ASSEMBLY FOR A MOTOR GRADER

Abstract

An assembly for a motor grader is disclosed. The assembly includes a blade operatively attached to a frame of the motor grader and configured to engage a ground surface. The blade includes a first segment and a second segment. The assembly further includes a movement actuator for moving the blade with respect to the frame in a first direction. The movement actuator includes a rod member having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is secured to the first segment of the blade and the second portion is secured to the second segment of the blade.

Claims

1. An assembly for a motor grader, comprising: a blade configured to be operatively attached to a frame of the motor grader and to engage a ground surface, the blade including a first segment and a second segment; and a movement actuator configured for moving the blade with respect to the frame in a first direction, the movement actuator including a rod member having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being secured to the first segment of the blade and the second portion being secured to the second segment of the blade.

2. The assembly of claim 1 further comprising a bracket member movably coupled to the frame, wherein the movement actuator is supported by the bracket member.

3. The assembly of claim 2 further comprising an actuating member coupled to the bracket member and the frame, the actuating member configured for moving the blade with respect to the frame in a second direction.

4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the bracket member is coupled to a connecting member rotatably disposed between a pair of arms extending from the frame, and wherein the blade moves in the second direction about a rotational axis defined by the connecting member.

5. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the movement actuator comprises a cylinder coupled to the bracket member, and wherein the rod member is slidably disposed within the cylinder to move the blade in the first direction.

6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the bracket member comprises: a first projection member defining a first aperture therein; and a second projection member spaced apart from the first projection member, the second projection member defining a second aperture therein, wherein the first projection member and the second projection member are configured to receive the cylinder of the movement actuator therebetween.

7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the cylinder of the movement actuator comprises: a first leg portion configured to be received within the first aperture of the first projection member; and a second leg portion disposed opposite to the first leg portion, the second leg portion configured to be received within the second aperture of the second projection member.

8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first segment comprises: a first support member disposed adjacent to a first end of the blade; and a first mounting member configured to be coupled with the first support member and the first portion of the rod member.

9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the second segment comprises: a second support member disposed adjacent to a second end of the blade; and a second mounting member configured to be coupled with the second support member and the second portion of the rod member.

10. A motor grader comprising: a frame; a bracket member movably coupled to the frame; a blade configured to be operatively attached to the bracket member to engage a ground surface, the blade including a first segment and a second segment; and a movement actuator supported by the bracket member and configured for moving the blade with respect to the frame in a first direction, the movement actuator including a rod member having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being secured to the first segment of the blade and the second portion being secured to the second segment of the blade.

11. The motor grader of claim 10 further comprising an actuating member coupled to the bracket member and the frame, the actuating member configured for moving the blade with respect to the frame in a second direction.

12. The motor grader of claim 11, wherein the bracket member is coupled to a connecting member rotatably disposed between a pair of arms extending from the frame, and wherein the blade moves in the second direction about a rotational axis defined by the connecting member.

13. The motor grader of claim 10, wherein the movement actuator comprises a cylinder coupled to the bracket member, and wherein the rod member is slidably disposed within the cylinder to move the blade in the first direction.

14. The motor grader of claim 13, wherein the bracket member comprises: a first projection member defining a first aperture therein; and a second projection member spaced apart from the first projection member, the second projection member defining a second aperture therein, wherein the first projection member and the second projection member are configured to receive the cylinder of the movement actuator therebetween.

15. The motor grader of claim 14, wherein the cylinder of the movement actuator comprises: a first leg portion configured to be received within the first aperture of the first projection member; and a second leg portion disposed opposite to the first leg portion, the second leg portion configured to be received within the second aperture of the second projection member.

16. The motor grader of claim 10, wherein the first segment comprises: a first support member disposed adjacent to a first end of the blade; and a first mounting member configured to be coupled with the first support member and the first portion of the rod member.

17. The motor grader of claim 10, wherein the second segment comprises: a second support member disposed adjacent to a second end of the blade; and a second mounting member configured to be coupled with the second support member and the second portion of the rod member.

18. The motor grader of claim 10, wherein the movement actuator is configured to be in communication with a hydraulic system of the motor grader to move the blade in the first direction based on an input from an operator.

19. A method of operating a blade of a motor grader, the method comprising: receiving an input from an operator; moving ground engaging members of the motor grader over a ground surface based on the input from the operator; and moving the blade, via a movement actuator, in a first direction with respect to a frame of the motor grader, wherein the movement actuator comprises a cylinder supported by a bracket member of the frame and a rod member slidably disposed within the cylinder, the rod member comprise a first portion and a second portion being coupled to the blade.

20. The method of claim 19 further comprising moving the blade, via an actuating member, in a second direction with respect to the frame, wherein the actuating member is coupled with the bracket member and the frame.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a side view of a motor grader having a blade for engaging with a ground surface.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a view of an implement system including an assembly for coupling the blade to a frame of the motor grader.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a bracket member of the assembly of FIG. 2.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of a movement actuator of the assembly of FIG. 2.

[0012] FIGS. 5A and 5B are rear views of the implement system of FIG. 2 showing movement of the blade in a first direction.

[0013] FIGS. 6A and 6B are side views of the implement system of FIG. 2 showing movement of the blade in a second direction.

[0014] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method of operating the blade of the motor grader.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Reference will now be made in detail to specific aspects or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, corresponding or similar reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts.

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a motor grader 100 used for leveling a ground surface 101. The motor grader 100 includes a front frame 102 and a rear frame 104 movably coupled with the front frame 102. The front frame 102 is pivotally coupled with the rear frame 104 such that the front frame 102 may rotate relative to the rear frame 104. The front frame 102 and the rear frame 104 are supported on ground engaging members 106. The ground engaging members 106 contact with the ground surface 101 to move the motor grader 100 over the ground surface 101. The front frame 102 includes a beam 108 defining a front end 110 supported on a pair of the ground engaging members 106 and a rear end 112 pivotally coupled with the rear frame 104. In an example, the ground engaging members 106 disposed at the front end 110 of the beam 108 and the ground engaging members 106 disposed in the rear frame 104 may be wheels. Alternatively, the ground engaging members 106 disposed in the rear frame 104 may be a pair of tracks. The front frame 102 is hereinafter referred as the frame 102 for illustration purposes of the present disclosure.

[0017] The motor grader 100 further includes an operator cab 114 supported in the frame 102 adjacent to the rear end 112 of the beam 108. The operator cab 114 may include an operator interface (not shown) having control levers, switches and display, such that an operator may control movement of the motor grader 100 and perform various operations of the motor grader 100. The motor grader 100 further includes an implement system 116 configured for performing various earth moving operations, such as cutting and leveling of the ground surface 101. The implement system 116 is configured to be operatively attached to the beam 108 of the frame 102. The implement system 116 includes a blade 118 configured to engage the ground surface 101 to perform the earth moving operations. The motor grader 100 may further include a power source, such as an engine 120 to supply power to various components including, but not limited to, the ground engaging members 106 and the implement system 116. The engine 120 may be disposed at any location in the rear frame 104. In another embodiment, the engine 120 may be coupled with a generator to propel the motor grader 100 based on electric power.

[0018] The implement system 116 includes a circle member 122 movably coupled to the frame 102. Specifically, the circle member 122 is coupled to a drawbar member 124. The drawbar member 124 includes a first end 124A pivotally coupled to the front end 110 of the beam 108 and a second end 124B movably supported on the beam 108. The second end 124B of the drawbar member 124 may be coupled to the beam 108 via one or more hydraulic actuators 124C. The hydraulic actuators 124C may raise or lower the drawbar member 124 with respect to the frame 102. The circle member 122 is further rotatably supported adjacent to the second end 124B of the drawbar member 124. The circle member 122 includes a ring gear 122A (shown in FIG. 2) that may be engaged with an electric motor (not shown) disposed in the drawbar member 124. Upon actuation of the electric motor, the circle member 122 may rotate about a rotational axis RA1 with respect to the drawbar member 124. The blade 118 is operatively attached to the circle member 122 to engage the ground surface 101. Thus the blade 118 is raised and lowered with respect to the frame 102, based on actuation of the hydraulic actuators 124C. Further, the blade 118 is rotated about the rotational axis RA1 with respect to the frame 102 based on the actuation of the electric motor.

[0019] The hydraulic actuators 124C may be configured to be in communication with a hydraulic system 126 of the motor grader 100. The hydraulic system 126 is in communication with the engine 120 to receive the power therefrom to supply hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuators 124C. The hydraulic system 126 may be configured to actuate the hydraulic actuators 124C based on an input from the operator. The hydraulic system 126 may also be configured to provide hydraulic power to various systems of the motor grader 100, such as a steering system.

[0020] Referring to FIG. 2, the implement system 116 includes a pair of arms 128 extending from the circle member 122. Each of the pair of aims 128 extends from an outer surface of the circle member 122 and spaced apart from each other. A connecting member 130 is rotatably disposed between the pair of arms 128. Specifically, the connecting member 130 is rotatably coupled adjacent to an end 128A of each of the pair of arms 128. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting member 130 has a circular cross section. In other embodiments, the cross section of the connecting member 130 may be a square, a rectangular, an elliptical, a polygonal, or any other shape known in the art.

[0021] The implement system 116 further includes an assembly 132 for operatively attaching the blade 118 with the circle member 122. The assembly 132 includes a bracket member 134 having a first end 134A coupled to the connecting member 130. The first end 134A includes a hole 136 configured to receive the connecting member 130 therethrough. The connecting member 130 may be rigidly engaged with the hole 136 such that the bracket member 134 may move as the connecting member 130 rotates relative to the pair of an Is 128. The bracket member 134 further includes a second end 134B movably coupled to the circle member 122. An actuating member 138 is coupled between the circle member 122 and the second end 134B of the bracket member 134 to move the bracket member 134 about a rotational axis RA2 defined by the connecting member 130.

[0022] The actuating member 138 includes a cylinder 138A and a piston rod 138B slidably disposed within the cylinder 138A. The actuating member 138 is configured to be in communication with the hydraulic system 126. The piston rod 138B may move between an extended position and a retracted position to move the bracket member 134 about the rotational axis RA2. In the illustrated embodiment, a coupling member 140 is provided adjacent to the second end 134B of the bracket member 134 to pivotally couple with the piston rod 138B of the actuating member 138. In another embodiment, the second end 134B of the bracket member 134 may be configured to pivotally couple to the piston rod 138B. The cylinder 138A is coupled to the circle member 122 via a mounting member 142. The mounting member 142 may be fastened or welded to the outer surface of the circle member 122. It may also be contemplated that the piston rod 138B may be coupled to the mounting member 142 and the cylinder 138A may be coupled to the coupling member 140.

[0023] In the illustrated embodiment, the bracket member 134 is foil led from multiple metal plates through a fabrication process. The multiple metal plates may be welded together to define an elongate body having the first end 134A and the second end 134B. The bracket member 134 has a rectangular cross section and defines a front surface 134C (shown in FIG. 3). In another embodiment, the bracket member 134 may be manufactured through a casting process. In other embodiments, the bracket member 134 may be developed through any manufacturing process known in the art.

[0024] The assembly 132 further includes a movement actuator 144 supported by the bracket member 134. The movement actuator 144 is further configured to be operatively coupled with the bracket member 134 and the blade 118 to move the blade 118 with respect to the frame 102 in a first direction D1 (explained in FIGS. 5A and 5B). The movement actuator 144 includes a cylinder 146 defining a first end 146A and a second end 146B. The cylinder 146 is configured to be coupled with the bracket member 134. The movement actuator 144 further includes a rod member 148 slidably disposed within the cylinder 146. The rod member 148 includes a first portion 148A extending through the first end 146A of the cylinder 146 and a second portion 148B extending through the second end 146B of the cylinder 146. The first portion 148A of the rod member 148 is coupled adjacent to a first end 118A of the blade 118 and the second portion 148B of the rod member 148 is coupled to a second end 118B of the blade 118.

[0025] The cylinder 146 further includes a first fluid port 146C defined adjacent to the first end 146A and a second fluid port 146D defined adjacent to the second end 146B thereof. The first and second fluid ports 146C, 146D may be fluidly coupled with the hydraulic system 126. Upon actuation of the hydraulic system 126, based on an input from the operator, the movement actuator 144 moves the blade 118 with respect to the frame 102 in the first direction D1.

[0026] The first portion 148A is coupled to a first segment 150 of the blade 118 and the second portion 148B is coupled to a second segment 152 of the blade 118. The first and second segments 150, 152 are disposed adjacent to the first and second ends 118A, 118B of the blade 118, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the first segment 150 includes a first support member 150A mounted on an outer surface 154 of the blade 118. The first support member 150A is welded to the outer surface 154 of the blade 118. Alternatively, the first support member 150A may be mounted on the blade 118 via fastening members, such as bolts and nuts. The first segment 150 further includes a first mounting member 150B configured to be coupled with the first support member 150A. The first mounting member 150B is further configured to be coupled with the first portion 148A of the rod member 148. The first mounting member 150B is coupled with the first support member 150A via fastening members 150C, such as bolts. In an embodiment, the first mounting member 150B may have a mating surface configured to engage with a corresponding mating surface defined in the first support member 150A. In other embodiments, the first mounting member 150B may be configured to couple with the outer surface 154 of the blade 118.

[0027] Similarly, the second segment 152 includes a second support member 152A mounted on the outer surface 154 of the blade 118. The second segment 152 further includes a second mounting member 152B configured to be coupled with the second support member 152A. The second mounting member 152B is further configured to be coupled with the second portion 148B of the rod member 148. The second mounting member 152B is coupled with the second support member 152A via fastening members 152C, such as bolts. The second segment 152 may be disposed on the blade 118 similar to the way the first segment 150 is disposed on the blade 118.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 3, the bracket member 134 includes a first projection member 156 defined adjacent to the second end 134B thereof. The first projection member 156 extends from the front surface 134C of the bracket member 134 and configured to define a first aperture 158 therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the first projection member 156 includes a base member 156A extending from the front surface 134C of the bracket member 134. The base member 156A may be welded or fastened to the front surface 134C of the bracket member 134. The first projection member 156 further includes a clamp member 156B coupled to the base member 156A via fastening members 156C, such as bolts. The base member 156A and the clamp member 156B are together configured to define the first aperture 158. In an alternative embodiment, one of the base member 156A and the clamp member 156B may define the first aperture 158.

[0029] Further, the bracket member 134 includes a second projection member 160 spaced apart from the first projection member 156. The first and second projection members 156, 160 are configured to receive the cylinder 146 of the movement actuator 144 therebetween. Moreover, the cylinder 146 is coupled between the first and second projection members 156, 160. The second projection member 160 extends from the front surface 134C of the bracket member 134 and configured to define a second aperture 162 therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the second projection member 160 includes a base member 160A extending from the front surface 134C of the bracket member 134 and a clamp member 160B coupled to the base member 160A via fastening members 160C, such as bolts. The base member 160A and the clamp member 160B are together configured to define the second aperture 162. Each of the first and second apertures 158, 162 has a circular cross section. However, it may be contemplated that each of the first and second apertures 158, 162 may have a square, a rectangular, a polygonal, or any other cross section known in the art.

[0030] In another embodiment, the first and second projection members 156, 160 may be integrally formed with the elongate body of the bracket member 134. Further, the first and second apertures 158, 162 may be defined in the first and second projection members 156, 160, respectively, via a machining process, such as drilling, boring, reaming, or any other machining process known in the art. In yet another embodiment, at least one of the first and second projection members 156, 160 may be integrally formed with the elongate body of the bracket member 134.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 4, the cylinder 146 includes a stepped portion 164 defined around an outer surface thereof. The stepped portion 164 has a first surface 164A and a second surface 164B opposite to the first surface 164A. The stepped portion 164 defines a thickness T between the first and second surfaces 164A, 164B thereof. The thickness T is less than or equal to a distance D defined between the first and second projection members 156, 160. In other embodiments, the stepped portion 164 may have any shape or dimensional specification to dispose the cylinder 146 between the first and second projection members 156, 160.

[0032] The cylinder 146 further includes a first leg portion 166 extending from the first surface 164A of the stepped portion 164. The first leg portion 166 is configured to be received within the first aperture 158 of the first projection member 156. The cylinder 146 further includes a second leg portion 168 extending from the second surface 164B of the stepped portion 164 diametrically opposite to the first leg portion 166 along an axis A defined by the first leg portion 166. The second leg portion 168 is configured to be received within the second aperture 162 of the second projection member 160. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second leg portions 166, 168 has a circular cross section configured to be received within the first and second apertures 158, 162, respectively. However, it may be contemplated that each of the first and second leg portions 166, 168 may have a square, a rectangular, a polygonal, or any other cross section known in the art.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second leg portions 166, 168 are integrally formed with the cylinder 146. In another embodiment, the first and second leg portions 166, 168 may be separately coupled to the stepped portion 164 of the cylinder 146. In yet another embodiment, at least one of the first and second leg portions 166, 168 may be separately coupled to the stepped portion 164. Each of the first and second leg portions 166, 168 may have a thickness greater than or equal to a thickness of the first and second projection members 156, 160, respectively.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, during assembly of the movement actuator 144 with the bracket member 134, the stepped portion 164 of the cylinder 146 may be disposed within the base members 156A and 160A of the first and second projection members 156, 160. The first and second leg portions 166, 168 may be aligned with a portion of the first and second apertures 158, 162, respectively. Further, the clamp members 156B and 160B may be aligned with the base members 156A and 160A to receive the first and second leg portions 166, 168 within the first and second apertures 158, 162, respectively. The clamp members 156B and 160B may be further coupled to the base members 156A and 160A via the fastening members 156C and 160C, respectively. In an embodiment, the cylinder 146 may be rigidly coupled to the bracket member 134 to prevent rotation of the movement actuator 144 with respect to the bracket member 134 about the axis A. In yet another embodiment, a surface of the stepped portion 164 may be configured to abut the front surface 134C of the bracket member 134 to prevent rotation of the movement actuator 144 about the axis A.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the movement actuator 144 is configured to move the blade 118 with respect to the frame 102 in the first direction D1. The first direction D1 may correspond to a linear direction defined by the movement of the blade 118 along the rotational axis RA2 defined by the connecting member 130. The hydraulic system 126 may actuate the movement actuator 144 based on an input from the operator to move the blade 118 between a first position P1 (shown in FIG. 5A) and a second position P2 (shown in FIG. 5B) in the first direction D1. In an exemplary embodiment, the hydraulic system 126 may include a reservoir for containing hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic fluid contained in the reservoir may be used for actuating various components, such as the hydraulic actuators 124C, and the steering system of the motor grader 100. The hydraulic system 126 may include one or more pumps to supply pressurized hydraulic fluid to the various components and the systems. Further, one or more direction control valves may be used to control direction of flow of the hydraulic fluid. Further, additional control valves, such as check valves, pressure relief valves, pressure regulating valves, and the like may be used for generating required hydraulic power for actuation of the components and the systems.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 5A, during operation of the motor grader 100, based on the input from the operator, the hydraulic system 126 may communicate the pressurized hydraulic fluid with the second fluid port 146D of the cylinder 146 such that the second portion 148B of the rod member 148 is actuated to move the blade 118 towards the first position P1 in the first direction D1. Simultaneously, the hydraulic fluid available in the cylinder 146 at the first portion 148A of the rod member 148 may drain through the first fluid port 146C to communicate with the reservoir. Similarly, referring to FIG. 5B, based on the input from the operator, the hydraulic system 126 may communicate the pressurized hydraulic fluid with the first fluid port 146C such that the first portion 148A of the rod member 148 is actuated to move the blade 118 towards the second position P2 in the first direction D1. Simultaneously, the hydraulic fluid available in the cylinder 146 at the second portion 148B of the rod member 148 may drain through the second fluid port 146D to communicate with the reservoir. Thus, the blade 118 is moved between first position P1 and the second position P2 in the first direction D1 by the actuation of the movement actuator 144 based on the input from the operator.

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the actuating member 138 is configured to move the blade 118 with respect to the frame 102 in a second direction D2. The second direction D2 may correspond to an angular direction defined by the movement of the blade 118 about the rotational axis RA2 defined by the connecting member 130. The hydraulic system 126 may actuate the actuating member 138 based on an input from the operator to move the blade 118 between a first position P11 (shown in FIG. 6A) and a second position P22 (shown in FIG. 6B) in the second direction D2. Referring to FIG. 6A, the hydraulic system 126 may communicate the pressurized hydraulic fluid with the cylinder 138A of the actuating member 138 such that the piston rod 138B may move to the retracted position thereof to move the blade 118 towards the first position P11 in the second direction D2. Similarly, referring to FIG. 6B, based on the input from the operator, the hydraulic system 126 may communicate the pressurized hydraulic fluid with the cylinder 138A of the actuating member 138 such that the piston rod 138B may move to the extended position thereof to move the blade 118 towards the second position P22 in the second direction D2. Thus, the blade 118 is moved between the first position P11 and the second position P22 in the second direction D2 by the actuation of the actuating member 138 based on the input from the operator.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0038] The present disclosure relates to the assembly 132 for coupling the blade 118 with the frame 102. The assembly 132 includes the bracket member 134 for fixedly coupling the cylinder 146 of the movement actuator 144. The cylinder 146 is configured to couple with the bracket member 134 to provide rigid support of the blade 118 with the frame 102. Further, the first and second portions 148A, 148B of the rod member 148 are secured to the first and second segments 150, 152 of the blade 118, respectively, to further enhance coupling strength of the blade 118 with the frame 102. The present disclosure further relates to a method 200 of operating the blade 118.

[0039] FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of the method 200 of operating the blade 118. At step 202, the method 200 includes receiving the input from the operator. The operator may provide the input through the operator interface disposed in the operator cab 114. The operator may decide the inputs based on various operating parameters of the motor grader 100, such as a speed and earth moving operations of the motor grader 100. At step 204, the method 200 includes moving the ground engaging members 106 over the ground surface 101 based on the input from the operator. Based on the earth moving operation and terrain of the ground surface 101, the operator may control movement of the motor grader 100 over the ground surface 101.

[0040] At step 206, the method 200 includes moving the blade 118 in the first direction D1 with respect to the frame 102. The operator may provide input through the operator interface to actuate the hydraulic system 126. The hydraulic system 126 may control direction of flow of the hydraulic fluid to actuate either the first portion 148A or the second portion 148B of the rod member 148. Based on the input from the operator, the movement actuator 144 moves the blade 118 in the first direction D1 between the first position P1 and the second position P2. Further, the operator may actuate the hydraulic system 126 to move the blade 118 in the second direction D2 between the first position P11 and the second position P22. Thus the assembly 132 coupled between the blade 118 and the frame 102 may facilitate movement of the blade 118 in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 with respect to the frame 102.

[0041] According to the present disclosure, the movement actuator 144 is fixedly coupled to the blade 118 and the bracket member 134 and facilitates movement of the blade 118 in the first direction D1. The assembly 132 further includes less components compare to the existing blade mounting arrangement having guide rails and slide brackets. Further, the assembly 132 may require less maintenance compare to the existing blade mounting arrangement as the blade 118 is supported and moved by the movement actuator 144.

[0042] While aspects of the current disclosure have been particularly shown and described above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional aspects may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed machines, systems and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of what is disclosed. Such aspects should be understood to fall within the scope of the current disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof.