protect the cylinder 240 by improving load distribution in the annular assembly 126. Furthermore, the double shear pin joint provided by the mounting assemblies 200, 201 of this disclosure is easy to manufacture, can be cost-effectively incorporated, and can eliminate bending of the fastener 234 by improving the load-bearing capacity of the joint between the first bracket 202 and the second bracket 218. The mounting assemblies 200, 201 of this disclosure can also improve the uptime of the motorized grader 100.

[0041] Unless explicitly excluded, the use of the singular to describe a component, structure, or operation does not preclude the use of a plurality of such components, structures, or operations or their equivalents. In the context of describing the invention (particularly in the context of the following claims), the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and “at least one” or the terms “one or more” and similar references should be interpreted to encompass both the singular and plural, unless otherwise stated herein or explicitly contradicted by the context. The use of the term “at least one” followed by a list of one or more items (e.g., “at least one of A and B” or one or more of A and B) should be interpreted to indicate a selection of one item (A or B) from the listed items or any combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B; A, A and B; A, B and B), unless otherwise stated herein or explicitly contradicted by the context. Similarly, as used herein, the word “or” refers to any possible permutation of a set of items. For example, the phrase “A, B or C” means at least one of A, B, C or any combination thereof, such as any one of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C; or multiple items such as A and A; B, B and C; A, A, B, C and C, etc.

[0042] While aspects of this disclosure have been specifically shown and described with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various other embodiments are conceivable through modifications to the disclosed machines, systems, and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of this disclosure as defined by the claims and any equivalents.

Claims

1. A ring assembly for a motorized grader, the ring assembly comprising: Circular ring; as well as One or more mounting components adapted to connect the ring to the tool, each of the one or more mounting components comprising: A first bracket connected to the ring, wherein the first bracket includes a first arm, a second arm axially spaced from the first arm, and a third arm connecting the first arm and the second arm; A second bracket removably connected to the first bracket, wherein the second bracket is adapted to be connected to the implement; and A fastener that removably connects the first bracket and the second bracket via the first arm and the second arm, wherein when the fastener is connected to the first bracket and the second bracket, a portion of the second bracket is axially disposed between the first arm and the second arm.

2. The annular assembly of claim 1, wherein the first bracket further comprises a first bushing coupled to the first arm, and wherein when the fastener is coupled to the first bracket and the second bracket, the fastener is at least partially disposed in the first bushing.

3. The annular assembly of claim 2, wherein the fastener is a pin, wherein the pin includes a body portion and a head portion, and wherein when the fastener is engaged with the first bracket and the second bracket, the head portion of the pin is disposed adjacent to the first bushing.

4. The annular assembly of claim 2, wherein each of the one or more mounting assemblies further comprises a first bearing radially disposed between the first bushing and the fastener.

5. The annular assembly of claim 1, wherein the first bracket further comprises a second bushing coupled to the second arm, and wherein when the fastener is coupled to the first bracket and the second bracket, the fastener is at least partially disposed in the second bushing.

6. The annular assembly of claim 5, wherein each of the one or more mounting assemblies further comprises a second bearing radially disposed between the second bushing and the fastener.

7. The annular assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more mounting assemblies further comprises at least one third bearing radially disposed between the second bracket and the fastener.

8. The annular assembly of claim 1, wherein the first bracket further comprises a fourth arm, the fourth arm being spaced apart from the third arm and connecting the first arm to the second arm.

Images