Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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BUCKET
TECHNICAL FIELD
This disclosure relates to a bucket for coupling with earth moving machinery
for
moving material.
BACKGROUND ART
Buckets are used for moving material such as earth by coupling to a piece of
heavy machinery such as an excavator to control movement of the bucket. Bucket
systems vary in shape and configuration for various fields of application. The
shape of the bucket may depend on the hydraulic kinematics of the heavy
machinery or may depend upon the material being moved. In some forms, it is
important that the bucket provides a high daily production rate in terms of
the
amount of material transported. In some forms it is important to reduce wear
on
the material of the bucket and allow for efficiency in replacement of the
system.
It is to be understood that, if any prior art is referred to herein, such
reference does
not constitute an admission that the prior art forms a part of the common
general
knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.
SUMMARY
In a first aspect, disclosed is a bucket for moving material, the bucket
comprising
an engagement beam for engaging a machine; a basket supported by the
engagement beam, said basket having a basket body defining a basket interior,
wherein the basket body comprises a plurality of basket members defining the
basket interior, wherein one or more of the basket members is removable to
allow
for replacement of at least a portion of the basket body. In some forms the
basket
members comprise a plurality of plates and/or cast components. In some forms
the
basket members are structural members that define the basket interior. In some
forms the basket body is formed by plates coupled with one another. In some
forms, the basket members include cast components.
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According to a further aspect, disclosed is a bucket having an engagement beam
for engaging a machine, the engagement beam being removable from the bucket;
and a basket supported by the engagement beam, said basket having a basket
body
defining a basket interior. In some forms the engagement beam is cast. In some
forms, the engagement beam comprises lugs and a beam member, the beam
member and lugs being integrally cast. In some forms, the engagement beam
comprises a single cast.
According to a further aspect, disclosed is a cast engagement beam for a
bucket,
the engagement beam configured to connect to a basket and including an access
portal extending into a hollow section of the engagement beam.
According to a further aspect, disclosed is a bucket for moving material, the
bucket comprising an engagement beam for engaging a machine, the engagement
beam including a plurality of lugs, the engagement beam being east; a basket
supported by the engagement beam, said basket having a basket body defining a
basket interior.
According to a further aspect, disclosed is a bucket for moving material, the
bucket comprising an engagement beam for engaging a machine, the engagement
beam being cast; a basket supported by the engagement beam, said basket having
a basket body defining a basket interior, wherein the basket is removable to
allow
for replacement of at least a portion of the basket body.
According to a further aspect, disclosed is a bucket for moving material, the
bucket comprising an engagement beam for engaging a machine, the engagement
beam including a beam body extending between end portions; a basket supported
by the engagement beam, said basket haying a basket body defining a basket
interior, wherein at least one dimension the beam body and the end portions
are
adjustable to suit different machines.
According to a further aspect, disclosed is a bucket for moving material, the
bucket comprising an engagement beam for engaging a machine; a basket
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supported by the engagement beam, said basket comprising a plurality of basket
members defining a basket interior, wherein the basket members of the basket
comprise side wall plates in a facing arrangement with one another and a shell
comprising one or more shell plates, the shell extending between the side wall
plates wherein the side wall plates are removable to allow for replacement of
at
least one of the side wall plates of the basket.
According to a further aspect, disclosed is a bucket for moving material
comprising an engagement beam for engaging a machine; a basket supported by
the engagement beam, said basket having a basket body defining a basket
interior;
the basket body including an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein at
least a
portion of the lower portion is removable from at least a portion of the upper
portion to allow for replacement of the portion of the lower portion.
According to a further aspect, disclosed is a bucket for moving material
comprising: an engagement beam for engaging a machine, the engagement beam
having a beam body extending along a longitudinal axis and including a
plurality
of lugs extending in a lateral direction from the beam body; a basket
supported by
the engagement beam, said basket having a basket body defining a basket
interior;
the beam body including an internal surface defining a hollow section
extending
therethrough; and at least one internal support extending along the internal
surface.
According to a further aspect, disclosed is a method of manufacturing a lug of
an
engagement beam of for a bucket; the method comprising: casting an engaging
beam including a plurality of lugs, each lug includes at least one boss being
oversized; and machining the at least one boss to a fmished boss including a
predetermined tolerance and/or finish.
According to a further aspect, disclosed is an engagement beam configured to
support a basket for a bucket, the engagement beam comprises: a beam body
extending along a longitudinal axis between ends, the beam body including an
inner surface and an outer surface, and a wall being formed between the inner
and
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outer surfaces; the inner surface defining a hollow section extending
centrally
therethrough; a plurality of lugs extending from the outer surface of the beam
body in a lateral direction, wherein the wall may have a variable thickness
between the inner and outer surfaces in the longitudinal direction.
According to a further aspect, disclosed is an engagement beam configured to
support a basket for a bucket, the engagement beam comprises a beam body
extending along a longitudinal axis between ends, the beam body including an
inner surface defining a hollow section extending centrally therethrough; the
beam
body further including one or more sections joined in an end-to-end
configuration;
and one or more reinforcing members extending along each join to reinforce the
join.
According to a further aspect, disclosed is a bucket for moving material
comprising an engagement beam for engaging a machine; the engagement beam
including a beam body extending along a longitudinal axis between ends, the
beam body including an inner surface defining a hollow section extending
centrally therethrough; a basket supported by the engagement beam, said basket
having a basket body defining a basket interior; and equipment housed in the
hollow section of the beam body.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments will now be described by way of example only, with reference to
the accompanying drawings in which
Figure 1 shows a rear perspective view of a bucket of a first embodiment of
the
disclosure;
Figure 2 shows a front perspective view of the bucket of Figure 1;
Figure 3 shows a bottom perspective view of the bucket of Figure 1;
Figure 4 shows an exploded top perspective view of one embodiment of a bucket;
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Figure 5 shows an exploded top perspective view of an engagement beam of the
bucket of one embodiment of the disclosure;
Figure 6 shows an exploded front view of the engagement beam of Figure 5;
Figure 7 shows a front view of an embodiment of an engagement beam which
may be used in combination with an embodiment of a basket of the disclosure
such as the basket shown in Figure 9bucket;
Figure g shows a side perspective view of the engagement beam of Figure 7
including lug tails;
Figure 9 shows a front perspective view of an embodiment of a basket of the
bucket of Figure 4;
Figure 10 shows a rear perspective view of the basket of Figure 9;
Figure 11 shows a front view of an engagement beam for a bucket of one
embodiment of the disclosure;
Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional view along the section A-A of Figure 11;
Figure 13 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a beam body of the
engagement beam of Figure 11;
Figure 14 is a front perspective view of a bucket of one embodiment of the
disclosure;
Figure 15a is a front view of an embodiment of an engagement beam of the
bucket of Figure 14;
Figure 15b is a cross-sectional schematic view of the engagement beam of
Figure
15a;
Figure 16 is a side view of an engagement beam for a bucket of one embodiment
of the disclosure;
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Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of the engagement beam of the section B-B
of
Figure 16;
Figure 18 is a close-up view of the detail C shown on the engagement beam of
Figure 17;
Figure 19 is a front view of the engagement beam of Figure 16;
Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of the engagement beam along the section D-
D
of Figure 19;
Figure 21 is a close-up view of an access portal of the engagement beam of
Figure
19;
Figure 22 is a close-up view of an access portal of the engagement beam of
Figure
19;
Figure 23 is a rear perspective view of a bucket of one embodiment of the
disclosure;
Figure 24 is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of a side wall of the
bucket
of Figure 23;
Figure 25 is a front perspective view of a side wall of the bucket of Figure
24;
Figure 26 is a front perspective view of a bucket of one embodiment of the
disclosure;
Figure 27 is an exploded front perspective view of the bucket of Figure 26;
Figure 28 is an exploded rear perspective view of the bucket of Figure 26;
Figure 29 is a rear perspective view of the bucket of Figure 26;
Figure 30 is an exploded side view of the bucket of Figure 26;
Figure 31 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a lower portion of
the
bucket of Figure 26;
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Figure 32 is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the lower portion of
Figure 31;
Figure 33 is a front perspective view of a bucket of one embodiment of the
disclosure;
Figure 34 is a rear perspective view of the bucket of Figure 33;
Figure 35 is a rear perspective view of the bucket of Figure 33;
Figure 36 is an exploded front perspective view of the bucket of Figure 33;
Figure 37 is an exploded rear perspective view of the bucket of Figure 33;
Figure 38 is an exploded side view of the bucket of Figure 33;
Figure 39 is a side view of a beam body of an engagement beam of a bucket of
the
present disclosure;
Figure 40 is a cross-sectional view along the section A-A of Figure 39;
Figure 41 is cross-sectional view along the section B-B of the engagement beam
of Figure 39;
Figure 42 is a perspective view of the engagement beam of Figure 39;
Figure 43 is a side view of a beam body of an engagement beam of a bucket of
one embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 44 is a cross-sectional view along the section A-A of Figure 43;
Figure 45 is cross-sectional view along the section B-B of the engagement beam
of Figure 43;
Figure 46 is a perspective view of the engagement beam of Figure 43;
Figure 47 is a side view of a beam body of an engagement beam of a bucket of
the
present disclosure;
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Figure 48 is a cross-sectional view along the section A-A of Figure 47;
Figure 49 is cross-sectional view along the section B-B of the engagement beam
of Figure 47;
Figure 50 is a perspective view of the engagement beam of Figure 47;
Figure 51 is a side view of a beam body of an engagement beam of a bucket of
the
present disclosure;
Figure 52 is a cross-sectional view along the section A-A of Figure 51;
Figure 53 is cross-sectional view along the section B-B of the engagement beam
of Figure 51;
Figure 54 is a perspective view of the engagement beam of Figure 51;
Figure 55 is a side view of a beam body of an engagement beam of a bucket of
the
present disclosure;
Figure 56 is a cross-sectional view along the section A-A of Figure 55;
Figure 57 is cross-sectional view along the section B-B of the engagement beam
of Figure 55;
Figure 58 is a perspective view of the engagement beam of Figure 55;
Figure 59 is a side view of an engagement beam of a bucket of the present
disclosure;
Figure 60 is a cross-sectional view along the section C-C of Figure 59;
Figure 61 is close-up view in the detail D of the engagement beam of Figure
60;
Figure 62a is a side view of a beam body of an engagement beam of a bucket of
one embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 62b is a perspective view of the beam body of Figure 62a;
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Figure 63a is a side view of a beam body of an engagement beam of a bucket of
one embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 63b is a perspective view of the beam body of Figure 63a;
Figure 64a is a side view of a beam body of an engagement beam of a bucket of
one embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 64b is a perspective view of the beam body of Figure 64a;
Figure 65a is a side view of a beam body of an engagement beam of a bucket of
one embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 65b is a perspective view of the beam body of Figure 65a;
Figure 66 is a side view of a beam body of an engagement beam of a bucket of
the
present disclosure;
Figure 67 is a cross-sectional view along the section A-A of Figure 66;
Figure 68 is close-up view along the detail B of the engagement beam of Figure
66;
Figure 69 is a perspective view of the engagement beam of Figure 66;
Figure 70 is a side view of an engagement beam of a bucket of one embodiment
of the present disclosure;
Figure 71 is a cross-sectional view along the section A-A of Figure 39;
Figure 72 is a close-up view of the detail of Figure 71; and
Figure 73 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an engagement beam of a
bucket according to the present disclosure.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In the following detailed description, reference is made to accompanying
drawings which form a part of the detailed description. The illustrative
embodiments described in the detailed description and depicted in the
drawings,
are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilised and other
changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject
matter presented, it will be readily understood that the aspects of the
present
disclosure, as generally described herein and illustrated in the drawings can
be
arranged, substituted, combined, separated and designed in a wide variety of
different configurations, all of which are contemplated in this disclosure.
Disclosed is a bucket for moving material, the bucket comprising an engagement
beam for engaging a machine; a basket supported by the engagement beam, the
basket having a basket body defining a basket interior, wherein the basket
body
comprises a plurality of basket members defining the basket interior, wherein
one
or more of the basket members is removable to allow for replacement of at
least a
portion of the basket body. In some forms the basket members comprise plate
components or otherwise flat components or cast components.
In some forms, the basket body comprises side wall plates in a facing
arrangement
with one another and a shell comprising one or more shell plates, the shell
extending between the side wall plates.
In some forms removal of the or each basket member is performed by cutting the
or each basket member away from the basket body.
In some forms the basket body is formed by plates coupled with one another. In
some forms the plates include at least one lower shell plate, and the at least
one
lower shell plate is removable. In some forms, the basket body comprises side
plates and one or more shell plates and the side plates meet and couple with
the
shell plates.
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In some embodiments, disclosed is a bucket having an engagement beam for
engaging a machine, the engagement beam being removable from the bucket; and
a basket supported by the engagement beam, said basket having a basket body
defining a basket interior. In some forms the engagement beam is cast. In some
forms, the engagement beam comprises lugs and a beam member, the beam
member and lugs being integrally cast. In some forms, the engagement beam
comprises a single cast.
In some forms, the engagement beam comprises a beam body and one or more
end portions, the beam body and the one or more end portions being coupled
together. In some forms, the basket body includes basket members, the basket
members comprise side plates and one or more shell plates and wherein the side
plates meet and couple with the shell plates. In some forms, the one or more
end
portions include a side wall portion aligned with each side plate to form a
side
wall of the basket.
In some embodiments, the side wall portion of each end portion includes a
forward side wall portion extending to a forward edge of the basket body and a
rear side wall portion extending towards the one or more shell plates, and a
shoulder joins the forward side wall portion and the rear side wall portion,
wherein the shoulder abuts the side plate.
In some forms, the engagement beam extends between the side plates to meet and
couple with the side plates. In some forms, the engagement beam meets and
couples with at least one of the shell plates.
In some forms, wherein the engagement beam meets the side plate at at least
one
arcuate transition region. In some forms, the at least one arcuate transition
region
is formed at an internal surface which defines an opening to the basket
interior. In
some forms, the at least one arcuate transition region is formed at an outer
surface
of the side wall and the engagement beam.
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In further embodiments disclosed is a bucket for moving material, the bucket
comprising: an engagement beam for engaging a machine, the engagement beam
including a plurality of lugs, the engagement beam being cast; a basket
supported
by the engagement beam, said basket having a basket body defining a basket
interior.
In some forms, the bucket further comprises a plurality of lug tails extending
from
the lugs, the engagement beam cast ending at the lug tails.
In some forms, the engagement beam includes lugs that are integrally cast with
the engagement beam.
In further embodiments disclosed is a cast engagement beam for a bucket, the
engagement beam configured to connect to a basket and including at least one
access portal extending into a hollow section of the engagement beam.
In some embodiments, the at least one access portal includes an opening
allowing
access to the hollow section of the engagement beam, and the engagement beam
further comprising a reinforcement region extending at least partially about
the
opening. In some embodiments, the reinforcement region includes beading.
In further embodiments disclosed is a bucket for moving material, the bucket
comprising an engagement beam for engaging a machine, the engagement beam
being cast; a basket supported by the engagement beam, said basket haying a
basket body defining a basket interior, wherein the basket is removable to
allow
for replacement of at least a portion of the basket body.
In further embodiments disclosed is a bucket for moving material, the bucket
comprising: an engagement beam for engaging a machine, the engagement beam
including a beam body extending between end portions; a basket supported by
the
engagement beam, said basket having a basket body defining a basket interior,
wherein at least one dimension the beam body and the end portions are
adjustable
to suit different machines.
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In some forms, the beam body and/or the end portions may be adjusted by
cutting
the beam body and/or the end portions to a predetermined length.
In some forms, the engagement beam includes a plurality of lugs, and the total
number of the plurality of lugs and lug design is predetermined to suit the
machine.
In some forms, the beam body is interchangeable with a further beam body to
suit
the machine.
In some forms, the bucket further comprises a plurality of lug tails extending
from
the lugs, wherein the plurality of lug tails is formed separately to the
engagement
beam and coupled to the basket extending respectively from the plurality of
lugs.
In some forms, basket body includes one or more shell plates, and the
plurality of
lugs is configured to complement the shape of the one or more shell plates.
In some forms, the plurality of lugs is adaptable to complement the shape of
the
one or more shell plates.
In further embodiments disclosed is a bucket for moving material, the bucket
comprising: an engagement beam for engaging a machine; a basket supported by
the engagement beam, said basket comprising a plurality of basket members
defining a basket interior, wherein the basket members of the basket comprise
side wall plates in a facing arrangement with one another and a shell
comprising
one or more shell plates, the shell extending between the side wall plates
wherein
the side wall plates are removable to allow for replacement of at least one of
the
side wall plates of the basket.
In some forms, the side wall plates include integrally formed wing plates.
In some forms, a forward edge of the side wall plate defines a portion of an
opening of the basket interior, the side wall plate includes a thicker cross
section
at the forward edge.
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In some forms, the side wall plate is formed as a casting.
In some forms, removal of the or each side wall plate is performed by cutting
the
or each side wall plate away from the basket.
In further embodiments disclosed is a bucket for moving material comprising:
an
engagement beam for engaging a machine; a basket supported by the engagement
beam, said basket having a basket body defining a basket interior; the basket
body
including an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein at least a portion of
the
lower portion is removable from at least a portion of the upper portion to
allow for
replacement of the portion of the lower portion.
In some forms, the basket body comprises two side walls which are in a facing
arrangement with one another, and a shell extends between the two sidewalls.
In some forms, the upper portion includes at least one upper shell plate
forming
part of the shell and at least one upper side wall plate fonning part of the
side
walls.
In some forms, the bucket further comprises a plurality of lug tails that
follow the
gradient of the at least one upper shell plate.
In some forms, the lower portion includes at least one lower shell plate
forming
part of the shell and at least one lower side wall plate forming part of the
side
walls.
In further embodiments disclosed is a bucket for moving material comprising an
engagement beam for engaging a machine, the engagement beam having a beam
body extending along a longitudinal axis and including a plurality of lugs
extending in a lateral direction from the beam body; a basket supported by the
engagement beam, said basket having a basket body defining a basket interior;
the
beam body including an internal surface defining a hollow section extending
therethrough; and at least one internal support extending along the internal
surface.
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In some forms, the internal support extends substantially in line with a
respective
lug.
In some forms, the internal support follows at least partially a substantially
helical
path about the internal surface of the beam body.
In some forms, the internal support extends in a different plane to a plane of
the
lug.
In some forms, the internal support is longitudinally offset from the
respective
lug.
In some forms, the at least one internal support extends in the longitudinal
direction further than the at least one internal support extends in the
lateral
direction.
In some forms, the at least one internal support is in the form of a sleeve in
line
with the respective lug.
In some forms, the engagement beam includes two internal supports flanking a
respective lug.
In further embodiments disclosed is a method of manufacturing a lug of an
engagement beam of for a bucket, the method comprising casting an engaging
beam including a plurality of lugs, each lug includes at least one boss being
oversized; and machining the at least one boss to a fmished boss including a
predetermined tolerance and/or finish.
In some forms, machining further compriscs chamfering the edge of the at least
one boss.
In some forms, machining further comprises machining or facing a face of the
at
least one boss.
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In some forms, machining further comprises machining a bore in the at least
one
boss.
In some forms, the method further comprises inserting a bush in the bore of
the at
least one boss.
In some forms, machining further comprises drilling holes in the boss about
the
bore for attachment and alignment of thrust plates.
In some forms, the method further comprising line boring the plurality of
bores
fornied in the plurality of lugs of the engagement beam.
In further embodiments disclosed is an engagement beam configured to support a
basket for a bucket, the engagement beam comprising a beam body extending
along a longitudinal axis between ends, the beam body including an inner
surface
and an outer surface, and a wall being formed between the inner and outer
surfaces; the inner surface defining a hollow section extending centrally
therethrough; a plurality of lugs extending from the outer surface of the beam
body in a lateral direction, wherein the wall may have a variable thickness
between the inner and outer surfaces in the longitudinal direction.
In some forms, the engaging beam further comprises a plurality of internal
supports extending in a lateral direction from the inner surface aligned
respectively with the plurality of lugs.
In some forms, the wall tapers in thickness between the inner and outer
surfaces
from an internal support towards an adjacent internal support.
In further embodiments disclosed is an engagement beam configured to support a
basket for a bucket, the engagement beam comprises a beam body extending
along a longitudinal axis between ends, the beam body including an inner
surface
defining a hollow section extending centrally therethrough; the beam body
further
including one or more sections joined in an end-to-end configuration; and one
or
more reinforcing members extending along each join to reinforce the join.
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In some forms, the one or more reinforcing members extend along the inner
surface.
In some forms, the one or more reinforcing members circumscribe the inner
surface of the beam body along the join.
In further embodiments disclosed is a bucket for moving material comprising an
engagement beam for engaging a machine; the engagement beam including a
beam body extending along a longitudinal axis between ends, the beam body
including an inner surface defining a hollow section extending centrally
therethrough; a basket supported by the engagement beam, said basket having a
basket body defining a basket interior; and equipment housed in the hollow
section of the beam body.
In some forms, the equipment includes monitoring equipment for monitoring
condition and/or productivity of the bucket. In some forms, the monitoring
equipment includes one or more of communications equipment, data acquisition
equipment, at least one sensor, at least one transducer, at least one camera,
onboard processing, power and wiring.
In some forms, the engagement beam comprises at least one access portal
extending into the hollow section of the engagement beam.
In some forms, the monitoring equipment includes the at least one sensor
and/or
camera fitted to the at least one access portal to monitor the condition
and/or
productivity of the basket.
In some forms, the bucket further comprising wear members for engaging ground
extending from a forward edge of the basket body.
In some forms, the monitoring equipment may be coupled to any component of
the bucket. In some forms, wherein the monitoring equipment is coupled to the
wear members.
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In some forms, the monitoring equipment may be embedded in any component of
the bucket. In some forms, wherein the monitoring equipment is embedded in the
wear members.
In some forms, the engagement beam has controlled and calibrated geometry to
achieve repeatable condition and/or productivity monitoring. In some forms,
the
engagement beam is cast.
Referring now to Figures 1 through 3, disclosed is a bucket 10 comprising a
basket body 11 coupled with an engagement beam 12. The engagement beam 12
may also be known as a support beam. The bucket further includes a plurality
of
lip members 13 in the form of teeth which may be removably coupled with the
basket body.
The basket body 11, in the illustrated form, comprises two side walls 15 which
are
in a facing arrangement with one another. A shell 16 extends between the two
sidevvalls. The shell 16 and side walls 15 define an interior cavity 18
therebetween
and form the side walls and curved rear wall of the interior cavity.
In the illustrated form the side walls are generally D-shaped to create
forward side
edges 19 that extends from the engagement beam 12 to a forward lower edge 20
of the basket body that extends between the forward side edges. The side edges
19
may extend generally directly or in a linear fashion from the engagement beam
12
to the forward lower edge 20 of the basket body. The lip members 13 are
coupled
with the forward lower edge.
The sidewalls in this illustrated form have a curved rearward side edge 21
that
curves outwardly from a location proximal the engagement beam and tapers back
toward the forward lower edge.
The shell 16 is generally curved and follows the curved rearward side edges of
the
side walls. Thus, the interior cavity 18 defined by the side walls 15 and the
shell
16 has a shape that is generally a longitudinally halved cylinder. In the
illustrated
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form the curve transitions steadily with consistent changes in direction from
the
support member.
The basket body 11 of the bucket 10 is formed of a plurality of basket members
in
the form of plates or cast sections assembled with one another to form a load
section of the bucket body. In the form illustrated in Figures 1 - 3, the
basket body
11 includes one or more upper shell plates 22 and one or more lower shell
plates
23. In this form, the side walls 15 of the basket body comprise side wall
plates 25
and wing plates 26 which are coupled to form the side wall 15.
In the illustrated form the one or more shell plates are coupled with the
sidevvalls
15 and or with adjacent shell plates. In some forms the coupling of the plates
comprises welding. In some forms one or more shell plates are directly coupled
with one or more side wall plates such that the entire load section is formed
from
the plates.
Wear plates such as lower side wear plates 28 and heel numers 30 are located
on
the outside of the basket body 11 to provide additional wear resistance to the
basket body, for example, against abrasive wear. Wear plates are assumed not
to
take structural load. Wear plates overlap the main bucket structure to protect
from
wear.
In some forms, a removable basket portion of the basket body comprises a
plurality of plates which may include the lower shell plate 23, upper shell
plate
22, side wall plate 25 and wing plates 26. One or more or a selection of
plates
may be removable either through cutting or otherwise removing the plates from
the basket body. The removable plates or removable cast sections may form the
removable basket portion of the basket body. Cuts for removing the removable
portion of the basket can be made at welded joints or through sections of the
plate,
or otherwise as needed.
As shown in the Figures, the basket 11 is formed by the plurality of plates
and no
separate frame is needed to support the basket. The plates may be formed of
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structural steel. The plates themselves work together to form the basket and
provide sufficient support and strength to maintain the basket while removing
the
removable portion of the basket. A frame is not required. The plates arc
joined to
one another by welding or alternative joining process. In some welded forms,
full
penetration butt welds are used in high stress areas. For example, full
penetration
butt welds are used at the joint between the basket and lip members or cast
lip. All
structural plates work together to provide strength and stiffness to the
bucket. In
some forms the structural plates are connected to one another directly and
form
the whole interior cavity of the basket body 11.
The engagement beam 12 of the ground engaging member comprises a beam body
40 and a plurality of lugs 41 extending from the engagement beam. An access
portal 45 is located at one or both ends of the engagement beam.
In some forms the engagement beam 12 (which may be cast) may be used to
house or mount sensors, power sources, communication equipment and data
acquisition devices, etc. In some forms, the engagement beam may house
wireless
communication devices so that cables would not need to be run along the boom
of
the excavator to any of the sensors or equipment on the bucket.
Referring now to Figures 4 through 10, disclosed is an engagement beam 12
comprising a beam body 40, a plurality of lugs 41 attached thereto. Each lug
includes a front and rear bore to allow the lugs 41 to be attached to the
machine
(e.g., an excavator machine. The engagement beam 12 may also comprise one or
more end portions 42. In the illustrated embodiment, the beam body 40 extends
between two end portions 42. In some forms the engagement beam 12 may be
removable or replaceable from the basket body as shown in Fig. 4.
The engagement beam 12 extends between the side walls 15 to span the distance
between the side walls 15. The beam body 40 extends between two end portions
42. Each end portion 42 forms the end of the engagement beam 12 and also forms
part of the side wall 15. Along with the side edges 19 of side walls and the
forward lower edge 20, the end portions 42 and the beam body 40 define the
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opening to the basket interior 18. The end portion 42 is joined to the beam
body
40 and the side walls 15 by welding. In some forms, the end portion is
integrally
cast with the beam body.
Each end portion 42 respectively forms the comer between the beam body 40 and
the side wall. The end portion 42 includes a forward side wall portion 44
extending towards the forward lower edge 20 in line with the side wall and a
similar thickness of the side edge 19 (and in some embodiments the wing plate
26) of the side wall 15.
The end portion 42 also includes a rear side wall portion 46 extending in line
with
the side wall plate 25 towards the upper shell plate 22 of the basket body.
The
profile of the rear wall portion 50 is an s-shaped profile. An arcuate
transition
region joins the forward side wall portion 44 and the rear side wall portion
46.
The rear side wall portion 50 includes one or more shoulders 47 having an
arcuate
region which forms part of the side wall 15. The shoulder 47 provides a
structural
feature to guide to assist in positioning the end portion 42 relative to the
side wall
15. The shoulder 47 also limits the movement of the end portion 42 relative to
the
side wall 15 prior to joining the components.
Further, the end portion 42 also includes a beam portion 48 extending in the
direction of the beam body 40. The beam portion 48 is substantially the same
size
and shape as the beam body 40.
The inner transition region between the beam portion 48 and the forward side
wall
portion 44 meet at an arcuate transition region 49. The profile of the arcuate
transition region 49 may include a radius or radii of curvature. The arcuate
transition region provides a smooth transition between the beam portion 48 and
the forward/rear side wall portions 44/50 so as to enhance the strength of the
engagement beam, the components defining the opening to the basket interior,
and
the overall bucket 10. The arcuate transition regions are an alternative to
the
surfaces of the components meeting at a right angle which may create areas of
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weakness. Likewise, an external transition region between the end portion and
the
forward side wall portion meet an arcuate transition region
In some forms, the beam body 40 and lugs are fully cast. In the illustrated
embodiment, four lugs are shown, however it is understood that the beam body
may be cast with three or two lugs or combinations thereof to match the
machine
hook-up geometry. A beam body having two lugs is shown in Figs. 73.
As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the beam body 40 may be assembled from a plurality
of cast pieces in varying lengths, with the weld joints between the cast
pieces
being located in areas of low stress to minimise failure of the joints. For
example,
welds may be eliminated from the connection point between the lugs and the
beam body as the lugs are formed of a single cast piece with the beam body.
This
is beneficial as the connection point between lugs and the engagement beam
body
are areas of high stress. The assembly of the engagement beam from multiple
cast
pieces allows for selection of the correct length and adjustment by trimming
one
or more of the cast pieces to allow for an accurate length. For example, the
beam
body 40 and/or the end portion(s) have an adjustable length, and are
interchangeable with other components of different lengths to suit particular
machines. For example, the beam body having four lugs may be interchanged
with a beam body having two lugs to suit the application. This has the
advantage
of allowing the cast beam to be fitted to many types of buckets and maintain
optimal digging aspect ratios. e.g. width-to-height, width-to-tip, width-to-
depth.
The engagement beam 12 is formed of one or more cast components welded
together or formed as a single cast component which may be re-usable with
various baskets. When the baskets are worn, they may be removed from the
engagement beam 12 and a new basket may be joined to the engagement beam 12.
The engagement beam 12 experiences less wear during use than the basket and
thus may be re-usable. The re-usable engagement beam 12 increases the
efficiency and performance of the bucket 10, as the basket (or components
thereof) may be replaceable when worn.
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Referring now to Figures 7 and 8, in some forms the engagement beam 12 is
formed of a single cast piece. As shown in Figure 8, the engagement beam 12
includes lug tails 43 which extend from the lugs 41.
In Figures 4 to 7 and 9 and 10, the cast beam body 40 and lugs 41 end before
the
lug tail 43. This allows for different lug tail shapes and configurations to
be
utilised to fit a variety of basket shapes.
As seen when referring to Figure 1 and 9-10, the lug tail 43 extends around
the
upper shell plate 22 of the basket body 11 and follows the shape of the shell
16.
In the illustrated embodiments, the lug tail(s) 43 is substantially triangular-
shaped
in that it includes three sides: one side abuts the lug 41 (i.e., the lug side
52), one
side abuts the shell 16 (i.e., the shell side 54), and one side extends from
the lug
43 to the shell 16 (i.e., the free side 56). The sides 52, 54 that abut the
other
components are coupled respectively to the lug 41 and the shell 16 by welding
or
any other suitable coupling arrangement.
The lug tail 43 is configured and arranged to be adapted to correspond to
different
basket shells and/or engagement beams. For example, the shell side 54 of the
lug
tail 43 can have different radii of curvature to be adapted to different
shells having
different radii of curvature. The lug tail can be selected from a pool of
different
sizes of lug tails (e.g., having different widths, lengths and heights)
including a
range of different radii of curvature to be adapted to abut and follow the
gradient
of the radii of curvature of the basket shell and/or abut and be aligned with
a
particular type and size of lug. The lug tail embodiments of the present
application
allow for an easy and effective way of using the engagement beam (which may be
cast) with many different shaped basket shells.
In some embodiments, the lug tails are integrally cast with the engagement
beam
(e.g., as shown in Fig. 8). Although the lug tails are integrally cast with
the
engagement beam, the integral lug tail may be configured and arranged to be
adapted to correspond to different basket shells. In this way, the casting
pattern is
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customisable to allow different lug tail designs to be swapped in and out as
needed.
Figures 5 and 11 to 13 illustrate a cross-sectional profile of the beam body
40 and
the beam portion 48. One or more inner surfaces define the hollow section
central
to the beam body 40 and the beam portion 48. The inner surfaces include a
floor
surface and at least one arcuate top surface. In the illustrated embodiment,
the
floor surface is planar. The internal profile of the hollow section of the
beam body
40 and the hollow section of the shoulder beam portion 48 includes arcuate
transition regions providing smooth transitions between the inner surfaces of
the
engagement beam 12. Each arcuate transition region may include a radius or
radii
of curvature, and the radius of curvatures may include different radii of
curvature.
For example, the arcuate transition region at the forward edge of the
engagement
beam 12 is larger, or has a longer radius, than the arcuate transition region
positioned between the floor surface and the arcuate top surface towards the
basket.
The beam body 40 and the shoulder beam portion 48 also include one or more
outer surfaces which define the components. Fig. 5 illustrates the cross-
sectional
profile of the beam body 40. An arcuate transition region joins the beam body
40
and the upper shell plate 22. The outer surface of the beam body 40
transitions to
a linear transition via a planar surface in line with the internal floor
surface of the
beam body 40 and the upper shell plate 22. The arcuate transition region
provides
a smooth transition between the outer surface of the beam body 40 and the
upper
shell plate 22.
As shown in the embodiments of Figures 1 to 13, one or more access portals 45
are disclosed. The access portal 45 in the illustrated form extends into a
hollow
section central to the beam body 40. The access portal may be located at one
or
both end faces 46 of the beam body 40. In the illustrated form, the end faces
46
are formed on the end portions 42 of the engagement beam 12, however it will
be
clear that the access portal may be located at any position along the length
of the
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beam body. The access portals 45 in the cast beam 12 may in some forms provide
access to the hollow section in the cast beam that may house devices such as
strain gauges and live monitoring devices along with sensors, power sources,
communication equipment and data acquisition devices. In addition, systems
such
as lubrication systems may be located and/or accessed via an access portal
provided in the hollow section of the cast beam. The access portals 45 may
include a sealed cover 47 to prevent dust and debris entering the access
portal.
The access portals may have the benefit of:
= providing access and inspection to the interior of the cast beam;
= acting as openings for hose, tube and cable penetrations to the cast beam;
= incorporating gaskets, o-rings or other sealing methods to seal the
cavity
and protect the equipment inside from dust and water ingress.
= be fitted with filters to allow for ventilation of the cavity (if
required).
The cover may be affixed or retained to cover the access portal by means of
clamps; bolts, welding, adhesives, clips or other affixing methods.
The lubrication system delivers lubricant to the moving parts of the excavator
such as the pivot points of the bucket and cylinders. In some forms, at least
part of
the lubrication system is located in the cast beam. The cast beam is located
adjacent or close to the joint between the arm and the bucket and that system,
among others, may require lubrication. The location of the lubrication system
within the cast beam may be effective. For example, the grease injectors may
be
incorporated into the cast beam. This configuration may provide protection of
sensitive equipment and may improve aesthetics by avoiding exposed brackets
and cover plates. It may also assist with overcoming problems associated with
the
long line lengths in the larger machines.
In some forms the design may be configured to increase strength at certain
locations to suit different digging applications; minimise the weight of the
beam;
include mounting points to securely attach equipment inside; include different
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compartments for separating different housed equipment; have pockets and
cavities for housing sensors and other equipment; include pads and bores for
the
lubrication system.
In the embodiment shown in Figures 14, 15a and 15b, the access portals 1345
may
be located centrally on the length of the engagement beam 1312, inside and
outside of the basket, and may be located at the end faces. In some forms
having
the access portals 1345 along the length of the engagement beam provides
access
to the main pivot points for the lubrication system (e.g., proximal the lugs).
In the
illustrated embodiment, the access portals 1345 are spaced apart along a
forward-
facing region of the engagement beam 1312 outside of the basket but with a
line
of sight to the basket and the basket interior. The access portals 1345
provide
access for mounting a camera, sensor or device for monitoring the condition
and/or productivity of the bucket.
In Fig. 15b disclosed is monitoring equipment housed in the hollow section of
the
beam body 1341. The monitoring equipment is configured to monitor the
condition and productivity of the bucket. In the illustrated embodiment, the
engagement beam is cast. The cast beam 1312 is configured to house monitoring
equipment 1390 including communications equipment, sensors, transducers,
cameras 1355, onboard processing, power and wiring. The sensors 1351 and
cameras 1355 may be fitted to the engagement beam to monitor the condition
and/or productivity of the bucket. In Fig. 15a, the sensors 1351 and cameras
1355
are shown fitted in the at least one access portal spaced apart along the beam
body
in the longitudinal direction.
The engagement beam has controlled and calibrated geometry to achieve
repeatable condition and/or productivity monitoring. Further, when the beam is
cast, areas of stress concentration that may arise in a fabricated beam may be
obviated. As such the cast beam is well suited for housing sensors that
monitor
bucket conditions and performance. Further as the beams connect the bucket to
the machine, the primary loading on the bucket passes through the beam.
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Measurement of beam loading can therefore be informative of both the
performance characteristics of the bucket and operator performance. The
measured loading may include stress, shear and torsion in the beam.
In alternative embodiments, disclosed is a bucket including at least one
sensor
attached to any of the parts (including the attached wear members (or lip
members
13) for engaging the ground. In further alternative embodiments, disclosed is
a
bucket with at least one sensing device embedded within any of the parts
(including the attached wear members or lip member 13).
In the embodiment shown in Figures 16 to 22, beading 57 may be formed about
the at least one access portal 45 to provide reinforcing to the opening. The
beading may be integrally formed on the inner and/or outer surface of the
engagement beam 12. The beading 57 provides a thicker region about the access
portal 45 to reinforce the opening which may create an area of weakness in the
engagement beam 12.
Turning to Figures 23 through 25, disclosed is a further embodiment of a
bucket
100 comprising a basket body 11 coupled with an engagement beam 12. The
primary difference between the further embodiment and the previous
embodiments, is that the side wall is formed as a single component. Like
reference numerals will be used for like features.
The basket body 11, in the illustrated form, comprises two side walls 115
which
are in a facing arrangement with one another. A shell 16 extends between the
two
sidevvalls. The shell 16 and side walls 115 define an interior cavity 18
therebetween.
The basket body of the bucket is formed of a plurality of plates which may
include a lower shell plate 23, upper shell plate 22, and side wall plates
125. The
side wall plate 125 is a single plate forming the side wall 115. The side wall
plate
125 includes an integral wing plate 126. The side wall may be formed as a
single
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casting. This allows simplified fabrication, removal and replacement of the
side
wall of the bucket.
The side wall 115 may have a thicker cross section at the forward or leading
edge
119 (digging end) where material wear and digging stress is highest. The side
wall
115 may be integrally formed with the thicker cross section at the forward
edge.
The plurality of plates may be welded or otherwise coupled to form the basket
body of the bucket and provide support for a load in the interior cavity. One
or
more or a selection of plates may be removable cithcr through cutting or
otherwise removing the plates from the basket body. The removable plates may
form the removable basket portion of the basket body. The side wall plate may
be
removable from the basket body and may be replaced with a new side wall plate.
Turning to Figures 26 to 38, disclosed are further embodiments of a bucket
200,
300 comprising a basket body 211, 311 coupled with an engagement beam 12.
The primary difference between the further embodiments and the previous
embodiments is that basket body 211, 311 includes an upper portion 260, 360
and
a lower portion 262, 362. Like reference numerals will be used for like
features.
The primary difference between the bucket 200 and the bucket 300 is they
include
different embodiments of wing plates.
The basket body 11, in the illustrated form, comprises two side walls 215, 315
2 0 which are in a facing arrangement with one another. A shell
216, 316 extends
between the two sidewalls. The shell 216 and side walls 215 define an interior
cavity 18 therebetween.
The upper portion 260 includes at least one upper shell plate 222 and a
plurality of
lug tails 43 follow the gradient of the at least one upper shell plate 222.
The upper
portion 260 also includes at least one upper side wall plate 264. The at least
one
upper shell plate 222 forms part of the shell 216.
The lower portion 262 includes at least one lower shell plate 223 and the at
least
one lower shell plate 223 extends to the forward edge (i.e., the digging edge)
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including the lip members 13. The lower portion 262 also includes at least one
lower side wall plate 266. The at least one lower shell plate 223 forms part
of the
shell 16.
The basket body 211 including the upper portion 260 and the lower portion 262
of
the bucket is formed of a plurality of plates which may include the lower
shell
plate 223, the upper shell plate 222, and the side wall plates 264, 266. The
plurality of plates may be welded or otherwise coupled to form the basket body
of
the bucket and provide support for a load in the interior cavity.
The upper portion 260 and the lower portion 262 are joined along a join. The
upper and lower side wall plate are joined along the join. The upper and lower
shell plates are joined along the join. The join may be continuous, non-
continuous, non-linear, linear, and may include corners. At least a portion of
the
lower portion 262 and the at least a portion of the upper portion 260 may be
separated along the join to allow the portion of the lower portion 262 or the
lower
portion 262 of the basket body 211 to be replaced when worn, for example. The
upper portion 260 may be reused with a new portion of the lower portion 262 of
with a new lower portion 262. The upper portion 260 and the lower portion 262
may be separated through cutting or otherwise removing the lower portion 262
from the basket body 211. The lower portion forms a replaceable lower portion.
Each of the upper and lower portion include an upper and lower wing plate 268,
270. The upper and lower wing plates 268, 270 may be formed separately to the
upper and lower side wall plates 264, 266 and coupled together or integrally
formed. The upper wing plate 268 may form part of the end portion 42 or may be
formed separated and coupled to the end portion 40.
In the embodiment shown in Figs. 33 to 38, the lower wing plate and the upper
wing plate are unequally sized. The lower wing plate 370 extends from the
forward edge 20 up to a smaller upper wing plate 368. The smaller upper wing
plate 368 may be coupled to or formed integrally with the end portion 42.
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In this further embodiment, the lower wing plate 370 may not be removed when
the remainder of the lower portion 362 is removed to be replaced. As shown in
Figs. 37 and 38, the lower side wall plate 366 and the lower shell plate 323
are
shown as separated from the basket body 11, and the lower wing plate 370
remains coupled to the basket body 11 and the engagement beam 12.
One or more or a selection of plates of the lower portion may be removable
either
through cutting or otherwise removing the plates from the basket body. The
removable plates may form the removable basket portion of the basket body. In
alternative embodiments, at least a portion of the upper portion may be
removed
with the lower portion leaving at least a portion of the upper portion to be
reused
with a new lower portion and the portion of the upper portion that was
removed.
Turning to Figs. 40 to 60, further embodiments of a bucket 400, 500, 600, 700,
800, 900 are shown. The bucket 400 comprises a basket body 11 coupled with an
engagement beam 12. The further embodiments of the engagement beam 412,
512, 612, 712, 812, 912 include embodiments of at least one support 472, 572,
672, 772, 972. Like reference numerals will be used for like features.
The engagement beam 412, 512, 612, 712, 812, 912 extends along a longitudinal
axis between two end faces 46 and includes a plurality of lugs 41 extending in
a
lateral direction from a beam body 40. The beam body 40 includes an internal
surface 472 defining a hollow section extending centrally therethrough. The at
least one support 472, 572, 672, 772, 972 extends along the internal surface
473,
573, 673, 773, 973. The at least one support provides strength and rigidity to
the
beam body. The at least one support may be positioned externally or internally
relative to the beam body depending on where it is positioned relative to the
lug.
Different embodiments of supports suit a variety of difference machines and
ground engaging styles as well as minimising the overall weight of the beam
body
by optimising material use. Inclusion of the at least one support allows for
the
engagement beam to include a hollow section. The hollow section provides
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access, clearance and mounting opportunities for equipment housed inside the
beam body, for example, a lubrication system.
In the embodiment shown in Figs. 39 to 42, the support 472 is in the form of
an
internal support 472 extending about the inner surface substantially aligned
with
the respective lug 41. The internal support 472 is a similar width to the lug
41 and
extends into the hollow section from the internal surface 473. The internal
support
472 may be continuously extending about the internal surface 473, but may also
be interrupted and equally spaced apart or unequally spaced about the internal
surface. An arcuate transition region extends between the internal support 472
and
the inner surface 473. The internal support may taper in width and is not
required
to be a consistent width.
In the embodiment shown in Figs. 43 to 46, the internal support 572 extends
about
the inner surface 573 and is offset in the longitudinal direction from the
respective
lug 41. Each of the lug 41 and the internal support 573 includes a central
axis (i.e.,
a centreline) extending in the lateral direction. The central axis of the lug
is offset
in the longitudinal direction from the central axis of the internal support
while
extending in the same general lateral direction from the respective surfaces
of the
beam body. A portion of the internal support and a portion of the lug may
overlap
and extend in a plane in the same lateral direction. For example, an end face
of the
internal support may be generally in line with the centreline of the lug.
In the embodiment shown in Figs. 47 to 50, there are dual internal supports
672
extending about the inner surface 673 of the beam body flanking the respective
lug 41. The dual internal supports are offset in the longitudinal direction
from the
respective lug 41.
In an alternative embodiment, an internal support extends about the inner
surface
at an angle relative to the lug and the longitudinal axis. A portion of the
internal
support may be aligned with or adjacent to the lug and diverge out of
alignment or
into alignment with the lug in the direction of the longitudinal axis along
the inner
surface at an angle like a helix. The angle may be constant or variable
relative to
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the longitudinal axis of the beam body. The pitch of the internal support may
also
be variable or constant.
In a further alternative embodiment, the internal support extends about the
inner
surface of the beam body out of plane with the respective lug. The central
axis of
the internal support extends in a different plane to the central axis of the
lug. For
example, the central axis of the lug may extend in a plane at an angle e to a
plane
of the central axis of the internal support.
In further alternative embodiments, the internal support may also be a
combination of any one of the embodiments disclosed herein. For example, the
internal support may extend in a different plane to the lug and be
longitudinally
offset to the lug.
In the embodiment shown in Figs. 51 to 53, the bucket 700 includes the at
least
one support 772 which extends in the longitudinal direction further than in
the
lateral direction from the beam body. In the illustrated embodiment, the at
least
one support is in the form of a sleeve 772 positioned internal the beam body
and
in line with the respective lug 41. The sleeve 772 provides a thicker beam
section
around the lug 41. The sleeve 772 may be integrally formed with the beam body.
The sleeve 772 may be aligned with the lug 41 so as to extend on either side
of the
lug 41 in equal portions and/or the sleeve may extend between the lugs. In
alternative embodiments, the sleeve may be positioned external the beam body.
The external support sleeve may be aligned with the lug so as to extend on
either
side of the lug in substantially equal portions, and/or the sleeve may extend
between the lugs.
In the embodiment shown in Figs. 54 to 58, a further embodiment of the bucket
800 is disclosed. The engagement beam 12 includes an inner surface 873
defining
a hollow section without at least one support. In particular, where the beam
body
does not include at least one internal support, more storage space in the
hollow
section inside the beam body is provided which also provides better access for
equipment stored inside the beam.
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In the embodiment shown in Figs. 59 to 61, the bucket 900 includes an internal
support 972 being aligned with a respective lug 41. The lugs and supports may
have non-uniform thickness. In the illustrated embodiment, the lug is wider in
the
longitudinal direction than the support 972.
Turning to Figs. 62a to 65b, a further embodiment of a bucket uncluding an
engaging beam 1012 is shown. The bucket comprises the engagement beam 1012
configured to be coupled to a basket body as disclosed herein. Like reference
numerals arc used for like features.
The engagement beam 1012 comprises a beam body 40 extending along a
longitudinal axis between ends. A plurality of lugs 41 extends from the beam
body 40 in a lateral direction for attachment to a machine for excavating or
the
like. Each lug 41 extends between a first side face and second side face. The
first
side face and the second side face join the beam body 41 at a respective
arcuate
transition 49. Each lug 41 includes inner walls defining a forward bore 1074
and a
rear bore 1076. The forward and rear bores 1074, 1076 also extend between the
first side face and the second side face. Each bore extends along a bore axis.
The
respective bore axes extend in the same direction as the longitudinal axis of
the
beam body. The lug 41 also includes forward and rear bosses 1078, 1080
circumscribing the forward and rear bores 1074, 1076. The boss 1078, 1080 is a
thicker section of the lug 41 surrounding the bore 1074, 1076 to provide
reinforcing to an area of the lug 41 which undergoes significant load transfer
through its connection to the excavator machine. The boss 1078, 1080 may be
formed on the first and/or second side faces.
In the embodiment shown in Figs. 62a to 65b, disclosed is a method of
manufacturing an embodiment of at least one boss of a lug may include the
following steps:
= casting an engagement beam including a plurality of lugs, each lug
includes at least one boss being oversized; and
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= machining the at least one boss to a finished boss including a
predetermined tolerance and/or finish.
The step of machining the at least one boss may include the following steps:
e chamfering at least a portion of an edge of the at least
one boss;
= machining or facing a surface of the at least one boss;
= machining a bore in the at least one boss;
= drilling holes 1082 in the boss about the bore for attachment and
alignment
of thrust plates.
The method may further comprise inserting a bush in the bore of the at least
one
boss.
Turning to Fig. 65b, the method further comprises line boring the plurality of
bores formed in the plurality of lugs of the engagement beam. This step may be
performed before or after the engagement beam has been welded to the basket.
The integral nature and rigidity of the cast engagement beam including the
plurality of lugs facilitates this step to occur earlier (and more
conveniently) in the
bucket fabrication process than is known in the prior art.
Turning to Figs. 67 to 69, a further embodiment of a bucket 1100 is shown. The
bucket 1100 comprises a basket body 11 coupled with an engagement beam 1112.
The further embodiments of the engagement beam 1112 include embodiments of
at least one projection 1182. Like reference numerals will be used for like
features.
The engagement beam 12 extends along a longitudinal axis between two end faces
46 and includes a plurality of lugs 41 extending in a lateral direction from a
beam
body 40. The beam body 40 includes an internal surface 1173 defining a hollow
section extending centrally therethrough. The at least one projection 1173
extends
from the internal surface 1173. The at least one projection provides a fixing
point
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for mounting equipment. For example, the equipment may include sensors,
cameras, electronics, wires, lubrication system, pipe, hose, clamps and
fittings etc.
The at least one projection 1173 can be located anywhere on the internal
surface
of the cast beam. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the at least one
projection is aligned with the respective lug for mounting a grease fitting. A
channel may be provided (e.g., drilled) from the bore(s) of the lug to the
protrusion. The grease fitting may be mounted to the protrusion. A hole may be
tapped to create a threaded hole internal the beam body in the protrusion, so
as to
receive a corresponding thread of the grease fitting.
The beam body 11 also includes an outer surface 1183 and the plurality of lugs
41
extend from the outer surface 1183. A wall 1186 is formed between the inner
and
outer surfaces. The wall 1186 may have a variable thickness between the inner
and outer surfaces. Sections of the wall are defined by the plurality of lugs
and in
some embodiments, the internal supports respectively aligned with the
plurality of
lugs. In the illustrated embodiment, a first section 1188 is formed between
the end
face 46 and including a first lug 1189. A second section 1 190 is formed
including
a second lug 1191 and a third lug 1193. A third section 1192 is formed between
the third lug and a third lug. A fourth section is formed between the third
lug and
the opposite end face 46 including a fourth lug 1195. The first and third
sections
do not necessarily include the end faces and may extend in the direction
towards
the end faces. Extending in the longitudinal direction one or more of the
sections
of the wall may taper in thickness between the outer and inner surfaces. At
least a
portion of the tapered wall section may also extend in the lateral direction
about
longitudinal axis and/or in a transverse direction to the longitudinal axis.
An
internal support is also shown in line with each lug.
A reinforcing member 1182 is positioned along at least a part of the join of
the
sections along the internal surface 1173. In the illustrated embodiment, the
reinforcing member 1182 circumscribes the internal surface 1173 of the beam
body along at the join. The reinforcing member 1 182 may be integrally formed
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with the beam body to form a thicker central region as discussed herein in
relation
to a further embodiment. The reinforcing member 1182 alleviates stress along
the
join, particularly at the join proximal or at the inner surface, where it is
more
difficult for a technician to access and dress the weld.
Fig. 68 is a close-up view of the reinforcing member 1182 reinforcing the join
prior to welding. Once the sections are brought together and welded the
sections
will be fused together and the gap between the sections will be minimized, and
in
some embodiments, eliminated. The sections will form a continuous wall of the
beam body. In alternative embodiments, the reinforcing member may be
integrally
formed with one of the sections and then as the sections are joined in an end-
to-
end configuration, the reinforcing member will overlap the adjoining section
and
subsequently welded together.
Turning to Figs. 70 to 72, disclosed is a further embodiment of an engagement
beam 1212 for a bucket 1200. Like reference numerals are used for like
features.
The engagement beam 1212 is configured to support a basket to form a basket
interior. The engagement beam 1212 comprises a beam body extending along a
longitudinal axis between ends. The beam body 11 includes an inner surface
defining a hollow section extending centrally therethrough. The engagement
beam
also includes a plurality of lugs 41 extending from an outer surface 1283 the
beam
body 11 in a lateral direction. A wall 1284 is formed between the inner and
outer
surfaces 1273, 1283.
In the close-up view of Fig. 72, a first region of the wall 1284 is
illustrated as
tapering from the first lug/first support towards a central region between the
first
and second lugs (and the first and second supports). In the first region, the
outer
surface 1283 is substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the beam
body
and the inner surface 1273 is tapering. The central region may include a
thicker
region 1282 circumscribing the beam body 40, and extending from the inner
surface 1273. The thicker central region may include a reinforcing member 1282
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extending along the internal surface of the beam body along the join between
the
sections of beam body.
The second region diverges from the central region 1282 to the second lug 41
or
tapers from the second lug to the central region 1282. The second region is
thicker
proximal each lug and thinner towards the central region. The taper
accommodates casting efficiencies. It is understood that any one or more of
the
sections may have a tapering thickness.
The reinforcing member may be integrally formed with the beam body to form a
thicker central region as discussed herein in relation to a further
embodiment. The
reinforcing member alleviates stress along the join, particularly at the join
proximal or at the inner surface, where it is more difficult for a technician
to
access and dress the weld.
Turning to Fig. 73, disclosed is a further embodiment of an engagement beam
1312 for a bucket 1300 is disclosed. The engagement beam includes a beam body
40 and two lugs 41 extending from the beam body 40. In alternative
embodiments, three lugs may extend from the beam body, or any suitable number
of lugs may be included depending on the machine that
While the illustrative examples pertain to an apparatus of a mining apparatus,
such as a bucket for excavation equipment or a ground digger, the system has
application to other types of apparatuses, such as a backhoe for a dragline
bucket.
In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention,
except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or
necessary
implication, the word -comprise" or variations such as -comprises" or
µ`comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of
the
stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further
features in
various embodiments of the invention.
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