Dragline bucket

Abstract

A dragline bucket comprises a base member, a first side member extending from the base member and including a first top edge, a second side member extending from the base member, and a rear member extending from the base member and including a second top edge, a mouth for receiving material into the bucket, and a first beveled wall extending from the first side member forming a first compound angle with the base member and a second beveled wall extending from the rear member proximate the first beveled wall forming a second compound angle with the base member.

Claims

1. A dragline bucket comprising: a base member, a first side member extending from the base member and including a first top edge, a second side member extending from the base member in an opposing manner to the first side member defining a distance from the first side member to the second side member, and a rear member extending from the base member and including a second top edge; wherein the first side member, second side member and base member define a mouth for receiving material into the bucket; and a first beveled wall extending from the first side member and a second beveled wall extending from the rear member proximate the first beveled wall, the first beveled wall forming a first compound angle with the base member and the second beveled wall forming a second compound angle with the base member that is different than the first compound angle such that the first beveled wall and the second beveled wall overhang the base member.

2. The dragline bucket of claim 1, wherein the first beveled wall includes a third top edge connected to the first top edge of the first side member and the second beveled wall includes a fourth top edge connected to the second top edge of the rear member.

3. The dragline bucket of claim 2, wherein the first beveled wall is connected to the second beveled wall, and the third top edge of the first beveled wall is connected to the fourth top edge of the second beveled wall.

4. The dragline bucket of claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the rear member forms a third angle with the base member.

5. The dragline bucket of claim 1, wherein the bucket defines a fill direction and a center of gravity and a Cartesian coordinate system including a X-axis, Y-axis, a Z-axis and an origin positioned at the center of gravity, wherein the X-axis is aligned with the fill direction of the bucket, and the first compound angle includes a first component angle projected along the Y-axis onto the X-Z plane and a second component angle projected along the X-axis onto the Y-Z plane, and the first component angle ranges from 50 to 85 degrees and the second component angle ranges from 50 to 80 degrees.

6. The dragline bucket of claim 5, wherein the second compound angle includes a third component angle projected along the Y-axis onto the X-Z plane and a fourth component angle projected along the X-axis onto the Y-Z plane, and the third component angle ranges from 60 to 80 degrees and the fourth component angle ranges from 50 to 85 degrees.

7. The dragline bucket of claim 4, wherein the bucket defines a fill direction and a center of gravity and a Cartesian coordinate system including a X-axis, Y-axis, a Z-axis and an origin positioned at the center of gravity, wherein the X-axis is aligned with the fill direction of the bucket, and the third angle the rear member forms with the base member is projected onto the X-Z plane along the Y-axis and ranges from 60 to 80 degrees.

8. A dragline bucket comprising: a base member, a first side member extending from the base member and including a first top edge, a second side member extending from the base member in an opposing manner to the first side member defining a distance from the first side member to the second side member, and a rear member extending from the base member and including a second top edge; wherein the first side member, second side member and base member define a mouth for receiving material into the bucket; and a first beveled wall extending from the first side member and a first mitered wall extending from the first side member proximate the first beveled wall, the first beveled wall forming a first compound angle with the base member such that the first beveled wall overhangs the base member and the first mitered wall forming a lower obtuse angle with the first side member.

9. The dragline bucket of claim 8 further comprising a trunnion attachment structure extending at least partially from the first mitered wall.

10. The dragline bucket of claim 8, wherein the bucket defines a fill direction and a center of gravity and a Cartesian coordinate system including a X-axis, Y-axis, a Z-axis and an origin positioned at the center of gravity, wherein the X-axis is aligned with the fill direction of the bucket, and the first compound angle includes a first component angle projected along the Y-axis onto the X-Z plane and a second component angle projected along the X-axis onto the Y-Z plane, and the first component angle ranges from 50 to 85 degrees and the second component angle ranges from 50 to 80 degrees.

11. The dragline bucket of claim 10, wherein the bucket defines a fill direction and a center of gravity and a Cartesian coordinate system including a X-axis, Y-axis, a Z-axis and an origin positioned at the center of gravity, wherein the X-axis is aligned with the fill direction of the bucket, and the lower obtuse angle is projected onto the X-Y plane along the Z-axis and the lower obtuse angle ranges from 150 to 170 degrees.

12. The dragline bucket of claim of claim 11, further comprising a second beveled wall connecting the first beveled wall to the rear member.

13. The dragline bucket of claim 12, further comprising a second mitered wall connecting the first mitered wall to the rear member.

14. The dragline bucket of claim 13, wherein the bucket is symmetrical about the X-Z plane.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the disclosure and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. In the drawings:

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dragline bucket that is suspended using hoist chains attached to a lower spreader bar in the rigging assembly as is known in the art.

(3) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a bucket assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure that includes a plurality of beveled or mitered walls near the rear of the bucket.

(4) FIG. 3 is a front view of the bucket assembly of FIG. 2.

(5) FIG. 4 is side view of the bucket assembly of FIG. 2.

(6) FIG. 5 is a top view of the bucket assembly of FIG. 2.

(7) FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the bucket assembly of FIG. 2.

(8) FIG. 7 is a rear view of the bucket assembly of FIG. 2.

(9) FIG. 8 is a top sectional view of half of the bucket assembly of FIG. 4, the section taken along the horizontal plane of the pin slot.

(10) FIGS. 9 thru 12 are various perspective views of the trunnion attachment structure employed as part of the rear attachment points of the bucket assembly of FIGS. 2 thru 8.

(11) FIG. 13 is an enlarged section view of the trunnion attachment structure shown in FIG. 8 taken at a lower level than the section of FIG. 8.

(12) FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the trunnion attachment structure shown in FIG. 4.

(13) FIG. 15 illustrates the bucket assembly of FIG. 2 used with a rigging assembly lacking a lower spreader bar.

(14) FIG. 16 is a rear sectional view of the bucket and rigging assemblies of FIG. 15, with the bucket and rigging assemblies cut in half along the midplane of the assemblies.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(15) Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. In some cases, a reference number will be indicated in this specification and the drawings will show the reference number followed by a letter for example, 100a, 100b or by a prime for example, 100, 100 etc. It is to be understood that the use of letters or primes immediately after a reference number indicates that these features are similarly shaped and have similar function as is often the case when geometry is mirrored about a plane of symmetry. For ease of explanation in this specification, letters and primes will often not be included herein but may be shown in the drawings to indicate duplications of features, having similar or identical function or geometry, discussed within this written specification.

(16) In various embodiments, a bucket assembly or bucket that uses a plurality of beveled walls that reduce the likelihood of a hoist chain rubbing on an edge of the bucket is provided while also lessening the likelihood that a void will form in the rear of the bucket when the bucket is loaded with material. In other embodiments, a bucket assembly or bucket is that uses a beveled wall to reduce the likelihood of a hoist chain rubbing on an edge of the bucket is provided along with a mitered wall located beneath the beveled wall where the trunnion attachment structure is disposed, helping to protect the trunnion attachment structure from wear as material passes over the trunnion attachment structure as the bucket is loaded. In yet further embodiments, the trunnion attachment structure is positioned from the rear wall and from the center of gravity appropriate distances to maintain the desired balance as the bucket is filled with material.

(17) Looking now at FIGS. 2 thru 8, a bucket assembly 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described that may allow the elimination of a lower spreader bar while also improving the ability to fill the rear of the bucket 202. The bucket assembly 200 may comprise a bucket 202 including a base member 204, a first side member 206 including a first top edge 208 extending from the base member 204, a second side member 206 extending from the base member 204 in an opposing manner to the first side member 206 defining a distance D206 from the first side member 206 to the second side member 206, and a rear member 210 including a second top edge 212 extending from the base member 204. The first side member 206, second side member 206 and base member 204 define a front ring or mouth 214 for receiving material into the bucket 202. For this embodiment, the first and second side members 206, 206 extend forward of the mouth 214, defining forward facing projections 216 (sometimes referred to as drag lugs) that provide clevis pin compatible attachment points 218 and an arch 220 that extends from the frontmost portion of top edges 208, 208 of the first and second side members 206, 206. Two arch attachment points 224 are provided at the top of the arch 220. Other configurations for the first and second side members are possible. Also, the arch may be omitted or a bail may be provided, etc.

(18) The front edge of the base member 204 is covered or protected by various devices such as edge protectors 222 (sometimes referred to as shrouds) and ground engaging tools 225. The ground engaging tools 225 are attached to the front edge using tool adapters 226. In other embodiments, a continuous edge protector or base edge may be attached to the front edge of the base member 204. In yet further embodiments, any form of front edge protection may be omitted.

(19) Looking toward the rear of the bucket 202, a first beveled wall 228 may extend from the first side member 206 and a second beveled wall 230 may extend from the rear member 210 proximate the first beveled wall 228. The first beveled wall 228 forms a first compound angle 1 (best seen in FIG. 7) with the base member 204 and the second beveled wall 230 forms a second compound angle 2 (best seen in FIG. 7) with the base member 204 that is different than the first compound angle 1. The change in angle between the first compound angle 1 and the second compound angle 2 allows the bucket to transition from the first side member 206 to the rear member 210 while also providing the first beveled wall 228 with a first function and providing the second beveled wall 230 with a second function. The first function of the first beveled wall 228 is to decrease the likelihood of a hoist chain rubbing on a top edge 208 of the bucket 202 while the function of the second beveled wall 230 is to decrease the likelihood of a void being created as material fills into the corner of the rear of the bucket 202.

(20) More specifically, the first beveled wall 228 includes a third top edge 232 connected to the first top edge 208 of the first side member 206 and the second beveled wall 230 includes a fourth top edge 234 connected to the second top edge 212 of the rear member 210. Also, the first beveled wall 228 may be connected to the second beveled wall 230 such that the third top edge 232 of the first beveled wall 228 is connected directly to the fourth top edge 234 of the second beveled wall 230. At least a portion of the rear member 210 forms a third angle (best seen in FIG. 4) with the base member 204. The angles of the rear member, first beveled wall and second beveled walls allow these portions of the bucket to overhang the interior of the bucket, making it less likely that material will fall out of the bucket as material is loaded into the bucket.

(21) The bucket 202 defines a fill direction F and a center of gravity C and a Cartesian coordinate system including a X-axis, Y-axis, a Z-axis and an origin O positioned at the center of gravity C. As shown in FIGS. 2 thru 8, the X-axis is aligned with the fill direction F of the bucket 202, and the first compound angle 1 includes a first component angle 1 (best seen in FIG. 4) projected along the Y-axis onto the X-Z plane and a second component angle 2 (best seen in FIG. 3) projected along the X-axis onto the Y-Z plane, and the first component angle 1 ranges from 50 to 85 degrees and the second component angle 2 ranges from 50 to 80 degrees.

(22) Similarly, the second compound angle 2 includes a third component angle 1 (best seen in FIG. 4) projected along the Y-axis onto the X-Z plane and a fourth component angle 2 (best seen in FIG. 3) projected along the X-axis onto the Y-Z plane, and the third component angle 1 ranges from 60 to 80 degrees and the fourth component angle 2 ranges from 50 to 85 degrees. Also, the third angle (best seen in FIG. 4) the rear member 210 forms with the base member 204 is projected onto the X-Z plane along the Y-axis and ranges from 60 to 80 degrees and may be approximately 70 degrees in some embodiments.

(23) With continued reference to FIGS. 2 thru 8, a bucket assembly 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described that may allow the elimination of a lower spreader bar while also protecting a rear trunnion attachment structure 236 of the bucket. The bucket 202 may include a base member 204, a first side member 206 including a first top edge 208 extending from the base member 204, a second side member 206 extending from the base member 204 in an opposing manner to the first side member 206 defining a distance D206 from the first side member 206 to the second side member 206, and a rear member 210 including a second top edge 212 extending from the base member 204 as previously described. Also, the first side member 206, second side member 206 and base member 204 define a mouth 214 for receiving material into the bucket 202.

(24) A first beveled wall 228 extends from the first side member 206 and a first mitered wall 238 extends from the first side member 206 proximate the first beveled wall 228, the first beveled wall 228 forming a first compound angle 1 with the base member 204 and the first mitered wall 238 forming a lower obtuse angle L (best seen in FIG. 8) with the first side member 206. The rear trunnion attachment structure 236 extends at least partially from the first mitered wall 238.

(25) As previously described, the bucket defines a fill direction F and a center of gravity C and a Cartesian coordinate system including a X-axis, Y-axis, a Z-axis and an origin O positioned at the center of gravity C. The X-axis is aligned with the fill direction F of the bucket 202, and the first compound angle 1 includes a first component angle 1 (best seen in FIG. 4) projected along the Y-axis onto the X-Z plane and a second component angle 2 (best seen in FIG. 3) projected along the X-axis onto the Y-Z plane, and the first component angle 1 ranges from 50 to 85 degrees and the second component angle 2 ranges from 60 to 80 degrees. The lower obtuse angle L (best seen in FIG. 8) is projected onto the X-Y plane along the Z-axis and the lower obtuse angle L ranges from 150 to 170 degrees and may be approximately 160 degrees in some embodiments.

(26) The bucket 202 may further comprise a second beveled wall 230 connecting the first beveled wall 228 to the rear member 210 and a second mitered wall 240 connecting the first mitered 238 wall to the rear member 210. As best seen in FIG. 14, the first beveled wall 228, the second beveled wall 230, the first mitered wall 238 and the second mitered wall 240 may all be positioned immediately adjacent each other, forming a four way intersection 242. In addition, transitional walls 244 such as radii may be used to connect the second beveled wall 230 and the second mitered wall 240 to the rear member 210. The transitional walls 244 may continue from the rear to the bottom of the bucket 202, blending the first mitered wall 238 and the first side member 206 to the base member. Ribs 246 may be provided on the bottom of the base member 204 and the bottom transitional walls 244. The bucket may be symmetrical about the X-Z plane. The third and fourth top edges 232, 234 may be coplanar with the second top edge 212.

(27) As can be understood with reference to FIG. 8, another lower obtuse angle (not specifically pointed out) may be formed between the second mitered wall 240 and the rear member 210 that is projected along the Z-axis onto the X-Y plane that ranges from 130 to 150 degrees and may be approximately 140 degrees in some embodiments. The second mitered wall may also serve the purpose of helping to prevent the formation of a void in the rear corner of the bucket as it fills. The side member and the rear member may be substantially perpendicular to each other.

(28) Next, referring back to FIGS. 2 thru 8, a bucket assembly 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described that provides good balance as the bucket 202 is filled. The bucket 200 comprises a base member 204, a first side member 206 extending from the base member 204 and including a first top edge 208, a second side member 206 extending from the base member 204 in an opposing manner to the first side member 206 defining a distance D206 from the first side member 206 to the second side member 206, and a rear member 210 extending from the base member 204 and including a second top edge 212.

(29) As shown in FIG. 8, the first side member 206, second side member 206 and base member 204 define a mouth 214 for receiving material into the bucket 202. The rear member 210 defines rear internal extremity 248 of the bucket, and the bucket 202 defines a fill direction F and a center of gravity C and a Cartesian coordinate system including a X-axis, Y-axis, a Z-axis and an origin O positioned at the center of gravity C. The X-axis is aligned with the fill direction F of the bucket 202, and the bucket further defines a fill depth 250 parallel to the X-axis measured from the mouth 214 to the rear internal extremity 248 of the rear member 210. A first trunnion attachment structure 236 is attached to the bucket 202 a first predetermined distance 252 away from the rear internal extremity 248 (measured from the pin aperture 260 of 236), and a ratio of the first predetermined distance 252 to the fill depth 250 ranges from 15 to 45% and may be approximately 35% in some embodiments.

(30) Likewise, the center of gravity is positioned a second predetermined distance 254 away from the mouth 214 along the X-axis and a ratio of the second predetermined distance 254 to the fill depth 250 ranges from 15 to 35% and may be approximately 20% in some embodiments. The X-Z plane defines a midplane 256 (sometimes also a plane of symmetry) and the trunnion attachment structure 236 defines a trunnion slot 258 with a longitudinal axis L258 that is parallel to the X-Z plane.

(31) As mentioned earlier with reference to FIGS. 2 thru 8, a first beveled wall 228 extends from the first side member 206 toward the rear member 210 and the first trunnion attachment structure 236 is disposed beneath the first beveled wall 228 along a direction parallel with the Z-axis. A first mitered wall 238 extends from the first side member 206 toward the rear member 210, the first mitered wall 238 being connected to the first beveled wall 228 and the first trunnion attachment structure 236 is disposed on the first mitered wall 238.

(32) Furthermore, as depicted in FIG. 4, a second beveled wall 230 extends from the first beveled wall 228 to the rear member 210. The first beveled wall 228 includes a third top edge 232 forming an upper obtuse angle U with the first top edge 208 of the first side member 206 that is projected onto the X-Z plane along the Y-axis. The upper obtuse angle U may range from 160 to 180 degrees and may be approximately 170 degrees.

(33) Turning now to FIGS. 8, and 9 thru 14, the construction and use of the trunnion attachment structure 236 will now be described in more detail. The trunnion attachment structure 236 includes an attachment or base plate 262 that is predominantly flat so that it may be attached to the first mitered wall 238. However, the bottom portion 264 of the base plate 262 may be curved to match a transition wall 244. The trunnion attachment structure 236 as shown is particularly well suited to be cast. The back side of the trunnion attachment structure 236 may be hollowed or cored out (see reference numeral 266) and a pad 268 may extend from the base plate 262.

(34) The pad 268 defines the trunnion slot and the pin aperture extends orthogonally to the trunnion slot 258 for receipt of a pin 270 (vaguely shown in FIGS. 15 and 16) that retains the trunnion link 272 (vaguely shown in FIGS. 15 and 16) in the slot 258 in a manner known in the art. An elongated access aperture 274 is also provided so that the pin 270 used to hold the trunnion link 272 in place may be accessed to attach and detach the trunnion link 272 from the trunnion attachment structure 236. Side grooves 276 are provided on the pad 268 to maintain the nominal wall thickness of the part. The pad 268 further defines a chamfered surface 278 that is positioned toward the front of the trunnion attachment structure 236 so that material flowing past the outside of the bucket 202 may be deflected by this chamfered surface 278, reducing the wear on the trunnion attachment structure 236. The orientation of the first mitered wall 238 and the attachment of the trunnion attachment structure 236 to this wall allows the trunnion attachment structure 236 to be partially shielded from material as it flows past the bucket 202 (see FIG. 3 for example).

(35) The bucket, trunnion attachment structure, etc. may be made from any suitable material including iron, grey cast-iron, steel, etc. Also, the bucket, trunnion attachment structure, etc. may be integrally cast, forged or may be fabricated and assembled by fastening, welding, press fitting, etc. two or more pieces together to form the bucket, bucket assembly, or the trunnion attachment structure.

(36) Any of the dimensions, ratios, angles or configuration of the bucket, trunnion attachment structure, etc. may be varied as needed or desired. Also, the dimensions and ratios involving the center of gravity may be based on the bucket as empty or with a payload depending on the application. Accordingly, values given and configurations shown are given by way of an example and not in any limiting sense.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

(37) In practice, a bucket, bucket assembly or trunnion attachment structure according to any embodiment described, shown or discussed herein may be sold, bought, manufactured, remanufactured, retrofitted, assembled or otherwise obtained in an aftermarket or OEM context.

(38) For example, a trunnion attachment structure or bucket may be used as a replacement part. The bucket or bucket assembly may be used with a machine that has a rigging subassembly 300 such as that shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. The rigging assembly 300 as shown has no lower spreader bar but an upper spreader bar 302 is still employed. The upper spreader bar 302 is in the same plane as the hoist chain 304 and the trunnion link 272, helping to avoid twisting of the hoist chain 304, which may lead to increased stresses in the chain. Also, the hoist chain 304 is spaced away from the first beveled wall 228, creating clearance 306 so that the hoist chain 304 will not rub on the top edge of 232 the first beveled wall 228. Hence, no lower spreader bar is necessary. When the bucket is essentially horizontal, the hoist chain 304 makes an angle with the vertical direction (Z-axis as defined in FIGS. 2 thru 8, when projected onto the X-Z plane along the Y axis) that may range from 0 to 20 degrees and may be approximately 10 degrees in some embodiments. Similarly, the angle 280 the hoist chain makes with the vertical direction when projected onto the Y-Z plane along the X-direction may range from 10 to 45 degrees (see FIG. 16). These angles will change depending on the orientation of the bucket in use 202. The angle of attack or carry angle (bucket tilt), which is the angle the base member makes with a purely horizontal direction may vary from 0 to 40 degrees in some applications.

(39) The configuration of the bucket shown in the figures is shorter along the fill direction, allowing a more efficient filling and dumping process to be used when employing the bucket. Also, the balance of the bucket during fill and dumping may be better than buckets previously known in the art. Furthermore, the capacity of the bucket may be increased compared to previous bucket designs, given the reduction of the load due to the elimination of the lower spreader bar.

(40) It will be appreciated that the foregoing description provides examples of the disclosed assembly 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.

(41) 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.

(42) It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments of the apparatus and methods of assembly as discussed herein without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention(s). Other embodiments of this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the various embodiments disclosed herein. For example, some of the equipment may be constructed and function differently than what has been described herein and certain steps of any method may be omitted, performed in an order that is different than what has been specifically mentioned or in some cases performed simultaneously or in sub-steps. Furthermore, variations or modifications to certain aspects or features of various embodiments may be made to create further embodiments and features and aspects of various embodiments may be added to or substituted for other features or aspects of other embodiments in order to provide still further embodiments.

(43) 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.