U.S. patent application number 13/678947 was filed with the patent office on 2014-05-22 for loader bucket with counterweight.
This patent application is currently assigned to Caterpillar Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is CATERPILLAR INC.. Invention is credited to Thiagarajan Mahadevan, Raghavendra Reddy, Srivatsan Srinivasa Rengan.
Application Number | 20140137444 13/678947 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50726603 |
Filed Date | 2014-05-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140137444 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Srinivasa Rengan; Srivatsan ;
et al. |
May 22, 2014 |
LOADER BUCKET WITH COUNTERWEIGHT
Abstract
A loader bucket is adapted for use with a machine includes a
first side section, a second side section and a rear section. The
rear section has a substantially arcuate portion so that a bottom
section extends from a lower end of the arcuate portion. Further, a
top section extends from an upper end of the arcuate portion. One
or more counterweights are disposed on the top section of the
loader bucket.
Inventors: |
Srinivasa Rengan; Srivatsan;
(Tirunelveli, IN) ; Mahadevan; Thiagarajan;
(Chennai, IN) ; Reddy; Raghavendra; (Bangalore,
IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CATERPILLAR INC. |
Peoria |
IL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Caterpillar Inc.
Peoria
IL
|
Family ID: |
50726603 |
Appl. No.: |
13/678947 |
Filed: |
November 16, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
37/444 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02F 3/964 20130101;
E02F 9/18 20130101; E02F 3/40 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
37/444 |
International
Class: |
E02F 3/40 20060101
E02F003/40 |
Claims
1. A loader bucket of a machine comprising: a first side section
and a second side section; a rear section; a top section, wherein
the top section extends from an upper end of the rear section; and
a counterweight disposed on the top section.
2. The loader bucket of claim 1, wherein the rear section have a
substantially arcuate portion such that a bottom section extends
from a lower end of the arcuate portion.
3. The loader bucket of claim 1, wherein the counterweight is
attached to the top section by welding or mechanical fasteners.
4. The loader bucket of claim 1, wherein the counterweight includes
an insert defining a cavity, wherein the cavity is substantially
filled in with a high density material.
5. The loader bucket of claim 4, wherein the high density material
is composed of material selected from at least one or more of a
concrete mix, metal ores, metal alloy scrap, sand, water, and/or
gravels.
6. The loader bucket of claim 4, wherein the insert includes a
first plate and a second plate attached to the first plate by
welding or mechanical fasteners.
7. The loader bucket of claim 4, wherein the insert have a
triangular cross-section or rectangular cross-section, or polygonal
cross-section.
8. The loader bucket of claim 4, wherein the insert is formed from
a one piece plate.
9. A machine comprising; a frame comprising a front section and a
rear section; a front loading structure is provided in the front
section including; and a loader bucket comprising: a first side
section and a second side section; a rear section; a top section,
wherein the top section extend from an upper end of the rear
section; and a counterweight is disposed in the top section, the
counterweight includes an insert defining a cavity substantially
filled in with a high density material
10. The machine of claim 9, wherein the rear section have a
substantially arcuate portion such that a bottom section extends
from a lower end of the arcuate portion.
11. The machine of claim 9, wherein the counterweight is attached
to the top section by welding or mechanical fasteners.
12. The machine of claim 9, wherein the high density material is
composed of material selected from at least one or more of a
concrete mix, metal ores, metal alloy scrap, sand, water, and/or
gravels.
13. The machine of claim 9, wherein the insert includes a first
plate and a second plate attached to the first plate by welding or
mechanical fasteners.
14. The machine of claim 13, wherein the first plate have a bent
shape and the second plate is welded to an inner face of the first
plate along a weld line.
15. The machine of claim 9, wherein the insert has a triangular
cross-section or rectangular cross-section, or polygonal
cross-section.
16. A counterweight for a loader bucket comprising: an insert
including a first plate and a second plate, wherein second plate
attached to the first plate by welding; a cavity defined by the
first plate and the second; and a high density material is filled
into the cavity.
17. The counterweight of claim 16, wherein the insert have a
triangular cross-section or a rectangular cross-section, or a
polygonal cross-section.
18. The counterweight of claim 16, wherein the first plate have a
bent shape and the second plate is welded to an inner face of the
first plate along a weld line.
19. The counterweight of claim 16, wherein the insert is configured
to be attached to the loader bucket by welding or mechanical
fasteners.
20. The counterweight of claim 16, wherein the high density
material is composed of material selected from at least one or more
of a concrete mix, metal ores, metal alloy scrap, sand, water,
and/or gravels.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a machine for
material handling, and more particularly relates to a loader bucket
of the machine.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A material handling machine, such as a backhoe loader,
includes a frame provided with a ground engaging members and a
power source. The machine includes a backhoe structure and a front
loading structure. The front loading structure and the backhoe
structure are mounted on a front end portion and a rear end portion
of the frame, respectively. Conventionally, a counterweight is
provided on the front end portion of the machine when the machine
travels or operates with the backhoe structure. The counterweight
may counterbalance the front loading structure with the backhoe
structure.
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 3,991,891 discloses a counterweights system
for use with a material handling machine adapted for selectively
counterbalancing a front loading structure or a backhoe structure
of the material handling machine depending on whether or not the
backhoe structure is attached to a rear end of the frame. The
counterweights system permits counterweights to be installed on the
front loading structure when the backhoe structure is in use. The
counterweights system permits the counterweights to be installed on
the rear end of the drive machine when the backhoe structure is
removed to reversely counterbalance the material handling machine.
However, there is still room for improvement in the art.
SUMMARY
[0004] In an aspect, the present disclosure describes a loader
bucket including a first side section, a second side section, and a
rear section. The rear section has a substantially arcuate portion
so that a bottom section extends from a lower end of the arcuate
portion. Further, a top section extends from an upper end of the
arcuate portion. One or more counterweights are disposed on the top
section of the loader bucket.
[0005] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the
counterweights including an insert having a first plate and a
second plate. The first plate and the second plate define a cavity
for receiving a high density material such as concrete mix, metal
ores, metal alloy scrap, water, sand and/or gravels.
[0006] Other features and aspects of this disclosure will be
apparent from the following description and the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a backhoe loader machine,
according to an aspect of the present disclosure;
[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective front view of a loader
bucket, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;
[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the loader
bucket of FIG. 2 along X-X';
[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an insert,
according to an aspect of the present disclosure; and
[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective rear view of the loader
bucket of FIG. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a machine 100, such as a
backhoe loader, in which various embodiments of the present
disclosure may be implemented. In an exemplary embodiment, as
illustrated in FIG. 1, the machine 100 includes a frame 102. The
frame 102 may include a front section 104 and a rear section 106.
The frame 102 of the machine 100 may support an operator cab 108
and an engine enclosure 110. As well known in the art, an engine
(not shown) may be housed within the engine enclosure 110. The
engine is used to provide power to a final drive assembly, via a
mechanical or an electrical transmission. The operator cab 108 may
include one or more control means to control the operations of the
machine 100. The machine 100 may be supported by ground engaging
member, such as a pair of front wheels 112 (only one side is shown)
mounted on the front section 104 and a pair of rear wheels 114
(only one side is shown) mounted on the rear section 106. However,
the machine 100 may alternately include a conventionally known
tracks or crawler as the ground engaging members.
[0013] A front loading structure 116 may be connected to the front
section 104 of the frame 102. The front loading structure 116 may
include, for example, but not limited to, a loader bucket 118.
Further, a backhoe structure 120 may be connected to the rear
section 106 of the frame 102. The backhoe structure 120 may include
an implement, for example, but not limited to, a bucket 122. It
will be apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art that
in various other embodiments, the front loading structure 116 and
the backhoe structure 120 may include a blade, a fork, a grapple, a
hammer, or any other type of implement. The front loading structure
116 and the backhoe structure 120 may be hydraulically or
electrically controlled with the control means provided in the
operator cab 108.
[0014] In an embodiment, the front loading structure 116 may
include a linkage assembly 124 mounted on the front section 104 of
the frame 102. The linkage assembly 124 may include a lift arm 126
pivotally mounted to the front section 104 at a first end 128.
Further, the loader bucket 118 is pivotally mounted at a second end
130 of the lift arm 126. Further, the linkage assembly 124 may
further include a tilt arm 127 and a tilt actuator 129, configured
to be connected to the loader bucket 118. Further, the backhoe
structure 120 may include a boom member 132 pivotally connected to
the frame 102 at the rear section 106. The backhoe structure 120
may also include a stick member 134 pivotally connected to the boom
member 132 and the bucket 122 is pivotally connected to the stick
member 134.
[0015] In an aspect of the present disclosure, two stabilizer legs
136 (only one side shown) may be connected to the rear portion 106
of the frame 102. The stabilizer legs 136 may be provided behind
the pair of rear wheels 114. The stabilizers legs 136 keep the
machine 100 steady, minimizing the jostling effect during
operation. They also secure the machine 100 in a stable position.
Further, the stabilizer legs 136 may have two types of "shoes," so
that they may be planted securely on both dirt and pavement. A
grouser shoe side digs into the dirt for a better grip, and a
rubber-padded shoe may be used on the pavement.
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective front view of the loader
bucket 118, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. As
illustrated, the loader bucket 118 may include a first side section
138, a second side section 140, and a rear section 142. The rear
section 142 may have a substantially arcuate portion 144 such that
a bottom section 146 may extend from a lower end 148 of the arcuate
portion 144. The bottom section 146 may be substantially straight
and a cutting edge 150 may be attached to the bottom section 146 by
welding, bolting or any other mechanical fastening means. Further,
a top section 152 may extend from an upper end 154 of the arcuate
portion 144. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, one or
more counterweights 156 are provided on the loader bucket 118. As
illustrated, the counterweights 156 adapted to be integral with the
loader bucket 118 and disposed on the top section 152 of the loader
bucket 118.
[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the loader
bucket 118 along line XX' of FIG. 2. According to an embodiment of
the present disclosure, the counterweights 156 may include an
insert 158 defining a cavity 160. The cavity 160 may be
substantially filled in with a high density material 162 for
example, but not limited to concrete mix. Typically, the
counterweight 156 is required to be incorporated on the loader
bucket 118 and due to aesthetic and size constraints, it is
frequently necessary to minimize the dimensions of the
counterweight 156 by utilizing the high density material. A person
having ordinary skill in the art may understand that the concrete
mix may be a mixture of metallic or metal alloys scrap, concrete
and a bonding agent. The concrete mix ingredients may be properly
mixed in definite proportions before filling into the cavity 160 of
the counterweights 156. Further, if it is a premixed concrete, only
water may be added to the make the concrete mix. The high density
material 162 may be cured for predetermined amount of time before
the counterweights are disposed on the loader bucket 118. Further,
apart from concrete mix, the cavity 160 on the counterweights 156
may be filled in with any mixture which is fully packed without
loose movement, for example, but not limited to, sand, water,
and/or gravels.
[0018] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the insert 158 may be fabricated
as an elongated box type structure having a first end 164 and a
second end 166. Further, the insert 158 may be made of material for
example, but not limited to, steel. Further, the insert 158 may
include a first plate 168 and a second plate 170 attached to the
first plate 168 by a mechanical fastening means such as, welding,
bolting, etc. to define the cavity 160. In an embodiment, the first
plate 168 may have a bent shape to define a triangular channeled
cavity 160. Further, the second plate 170 may be welded to an inner
face of the first plate 168 along a weld line 171. Moreover, the
first plate 168 and the second plate 170 may be of any shape, such
that the insert 158 may have various cross-sections, for example,
rectangular cross-section, or any polygonal cross-section.
According to another embodiment; the insert 158 may be also formed
from a one piece plate to define the cavity 160. Further, the
insert 158 may be attached within the top section 152 by any means,
but not limited to, welding or any mechanical attachment. In an
aspect of the present disclosure, the insert 158 may be prefilled
with the high density material 162 before attaching to the top
section 152 of the loader bucket 118. Further, the high density
material 162 may be allowed to cure for a definite amount of time,
preferably for several days. Further, first end 164 and the second
end 166 of insert 158 may be covered by a closed lid.
[0019] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective rear view of the loader
bucket 118 of FIG. 2. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the counterweights
156, one of them in an exploded view, may be attached to an outer
surface 172 of the top section 152 by welding or other mechanical
attachment. Further, the counterweights 156 may be attached on
inner surfaces, 174, 176 of the first side section 138 and the
second side section 140. The loader bucket 118 may further include
first coupling members 178 and second coupling members 180. The
first coupling members 178 may be configured to be attached to the
pair of lift arms 126 to raise or lower the loader bucket 118.
Further, the second coupling members 180 may be configured to
attach to the tilt arm 127 and tilt actuator 129 for tilting the
loader bucket 118. The first coupling members 178 may provide a
support at a base of the counterweights 156. Further, the second
coupling member 180 may provide side wise support to the
counterweights 156, as illustrated in FIG. 5
[0020] A person ordinarily skilled in the art may be understand
that, the counterweights 156 may be provided anywhere on the loader
bucket 118 without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure. Further, the insert 158 may be integrally built within
the top section 152 of the loader bucket 118 during fabrication. In
an alternative aspect, the counterweights 156 may be provided in
the bucket 122 of the backhoe structure 120.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0021] The industrial applicability of the counterweights material
associated with the loader bucket 118 described herein will be
readily appreciated from the foregoing discussion. Although, the
machine 100 is embodied as the backhoe loader, those skilled in the
art will understand that the present disclosure may be applicable
to similar machine, such as those fitted with a backhoe and a
loader attachment. The counterweights are added to balance the
front loading structure 116 and the backhoe structure 120. In
general, the counterweights may be provided on the frame 102 of the
machines either on the front section or the rear section based on
the loading conditions.
[0022] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the machine 100 may
be unstable and jumpy while traveling in no load condition. This
may be due to insufficient weight balance between the front loading
structure 116 and the backhoe structure 120. Therefore, to prevent
a see-saw effect between the front loading structure 116 and the
backhoe structure 120, counterweights 156 are added to the loader
bucket 118 of the machine 100. Although, the counterweights 156 are
added in the loader bucket 118, a person skilled in the art may
understand that counterweights may be provided on the backhoe
structure 120, i.e. on the bucket 122.
[0023] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the insert 158 may be introduced
into the top section 152 of the loader bucket 118. Further, the
high density material 162 may be filled into the insert 158. The
utilization of already present space in the top section 152 on the
loader bucket 118 may require less fabrication or modifications for
filling the counterweights 156. However, it should also be
understood that the counterweights 156 may be filled anywhere in
the loader bucket 118.
[0024] Moreover, the amount of high density material 162 required
for the counterweights 156 in the loader bucket 118 is less when
compared to the material provided on the frame 102 of the machine
100. In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the high
density material 162 for the counterweights 156 required to add in
the top section 152 is approximately 60% of weight of the
counterweights added anywhere on the frame 102 of the machine 100.
This may lessen the usage of material of the counterweights 156
providing stability to the machine 100 while travelling in no load
conditions. In a preferred aspect of the present disclosure,
concrete mix is used as the high density material 162 for the
counterweights 156. Further, the cost of the concrete mix, which is
about 30% less costly than that of cast iron.
[0025] It will be appreciated that the foregoing description
provides examples of the disclosed system and technique. However,
it is contemplated that other implementations of the disclosure may
differ in detail from the foregoing examples. All references to the
disclosure or examples thereof are intended to reference the
particular example being discussed at that point and are not
intended to imply any limitation as to the scope of the disclosure
more generally. All language of distinction and disparagement with
respect to certain features is intended to indicate a lack of
preference for those features, but not to exclude such from the
scope of the disclosure entirely unless otherwise indicated.
[0026] Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and
equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended
hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of
the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is
encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or
otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
* * * * *