U.S. patent application number 13/908245 was filed with the patent office on 2014-11-13 for powered guard group for a machine.
The applicant listed for this patent is Caterpillar Inc.. Invention is credited to Christopher David Derham, Prabhakar Gopalsamy, Robert A. Jackson, Sarrah Jackson.
Application Number | 20140332292 13/908245 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51446923 |
Filed Date | 2014-11-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140332292 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gopalsamy; Prabhakar ; et
al. |
November 13, 2014 |
POWERED GUARD GROUP FOR A MACHINE
Abstract
The disclosure describes, in one aspect, a powered guard group
for a machine, the guard group including a frame, a linkage, a
door, and an actuator for moving the guard group between an open
position and a closed position.
Inventors: |
Gopalsamy; Prabhakar;
(Velachery Chennai, IN) ; Jackson; Robert A.;
(Edwards, IL) ; Derham; Christopher David; (East
Peoria, IL) ; Jackson; Sarrah; (Pekin, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Caterpillar Inc. |
Peoria |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51446923 |
Appl. No.: |
13/908245 |
Filed: |
June 3, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
180/9.42 ;
296/204 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02F 9/24 20130101; B62D
55/0845 20130101; E02F 9/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
180/9.42 ;
296/204 |
International
Class: |
E02F 9/24 20060101
E02F009/24; E02F 3/80 20060101 E02F003/80 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 7, 2013 |
IN |
1362/DEL/2013 |
Claims
1. A guard group for a work machine comprising: a door having an
inner side, an outer side, a first edge and a second edge, the
first edge being opposite of the second edge, the door being
configured to move between a closed position and an open position;
a linkage coupled to the door; a frame coupled to the linkage, the
frame having at least two stiffners, the stiffners being configured
to contact the inner side and inhibit the door from moving when the
door is in the closed position and is contacted by a rock, stump or
the like; and an actuator coupled to the linkage, the actuator
being configured to move the door between the closed position and
the open position.
2. The guard group of claim 1 further comprising a cross-member
coupled to at least one of the at least two stiffners, the
cross-member being coupled to the at least one of the at least two
stiffners at a center portion of the at least one of the at least
two stiffners.
3. The guard group of claim 1 wherein the frame comprises at least
three stiffners, each stiffner being configured to contact the
inner side and inhibit the door from moving when the outside side
is contacted by a rock, stump or the like.
4. The guard group of claim 3 wherein the linkage is pivotally
coupled to the frame.
5. The guard group of claim 4 wherein the actuator is a hydraulic
actuator.
6. The guard group of claim 1 wherein the second edge is configured
to be selectively coupled to the frame using a fastener when the
door is in the closed position.
7. The guard group of claim 1 wherein the actuator is coupled to
the frame.
8. A guard group for a machine comprising: a first door movable
between a closed position and an open position, the first door
being configured to inhibit rocks, branches and the like from
striking a mechanical component when the first door is in the
closed position; a second door movable between a closed position
and an open position, the second door being configured to inhibit
rocks, branches and the like from striking a mechanical component
when the second door is in the closed position; a first linkage
coupled to the first door; a second linkage coupled to the second
door; a first actuator coupled to the first linkage, the first
power actuator being configured to move the first door between the
closed position and the open position; and a second actuator
coupled to the second linkage, the second power actuator being
configured to move the second door between the closed position and
the open position.
9. The guard group of claim 8 further comprising a frame having a
first guard mounting surface, a second guard mounting surface, a
first stiffner, a second stiffner and a third stiffner wherein the
first stiffner, second stiffner, and third stiffner are each
coupled to the first guard mounting surface and the second guard
mounting surface and further wherein the first linkage is coupled
to the first guard mounting surface and the second linkage is
coupled to the second guard mounting surface.
10. The guard group of claim 9 further comprising a third linkage
and a fourth linkage, the third linkage being coupled to the first
door and the fourth linkage being coupled to the second door.
11. The guard group of claim 9 further comprising a cross-member
coupled to at least one of the first stiffner, second stiffner and
third stiffner and wherein the first door is configured to be
selectively coupled to at least one of the cross-member, first
stiffner, second stiffner and third stiffner using a fastener when
the first door is in the closed position.
12. The guard group of claim 9 wherein the actuator is
hydraulically powered.
13. A machine comprising: a chassis; a work implement coupled to
the chassis; a prime mover coupled to the chassis; a first and
second track assembly powered by the prime mover and configured to
selectively move the machine; and a guard group coupled to the
chassis, the guard group comprising: a first guard mounting surface
coupled to the chassis; a second guard mounting surface; a first
stiffner and a second stiffner coupled to the first guard mounting
surface and the second guard mounting surface; a linkage coupled to
the first guard mounting surface; a door coupled to the linkage,
the door being configured to move between a closed position and an
open position; an actuator coupled to the linkage, the actuator
being configured to move the door between the closed position and
the open position.
14. The machine of claim 13 further comprising a second door and a
second linkage, the second linkage being coupled to the second
guard mounting surface and the second door, the second door being
configured to move between a closed position and an open
position.
15. The machine of claim 13 wherein the door is configured to
inhibit rocks, branches and the like from striking a mechanical
component when the door is in the closed position.
16. The machine of claim 15 further comprising a third linkage
coupled to the door and the first guard mounting surface.
17. The machine of claim 15 wherein the actuator is a hydraulic
actuator.
18. The machine of claim 17 wherein the work machine is a
track-type tractor.
19. The machine of claim 13 further comprising a cross-member
coupled to the first stiffner, the cross-member being perpendicular
to the first stiffner and wherein the door is selectively coupled
to the cross-member when the door is in the closed position.
20. The machine of claim 19 wherein the cross-member inhibits the
door from moving when a rock, stump or the like presses against the
door.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority from Indian
Patent Application No. 1362/DEL/2013 by Gopalsamy et al., filed May
7, 2013, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a guard group
for a machine and more particularly to a powered bottom guard group
to protect the underside and/or mechanical components of the
machine.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Work machines, such as track-type tractors, utilize various
types of guards to protect vulnerable portions of the machine. One
particular type of guard is a bottom guard which is secured to the
bottom of a work machine to protect portions of the engine,
transmissions, or other vital machine components. This type of
guard is generally bolted to the case and frame of the machine. In
order to sufficiently protect the bottom and components of the work
machine from impacts with objects such as rocks, stumps, soil and
debris, the guards must have adequate structural integrity, high
yield strength and adequate wear properties. The size and material
requirements of the guards make the guard large and heavy, which
make the guards difficult to remove. In addition, work machines are
often used in muddy conditions which can result in excessive debris
accumulation on the guards. The additional weight of the debris
makes the guards even heavier.
[0004] One example of a bottom guard is illustrated in U.S. Pat.
No. 4,957,180, titled Guard Assembly for a Vehicle. The '180 Patent
discloses a guard assembly for protecting the lower portions of an
earthmoving machine, such as the engine, transmission and drive
train, the guard assembly including a guard plate fastened to the
machine frame using threaded fasteners.
[0005] The foregoing background discussion is intended solely to
aid the reader. It is not intended to limit the disclosure, and
thus should not be taken to indicate that any particular element of
a prior system is unsuitable for use within the disclosure, nor is
it intended to indicate that any element, including solving the
motivating problem, is essential in implementing the systems and
methods described herein. The implementations and application of
the systems and methods described herein are defined by the
appended claims.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The disclosure describes, in one aspect, a guard group for a
work machine including a door having an inner side, an outer side,
a first edge and a second edge, the first edge being opposite of
the second edge, the door being configured to move between a closed
position and an open position and a linkage coupled to the door. In
addition, the guard group includes a frame coupled to the linkage,
the frame having at least two stiffners, the stiffners being
configured to contact the inner side and inhibit the door from
moving when the door is in the closed position and is contacted by
a rock, stump or the like; and an actuator coupled to the linkage,
the actuator being configured to move the door between the closed
position and the open position.
[0007] In another aspect, the disclosure describes a guard group
for a machine including a first door movable between a closed
position and an open position, the first door being configured to
inhibit rocks, branches and the like from striking a mechanical
component when the first door is in the closed position and a
second door movable between a closed position and an open position,
the second door being configured to inhibit rocks, branches and the
like from striking a mechanical component when the second door is
in the closed position. The guard group also includes a first
linkage coupled to the first door, a second linkage coupled to the
second door, a first actuator coupled to the first linkage, the
first power actuator being configured to move the first door
between the closed position and the open position; and a second
actuator coupled to the second linkage, the second power actuator
being configured to move the second door between the closed
position and the open position.
[0008] In yet another aspect the disclosure describes a machine
having a chassis, a work implement coupled to the chassis, a prime
mover coupled to the chassis, a first and second track assembly
powered by the prime mover and configured to selectively move the
machine; and a guard group coupled to the chassis. The guard group
includes a first guard mounting surface coupled to the chassis, a
second guard mounting surface, a first stiffner and a second
stiffner coupled to the first guard mounting surface and the second
guard mounting surface, a linkage coupled to the first guard
mounting surface, a door coupled to the linkage, the door being
configured to move between a closed position and an open position
and an actuator coupled to the linkage, the actuator being
configured to move the door between the closed position and the
open position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a machine.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a guard group for a machine
showing the guard group in a closed position.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a side view of the guard group of FIG. 2 showing
the guard group in a closed position.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the guard group of FIG. 2
showing the guard group in an open position.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a side view of the guard group of FIG. 2 showing
the guard group in an open position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a
perspective view of a machine 10. The illustrated machine 10 is a
track-type tractor, but the invention herein is not limited to
track-type tractors and includes other machines such as off highway
trucks, skid steer machines, backhoe loaders, landfill compactors,
shovels, excavators, motor graders, wheel loaders and the like. The
machine 10 includes a chassis 14, a work implement 18, a prime
mover 22, two track assemblies 26 and a guard group 30. In the
illustrated embodiment the work implement 18 is a blade and is
coupled to the chassis 14. The prime mover 22 may be an internal
combustion engine and is coupled to the chassis 14. The two track
assemblies 26 are powered by the prime mover 22, serve to
selectively move the machine 10 and are coupled to the chassis 14.
The guard group 30 (best seen in FIG. 2) is coupled to the chassis
14.
[0015] The guard group 30 is shown in a closed position in FIGS. 2
and 3 and in an open position in FIGS. 4 and 5. The guard group 30
is coupled to an underside of the machine 10. In the illustrated
embodiment the guard group 30 is approximately in a center portion
of the underside of the machine 10, although in other embodiments
the guard group 30 may be biased to the left, right, front or back
of the machine 10. The guard group 30 in the illustrated
embodiments includes two guard assemblies 34, although other
embodiments may include more or less guard assemblies 34. As the
guard assemblies 34 are substantially similar only one guard
assembly 34 will be described herein. In the illustrated embodiment
the guard assembly 34 includes a frame 38, two doors 42, four
linkages 46, and two actuators 50.
[0016] The frame 38, best shown in FIG. 4, includes a first guard
mounting surface 54, a second guard mounting surface 58, a
plurality of stiffners 62 and a cross-member 66. The first guard
mounting surface 54 and second guard mounting surface 58 are sized
and configured to allow the frame 38 to be coupled to the chassis
14 of the machine 10. The frame 38 may be coupled to the chassis 14
by welding, fasteners or the like. In one embodiment the frame 38
and the chassis 14 are integral. In the illustrated embodiment the
first guard mounting surface 54 and second guard mounting surface
58 are contoured to match the contour of the chassis 14. At least
one of the plurality of stiffners 62 couples the first guard
mounting surface 54 to the second guard mounting surface 58. In the
illustrated embodiments three stiffners 62 couple the first guard
mounting surface 54 to the second guard mounting surface 58. The
cross-member 66 couples the three stiffners 62 together, the
cross-member 66 running substantially perpendicular to the
stiffners 62. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the cross-member 66 is
disposed approximately in the center of the guard assembly 34 and
is coupled to the plurality of stiffners 62 at a center portion 70
of each of the plurality of stiffners 62. The cross-member 66 also
has a plurality of openings 74 thereon to receive threaded
fasteners or the like. In the illustrated embodiment bolts are
disposed proximate to the openings 74. In another embodiment the
openings 74 are threaded.
[0017] The guard assembly 34 in the illustrated embodiment includes
two doors 42, although other embodiments may have only a single
door 42. Other embodiments may have more than two doors 42. In the
illustrated embodiment the two doors 42 are substantially similar,
so only a single door 42 will be described herein.
[0018] The door 42 includes an inner side 78, an outer side 82, a
first edge 86 and a second edge 90. The first edge 86 is disposed
opposite of the second edge 90. The door 42 is configured to pivot
between a closed position and an open position. In the illustrated
embodiment the door 42 is contoured to match the contour of the
frame 38. The door 42 also includes a plurality of openings 94
disposed thereon, the plurality of openings 94 being sized and
configured to allow a threaded fastener to pass therethrough. It
may be said that the doors 42 move between the open position and
the closed position, which may be synonymous with the guard group
30 moving between the closed position and the open position.
[0019] The guard assembly 34 includes four linkages 46, as best
seen in FIG. 2. Each linkage 46 is substantially similar, so only
one linkage 46 will be described herein. The linkage 46 is coupled
to the door 42. The linkage 46 is pivotally coupled to the frame 38
to allow the linkage 46 to rotate with respect to the frame 38. The
linkage 46 is approximately in the shape of a "C", although other
shapes are contemplated. In the illustrated embodiment two linkages
46 are coupled to each door 42, although other embodiments may
couple more or less linkages 46 to each door 42. As is best seen in
FIG. 5, the linkages 46 serve to support the door 42 when the guard
group 30 is in the open position. The linkages 46 also support the
door 42 when the guard group 30 is in the closed position, although
threaded fasteners may also be used.
[0020] The guard assembly 34 includes two actuators 50. The
actuators 50 are substantially similar so only one actuator 50 will
be described herein. The actuator 50 is coupled to the linkage 46
at one end and to an arm 98 at the other end. In some embodiments
the actuator 50 may be coupled to the linkage 46 at one end and to
one of the frame 38 and the chassis 14 at the other end. The
actuators 50 serve to move the doors 42 to allow the guard group 30
to change from the open position to the closed position and back.
In the illustrated embodiment the actuators 50 are hydraulic
actuators, although other actuators such as electric motors are
contemplated.
Industrial Applicability
[0021] The guard group 30 is useful for protecting an underside of
a machine 10 and more specifically mechanical components, such as
the prime mover 22, a transmission, a hydraulic pump, etc., of the
machine 10 from striking stumps, rocks or the like when the machine
10 is moving. The guard group 30 is also useful for protecting the
mechanical components from debris accumulation, tar, oil sands or
the like. Machines 10 need maintenance or repairs and the guard
group 30 is useful for allowing maintenance personnel easy access
to the mechanical components protected by the guard group 30. The
guard group 30 is preferred over other guards because the guard
group 30 is powered, thus the maintenance personnel are not
required to remove a large, heavy guard group from the machine.
Rather, the guard group 30 may be powered between the open position
and the closed position.
[0022] If the guard group 30 is in the open position and
maintenance personnel wish to move it to the closed position, the
maintenance personnel power the actuators 50 to move the actuators
50, and thus the guard group 30, into the closed position. In the
illustrated embodiment the actuators 50 are powered by a hydraulic
pump that is separate from the machine 10, while in other
embodiments the actuators 50 may receive power from the hydraulic
pump on the machine 10. The actuators 50 are sufficiently strong to
hold the guard group 30 in the closed position, but maintenance
personnel may wish to couple the doors 42 to the frame 38 with
threaded fasteners or the like to minimize the possibility of the
doors 42 moving when struck by stumps, rocks or the like.
[0023] If the guard group 30 is in the closed position and
maintenance personnel wish to move it to the open position, the
maintenance personnel must first remove any threaded fasteners (if
present) coupling the doors 42 to the frame 38. The maintenance
personnel then power the actuators 50 to move the actuators 50, and
thus the guard group 30, into the open position. When the guard
group 30 is in the open position mechanical components are
accessible for maintenance or repairs.
[0024] The guard group 30 may be removed from the machine 10 if a
large mechanical component, such as the transmission, needs to be
removed from the machine 10.
[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.
* * * * *