U.S. patent application number 14/445844 was filed with the patent office on 2016-02-04 for implement wear member.
This patent application is currently assigned to Caterpillar Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Caterpillar Inc.. Invention is credited to Thomas Congdon.
Application Number | 20160032568 14/445844 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53682898 |
Filed Date | 2016-02-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160032568 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Congdon; Thomas |
February 4, 2016 |
Implement Wear Member
Abstract
A wear member that includes a body having front, rear, top,
bottom, inner side and outer side portions. The wear member
includes a front face on the front portion, and a rear face on the
rear portion. The wear member includes a front bottom edge, a rear
bottom edge parallel to the front bottom edge, an inner bottom
edge, and an outer bottom edge. The wear member includes a bottom
face between the front bottom edge, the rear bottom edge, the inner
bottom edge, and the outer bottom edge. The wear member includes a
bottom wear edge between the outer bottom edge and the inner bottom
edge and parallel to the front and rear bottom edges. The wear
member includes a bottom wear surface and a bottom cutaway surface.
A bottom cutaway surface angle between the bottom cutaway surface
and the rear face is at most 150 degrees.
Inventors: |
Congdon; Thomas; (Dunlap,
IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Caterpillar Inc. |
Peoria |
IL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Caterpillar Inc.
Peoria
IL
|
Family ID: |
53682898 |
Appl. No.: |
14/445844 |
Filed: |
July 29, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
37/446 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02F 3/8152 20130101;
E02F 9/2883 20130101; E02F 9/2858 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E02F 9/28 20060101
E02F009/28 |
Claims
1. A wear member for an earth-working implement, the wear member
comprising: a body having front, rear, top, bottom, inner side and
outer side portions; a front face defined on the front portion and
extending between the top portion, the bottom portion, the inner
side portion, and the outer side portion; a rear face defined on
the rear portion and extending between the top portion, the bottom
portion, the inner side portion, and the outer side portion, the
rear face being substantially parallel to the front face; a front
bottom edge defined along at least a portion of a front bottom
interface between the front portion and the bottom portion, the
front bottom edge aligned with a longitudinal axis; a rear bottom
edge defined along at least a portion of a rear bottom interface
between the bottom portion and the rear portion, the rear bottom
edge substantially parallel to the front bottom edge; an inner
bottom edge defined along at least a portion of an inner bottom
interface between the inner side portion and the bottom portion; an
outer bottom edge defined along at least a portion of an outer
bottom interface between the outer side portion and the bottom
portion; a bottom face defined on the bottom portion, the bottom
face extending between the front bottom edge, the rear bottom edge,
the inner bottom edge, and the outer bottom edge; a bottom wear
edge disposed on the bottom face between the front bottom edge and
the rear bottom edge, the bottom wear edge extending between the
outer bottom edge and the inner bottom edge substantially parallel
to the front and rear bottom edges; a bottom wear surface defined
on the bottom face between the front bottom edge and the bottom
wear edge; and a bottom cutaway surface defined on the bottom face
between the rear bottom edge and the bottom wear edge; wherein a
bottom cutaway surface angle, measured as the obtuse angle between
the bottom cutaway surface and the rear face, is at most about 150
degrees.
2. The wear member of claim 1, wherein the bottom cutaway surface
angle is in a range between about 90 degrees and about 150
degrees.
3. The wear member of claim 1, wherein the bottom cutaway surface
angle is in a range between about 135 degrees and about 150
degrees.
4. The wear member of claim 1, wherein the front face defines a
front face plane and the bottom cutaway surface defines a bottom
cutaway surface plane, and wherein a wear angle, measured between
the front face plane and the bottom cutaway surface plane, is in a
range between about 30 degrees and about 90 degrees.
5. The wear member of claim 1 further comprising: a front inner
side edge defined along a front inner side interface between the
inner side portion and the front portion, at least a portion of the
front inner side edge being aligned along a lateral axis defined
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and an inner bottom wear
edge defined along the inner bottom edge adjacent the bottom wear
surface between the front bottom edge and the bottom wear edge, the
inner bottom wear edge being aligned along a normal axis defined
perpendicular to both the lateral axis and the longitudinal
axis.
6. The wear member of claim 5, wherein a ratio between a bottom
wear edge depth, measured along the normal axis between the front
face and the bottom wear edge, and a body thickness, measured along
the normal axis between the front face and the rear face, is in a
range between about 0:1 and about 3:10.
7. The wear member of claim 5, wherein a ratio between a bottom
wear edge depth, measured along the normal axis between the front
face and the bottom wear edge, and a body thickness, measured along
the normal axis between the front face and the rear face, is at
most about 1:5.
8. The wear member of claim 1, wherein the body is configured to be
mounted to a mounting edge of the earth-working implement so as to
engage a work surface, and wherein a cutaway work surface angle,
measured between the bottom cutaway surface and the work surface,
is less than about 3 degrees.
9. The wear member of claim 1, wherein the body is configured to be
mounted to a mounting edge of the earth-working implement so as to
engage a work surface, and wherein a cutaway work surface angle,
measured between the bottom cutaway surface and the work surface,
is at most 2 degrees.
10. The wear member of claim 1 further comprising: a front top edge
defined along a front top interface between the front portion and
the top portion, the front top edge being substantially parallel to
the front bottom edge; a lower cutout edge disposed on the front
face between the front top edge and the front bottom edge and
substantially parallel to the front bottom edge; and a cutout
formed in the front face and delimited by the lower cutout edge and
the front top edge.
11. The wear member of claim 1, wherein the bottom cutaway surface
angle is in a range between about 90 degrees and about 150
degrees.
12. The wear member of claim 1 further comprising: a front top edge
defined along a front top interface between the front portion and
the top portion, the front top edge being substantially parallel to
the front bottom edge; a lower cutout edge disposed on the front
face between the front top edge and the front bottom edge and
substantially parallel to the front bottom edge; an upper cutout
edge disposed on the front face between the front top edge and the
lower cutout edge, the upper cutout edge substantially parallel to
the top edge; and a cutout formed in the front face and delimited
by the upper cutout edge and the lower cutout edge.
13. The wear member of claim 12, wherein the bottom cutaway surface
angle is in a range between about 90 degrees and about 150
degrees.
14. A wear member for an earth-working implement, the wear member
comprising: a body having front, rear, top, bottom, inner side and
outer side portions; a front bottom edge defined along at least a
portion of a front bottom interface between the front portion and
the bottom portion, the front bottom edge aligned with a
longitudinal axis; a front top edge defined along a front top
interface between the front portion and the top portion, the front
top edge being substantially parallel to the front bottom edge; a
rear bottom edge defined along at least a portion of a rear bottom
interface between the bottom portion and the rear portion, the rear
bottom edge substantially parallel to the front bottom edge; an
inner bottom edge defined along at least a portion of an inner
bottom interface between the inner side portion and the bottom
portion; an outer bottom edge defined along at least a portion of
an outer bottom interface between the outer side portion and the
bottom portion; a front face defined on the front portion between
the front top edge and the front bottom edge, the front face
including a front lower surface and a cutout surface; a rear face
defined on the rear portion and extending between the top portion,
the bottom portion, the inner side portion, and the outer side
portion, the rear face being substantially parallel to the front
face; a cutout formed in the front face defining the cutout surface
between the front lower surface and the front top edge, the cutout
surface extending between the inner side portion and the outer side
portion and being offset from the front lower surface in a
direction toward the rear face; a bottom face defined on the bottom
portion, the bottom face extending between the front bottom edge,
the rear bottom edge, the inner bottom edge, and the outer bottom
edge; a bottom wear edge disposed on the bottom face between the
front bottom edge and the rear bottom edge, the bottom wear edge
extending between the outer bottom edge and the inner bottom edge
substantially parallel to the front and rear bottom edges; a bottom
wear surface defined on the bottom face between the front bottom
edge and the bottom wear edge; a bottom cutaway surface defined on
the bottom face between the rear bottom edge and the bottom wear
edge; wherein the body is configured to be mounted to a mounting
edge of the earth-working implement, and wherein the bottom cutaway
surface is defined on the bottom face between the rear bottom edge
and the bottom wear edge, and a bottom cutaway surface angle,
measured as the obtuse angle between the bottom cutaway surface and
the rear face, is at most about 150 degrees.
15. The wear member of claim 14, wherein the bottom cutaway surface
angle is in a range between about 90 degrees and about 150
degrees.
16. The wear member of claim 14, wherein the body is configured to
be mounted to a mounting edge of the earth-working implement so as
to engage a work surface, and wherein a cutaway work surface angle,
measured between the bottom cutaway surface and the work surface,
is at most 2 degrees.
17. The wear member of claim 14, wherein the cutout surface is
substantially parallel to the rear surface and the front lower
surface, and wherein a ratio between a lower body thickness,
measured between the front lower surface and the rear surface, and
a cutout thickness, measured between the cutout surface and the
rear surface, is in a range between about 1:1 and about 3:2.
18. The wear member of claim 14 further comprising: a lower cutout
edge disposed on the front face between the front lower surface and
the cutout surface, the lower cutout edge substantially parallel to
the front bottom edge an upper cutout edge disposed on the front
face between the front top edge and the lower cutout edge, the
upper cutout edge substantially parallel to the front top edge; and
a front upper surface defined on the front face between the upper
cutout edge and the front top edge, the front upper surface and the
front lower surface being substantially co-planar.
19. The wear member of claim 18, wherein the bottom cutaway surface
angle is in a range between about 135 degrees and about 150
degrees.
20. A wear member for an earth-working implement, the wear member
comprising: a body having front, rear, top, bottom, inner side and
outer side portions; a front bottom edge defined along at least a
portion of a front bottom interface between the front portion and
the bottom portion, the front bottom edge aligned with a
longitudinal axis; a front top edge defined along at least a
portion of a front top interface between the front portion and the
top portion, the front top edge substantially parallel to the front
bottom edge; a front inner side edge defined along at least a
portion of a front inner side interface between the inner side
portion and the front portion; a front outer side edge defined
along at least a portion of a front outer side interface between
the outer side portion and the front portion; a rear bottom edge
defined along at least a portion of a rear bottom interface between
the bottom portion and the rear portion, the rear bottom edge
substantially parallel to the front bottom edge; a rear top edge
defined along at least a portion of a rear top interface between
the top portion and the rear portion, the rear top edge
substantially parallel to the front top edge; a rear inner side
edge defined along at least a portion of a rear inner side
interface between the inner side portion and the rear portion; a
rear outer side edge defined along at least a portion of a rear
outer side interface between the outer side portion and the rear
portion; an inner bottom edge defined along at least a portion of
an inner bottom interface between the inner side portion and the
bottom portion; an outer bottom edge defined along at least a
portion of an outer bottom interface between the outer side portion
and the bottom portion; a front face defined on the front portion,
the front face extending between the front inner side edge, the
front outer side edge, the front top edge, and the front bottom
edge; a rear face defined on the rear portion, the rear face
extending between the rear inner side edge, the rear outer side
edge, the rear top edge, and the rear bottom edge; a bottom face
defined on the bottom portion, the bottom face extending between
the front bottom edge, the rear bottom edge, the inner bottom edge,
and the outer bottom edge; a bottom wear edge disposed on the
bottom face between the front bottom edge and the rear bottom edge,
the bottom wear edge extending between the outer bottom edge and
the inner bottom edge substantially parallel to the front and rear
bottom edges; a bottom wear surface defined on the bottom face
between the front bottom edge and the bottom wear edge; and a
bottom cutaway surface defined on the bottom face between the rear
bottom edge and the bottom wear edge, wherein a bottom cutaway
surface angle, measured as the obtuse angle between the bottom
cutaway surface and the rear face, is about 143 degrees.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This disclosure relates generally to ground engaging tools
and, more particularly, to ground engaging tools on buckets,
blades, and other work tools used with mining and construction
machinery.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Different types of mining and construction machines, such as
tractors, bulldozers, backhoes, excavators, motor graders, and
mining trucks commonly employ earth-working blades to move and
level earth or materials being excavated or loaded. The
earth-working blades frequently experience extreme wear from
repeated contact with highly abrasive materials encountered during
operation. Replacement of the earth-working blades and other
implements used in mining and construction machinery can be costly
and labor intensive.
[0003] The earth-working blades can be equipped with a ground
engaging tool (GET), such as a cutting-bit, a set of cutting-bits
or other wear members, to help protect the blade and other
earth-working tools from wear. Typically, a wear member can be in
the form of teeth, edge protectors, tips, or other removable
components that can be attached to the areas of the blade or other
tool where most damaging and repeated abrasions and impacts occur.
For example, a GET in the form of edge protectors can wrap around
an implement's cutting edge to help protect it from excessive
wear.
[0004] In such applications, the removable wear members can be
subjected to wear from abrasion and repeated impact, while helping
to protect the blade or other implement to which they can be
mounted. When the wear member becomes worn through use, it can be
removed and replaced with a new wear member or other GET at a
reasonable cost to permit the continued use of the implement. By
protecting the implement with a GET and replacing the worn GET at
appropriate intervals, significant cost and time savings are
possible.
[0005] The cost and time savings available from using a wear member
to protect large machine implements can be further enhanced by
increasing the ability of the wear member to cut through the
working material and by increasing the useful life of the wear
member itself without significantly increasing the material needed
to make the wear member. Currently known wear members, particularly
wear members constructed using standard construction such as the
International Organization for Standardization (ISO), can encounter
efficiency problems. One problem encountered with some wear members
constructed by ISO standards is a "ski effect," in which a newly
mounted wear member will simply skim across the top of a work
surface until enough of the wear member has worn away to affect
proper work surface penetration. There is an ongoing need in the
art for improved wear member systems that increase wear efficiency
and cutting effectiveness, thus increasing the efficiency of
earth-working machinery and increasing overall work
productivity.
[0006] It will be appreciated that this background description has
been created by the inventors to aid the reader, and is not to be
taken as an indication that any of the indicated problems were
themselves appreciated in the art. While the described principles
can, in some respects and embodiments, alleviate the problems
inherent in other systems, it will be appreciated that the scope of
the protected innovation is defined by the attached claims, and not
by the ability of any disclosed feature to solve any specific
problem noted herein.
SUMMARY
[0007] In an embodiment, the present disclosure describes a wear
member for an earth-working implement. The wear member includes a
body having front, rear, top, bottom, inner side and outer side
portions. The wear member includes a front face defined on the
front portion and extending between the top portion, the bottom
portion, the inner side portion, and the outer side portion. The
wear member includes a rear face defined on the rear portion and
extending between the top portion, the bottom portion, the inner
side portion, and the outer side portion, the rear face being
substantially parallel to the front face. The wear member includes
a front bottom edge defined along at least a portion of a front
bottom interface between the front portion and the bottom portion,
the front bottom edge aligned with a longitudinal axis. The wear
member includes a rear bottom edge defined along at least a portion
of a rear bottom interface between the bottom portion and the rear
portion. The rear bottom edge is substantially parallel to the
front bottom edge. The wear member includes an inner bottom edge
defined along at least a portion of an inner bottom interface
between the inner side portion and the bottom portion. The wear
member includes an outer bottom edge defined along at least a
portion of an outer bottom interface between the outer side portion
and the bottom portion. The wear member includes a bottom face
defined on the bottom portion. The bottom face extends between the
front bottom edge, the rear bottom edge, the inner bottom edge, and
the outer bottom edge. The wear member includes a bottom wear edge
disposed on the bottom face between the front bottom edge and the
rear bottom edge. The bottom wear edge extends between the outer
bottom edge and the inner bottom edge and is substantially parallel
to the front and rear bottom edges. The wear member includes a
bottom wear surface defined on the bottom face between the front
bottom edge and the bottom wear edge, and a bottom cutaway surface
defined on the bottom face between the rear bottom edge and the
bottom wear edge. A bottom cutaway surface angle, measured as the
obtuse angle between the bottom cutaway surface and the rear face,
is at most about 150 degrees.
[0008] In another embodiment, the present disclosure describes a
wear member for an earth-working implement. The wear member
includes a body having front, rear, top, bottom, inner side and
outer side portions. The wear member includes a front bottom edge
defined along at least a portion of a front bottom interface
between the front portion and the bottom portion. The front bottom
edge is aligned with a longitudinal axis. The wear member includes
a front top edge defined along a front top interface between the
front portion and the top portion, where the front top edge is
substantially parallel to the front bottom edge. The wear member
includes a rear bottom edge defined along at least a portion of a
rear bottom interface between the bottom portion and the rear
portion, where the rear bottom edge is substantially parallel to
the front bottom edge. The wear member includes an inner bottom
edge defined along at least a portion of an inner bottom interface
between the inner side portion and the bottom portion, and an outer
bottom edge defined along at least a portion of an outer bottom
interface between the outer side portion and the bottom portion.
The wear member includes a front face defined on the front portion
between the front top edge and the front bottom edge. The front
face includes a front lower surface and a cutout surface. The wear
member includes a rear face defined on the rear portion and
extending between the top portion, the bottom portion, the inner
side portion, and the outer side portion, where the rear face is
substantially parallel to the front face. The wear member includes
a cutout formed in the front face defining the cutout surface
between the front lower surface and the front top edge. The cutout
surface extends between the inner side portion and the outer side
portion and is offset from the front lower surface in a direction
toward the rear face. The wear member includes a bottom face
defined on the bottom portion, where the bottom face extends
between the front bottom edge, the rear bottom edge, the inner
bottom edge, and the outer bottom edge. The wear member includes a
bottom wear edge disposed on the bottom face between the front
bottom edge and the rear bottom edge. The bottom wear edge extends
between the outer bottom edge and the inner bottom edge
substantially parallel to the front and rear bottom edges. The wear
member includes a bottom wear surface defined on the bottom face
between the front bottom edge and the bottom wear edge. The wear
member includes a bottom cutaway surface defined on the bottom face
between the rear bottom edge and the bottom wear edge. The body is
configured to be mounted to a mounting edge of the earth-working
implement. The bottom cutaway surface is defined on the bottom face
between the rear bottom edge and the bottom wear edge, and a bottom
cutaway surface angle, measured as the obtuse angle between the
bottom cutaway surface and the rear face, is at most about 150
degrees.
[0009] In another embodiment, the present disclosure describes a
wear member for an earth-working implement. The wear member
includes a body having front, rear, top, bottom, inner side and
outer side portions. The wear member includes a front bottom edge
defined along at least a portion of a front bottom interface
between the front portion and the bottom portion, where the front
bottom edge is aligned with a longitudinal axis. The wear member
includes a front top edge defined along at least a portion of a
front top interface between the front portion and the top portion,
where the front top edge is substantially parallel to the front
bottom edge. The wear member includes a front inner side edge
defined along at least a portion of a front inner side interface
between the inner side portion and the front portion. The wear
member includes a front outer side edge defined along at least a
portion of a front outer side interface between the outer side
portion and the front portion. The wear member includes a rear
bottom edge defined along at least a portion of a rear bottom
interface between the bottom portion and the rear portion, where
the rear bottom edge substantially parallel to the front bottom
edge. The wear member includes a rear top edge defined along at
least a portion of a rear top interface between the top portion and
the rear portion, where the rear top edge substantially parallel to
the front top edge. The wear member includes a rear inner side edge
defined along at least a portion of a rear inner side interface
between the inner side portion and the rear portion, and a rear
outer side edge defined along at least a portion of a rear outer
side interface between the outer side portion and the rear portion.
The wear member includes an inner bottom edge defined along at
least a portion of an inner bottom interface between the inner side
portion and the bottom portion. The wear member includes an outer
bottom edge defined along at least a portion of an outer bottom
interface between the outer side portion and the bottom portion.
The wear member includes a front face defined on the front portion,
where the front face extends between the front inner side edge, the
front outer side edge, the front top edge, and the front bottom
edge. The wear member includes a rear face defined on the rear
portion, where the rear face extends between the rear inner side
edge, the rear outer side edge, the rear top edge, and the rear
bottom edge. The wear member includes a bottom face defined on the
bottom portion. The bottom face extends between the front bottom
edge, the rear bottom edge, the inner bottom edge, and the outer
bottom edge. The wear member includes a bottom wear edge disposed
on the bottom face between the front bottom edge and the rear
bottom edge, where the bottom wear edge extends between the outer
bottom edge and the inner bottom edge substantially parallel to the
front and rear bottom edges. The wear member includes a bottom wear
surface defined on the bottom face between the front bottom edge
and the bottom wear edge. The wear member also includes a bottom
cutaway surface defined on the bottom face between the rear bottom
edge and the bottom wear edge. A bottom cutaway surface angle,
measured as the obtuse angle between the bottom cutaway surface and
the rear face, is about 143 degrees.
[0010] Further and alternative aspects and features of the
disclosed principles will be appreciated from the following
detailed description and the accompanying drawings. As will be
appreciated, the principles related to end cutting-bits disclosed
herein are capable of being carried out in other and different
embodiments, and capable of being modified in various respects.
Accordingly, it is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory only and do not restrict the scope of the appended
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic side elevational view of an
embodiment of a machine including an embodiment of an earth-working
implement including a wear member constructed in accordance with
principles of the present disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a front view of the earth-working implement of
FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a front-left perspective view of an embodiment of
a wear member constructed in accordance with the principles of the
present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a rear-right perspective view of the wear member
of FIG. 3.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a right side view of the wear member of FIG.
3.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a front-right perspective view of another
embodiment of a wear member constructed in accordance with the
principles of the present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a front-right perspective view of another
embodiment of a wear member constructed in accordance with the
principles of the present disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a front-left perspective view of the wear member
of FIG. 3 including a lower wear indicator groove constructed in
accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a right side view of the wear member of FIG.
8.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a front-right perspective view of another
embodiment of a wear member having a lower wear indicator groove
constructed in accordance with the principles of the present
disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 11 is a front-right perspective view of another
embodiment of a wear member having a lower wear indicator groove
constructed in accordance with the principles of the present
disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 12 is a front-right perspective view of another
embodiment of a wear member constructed in accordance with the
principles of the present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 13 is a front-right perspective view of another
embodiment of a wear member constructed in accordance with the
principles of the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 14 is right side view of the wear member of FIG.
13.
[0025] FIG. 15 is a front-right perspective view of an embodiment
of a wear member having a lower wear indicator groove and an upper
wear indicator groove constructed in accordance with the principles
of the present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 16 is right side view of the wear member of FIG.
15.
[0027] FIG. 17 is a front-right perspective view of the wear member
of FIG. 15 after a first wear member life.
[0028] FIG. 18 is a front-right perspective view of the wear member
of FIG. 15 after a second wear member life.
[0029] FIG. 19 is a front-right perspective view of another
embodiment of a wear member having a lower wear indicator groove
and an upper wear indicator groove constructed in accordance with
the principles of the present disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 20 is a right side view of the wear member of FIG.
19.
[0031] FIG. 21 is a front-right perspective view of the wear member
of FIG. 19 after a first wear member life.
[0032] FIG. 22 is a front-right perspective view of the wear member
of FIG. 19 after a second wear member life.
[0033] FIG. 23 is a partial front-left perspective view of the wear
member of FIG. 11 mounted to an earth-working implement in
accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.
[0034] FIG. 24 is a partial left side view of the wear member of
FIG. 23 engaging a work surface.
[0035] FIG. 25 is a partial side view of the wear member of FIG. 19
engaging a work surface, the wear member constructed in accordance
with the principles of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] This disclosure relates to GET assemblies and systems,
specifically earth-working implement wear members, cutting bits, or
cutting edges utilized in various types of mining, earth-working,
and construction machinery. FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a machine
50 in the form of a track-type tractor that can include an
embodiment of an implement wear member 100 constructed in
accordance with principles of the present disclosure. Among other
uses, a track-type tractor can be used to move and strip working
material in various surface mining or other construction
applications.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 1, the machine 50 can include a body 52
with a cab 54 to house a machine operator. The machine 50 can also
include an arm system 56 pivotally connected at one end to the body
52 or undercarriage and supporting an earth-working implement
assembly 60 at an opposing, distal end. In embodiments, the
implement assembly 60 can include any suitable implement, such as
an earth-working blade, or any other type of suitable device usable
with wear member 100. The illustrated machine 50 also includes a
ripper assembly 62 having a ripper 64 opposite the implement
assembly 60. The ripper 64 can be used to cut through and break up
working material for removal. A control system can be housed in the
cab 54 that can be adapted to allow a machine operator to
manipulate and articulate the implement assembly 60 and/or the
ripper assembly 62 for digging, excavating, or any other suitable
application.
[0038] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the implement assembly 60.
Referring to FIG. 2, the implement assembly 60 can include an
earth-working blade 66 that can have a mounting edge 68 adapted to
engage the ground or other excavation or work surface. The mounting
edge 68 can be adapted to receive a plurality of wear members,
including both intermediate cutting-bits or cutting edges 900 and
end cutting-bits 300, 500. The end cutting-bits 300, 500 can be
arranged on the mounting edge 68 at a first blade end 74 and a
second blade end 72, respectively. In some embodiments, the end
cutting-bit 300 mounted to the first blade end 74 of the mounting
edge 68 can be symmetrical to the end cutting-bit 500 mounted to
the second blade end 72 of the mounting edge 68. In the illustrated
embodiment, the intermediate cutting edge 900 can be mounted along
the mounting edge 68 between the end cutting-bits 300, 500. Each
intermediate cutting edge 900 can have a cutting edge 76 that can
contact the working material during machine operation. Although
FIG. 2 illustrates two end-bits 300, 500 and three intermediate
cutting edges 900, it is contemplated that any number of end-bits
and intermediate cutting edges of varying shapes and sizes can be
used. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that no intermediate
cutting edges are used, and in other embodiments, it is
contemplated that no end-bits are used and intermediate cutting
edges span from the first to the second end of the earth-working
blade or other implement. Through repeated use, the end
cutting-bits 300, 500, the intermediate cutting edge 900, or any
other combination of wear members can be subjected to wear and
eventually can be replaced to allow the further use of the
implement assembly 60.
[0039] Although FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the use of certain
embodiments of wear members constructed in accordance with
principles of the present disclosure with blade of a track-type
tractor, many other types of implements and mining and construction
machinery can benefit from using wear members as described herein.
It should be understood that, in other embodiments, wear members
constructed in accordance with principles of the present disclosure
can be used in a variety of other implements and/or machines.
[0040] FIGS. 3-5 illustrate views of an embodiment of a wear
member, specifically an end cutting-bit 100. As will be discussed,
the specific geometry of end cutting-bit 100 can provide for
increased wear life. Referring to FIGS. 3-4, the end cutting-bit
100 can be formed from a body 101 that can have a generally
trapezoidal shape. The body 101 can have a front portion 102, a
rear portion 104, a top portion 106, a bottom portion 108, an inner
side portion 110, and an outer side portion 112. Interfaces can
exist between each of the adjacent portions. Specifically, a front
top interface 118 can exist between the top portion 106 and the
front portion 102, and a front bottom interface 120 can exist
between the front portion and the bottom portion 108. A front outer
side interface 122 can exist between the front portion 102 and the
outer side portion 112, and a front inner side interface 124 can
exist between the front portion and the inner side portion 110. An
outer bottom interface 126 can exist between the bottom portion 108
and the outer side portion 112, and an inner bottom interface 128
can exist between the inner side portion 110 and the bottom portion
108. Additionally, a rear outer side interface 130 can exist
between the outer side portion 112 and the rear portion 104, and a
rear inner side interface 132 can exist between the inner side
portion 110 and the rear portion. A rear bottom interface 134 can
exist between the rear portion 104 and the bottom portion 108, and
a rear top interface 136 can exist between the top portion 106 and
the rear portion. Finally, in some embodiments, an outer top
interface 135 can exist between the outer side portion 112 and the
top portion 106, and an inner top interface 137 can exist between
the inner side portion 110 and the top portion.
[0041] In some embodiments, a plurality of mounting orifices 109
can be formed in the body 101, creating passages between the front
portion 102 and the rear portion 104 of the body. The mounting
orifices 109 can be adapted to receive mounting hardware, such as
bolts, screws, rivets, or other mounting tools suitable to secure
the end cutting-bit 100 to an implement. In some embodiments, the
mounting orifices 109 can be countersunk to provide a smooth, flush
surface on the front portion 102. While the embodiment illustrated
in FIGS. 3-4 shows six mounting orifices 109 adapted to receive six
sets of mounting hardware, it is contemplated that any number of
mounting orifices can be used in other embodiments. It is also
contemplated that alternative mounting methods can be used to mount
the end cutting-bit 100 or other wear members to an earth-working
blade or other implement.
[0042] Each interface on the body 101 can define one or more edges
that can define surfaces on the body. Specifically, a front top
edge 138 can be disposed along the front top interface 118, and a
front bottom edge 140 can be disposed along at least a portion of
the bottom interface 120 between the inner side portion 110 and the
outer side portion 112. A front outer side edge 144 can be disposed
along the front outer side interface 122 between the front top edge
138 and the front bottom edge 140, and a front inner side edge 146
can be disposed along the front inner side interface 124 between
the front top edge 138 and the front bottom edge 140. Additionally,
the body 101 can include an outer bottom edge 148 disposed along
the outer bottom interface 126 between the front bottom edge and
the rear portion 104, and an inner bottom edge 150 disposed along
the inner bottom interface 128 between the front bottom edge 140
and the rear portion. A rear outer side edge 152 can be disposed
along the rear outer side interface 130 and extend between the top
portion 106 and the outer bottom edge 148, and a rear inner side
edge 154 can be disposed along the rear inner side interface 132
between the top portion and the inner bottom edge 150. A rear top
edge 156 can be disposed along the rear top interface 136 and
extend between the outer rear edge 152 and the inner rear edge 154,
and a rear bottom edge 158 can be disposed along the rear bottom
interface 134 between the outer rear edge and the inner rear edge.
Further, in some embodiments, an outer top edge 160 can be defined
along the outer top interface 135 between the front top edge 138
and the rear top edge 156, and an inner top edge 162 can be defined
along the inner top interface 137 between the front top edge and
the rear top edge. In some embodiments, the various edges can be
chamfered to form rounded edges and corners to the body 101. It is
contemplated, however, that the edges of the body 101 can have
sharp corners, angled bevels, or any other suitable shape.
[0043] As best shown in FIGS. 3-4, the front portion 102 of the
body 101 can define a front face 114. The front face 114 can extend
between the front inner side edge 146, the front outer side edge
144, the front top edge 138, and the front bottom edge 140. The
body 101 can be configured to be mounted to the mounting edge 68 of
the earth-working implement 60 such that the front face 114 faces a
direction away from the earth-working implement. The front face 114
can include a front lower cutout edge 116 between the front bottom
edge 140 and the front top edge 138. A front cutout 115 can be
formed in the front face 114. The front cutout 115 can be delimited
by the front lower cutout edge 116 and the front top edge 138, and
a cutout surface 119 can be defined by the front cutout. A front
lower surface 117 can be defined on the front face 114 between the
front bottom edge 140 and the front lower cutout edge 116, and the
front cutout surface 119 can be defined on the front face between
the front lower cutout edge and the front top edge 138. In certain
embodiments, the front lower cutout edge 116 can be substantially
parallel to the front bottom edge 140, but other geometric
orientations are contemplated. The front inner side edge 146 can
include an inner lower front portion 141 defined adjacent the front
lower surface 117 along the front inner side interface 124 between
the inner side portion 110 and the front portion 102. A transition
seam 121 can be formed in the front face 114 between the front
lower cutout edge 116 and the front top edge 138. The front cutout
surface 119 can include a front transition cutout portion 123
defined between the transition seam 121 and the front lower cutout
edge 116, and a front base cutout portion 125 defined between the
transition seam and the front top edge 138. Thus, in some
embodiments, the front face 114 includes the front lower surface
117, the front transition cutout portion 123 of the front cutout
surface 119, and the front base cutout portion 125 of the front
cutout surface. In certain embodiments, the front base cutout
portion 125 can be substantially parallel to the front lower
surface 117 and the transition cutout portion 123 can connect the
two at an angle such that the front base cutout portion is offset
from the front lower surface in a direction toward the rear portion
104. However, other, non-parallel surface orientations are also
contemplated.
[0044] The body 101 can also include a rear face 127 defined on the
rear portion 104. The rear face 127 can extend between the rear
inner side edge 154, the rear outer side edge 152, the rear top
edge 156, and the rear bottom edge 158. The rear face 127 can
include a rear lower cutout edge 129 disposed between the rear
bottom edge 158 and the rear top edge 156. A rear cutout 139 can be
formed in the rear face 127 and can be delimited by the rear lower
cutout edge 129 and the rear top edge 156. The rear face 127 can
further include a rear lower surface 131, which can be defined
between the rear bottom edge 158 and the rear lower cutout edge
129, and a rear cutout surface 133, which can be defined by the
rear cutout 139 between the rear lower cutout edge and the rear top
edge 156. The rear cutout surface 133 can include a rear transition
cutout portion 149 and a rear base cutout portion 151. In some
embodiments, the rear base cutout portion 151 can be substantially
flat and substantially parallel to the front base cutout portion
125. Additionally, in some embodiments, the rear lower surface 131
can be substantially parallel to the front lower surface 117,
though other, non-parallel geometric orientations are
contemplated.
[0045] For the purpose of illustration, the figures indicate a
normal axis 80, a lateral axis 90, and a longitudinal axis 85, all
of which are defined perpendicular to one another. In FIGS. 3-5,
for the purposes of illustration, the body 101 of the end
cutting-bit 100 is aligned such that the front bottom edge 140 is
defined substantially along the longitudinal axis 85, and the inner
lower front portion 141 is aligned with the lateral axis 90.
[0046] Referring now to FIG. 5, the following ratios between
certain dimensional features of the wear member 100 are not meant
to be exhaustive, but are merely examples of geometric ratios for
dimensions of the wear member disclosed herein. The body 101 can
have a body thickness A measured along the normal axis 80 between
the front lower surface 117 and the rear face 127 or, more
specifically, the rear lower surface 131. The body 101 can have a
body height B measured as the distance along the lateral axis 90
between the front bottom edge 140 and the front top edge 138. The
body 101 can have a transition seam height C measured along the
lateral axis 90 between the front bottom edge 140 and the
transition seam 121. The front lower surface 117 can have a front
lower surface height D measured as the distance along the lateral
axis 90 between the front bottom edge 140 and the front lower
cutout edge 116. The rear bottom edge 158 can have a rear bottom
edge height E measured along the lateral axis 90 between the front
bottom edge 140 and the rear bottom edge 158. The rear lower
surface 131 can have a rear lower surface height F measured along
the lateral axis 90 between the front bottom edge 140 and the rear
lower cutout edge 129. The rear top edge 156 can have a rear top
edge height G measured along the lateral axis 90 between the front
top edge 138 and the rear top edge 156. A top cutaway depth H can
be measured along the normal axis between an top cutaway edge 190
and the rear top edge 156. A bottom cutaway depth I can be measured
along the normal axis 80 between a bottom wear edge 177 and the
rear bottom edge 158. The body 101 can have a cutout thickness J
measured along the normal axis 80 between the front base cutout
portion 125 and the rear base cutout portion 151. The front cutout
115 in the front face 114 can have a front cutout depth K measured
as the distance along the normal axis 80 between the front lower
surface 117 and the front base cutout portion 125.
[0047] In some embodiments, a ratio between the front lower surface
height D and the body height B can be in a range between about 1:10
and about 3:10, or in a range between about 3:20 and about 1:5 in
other embodiments. In some embodiments, a ratio between the front
lower surface height D and the body height B can be about 1:5, or
about 3:20 in other embodiments.
[0048] In some embodiments, a ratio between the front cutout depth
K and the body thickness A can be in a range between about 1:10 and
about 1:5, or in a range between about 2:25 and about 4:25 in other
embodiments. In some embodiments, a ratio between the front cutout
depth K and the body thickness A can be about 3:22, or about 3:25
in other embodiments.
[0049] In some embodiments, a ratio between the body thickness A
and the cutout thickness J can be in a range between about 1:1 to
about 2:1 in some embodiments, or in a range between about 1:1 and
about 3:2 in other embodiments, or in a range between about 5:4 and
about 3:2 in yet other embodiments. In some embodiments, a ratio
between the body thickness A and the cutout thickness J can be at
least about 3:2. In some embodiments, a ratio between the body
thickness A and the cutout thickness J can be about 11:8, or about
5:4 in other embodiments.
[0050] In some embodiments, a ratio between the rear lower surface
height F and the body height B can be in a range between about 1:10
and about 1:4, or about 3:20 and about 1:5 in other embodiments. In
some embodiments, a ratio between the rear lower surface height F
and the body height B can be about 1:5, or about 7:40 in other
embodiments.
[0051] In some embodiments, a ratio between the top cutaway depth H
and the body thickness A can be in a range between about 1:2 and
about 1:1, and about 1:2 and about 3:5 in other embodiments. In
some embodiments, a ratio between the top cutaway depth H and the
cutout thickness J can be in a range between about 3:4 and about
1:1, and about 7:8 and about 1:1 in other embodiments, and about
13:16 and about 13:19 in other embodiments. In some embodiments, a
ratio between the bottom cutaway depth I and the body thickness A
can be in a range between about 3:4 and about 1:1, and about 7:8
and about 1:1 in other embodiments, and about 19:22 and about 22:25
in other embodiments.
[0052] Wear members having the dimensions described herein can help
maximize wear member efficiency by increasing a wear members usable
life while minimizing weight and materials to the extent possible.
Various embodiments of the end cutting-bit 100, for example, have
relatively narrow cutout thickness J as compared to the body depth
A. Such depth and thickness ratios can minimize the material used
make the wear members in the areas, such as the cutout regions,
that are not as exposed to repetitive scraping and abrasions
against a work surface. In contrast, the areas that are exposed to
the work surface have increased thickness in order to increase wear
life. In other words, many of the wear members disclosed herein,
such as end cutting-bit 100 and cutting edge 800, maximize material
in the regions needed most, such as the lower portion 108 of
end-cutting bit 100, while minimizing materials in regions exposed
to less abuse, such as the top portion 106 of end cutting-bit
100.
[0053] FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of a wear member,
specifically another end cutting-bit 200, that is substantially
symmetrical to the end cutting-bit 100. The end cutting-bit 200 can
be formed from a body 201 that can have a generally trapezoidal
shape. The body 201 can have a front portion 202, a rear portion
204, a top portion 206, a bottom portion 208, an inner side portion
210, and an outer side portion 212. Although not every feature of
end cutting-bit 100 is referenced on end cutting-bit 200 in FIG. 6,
it should be understood that the end cutting-bit 200 includes
similar features to those recited and shown in FIGS. 3-5 of end
cutting-bit 100. Because end cutting-bit 200 is substantially
symmetrical to the end cutting-bit 100, end cutting-bit 200 can be
configured to be disposed on an end of an earth-working implement
blade opposite the end cutting-bit 100.
[0054] FIG. 7 shows yet another embodiment of a wear member,
specifically another embodiment of an end cutting-bit 400. End
cutting-bit 400 can be formed from a body 401 that can have a
generally trapezoidal shape. The body 401 can have a front portion
402, a rear portion 404, a top portion 406, a bottom portion 408,
an inner side portion 410, and an outer side portion 412. The body
401 can include a front face 414 defined on the front portion 402.
Similar to the end cutting-bit 100, the front face 414 forms a
front cutout 415 delimited by a lower front cutout edge 416 and a
front top edge 438. The front face 414 defines a front base cutout
portion 425 and a front lower surface 417. Although not every
feature of the front face 114 of end cutting-bit 100 is referenced
on end cutting-bit 400 in FIG. 7, it should be understood that the
front face 414 of end cutting-bit 400 includes similar features to
those recited and shown in on the front face 114 in FIGS. 3-5 of
end cutting-bit 100. Although the end cutting-bit 400 has a rear
face 427 disposed on the rear portion 404, the end cutting-bit 400
is distinguishable from the end cutting-bit 100 and 200 because the
end cutting-bit 400 does not include a rear cutout formed in the
rear face. Instead, the rear face 427 can be substantially flat and
substantially parallel to the front base cutout portion 425 of the
front face 414.
[0055] FIGS. 8-9 show another embodiment of a wear member,
specifically another end cutting-bit 300. The end cutting-bit 300
is substantially similar to the end cutting-bit 100 shown in FIGS.
3-5, except that the end cutting-bit 300 includes a lower wear
indicator groove 381 and a lower wear face 383. Although not every
feature of end cutting-bit 100 is referenced on end cutting-bit 300
in FIGS. 8-9, it should be understood that, other than the lower
wear indicator groove 381 and the lower wear face 383, the end
cutting-bit 300 includes similar features to those recited and
shown in FIGS. 3-5 with respect to end cutting-bit 100.
Specifically, the end cutting-bit 300 can be formed from a body 301
that can have a generally trapezoidal shape. The body 301 can have
a front portion 302, a rear portion 304, a top portion 306, a
bottom portion 308, an inner side portion 310, and an outer side
portion 312.
[0056] The body 301 can additionally include a front bottom edge
340 defined along at least a portion of a front bottom interface
320 between the front portion 302 and the bottom portion 308. The
front bottom edge 340 is aligned with the longitudinal axis 85. A
front top edge 338 can be defined along at least a portion of a
front top interface 318 between the front portion 302 and the top
portion 306. The front top edge 338 can be substantially parallel
to the front bottom edge 340, or substantially aligned with the
longitudinal axis 85. A front inner side edge 346 defined along at
least a portion of a front inner side interface 324 between the
inner side portion 310 and the front portion 302. A front outer
side edge 344 can be defined along at least a portion of a front
outer side interface 322 between the outer side portion 312 and the
front portion 302. A front face 314 can be defined on the front
portion 302. The front face 314 can extend between the front inner
side edge 346, the front outer side edge 344, the front top edge
338, and the front bottom edge 340. A front lower cutout edge 316
can be disposed on the front face 314 between the front top edge
338 and the front bottom edge 340. The front lower cutout edge 316
can be substantially parallel to the front bottom edge 340. A front
cutout 315 can be formed in the front face 314 and can be delimited
by the front lower cutout edge 316 and the front top edge 338. A
front lower surface 317 can be defined between the front lower
cutout edge 316 and the front bottom edge 340. The front inner side
edge 346 can include an inner lower front portion 341 defined
adjacent the front lower surface 317 along the front inner side
interface 324 between the inner side portion 310 and the front
portion 302. Additionally, a front cutout surface 319 can be
defined by the front cutout 315 between the front lower cutout edge
316 and the front top edge 338. The front cutout surface 319 can be
offset from the front lower surface 317 in a direction along the
normal axis 80. A front cutout transition surface 323 can be
defined between the front lower surface 317 and the front cutout
surface 319. In some embodiments, the front lower surface 317 can
be substantially parallel to at least a portion of the front cutout
surface 319.
[0057] In FIGS. 8-9, for the purposes of illustration, the body 301
of the end cutting-bit 300 is aligned such that the front bottom
edge 340 is defined substantially along the longitudinal axis 85,
and the inner lower front portion 341 is aligned with the lateral
axis 90. A lower wear indicator groove 381 can be formed in the
front face 314 substantially parallel to the front bottom edge 340.
In some embodiments, the lower wear indicator groove 381 can be
formed between the front bottom edge 340 and the front lower cutout
edge 316. Although FIGS. 8-9 illustrate the lower wear indicator
groove 381 as having a rounded, soft profile, other profile shapes,
such as wedges or other angles, are also contemplated. A lower wear
face 383 can be defined between the front bottom edge 340 and the
lower wear indicator groove 381. As shown in FIG. 9, a lower wear
indicator height L can be measured along the lateral axis 90
between the front bottom edge 340 and the lower wear indicator
groove 381. A wear indicator depth X can be measured along the
normal axis 90 between the front bottom edge 340 and the back
surface of the lower wear indicator groove 381. In some
embodiments, a ratio between the lower wear indicator height L and
the body height B, measured along the lateral axis between the
front bottom edge 340 and the front top edge 338, can be in a range
between about 1:20 and about 1:5, or in a range between about 1:10
and about 3:25 in other embodiments. In some embodiments, a ratio
between the lower wear indicator height L and the body height B,
measured along the lateral axis between the front bottom edge 340
and the front top edge 338, can be at least about 1:10. In some
embodiments, a ratio between the lower wear indicator height L and
the body height B, measured along the lateral axis between the
front bottom edge 340 and the front top edge 338, can be about
13:100, or about 1:10 in other embodiments. In some embodiments, a
ratio between the wear indicator depth X and the body thickness A
can be in a range between about 1:20 and about 2:5, or in a range
between about 1:10 and about 1:5 in other embodiments, or in a
range between about 1:8 and about 1:6 in other embodiments. In some
embodiments, a ratio between the wear indicator depth X and the
body thickness A can be about 13:100, or about 4:25 in other
embodiments.
[0058] A wear indicator groove, such as the lower wear indicator
groove 381, can serve an important function in determining when the
end cutting-bit 300 needs to be replaced with a new end cutting-bit
or other wear member. In embodiments featuring the lower wear
indicator groove 381 such as in FIGS. 8-9, the body 301 can be
configured to be mounted to an earth-working implement so as to
dispose the lower wear face 383 between a mounting edge of the
earth-working blade and a work surface, such as the ground. As the
earth-working implement, such as the blade 66 shown in FIG. 3,
equipped with the end cutting-bit 300 is used, the bottom portion
308 can gradually wear away against the work surface. When the body
301 is mounted on the earth-working implement such that the lower
wear face 383 is disposed between the mounting edge of the blade
and the work surface, an operator or other observer can easily
visually observe when the bottom portion 308 has worn away the
entire lower wear face 383 up to the lower indicator groove 381.
Since the lower wear face 383 is mounted below the mounting edge
with respect to the work surface, the mounting edge is not damaged
by the work surface, which would result in costly repairs to the
earth-working implement. Using a visually observable wear indicator
groove, such as that described herein, can help increase work
efficiency by providing an easy way to determine when to change
wear members without the need to do a more detailed investigation
as to the level of wear on the wear member. Additionally, in
certain operation modes, the front face 314 can undergo significant
abrasive contact with work material, such as stones, rocks, dirt,
or other material. In such operation modes, the material on the
front portion 302 of the body 301 can wear away, deteriorating the
front face 314. At some point when enough of the body 301 has worn
away, a wear indicator groove, such as lower wear indicator groove
381, will no longer be distinguishable from the front face 314. At
this point, an operator or another observer can recognize that that
wear indicator is no longer visible and make a determination
whether to replace the wear member 300.
[0059] FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of a wear member,
specifically another end cutting-bit 500, that is substantially
symmetrical to the end cutting-bit 300. The end cutting-bit 500 can
be formed from a body 501 that can have a generally trapezoidal
shape. The body 501 can have a front portion 502, a rear portion
504, a top portion 506, a bottom portion 508, an inner side portion
510, and an outer side portion 512. Although not every feature of
end cutting-bit 300 is referenced on end cutting-bit 500 in FIG.
10, it should be understood that the end cutting-bit 500 includes
similar features to those recited and shown in FIGS. 3-5 of end
cutting-bit 100 and in FIGS. 8-9 of end cutting-bit 300, including
a lower wear indicator groove 581 and a lower wear face 583.
Because end cutting-bit 500 is substantially symmetrical to the end
cutting-bit 300, end cutting-bit 500 can be configured to be
disposed on an end of an earth-working implement blade opposite the
end cutting-bit 300.
[0060] FIG. 11 shows yet another embodiment of a wear member,
specifically another embodiment of an end cutting-bit 600. End
cutting-bit 600 can be formed from a body 601 that can have a
generally trapezoidal shape. The body 601 can have a front portion
602, a rear portion 604, a top portion 606, a bottom portion 608,
an inner side portion 610, and an outer side portion 612. The body
601 can include a front face 614 defined on the front portion 602.
Similar to the end cutting-bit 300, the front face 614 forms a
front cutout 615 delimited by a lower front cutout edge 616 and a
front top edge 638. The front face 614 defines a front base cutout
portion 625 and a front lower surface 617. Also similar to end
cutting-bit 300, the front face 614 can include a lower wear
indicator groove 681 and a lower wear face 683. Although not every
feature of the front face 314 of end cutting-bit 300 is referenced
on end cutting-bit 600 in FIG. 11, it should be understood that the
front face 614 of end cutting-bit 600 includes similar features to
those referenced and shown in on the front face 314 in FIGS. 8-9 of
end cutting-bit 300. Although the end cutting-bit 600 has a rear
face 627 disposed on the rear portion 604, the end cutting-bit 600
is distinguishable from the end cutting-bit 300 and 200 for at
least the reason because the end cutting-bit 600 does not include a
rear cutout formed in the rear face. Instead, the rear face 627 can
be substantially flat and substantially parallel to the front base
cutout portion 625 of the front face 614.
[0061] FIGS. 23-24 shows end cutting-bit 600 disposed on a mounting
edge 68 of an earth-working implement, such as an earth-working
blade 66. As shown in FIG. 24, the body 601 is mounted on the
earth-working blade 66 such that the lower wear face 683 is
disposed between the mounting edge 68 and a work surface 25, such
as dirt, gravel, or any other suitable material. An imaginary work
surface line 27 represents the work surface level at some point
after the bottom portion 604 of the body 601 has been worn away by
repeated contact with the work surface 25. As shown, the body 601
can be disposed such that, when work surface level reaches the
level of the lower wear indicator groove 681, the mounting edge 68
of the earth-working blade 66 is still not in contact with the work
surface. Thus, when an operator or other observer recognizes that
the end cutting-bit 600 has been worn to the level of the lower
wear indicator groove 683, the end cutting-bit 600 can be replaced
without risk of damage to the earth-working implement. It should be
understood that, although FIG. 24 illustrates end cutting-bit 600
with a lower wear indicator groove 681, it is contemplated that any
of the wear member embodiments disclosed herein featuring any kind
of wear indicator groove, such as end cutting-bits 300, 500, 700,
and cutting edges 900, 1000, can be mounted on an earth-working
implement such as is shown in FIG. 24 and with the same effective
result.
[0062] FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of a wear member,
specifically another embodiment of an end cutting-bit 700. End
cutting-bit 700 can be formed from a body 701 that can have a
generally trapezoidal shape. The body 701 can have a front portion
702, a rear portion 704, a top portion 706, a bottom portion 708,
an inner side portion 710, and an outer side portion 712. The body
701 can include a front face 714 defined on the front portion 702
between a front top edge 738 and a front bottom edge 740. Similar
to the end cutting-bit 300 in FIGS. 8-9, the front face 714 can
include a lower wear indicator groove 781 disposed between the
front bottom edge 740 and the front top edge 738. Additionally, the
front face 714 includes a lower wear face 783 disposed between the
front bottom edge 740 and the lower wear indicator groove 781. In
some embodiments, the lower wear indicator groove 781 can be
substantially parallel to the front bottom edge 740, but other
non-parallel embodiments are also contemplated. Unlike the cutting
end-bits 300, 500, the cutting end-bit 700 shown in FIG. 12 forms
neither a front cutout nor a rear cutout. Instead, the front face
714 is substantially flat and can be substantially parallel to a
rear face 727 formed on the rear portion 704. It should be
understood that, although not specifically indicated in FIG. 12,
the dimensions and ratios as related to the lower wear indicator
groove 381 of FIGS. 8-9 can also apply to the lower wear indicator
groove 781 illustrated in FIG. 12.
[0063] FIGS. 13-14 illustrate views of another embodiment of a wear
member, specifically a cutting edge 800. As will be discussed, the
specific geometry of cutting edge 800 can provide for increased
wear life and multiple use lives. Referring to FIGS. 13-14, the
cutting edge 800 can be formed from a body 801 that can have a
generally rectangular shape. The body 801 can have a front portion
802, a rear portion 804, a top portion 806, a bottom portion 808,
an inner side portion 810, and an outer side portion 812.
Interfaces can exist between each of the adjacent portions.
Specifically, a front top interface 818 can exist between the top
portion 806 and the front portion 802, and a front bottom interface
820 can exist between the front portion and the bottom portion 808.
A front outer side interface 822 can exist between the front
portion 802 and the outer side portion 812, and a front inner side
interface 824 can exist between the front portion and the inner
side portion 810. An outer bottom interface 826 can exist between
the bottom portion 808 and the outer side portion 812, and an inner
bottom interface 828 can exist between the inner side portion 810
and the bottom portion 808. Additionally, a rear outer side
interface 830 can exist between the outer side portion 812 and the
rear portion 804, and a rear inner side interface can exist between
the inner side portion and the rear portion. A rear bottom
interface 834 can exist between the rear portion 804 and the bottom
portion 808, and a rear top interface 836 can exist between the top
portion 806 and the rear portion. Finally, in some embodiments, an
outer top interface 835 can exist between the outer side portion
812 and the top portion 806, and an inner top interface can exist
between the inner side portion 810 and the top portion.
[0064] In some embodiments, a plurality of mounting orifices 809
can be formed in the body 801, creating passages between the front
portion 802 and the rear portion 804 of the body. The mounting
orifices 809 can be adapted to receive mounting hardware, such as
bolts, screws, rivets, or other mounting tools suitable to secure
the cutting edge 800 to an implement. In some embodiments, the
mounting orifices 809 can be countersunk to provide a smooth, flush
surface on the front portion 802. While the embodiment illustrated
in FIG. 13 shows eleven mounting orifices 809 adapted to receive
eleven sets of mounting hardware, it is contemplated that any
number of mounting orifices can be used in other embodiments. It is
also contemplated that alternative mounting methods can be used to
mount the cutting edge 800 or other wear members to an
earth-working blade or other implement.
[0065] The interfaces on the body 801 can define one or more edges
that can define surfaces on the body. Specifically, a front top
edge 838 can be disposed along the front top interface 818, and a
front bottom edge 840 can be disposed along at least a portion of
the bottom interface 820 between the inner side portion 810 and the
outer side portion 812. A front outer side edge 844 can be disposed
along the front outer side interface 822 between the front top edge
838 and the front bottom edge 840, and a front inner side edge 846
can be disposed along the front inner side interface 824 between
the front top edge 838 and the front bottom edge 840. Additionally,
the body 801 can include an outer bottom edge 848 disposed along
the outer bottom interface 826 between the front bottom edge and
the rear portion 804, and an inner bottom edge 850 disposed along
the inner bottom interface 828 between the front bottom edge 840
and the rear portion. A rear outer side edge 852 can be disposed
along the rear outer side interface 830 and extend between the top
portion 806 and the outer bottom edge 848, and a rear inner side
edge can be disposed along the rear inner side interface between
the top portion and the inner bottom edge 850. A rear top edge 856
can be disposed along the rear top interface 836 and extend between
the outer rear edge 852 and the inner rear edge, and a rear bottom
edge 858 can be disposed along the rear bottom interface 834
between the outer rear edge and the inner rear edge. Further, in
some embodiments, an outer top edge 860 can be defined along the
outer top interface 835 between the front top edge 838 and the rear
top edge 856, and an inner top edge can be defined along the inner
top interface between the front top edge and the rear top edge. In
some embodiments, the various edges can be chamfered to form
rounded edges and corners to the body 801. It is contemplated,
however, that the edges of the body 801 can have sharp corners,
angled bevels, or any other suitable shape.
[0066] As best shown in FIGS. 13-14, the front portion 802 of the
body 801 can define a front face 814. The front face 814 can extend
between the front inner side edge 846, the front outer side edge
844, the front top edge 838, and the front bottom edge 840. The
body 801 can be configured to be mounted to the mounting edge 68 of
the earth-working implement 66 such that the front face 814 faces a
direction away from the earth-working implement. The front face 814
can include a front upper cutout edge 885 and a front lower cutout
edge 816. The front upper cutout edge 885 can be disposed between
the front top edge 838 and the front bottom edge 840, and the front
lower cutout edge 816 can be disposed between the front upper
cutout edge 885 and the front bottom edge 840. In certain
embodiments, the front lower cutout edge 816 can be substantially
parallel to the front bottom edge 840 and the front upper cutout
edge 885 can be substantially parallel to the front top edge 838,
but other geometric orientations are contemplated. A front cutout
815 can be formed in the front face 814 and can be delimited by the
front upper cutout edge 885 and the front lower cutout edge
816.
[0067] A front lower surface 817 can be defined on the front face
814 between the front bottom edge 840 and the front lower cutout
edge 816, and a front upper surface 887 can be defined on the front
surface 814 between the front upper cutout edge 885 and the front
top edge 838. A front cutout surface 819 can be defined on the
front face 814 by the front cutout 815 and extend between the front
lower cutout edge 816 and the front upper cutout edge 885. In some
embodiments, the front cutout surface 819 can be offset from the
front lower surface 817 and the front upper surface 887 in a
direction along the normal axis toward the rear portion 804. In
some embodiments, the front upper surface and the front lower
surface can be substantially co-planar.
[0068] The front inner side edge 846 can include an inner lower
front portion 841 defined adjacent the front lower surface 817
along the front inner side interface 824 between the inner side
portion 810 and the front portion 802. A lower transition seam 821
can be formed in the front face 814 between the front lower cutout
edge 816 and the front upper cutout edge 885, and an upper
transition seam 889 can be formed in the front face 814 between the
lower transition seam 821 and the front upper cutout edge 885. The
front cutout surface 819 can include a lower transition cutout
portion 823 defined between the lower transition seam 821 and the
front lower cutout edge 816, and an upper transition cutout portion
891 can be defined between the upper transition seam 889 and the
front upper cutout edge 885. A front base cutout portion 825 can be
defined between the upper transition seam 889 and the lower
transition seam 821. Thus, in some embodiments, the front face 814
includes the front lower surface 817, the lower transition cutout
portion 823 of the front cutout surface 819, the front base cutout
portion 825 of the front cutout surface, the upper transition
cutout portion 891, and the front upper surface 887. In certain
embodiments, the front base cutout portion 825 can be substantially
parallel to the front lower surface 817 and the front upper surface
887, and the upper and lower transition cutout portions 891, 823
can connect the front base cutout portion to the front upper and
lower surfaces 887, 817, respectively, such that the front base
cutout portion is offset from the front upper and lower surfaces in
a direction toward the rear portion 804. However, other,
non-parallel surface orientations are also contemplated.
[0069] The body 801 can also include a rear face 827 defined on the
rear portion 804. The rear face 827 can extend between the rear
inner side edge, the rear outer side edge 852, the rear top edge
856, and the rear bottom edge 858. In some embodiments, the rear
face 827 can be substantially parallel to both the front lower
surface 817 and the front upper surface 887, and in some
embodiments, the rear face 827 can be substantially parallel to the
front lower surface 817, the front upper surface 887, and the front
base cutout portion 825 of the front cutout surface 819. In some
embodiments, such as the cutting edge 800 illustrated in FIG. 14,
at least one depression 893 can be formed in the rear face 827 and
extend between the inner side portion 810 and the outer side
portion 812. Although FIG. 14 shows four depressions 893,
embodiments having other numbers of depressions, including zero,
are also contemplated. The depressions 893 can be formed in the
rear face 827 in order to minimize the weight and material used to
form the body 801, but also ensure that adequate contact surface is
available for the cutting edge 800 to engage an earth-working
implement, particularly at the mounting edge. In some embodiments,
the depressions 893 are disposed on the rear face 827 in such a way
that the mounting orifices 809 used to house mounting hardware to
mount the cutting edge 800 to the earth-working implement do not
overlap with the depressions 893. The inner bottom edge 850 can
include an inner bottom wear edge 883 defined along the inner
bottom edge adjacent the bottom wear surface 879 and extending
between the front bottom edge 840 and the bottom wear edge 877.
[0070] A bottom face 875 can be defined on the bottom portion 808.
The bottom face 875 can extend between the front bottom edge 840,
the rear bottom edge 858, the inner bottom edge 850, and the outer
bottom edge 848. A bottom wear edge 877 can be disposed on the
bottom face 875 between the front bottom edge 840 and the rear
bottom edge 858. The bottom wear edge 877 can extend between the
outer bottom edge 848 and the inner bottom edge 850 and can be
substantially parallel to the front and rear bottom edges 840, 858.
The bottom face 875 can bottom wear surface 879 that can be defined
on the bottom face extending between the front bottom edge 840, the
bottom wear edge 877, the outer bottom edge 848, and the inner
bottom edge 850. The bottom face 875 can also include a bottom
cutaway surface 881 that can be defined on the bottom face
extending between the rear bottom edge 848, the bottom wear edge
877, the outer bottom edge 848, and the inner bottom edge 850.
[0071] In some embodiments, the body 801 can be configured to be
mounted to a mounting edge 68 of the earth-working implement, such
as earth-working blade 66 shown in FIG. 2, so as to selectively
dispose either the bottom portion 808 of the body between the
mounting edge and a work surface or the top portion 806 of the body
between the mounting edge and the work surface. In other words,
because the cutting edge 800 is substantially symmetrical, the
cutting edge can be flipped from a first mounting position in which
the bottom portion 808 is disposed to engage the work surface, to a
second mounting position in which the top portion 806 is disposed
to engage the work surface. This flexibility between mounting
positions allows the cutting bit 800 to exhibit two wear lives, a
first wear life, and a second wear life, increasing the efficiency
and usefulness of each wear member.
[0072] In FIGS. 13-14, for the purposes of illustration, the body
801 of the cutting edge 800 is aligned such that the front bottom
edge 840 is defined substantially along the longitudinal axis 85,
and the inner lower front portion 841 is aligned with the lateral
axis 90. The inner bottom wear edge 883 is aligned along the normal
axis 80.
[0073] Referring now to FIG. 14, the following ratios between
certain dimensional features of the wear member 800 are not meant
to be exhaustive, but are merely examples of geometric ratios for
dimensions of the wear member disclosed herein. The body 801 can
have a body height M measured along the lateral axis 90 between the
front bottom edge 840 and the front top edge 838. The front upper
surface 887 can have a front upper surface height N measured along
the lateral axis 90 between the front top edge 838 and the front
upper cutout edge 885. The front lower surface 817 can have a front
lower surface height O measured along the lateral axis 90 between
the front bottom edge 840 and the front lower cutout edge 816. The
body 801 can have a lower body thickness P that can be measured
along the normal axis 80 between the front lower surface 817 and
the rear face 827. The body 801 can have a cutaway depth Q that can
be measured along the normal axis 80 between the bottom wear edge
877 and the rear bottom edge 858. The body can also have a cutaway
height R that can be measured along the lateral axis 90 between the
bottom wear edge 877 and the rear bottom edge 858. The lower
transition cutout portion 823 can have a lower transition height S
that can be measured along the lateral axis 90 between the front
lower cutout edge 816 and the lower transition seam 821. The front
cutout 815 can have a front cutout depth T that can be measured
along the normal axis 80 between the front lower surface 817 and
the cutout surface 819, specifically the front base cutout portion
825 of the cutout surface. The body 801 can also have a cutout
thickness W that can be measured along the normal axis 80 between
the front cutout surface 819, specifically the front base cutout
portion 825, and the rear face 827. The body 801 can have an upper
body thickness Y that can be measured along the normal axis 80
between the front upper surface 887 and the rear face 827. The
bottom wear surface 879 can have a bottom wear edge depth Z that
can be measured along the normal axis 80 between the front face 814
and the bottom wear edge 877.
[0074] In some embodiments, a ratio between the front lower surface
height O and the body height M can be in a range between about 1:10
and about 3:10, and in a range between about 1:5 and about 1:4 in
other embodiments. In some embodiments, a ratio between the front
lower surface height O and the body height M can be at most about
3:10, or at most about 1:4 in other embodiments. In some
embodiments, a ratio between the front lower surface height O and
the body height M can be about 1:5, or about 1:4 in other
embodiments.
[0075] In some embodiments, a ratio between the lower body
thickness P and the cutout thickness W can be in a range between
about 1:1 and about 3:2, or in a range between about 1:1 and about
5:4 in other embodiments, and in a range between about 1:1 and
about 22:19 and about 19:16 in other embodiments. In other
embodiments, a ratio between the lower body thickness P and the
cutout thickness W can be at least about 1:1, or at least about
11:10 in other embodiments. In other embodiments, a ratio between
the lower body thickness P and the cutout thickness W can be about
19:16, or about 22:19 in other embodiments.
[0076] In some embodiments, a ratio between the upper body
thickness Y and the cutout thickness W can be in a range between
about 1:1 and about 3:2, or in a range between about 1:1 and about
5:4 in other embodiments, and in a range between about 1:1 and
about 22:19 and about 19:16 in other embodiments. In other
embodiments, a ratio between the upper body thickness Y and the
cutout thickness W can be at least about 1:1, or at least about
11:10 in other embodiments. In other embodiments, a ratio between
the upper body thickness Y and the cutout thickness W can be about
19:16, or about 22:19 in other embodiments. In some embodiments,
the upper body thickness Y can be substantially equal to the lower
body thickness P.
[0077] In some embodiments, a ratio between the front cutout depth
T and the lower body thickness P can be in a range between about
0:1 and about 3:10, or in a range between about 1:10 and about 1:5
in other embodiments, or in a range between about 3:19 and about
3:22 in other embodiments. In some embodiments, a ratio between the
front cutout depth T and the lower body thickness P can be at least
about 1:10. In some embodiments, a ratio between the front cutout
depth T and the lower body thickness P can be about 3:19, and about
3:22 in other embodiments.
[0078] In some embodiments, a ratio between the bottom wear edge
depth Z and the lower body thickness P can be in a range between
about 0:1 and about 3:10, or in a range between about 1:10 and
about 1:5 in other embodiments, or in a range between about 3:19
and about 3:22 in other embodiments. In some embodiments, a ratio
between the bottom wear edge depth Z and the lower body thickness P
can be at most about 1:5, or at most about 3:20 in other
embodiments. In some embodiments, a ratio between the bottom wear
edge depth Z and the lower body thickness P can be about 3:19, and
about 3:22 in other embodiments.
[0079] In some embodiments, a ratio between the cutaway height R
and the cutaway depth Q can be in a range between about 1:2 and
about 1:1, or in a range between about 1:2 and about 2:3 in other
embodiments, or in a range between about 11:16 and about 11:19 in
other embodiments. In some embodiments, a ratio between the cutaway
height R and the cutaway depth Q can be at least most about 3:5,
and at most about 2:3 in other embodiments. In some embodiments, a
ratio between the cutaway height R and the cutaway depth Q can be
about 11:16, or about 11:19 in other embodiments.
[0080] It should be understood that, where applicable, the
dimensional geometric ratios describes herein with respect to the
cutting edge 800 can be applied to any of the other wear member
embodiments disclosed herein. For example, although the end
cutting-bit 300 shown in FIGS. 8-9 does not explicitly illustrate a
cutaway height R or a cutaway depth Q, it should be understood that
the like features of the end cutting-bit 300 could also have the
disclosed geometrical relationships and ratios.
[0081] FIGS. 15-16 show another embodiment of a wear member,
specifically another cutting edge 900. The cutting edge 900 is
substantially similar to the cutting edge 800 shown in FIGS. 13-14,
except that the cutting edge 900 can additionally include a lower
wear indicator groove 981 and a lower wear face 983, as well as an
upper wear indicator groove 995 and an upper wear face 997. The
cutting edge 900 can be formed from a body 901 that can have a
generally rectangular shape. Although not every feature of the
cutting edge 800 is referenced on the cutting edge 900 in FIGS.
15-16, it should be understood that, other than the upper and lower
wear indicator grooves 995, 981 and the upper and lower wear faces
997, 983, the cutting edge 900 includes similar features to those
recited and shown in FIGS. 13-14 with respect to cutting edge 800.
Additionally, the body 901 of cutting edge 900 can include a lower
wear indicator groove 981 and a lower wear face 983, as well as an
upper wear indicator groove 995 and an upper wear face 997.
Specifically, the cutting edge 900 can be formed from a body 901
that can have a generally rectangular shape. The body 901 can have
a front portion 902, a rear portion 904, a top portion 906, a
bottom portion 908, an inner side portion 910, and an outer side
portion 912.
[0082] The body 901 can additionally include a front bottom edge
940 defined along at least a portion of a front bottom interface
920 between the front portion 902 and the bottom portion 908. The
front bottom edge 940 is aligned with the longitudinal axis 85. A
front top edge 938 can be defined along at least a portion of a
front top interface 918 between the front portion 902 and the top
portion 906. The front top edge 938 can be substantially parallel
to the front bottom edge 940, or substantially aligned with the
longitudinal axis 85. A front inner side edge 946 defined along at
least a portion of a front inner side interface 924 between the
inner side portion 910 and the front portion 902. A front outer
side edge 944 can be defined along at least a portion of a front
outer side interface 922 between the outer side portion 912 and the
front portion 902. A front face 914 can be defined on the front
portion 902. The front face 914 can extend between the front inner
side edge 946, the front outer side edge 944, the front top edge
938, and the front bottom edge 940. A front lower cutout edge 916
can be disposed on the front face 914 between the front top edge
938 and the front bottom edge 940. The front lower cutout edge 916
can be substantially parallel to the front bottom edge 940. A front
upper cutout edge 985 can be disposed on the front surface 914
between the front top edge 938 and the front lower cutout edge 916.
The front upper cutout edge 985 can be substantially parallel to
the front top edge 938. A front cutout 915 can be formed in the
front face 914 and can be delimited by the front lower cutout edge
916 and the front upper cutout edge 985. A front lower surface 917
can be defined between the front lower cutout edge 916 and the
front bottom edge 940, and a front upper surface 987 can be defined
between the front upper cutout edge 985 and the front top edge 938.
The front inner side edge 946 can include an inner lower front
portion 941 defined adjacent the front lower surface 917 along the
front inner side interface 924 between the inner side portion 910
and the front portion 902. Additionally, a front cutout surface 919
can be defined by the front cutout 915 between the front lower
cutout edge 916 and the front upper cutout edge 938. The front
cutout surface 919 can be offset from the front lower surface 917
and from the front upper surface 987 in a direction along the
normal axis 80 toward the rear portion 904. A lower transition
cutout portion 923 can be defined between the front lower surface
917 and the front cutout surface 919, and an upper transition
cutout portion 991 can be defined between the front upper surface
987 and the front cutout surface. In some embodiments, the front
lower surface 917 and the front upper surface 987 can both be
substantially parallel to at least a portion of the front cutout
surface 919. In some embodiments, the front lower surface 917 and
the front upper surface 987 can be co-planar.
[0083] In FIGS. 15-16, for the purposes of illustration, the body
901 of the cutting edge 900 is aligned such that the front bottom
edge 940 is defined substantially along the longitudinal axis 85,
and the inner lower front portion 941 is aligned with the lateral
axis 90. A lower wear indicator groove 981 can be formed in the
front face 914 substantially parallel to the front bottom edge 940.
In some embodiments, the lower wear indicator groove 981 can be
formed between the front bottom edge 940 and the front lower cutout
edge 916. An upper wear indicator groove 995 can be formed in the
front face 914 substantially parallel to the front top edge 938. In
some embodiments, the upper wear indicator groove 995 can be formed
between the front top edge 938 and the front upper cutout edge 985.
Although FIGS. 15-16 illustrate the upper and lower wear indicator
grooves 995, 981 as having rounded, soft profiles, other profile
shapes, such as wedges or other angles, are also contemplated. A
lower wear face 983 can be defined between the front bottom edge
940 and the lower wear indicator groove 981, and an upper wear face
997 can be defined between the front top edge 938 and the upper
wear indicator groove 995.
[0084] As shown in FIG. 16, a lower wear indicator height V can be
measured along the lateral axis 90 between the front bottom edge
940 and the lower wear indicator groove 981, and an upper wear
indicator height U can be measured along the lateral axis 90
between the front top edge 938 and the upper wear indicator groove
995. In some embodiments, the upper wear indicator height U is
substantially equal to the lower wear indicator height V. The upper
and lower wear indicator grooves 981, 995 can have a wear indicator
depth X that is substantially similar to the depth of lower wear
indicator groove 381 described above. The wear indicator depth X
can be measured along the normal axis 90 between the front bottom
edge 940 and the back surface of the lower wear indicator groove
981 or upper wear indicator groove 995.
[0085] In some embodiments, a ratio between the lower wear
indicator height V and the body height M, measured along the
lateral axis between the front bottom edge 940 and the front top
edge 938, can be in a range between about 1:20 and about 1:5, or in
a range between about 1:10 and about 3:25 in other embodiments. In
some embodiments, a ratio between the lower wear indicator height V
and the body height M, measured along the lateral axis between the
front bottom edge 940 and the front top edge 938, can be at least
about 1:10. In some embodiments, a ratio between the lower wear
indicator height V and the body height M, measured along the
lateral axis between the front bottom edge 940 and the front top
edge 938, can be about 13:100, or about 1:10 in other embodiments.
In some embodiments, a ratio between the wear indicator depth X and
the body thickness P can be in a range between about 1:20 and about
2:5, or in a range between about 1:10 and about 1:5 in other
embodiments, or in a range between about 1:8 and about 1:6 in other
embodiments. In some embodiments, a ratio between the wear
indicator depth X and the body thickness P can be about 13:100, or
about 4:25 in other embodiments.
[0086] In some embodiments, a ratio between the upper wear
indicator height U and the body height M, measured along the
lateral axis between the front bottom edge 940 and the front top
edge 938, can be in a range between about 1:20 and about 1:5, or in
a range between about 1:10 and about 3:25 in other embodiments. In
some embodiments, a ratio between the upper wear indicator height U
and the body height M, measured along the lateral axis between the
front bottom edge 940 and the front top edge 938, can be at least
about 1:10. In some embodiments, a ratio between the upper wear
indicator height U and the body height M, measured along the
lateral axis between the front bottom edge 940 and the front top
edge 938, can be about 13:100, or about 1:10 in other
embodiments.
[0087] In some embodiments, the body 900 can be configured to be
mounted to an earth-working implement, such as earth-working blade
66 shown in FIG. 2, so as to selectively dispose either the bottom
portion 908 of the body between the mounting edge and a work
surface or the top portion 906 of the body between the mounting
edge and the work surface. In other words, because the cutting edge
900 is substantially symmetrical, the cutting edge can be flipped
from a first mounting position in which the bottom portion 908 is
disposed to engage the work surface, to a second mounting position
in which the top portion 906 is disposed to engage the work
surface. This flexibility between mounting positions allows the
cutting bit 900 to exhibit two wear lives, a first wear life, and a
second wear life, increasing the efficiency and usefulness of each
wear member. An example of the multiple wear lives available to the
cutting edge 900 is illustrated in FIGS. 17-18.
[0088] FIG. 17 shows cutting edge 900 after a first life during
which the body 901 can be mounted to an earth-working implement
such that the lower portion 908 can be disposed to engage a work
surface. Eventually, after repetitive use of the cutting edge 900,
the bottom portion 908 can be worn such that the entire lower wear
face 983 is worn way and the work surface is even with the lower
wear indicator groove 981. Upon observing the level of wear
illustrated in FIG. 17, an operator or other observer can stop
operation in order to flip the cutting edge 900 to begin a second
life. During the second life, the body 901 can be mounted on the
earth-working implement so as to dispose the top portion 906 of the
body 901 to engage the work surface. FIG. 18 illustrates cutting
edge 900 after the second life. As illustrated, both the top
portion 906 and the bottom portion 908 are worn away to the point
where nothing is left of either the lower wear face 983 or the
upper wear face 997. When an operator or other observer determines
that a wear member such as cutting edge 900 has completed its
second life, the fully worn wear member can be removed from the
earth-working implement and replaced with a new cutting edge or
other wear member so as to prevent damage to the earth-working
implement.
[0089] FIGS. 19-20 show another embodiment of a wear member,
specifically another embodiment of a cutting edge 1000. The cutting
edge 1000 can be formed from a body 1001 that can have a generally
rectangular shape. The body 1001 can have a front portion 1002, a
rear portion 1004, a top portion 1006, a bottom portion 1008, an
inner side portion 1010, and an outer side portion 1012. The body
1001 can include a front face 1014 defined on the front portion
1002 between a front top edge 1038 and a front bottom edge 1040.
Similar to the cutting edge 900 in FIGS. 15-16, the front face 1014
can include a lower wear indicator groove 1081 disposed between the
front bottom edge 1040 and the front top edge 1038, and an upper
wear indicator groove 1095 disposed between the front top edge 1038
and the lower wear indicator groove. Additionally, the front face
1014 includes a lower wear face 1083 disposed between the front
bottom edge 1040 and the lower wear indicator groove 1081, and an
upper wear face 1097 disposed between the front top edge 1038 and
the upper wear indicator groove 1095. In some embodiments, the
lower wear indicator groove 1081 can be substantially parallel to
the front bottom edge 1040 and the upper wear indicator groove 1095
can be substantially parallel to the front top edge 1038, but other
non-parallel embodiments are also contemplated. Unlike the cutting
edges 800, 900, the cutting edge 1000 shown in FIGS. 19-20 has no
front cutouts. Instead, the front face 1014 is substantially flat
and can be substantially parallel to a rear face 1027 formed on the
rear portion 1004. It should be understood that, although not
specifically indicated in FIG. 20, the dimensions and ratios as
related to the upper and lower wear indicator grooves 995, 981 of
FIGS. 15-16 can also apply to the upper and lower wear indicator
grooves 1095, 1081 illustrated in FIGS. 19-20. In some embodiments,
such as the cutting edge 1000 illustrated in FIG. 20, at least one
depression 1093 can be formed in the rear face 1027 and extend
between the inner side portion 1010 and the outer side portion
1012. Although FIG. 20 shows four depressions 1093, embodiments
having other numbers of depressions, including zero, are also
contemplated.
[0090] The body 1001 can also include a bottom face 1075 defined on
the bottom portion 1008. The bottom face can extend between the
front bottom edge 1040, a rear bottom edge 1058, an inner bottom
edge, and an outer bottom edge 1048. A bottom wear edge 1077 can be
disposed on the bottom face 1075 between the front bottom edge 1040
and the rear bottom edge 1058 and can extend between the outer
bottom edge 1048 and the inner bottom edge or the inner side
portion 1010. The bottom wear edge 1077 can be substantially
parallel to the front and rear bottom edges 1040, 1058. A bottom
wear surface 1079 can be defined on the bottom face 1075 between
the front bottom edge 1040 and the bottom wear edge 1077. A bottom
cutaway surface 1081 defined on the bottom face 1075 between the
rear bottom edge 1058 and the bottom wear edge 1077.
[0091] FIG. 25 illustrates the cutting edge 1000 engaging with a
work surface 25. Although not illustrated in FIG. 25, it should be
understood that the cutting edge 1000 can be mounted to an
earth-working implement so as to position the cutting edge 1000 as
shown with respect to the work surface 25. Referring to FIG. 25, a
bottom cutaway surface angle AA can be measured as the obtuse angle
between the bottom cutaway surface 1081 and the rear face 1027. In
some embodiments, the bottom cutaway surface angle AA can be at
most about 150 degrees. In other embodiments, the bottom cutaway
surface angle AA can be in a range between about 90 degrees and
about 150 degrees. In some embodiments, the bottom cutaway surface
angle AA can be in a range between about 135 degrees and about 150
degrees. In other embodiments, the bottom cutaway surface angle AA
can be in a range between about 140 degrees and about 145 degrees.
In other embodiments, the bottom cutaway surface angle AA can be
about 143 degrees.
[0092] The body 1001 can be configured to be mounted to a mounting
edge of the earth-working implement so as to engage the work
surface 25. When so mounted, a cutaway work surface angle BB can be
measured between the bottom cutaway surface 1081 and the work
surface 25. In some embodiments, the cutaway work surface angle can
be less than about 3 degrees, and less than about 2 degrees in
other embodiments. Additionally, when the body 1001 is mounted to
an earth-working implement like as represented in FIG. 25, a rear
face surface angle CC can be measured between the rear face 1027
and the work surface 25. In some embodiments, the rear face surface
angle CC can be in a range between about 40 degrees and about 60
degrees, or about 45 degrees and about 60 degrees in another
embodiment. In some embodiments, the rear face surface angle CC can
be about 47 degrees, and can be about 57 degrees in other
embodiments.
[0093] A wear angle DD can be measured as the acute angle between a
front face plane, defined along the front face 1014, and a cutaway
surface plane, defined along the bottom cutaway surface 1081. In
some embodiments, the wear angle DD can be at least about 30
degrees. In other embodiments, the wear angle DD can be in a range
between about 30 degrees and about 90 degrees. In some embodiments,
the wear angle DD can be in a range between about 30 degrees and
about 45 degrees. In other embodiments, the wear angle DD can be in
a range between about 35 degrees and about 40 degrees. In other
embodiments, the wear angle DD can be about 37 degrees.
[0094] The dimensions, ratios, and angles described above with
respect to cutting edge 1000 have been found to yield surprisingly
positive results in adding to the wear life of wear members
employing those dimensions, such as end cutting-bits or cutting
edges. The reduced thickness of the bottom wear surface 1079 as
compared to ISO and other standards has been found to improve the
ability of a wear member, such as the cutting edge 1000, to cut
into a work surface. Additionally, reducing the bottom cutaway
surface angle AA in combination with reducing the bottom wear edge
depth Z can reduce sliding over the work surface, or the "ski
effect", particularly when a wear member has been recently
installed. At the same time, decreasing the cutaway work surface
angle BB by increasing the bottom cutaway surface angle AA provides
increased wear material to engage the work surface as early as
possible. This allows a cutting edge, end cutting-bit, or other
wear member to more effectively cut into a work surface and
increase operating times between the need to switch out wear
members, which leads to increased work efficiency.
[0095] It should be understood that, where applicable, the
dimensional geometric ratios describes herein with respect to the
cutting edge 1000 can be applied to any of the other wear member
embodiments disclosed herein. For example, although the end
cutting-bit 300 shown in FIGS. 8-9 does not explicitly reference a
bottom cutaway surface angle AA, it should be understood that the
like features of the end cutting-bit 300 could also include the
disclosed geometrical relationships and ratios.
[0096] An example of the multiple wear lives available to the
cutting edge 1000 is illustrated in FIGS. 21-22. FIG. 21 shows
cutting edge 1000 after a first life during which the body 1001 was
mounted to an earth-working implement such that the lower portion
1008 was disposed to engage a work surface. Eventually, after
repetitive use of the cutting edge 1000, the bottom portion 1008
was worn such that the entire lower wear face 1083 was worn way and
the work surface was even with the lower wear indicator groove
1081. Upon observing the level of wear illustrated in FIG. 21, an
operator or other observer could stop operation in order to flip
the cutting edge 1000 to begin a second life. During the second
life, the body 1001 would be mounted on the earth-working implement
so as to dispose the top portion 1006 of the body 1001 to engage
the work surface. FIG. 22 illustrates cutting edge 1000 after the
second life. As illustrated, both the top portion 1006 and the
bottom portion 1008 have been worn away to the point where nothing
is left of either the lower wear face 1083 or the upper wear face
1097. When an operator or other observer determines that a wear
member such as cutting edge 1000 has completed its second life, the
fully worn wear member can be removed from the earth-working
implement and replaced with a new cutting edge or other wear member
so as to prevent damage to the earth-working implement.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0097] The industrial application of the wear members as described
herein should be readily appreciated from the foregoing discussion.
The present disclosure can be applicable to any machine utilizing
an earth-working implement for digging, scraping, leveling,
excavating or any other suitable application involving engaging the
ground or other work material. In machines used for such
applications, end cutting-bits, cutting edges, and other types of
ground engaging tools can wear out quickly and require
replacement.
[0098] The present disclosure, therefore, can be applicable to many
different machines and environments. One exemplary use of the wear
members of this disclosure can be in mining applications in which
machine implements can be commonly used to cut, scrape, dig, or
clear various work materials including rock, gravel, sand, dirt,
and others for protracted time periods and with little downtime. In
such applications, maximizing wear life for wear members as well as
minimizing the risk of damage to the earth-working implements can
be advantageous to maximize work efficiency. The present disclosure
has features, as discussed, which can increase wear life of wear
members as well as aide in determining the appropriate time to
change or rotate wear members on an earth-working implement.
[0099] 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.
[0100] Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to
serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each
separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated
herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the
specification as if it were individually recited herein. All
methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order
unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted
by context.
[0101] 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.
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