Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02956083 2017-01-23
WO 2016/018588 -1-
PCT/US2015/039978
Description
WEAR COMPONENT FOR GROUND ENGAGING TOOL
Technical Field
The present disclosure relates generally to a wear component, and
more particularly, to a wear component for a ground engaging tool.
Background
Machines, for example motor graders, dozers, wheel loaders, and
excavators are commonly used in material moving applications. These machines
include a ground engaging tool having a cutting edge component configured to
contact the material. For example, motor graders are typically used to perform
displacement, distribution and leveling of material, such as rock and/or soil.
The
motor graders may move the ground engaging tool over the ground so that the
cutting edge component engages with the rock and/or soil so as to displace,
distribute, or level the rock and/or soil
During use of the cutting edge component, the material may
abrade the cutting edge component, causing it to erode away. Accordingly, the
cutting edge component may be removably attached to the ground engaging tool
and replaced on a periodic basis. Conventional cutting edge components may be
formed as a single plate of constant thickness. Such conventional cutting edge
components may be relatively costly to manufacture and relatively difficult to
handle due to their weight.
An alternative cutting edge component is described in U.S. Patent
No. 1,633,057 (the '057 patent) issued to Wold. Specifically, the cutting edge
component of the '057 patent includes an upper portion of about one-half
thickness as a lower portion By reducing the thickness of the upper portion,
the
cutting edge component may require less material and may weigh less than the
conventional cutting edge component having a single plate of constant
thickness.
However, the cutting edge component of the '057 patent may still be relatively
costly to manufacture and relatively difficult to handle due to its weight.
Also,
the cutting edge component may not efficiently direct material, such as rock
and/or soil, around the cutting edge component.
CA 02956083 2017-01-23
WO 2016/018588 -2-
PCT/US2015/039978
The disclosed system is directed to overcoming one or more of
the problems set forth above.
Summary
In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a wear
component for a ground engaging toot The wear component includes a
longitudinally-extending mounting portion connectable to a mounting assembly
of the ground engaging tool. The wear component also includes at least one
wear portion connected to the mounting portion. The at least one wear portion
forms at least one ground engaging edge. The wear component further includes
a plurality of longitudinally-spaced ribs projecting from the at least one
wear
portion and connecting to the mounting portion. The plurality of ribs are
configured to affect a direction of a flow of material passing along the at
least
one wear portion.
In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a wear
component for a ground engaging toot The wear component includes a
mounting portion connectable to a mounting assembly of the ground engaging
tool. The wear component also includes at least one wear portion connected to
the mounting portion and forming at least one ground engaging edge. The at
least one wear portion has a similar thickness along a first direction as the
mounting portion and is ofRet along the first direction from the mounting
portion. The wear component also includes at least one nb projecting from the
at least one wear portion. The at least one nb is configured to affect a
direction
of a flow of material passing along the at least one wear portion.
In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a wear
component for a ground engaging toot The wear component includes a
mounting portion connectable to a mounting assembly of the ground engaging
tool. The wear component also includes a plurality of wear portions spaced
along a distal end of the mounting portion and connected to the mounting
portion. Each wear portion forms a ground engaging edge. The wear
component also includes a plurality of ribs projecting from the plurality of
wear
portions. The plurality of ribs connect to and extend distally from the
mounting
portion. Each nb is configured to affect a direction of a flow of material
passing
by the respective rib.
81803070
- 2a -
In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a wear component for
a ground engaging tool, the wear component comprising: a longitudinally-
extending
mounting portion connectable to a mounting assembly of the ground engaging
tool; and
at least one wear portion connected to the mounting portion, the at least one
wear
portion forming at least one ground engaging edge; and a plurality of
longitudinally-
spaced ribs projecting from the at least one wear portion and connecting to
the
mounting portion, wherein at least one of the plurality of ribs tapers at its
distal end and
terminates at a middle portion of the at least one wear portion, wherein the
plurality of
ribs are configured to affect a direction of a flow of material passing along
the at least
one wear portion; and wherein the mounting portion and the at least one wear
portion
form a generally S-shaped profile.
In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a wear component for
a ground engaging tool, the wear component comprising: a mounting portion
connectable to a mounting assembly of the ground engaging tool; and at least
one wear
portion connected to the mounting portion and forming at least one ground
engaging
edge, the at least one wear portion having a thickness along a first direction
that is the
same as a thickness of the mounting portion and wherein the at least one wear
portion is
offset along the first direction from the mounting portion; and at least one
rib projecting
from the at least one wear portion, wherein the at least one rib tapers at its
distal end
and terminates at a middle portion of the at least one wear portion, wherein
the at least
one rib is configured to affect a direction of a flow of material passing
along the at least
one wear portion; and wherein the mounting portion and the at least one wear
portion
form a generally S-shaped profile.
Date recue / Date received 202 1-1 1-26
CA 02956083 2017-01-23
WO 2016/018588 -3-
PCT/US2015/039978
Brief Description of the Drawings
Fig. 1 is a side view of a machine, according to an exemplary
embodiment;
Fig. 2 is a front view of a cutting edge component connected to a
moldboard assembly of the machine of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a side view of the cutting edge component and the
moldboard assembly of Fig. 2;
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the cutting edge component of Fig.
2;
Fig. 5 is a front view of a cutting edge component connected to a
moldboard assembly, according to another exemplary embodiment;
Fig. 6 is a side view of the cutting edge component and the
moldboard assembly of Fig. 5;
Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the cutting edge component of Fig.
5;
Fig. 8 is a front view of a cutting edge component connected to a
moldboard assembly, according to a further exemplary embodiment;
Fig. 9 is a side view of the cutting edge component and the
moldboard assembly of Fig. 8;
Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the cutting edge component of
Fig. 8;
Fig. 11 is a front view of a cutting edge component connected to a
moldboard assembly, according to yet another exemplary embodiment;
Fig. 12 is a side view of the cutting edge component and the
moldboard assembly of Fig. 11;
Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the cutting edge component of
Fig. 11;
Fig. 14 is a bottom view of the cutting edge component of Fig.
11;
Fig. 15 is a front view of a cutting edge component connected to a
moldboard assembly, according to yet a further exemplary embodiment;
Fig. 16 is a side view of the cutting edge component and the
moldboard assembly of Fig 15;
CA 02956083 2017-01-23
WO 2016/018588 -4-
PCT/US2015/039978
Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the cutting edge component of
Fig. 15; and
Fig. 18 is a bottom view of the cutting edge component of Fig.
15.
Detailed Description
Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments,
which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the
same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the
same or like parts.
An exemplary embodiment of a machine 10 is illustrated in Fig.
1. The machine 10 may be, for example, a motor grader, a backhoe loader, an
agricultural tractor, a wheel loader, a skid-steer loader, a dozer, an
excavator, or
any other type of machine known in the art. As a motor grader, the machine 10
may include a frame assembly 12. The frame assembly 12 may include a pair of
front wheels 14 (or other traction devices) and may support an operator
station
16. The frame assembly 12 may also include one or more compartments 18 for
housing a power source (e.g., an engine) and associated cooling components.
The power source may be operatively coupled to one or more pairs of rear
wheels 20 (or other traction devices) for propulsion of the machine 10.
The machine 10 may also include one or more ground engaging
tools 30. The ground engaging tool(s) 30 may include one or more wear
components, such as one or more cutting edge components 40. In the case of a
motor grader, as shown in Fig. 1, the ground engaging tool 30 may include a
plurality of the cutting edge components 40 (e.g., six cutting edge
components).
Alternatively, other numbers of cutting edge components 40 may be provided,
such as from one to eight cutting edge components, depending on the
application.
In the embodiment of the motor grader shown in Fig. 1, the
ground engaging tool 30 may include a drawbar-circle-moldboard (DCM)
assembly 32 with a moldboard assembly 34 (or other mounting assembly)
including a support surface 36. The cutting edge components 40 may be
removably attached to the support surface 36. The DCM assembly 32 may be
operatively connected to and supported by the frame assembly 12 or by another
CA 02956083 2017-01-23
WO 2016/018588 -5-
PCT/US2015/039978
portion of the machine 10. The DCM assembly 32 may control the movement of
the moldboard assembly 34 and therefore also the movement of the cuffing edge
components 40 mounted to the support surface 36 of the moldboard assembly
34. The DCM assembly 32 may also be supported by a hydraulic ram assembly
38 that controls the movement of the DCM assembly 32. As a result, the DCM
assembly 32 and/or the hydraulic ram assembly 38 may control one or more of a
vertical, horizontal, or pivotal movement of the moldboard assembly 34 and the
cutting edge components 40 mounted to the support surface 36 of the moldboard
assembly 34. Alternatively, different mechanical and/or hydraulic
arrangements,
e.g., other than the DCM assembly 32 and/or hydraulic ram assembly 38
described above, may be provided to allow for movement of the cutting edge
components 40.
Figs. 2-4 show an exemplary embodiment of the cutting edge
component 40. The term "longitudinal" refers to a dimension generally
lengthwise with respect to the cutting edge component 40, as indicated by the
arrow A in Fig. 2. The term "lateral" refers to a dimension generally
extending
between a proximal end or proximal edge 58 and a ground engaging edge 68 of
the cutting edge component 40, as indicated by the arrow B in Fig. 2. The
proximal edge 58 and the ground engaging edge 68 may extend generally
longitudinally as shown. In an embodiment, the length of the cutting edge
component 40 along the longitudinal direction may range from approximately 24
inches to approximately 92 inches, and the length of the cutting edge
component
40 along the lateral direction may range from approximately 8 inches to
approximately 16 inches. In one embodiment, the cutting edge component 40
may be approximately 48 inches longitudinally and approximately 16 inches
laterally.
The terms "distal" and "proximal" are used herein to refer to the
relative positions of the components of the exemplary cutting edge components
along the lateral dimension. When used herein, "distal" refers to one end of
the
cutting edge component 40 in the lateral dimension, e.g., positioned near the
ground engaging edge 68 of the cutting edge component 40. In contrast,
"proximal" refers to the end of the cuffing edge component 40 that is opposite
the distal end in the lateral dimension, e.g., positioned near the proximal
edge 58
of the cutting edge component 40.
CA 02956083 2017-01-23
WO 2016/018588 -6-
PCT/US2015/039978
While the cutting edge component 40 shown in Figs. 2-4 may be
positioned substantially at right angles to the normal direction of travel of
the
cutting edge component 40, as indicated by the arrow C in Fig. 3, it is to be
appreciated that the cutting edge component 40 may be oriented at an angle
and/or curved. The terms "front" and "rear" are also used herein to refer to
the
relative positions of the components of the exemplary cutting edge components.
When used herein, "front" refers to one side of the cutting edge component 40,
e.g., positioned near the forward side of the cutting edge component 40 with
respect to the direction of travel of the machine 10. In contrast, "rear"
refers to
the side of the cutting edge component 40 that is opposite the front side. The
rear side of the cutting edge component 40 may be the side that is connected
to
or proximal to the support surface 36 of the ground engaging tool 30 to which
the cutting edge component 40 is mounted.
The cutting edge component 40 may be replaceable to help ensure
productivity and/or efficiency of the machine 10. For example, the cutting
edge
component 40 may be removably connected to the support surface 36 of the
ground engaging tool 30 by way of one or more fasteners (not shown), such as
bolts, inserted through one or more mounting holes 42 in the cutting edge
component 40.
The cutting edge component 40 may include one or more
mounting portions 50, which may include the mounting holes 42, connected to
one or more wear portions 60. The cutting edge component 40 shown in Figs. 2-
4 includes one mounting portion 50 including the proximal edge 58 of the
cutting edge component 40 and one wear portion 60 including the ground
engaging edge 68 of the cutting edge component 40.
The mounting portion 50 may include a longitudinally-extending
substantially planar portion 52 including a rear surface 54, a front surface
56,
and the proximal edge 58. As shown in Fig. 3, the rear surface 54 and the
front
surface 56 may be substantially flat, and the substantially planar portion 52
may
taper toward the proximal end of the cutting edge component 40 to form the
proximal edge 58. The substantially planar portion 52 may be connectable to
the
moldboard assembly 34. For example, the substantially planar portion 52 may
include the mounting holes 42 for receiving the fasteners (not shown) for
attaching the cutting edge component 40 to the support surface 36 of the
CA 02956083 2017-01-23
WO 2016/018588 -7-
PCT/US2015/039978
moldboard assembly 34. As shown in Fig. 3, the rear surface 54 may be
configured to contact and abut the support surface 36.
The wear portion 60 may include a longitudinally-extending
substantially planar portion 62 including a rear surface 64, a front surface
66,
and the ground engaging edge 68. The rear surface 64 and the ['font surface 66
may be substantially flat, and the substantially planar portion 62 may taper
toward the distal end of the cutting edge component 40 to form the ground
engaging edge 68. Alternatively, instead of being substantially fiat, the
substantially planar portion 52 of the mounting portion 50 and/or the
substantially planar portion 62 of the wear portion 60 may be substantially
curved or may have another type of profile. Also, as shown in Fig. 3, the
substantially planar portion 52 of the mounting portion 50 and the
substantially
planar portion 62 of the wear portion 60 may have a similar and constant
thickness Ti (e.g., between the rear surface 54 and the front surface 56, and
between the rear surface 64 and the front surface 66) substantially throughout
the
entire substantially planar portion 52 and the entire substantially planar
portion
62 (e.g., except the proximal edge 58, the ground engaging edge 68, the
mounting holes 42, and/or any beveled edges). In an embodiment, the minimum
of the thickness Ti may range from approximately 10 millimeters to
approximately 80 millimeters, e.g., approximately 35 millimeters in one
embodiment. Alternatively, the substantially planar portion 52 of the mounting
portion 50 and/or the substantially planar portion 62 of the wear portion 60
may
have a variable thickness, depending on the application. In an embodiment in
which the substantially planar portion 52 and/or the substantially planar
portion
62 of have a variable thickness, the thickness of the substantially planar
portion
52 of the mounting portion 50 may not exceed the thickness of the
substantially
planar portion 62 of the wear portion 60.
The mounting portion 50 and the wear portion 60 may be
positioned to form a generally S-shaped profile, as shown in Fig. 3. For
example, the substantially planar portion 52 of the mounting portion 50 may
extend generally laterally along an axis Al lying midway through the thickness
of the substantially planar portion 52, and the substantially planar portion
62 of
the wear portion 60 may extend generally laterally along an axis A2 lying
midway through the thickness of the substantially planar portion 62. Axes Al
CA 02956083 2017-01-23
WO 2016/018588 -8-
PCT/US2015/039978
and A2 may be generally parallel and/or ofget depthwise, as shown in Fig. 3.
Also, the front surface 56 of the substantially planar portion 52 of the
mounting
portion 50 and the front surface 66 of the substantially planar portion 62 of
the
wear portion 60 may be generally parallel and/or offset depthwise. Because of
the generally S-shaped profile, at least a portion of the wear portion 60 may
be
laterally aligned underneath the moldboard assembly 34 (e.g., the support
surface 36).
The cutting edge component 40 may also include one or more ribs
70. The ribs 70 may be configured to affect a direction of a flow of material
passing along the wear portion 60 and may be sized proportionally to the
cutting
edge component 40 to support the bend in the S-shaped profile of the cutting
edge component 40, which may improve the structural integrity of the cutting
edge component 40. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figs. 2-4, the
cutting edge component 40 includes eight ribs 70. Alternatively, fewer or more
than eight ribs 70 may be provided. The ribs 70 may project from the front
surface 66 of the substantially planar portion 62 of the wear portion 60 and
may
be longitudinally-spaced. As shown in Fig. 3, the ribs 70 may connect to a
distal
end of the mounting portion 50 and may extend distally from the mounting
portion 50. The nbs 70 may also project from the wear portion 60 such that the
ribs 70 are laterally aligned underneath at least a portion of the mounting
portion
50. Each nb 70 may have a distal end 72 located near a middle portion of the
substantially planar portion 62 of the wear portion 60 in the lateral
direction. As
shown in Fig. 3, each nb 70 may also have a depth D1 that tapers at the distal
end 72.
The maximum of the depth D1 may correspond to the distance
between the front surface 56 of the substantially planar portion 52 of the
mounting portion 50 and the front surface 66 of the substantially planar
portion
62 of the wear portion 60. In an embodiment, the maximum of the depth D1
may be approximately three times the thickness Ti or less. Also, as shown in
Figs. 2-4, the front surface of each nb 70 may be continuous with the front
surface 56 of the substantially planar portion 52 of the mounting portion 50
and
the font surface 66 of the substantially planar portion 62 of the wear portion
60.
Figs. 5-7 show a cutting edge component 140, according to
another exemplary embodiment. The cutting edge component 140 may be
CA 02956083 2017-01-23
WO 2016/018588 -9-
PCT/US2015/039978
similar to the cutting edge component 40 shown in Figs. 1-4, with the
differences described below.
The cutting edge component 140 may include a plurality of wear
portions or teeth 160, instead of the single wear portion 60 of Figs. 1-4.
Each
tooth 160 may have similar characteristics as the single wear portion 60
described above. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figs. 5-7, the cutting
edge component 140 includes eight teeth 160. Alternatively, fewer or more than
eight teeth 160 may be provided. The teeth 160 may connect to and be
longitudinally-spaced along the distal end of the mounting portion 50. As
shown
in Fig. 5, each tooth 160 may have a width W1 that may taper from the proximal
end of the tooth 160 that connects to the mounting portion 50 toward the
respective ground engaging edge 68. Each tooth 160 may include one or more
of the ribs 70, and in the exemplary embodiment shown in Figs. 5-7, each tooth
160 includes one nb 70 extending centrally on the tooth 160 with respect to
the
width W1 . Also, as shown in Fig. 6, the rear surface 64 of the teeth 160 may
include beveled edges. The ratio of the width W1 of the teeth 160 to a width
of a
gap between a pair of adjacent teeth 160 may be approximately 3:1 or less
(e.g.,
the width W1 may be equal to or greater than three times the width of the
gap).
Figs. 8-10 show a cutting edge component 240, according to
another exemplary embodiment. The cutting edge component 240 may be
similar to the cutting edge component 140 shown in Figs. 5-7, with the
differences described below.
The cutting edge component 240 may include a mounting portion
250 and a plurality of wear portions or teeth 260. In the exemplary embodiment
shown in Figs. 8-10, the cutting edge component 240 includes twelve teeth 260.
Alternatively, fewer or more than twelve teeth 260 may be provided. The teeth
260 may connect to and be longitudinally-spaced along the distal end of the
mounting portion 250. As shown in Fig. 5, each tooth 260 may have a width W2
that may taper from the proximal end of the tooth 260 that connects to the
mounting portion 50 toward the respective ground engaging edge 68.
The mounting portion 250 and the teeth 260 may be similar to the
mounting portion 50 and the teeth 160 described above, but may not include the
ribs 70 and may have different side profiles, as shown in Fig. 9. For example,
the substantially planar portion 52 and the substantially planar portions 62
of the
CA 02956083 2017-01-23
WO 2016/018588 -10-
PCT/US2015/039978
cutting edge component 140 may not have the substantially constant thickness
Ti, and the cutting edge component 140 may not be generally S-shaped.
As shown in Fig. 9, the substantially planar portion 52 of the
mounting portion 250 may have a variable thickness T2 (e.g., between the rear
surface 54 and the front surface 56) that tapers from the distal end of the
mounting portion 250 that connects to the teeth 260 toward the proximal edge
58, and the substantially planar portion 62 of each tooth 260 may have a
variable
thickness T3 (e.g., between the rear surface 64 and the front surface 66) that
tapers from the proximal end of the tooth 260 that connects to the mounting
portion 250 toward the ground engaging edge 68. The tapering of the
thicknesses T2 and T3 may be substantially continuous such that the maximum
of the thickness T2 of the substantially planar portion 52 of the mounting
portion
250 may be located closer to the distal end of the mounting portion 250 (or
the
teeth 260) than the proximal edge 58, and the maximum of the thickness T3 of
the substantially planar portion 62 of each tooth 260 may be located closer
their
proximal ends (or the mounting portion 250) than the ground engaging edges 68.
Thus, the middle portion of the cutting edge component 240 in the lateral
direction may be thicker than the proximal edge 58 and the ground engaging
edges 68. Also, the maximum of the thickness T3 of each tooth 260 may be
larger than the maximum of the thickness T2 of the mounting portion 250, and
an average of the thickness T3 of each tooth 260 may be larger than an average
of the thickness T2 of the mounting portion 250. In an embodiment, the
thickness T2 of the substantially planar portion 52 of the mounting portion
250
may not exceed the thickness T3 of the substantially planar portion 62 of the
teeth 260. The thickness T2 and/or the thickness T3 may vary within different
ranges between approximately 10 millimeters to approximately 80 millimeters,
depending on the application. In an embodiment, the minimum of the thickness
T2 may be at least approximately 35 millimeters, e.g., to maintain structural
integrity, and a minimum of the thickness T3 may be at least approximately 60
millimeters, e.g., to provide a relatively longer wear life.
Further, at least a portion of the thickness T2 of the mounting
portion 250 may extend both rearwardly and forwardly with respect to the
location of the proximal edge 58 as the mounting portion 250 becomes thicker
toward its distal end. At least a portion of the front surface 56 of the
mounting
CA 02956083 2017-01-23
WO 2016/018588 -11-
PCT/US2015/039978
portion 250 may slope forward toward the distal end of the mounting portion
250.
The middle portion of the cutting edge component 140 in the
lateral direction may also include a step 280. As shown in Fig. 9, the step
280
may be formed by the rear surface 54 of the substantially planar portion 52 of
the
mounting portion 250 and a step surface 282, which may be located below the
location of the lower edge of the support surface 36 of the moldboard assembly
34 when the cutting edge component 140 is mounted to the support surface 36.
In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figs. 8-10, the step 280 is a right
angle.
Alternatively, the step surface 282 may form an acute or obtuse angle with
respect to the rear surface 54. The step surface 282 may be located at a
relatively thicker portion of the mounting portion 250 where the thickness T2
of
the mounting portion 250 extends both rearwardly and forwardly with respect to
the location of the proximal edge 58.
Figs. 11-14 show a cutting edge component 340, according to
another exemplary embodiment. The cutting edge component 340 may be
similar to the cutting edge component 40 shown in Figs. 1-4, with the
differences described below.
The cutting edge component 340 may include a mounting portion
350 and a wear portion 360. The mounting portion 350 and the wear portion 360
may be similar to the mounting portion 50 and the wear portion 60 described
above, but may have different side profiles, as shown in Fig. 12. For example,
the substantially planar portion 52 and the substantially planar portions 62
of the
cutting edge component 340 may not have the substantially constant thickness
Ti, and the cutting edge component 340 may not be generally S-shaped and may
not include the ribs 70.
As shown in Fig. 12, the substantially planar portion 52 of the
mounting portion 350 may have a variable thickness T4 (e.g., between the rear
surface 54 and the front surface 56) that tapers from the distal end of the
mounting portion 350 that connects to the wear portion 360 toward the proximal
edge 58, and the substantially planar portion 62 of the wear portion 360 may
have a variable thickness T5 (e.g., between the rear surface 64 and the front
surface 66) that tapers from the proximal end of the substantially planar
portion
62 that connects to the mounting portion 350 toward the ground engaging edge
CA 02956083 2017-01-23
WO 2016/018588 -12-
PCT/US2015/039978
68. The tapering of the thicknesses T4 and T5 may be substantially continuous
such that the maximum of the thickness T4 of the substantially planar portion
52
of the mounting portion 350 may be located closer to the distal end of the
mounting portion 350 (or the wear portion 360) than the proximal edge 58, and
the maximum of the thickness T5 of the substantially planar portion 62 of the
wear portion 360 may be located closer the proximal end of the wear portion
360
(or the mounting portion 350) than the ground engaging edge 68. Thus, the
middle portion of the cutting edge component 340 in the lateral direction may
be
thicker than the proximal edge 58 and the ground engaging edge 68. Also, the
maximum of the thickness T5 of the wear portion 360 may be larger than the
maximum of the thickness T4 of the mounting portion 350, and an average of the
thickness T5 of the wear portion 360 may be larger than an average of the
thickness T4 of the mounting portion 350. In an embodiment, the thickness T4
of the substantially planar portion 52 of the mounting portion 350 may not
exceed the thickness T5 of the substantially planar portion 62 of the wear
portion
360. The thickness T4 and/or the thickness T5 may vary within different ranges
between approximately 10 millimeters to approximately 80 millimeters,
depending on the application. In an embodiment, the minimum of the thickness
T4 may be at least approximately 35 millimeters, e.g., to maintain structural
integrity, and a minimum of the thickness T5 may be at least approximately 60
millimeters, e.g., to provide a relatively longer wear life.
Further, at least a portion of the thickness T4 of the mounting
portion 350 may extend both rearwardly and forwardly with respect to the
location of the proximal edge 58 as the mounting portion 350 becomes thicker
toward its distal end. At least a portion of the front surface 56 of the
mounting
portion 350 may slope forward toward the distal end of the mounting portion
350. Also, the maximum of the thickness T5 of the wear portion 360 may be
located below the location of the lower edge of the support surface 36 of the
moldboard assembly 34 when the cutting edge component 140 is mounted to the
support surface 36.
The cutting edge component 340 may also include one or more
grooves 390. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figs. 11-14, the cutting
edge component 340 includes twelve grooves 390. Alternatively, fewer or more
than twelve grooves 390 may be provided. Each groove 390 may be provided in
CA 02956083 2017-01-23
WO 2016/018588 -13-
PCT/US2015/039978
the front surface 66 of the substantially planar portion 62 of the wear
portion
360. As shown in Fig. 11, each groove 390 may extend proximally from the
ground engaging edge 68 toward the mounting portion 350 and may extend
along a majority of a lateral length of the wear portion 360. The proximal end
of
each groove 390 may be located near a middle portion of the cutting edge
component 340 in the lateral direction. As shown in Fig. 14, each groove 390
may be generally U-shaped with a bottom surface 392 and sides 394, and may
have a depth D2 that may be relatively shallow compared to the thickness T5 of
the wear portion 360. The bottom surface 392 may be substantially parallel to
the front surface 66 of the substantially planar portion 62 of the wear
portion
360. In an embodiment, the depth D2 may be approximately 75% of the
thickness T5 (or the maximum of the thickness T5) of the wear portion 360 or
less.
The sides 394 of the grooves 390 may form edges 396 with the
front surface 66 of the substantially planar portion 62 of the wear portion
360.
The edges 396 may serve as self-sharpening teeth as wear progresses on the
wear
portion 360. For example, the wear portion 360 may wear from the bottom (e.g.,
starting at the ground engaging edge 68) and then upward (proximally). As the
wear portion 360 wears away proximally, unworn and sharpened portions of the
edges 396 become exposed, and therefore the edges 396 may be self-sharpening.
The grooves 390 may include a coating of abrasion resistant
material. For example, the bottom surface 392, the sides 394, and/or the edges
396 of the grooves 390 may be coated with the abrasion resistant material. The
abrasion resistant material may include a carbide (e.g., tungsten carbide,
titanium
carbide, and/or chromium carbide) and/or a metal oxide (e.g., aluminum oxide
and/or chromium oxide). The abrasion resistant material, e.g., in particle
form,
may be applied to the grooves 390 by welding, plasma transfer arc deposition,
and/or laser deposition. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 14, the
coating may not fill in the grooves 390, thereby allowing the grooves 390 to
maintain the profile of the bottom surface 392, sides 394, edges 396, and
depth
Dl. Alternatively, the coating may fill the grooves 390.
Figs. 15-18 show a cutting edge component 440, according to
another exemplary embodiment. The cutting edge component 440 may be
CA 02956083 2017-01-23
WO 2016/018588 -14-
PCT/US2015/039978
similar to the cutting edge component 340 shown in Figs. 11-14, with the
differences described below.
The cutting edge component 440 may include a plurality of wear
portions or teeth 460, instead of the single wear portion 360 of Figs. 11-14.
In
the exemplary embodiment shown in Figs. 15-18, the cutting edge component
440 includes twelve teeth 460. Alternatively, fewer or mire than twelve teeth
460 may be provided. The teeth 460 may connect to and be longitudinally-
spaced along the distal end of the mounting portion 350. As shown in Fig. 15,
each tooth 460 may have a width W3 that may taper toward the respective
ground engaging edge 68. Each tooth 460 may include one or more of the
grooves 390, and in the exemplary embodiment shown in Figs. 15-18, each tooth
460 includes one groove 390 extending centrally on the tooth 460 with respect
to
the width W3. Also, as shown in Fig. 16, the rear surface 64 of the teeth 460
may include beveled edges.
In addition, the teeth 460 may taper toward the rear surface 64, as
shown in Fig. 18. The side surfaces of the teeth 460 (extending between the
rear
surface 64 and the front surface 66) may be at an angle ranging from
approximately 0 degrees to approximately 15 degrees relative to a plane that
is
perpendicular to the front surface 66. The tapering of the teeth 460 toward
the
rear surface 64 may improve a cutting efficiency of the cutting edge component
440 by reducing drag forces or friction caused by the material flowing against
the side surfaces of the teeth 460.
Industrial Applicability
The disclosed cutting edge components may be applicable to any
machine having a ground engaging toot Several advantages may be associated
with the cutting edge components. The cutting edge components may exhibit
improved performance and longer wear life. For example, the cutting edge
components may penetrate and break up hard and/or frozen ground, and may
direct the flow of material passing by the cutting edge component when the
cutting edge components are moved horizontally and/or vertically into the
ground.
The cutting edge components 40, 140, 240, 340, and 440 may
have a thickness that tapers toward the distal end of the cutting edge
component
CA 02956083 2017-01-23
WO 2016/018588 -15-
PCT/US2015/039978
40, 140, 240, 340, and 440 to form the ground engaging edge 68, as shown in
the
side views of Figs. 3, 6, 9, 12, and 16. Also, the cutting edge components
140,
240, and 440 may include teeth 160, 260, and 460 that have a width (e.g.,
width
Wl, W2, and W3) that also tapers toward the distal end of the cutting edge
component 140, 240, and 440 to form the ground engaging edge 68, as shown in
the front views of Figs. 5, 8, and 15. The tapering of the width and/or
thickness
may form a chisel-like member at the ground engaging edge 68 for penetrating
and breaking up hard and/or frozen ground, e.g., when the cutting edge
components 40, 140, 240, 340, and 440 move horizontally and/or vertically into
the ground.
The cutting edge components 140, 240, and 440 may also include
teeth 160, 260, and 460 that are spaced to allow the flow of material that is
broken up by the ground engaging edge 68 to pass through the teeth 160, 260,
and 460. The widths Wl, W2, and W3 and spacing of the teeth 160, 260, and
460 may be different depending on the intended function of the cutting edge
component 140, 240, and 440. For example, the width W1 of the teeth 160 of
the cutting edge component 140 may be wider than the widths W2 and W3 of the
teeth 260 and 460 of the cutting edge components 240 and 440 for structural
purposes because the average thickness of the cutting edge component 140
(e.g.,
thickness Ti) may be less than the average thickness (e.g., thickness T2, T3,
T4,
and T5) of the cutting edge components 240 and 440.
Also, the spacing (e.g., the width of the gaps between the teeth) of
the teeth 160 of the cutting edge component 140 may be wider than the spacing
of the teeth 260 and 460 of the cutting edge components 240 and 440. For
example, the spacing may depend on the size of the particles of the material
broken up by the ground engaging edge 68. Because the width W1 and/or
spacing of the cutting edge component 140 may be wider than the widths W2
and W3 and/or spacing of the cutting edge components 240 and 440, the cutting
edge component 140 may include eight teeth 160 while the cutting edge
components 240 and 440 may include twelve teeth 260 and 460.
The cutting edge components 40 and 140 may include the ribs 70
that are configured to adjust a direction of the flow of material that is
broken up
by the ground engaging edge 68. The flow of material may be directed by the
ribs 70 along the wear portion 60 or the teeth 160, over the mounting portion
50,
CA 02956083 2017-01-23
WO 2016/018588 -16-
PCT/US2015/039978
and onto the moldboard assembly 34 where the material may be redirected and
cast off to the side of the machine 10. The ribs 70 may also support the bend
in
the S-shaped profile of the cutting edge component 40, which may improve the
structural integrity of the cutting edge component 40 and make the cutting
edge
component 40 stronger.
The cutting edge components 340 and 440 may include the
grooves 390 that include the self-sharpening edges 396 that may assist in
penetrating and breaking up hard and/or frozen ground, which may help to
reduce the penetration forces required by the cutting edge components 340 and
440. The grooves 390 may also include the coating of abrasion resistant
material, which may increase wear life. Thus, the grooves 390 may serve as a
location for depositing abrasion resistant material without the need for
additional
machining. Although not shown, the cutting edge component 240 may also
include the grooves 390 and/or the coating of abrasion resistant materiaL
Also, at least a portion of the thickness T4 of the mounting
portions 250 and 350 of the cutting edge components 240 and 340 may extend
both rearwardly and forwardly, e.g., with respect to the location of the
proximal
edge 58, as the mounting portions 250 and 350 become thicker toward the distal
end, and at least a portion of the front surface 56 of the mounting portions
250
and 350 may slope forward toward the distal end of the mounting portions 250
and 350. As a result, the flow of material that is broken up by the ground
engaging edge 68 may be directed over the front surface 56 of the mounting
portions 250 and 350 and onto the moldboard assembly 34 where the material
may be redirected and cast off to the side of the machine 10.
The cutting edge components 40, 140, 240, 340, and 440 may
also be configured for optimal placement of the material used to form the
cutting
edge components 40, 140, 240, 340, and 440 to reduce weight, cost, and the
amount of throwaway material at the end of life of the cutting edge components
40, 140, 240, 340, and 440. Providing the maximum thickness near the middle
portion of the cutting edge components 40, 140, 240, 340, and 440 in the
lateral
direction may result in a relatively longer wear life. The maximum thickness
may be provided below the location of the lower edge of the support surface 36
of the moldboard assembly 34 when the cutting edge component 40, 140, 240,
340, and 440 is mounted to the support surface 36.
CA 02956083 2017-01-23
WO 2016/018588 -17-
PCT/US2015/039978
As shown in the side views of Figs. 3, 6, 9, 12, and 16, the
mounting portions 50, 250, and 350 may have a smaller thickness (e.g.,
thickness Ti, T2, or T4) compared to the maximum thickness of the cutting edge
components 40, 140, 240, 340, and 440. For example, the substantially planar
portion 52 of the mounting portion 50, 250, and 350 may taper toward the
proximal end of the components 40, 140, 240, 340, and 440 to form the proximal
edge 58. Also, the substantially planar portion 52 of the mounting portion 250
and 350 may have a variable thickness (e.g., thickness T2 or T4) that tapers
substantially continuously from the distal end toward the proximal edge 58.
In addition, the wear portions 60 and 360 or teeth 160, 260, and
460 may also have a smaller thickness (e.g., thickness Ti, T3, or T5) compared
to the maximum thickness of the cutting edge components 40, 140, 240, 340,
and 440. For example, the substantially planar portion 62 of the wear portions
60 and 360 or teeth 160, 260, and 460 may taper toward the distal end of the
components 40, 140, 240, 340, and 440 to form the ground engaging edge(s) 68.
Also, the substantially planar portion 62 of the wear portion 360 and teeth
260
and 460 may have a variable thickness (e.g., thickness T3 or T5) that tapers
substantially continuously from the proximal end toward the ground engaging
edge 68.
As a result of the optimal placement of the material used to form
the cutting edge components 40, 140, 240, 340, and 440, less material may be
used to manufacture the cutting edge components 40, 140, 240, 340, and 440,
which may lower the cost of manufacturing and may minimize the amount of
throwaway material at the end of life. Also, the cutting edge components 40,
140, 240, 340, and 440 may have a relatively lower weight, which may make
them easier to handle.
In addition, the cutting edge components 40, 140, 240, 340, and
440 may be formed of cast steel which may reduce the time and cost for
manufacturing the cutting edge components 40, 140, 240, 340, and 440
described above and shown in Figs. 2-18, e.g., compared to rolled steel. Thus,
the cutting edge components 40, 140, 240, 340, and 440 including the features
described above, such as the mounting portions 50, 250, and 350, the wear
portions 60 and 360, the teeth 160, 260, and 460, and/or the ribs 70, may be
formed as a single integral and/or continuous part.
CA 02956083 2017-01-23
WO 2016/018588 -18-
PCT/US2015/039978
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed cutting edge
components. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art
from
consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosed cutting edge
components. 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.
