Dragline Bucket with Adjustable Placement of Chain Connections

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to dragline buckets used in various applications to move materials of various sorts. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to dragline buckets with the ability to adjust the placement of the chain connections depending on the application.

BACKGROUND

Machines such as dragline machines used in the mining industry and the like will often employ dragline buckets move various materials such as soil, rock, ore, etc. As can be imagined, the situation or application for use of such machines and dragline buckets will change from time to time. For example, the angle at which the digging is performed or other variables dealing with the digging layout may change. Also, the type of material be excavated may also vary from application to application. In some cases, it may desirable to chop a wall. In other cases, the dragline bucket may be oriented to perform a level drag near bench height. In yet further applications, the bucket may be dragged downhill or uphill. Examples of different materials that may be moved include loose soil, sand soil, clump or adhesive materials or soil, rocky soil, etc. Digging performance is typically affected by the application variables. Accordingly, it may be desirable to vary the orientation or construction of the apparatus to increase the digging performance.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,384,430 to Steil discloses a dragline bucket that may be used in applications. Looking at FIG. 1 of Steil, the bucket has two fixed locations for a vertical chain and a vertical dumping rope to be attached to the bucket and one forward fixed location for a horizontal chain to be attached to the bucket. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,809 to Bessey discloses a bucket design in FIG. 2 where the rearward vertical chain attachment is fixed and the intermediate attachment is used to attach a dumping rope in a fixed position. Last, the front most horizontal chain attachment is also fixed.

The relative positioning of the buckets in Bessey and Steil relative to the material desired to be moved and/or the machine is achieved by moving the chains or ropes relative to each other. Since the dumping rope is connected often to a horizontal chain, the versatility of moving the bucket is limited. In one typical orientation, the horizontal chain attached to the front of the bucket is pulled forward just enough so that the mouth of the bucket is facing horizontal. In another typical orientation, the horizontal chain attached to the front of the bucket is pulled down slightly to achieve a down angle attitude to the material desired to be moved and/or the machine. It has been found that this system lacks the desired versatility to maximize the digging performance for various applications.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

A bucket for use with a machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. The bucket comprises a base member, a first side member extending from the base member, 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 spanning at least the majority of the distance between the first side member and the second side member. The first side member, second side member and base member define a mouth for receiving material into the bucket, and the bucket defines a center of gravity and a first attachment region, a second attachment region, and a third attachment region configured to connect to flexible members, each attachment region including a plurality of attachment points.

A bucket for use with a machine according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. The bucket comprises a base member, a first side member extending from the base member, 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, a rear member extending from the base member and spanning at least the majority of the distance between the first side member and the second side member, and an arch spanning between the first and second side members. The first side member, second side member and base member define a mouth for receiving material into the bucket, and the bucket defines a center of gravity and a first attachment region, a second attachment region, and a third attachment region configured to connect to flexible members, and at least two attachment regions include a plurality of attachment points and the first attachment region is disposed on the arch.

A machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. The machine comprises a frame, a motor, a boom, a cable drum driven by the motor and a rig system connected to the cable drum. A cab, an undercarriage drive driven by the motor, and a bucket connected to the rig system are also provided. The bucket includes a base member, a first side member extending from the base member, 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, a rear member extending from the base member and spanning at least the majority of the distance between the first side member and the second side member, and an arch spanning between the first and second side members. The first side member, second side member and base member define a mouth for receiving material into the bucket, and the bucket defines a center of gravity and a first attachment region disposed on the arch that includes at least two attachment points.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a dragline machine that may employ a bucket with adjustable placement of chain connections and the like used to move a material such as soil or the like according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and/or, a bucket with an active tilt device disposed between the bucket and the machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a front oriented perspective view of a bucket with adjustable placement of chain connections according to an embodiment of the present disclosure shown in isolation from a machine and in a horizontal orientation.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the bucket of FIG. 2 shown in a tilted or substantially vertical orientation.

FIG. 4 is a side view a bucket showing an alternative way of attaching a flexible member such as chain, cable or rope to the bucket using a trunnion type connection.

FIG. 5 is a front oriented perspective view of a bucket with adjustable placement of chain connections according to another embodiment of the present disclosure shown in isolation from a machine and in a horizontal orientation.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the bucket of FIG. 5 shown in a tilted or substantially vertical orientation.

FIG. 7 is a front oriented perspective view of a bucket with an active tilt device attached to the rigging between the bucket and the boom of the machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure shown in isolation from a machine in a horizontal direction.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the bucket of FIG. 7 shown in a tilted or substantially vertical orientation.

FIG. 9 is a side view of dragline machine that may employ a bucket with adjustable placement of chain connections and the like used to move a material such as soil or the like according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and/or, a bucket with an active tilt device disposed between the bucket and the machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the bucket being used to move material at a location low and far away from the machine. The bucket is being moved horizontally toward the machine during excavation.

FIG. 10 is a side view of dragline machine that may employ a bucket with adjustable placement of chain connections and the like used to move a material such as soil or the like according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and/or, a bucket with an active tilt device disposed between the bucket and the machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the bucket being used to move material at a location of medium height and far away from the machine. The bucket is being moved horizontally toward the machine during excavation.

FIG. 11 is a side view of dragline machine that may employ a bucket with adjustable placement of chain connections and the like used to move a material such as soil or the like according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and/or, a bucket with an active tilt device disposed between the bucket and the machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the bucket being used to move material at a location high and far away from the machine. The bucket is being moved horizontally toward the machine during excavation.

FIG. 12 is a side view of dragline machine that may employ a bucket with adjustable placement of chain connections and the like used to move a material such as soil or the like according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and/or, a bucket with an active tilt device disposed between the bucket and the machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the bucket being used to move material at a location high and far away from the machine. The bucket is being moved down vertically during excavation.

FIG. 13 is a side view of dragline machine that may employ a bucket with adjustable placement of chain connections and the like used to move a material such as soil or the like according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and/or, a bucket with an active tilt device disposed between the bucket and the machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the bucket being used to move material at a location low and far away from the machine. The bucket is being moved horizontally toward the machine during excavation. For this embodiment, a side cut where material is located below and above the bucket is being illustrate.

FIG. 14 shows the use of an eye plate with a hook, clevis or loop type connection that may be used to attach a flexible member to a bucket according to any embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 depicts the use of tabs and slots that may mate with a pin type connection that may be used to attach a flexible member to a bucket according to any embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 illustrates a similar connection to that of FIG. 15 except that multiple tabs and slots are provide which may be allow for offset connections, providing a method for adjusting the location of the connection point according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 shows the use of a moving connection point that is powered by a screw or other similar apparatus that moves the connection point as the screw is rotated.

FIG. 18 illustrates another moving connection point in the form of sliding connector that mates with the bucket using a tongue in groove construction. The connector may slide to a desired position and then be locked into place using devices and methods known in the art.

FIGS. 19 and 20 show the use of a pin connection with spacer members that may be altered to adjust the location of the attachment point according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart containing a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure for efficiently moving material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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 a prime indicator such as 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 or primes will often not be included herein but may be shown in the drawings to indicate duplications of features discussed within this written specification.

In some instances, digging performance is improved by changing the size, shape, and/or angle of the ground engaging tools: tips and/or shrouds, etc. that are attached to the bucket. This disclosure describes the creation of dragline bucket with multiple connection locations and/or with adjustable connection locations. The multiple/adjustable connection locations allow the bucket to be quickly adapted to changes in application and/or the material being dug. This creates value for the machine user, as the dragline and bucket may have increased performance and dig more material. This disclosure also describes the creation of dragline bucket with adjustable bucket tilt mechanism/device. The adjustable tilt mechanism/device enables the bucket to be tilted more upward or more downward to dig more effectively with changes in application and/or the material being dug. This creates value for the machine user.

First, a machine will now be described to give the reader the proper context for understanding how various embodiments of the present disclosure are used to excavate or mine material to be moved. It is to be understood that this description is given as exemplary and not in any limiting sense. Any embodiment of an apparatus or method described herein may be used in conjunction with any suitable machine.

FIG. 1 illustrates a dragline earth-moving machine 100 including a frame 102 and a cabin or cab 104 containing the power machinery such as a motor 106 and cable drums 108 and providing a base for one end of a boom 110. A bucket 200, 300, 400 is suspended from the tip 112 of the boom 110 remote from the cabin 104 by a hoist rope or cable 114 which passes through a boom sheave 116 at the tip 112. The cable 114 is operated by a cable drum 108 in the cabin 104. In other words, the machine 100 includes a rig system 118 including one or more cables or ropes that are connected to one or more cable drums 108, 108′, which are powered by the motor 106. The motor could be an electrical motor, an internal combustion engine, etc. The machine also includes an undercarriage drive 120 driven by the motor 104. The undercarriage drive may take any suitable form include wheels, endless track, walking mechanism, etc.

The hoist rope 114 moves the bucket 200, 300, 400 in a vertical direction while a dragrope 122 moves it in a horizontal direction. The dragrope 122 is operated by a cable drum 108 from the cabin 104 and passes through a sheave 124 located at the front of the cabin 104.

The bucket 200, 300, 400 is attached to the hoist rope 114 by hoist chains 126 attached to hoist trunnions 128 at either side of the bucket 200, 300, 400. The trunnions 128 are spaced from the center of gravity 130 of the bucket in a direction remote from the front or lip end 132 of the bucket 200, 300, 400.

The dragrope 122 is attached to the bucket 200, 300, 400 by chains 134 which are fastened by bail fastenings 136 to either side of the bucket adjacent the lip end 132 thereof and normally below the arch 138. The arch 138 spans the distance between the sidewalls of the bucket at the front thereof and is spaced above and normally slightly in front of the lip 132. The chains 134 are attached to the dragrope through a fastening such as a crow's foot 140. The chains 126 are attached to the hoist rope 114 through a member 142 which also serves as a point of attachment for a dump sheave 144 which is either integral with member 142 or is attached thereto so as to anchor the dump sheave 144 to the hoist rope 114. A dump rope 146 has one end thereof attached to the dragrope 122 through the crow's foot 140 and the other end thereof attached to the forward part of the bucket such as the arch 138 at a central point 148 thereof.

During operation, the bucket 200, 300, 400 is dropped to the ground at a position approximately below the tip 112 of the boom 110 as is illustrated in position A of FIG. 1. From this position, the bucket 200, 300, 400 is towed forward by the dragrope 122 across the surface 150 to be excavated. During this towing operation, the hoist rope may be slack. The dump rope 122 may also be slack. When the bucket is full, the hoist rope is used to lift it from the surface 150 as is indicated in the position B of FIG. 1. Because the trunnions 128 attaching the hoist chains 126 to the bucket 200, 300, 400 are located behind the center of gravity 130, the bucket has a tendency to tip forward which would dump the load. To compensate for this, the dump rope 146 is kept in a state of tension to retain the front of the bucket level with the rear thereof. When it is desired to dump the load as indicated by the position C of FIG. 1, releasing the tension in the dump rope 146 will allow the front of the bucket to tilt downwardly thereby dumping the load from the bucket.

In order to keep tension in the dump rope 146, it is necessary to keep tension in the dragrope 122. For this reason, it is impossible to lift the bucket from a position directly under the boom without having it tilt forward. The tension in the dump rope 146 is created and dependent upon the existence of tension in the dragrope 122. Tension in the dragrope 122 is, in turn, a function of the weight of the bucket and contents and the angular displacement thereof from a position vertically below the boom sheave 116.

The tension necessary in the dump rope 146 to keep the bucket level is in turn dependent upon the weight of the bucket and contents and the length of the moment arm created by the distance between hoist trunnions 128 and the center of gravity 130. Because the dump line 146 is connected to the bucket at an angle to the horizontal or bucket level, the tension required in the dump rope is also a function of the placement of the dump sheave 144 which creates that angularity.

Inasmuch as it is necessary to be able to adjust the bucket to a level position when empty, the length of the dump rope 146 and positioning of the dump sheave 144 are set so as to optimize the ability to manipulate the bucket into a level position as close as possible vertically under the boom sheave when the bucket is empty. As the bucket is filled, and therefore becomes heavier, the tension necessary in the dump rope to prevent the increasing tilting moment also increases. If it is assumed that the entirety of the tension in the dragrope 122 is transferrable to the dump rope 146 to keep the bucket level, then it can be seen that because of the increase in required tension in the dump rope, the bucket must be moved further and further from the point vertically under the boom sheave. In addition, due to the attachment of the dump sheave 144 to the hoist rope 114, the vertical component of the tension in the dump rope 146 becomes an added force which must be lifted in addition to the weight of the bucket and contents.

Looking now at FIGS. 2 and 3, a bucket 200 that may be used with a machine 100 such as that shown in FIG. 1 using a two cable rigging system 118 is depicted. FIG. 2 illustrates the bucket in a horizontal orientation used to excavate material while FIG. 3 The bucket 200 may comprise a base member 202, a first side member 204 extending from the base member 204, a second side member 206 extending from the base member 200 in an opposing manner to the first side member 204 defining a distance 208 from the first side member 204 to the second side member 206, and a rear member 210 (best seen in FIG. 3) extending from the base member and spanning at least the majority of the distance 208 between the first side member 204 and the second side member 206. For this embodiment, the back end is completely enclosed, meaning that the rear member extends all the between the first and second side members.

As a result of this construction, the first side member 204, second side member 206 and base member 202 define a mouth 211 for receiving material into the bucket 200 and the material will not exit the back end easily. The bucket 200 defines a center of gravity C and a first attachment region 212, a second attachment region 214, and a third attachment region 216 configured to connect to flexible members 218 such as chains, cables or ropes. For this embodiment, the first side member 204, second side member 206, and rear member 210 define a top opening 222 (best seen in FIG. 3). This may not be the case for other embodiments.

Each attachment region 212, 214, 216 includes a plurality of attachment points 220. These attachment points 220 may take the form of trunnions 128 as shown or may take other forms as will be discussed shortly. The attachment points may be on the outside of the various members such as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. In other embodiments, the attachment points may be located on the inside of the various members or near the top of the various members. It is to be understood that for the second and third attachment regions, symmetrical attachment points would typically be found on the other side of the bucket, mirrored about a plane defined by the hoist cable 114 and the dump rope 146. Similarly, there would typically be a first set of attachment points such as 220h and 200j and second set of attachment points such as 220g and 200i so that the ropes or chains attached thereto would properly balance the bucket load. The first attachment region 212 includes at least two different attachment points 200, the second attachment region 214 includes five different attachment points 200 and the third attachment region 216 includes at least three attachment points 200. The number of attachment points and their configuration may be varied as needed or desired.

The arch 138 is attached to the first and second side member 204, 206 and positioned proximate the mouth 211 of the bucket 200, and the first attachment region 212 is disposed near the top of the arch 138.

As alluded to earlier herein, the second attachment region 214 is positioned on the first and second side members 204, 206 between the center of gravity C and the rear member 210 along a direction 224 parallel with the base member 202 and the third attachment region 216 is positioned on the first and second side members 204, 206 in front of the center of gravity C and proximate the mouth 211 of the bucket 200 along a direction parallel 224 with the base member 202.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a bucket 200′ showing an alternative way of attaching a flexible member such as chain or rope to the bucket using a rotating bolt type connection 226. As shown, a bail member 228 is attached to first or second side member 204′, 206′ using a rotating bolt type connection 226. Though not shown, the flexible member may be attached to the bail in any suitable manner including using a trunnion, etc. Any suitable method of attachment may be used for any of the embodiments discussed herein.

Turning now to FIGS. 5 and 6, an alternative embodiment of a bucket 300 for use with a machine that uses a three cable rigging system 118′ is shown. The bucket 300 may comprise a base member 302, a first side member 304 extending from the base member 302, a second side member 304 extending from the base member 302 in an opposing manner to the first side member 304 defining a distance 308 from the first side member 304 to the second side member 306, a rear member 310 extending from the base member 302 and spanning at least the majority of the distance 308 between the first side member 304 and the second side member 306, and an arch 138′ spanning between the first and second side members 304, 306. The first side member 304, the second side member 306 and the base member 302 define a mouth 311 for receiving material into the bucket 300. The first side member 304, second side member 306, and rear member 310 define a top opening 322.

The bucket 300 defines a center of gravity C and a first attachment region 312, a second attachment region 314, and a third attachment region 316 configured to connect to flexible members 318, and at least two attachment regions include a plurality of attachment points 320 and the first attachment region 312 is disposed on the arch 138′. For this embodiment, the arch 138′ is positioned proximate the mouth 311 of the bucket 300, and the first attachment region 312 is disposed near the top of the arch 138′. The second attachment region 318 is disposed on the rear member 310 and includes two attachment points 320 and the third attachment region 316 includes three attachment points 320. The second attachment region could be switched to the sides of the first and second side members if so desired, etc.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a bucket assembly for use with a machine. The bucket assembly 400 may comprise a bucket 401 including a base member 402, a first side member 404 extending from the base member 402, a second side member 406 extending from the base member 402 in an opposing manner to the first side member 404 defining a distance 408 from the first side member 404 to the second side member 406, a rear member 410 extending from the base member 402 and spanning at least the majority of the distance 408 between the first side member 404 and the second side member 406. The first side member 404, second side member 406 and base member 402 define a mouth 411 for receiving material into the bucket 401.

The bucket 401 defines a center of gravity C and a first attachment region 412, a second attachment region 414, and a third attachment region 416 configured to connect to flexible members 418, and at least a first flexible member 418a attached to the first attachment region 412, at least a second flexible member 418b attached to the second attachment region 414 and at least a third flexible member 418c attached to the third attachment region 416, and an active tilt device 424 that is in operative association with the first flexible member 414a and the second flexible member 414b.

In some embodiments like the one shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the bucket 400 may further comprise an arch 138″ and the first attachment region 412 may be disposed on the arch 138″. This may not be the case for other embodiments. For the embodiments shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the first, second and third attachment regions 412, 414, 418 do not necessarily include a plurality of attachment points 420 but they could such as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. As shown the second attachment region 414 is disposed on the rear member 410 but this region may be disposed on the first and second side members 404, 406 in other embodiments such as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

The active tilt device 424 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 may be any device that alters the relative position of one flexible member 418 connected to the bucket 401 with respect to another flexible member 418 connected to the bucket upon receiving a signal. For example, the active tilt device 424 may be a solenoid, hydraulic cylinder or a winch, etc. When the device takes the form of a winch 426, the winch 426 may be powered hydraulically or electrically. In such a case, a power supply line 428 such as a hydraulic line or electrical cable may be connected to or attached to the winch for providing power thereto. The power supply line typically would lead back to the cabin and be in communication with a controller. The user may interact with the controller via hand controls, a GUI, etc. to send a signal to the winch 426 to change the angle or tilt of the bucket 401 or bucket assembly 400 as needed or desired. For the embodiments shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the first flexible member 418a would be drawn toward and around the winch 426 or away from the winch, changing its angle relative to the second flexible member 418b. For this embodiment, the third flexible member 418c is not in operative association with the first and second flexible members 418a, 418b. Other arrangements are possible, this arrangement being one suited for a three cable rig system 118′.

For the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the winch or other active tilt device is positioned in the boom of the machine for support while also being in operative association with the cables or other flexible members of the rigging system of the bucket and/or machine. It is contemplated that the active tilt device might not be so positioned in other embodiments and may be closer to the bucket in other embodiments.

It should be noted that any of these dimensions and ratios of any bucket and/or bucket assembly as well as the rig system associated therewith, etc. may be varied as desired or needed and may differently configured if so desired or needed.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

In practice, a bucket according to any of the embodiments discussed herein may be manufactured, bought, or sold to retrofit an existing machine in the field to improve digging performance. In other situations, the bucket may be sold according to any embodiment described herein with a machine in an original equipment scenario or the like, that is to say, new.

Referring back to FIGS. 1-6, a machine 100 fitted with any of these buckets in the OEM or aftermarket context may comprise a frame 102, a motor 106, a boom 110, a cable drum 108 driven by the motor 106 and a rig system 118 connected to the cable drum 108, a cab 104, and an undercarriage drive driven by the motor 106.

Also, a bucket 200, 300 may be connected to the rig system 118 and may include a base member 202, 302, a first side member 204, 304 extending from the base member 202, 302, a second side member 206, 306 extending from the base member 202, 302 in an opposing manner to the first side member 204, 304 defining a distance 208, 308 from the first side member 204, 304 to the second side member 206, 306, a rear member 210, 310 extending from the base member 202, 302 and spanning at least the majority of the distance 208, 308 between the first side member 204, 304 and the second side member 206, 306, and an arch spanning between the first and second side members. The first side member, second side member and base member define a mouth 211, 311 for receiving material into the bucket 200, 300, and the bucket defines a center of gravity C and a first attachment region 212, 312 disposed on the arch 138, 138′ that includes at least two attachment points 220, 320.

In some embodiments, for example, such as those shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the bucket 200, 300 further includes a second attachment region 214, 314 disposed on the first and second side members 204, 304, 206, 306 between the center of gravity C and the rear member 210, 310 along a direction 224, 324 parallel to the base member 202, 302. In other embodiments, such as those shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the second attachment region 214, 314 is disposed on the rear member 210, 310. In either case, the second attachment region 214, 314 may include a plurality of attachment points 220, 320.

Typically, the bucket 200, 300 further includes a third attachment region 216, 316 disposed on the first and second side members 204, 304, 206, 306 in front of the center of gravity C of the bucket 200, 300 and proximate the mouth 211, 311 of the bucket 200, 300 along a direction parallel 224, 324 with the base member 202, 302, the third attachment region 216, 316 including a plurality of attachment points 220, 320.

The machine may use a two cable rigging system 118, a three cable rigging system 118′ or any other suitably configured rigging system to connect the bucket to the machine.

Furthermore, after such a bucket has been installed on a machine, an active tilt device may be interposed between the machine and the bucket, being in operative association with the rigging. In some applications, the bucket and the active tilt device may be sold or otherwise provided together to be later installed on a machine, etc.

Similar statements may be made relative to the bucket assembly of FIGS. 7 and 8 as have just been made with respect to FIGS. 1-6. More specifically, various features shown in FIGS. 1-6 may be added to, substituted for, etc. with the embodiments shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. In other instances, the tilt device may be added to a bucket or bucket subassembly already present in the field. Once the bucket subassembly 400 has been installed on the machine 100, the machine may be operated as previously described to change the angle or tilt of the bucket or bucket subassembly. The machine may be described as comprising a frame 102, a motor 106, a boom 110, a cable drum 108 driven by the motor 106 and a rig system 118 connected to the cable drum 108, a cab 104, an undercarriage drive 120 driven by the motor 104, and a bucket 401 connected to the rig system 118.

The bucket 401 may include a base member 402, a first side member 404 extending from the base member 402, a second side member 406 extending from the base member 402 in an opposing manner to the first side member 404 defining a distance 408 from the first side member 404 to the second side member 406, a rear member 410 extending from the base member 402 and spanning at least the majority of the distance 408 between the first side member 404 and the second side member 406, and an arch 138″ spanning between the first and second side members 404, 406.

The first side member 404, second side member 406 and base member 402 define a mouth 411 for receiving material into the bucket 401 and the bucket 401 defines a center of gravity C and includes a first attachment region 412, a second attachment region 414, and a third attachment region 416 configured to connect to flexible members 418, and at least a first flexible member 418a is attached to the first attachment region 412, at least a second flexible member 418b attached to the second attachment region 414 and at least a third flexible member 418c attached to the third attachment region 416, and an active tilt device 424 disposed in the rig system 118 between the bucket 401 and the cable drum 108. The rig system 118 may be a three cable system, two cable system, or any other suitable cable system.

Any embodiments of the buckets 200, 300, 401 or bucket assemblies 400 discussed herein may be used to excavate or otherwise move material 152 in a host of applications in an efficient manner. Looking now at FIG. 9, this figure illustrates that machine 100 and bucket 200, 300, 401, 400 may be used in a manner similar to what has been shown and described with respect to FIG. 1. For this application, a surface excavation may be accomplished by placing the bucket below the machine 100 vertically at a considerable distance horizontally away from the machine 100. Then, a predominantly horizontal dragging movement 154 may be accomplished to fill the bucket 200, 300, 401, 400. It is to be understood that the bucket will often rotate slightly upward at the end of the movement once enough material has entered the bucket so that material may be moved to a dumping site without having the material fall out of the bucket.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a similar horizontal dragging movement 154 may be used to move material 152 when the bucket 200, 300, 400, 401 is at relatively the same vertical height as the machine 100 and the movement begins a location far away horizontally from the machine 100.

FIG. 11 illustrates that various embodiments of the buckets 200, 300, 401 or bucket assemblies 401 as described herein may be used to make a horizontal digging motion 154 at a place elevated above the machine and located far away horizontally from the machine 100. For this application, the movement 156 may actually be horizontal and slightly downward vertically to maximize the payload scooped by the bucket as the bucket engages the work material 152. This application may be used when a hill 158 is present.

Turning now to FIG. 12, the bucket 200, 300, 400, 401 may be moved downward vertically (see arrow 160) to allow the face of a cliff 162 or other step in the terrain to be excavated. The movement may start at far as away as possible from the machine 100 both vertically and horizontally. Downward movement 160 of the bucket will cause material 152 to enter the bucket and then the bucket may be rotated to achieve a horizontal configuration, helping to keep the material to stay within the bucket while being moved to a dump site. The vertical orientation of the bucket may be also used to dump the payload of the bucket once the bucket is positioned over the dump site.

FIG. 13 depicts a side cut where the bucket 200, 300, 400, 401 makes a cut on the terrain along a vertical extending shelf 164 of the terrain. The bucket is moved horizontally and then away from the shelf (see arrow 166), creating a tunnel 168 or groove along the shelf 164 as work material 152 enters the bucket. Other types of cuts or excavation orientations are possible, etc. The location of the side cut may be high on the shelf or low, etc. Also, the side cut may be used in conjunction with the other types of excavations described herein and vice versa.

As mentioned earlier herein, various type of connections 500 or attachments may be used at the attachment points 220, 320, 420 such as trunnions 128 (see FIGS. 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8) and bolted connections 226 (see FIG. 4). FIG. 14 shows another type of connection 500 that may be used at an attachment point 220, 320, 420 for various embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, an eye plate 502 with an aperture 504 may be provided through which a hook 506, a clevis fastener 508 or a pin 510, etc. may be placed to hang the bucket 200, 300, 401 from a flexible member such as a cable or chain or the like.

Similarly, FIG. 15 shows that a pair of tabs 512 with a slot 514 therebetween may be used with a complimentarily configured tab member 516 on the bucket 200, 300, 401 to attach a flexible member using a pin 510 or bolt with a clevis fastener 508 to the to the bucket or the like by sliding the pin 510 or bolt through the apertures 504 of the tabs 512 and the clevis fastener 508. As shown by FIG. 16, a plurality of tabs 512 and slots 514 may be provided so that the mating member 516 with complimentary shaped tabs 512 and slots 514 may fit together at a plurality of locations. Hence, multiple positions of attachment points may be provided. Again, the connection 500″ may be completed using a pin or bolt, etc. Other types of connections are possible.

Alternatively, rather than have discrete positions for the attachment points, a continuously varying position of the attachment point may be provided. Looking at FIG. 17, a screw mechanism 602 may mate with the connection 600 using a plate 604 with an aperture 606 and a clevis fastener 608 and pin 610 combination. The screw mechanism may be rotated by a motor, such as one powered hydraulically or electrically, etc., causing the connection 600 to move up or down the screw mechanism 602. Hence, the position of the connection 600 may be varied as needed or desired without being limited a specific space.

Likewise, FIG. 18 shows that a sliding plate 702 with an aperture 704 may be used in conjunction with a clevis fastener or the like (not shown), etc. so that the attachment point may also be varied continuously by sliding the tongue 706 of the plate 702 in the groove 708 of the bucket. The connection 700 may be clamped into position using methods or devices known in the art once the desired location has been determined and set. Other possible mechanisms that may provide for continuous adjustment of the location of the include spring latch slide mechanisms, hydraulic slide mechanisms such as those that are connected to a piston/rod that are part of a hydraulic cylinder or the like, etc.

The mechanisms in FIGS. 17 and 18 may be described as being configured to alter or continuously vary the position of an attachment point, thereby providing a plurality of attachment points for a particular attachment region. These mechanisms may be controlled using methods and devices known in the art using a controller or hand controls located in the cabin of the machine. The user may send a signal to the mechanisms to alter the movement of the attachment point using hydraulics, a mechanical system, an electrical motor, etc.

FIGS. 19 and 20 show the use of a pin connection 800 with spacer members 802 that may be altered to adjust the location of the attachment point according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. More specifically, a first pin 804 is used to keep the space members 802 and the plate 806 in a fixed position. Then a clevis fastener 808 may be attached to the plate 806 using a second pin 810 in a manner as previously described. The connection may be disassembled and the spacers rearranged and the connection reassembled so the first configuration in FIG. 19 may be changed to the second configuration shown in FIG. 20.

As can be imagined, a host of embodiments are possible that may be used with any number of applications. For example, a bucket may have regions that only have a discrete plurality of attachment points or a combination of regions having both continuously varying attachment points and a discrete plurality of attachment points. Furthermore, some buckets may have regions that only have continuously varying attachment points, etc.

Focusing now on FIG. 21, this figure contains a flowchart describing a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure for efficiently moving material using a machine with a bucket. The method 900 comprises determining at least one of the following variables: location of the material to be moved relative to the machine; type of material to be moved; and the desired direction for moving the bucket (step 902); and changing the orientation of the bucket relative to the machine based on any one of these variables (step 904). These steps may be performed manually by the user or operator or may be performed automatically via the controller of the machine, etc.

In some embodiments, changing the orientation includes changing the location of the attachment point of one or more attachment regions of the bucket (step 906).

Changing the location of the attachment point may be performed in a discrete manner (step 908).

Changing the location of the attachment point may be performed in a continuous manner (step 910).

In other embodiments, changing the orientation may include activating an active tilt device that is operatively connected to the bucket at two locations (step 912). For example, when a three cable rigging system is provided, the active tilt device may be connected to two of the flexible members and not a third flexible member as previously described herein. As a consequence, the bucket may tilt up or down without moving the bucket relative to the machine. Other configurations are possible.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dragline Bucket with Adjustable Placement of Chain Connections

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