Ripper assembly for a work machine

Abstract

A ripper assembly for a work machine is disclosed. The ripper assembly includes a ripper member including one or more ripper tools and one or more link assemblies. The link assembly includes a lower arm pivotally coupled between the ripper member and a frame of the work machine. The link assembly includes an actuator having a cylinder pivotally coupled with the frame and defining an internal bore, and a rod housed within the internal bore and pivotally coupled with the lower arm. The link assembly includes an upper arm pivotally coupled relative to the ripper member and a pivot joint configured to pivotally couple the upper arm relative to the cylinder. The pivot joint is movable relative to the frame to correspondingly move the ripper tools between a first state and a second state as the rod moves between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the cylinder.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to ripper assemblies for use in construction machinery, such as motorized graders. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a ripper assembly with an adjustable linkage assembly for use in construction machinery. Background Technology

[0002] Riser assemblies are typically used to loosen hardened surfaces, fractured rock formations, or engage the ground. A typical ripper assembly includes a ripper component equipped with one or more ripper tools, and a linkage assembly that operatively couples the ripper unit to a mechanical frame. In operation, the linkage assembly can move between a raised / retracted position and a digging position, in which the ripper tools are positioned above the ground (e.g., for transport), and in the digging position, in which the ripper tools engage the ground to perform the loosening operation.

[0003] A linkage assembly typically comprises one or more upper and lower linkage members that are operatively coupled between the ripper assembly and the mechanical frame, forming a fixed parallelogram linkage configuration with no extension length. While the fixed parallelogram linkage configuration can provide structural stability to the linkage assembly, it may restrict the movement of the ripper assembly and / or the ripper tool, thereby potentially limiting the adaptability and operational flexibility of the ripper assembly under various operating conditions.

[0004] U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009 / 0199441 discloses a ripper assembly including a crossbeam assembly having a central ripper handle and tip connected on both sides by a left link and a right link. To improve the visibility of the central ripper handle and tip from the operator's station of a tracked tractor, the left and right links are not connected to each other except via the crossbeam assembly. Without cross bracing between the left and right links, the crossbeam assembly and individual links are configured to absorb lateral and torsional loads that may occur during ripping. The left and right links of the ripper assembly can be a fixed or variable parallelogram design. The hydraulic actuator of the ripper assembly is configured to extend upon movement to a digging position to provide high penetration force. A portion of the ripper assembly link shares a common pin with its associated hydraulic actuator. The ripper assembly can utilize structurally efficient common pins shared between the crossbeam assembly, lower link, and hydraulic actuator on each side of the assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one embodiment, this disclosure relates to a ripper assembly for a working machine. The ripper assembly includes a ripper member and one or more linkage assemblies. The ripper member includes one or more ripper tools. The one or more linkage assemblies include a lower arm pivotally coupled between the ripper member and a frame of the working machine. The linkage assembly further includes an actuator including a cylinder pivotally coupled to the frame and defining an inner bore, and a rod received within the inner bore and pivotally coupled to the lower arm. The linkage assembly further includes an upper arm and a pivot joint, the upper arm being pivotally coupled relative to the ripper member, the pivot joint being configured to pivotally couple the upper arm relative to the cylinder. When the rod moves relative to the cylinder between a retracted position and an extended position, the pivot joint is movable relative to the frame, thereby correspondingly moving the one or more ripper tools between a first state and a second state.

[0006] In another embodiment, this disclosure relates to a working machine. The working machine includes a frame and a ripper assembly. The ripper assembly includes a ripper member and one or more linkage assemblies, the ripper member including one or more ripper tools. The one or more linkage assemblies include a lower arm pivotally coupled between the ripper member and the frame of the working machine. The linkage assembly further includes an actuator including a cylinder pivotally coupled to the frame and defining an inner bore, and a rod received within the inner bore and pivotally coupled to the lower arm. The linkage assembly further includes an upper arm and a pivot joint, the upper arm being pivotally coupled relative to the ripper member, the pivot joint being configured to pivotally couple the upper arm relative to the cylinder. When the rod moves relative to the cylinder between a retracted position and an extended position, the pivot joint is movable relative to the frame, thereby correspondingly moving the one or more ripper tools between a first state and a second state. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a side view of an exemplary operating machine according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0008] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a ripper assembly with a linkage assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0009] Figure 3 This is a side view of a ripper assembly having a linkage assembly in a digging position, according to some embodiments of this disclosure; and

[0010] Figure 4 This is a side view of a ripper assembly having a linkage assembly in a raised and retracted position, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0011] Specific embodiments or features will now be described in detail, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals will be used wherever possible to refer to the same or similar parts.

[0012] refer to Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a work machinery 100, such as a motorized grader 100'. The motorized grader 100' can be used to move, spread, distribute, level, and grade materials M, such as soil, on a subgrade surface 102. Typically, the grading operation is performed during mechanical movement, and for this purpose, the motorized grader 100' may include a traction device that facilitates movement on the subgrade surface 102. For example, the traction device includes a set of wheels 106 (e.g., front wheels 106' facing the front end 108 of the motorized grader 100' and rear wheels 106'' facing the rear end 112 of the motorized grader 100'). As used herein, the terms 'front' and 'rear' are used with respect to the motorized grader 100' (e.g., front wheels 106'' facing the front end 108 of the motorized grader 100' and rear wheels 106''' facing the rear end 112 of the motorized grader 100'). Figure 1 The direction of travel (indicated by arrow T) is exemplarily defined as from the rear end 112 toward the front end 108. Movement of the traction device (i.e., rotation of a set of front wheels 106' and a set of rear wheels 106'') can be powered by a power system 104, such as an engine (not shown), housed in the power compartment 120 of the motor grader 100'. The power system 104 can provide movement power to the motor grader 100'. Furthermore, the motor grader 100' may include a frame 122. Additionally, the motor grader 100' may include an operator's cab 124 supported on the frame 122, which houses the control devices for the power source of the motor grader 100'.

[0013] To level and grade the ground material M, a motorized grader 100 may include a drawbar-rotor-blade (DCB) arrangement 130, also known as a grader unit 130. The grader unit 130 may be supported by a frame 122. The grader unit 130 may include a drawbar 132, a rotor assembly 134, and a blade assembly 136, each of which can work together to perform a leveling operation on the underlying ground 102.

[0014] The pull rod 132 may include a first end 140 pivotally coupled to a front end 142 of the frame 122 and a second end 144 movably supported by another portion of the frame 122. For example, the second end 144 of the pull rod 132 may be coupled to the frame 122 via one or more actuators, such as a hydraulic actuator 148. The hydraulic actuator 148 may be actuated to raise or lower the second end 144 of the pull rod 132 relative to the frame 122, thereby allowing the grader unit 130 to be raised or lowered relative to the underlying ground 102.

[0015] The rotating coil assembly 134 includes a rotating coil member 160 and a pair of arms 162. The pair of arms 162 extend from the rotating coil member 160 and can rotate with the rotating coil member 160 relative to the traction rod 132. Each of the arms 162 may be diametrically opposed to and spaced apart from each other, and extends axially from the outer surface of the rotating coil member 160 to define a lower end away from the rotating coil member 160.

[0016] The blade assembly 136 is supported by a pair of arms 162 and includes blades 166. Blades 166 (sometimes also referred to as scrapers) are adapted to engage material (e.g., ground material M) on the subsurface 102 and to level and saturate the subsurface 102 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 1 The profile of blade 166 can be designed to have a concave shape, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the leading edge face of blade 166 is guided toward the leading edge 108 of motorized grader 100', so that blade 166 can receive, modify, and level material during the movement of motorized grader 100' in direction T. Blade 166 may include various other shapes, such as planar shapes.

[0017] The blade 166 can be moved to achieve various orientations relative to the underlying ground 102. In one example, this orientation may correspond to an operating position of the blade 166. In another example, this orientation may correspond to a grounded position of the blade 166. In an exemplary embodiment, as... Figure 1 As shown, in order to obtain various orientations, the blade 166 can be raised or lowered relative to the ground floor 102 by raising or lowering the second end 144 of the traction rod 132 relative to the frame 122 (e.g., by actuating (or moving) the hydraulic actuator 148).

[0018] Now for reference Figure 2 The motorized grader 100' includes a ripper assembly 200. The ripper assembly 200 can be coupled to the frame 122 of the motorized grader 100'. For example, the ripper assembly 200 can be coupled to the rear end 112 of the motorized grader 100'. The ripper assembly 200 may include a ripper member 204, which includes one or more ripper tools 208. The ripper member 204 may have a generally elongated tubular shape, on which the ripper tools 208 can be mounted.

[0019] The ripper component 204 may include multiple mounting brackets 212 to allow the ripper tool 208 to be removably mounted thereon. In the example, such as... Figure 2As shown, the ripper component 204 is depicted having five mounting brackets 212 and three ripper tools 208 (e.g., a first ripper tool 208a, a second ripper tool 208b, and a third ripper tool 208c), which are mounted within the mounting brackets 212. If desired, the ripper component 204 may include an additional number of mounting brackets 212 and ripper tools 208. Each ripper tool 208 may include a ripper handle 210 and a ripper tip 216, which is removably mounted on the ripper handle 210.

[0020] The ripper assembly 200 further includes one or more linkage assemblies 220. In an example, the ripper assembly 200 may include a first linkage assembly 220a and a second linkage assembly 220b. In an example, the first linkage assembly 220a and the second linkage assembly 220b may be identical to each other. For illustrative purposes, reference will now be made to... Figures 2 to 4 The first link assembly 220a is explained in detail. However, it should be noted that the description of the first link assembly 220a provided below is equally applicable to the second link assembly 220b without any limitation.

[0021] The first linkage assembly 220a (hereinafter referred to as "linkage assembly 220a") may include a tower 224 positioned on the ripper member 204. In an exemplary embodiment, the tower 224 may be directly welded to the ripper member 204, or it may be connected using one or more fasteners. The tower 224 may generally have a triangular shape, with a first end 226 positioned on the ripper member 204. Each tower 224 may have a second end 228 and a third end 232, the third end being spaced apart from the second end 228 and the first end 226.

[0022] The linkage assembly 220a further includes a mounting assembly 240 fixedly mounted on the frame 122 of the working machine 100. The mounting assembly 240 may include a mounting base 244, which is mounted on the frame 122 of the motorized grader 100' using one or more fasteners. The mounting assembly 240 may further include a bracket 248 fixedly connected to the mounting base 244. The bracket 248 may include an upper end 252 and a lower end 256, the lower end being spaced apart from the upper end 252.

[0023] The linkage assembly 220a further includes a lower arm 260. The lower arm 260 is pivotally coupled between the ripper assembly 204 and the frame 122 of the motorized grader 100'. In the example, the lower arm 260 may define a first end 264, which is pivotally coupled via a first pin 272 to a second end 228 of the tower 224. The lower arm 260 may further define a second end 268, which is pivotally coupled via a second pin 276 to a lower end 256 of the support 248.

[0024] The linkage assembly 220a further includes an actuator 280. The actuator 280 includes a cylinder 284 pivotally coupled to the frame 122. The cylinder 284 may define an inner bore in which a rod 288 is received. In an example, the actuator 280 may be further pivotally coupled to an upper end 252 of a bracket 248. In an example, the rod 288 of the actuator 280 may be pivotally coupled to the lower arm 260 via a third pin 292. Furthermore, the cylinder 284 of the actuator 280 may be pivotally coupled to the upper end 252 of the bracket 248 via a fourth pin 296. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the actuator 280 may be a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, or any other actuator known in the art.

[0025] The linkage assembly 220a may further include a guide rail 300 and a slider 304 positioned along the length of the actuator 280. In an example, a bracket 248 of the linkage assembly 220a may define a guide rail 300 extending along the length of the cylinder 284. The guide rail 300 may be coupled to an upper end 252 of the bracket 248. In an example, the guide rail 300 may be coupled to the upper end 252 of the bracket 248 via the same pin (e.g., a fourth pin 296), by which the cylinder 284 of the actuator 280 may be pivotally coupled to the upper end 252 of the bracket 248.

[0026] The bracket 248 of the linkage assembly 220a may define a slider 304 extending along the length of the rod 288. Furthermore, the slider 304 may be pivotally coupled to the rod 288 and to the lower arm 260. In an example, the slider 304 may be coupled to the lower arm 260 via the same pin (e.g., a third pin 292), by which the rod 288 of the actuator 280 may be pivotally coupled to the lower arm 260. In an example, the slider 304 may be slidably coupled to a guide rail 300. For example, when the rod 288 is retracted into the cylinder 284, the guide rail 300 may slide into the slider 304.

[0027] The linkage assembly 220a further includes an upper arm 310 pivotally coupled relative to the ripper assembly 204. The upper arm 310 can be pivotally coupled at one end to a third end 232 of the tower 224 via a fifth pin 312. The upper arm 310 can be pivotally coupled to a cylinder 284 via a sixth pin 316 to form a pivot joint 314. In this example, the pivot joint 314 may be defined by the cylinder 284. The pivot joint 314 is configured to pivotally couple the upper arm 310 relative to the cylinder 284.

[0028] In some embodiments, pivot joint 314 may be a first pivot joint 320, such that the first pivot joint 320 may be defined by slider 304. For example, the first pivot joint 320 is positioned on slider 304 such that the reaction force from upper arm 310 can be transmitted to slider 304. In an example, slider 304 may be configured to slide along guide rail 300 to move the first pivot joint 320 relative to frame 122 when rod 288 moves between retracted and extended positions, thereby correspondingly moving one or more ripper tools 208 between a first state and a second state.

[0029] In some embodiments, cylinder 284 may be pivotally coupled to frame 122 at a second pivot joint 324. Additionally, rod 288 may be pivotally coupled to lower arm 260 at a third pivot joint 326. In this example, bracket 248 may be pivotally coupled to frame 122 and cylinder 284 at the second pivot joint 324. Furthermore, slider 304 may be pivotally coupled to rod 288 and lower arm 260 at the third pivot joint 326.

[0030] During operation, when rod 288 is in the retracted position relative to cylinder 284 (see...) Figure 4 ) and the position of the extension (see Figure 3 When moving between the two states, the pivot joint 314 (e.g., the first pivot joint 320) can move relative to the frame 122, thereby correspondingly moving the ripper tool 208 between the first and second states. For example, when the rod 288 extends relative to the cylinder 284, the pivot joint 314 can move closer to the upper end 252 of the support 248. In such a scenario, the ripper tool 208 moves to the first state (see...). Figure 4 Similarly, when rod 288 retracts into the inner bore of cylinder 284, pivot joint 314 can move away from the upper end 252 of bracket 248. In this scenario, ripper tool 208 moves to the second state (see...). Figure 3 ).

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, the first state of the ripper tool 208 may correspond to the raised and retracted position of the ripper tool 208 (see [link]). Figure 4 For example, the raised / retracted position may correspond to the situation where the motorized grader 100' is transported from one place to another. In the example, when the ripper tool 208 is in the raised / retracted position, the ripper tool 208 may define a first angle of attack. The angle of attack may be defined as the angle of the ripper tip 216 relative to the ground 102 during the ripping operation of the motorized grader 100'.

[0032] Furthermore, the second state of the ripper tool 208 can correspond to the digging position of the ripper tool 208 (see [link]). Figure 3For example, the digging position may correspond to the operating state of the motorized grader 100'. In the example, when the ripper tool 208 is in the digging position, the ripper tool 208 may define a second angle of attack. In the example, the second angle of attack may be different from the first angle of attack. For example, in some embodiments, the angle difference (θ) between the first angle of attack and the second angle of attack may be between 1 degree and 90 degrees (see [link to documentation]). Figure 4 Furthermore, in some embodiments, the second angle of attack may be the same as the first angle of attack.

[0033] Industrial applicability

[0034] During the digging operation of the motorized grader 100', the ripper tool 208 is in the second state, i.e., the digging position (see [link]). Figure 3 The digging position (second state) can be defined as the extended position of the lever 288 of actuator 280. Once the digging operation is complete, the lever 288 of actuator 280 can retract to move the ripper tool 208 to its first state (i.e., the raised and retracted position) to transport the motorized grader 100' (e.g., Figure 4 shown).

[0035] When the ripper tool 208 moves from the first state to the second state, the angle of attack of the ripper tip 216 relative to the ground 102 can change. Furthermore, when the ripper tool 208 moves from the second state to the first state, the position of the pivot joint 314 can also change, which, compared to a conventional parallelogram linkage assembly, helps to position the ripper tool 208 closer to the motor grader 100' (in the raised, retracted position). A conventional parallelogram linkage assembly does not allow modification of the pivot point on the linkage assembly, and therefore does not allow for changes in the distance of the ripper tool relative to the working machine 100. On the other hand, because the position of the pivot point relative to the frame 122 changes, the ripper tool 208 can be positioned closer to the motor grader 100'.

[0036] The work machinery 100 can be used for various applications, including but not limited to leveling and loosening. When the ripper tool 208 is in the retracted / elevated position, the work machinery 100 can perform other operations. By utilizing the structure of the linkage assembly 220 according to this disclosure, the ripper tool 208 can be raised closer to the work machinery 100. In such a position, when the ripper tool 208 of this disclosure is in the retracted / elevated position, the ripper tool 208 can avoid the ground 102 and other possible interference features on the ground 102 when the work machinery 100 is operating in other applications. The retracted / elevated position of the ripper tool 208 also prevents interference between the ripper handle 210 or the ripper tip 216 and the ground 102, frame 122, or slope during transport, loading, and unloading of the work machinery 100.

[0037] The linkage assembly 220 allows the ripper tool 208 (and the entire ripper assembly 200) to move, for example, between its raised / retracted position and its digging position, thereby preventing interference between the ripper tip 216 and the ground 102, trailer, or slope during transport operations 100. Furthermore, by utilizing the linkage assembly 220 according to this disclosure, the overall weight of the ripper assembly 200 can be reduced. Therefore, the ripper assembly 200 of this disclosure can be more cost-effective compared to conventional ripper assemblies. Moreover, by using one or more independent actuators 280 to independently control one or more linkage assemblies 220, the requirement to control the movement of the ripper assembly 200 using conventional large actuators and their corresponding support structures can be eliminated.

[0038] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the methods and / or systems disclosed herein without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification 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 ripper assembly for use in construction machinery, the ripper assembly comprising: A ripper component, the ripper component comprising one or more ripper tools; and One or more linkage assemblies, the one or more linkage assemblies comprising: The lower arm is pivotally coupled between the ripper component and the frame of the working machine; An actuator comprising a cylinder pivotally coupled to the frame and defining an inner bore, and a rod received within the inner bore and pivotally coupled to the lower arm; Upper arm, which is pivotally coupled relative to the ripper component; and A pivot joint is configured to pivotally couple the upper arm relative to the cylinder. When the rod moves relative to the cylinder between a retracted position and an extended position, the pivot joint is movable relative to the frame, thereby correspondingly moving the one or more ripper tools between a first state and a second state.

2. The ripper assembly of claim 1, wherein the pivot joint is a first pivot joint, and wherein the cylinder is pivotally coupled to the frame at a second pivot joint, and the rod is pivotally coupled to the lower arm at a third pivot joint, the one or more linkage assemblies comprising: A bracket, which is pivotally coupled to the frame and the cylinder at the second pivot joint, defines a guide rail extending along the length of the cylinder; and A slider, which is pivotally coupled to the rod and the lower arm at the third pivot joint and slidably coupled to the guide rail, wherein: The first pivot joint is defined by the slider, and The slider is configured to slide along the guide rail to move the first pivot joint relative to the frame when the rod moves between the retracted position and the extended position, thereby correspondingly moving the one or more ripper tools between the first state and the second state.

3. The ripper assembly of claim 1, wherein the pivot joint is defined by the cylinder.

4. The ripper assembly of claim 1, wherein the first state corresponds to the raised and retracted position of the one or more ripper tools, and wherein the second state corresponds to the digging position of the one or more ripper tools.

5. The ripper assembly according to claim 4, wherein, When in the raised, retracted position, the one or more ripper tools have a first angle of attack, and Wherein, at the excavation location, the one or more ripper tools have a second angle of attack different from the first angle of attack.

6. A working machine, the working machine comprising: frame; A ripper assembly, comprising: A ripper component, the ripper component comprising one or more ripper tools; and One or more linkage assemblies, the one or more linkage assemblies comprising: The lower arm is pivotally coupled between the ripper component and the frame; An actuator comprising a cylinder pivotally coupled to the frame and defining an inner bore, and a rod received within the inner bore and pivotally coupled to the lower arm; Upper arm, which is pivotally coupled relative to the ripper component; and A pivot joint is configured to pivotally couple the upper arm relative to the cylinder. When the rod moves relative to the cylinder between a retracted position and an extended position, the pivot joint is movable relative to the frame, thereby correspondingly moving the one or more ripper tools between a first state and a second state.

7. The working machine of claim 6, wherein the pivot joint is a first pivot joint, and wherein the cylinder is pivotally coupled to the frame at a second pivot joint, the rod is pivotally coupled to the lower arm at a third pivot joint, and the one or more linkage assemblies include: A bracket, which is pivotally coupled to the frame and the cylinder at the second pivot joint, defines a guide rail extending along the length of the cylinder; and A slider, which is pivotally coupled to the rod and the lower arm at the third pivot joint and slidably coupled to the guide rail, wherein: The first pivot joint is defined by the slider, and The slider is configured to slide along the guide rail to move the first pivot joint relative to the frame when the rod moves between the retracted position and the extended position, thereby correspondingly moving the one or more ripper tools between the first state and the second state.

8. The working machine according to claim 6, wherein the pivot joint is defined by the cylinder.

9. The working machinery according to claim 6, wherein the first state corresponds to the raised and retracted position of the one or more ripper tools, and wherein the second state corresponds to the digging position of the one or more ripper tools.

10. The operating machinery according to claim 9, wherein, When in the raised, retracted position, the one or more ripper tools have a first angle of attack, and Wherein, at the excavation location, the one or more ripper tools have a second angle of attack different from the first angle of attack.

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