Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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LATCH KEEPER ASSEMBLY FOR EARTH-WORKING BUCKET
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The
present application relates to excavation equipment such as earth-working
buckets, also known as excavation buckets and dippers, and more particularly
to door locking
mechanisms of such equipment.
BACKGROUND OF THE ART
[0002]
Excavation equipment, and in particular earth working buckets such as cable
shovel
dippers, are used, amongst other applications, for heavy earthwork
applications such as mining
and excavation. Buckets typically have a leading edge, also known as the lip,
that performs a
digging action, so as to fill the cavity of the bucket. A closable door is on
the trailing end of the
bucket, and may be opened to empty the bucket of its content. Due to the
weight of the content
in the bucket, and the harsh conditions of operation (e.g., moisture, dirt,
abrasiveness), known
mechanisms to keep the bucket door closed are exposed to wear, and this may
hamper the
closing action of the door and lead to maintenance, downtime, repairs, etc. In
some cases,
adjustments of the mechanisms take time. Improvements are sought.
SUMMARY
[0003] In a
first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a latch keeper
assembly
for earth-working bucket, comprising: a latch keeper configured to be in a
ledge of the earth-
working bucket, the latch keeper defining a recess; a member received within
the recess of the
latch keeper; and a dutchman removably securable to the member.
[0004] Further
in accordance with the first aspect, for example, the member is removably
securable to the latch keeper within the recess.
[0005] Still
further in accordance with the first aspect, for example, the recess is opened
on a
rear end of the latch keeper, the member closing the recess.
[0006] Still
further in accordance with the first aspect, for example, the member is locked
within the recess by abutting shoulders.
[0007] Still
further in accordance with the first aspect, for example, a top face of the
member
and a top face of the dutchman are angled.
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[0008] Still
further in accordance with the first aspect, for example, the top face of the
member
and the top face of the dutchman are aligned and parallel to one another.
[0009] Still
further in accordance with the first aspect, for example, the dutchman has a
front
face configured to contact a latch in the recess, the front face having
rollers protruding from the
front face.
[0010] Still
further in accordance with the first aspect, for example, the dutchman has a
front
face configured to contact a latch in the recess, the front face being curved.
[0011] Still
further in accordance with the first aspect, for example, the dutchman has a
cylindrical portion, with at least one bearing mounted thereon, the at least
one bearing configured
to contact a latch in the recess,
[0012] Still
further in accordance with the first aspect, for example, the at least one
bearing is
a bearing with rolling elements.
[0013] Still
further in accordance with the first aspect, for example, the at least one
bearing is
a plain bearing.
[0014] Still
further in accordance with the first aspect, for example, the at least one
bearing is
a bushing.
[0015] Still
further in accordance with the first aspect, for example, the dutchman has a
cylindrical portion, the cylindrical portion configured to contact a latch in
the recess.
[0016] Still
further in accordance with the first aspect, for example, the dutchman has
ends
with flats, the flats abutting complementary portions of the member to block
rotation of the
cylindrical portion.
[0017] Still
further in accordance with the first aspect, for example, the member includes
support blocks having cavities for receiving the ends with flats.
[0018] Still
further in accordance with the first aspect, for example, there is provided a
bucket
comprising: a main body defining a cavity and an opening for unloading a
content of the bucket
from the cavity; a door pivotally mounted on the main body, the door movable
between a closed
position in which the opening is substantially closed by the door and an
opened position in which
the content may exit the bucket via the opening; a locking mechanism having a
latch bar movable
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between locked and unlocked positions to selectively lock or unlock the door
to close or open the
opening; and a latch keeper assembly as described above, the latch keeper
assembly
cooperating with the latch bar.
[0019] In accordance with a second aspect of the present disclosure, there
is provided a
bucket comprising: a main body defining a cavity and an opening for unloading
a content of the
bucket from the cavity; a door pivotally mounted on the main body, the door
movable between a
closed position in which the opening is substantially closed by the door and
an opened position
in which the content may exit the bucket via the opening; a locking mechanism
having a latch bar
movable between locked and unlocked positions to selectively lock or unlock
the door to close or
open the opening; and a latch keeper defining a recess for receiving a distal
end of the latch bar
when the latch bar is in the locked position and when the door is closed, the
latch keeper, wherein
one of the latch bar and the latch keeper includes rolling elements such that
the latch bar is
rollingly engaged to the latch keeper in the locked positing of the latch bar.
[0020] Further in accordance with the second aspect, for example, the
rolling elements are
secured to a dutchman of the latch keeper.
[0021] Still further in accordance with the second aspect, for example, the
rolling elements
are secured to a removable member of the latch keeper.
[0022] Still further in accordance with the second aspect, for example, the
rolling elements
are secured to the distal end of the latch bar.
[0023] Still further in accordance with the second aspect, for example, the
rolling elements
are bearings or balls.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] Reference is now made to the accompanying figures in which:
[0025] Fig. 1 is a three dimensional view of a bucket in accordance with
one embodiment;
[0026] Fig. 2 is a three dimensional view of a door for the bucket of Fig.
1 in accordance with
one embodiment;
[0027] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the door taken along line 3-3 on
Fig. 2;
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[0028] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the door of Fig. 2 installed on
the bucket of Fig. 1;
[0029] Fig. 5 is a three dimensional view of a latch keeper assembly for
the bucket of Fig. 1,
in accordance with one embodiment;
[0030] Fig. 6 is a three dimensional exploded view of the latch keeper
assembly of Fig. 5;
[0031] Fig. 7 is a three dimensional view of a latch keeper of the latch
keeper assembly of
Fig. 5 in accordance with one embodiment;
[0032] Fig. 8 is a top view of the latch keeper assembly of Fig. 5;
[0033] Fig. 9 is a three dimensional view of a removable member and
dutchman of the latch
keeper assembly of Fig. 5;
[0034] Fig. 10 is a bottom three dimensional view of the removable member
of Fig. 9;
[0035] Fig. 11 is a cutaway view of the latch keeper assembly of Fig. 5;
[0036] Fig. 12 is a top view of a latch keeper assembly in accordance with
another
embodiment;
[0037] Fig. 13 is a three dimensional view of a dutchman of one embodiment
to be used with
the latch keeper assembly of Fig. 12;
[0038] Fig. 14 is a three dimensional view of a dutchman of another
embodiment to be used
with the latch keeper assembly of Fig. 12;
[0039] Fig. 15 is a top view of a latch keeper assembly in accordance with
another
embodiment;
[0040] Fig. 16 is a three dimensional view of a removable member of the
latch keeper
assembly of Fig. 15;
[0041] Fig. 17 is a three dimensional exploded view of the removable member
of Fig. 16;
[0042] Fig. 18 is a three dimensional view of a removable member that may
be used with the
latch keeper assembly of Fig. 15, in accordance with another embodiment;
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[0043] Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the door of Fig. 2 installed on
the bucket of Fig. 1
with a dutchman in accordance with yet another embodiment;
[0044] Fig. 20 is a top view of the dutchman of Fig. 19 installed on the
door of Fig. 2;
[0045] Fig. 21 is a three dimensional view of the dutchman of Fig. 19;
[0046] Fig. 22 is a three dimensional view of a latch keeper assembly in
accordance with
another embodiment;
[0047] Fig. 23 is an three dimensional exploded view of the latch keeper
assembly of Fig. 22;
[0048] Fig. 24 is a three dimensional view of a removable member of the
latch keeper
assembly of Fig. 22;
[0049] Fig. 25 is a three dimensional view of a shaft for the removable
member of Fig. 24;
[0050] Fig. 26 is a cutaway view of the shaft of Fig. 25;
[0051] Fig. 27 is a three dimensional view of a latch keeper assembly in
accordance with
another embodiment;
[0052] Fig. 28 is a three dimensional view of a removable member of the
latch keeper
assembly of Fig. 27;
[0053] Fig. 29 is a three dimensional view of a shaft for the removable
member of Fig. 28;
[0054] Fig. 30 is a cutaway view of the shaft of Fig. 29; and
[0055] Fig. 31 is a three dimensional view of a shaft that may be used with
the removable
member of Fig. 24 or 28, in accordance with another embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0056] Referring to Fig. 1, a bucket is shown at 10. The bucket 10 may be
used for excavation,
for example as part of a cable shovel dipper of the type generally used on
electric-cable shovels
to scoop ore, earth, dirt from the ground, and is an example of the numerous
types of excavation
equipment that may benefit from the configuration described hereinafter for a
locking system for
a door thereof. Other types of excavation equipment and like earth working
buckets include
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electric rope shovels, hydraulic face shovels, hydraulic backhoe, loader,
dragline, bucket-wheel
excavator, etc. However, for simplicity, the present disclosure refers to the
bucket 10, although it
is understood that other excavation equipment may use the configuration
described hereinafter.
[0057] As a
general description, the bucket 10 has a body 10A, generally tubular in shape,
or
hollow as another way to describe the body 10A, having a leading end for
excavation, and a
trailing end opposite the leading end. The bucket 10 defines an inner cavity
11 for receiving earth
or like excavation products, with a lip 12 leading the excavating. The lip 12
is shown generally in
Fig. 1, but may have numerous components, such as teeth, shrouds, C-clamps,
wear plates, to
name a few. Various connectors 13 are provided on a top surface of the bucket
10, to connect
the bucket 10 to a handle, to a stick, to an arm, etc, of a cable shovel
dipper, crane or like
equipment or vehicle. Any appropriate type of connector may be used, with
pivot connectors 13
being shown as an example among others.
[0058] Pivot
supports 14 may be adjacent to a trailing end of the bucket 10. The pivot
supports 14 may be provided on both sides of the bucket 10, and are above a
trailing opening 15
of the bucket 10 through which the load of earth in the inner cavity 11 of the
bucket 10 may be
unloaded. The pivot supports 14 are provided to pivotally support a door 20
(Fig. 2), which door
20 selectively opens the trailing opening 15 and closes the trailing opening
15. The door 20 is
closed during the excavating or digging, while the door 20 is allowed to open
to unload the content
of the bucket 10, by the effect of gravity.
[0059] Still
referring to Fig. 1, the bucket 10 may also have a ledge 16 at a bottom
trailing
edge 10B of the bucket 10. The ledge 16 may be an add-on feature to the bucket
10, or may be
an integral part of the bowl of the bucket 10. As will be explained below, the
latch component
(a.k.a, latch) may be moved to selectively unlock the door 20 to allow an
emptying of the bucket
or to lock the door 20 in a closed position.
[0060]
Referring now to Fig. 2, the door 20 is described in more detail. The door 20
includes
two arms 21 secured to a main body 22 of the door 20. The main body 22 has a
top edge 22A, a
bottom edge 22B and lateral edges 22C, 22D extending from the top edge 22A to
the bottom
edge 22B. The two arms 21 protrude from the main body 22 of the door 20 beyond
the top edge
22A. A single arm 21 could be present, or three or more arms 21 as well. Each
of the two arms
21 may be L-shaped and defines an opening 21A at a distal end thereof for
receiving a pivot.
Each of the distal ends of the two arms 21 is received between two respective
ones of the pivot
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supports 14 (Fig. 1) of the bucket 10 and a pin or pivot extends through the
pivot supports 14 and
into the openings 21A of the arms 21. The door 20 is therefore pivotally
mounted to the bucket 10
and is pivotable between a closed position in which the opening 15 is closed
by the door 20 and
an open position in which the opening 15 is accessible. Any suitable means are
contemplated to
pivotally connect the door 20 to the bucket 10 such as, for instance, hinges.
Other configurations
are contemplated. For instance, each of the arms 21 may define a fork at its
distal end to receive
a pivot support between prongs of the fork. The door 20 optionally includes
three horizontal ribs
23 secured to the main body 22 and extending between the two lateral edges
22C, 22D of the
main body 22 of the door 20. There may be fewer or more of the horizontal ribs
23. Two of the
horizontal ribs 23 define a passage 23A therein. The passages 23A of the
horizontal ribs 23 are
aligned with one another and are sized to slidably receive another component
as will be described
below. It is understood that the passages 23A need not be defined by the
horizontal ribs 23 and
that other means may be used to define the passages 23A, such as brackets
secured to the main
body 22 of the door 20.
[0061]
Referring to Figs. 2-4, the door 20 includes a closing mechanism 30 that
includes a
latch bar 31. The latch bar 31 is slidably movable within the passages 23A
defined by the
horizontal ribs 23 of the main body 22 of the door 20. The passages 23A are
schematically
illustrated with dashed lines in Fig. 2. The latch bar 31 may therefore be
constrained to movement
in one translational degree of freedom (DOF), though some play is possible. A
lever bar 32 is
pivotally engaged to the latch bar 31 at a fulcrum 32A. A distal end 32B of
the lever bar 32 is
movable along a first direction D1 toward a top of the main body 22 of the
door 20 and along a
second direction D2, opposed to the first direction D1, toward a bottom of the
main body 22 of the
door. The lever bar 32 has a locked position and an unlocked position. In both
positions, the lever
bar 32 may be in abutment against stoppers secured to the main body 22 of the
door 20, to the
horizontal ribs 23, or to any other feature of the door 20. The stoppers
therefore define upper and
lower limits of the movements of the lever bar 32 between its locked and
unlocked positions.
[0062] As
shown in Fig. 3-4, when the lever bar 32 is lowered into the locked position,
the
latch bar 31 is moved downwardly until a distal end 31A of the latch bar 31 is
engaged to a latch
keeper, which is secured to the ledge 16 of the bucket 10 or to a trailing end
of the bowl of the
bucket 10. Consequently, the door 20 is mechanically blocked from pivoting to
its open position
by the latch bar 31. An insert 31B, which may be replaceable, may be located
at the distal end
31A of the latch bar 31 and may be made of a material being more wear
resistant than a material
of the latch bar 31. For instance, the insert 31B may be made of a metal, such
as a steel (e.g.
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AR500), for its abrasion resistance. The insert 31B of the latch bar 31 may be
in abutment against
a keeper insert, also referred to as a dutchman, secured to the latch keeper
as will be discussed
below.
[0063] An
overlap 0 taken along a longitudinal axis L of the latch bar 31 is defined
between
the insert 31B of the latch bar 31 and the dutchman when the latch bar 31 is
in the locked position.
The overlap 0 is preferably between 0.75 inch and 1 inch. An overlap 0 of less
than 0.75 inch
may be insufficient to keep the door 20 closed whereas an overlap 0 of more
than 1 inch may
require too much force to move the latch bar 31 from the locked position to
the unlocked position.
Nevertheless, it is contemplated to have an overlap 0 outside this range.
[0064] In some
cases, it is required to adjust the overlap 0 for proper operation of the
bucket
10. Shims and or other means may be used. However, adjusting the overlap 0 may
be tedious
and may require more than one person. Downtime and profit losses may therefore
occur.
Furthermore, the dutchman of the latch keeper is subjected to wear and tear
with time and must
often be replaced. The latch keeper described herein below may at least
partially alleviate these
drawbacks.
[0065]
Referring now to Figs. 5-6, a latch keeper assembly in accordance with one
embodiment is shown at 40. The latch keeper assembly 40 includes a latch
keeper base 50, a
removable member 60, and a latch keeper insert, or dutchman 70. The latch
keeper 50 is
configured to be secured to the ledge 16 of the bucket 10. The latch keeper
base 50 may be
permanently secured to the ledge 16 or may be part of the ledge, such as an
integral or monolithic
part thereof. Alternatively, the latch keeper base 50 may be removable from
the ledge 16. The
removable member 60 acts as an interface between the latch keeper base 50 and
the dutchman
70. In other words, the dutchman 70 is secured to the latch keeper base 50 or
ledge 16 via the
removable member 60. The dutchman 70 may be made of the same material of the
insert 31B of
the latch bar 31. The latch keeper base 50 and the removable member 60 are
described herein
below. Parts of the latch keeper base 50 are numbered with reference numerals
in the 50's
whereas parts of the removable member 60 are numbered with reference numerals
in the 60's.
[0066]
Referring now to Figs. 5-7, the latch keeper base 50 is shown in greater
detail. The
latch keeper base 50 may have wings 51 protruding away from one another from a
central body
52, though other segmentations or a single body may be used. The central body
52 and the two
wings 51 may therefore be monolithic parts of a same single body.
Alternatively, they may be
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separate parts secured (e.g., fastened) to one another. The two wings 51 may
be used to secure
(e.g., fasten, bolt, weld) the latch keeper base 50 to the ledge 16 of the
bucket 10 or to the trailing
edge of the bowl of the bucket 10. The central body 52 defines a recess 53.
The recess 53 may
extend from the top of the latch keeper base 50 as shown in Fig. 7.
Alternatively, the recess 53
may extend from the bottom of the latch keeper base 50. In the embodiment
shown, the recess
53 is sized to accept the removable member 60. Hence, a layout, perimeter
and/or geometry of
the recess 53 may substantially match that of the removable member 60, for
complementary
engagement therebetween. The recess 53 extends through the central body 52.
Alternatively, the
recess 53 may be close-ended. The recess 53 is open on a rear end 50A of the
latch keeper base
50 and closed on a front end 50B of the latch keeper base 50. In some
embodiments, the recess
53 may be closed at the rear end 50A. The central body 52 includes a top face
52A and an
opposed bottom face 52B. The central body 52 has a thickness that extends from
the top face
52A to the bottom face 52B. A portion of the top face 52A may be beveled
toward the bottom face
52B.
[0067] In the
embodiment shown, the recess 53 is bound at its bottom by two abutting plates
54, as an option among others. The removable member 60 may therefore move
within the recess
53 relative to the central body 52 until it abuts the two abutting plates 54.
The two abutting plates
54 defines apertures 54A, four as shown but more or less are contemplated,
that may be used to
fasten the removable member 60 to the latch keeper base 50. The recess 53 has
a central section
53A that extends through the central body 52. The recess 53 defines lateral
sections 53B, two in
the embodiment shown, that communicate with the central section 53A. The two
lateral sections
53B are bounded at their bottom by the two abutting plates 54.
[0068] The
recess 53 may further include a fore section 53C. The fore section 53C may
remain free of the removable member 60 and may be sized to accept the distal
end 31A (Fig. 3)
of the latch bar 31 when the door 20 is closed an when the latch bar 31 is
locking the door 20 in
its closed position. The removable member 60 may extend into the central
section 53A of the
recess 53 to close a rear end of the recess 53.
[0069] The
central body 52 may define shoulders 52C. Each of the two shoulders 52C is
oriented toward a respective one of the two lateral sections 53B of the recess
53. The two
shoulders 52C may be used to abut portions of the removable member 60 as will
be discussed
below, but may be optional. When assembled, the removable member 60 may
therefore be
constrained vertically by the two abutting plates 54 (and fasteners as a
possibility) and laterally
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by the two shoulders 52C and by peripheral faces 52D circumscribing the recess
53. The
removable member 60 may, in some embodiments, slide into the recess via a rear
end of the
latch keeper base 50 and locked in place via any suitable means (e.g., keyway,
dog and slot,
cleats, etc).
[0070]
Referring now to Figs. 8-10, the removable member 60 is described in greater
detail.
The removable member 60 includes a body defining a top face 60A, a bottom face
60B opposed
to the top face 60A and peripheral faces 60C extending from the top face 60A
to the bottom face
60B. The removable member 60 may optionally defines a central recess 61 that
extends from the
top face 60A toward the bottom face 60B. The removable member 60, in some
embodiments,
may be permanently secured to the latch keeper base 50. The peripheral faces
60C include lateral
faces 60D. The lateral faces 60D may be non-parallel such that a distance
between the lateral
faces 60D increases toward the front end 50B of the latch keeper base 50. The
lateral faces 60D
of the removable member 60 are in abutment against correspondingly angled
faces of the latch
keeper base 50 and may help preventing movements of the removable member 60
relative to the
latch keeper base 50 when the latch bar 31 abuts the dutchman 70 and when the
door 20 exerts
a force to open. In other words, the cooperation of these non-parallel faces
of the latch keeper
base 50 and removable member 60 may help in maintaining the door 20 in its
closed position
without play. This may reduce the shearing risk for the fasteners used to
secure the removable
member 60 to the latch keeper base 50. Any other suitable shapes of the
removable member 60
are contemplated. For instance, the removable member 60 may define shoulders.
As shown in
Fig. 8, a rear face 60E of the removable member 60 abuts some of the
peripheral faces 52D that
circumscribe the recess 53 of the latch keeper base 50, which may further help
in maintaining the
door 20 closed and protect the fasteners from shearing.
[0071] As
shown in Fig. 9, the removable member 60 may include a central portion 62 and
lateral portions 63 extending away from one another and away from the central
portion 62, though
there are other configurations that may be used. Each of the two lateral
portions 63 is sized to be
received within a respective one of the two lateral sections 53B of the recess
53 of the latch
keeper base 50 (Fig. 7). Each of the two lateral portions 63 of the removable
member 60 may
define a shoulder 63A. Each of the shoulders 63A of the removable member 60
abuts a respective
one of the two shoulders 52C of the latch keeper base 50. Hence, the removable
member 60 may
increase a stiffness of the latch keeper base 50 because of the cooperation of
the shoulders 63A,
52C that limit lateral deformation of the latch keeper base 50. In other
words, a locking
engagement may therefore be defined between the removable member 60 and the
latch keeper
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base 50. This locking engagement may help in preventing the recess from
widening. Moreover,
the angled lateral faces 60D that abut correspondingly angled faces of the
latch keeper base 50
may help in resisting a force exerted by the latch bar 31 on the dutchman 70
and on the removable
member 60.
[0072] In the
embodiment shown, the two lateral portions 63 of the removable member 60
each define four apertures 63B, although more or less are contemplated. Each
of the four
apertures 63B is aligned with a respective one of the apertures 54A (Fig. 7)
defined through the
abutting plates 54 (Fig. 7) of the latch keeper base 50. Fasteners (not shown)
may be threadingly
engaged through the apertures 54A, 63B to secure the removable member 60 to
the latch keeper
base 50. It will be appreciated that any other suitable means for securing the
removable member
60 to the latch keeper base 50 is contemplated without departing from the
scope of the present
disclosure. For instance, dog and slot, keyway, cleat, etc may alternatively
be used. The central
portion 62 of the removable member 60 defines apertures 62A, two in the
embodiment shown,
that may be used to receive fasteners used to secure the dutchman 70 to the
removable member
60. The dutchman 70 may define corresponding apertures 70A in register with
the apertures 62A
of the removable member 60.
[0073] As
shown in Fig. 10, and in the embodiment shown, the bottom face 60B of the
removable member 60 is stepped to define two abutting faces 60F that each may
contact a
respective one of the two abutting plates 54 of the latch keeper base 50. This
may enhance a
stability of the removable member 60 within the latch keeper base 50, but is
an optionally feature.
[0074]
Referring now more particularly to Fig. 11, the central portion 62 of the
removable
member 60 has a top face 62B that is sloped. More particularly, a distance
between the top face
62B of the central portion 62 and the bottom face 60B of the removable member
60 increases
toward the front end 50B of the latch keeper base 50. This slope of the top
face 62B of the
removable member 60 may provide a smooth transition and may help the latch bar
31 bounce
over the dutchman 70 while opening the door. This may limit rubbing between
the latch bar 31
and the top face 70B of the dutchman 70, which may enhance the lifespan of the
dutchman 70.
The top face 62B may then define a step 62C between front and rear ends of the
removable
member 60. The step 62C is sized such as to accept the dutchman 70 and such
that a top face
70B of the dutchman 70 may be flush with the top face 62B of the central
portion 62 of the
removable member 60. Hence, the top face 70B of the dutchman and the top face
62B of the
central portion 62 may be aligned and parallel to one another, in a coplanar
manner. Therefore,
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in use, when the door 20 (Fig. 2) is moved toward its closed position, the
distal end 31A of the
latch bar 31 slides along the top face 62B of the removable member 60 before
sliding against the
top face 70BA of the dutchman 70. In other words, the dutchman 70 and the
central portion 62 of
the removable member 60 may work in conjunction to define a substantially
continuous gliding
surface for guiding the latch bar 31. Once the latch bar 31 passes a trailing
edge of the dutchman
70, it may fall by gravity into the fore section 53C of the recess 53 of the
latch keeper base 50. At
that point, the door 20 may be locked in the closed position by way of the
abutment between the
distal end 31A of the latch bar 31 and the dutchman 70. To enhance its
lifespan, the dutchman
70 may be coated with a wear-resistant coating, such as a carbide-based
coating.
[0075] The
removable member 60, by being removable from the latch keeper base 50, may
allow its periodic replacement over time. Moreover, the removable member 60
and its step 62C
for receiving the dutchman 70, may allow periodic replacement of the dutchman
70 that may wear
out with time. In an embodiment, the dutchman 70 is replaced more frequently
than the removable
member 60. Therefore, instead of regularly replacing a large component, a
smaller component
(i.e., the dutchman 70) is replaced while a bigger component (i.e., the
removable member 60)
remains on the bucket 10. In some embodiments, protective plate(s) may be
secured (e.g.,
welded) on the latch keeper base 50 and/or on the removable member 60 for
added wear
resistance. Furthermore, the removable member 60 may allow easy adjustment of
a height of the
dutchman 70 to vary the overlap 0 (Fig. 4). The height of the dutchman 70 may
be adjusted with
shims disposed between the removable member 60 and the dutchman 70, or between
the
removable member 60 and the latch keeper base 50. Alternatively, or in
combination with the
shim, the removable member may define recesses of varying depths; the dutchman
70 may be
inserted into a selected one of these recesses corresponding to the desired
height of the
dutchman 70.
[0076] The
disclosed latch keeper assembly 40 may allow the replacement the dutchman 70
quickly since it is fastened to the removable member 60. The dutchman 70 may
have any other
suitable outline, such as, rectangular, trapezoidal, cylindrical, and so on. .
The dutchman 70 is a
rectangular prism, but may have other geometries as shown herein. The
removable member 60
may be quickly replaced since it may be fastened to the latch keeper base 50.
The fastening may
be done through the latch keeper or directly in the latch keeper. That is, the
fastener may extend
through the latch keeper via a bore and may have, for instance, a nut located
within a cavity
defined in an underside of the latch keeper. Alternatively, the removable
member 60 may be
fastened directly in the latch keeper via threaded bores defined by the latch
keeper. In some
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embodiments, the removable member 60 may be welded to the latch keeper base
50. The
removable member 60 may include two or more sections. The removable member 60
may allow
a height adjustment of the dutchman 70. This may allow more flexibility to the
closing mechanism
30 of the door 20 since it may not need to provide height adjustment of the
latch bar 31. A
thickness of the dutchman 70 may be varied, which may allow the system to
become fixed without
requiring height adjustment capabilities. The removable member 60 may be
replaced when its
top face 62B becomes worn, due to the removable nature of the removable member
60. The
removable member 60 may be installed within the recess 53 of the latch keeper
base 50 with
some play. This play may help in removing, with slight motion, matter that
might adhere to the
latch keeper assembly 40 and block the entrance of the fore section 53C of the
recess 53 of the
latch keeper base 50. In some embodiments, a shock-absorbing material may be
disposed
between the removable member 60 and the latch keeper base 50. The compression
of the shock-
absorbing material may create a slight motion while keeping all the components
tight against each
other such that there is no gap between the components.
[0077]
Referring now to Figs. 12-14, another embodiment of a latch keeper assembly is
shown at 140. The latch keeper assembly 140 includes the latch keeper base 50
and the
removable member 60 described above with reference to Figs. 5-11. Hence, for
the sake of
brevity, only elements differing from the latch keeper assembly 40 of Figs. 5-
11 are described
herein below.
[0078] In the
embodiment shown, the dutchman 170 has a front face 170A oriented toward
the front end 50B of the latch keeper base 50. The front face 170A faces the
latch bar 31 when
the door 20 is in the closed position. In the embodiment shown, the dutchman
170 includes a
plurality of rolling elements depicted as balls or rollers 171 that protrude
from the front face 170A.
In the present case, 20 rollers 171 are used, but more or less rollers 171 are
contemplated. The
rollers 171 are shown here as ball rollers, having their own receptacle
holding a ball captive
therein, as shown in Figs. 13 and 14. Each of the ball rollers may be
rollingly received within a
socket or recess defined by the dutchman 170, with the dutchman 170 have a cap
or like access
to the rollers 171 for assembly thereof. These sockets extend inwardly from
the front face 170A
into a body of the dutchman 170. In a variant, the rollers 171 each have an
own socket 171A that
holds the rollers 171 captive, with the socket 171A being received in an
opening defined in the
front face 170A. The sockets 171A may for example be force fitted in the body
of the dutchman
170, adhered to the body, etc.
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[0079] In use,
instead of abutting against the front face 170A of the dutchman 170, the latch
bar 31 rollingly engages the rollers 171 thereby decreasing a friction with
the dutchman 170
compared to a configuration in which no rollers are used and in which the
latch bar 31 is frictionally
engaged to the front face 170A of the dutchman 170. Smaller rollers 171 may be
present in a
greater number, to increase a contact with the latch bar 31, but other size of
rollers is
contemplated. For instance, the dutchman 270 of Fig. 14 uses bigger ball
rollers 271, three in the
embodiment shown, but more or less is contemplated. It will be appreciated
that, alternatively,
the rollers 171 be rollingly engaged to the latch bar 31 instead of to the
dutchman 170. In some
embodiments, a dutchman with integrated off-the-shelf ball bearings may be
used. The ball rollers
271 may come with their own sockets 271A.
[0080]
Referring now to Figs. 15-17, another embodiment of a latch keeper assembly is
shown at 240. In the present case, the latch keeper assembly 240 is free of a
dutchman and
includes removable member 260 that is designed to be abutted by the latch bar
31. The latch
keeper assembly 240 could be part of a Dutchman configuration as well. The
removable member
260 is an assembly including a main body 261, a cover plate 262, and bearings
263. Eleven
bearings 263 are shown in the present embodiment, but more or less bearings
are contemplated.
The bearings may be rolling element bearings (e.g., needle bearings, ball
bearings). The bearings
263 are cylindrical bearings in the embodiment shown, such as ball bearings
but with other options
available, including plain bearings. Although the bearings 263 are shown being
disposed axially
relative to the shaft longitudinal axis, any other suitable configurations,
such as a matrix (e.g., 6 x
2), are contemplated without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0081] As
shown more distinctly in Fig. 17, the main body 261 defines an inner cavity
261A,
which may be substantially rectangular-shaped, and that is sized for accepting
a shaft or support
264 on which the bearings 263 are mounted. The shaft 264 may have a central
cylindrical section
264A and square end sections 264B. Dimensions of the square end sections 264B
of the shaft
264 may be selected such that the shaft 264 is substantially non-rotatable
relative to the main
body 261 within the inner cavity 261A thereof. This may ensure that the
components that rotate
when the removable member 260 is engaged by the latch bar 31 are the bearings
263 and not
the shaft 264 within the inner cavity 261A. The central cylindrical section
264A is sized such as
to be receivable into inner races of the bearings 263. A tight fit may be
provided between the
central cylindrical section 264A of the shaft 264 and the bearings 263.
Alternatively, the shaft 264
may be rotatable, with roller portions thereon. If one or two faces at the
ends of the shaft 264
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become worn, the shaft 264 may be rotated 90 degrees for other faces to be
used. In a variant,
the ends have more than the four end faces shown to allow more orientations to
be present.
[0082] In the
embodiment shown, the main body 261 includes a plurality of fingers 261B that
extends vertically toward a top face 260A of the removable member 260. Slots
261C are defined
between the fingers 261B. Each of the slots 261C is sized to accept a
respective one of the
bearings 263, for the bearings 263 to project through the slots 261C and
beyond a plane of the
main body 261. In other words, the bearings 263 are axially spaced-apart from
one another by
the fingers 261B about a longitudinal axis of the shaft 264. This may prevent
the bearings 263
from rubbing against one another and may prevent matter from being stuck
between two adjacent
bearings.
[0083] As
shown in Fig. 17, the inner cavity 261A is open at the top face 260A of the
removable member 260 to insert the shaft 264 and the bearings 263 mounted
thereto. The cover
plate 262 is used to lock the shaft 264 and bearings 263 in place into the
inner cavity 261A. The
cover plate 262 may be welded to the main body 261 of the removable member
260. In other
embodiments, the cover plate 262 may be fastened on the main body 261 of the
removable
member 260.
[0084] As
illustrated in Fig. 15, the bearings 263 protrude beyond a plane of the front
face
260B of the removable member 260 such that the latch bar 31 abuts against the
bearings 263
when the door 20 is in the closed position. The bearings 263 may therefore
provide a rolling
engagement between the latch bar 31 and the removable member 260, which may
help upward
and downward movements of the latch bar 31 to close or open the door 20.
[0085] It will
be appreciated that this shaft 264 and bearings 263 may, in another
embodiment,
be integrated directly to the latch keeper such that the removable member 260
is no longer require
and may be omitted.
[0086]
Referring now to Fig. 18, another embodiment of the removable member is shown
at
360. In the embodiment shown, the bearings 263, nineteen being shown but more
or less is
contemplated, are disposed directly one next to the other into an inner cavity
361A. Hence, this
configuration of the removable member 360 differs from the one shown in Fig.
17 by the removal
of the fingers 261B. This may allow using more of the bearings 263, which may
provide a better
load distribution on the latch keeper.
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[0087] The
configurations of the latch keeper using bearings or rollers may provide a
greater
lifespan of the latch keeper and, in some embodiments, may remove the need to
replace the
dutchman periodically.
[0088]
Referring now to Figs. 19-21, a dutchman in accordance with another embodiment
is
shown at 370. The dutchman 370 is removably securable to the ledge 26 via
wings 371 that
protrude laterally from a body 372 of the dutchman 370. The wings 371 may
define apertures for
receiving fasteners for securing the dutchman 370 to the ledge 16. Any other
suitable fastening
means are contemplated without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure. Moreover,
the wings 371 are optionally as the dutchman 370 may have a uniform cross-
section in an
embodiment.
[0089] As
shown more clearly on Fig. 21, the body 372 of the dutchman 370 includes a top
face 372A, a bottom face 372B opposed to the top face 372A, lateral faces 372C
that extend from
the top face 372A to the bottom face 372B, a front face 372D, and an opposed
rear face 372E.
The front and rear faces 372D, 372E extend from the top face 372A to the
bottom face 372B. In
the embodiment shown, the body 372 of the dutchman 370 may have a
substantially rectangular
profile on its rear portion and have a curved shape or profile on its front
portion. In other words,
the front face 372D of the body 372 of the dutchman 370 may be curved. It will
be appreciated
that only a portion of the front face 372D may be curved; the portion being in
contact with the
insert 31B when the door is closed. The curved shape of the front face 372D
may have any
suitable shape such as cylindrical, elliptical, and so on.
[0090] The
curved shape of the front face 372D may provide a single contact line CL
(shown
with a dashed line in Fig. 21) between the insert 31B of the latch bar 31 and
the dutchman 370.
This single contact line CL, as opposed to a contact surface between these two
elements, may
limit a force required to open the door. In other words, this single contact
line CL may limit a
friction force between the insert 31B of the latch bar 31 and the dutchman
370. This configuration
may ease the unlocking of the door. Stated differently, when the insert 31B is
moved upward, the
contact surface between the insert 31B and the dutchman 370 may be limited to
part of the contact
line CL until the insert 31B is above the contact line CL. From that point on,
the insert 31B follows
the curvature of the front face 372D, and this may further ease the
displacement.
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[0091] In some
embodiments, both of the front and rear faces 372D, 372E may be curved.
This may allow to double the lifespan of the dutchman 370 since once one of
the faces is worn,
the dutchman 370 may be rotated 180 degrees to use the other face (e.g., rear
face 372E).
[0092] As
shown more particularly on Fig. 19, an apex 372F of the front face 372D,
defined
as a forward-most point of the front face 372D, may be located closer to the
bottom face 372B
than the top face 372A. Hence, the dutchman 370 may be non-symmetric relative
to a plane
intersecting the apex 372F and intersecting the rear face 372E, which plane is
perpendicular to
the rear face 372E. This is an optional configuration. In some embodiments,
the apex 372F may
register with the single contact line CL. The apex 372F may be an apex line.
In some
embodiments, the apex 372F may be centered between the top and bottom faces
372A, 372B
and the dutchman 370 may be symmetrical about the plane intersecting the apex
372F and the
rear face 372E.
[0093]
Referring now to Figs. 22-26, another embodiment of a latch keeper assembly is
shown at 440. In the present case, the latch keeper assembly 440 with latch
keeper base 450 has
a dutchman or the like that includes removable member 460, designed to be
abutted by the latch
bar 31. The removable member 460 is an assembly including bearings 463, a
shaft 464 and
support blocks 465 (e.g., having a T shape). Three bearings 463 are shown in
the present
embodiment, but more or less bearings are contemplated. The bearings 463 are
cylindrical
bearings in the embodiment shown, such as needle roller bearings (see Fig.
26), but with other
options available, including plain bearings, or bearings with other types of
roller elements.
[0094] As
shown more distinctly in Fig. 23, the latch keeper base 450 includes an inner
cavity
451 which may be substantially rectangular-shaped (or may have other shapes),
and that is sized
for accepting the removable member 460. The shaft 464 may have a central
cylindrical section
464A and square end sections 464B receivable in corresponding cavities 465A in
support blocks
465, complementary in shape. Other shapes for the end sections 464B may be
contemplated,
with an object being the blocking of a rotation of the shaft 464. Dimensions
of the square end
sections 464B of the shaft 464 may be selected such that the shaft 464 is
substantially non-
rotatable relative to the latch keeper base 450 when the square end sections
464B are received
in the cavities 465A of the support blocks 465 and the removable member 460 is
received in the
inner cavity 451. This may ensure that the components that rotate when the
removable member
460 is engaged by the latch bar 31 are the bearings 463 and not the shaft 464.
If flats of the end
sections 464B become worn, it may be possible to remove the removable member
460, rotate
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the shaft 464, and reinstall the assembly. Accordingly, it is considered to
have more than the four
flats shown for the end sections 464B, such as by having hexagonal, octagonal
ends, etc.
[0095] The
inner cavity 451 of the latch keeper base 450 is shown to be open at a top
face
450A to insert the removable member 460 thereinto. The support blocks 465 may
be installed to
the inner cavity 451 via fasteners 466, securing the removable member 460 in
place. Other
fastening means may be contemplated.
[0096]
Referring additionally to Figs. 24-26, the central cylindrical section 464A is
sized such
as to be receivable into inner races of the bearings 463. The bearings 463 may
be configured to
roll about the central cylindrical section 464A, while the shaft 464 remains
static. An end piece or
stopper 467 may be received at a distal end of the central cylindrical section
464A to retain the
bearings 463 in place.
[0097] In the
shown case, the square end sections 464B, and thus the corresponding cavities
465A, are sized differently. Stated differently, the square end section 464B
at a first end of the
shaft 464 is larger than the square end section 464B at a second end of the
shaft 464. The larger
of the square end sections 464B may have a width greater than a diameter of
the central
cylindrical section 464A, while the smaller of the square end sections 464B
may have a width
smaller or equal to the diameter of the central cylindrical section 464A. As
such, the bearings 463
may be easily mountable to the shaft 464 over the smaller of the square end
sections 464B, with
the end piece or stopper 467 retaining the bearings 463 in place after
installation. In other cases,
both of the square end sections 464B may be sized to receive the bearings 463.
One or both of
the square end sections may include an abutment shoulder as well. In a
variant, the stopper 467
is an hexagonal nut, but other end pieces may be used.
[0098] When
the door 20 is in the closed position, the latch bar 31 may abut against the
bearings 463. The bearings 463 may therefore provide a rolling engagement
between the latch
bar 31 and the removable member 460, which may help upward and downward
movements of
the latch bar 31 to close or open the door 20. The bearings 463 may roll about
the central
cylindrical section 464A of the non-rotating shaft 464. Moreover, the presence
of bearings 463
may reduce wear of the other components of the removable member 460 and of the
latch bar 31,
as friction is reduced.
[0099]
Referring now to Figs. 27-30, another embodiment of a latch keeper assembly is
shown at 540. In the present case, the latch keeper assembly 540 with latch
keeper base 550 is
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a dutchman that includes removable member 560, designed to be abutted by the
latch bar 31.
The removable member 560 is an assembly including bushing or sleeve bearing
563 (e.g., with
or without rollers, plain bearing being a solution), a shaft 564 and support
blocks 565.
[0100] As
shown more distinctly in Fig. 27, the latch keeper base 550 includes an inner
cavity
551 which may be substantially rectangular-shaped, and that is sized for
accepting the removable
member 560. The shaft 564 may have a central cylindrical section 564A (see
Fig. 30) and square
end sections 564B receivable in corresponding cavities 565A in support blocks
565. Other shapes
for the end sections 564B may be contemplated, with an object being the
blocking of a rotation of
the shaft 564. Dimensions of the square end sections 564B of the shaft 564 may
be selected such
that the shaft 564 is substantially non-rotatable relative to the latch keeper
base 550 when the
square end sections 564B are received in the cavities 565A of the support
blocks 565 and the
removable member 560 is received in the inner cavity 551. This may ensure that
the component
that rotates when the removable member 560 is engaged by the latch bar 31 is
the bushing 563
and not the shaft 564. If flats of the end sections 564B become worn, it may
be possible to remove
the removable member 560, rotate the shaft 564, and reinstall the assembly.
Accordingly, it is
considered to have more than the four flats shown for the end sections 564B,
such as by having
hexagonal, octagonal ends, etc.
[0101] The
inner cavity 551 of the latch keeper base 550 is shown to be open at a top
face
550A to insert the removable member 560 thereinto. The support blocks 565 may
be installed to
the inner cavity 551 via fasteners 566, securing the removable member 560 in
place. Other
fastening means may be contemplated.
[0102]
Referring additionally to Figs. 28-30, the central cylindrical section 564A is
sized such
as to be receivable into the inner race of the bushing 563. The bushing 563
may be configured to
roll about the central cylindrical section 564A, while the shaft 564 remains
static. An end piece or
stopper 567 may be received at a distal end of the central cylindrical section
564A to retain the
bushing 563 in place. The bushing 563 may have an axial length approximately
matching that of
the central cylindrical section 564A to limit axial displacement upon
installation. Spacers may be
installed to minimize such displacement as well and to reduce friction between
components.
[0103] In the
shown case, the square end sections 564B, and thus the corresponding cavities
565A, are sized differently. Stated differently, the square end section 564B
at a first end of the
shaft 564 is larger than the square end section 564B at a second end of the
shaft 564. The larger
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of the square end sections 564B may have a width greater than a diameter of
the central
cylindrical section 564A, while the smaller of the square end sections 564B
may have a width
smaller or equal to the diameter of the central cylindrical section 564A. As
such, the bushing 563
may be easily mountable to the shaft 564 over the smaller of the square end
sections 564B. In
other cases, both of the square end sections 564B may be sized to receive the
bushing 563. If
flats of the end sections 564B become worn, it may be possible to remove the
removable member
560, rotate the shaft 564, and reinstall the assembly. Accordingly, it is
considered to have more
than the four flats shown for the end sections 564B, such as by having
hexagonal, octagonal
ends, etc.
[0104] When
the door 20 is in the closed position, the latch bar 31 may abut against the
bushing 563. The bushing 563 may therefore provide a rolling engagement
between the latch bar
31 and the removable member 560, which may help upward and downward movements
of the
latch bar 31 to close or open the door 20. The bushing 563 may roll about the
central cylindrical
section 564A of the non-rotating shaft 564. The presence of bushing 563 may
reduce wear of the
other components of the removable member 560 and of the latch bar 31, as
friction is reduced.
[0105]
Referring to Fig. 31, another embodiment of a shaft 664 is shown. Shaft 664
may, for
instance, be installed in removable members 460, 560 of latch keeper
assemblies 440, 540. Shaft
664 includes a central cylindrical section 664A and may have square end
sections 664B
receivable in corresponding cavities 465A, 565A in support blocks 465, 565 in
a non-rotatable
fashion. In other cases, shaft 664 may be adapted for use in other latch keep
assemblies.
[0106] The
surface of the central cylindrical section 664A may be resistant to wear, for
instance by having a surface coating (as may have all embodiments described
herein). When the
door 20 is in the closed position, the latch bar 31 may abut against the
central cylindrical section
664A. The central cylindrical section 664A may therefore provide a wear-
resistant engagement
between the latch bar 31 and the removable member 660, which may help upward
and downward
movements of the latch bar 31 to close or open the door 20. In addition, the
non-rotating shaft
664 in the shown case may be indexed at four different position due to the
four-sided square end
sections 664B. As such, the lifespan of the shaft 664 may be extending by
varying the installation
position, thereby changing the portion of the central cylindrical section 664A
that engages with
the latch bar 31. In other cases, other shaped end-sections 664B may be
contemplated, which
may offer other numbers of index positions. If flats of the end sections 664B
become worn, it may
be possible to remove the shaft 664, rotate it, and reinstall it. In all
embodiments described herein,
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the flats those that are generally parallel to an axis of the shaft (and not
the axial flats to which
the axis is normal). Accordingly, it is considered to have more than the four
flats shown for the
end sections 664B, such as by having hexagonal, octagonal ends, etc. Fillets
or rounded edges
may be present in this embodiment, and in all other embodiments described
herein where
appropriate.
[0107]
Referring to Figs. 22-31, by implementing a latch keeper assembly 440, 540
with a
non-rotating shaft 464, 564, 664, the number of moving components may be
minimized, which
may reduce the number of parts that are susceptible to damage. The
installation of the removable
member 460, 560 may be simplified, as the non-rotating shaft 464, 564, 664 may
be inserted
directly into the support blocks 465, 565. In addition, any misalignment of
the shaft 464, 564, 664
with respect to the support blocks 465, 565 may not affect the performance of
the latch keeper
assembly 440, 540, as the shaft 464, 564, 664 does not rotate. The shaft 464,
564, 664 may be
indexed at various positions, illustratively four unique positions, which may
extend the lifespan of
the shaft 464, 564, 664. The latch keeper assembly 440, 540 may see an
increase in robustness,
as the fixed engagement between the shaft 464, 564, 664 and support blocks
465, 565 may limit
the leverage effect due to the impact from the door 20.
[0108] The
embodiments described in this document provide non-limiting examples of
possible implementations of the present technology. Upon review of the present
disclosure, a
person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes may be made to
the embodiments
described herein without departing from the scope of the present technology.
Yet further
modifications could be implemented by a person of ordinary skill in the art in
view of the present
disclosure, which modifications would be within the scope of the present
technology.
21
