Wear member having double scoop‑rib

Abstract

A wear member (26) has a body (44) that includes a tip portion (80) extending from the front surface to a tip end (84), and an attachment portion (82) extending from the tip end to the rear surface. The wear member has a top outer surface (86) and a bottom outer surface (88). The top outer surface and the bottom outer surface extend from the rear surface and converge towards the front surface. The wear member has first and second side outer surfaces (90, 92) extending between the top outer surface and the bottom outer surface. The wear member also has an upper scoop (130) extending into the body from the top outer surface towards the bottom outer surface, and a lower (150) scoop extending into the body from the bottom outer surface towards the top outer surface. Further, the wear member has a rib (134, 154) disposed within at least one of the upper scoop and the lower scoop.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] WEAR MEMBER HAVING DOUBLE SCOOP-RIB

[0003] Technical Field

[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to a wear member for a ground engaging implement and, more particularly, to a wear member having a double scoop-rib.

[0005] Background

[0006] Earth-working and excavating machines, such as wheel loaders, cable shovels, drag lines, electric rope shovels (ERS), excavators, and front shovels, include implements generally used for digging into, ripping, or otherwise moving earth, rocks, debris, or other earthen materials. Such implements commonly include various types of buckets having shapes and dimensions dependent on the type of bucket and size of the machine employing a particular bucket. These implements are subjected to abrasion and impacts that cause them to wear. To prolong the useful life of these implements, various shrouds, or wear members, can be connected to the earth-working and excavating implements in areas which experience wear, for example, at a lip of a bucket. The wear members may be connected to the implements using a retention system that permits replacement of the wear members when they become worn to the extent that require replacement.

[0007] In some earth-working operations, for example, excavation operations, the wear members may repeatedly engage with the earth, rocks, debris, or other earthen materials, and are, therefore, subjected to a significant amount of wear. For such operations, the wear members may be provided with a narrower front end to allow the wear members to penetrate deeper into the earthen materials. However, narrowing the front end may result in a relatively weaker wear member that may experience higher amount of wear and / or breakage. Strengthening the wear members by adding material to the narrower front end may reduce their effectiveness in penetrating the earthen materials. Furthermore, adding too much material to the wear members may make the wear members heavier and more expensive. A heavier wear member may also be more difficult to manipulate during repair, replacement, or assembly of the wear members to the implements at a work site.

[0008] The wear member and tip assembly of the present disclosure solve one or more of the problems set forth above and / or other problems of the prior art.

[0009] Summary

[0010] In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a wear member. The wear member may include a body extending from a front surface to a rear surface. The body may include a tip extending from the front surface to a tip end, and an attachment portion extending from the tip end to the rear surface. The wear member may include a top outer surface and a bottom outer surface. The top outer surface and the bottom outer surface may extend from the rear surface and converge towards the front surface. The wear member may further include first and second side outer surfaces extending between the top outer surface and the bottom outer surface. The wear member may also include an upper scoop extending into the body from the top outer surface towards the bottom outer surface. Further, the wear member may include a lower scoop extending into the body from the bottom outer surface towards the top outer surface. The wear member may include a rib disposed within at least one of the upper scoop and the lower scoop.

[0011] In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a wear member. The wear member may include a body extending in a lengthwise direction from a front surface to a rear surface. The body may include a tip extending from the front surface to a tip end, and an attachment portion extending from the tip end to the rear surface. Further, the wear member may include a nose cavity extending into the attachment portion from the rear surface towards the front surface. The wear member may also include a top outer surface and a bottom outer surface. The top outer surface and the bottom outer surface may extend from the rear surface and converge towards the front surface. The wear member may include first and second side outer surfaces extending between the top outer surface and the bottom outer surface. The first and second side outer surfaces may converge from the tip end toward the front surface. The wear member may include an upper scoop extending in the lengthwise direction and disposed on the top outer surface, and a lower scoop extending in the lengthwise direction and disposed on the bottom outer surface. Further, the wear member may include an upper rib located in the upper scoop and extending in the lengthwise direction, and a lower rib located in the lower scoop and extending in the lengthwise direction. The widths of the upper rib and the lower rib may be smaller than respective widths of the upper scoop and lower scoop.

[0012] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a tip assembly. The tip assembly may include an adapter and a wear member configured to be connected to the adapter. The adapter may include a nose and top and bottom legs protruding from the nose. The top and bottom legs may define a gap configured to receive a lip portion of a ground engaging implement. The wear member may include a body extending in a lengthwise direction of the tip assembly from a front surface to a rear surface. The wear member may also include a nose cavity extending into the body from the rear surface towards the front surface. The nose cavity may be configured to receive the nose of the adapter. Further, the wear member may include a top outer surface and a bottom outer surface. The top outer surface and the bottom outer surface may extend from the rear surface and converge towards the front surface. The wear member may include first and second side outer surfaces extending between the top outer surface and the bottom outer surface. The first and second side outer surfaces may converge from a tip end toward the front surface. The wear member may also include an upper scoop extending into the body from the top outer surface towards the bottom outer surface, and a lower scoop extending into the body from the bottom outer surface towards the top outer surface. Further, the wear member may include an upper rib located in the upper scoop and extending in the lengthwise direction, and a lower rib located in the lower scoop and extending in the lengthwise direction. The widths of the upper rib and the lower rib may be smaller than respective widths of the upper scoop and the lower scoop.

[0013] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] Fig. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary ground engaging implement;

[0015] Fig. 2 is a magnified view of a lip of the exemplary ground engaging implement of Fig. 1, illustrating exemplary tooth assemblies, adapters, and wear members;

[0016] Fig. 3 is a perspective front, top, right side view illustration of an exemplary wear member of Fig. 2;

[0017] Fig. 4 is a perspective rear, bottom, left side view illustration the wear member of Fig. 3;

[0018] Fig. 5 is a top plan view of the wear member of Fig. 3;

[0019] Fig. 6 is a bottom plan view of the wear member of Fig. 3;

[0020] Fig. 7 is a view of a vertical cross-section of the wear member of Fig. 3 taken along line A-A in Fig. 5;

[0021] Fig. 8 is a view of a vertical cross-section of the wear member of Fig. 3 taken along line B-B in Fig. 5; and

[0022] Fig. 9 is a view of a vertical cross-section of the wear member of Fig. 3 taken along line C-C in Fig. 5.

[0023] Detailed Description

[0024] Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary ground engaging implement 10 for a machine (not shown). As illustrated in Fig. 1, ground engaging implement 10 is in the form of bucket 12. While ground engaging implement 10 is illustrated in Fig. 1 and described as a bucket 12, the disclosed embodiments of a wear member may be employed in connection with ground engaging implements other than a bucket. For example, wear members according to disclosed embodiments may be employed on a separate ground engaging edge or lip member that are attached to a bucket, scoop, or other excavating or material handling implement. Bucket 12 may be of the type employed in various machines such as, for example, an electric rope shovel (shown in Fig. 1), a dragline, a hydraulic excavator, a backhoe, a tracked or wheeled loader, etc., and may be shaped somewhat differently depending on the type of machine in which it is employed. Some buckets or other ground engaging implements may include one or more apertures that receive various fasteners or retaining members intended to secure replaceable wear members of various types thereto. Such existing apertures may conveniently be used in connection with disclosed embodiments of a wear member retention system.

[0025] Bucket 12 may include lip portion 14, sometimes referred to as a digging edge, cutting edge, base edge, or edge member, and one or more wall members defining a container portion 16 for material. For example, container portion 16 of bucket 12 includes a primary wall member 18 which may serve as a bottom and back wall, and two side wall members 20 and 22. Other bucket forms are contemplated, depending on the type of machine on which the bucket may be employed. Lip portion 14 may be provided with a plurality of tooth assemblies 24, and with a plurality of wear members 26. For example, wear member 26 may be provided between each pair of adjacent tooth assemblies 24. Lip portion 14 may be detachable from bucket 12, e.g., secured by bolts or other fasteners, or it may be a fixed component of bucket 12, e.g., welded to primary wall member 18.

[0026] Fig. 2 is a magnified view of lip portion 14 of bucket 12, illustrating tooth assemblies 24 and one or more tip assemblies 30. Tooth assemblies 24 may be attached to lip portion 14 between tip assemblies 30. As also illustrated in Fig. 2, tip assembly 30 includes wear member 26 and adapter 32. Adapter 32 may include nose 34, upper leg 36, lower leg 38, and lug 42. Upper leg 36 and lower leg 38 may protrude rearwardly (e.g., in the +X direction) from nose 34. Upper leg 36 and lower leg 38 may be separated by gap 40. Lip portion 14 of ground engaging implement 10 (e.g., bucket 12) may be configured to be received in gap 40 of adapter 32. Upper leg 36 and lower leg 38 of adapter 32 may be attached to lip portion 14, using fasteners, rivets, clamps, adhesives, via welding or brazing, or any other method of attachment. Wear member 26 in turn may be attached to adapter 32, using a retention mechanism (not shown). As will be described elsewhere in this disclosure, wear member 26 may include a nose cavity configured to receive nose 34 of adapter 32. As also illustrated in Fig. 2 nose 34 includes lug 42 that projects outwards from nose 34. As will be described elsewhere in this disclosure, lug 42 may be configured to be received in a channel within the nose cavity. The terms upper and lower or top and bottom as used in this disclosure should be understood as defining positions relative to each other and not necessarily relative to a direction of gravity. Similarly the terms front and rear, left and right, forwardly and rearwardly as used in this disclosure should be understood as defining relative positions. Coordinate axes X, Y, and Z have been illustrated in some of the figures for ease of discussion, however the disclosed embodiments should not be limited to configurations oriented along the disclosed coordinate axes.

[0027] Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective front, top, right side view of wear member 26, and Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective rear, bottom, left side view of wear member 26. As illustrated in Fig. 3, wear member 26 includes body 44 and handle 46 used to lift and / or transport wear member 26. Body 44 may extend from front surface 52 to rear surface 54 in a lengthwise direction (e.g., in the +X direction) along longitudinal axis 56 of body 44. Longitudinal axis 56 may be disposed generally perpendicular to rear surface 54 and may extend through center points of front surface 52 and rear surface 54. Front surface 52 may define upper edge 58 and lower edge 60 disposed generally parallel to and vertically spaced apart (e.g., in the Z direction) from upper edge 58. Front surface 52 may also define side edges 62 and 64, each of which is connected at opposite ends to upper edge 58 and lower edge 60. Side edges 62 and 64 may be disposed generally parallel to each other and horizontally spaced apart (e.g., in the Y direction) from each other. Although a generally rectangular shape has been illustrated for front surface 52, front surface 52 may have other shapes, for example, square, circle, triangular, polygonal, or any other desired shape. Rear surface 54 may define upper edge 66 and lower edge 68 (see Fig. 4) disposed generally parallel to and spaced apart from upper edge 58. Rear surface 54 may also define side edges 70 and 72 (see Fig. 4), each of which is connected at opposite ends to upper edge 66 and lower edge 68. Although a generally square shape has been illustrated for rear surface 54 (see, e.g., Fig. 4), rear surface 54 may have other shapes, for example, rectangular, circle, triangular, polygonal, or any other desired shape. As illustrated in Fig. 3, a width “Wi” of front surface 52 is smaller than a width “W2” of rear surface 54, and a height “Hi” of front surface 52 is smaller than a height “H2” of rear surface 54.

[0028] As further illustrated in Fig. 3, body 44 includes tip portion 80 and attachment portion 82. Tip portion 80 may extend from front surface 52 towards rear surface 54 and to tip end 84 along longitudinal axis 56. Attachment portion 82 may extend from tip end 84 to rear surface 54 along longitudinal axis 56. Body 44 may also include top outer surface 86 and bottom outer surface 88 both of which extend from rear surface 54 to front surface 52. Top outer surface 86 and bottom outer surface 88 may converge from rear surface 54 towards the front surface 52. Thus, for example, top outer surface 86 is inclined in a downward direction (e.g., in the -Z direction) relative to upper edge 66 of rear surface 54, and bottom outer surface 88 is inclined in an upward direction (e.g., in the +Z direction) relative to lower edge 68 of rear surface 54. Top outer surface 86 may be connected to front surface 52 along upper edge 58 of front surface 52 and bottom outer surface 88 connected to front surface 52 along lower edge 60 of front surface 52.

[0029] Similarly, body 44 may include side outer surfaces 90 and 92 (see Fig. 4) both of which extend from rear surface 54 to front surface 52 and converge from rear surface 54 towards the front surface 52. Side outer surfaces 90 and 92 may also extend between and be connected to top outer surface 86 and bottom outer surface 88. Fig. 5 is a top plan view of wear member 26. As illustrated in Fig. 5, side outer surfaces 90 and 92 are disposed generally symmetrically about longitudinal axis 56. Each of side outer surfaces 90 and 92 may include front side surface 94, intermediate side surface 96, and rear side surface 98. As illustrated in Fig. 5, front side surfaces 94 of side outer surfaces 90 and 92 extend from front surface 52 towards rear surface 54 of wear member 26. Intermediate side surfaces 96 of side outer surfaces 90 and 92 may extend from front side surface 94 towards rear surface 54. Rear side surfaces 98 of side outer surfaces 90 and 92 may extend from intermediate side surface 96 to rear surface 54. In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 5, rear side surfaces 98 are disposed generally parallel to each other and to longitudinal axis 56. However, in some exemplary embodiments, rear side surfaces may be disposed generally inclined relative to each other and relative to longitudinal axis 56. Intermediate side surfaces 96 may converge towards the front surface 52 as intermediate side surfaces 96 extend from rear side surfaces 98 towards front surface 52. Front side surfaces 94 may also converge towards the front surface 52 as front sided surface 94 extend from intermediate side surfaces 96 towards front surface 52. In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 5, an angle of inclination “Ai” of front side surfaces 94 relative to longitudinal axis 56 is greater than an angle of inclination “A2” of intermediate side surfaces 96 relative to longitudinal axis 56. In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 5, tip end 84 may define an axial location where rear side surfaces 98 may transition to intermediate side surfaces 96. Further, as illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 5, side outer surfaces 90 and 92 converge from tip end 84 towards front surface 52.

[0030] Returning to Fig. 4, body 44 of wear member 26 may include nose cavity 100 that extends from rear surface 54 towards front surface 52 (e.g., in the -Z direction) along longitudinal axis 56. Nose cavity 100 may include a front wall (not shown) disposed between front surface 52 and rear surface 54. Nose cavity 100 may be configured to slidingly receive nose 34 of adapter 32. In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 4, nose cavity 100 has a generally square cross-section. However, nose cavity 100 may have a cross-section having other shapes, for example, rectangular, circle, triangular, polygonal, or any other desired shape.

[0031] Nose cavity 100 may include side walls 102 and 104, top wall 106, and bottom wall 108. As illustrated in Fig. 4 side wall 102 includes inner surface 110 spaced apart from side outer surface 90 by a thickness of side wall 102. Similarly, side wall 104 may include inner surface 112 that may be spaced apart from side outer surface 92 by a thickness of side wall 104. Top wall 106 and bottom wall 108 may similarly include inner surfaces that may be spaced apart from top outer surface 86 and bottom outer surface 88, respectively. As further illustrated in Fig. 4, side wall 102 includes thru hole 114 and side wall 104 includes thru hole 116. Thru hole (or aperture) 114 may extend from side outer surface 92 to inner surface 110 and may be in communication with nose cavity 100. Thru hole 114 may be configured to receive portions of a retention mechanism (not shown) that may be configured to attach wear member 26 to adapter 32. Thru hole (or aperture) 116 may extend from side outer surface 92 to inner surface 112 and may be in communication with nose cavity 100. In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, thru holes 114 and 116 are disposed generally coaxially with each other. As also illustrated in Fig. 4, side wall 102 includes channel 118 disposed on inner surface 110. Channel 118 may extend from rear surface 54 towards front surface 52 and may intersect with thru hole 114. Channel 118 may be configured to slidingly receive lug 42 of adapter 32 when wear member 26 is assembled on to adapter 32. Although channel 118 has been illustrated and described as being disposed only on inner surface 110, wear member 26 may include channel 118 on inner surface 112 where channel 118 may extend from rear surface 54 towards front surface 52 and may intersect with thru hole 116.

[0032] Returning to Fig. 3, wear member 26 may include earpad 120 protruding laterally outward (e.g., in the -Y direction) from side outer surface 90. Earpad 120 may allow for accommodation of channel 118 on inner surface 110 of side wall 102 of nose cavity 100. Although earpad 120 has been illustrated in Fig. 3 as being disposed only on side outer surface 90, wear member 26 may include earpad 120 on one or both of side outer surfaces 90 and 92, for example, to accommodate channels 118 on one or both of inner surfaces 110 and 112.

[0033] As further illustrated in Fig. 3, wear member 26 includes upper scoop 130 disposed on top outer surface 86. Upper scoop 130 may include a depression, groove, or recess extending into body 44 of wear member 26 from top outer surface 86 towards bottom outer surface 88 (e.g., in the -Z direction). In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 3, upper scoop 130 includes upper scoop base 132 that may be disposed between top outer surface 86 and a horizontal plane disposed generally perpendicular to rear surface 54 and passing through longitudinal axis 56. As also illustrated in Fig. 3, wear member 26 includes upper rib 134 that protrudes upwards (e.g., in the +Z direction) from upper scoop base 132 towards top outer surface 86.

[0034] Fig. 5 illustrates a top plan view of wear member 26 showing a top view of upper scoop 130 and upper rib 134. As illustrated in Fig. 5, upper scoop 130 extends between upper scoop front end 140 and upper scoop rear end 142. Upper scoop front end 140 may be disposed between front surface 52 and tip end 84, whereas upper scoop rear end 142 may be disposed between tip end 84 and rear surface 54. In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 5, upper scoop 130 is disposed generally symmetrically about longitudinal axis 56 and has a width “Wus” that may decrease as upper scoop 130 extends from upper scoop rear end 142 to upper scoop front end 140. In some exemplary embodiments, width Wus of upper scoop 130 may increase or may remain constant as upper scoop 130 extends from upper scoop rear end 142 to upper scoop front end 140. In some exemplary embodiments, a ratio of a maxim width of body 44 at rear surface 54 to a maximum width of upper scoop 130 may range between 2 and 3. In some exemplary embodiments, a length of wear member 26 (e.g., length along longitudinal axis 56 from front surface 52 to rear surface 54) and a distance (e.g., along longitudinal axis 56) between upper scoop rear end 142 and rear surface 54 of wear member 26 may range between 2 and 3. Further, in some exemplary embodiments, upper scoop 130 may be disposed asymmetrically about longitudinal axis 56 or on either side of longitudinal axis 56. Additionally, although only one upper scoop 130 has been illustrated in Figs. 2-5 and described above, wear member 26 may include any number of upper scoops 130 arranged along longitudinal axis 56 and / or along a transverse axis perpendicular to longitudinal axis 56. Upper rib 134 may extend from upper rib front end 144 to upper rib rear end 146. Upper rib front end 144 may be disposed between upper scoop front end 140 and upper rib rear end 146. Similarly upper rib rear end 146 may be disposed between upper rib front end 144 and upper rib rear end 146. Thus, as illustrated in Fig. 5 a length of upper rib 134 (or upper rib length) between upper rib front end 144 and upper rib rear and 146 is smaller than a length of upper scoop 130 (or upper scoop length) between upper scoop front end 140 and upper scoop rear end 142. In some exemplary embodiments, a length ratio of a length of upper scoop 130 to a length of upper rib 134 may range between about 1.1 to 6.0.

[0035] As also illustrated in Fig. 5, upper rib 134 is disposed generally symmetrically about longitudinal axis 56. Further upper rib 134 may have a width “W3” at upper rib front end 144 and a width “W4” at upper rib rear end 146. In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 5, a width of upper rib 134 increases as upper rib 134 extends from upper rib rear end 146 towards upper rib front end 144. Thus, width W4 of upper rib 134 at upper rib rear end 146 may be smaller than width W3 of upper rib 134 at upper rib front end 144. In some exemplary embodiments, width W4 of upper rib 134 may be larger than or equal to width W3 of upper rib 134. Thus, in some exemplary embodiments, a width of upper rib 134 may decrease or may remain constant as upper rib 134 extends from upper rib rear end 146 to upper rib front end 144. Further, in some exemplary embodiments, upper rib 134 may be disposed asymmetrically about longitudinal axis 56 or on either side of longitudinal axis 56.

[0036] As also illustrated in Fig. 5, a width of upper rib 134 is smaller than a width of upper scoop 130. In some exemplary embodiments, a width ratio of a width of upper scoop 130 (or upper scoop width) to a width of upper rib 134 (or upper rib width) may range between about 1.1 to 12.0, where the width ratio may be evaluated at a midpoint along the length of upper rib 134. Although only one upper rib 134 has been illustrated in Figs. 2, 3, and 5 and described above, more than one upper rib 134 of similar or varying lengths and widths may be disposed in upper scoop 130. Returning to Fig. 4, wear member 26 may include lower scoop 150 disposed on bottom outer surface 88. Lower scoop 150 may include a depression, groove, or recess extending into body 44 of wear member 26 from bottom outer surface 88 towards top outer surface 86 (e.g., in the +Z direction). In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 4, lower scoop 150 includes lower scoop base 152 that is disposed between bottom outer surface 88 and the horizontal plane passing disposed generally perpendicular to rear surface 54 and passing through longitudinal axis 56. As also illustrated in Fig. 3, wear member 26 includes lower rib 154 that protrudes downwards (e.g., in the -Z direction) from lower scoop base 152 towards bottom outer surface 88.

[0037] Fig. 6 illustrates a bottom plan view of wear member 26 showing a bottom plan view of lower scoop 150 and lower rib 154. As illustrated in Fig. 6, lower scoop 150 extends between lower scoop front end 160 and lower scoop rear end 162. Lower scoop front end 160 may be disposed between front surface 52 and tip end 84, whereas lower scoop rear end 162 may be disposed between tip end 84 and rear surface 54. In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 6, lower scoop 150 is disposed generally symmetrically about longitudinal axis 56 and has a width “WLS” that may decrease as lower scoop 150 extends from lower scoop rear end 162 to lower scoop front end 160. In some exemplary embodiments, width WLS of lower scoop 150 may increase or may remain constant as lower scoop 150 extends from extends from lower scoop rear end 162 to lower scoop front end 160. In some exemplary embodiments, a ratio of a maxim width of body 44 at rear surface 54 to a maximum width of lower scoop 150 may range between 2 and 3. In some exemplary embodiments, a length of wear member 26 (e.g., length along longitudinal axis 56 from front surface 52 to rear surface 54) and a distance (e.g., along longitudinal axis 56) between lower scoop rear end 162 and rear surface 54 of wear member 26 may range between 2 and 3. Further, in some exemplary embodiments, lower scoop 150 may be disposed asymmetrically about longitudinal axis 56 or on either side of longitudinal axis 56. Additionally, although only one lower scoop 150 has been illustrated in Figs. 2-5 and described above, wear member 26 may include any number of lower scoops 150 arranged along longitudinal axis 56 and / or along a transverse axis perpendicular to longitudinal axis 56.

[0038] Lower rib 154 may extend from lower rib front end 164 to lower rib rear end 166. Lower rib front end 164 may be disposed between lower scoop front end 160 and lower rib rear end 166. Similarly lower rib rear end 166 may be disposed between lower rib front end 164 and lower scoop rear end 162. Thus, as illustrated in Fig. 6, a length of lower rib 154 (or lower rib length) between lower rib front end 164 and lower rib rear end 166 is smaller than a length of lower scoop 150 (or lower scoop length) between lower scoop front end 160 and lower scoop rear end 162. In some exemplary embodiments, a length ratio of a length of lower scoop 150 to a length of lower rib 154 may range between about 1.1 to 6.0.

[0039] As also illustrated in Fig. 6, lower rib 154 is disposed generally symmetrically about longitudinal axis 56. Further lower rib 154 may have a width “Ws” at a lower rib front end 164 and a width “We” at lower rib rear and 166. In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 6, a width of lower rib 154 increases as lower rib 154 extends from lower rib rear end 166 towards lower rib front end 164. Thus, width We of lower rib 154 at lower rib rear end 166 may be smaller than width W5 of lower rib 154 at lower rib front end 164. In some exemplary embodiments, width We of lower rib 154 may be larger than or equal to width W5 of lower rib 154. Thus, in some exemplary embodiments, a width of lower rib 154 may decrease or may remain constant as lower rib 154 extends from lower rib rear end 166 to lower rib front end 164. Further, in some exemplary embodiments, lower rib 154 may be disposed asymmetrically about longitudinal axis 56 or on either side of longitudinal axis 56.

[0040] As also illustrated in Fig. 6, a width of lower rib 154 (or lower rib width) is smaller than a width of lower scoop 150 (or lower scoop width). In some exemplary embodiments, a width ratio of a width of lower scoop 150 (or lower scoop width) to a width of lower rib 154 (or lower rib width) may range between about 1.1 to 12.0, where the width ratio may be evaluated at a midpoint along the length of lower rib 154. Although only one lower rib 154 has been illustrated in Figs. 2, 4, and 6 and described above, more than one lower rib 154 of similar or varying lengths and widths may be disposed in lower scoop 150.

[0041] A width of lower rib 154 may be the same as or different from a width of upper rib 134. Thus, for example, width Ws of lower rib 154 may be the same as or different from width W3 of upper rib 134. Similarly, for example, width We of lower rib 154 may be the same as or different from width W4 of upper rib 134. Further a width WLS of lower scoop 150 at any location along a length of lower scoop 150 may be the same as or different from a width Wus at a corresponding location along a length of upper scoop 130. In some exemplary embodiments, a distance of upper scoop rear end 142 relative to rear surface 54 may be about equal to a distance of lower scoop rear end 162 relative to rear surface 54. Likewise, a distance of upper scoop front end 140 relative to rear surface 54 may be about equal to a distance of lower scoop front end 160 relative to rear surface 54. Similarly, for example, a distance of upper rib rear end 146 relative to rear surface 54 may be about equal to a distance of lower rib rear end 166 relative to rear surface 54. Likewise, for example, a distance of upper rib front end 144 relative to rear surface 54 may be about equal to a distance of lower rib front end 164 relative to rear surface 54. By providing two scoops (e.g., upper scoop 130 and lower scoop 150) and two ribs (e.g., upper rib 134 and lower rib 154) disposed within the two scoops, wear member 26 may provide a double scoop-rib tip for use with ground engaging implement 10.

[0042] Fig. 7 illustrates an exemplary vertical cross-sectional view (e.g., in the X-Z plane) of wear member 26 taken along line A-A of Fig. 5. In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 7, front surface 52 is disposed generally perpendicular to longitudinal axis 56 and generally parallel to rear surface 54. Further, both front surface 52 and rear surface 54 may be disposed symmetrically about longitudinal axis 56 and / or about a horizontal plane disposed generally perpendicular to front surface 52 and rear surface 54 and passing through longitudinal axis 56.

[0043] As also illustrated in Fig. 7, upper scoop base 132 includes front scoop surface 172, rear scoop surface 174, and intermediate scoop surface 176. Front scoop surface 172 of upper scoop base 132 may extend from upper scoop front end 140 towards upper scoop rear end 142. In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 7, front scoop surface 172 is downwardly inclined (e.g., in the -Z direction) towards longitudinal axis 56 as front scoop surface 172 extends from upper scoop front end 140 towards upper scoop rear end 142. In another exemplary embodiment, front scoop surface 172 may be upwardly inclined (e.g., in the +Z direction) towards longitudinal axis 56 as front scoop surface 172 extends from upper scoop front end 140 towards upper scoop rear end 142, or may be disposed generally parallel to longitudinal axis 56. Rear scoop surface 174 of upper scoop base 132 may extend from upper scoop rear end 142 towards upper scoop front end 140. In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 7, rear scoop surface 174 is downwardly inclined (e.g., in the -Z direction) towards longitudinal axis 56 as rear scoop surface 174 extends from upper scoop rear end 142 towards upper scoop front end 140. Intermediate scoop surface 176 may extend from front scoop surface 172 to rear scoop surface 174 of upper scoop base 132. Intermediate scoop surface 176 may connect front scoop surface 172 and rear scoop surface 174. In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 7, intermediate scoop surface 176 has a generally curvilinear shape. However, intermediate scoop surface 176 may have any other desired shape. A depth of upper scoop 130 (or upper scoop depth) may be defined as a generally vertical distance (e.g., along the Z axis) between top outer surface 86 and upper scoop base 132. As illustrated in Fig. 7, vertical axis 178 (e.g., extending in the Z direction) is disposed generally perpendicular to longitudinal axis 56 and passes through a midpoint disposed on top outer surface 86 between upper scoop front end 140 and upper scoop rear end 142. In one exemplary embodiment, a maximum depth of upper scoop 130 may occur at a location that may be rearward from vertical axis 178. That is, the maximum depth of upper scoop 130 may occur at a location between vertical axis 178 and upper scoop rear end 142. However, in some exemplary embodiments, the maximum depth of upper scoop 130 may be located at an intersection of upper scoop base 132 with vertical axis 178. Alternatively, in some exemplary embodiments, the maximum depth of upper scoop 130 may occur at a location disposed between upper scoop front end 140 and vertical axis 178. In some exemplary embodiments, a ratio of the maximum upper scoop depth to a height of wear member 26 at the same axial location may range between about 1 / 4 to 5 / 8.

[0044] As further illustrated in Fig. 7, lower scoop base 152 includes front scoop surface 182, rear scoop surface 184, and intermediate scoop surface 186. Front scoop surface 182 of lower scoop base 152 may extend from lower scoop front end 160 towards lower scoop rear end 162. In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 7, front scoop surface 182 is upwardly inclined (e.g., in the +Z direction) towards longitudinal axis 56 as front scoop surface 182 extends from lower scoop front end 160 towards lower scoop rear end 162. In another exemplary embodiment, front scoop surface 182 may be downwardly inclined (e.g., in the -Z direction) towards longitudinal axis 56 as front scoop surface 182 extends from lower scoop front end 160 towards lower scoop rear end 162, or may be disposed generally parallel to longitudinal axis 56. Rear scoop surface 184 of upper scoop base 132 may extend from lower scoop rear end 162 towards lower scoop front end 160. In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 7, rear scoop surface 184 is upwardly inclined (e.g., in the +Z direction) towards longitudinal axis 56 as rear scoop surface 184 extends from lower scoop rear end 162 towards lower scoop front end 160. Intermediate scoop surface 186 may extend from front scoop surface 182 to rear scoop surface 184 of lower scoop base 152. Intermediate scoop surface 186 may connect front scoop surface 182 and rear scoop surface 184. In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 7, intermediate scoop surface 186 has a generally curvilinear shape. However, intermediate scoop surface 186 may have any other desired shape. A depth of lower scoop 150 (or lower scoop depth) may be defined as a generally vertical distance (e.g., along the Z axis) between bottom outer surface 88 and lower scoop base 152. In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 7, vertical axis 178 passes through a midpoint disposed on bottom outer surface 88 between lower scoop front end 160 and lower scoop rear end 162. In one exemplary embodiment, a maximum depth of lower scoop 150 may occur at a location that may be rearward from vertical axis 178. That is, the maximum depth of lower scoop 150 may occur at a location between vertical axis 178 and lower scoop rear end 162. In some exemplary embodiments, the maximum depth of lower scoop 150 may be located at an intersection of lower scoop base 152 with vertical axis 178. Alternatively, in some exemplary embodiments, the maximum depth of lower scoop 150 may occur at a location between lower scoop front end 160 and vertical axis 178. In some exemplary embodiments, a ratio of the maximum lower scoop depth to a height of wear member 26 at the same axial location may range between about 1 / 4 to 5 / 8.

[0045] An angle of inclination of front scoop surface 172 of upper scoop 130 relative to longitudinal axis 56 and an angle of inclination of front scoop surface 182 of lower scoop 150 relative to longitudinal axis 56 may be equal or unequal. Similarly, an angle of inclination of rear scoop surface 174 of upper scoop 130 relative to longitudinal axis 56 and an angle of inclination of rear scoop surface 184 of lower scoop 150 relative to longitudinal axis 56 may be equal or unequal. Further, a maximum depth of upper scoop base 132 relative to top outer surface 86 may be the same as or different from the maximum depth of lower scoop base 152 relative to bottom outer surface 88. Still further, a midpoint between upper scoop front end 140 and upper scoop rear end 142 may be vertically aligned or offset relative to a midpoint between lower scoop front end 160 and lower scoop rear end 162.

[0046] As also illustrated in Fig. 7, upper rib 134 protrudes vertically upwards (e.g., in the +Z direction) from upper scoop base 132. Upper rib 134 may include upper rib outer surface 192 that may be inclined relative to longitudinal axis 56. A height of upper rib 134 may be defined as a vertical distance (e.g., in the +Z direction or along an axis generally perpendicular to longitudinal axis 56) between upper rib outer surface 192 and upper scoop base 132 In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 7, a maximum height of upper rib 134 is smaller than a maximum depth of upper scoop base 132, and an angle of inclination of upper rib outer surface 192 relative to longitudinal axis 56 is smaller than an angle of inclination of the top outer surface 86 relative to longitudinal axis 56. However, a maximum height of upper rib 134 may be about equal to or greater than a maximum depth of upper scoop base 132. Thus, in some exemplary embodiments, upper rib outer surface 192 may be substantially coplanar with top outer surface 86 or may be disposed vertically spaced apart and above top outer surface 86. As used in this disclosure, the phrase substantially coplanar should be interpreted as encompassing a height of ± 1 mm or an angle of ± 1°. Thus, upper rib outer surface 192 is substantially coplanar with top outer surface 86 when a distance between the two surfaces is less than or equal to ± 1 mm or when an angle of inclination between the two surfaces is less than or equal to ± 1°.

[0047] As further illustrated in Fig. 7, lower rib 154 may protrude vertically downward (e.g., in the -Z direction) from lower scoop base 152. Lower rib 154 may include lower rib outer surface 194 that may be inclined relative to longitudinal axis 56. A height of lower rib 154 may be defined as a vertical distance (e.g., in the -Z direction or along an axis generally perpendicular to longitudinal axis 56) between lower scoop base 152 and lower rib outer surface 194. In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 7, a maximum height of lower rib 154 is smaller than a maximum depth of lower scoop base 152, and an angle of inclination of lower rib outer surface 194 relative to longitudinal axis 56 is smaller than an angle of inclination of the bottom outer surface 88 relative to longitudinal axis 56. A maximum height of lower rib 154 may be about equal to or greater than a maximum depth of upper scoop base 132. Thus, in some exemplary embodiments, lower rib outer surface 194 may be coplanar with bottom outer surface 88 or may be disposed vertically spaced apart and below (e.g., in the -Z direction) bottom outer surface 88. A height of upper rib 134 may be the same as or different from a height of lower rib 154. Similarly, an angle of inclination between upper rib outer surface 192 and longitudinal axis 56 may be the same as or different from an angle of inclination between lower rib outer surface 194 and longitudinal axis 56.

[0048] Fig. 8 illustrates an exemplary vertical cross-sectional view (e.g., in the X-Z plane) of wear member 26 taken along line B-B of Fig. 5 through upper and lower ribs 134 and 154. As illustrated in Fig. 8, in some exemplary embodiments, upper rib outer surface 192 includes front upper rib surface 202, rear upper rib surface 204 and intermediate upper rib surface 206. Front upper rib surface 202 may extend from upper rib front end 144 towards upper rib rear end 146. In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 8, front upper rib surface 202 is downwardly inclined (e.g., in the -Z direction) towards longitudinal axis 56 as front upper rib surface 202 extends from upper rib front end 144 towards upper rib rear end 146. As illustrated in Fig. 8, front upper rib surface 202 has a curvilinear or generally concave shape as viewed in a top-down direction (e.g., in the -Z direction). In some exemplary embodiments, front upper rib surface 202 may be generally planar or may have any other shape. Rear upper rib surface 204 may extend from upper rib rear end 146 towards upper rib front end 144. In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 8, rear upper rib surface 204 is downwardly inclined (e.g., in the -Z direction) towards longitudinal axis 56 as rear upper rib surface 204 extends from upper rib rear end 146 towards upper rib front end 144. As illustrated in Fig. 8, rear upper rib surface 204 has a curvilinear or generally concave shape as viewed in a top-down direction (e.g., in the -Z direction). In some exemplary embodiments, that rear upper rib surface 204 may be generally planar or may have any other shape. Intermediate upper rib surface 206 may extend from front upper rib surface 202 to rear upper rib surface 204. Intermediate upper rib surface 206 may connect front upper rib surface 202 and rear upper rib surface 204 and may be generally inclined relative to longitudinal axis 56. As illustrated in Fig. 8, intermediate upper rib surface 206 is inclined downwardly (e.g., in the -Z direction) as intermediate upper rib surface 206 extends from rear upper rib surface 204 to front upper rib surface 202. In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 8, intermediate upper rib surface 206 may have a generally flat or planar shape. However, intermediate upper rib surface 206 may have any other desired shape (e.g., concave shape or convex shape).

[0049] As also illustrated in Fig. 8, in some exemplary embodiments, lower rib outer surface 194 includes front lower rib surface 212, rear lower rib surface 214 and intermediate lower rib surface 216. Front lower rib surface 212 may extend from lower rib front end 164 towards lower rib rear end 166. In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 8, front lower rib surface 212 is upwardly inclined (e.g., in the +Z direction) towards longitudinal axis 56 as front lower rib surface 212 extends from lower rib front end 164 towards lower rib rear end 166. As illustrated in Fig. 8, front lower rib surface 212 has a curvilinear or generally concave shape as viewed in the bottom-up direction (e.g., in the +Z direction). However, front lower rib surface 212 may be generally planar or may have any other shape. Rear lower rib surface 214 may extend from lower rib rear end 166 towards lower rib front end 164. In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 8, rear lower rib surface 214 is upwardly inclined (e.g., in the +Z direction) towards longitudinal axis 56 as rear upper rib surface 204 extends from lower rib rear end 166 towards lower rib front end 164. As illustrated in Fig. 8, rear lower rib surface 214 has a curvilinear or generally concave shape as viewed in the bottom-up direction (e.g., in the +Z direction). In some exemplary embodiments, rear lower rib surface 214 may be generally planar or may have any other shape. Intermediate lower rib surface 216 may extend from front lower rib surface 212 to rear lower rib surface 214. Intermediate lower rib surface 216 may connect front lower rib surface 212 and rear lower rib surface 214 and may be generally inclined relative to longitudinal axis 56. As illustrated in Fig. 8, intermediate lower rib surface 216 is inclined upwardly (e.g., in the +Z direction) as intermediate lower rib surface 216 extends from rear lower rib surface 214 to front lower rib surface 212. In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 8, intermediate lower rib surface 216 has a generally flat or planar shape. However, intermediate lower rib surface 216 may have any other desired shape (e.g., concave shape or convex shape).

[0050] Fig. 9 illustrates an exemplary vertical cross-sectional view (e.g., in the Y-Z plane) of wear member 26 taken along line C-C of Fig. 5. As illustrated in Fig. 9, upper rib 134 divides upper scoop 130 into two sections 130A and 130B. Likewise, lower rib 154 divides lower scoop 150 into two sections 150A and 150B. As also discussed above and as illustrated in Fig. 9, a height of upper rib outer surface (e.g., in the +Z direction) relative to longitudinal axis 56 may be smaller than a height of top outer surface 86, adjacent upper scoop 130, and relative to longitudinal axis 56. Similarly, a height of lower rib outer surface (e.g., in the -Z direction) relative to longitudinal axis 56 may be smaller than a height of bottom outer surface 88, adjacent lower scoop 150, and relative to longitudinal axis 56.

[0051] The terms generally and about as used in this disclosure should be interpreted to encompass commonly understood design, machining, and manufacturing tolerances. Thus, for example, the terms generally and about should be interpreted as encompassing a range of dimensions within ±5% of the particular dimension or angle in question. Thus, for example, a length ratio ranging between about 1.1 to 6.0 would encompass a length ratio between 1.05 (5% less than 1.1) to 6.3 (5% more than 6.0).

[0052] Industrial

[0053] The disclosed double scoop-rib tip may be used with various earth-working machines, such as wheel loaders, cable shovels, drag lines, electric rope shovels, excavators, and front shovels. Specifically, the disclosed double scoop-rib tip may be attached to lip portions of the ground engaging implements of these machines.

[0054] As discussed above, wear member 26 (or double scoop-rib tip 26) may include upper scoop 130 and lower scoop 150 disposed on top outer surface 86 and bottom outer surface 88, respectively. The presence of the upper scoop 130 and lower scoop 150 may help provide a knife-like shape to wear member 26 that may help to improve the ability of wear member 26 to penetrate and / or cut into the working material. For example, upper scoop 130 and lower scoop 150 reduce the cross-sectional area in region 220, which may help wear member 26 to penetrate and / or cut into the working material. As also discussed above, wear member 26 may include upper rib 134 disposed in upper scoop 130 and lower rib 154 disposed in lower scoop 150. Upper rib 134 and lower rib 154 may provide additional stiffness to wear member 26 to help prevent breakage of wear member 26 due to the decreased cross sectional area in region 220 (see Fig. 7) created by the presence of upper scoop 130 and lower scoop 150. For example, as illustrated in Fig. 8, the presence of upper rib 134 and lower rib 154 provides a larger cross-sectional area in region 222 of wear member 26. The increased cross-sectional area may help reduce an amount of stress in wear member 26 when wear member 26 is used to penetrate and or cut into work material. Furthermore, a useable life of wear member 26 may be increased because the additional material provided to fabricate upper and lower ribs 134 and 154 would have to be abraded sufficiently before it may be necessary to replace wear member 26. Thus, the double scoop-rib tip (e.g., wear member 26) of the present disclosure may provide improved wear resistance while preserving the ability of the tip to easily penetrate the working material.

[0055] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed wear member and tip assembly. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosed wear member and tip assembly. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope being indicated by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

Claims1. A wear member (26), comprising: a body (44) extending from a front surface (52) to a rear surface (54), the body including: a tip portion (80) extending from the front surface to a tip end(84); and an attachment portion (82) extending from the tip end to the rear surface; a nose cavity (100) extending into the attachment portion from the rear surface towards the front surface; a top outer surface (86); a bottom outer surface (88), wherein the top outer surface and the bottom outer surface extend from the rear surface and converge towards the front surface; first and second side outer surfaces (90, 92) extending between the top outer surface and the bottom outer surface; an upper scoop (130) extending into the body from the top outer surface towards the bottom outer surface; a lower scoop (150) extending into the body from the bottom outer surface towards the top outer surface; and a rib (134, 154) disposed within at least one of the upper scoop and the lower scoop.

2. The wear member of claim 1, wherein the first and second side outer surfaces converge from the tip end towards the front surface.

3. The wear member of claim 1, wherein, the upper scoop extends between an upper scoop front end (140) and an upper scoop rear end (142),the upper scoop front end is located between the front surface and the tip end, and the upper scoop rear end is located between the tip end and the rear surface.

4. The wear member of claim 3, wherein the rib includes an upper rib (134) disposed in the upper scoop, the upper rib protruding from a base of the upper scoop towards the top outer surface.

5. The wear member of claim 4, wherein an upper rib length is smaller than an upper scoop length, and an upper rib width is smaller than an upper scoop width.

6. The wear member of claim 5, wherein an upper rib height is smaller than an upper scoop depth.

7. The wear member of claim 4, wherein a length ratio of an upper scoop length to an upper rib length ranges between about 1.1 to 6.0.

8. The wear member of claim 4, wherein a width ratio of an upper scoop width to an upper rib width ranges between about 1.2 to 12.0.

9. The wear member of claim 4, wherein an upper scoop width is about half of a tip width.

10. The wear member of claim 4, wherein a ratio of a length of the wear member and a distance between the upper scoop rear end and the rear surface of the wear member ranges between 2 and 3.

11. The wear member of claim 4, wherein a ratio of a maximum upper scoop depth to a maximum tip portion height ranges betweenabout 1 / 4 to 5 / 8.

12. The wear member of claim 1, further including: an aperture (114, 116) in each of the first and second side outer surfaces; and an earpad (120) on at least one of the first and second side outer surfaces.

13. A wear member (26), comprising: a body (44) extending in a lengthwise direction from a front surface (52) to a rear surface (54), the body including: a tip portion (80) extending from the front surface to a tip end (84); and an attachment portion (82) extending from the tip end to the rear surface; a nose cavity (100) extending into the attachment portion from the rear surface towards the front surface; a top outer surface (86); a bottom outer surface (88), wherein the top outer surface and the bottom outer surface extend from the rear surface and converge towards the front surface; first and second side outer surfaces (90, 92) extending between the top outer surface and the bottom outer surface, wherein the first and second side outer surfaces converge from the tip end toward the front surface; an upper scoop (130) extending in the lengthwise direction and disposed on the top outer surface; a lower scoop (150) extending in the lengthwise direction and disposed on the bottom outer surface; an upper rib (134) located in the upper scoop and extending in the lengthwise direction; anda lower rib (154) located in the lower scoop and extending in the lengthwise direction, wherein widths of the upper rib and the lower rib are smaller than respective widths of the upper scoop and lower scoop.

14. The wear member of claim 13, wherein the upper scoop extends between an upper scoop front end (140) and an upper scoop rear end (142), the lower scoop extends between a lower scoop front end (160)and a lower scoop rear end (162), the upper scoop front end and the lower scoop front end are both located between the front surface and the tip end, and the upper scoop rear end and the lower scoop rear end are both located between the tip end and the rear surface.

15. The wear member of claim 14, wherein the upper rib protrudes from an upper scoop base (132) towards the top outer surface, and the lower rib protrudes from a lower scoop base (152) toward the bottom outer surface.

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