TECHNICAL FIELD
This disclosure generally relates to articulating snow wing attachments intended for use with pieces of heavy equipment such as motor grader machines. In particular, this disclosure relates to a snow wing linkage that couples a snow wing blade to a piece of heavy equipment, specifically a motor grader, and articulates the snow wing blade relative to the motor grader.
BACKGROUND
Earthmoving machines, for example motor graders, are commonly used to push or grade dirt, gravel, snow, or other work materials. Motor graders include a ground-engaging blade coupled to a frame and positioned intermediate the front and rear wheels. The blade can pivot, raise, or lower with respect to the frame of the motor grader. The blade can engage a ground surface to plow, grade, or otherwise engage a work material. Motor graders can be fitted with an additional implement that extends laterally outwardly to one side of the motor grader. This additional implement, often referred to as a snow wing, can be used to further engage a work material positioned to the side of the motor grader. The snow wing includes a moldboard (e.g., a blade) coupled to the motor grader via two or more linkages. The snow wing can raise or lower with respect to the frame of the motor grader so that the snow wing can engage the work material at a variable height from a ground surface. For example, the moldboard can be positioned to engage the ground surface but can also be raised from the ground surface so that the snow wing plows snow at some spaced distance, sometimes called a bench height from the ground surface (e.g., one foot from the ground surface). The snow wing can further be pivoted about a pivot point proximal to the motor grader relative to the ground surface so that the moldboard can engage a sloped surface. The distal end of the moldboard can be pivoted downward relative the motor grader for use on a contour such as a ditch or can be pivoted upward relative to the motor grate for use on a contour such as a hillside.
The snow wing linkages can facilitate movement of the moldboard. In conventional machines, two types of snow wing linkage designs are commonly used: masted and mastless. In the case of masted snow wings, a mast is coupled to the motor grader, and the moldboard translates up and down along the mast to vary the height of the moldboard relative to the ground surface. The mast is typically large and obstructs an operator's view from a cab of the motor grader during operation. Further, the mast can inhibit operation of a door to the cab of the motor grader. In the case of mastless snow wings, a four-bar linkage is used to couple the moldboard with the motor grader. The four-bar linkage is coupled to the motor grader at a first end and to the moldboard at a second, free end. The four-bar linkage includes four rigid links and a lift cylinder to pivot the second end of the four-bar linkage relative to the first end to cause the moldboard to raise or lower with respect to the ground surface. While mastless snow wings offer greater visibility from the cab and increased function of the cab door, mastless snow wings offer a lesser range of bench heights. Masted snow wings, on the other hand, offer a greater range of available bench heights.
Both masted and mastless snow wings use a complex arrangement of linkages to articulate the snow wing moldboard. For instance, both masted and mastless designs include a hydraulic actuator to pivot the moldboard about a pivot joint, where the pivot joint is a pin extending through a work material engaging surface of the moldboard. Because this pivot joint is exposed to work material, such as snow and salt on the roadway, it is undesirably susceptible to corrosion. Both the masted and mastless designs further include a push pole coupling the moldboard to a rear of the motor grader to selectively rotate the moldboard inboard or outboard about a hinge of the mast or four-bar linkage, respectively. This push pole is coupled to the motor grader via a shear pin that is configured to function as a safety device and break if the moldboard experiences sufficiently high forces. When the shear pin breaks, the push pole is inoperable, and the moldboard cannot be articulated. An operator must stop the machine and replace the broken shear pin before an operation can resume. The push pole further limits a range of motion of the moldboard such that the moldboard cannot be tightly stowed against the side of the motor grader, which undesirably limits an operator's visibility from the cab.
SUMMARY
One aspect of the present disclosure is related to a snow wing assembly for a machine including a moldboard and a linkage assembly. The linkage assembly includes a first linkage, a second linkage, a third linkage, and a fourth linkage. The first linkage is coupled with the moldboard. The second linkage is pivotally coupled with the first linkage at a first outboard end of the second linkage. The third linkage is pivotally coupled with the first linkage at a second outboard end of the third linkage. The fourth linkage is coupled with the machine and pivotally coupled with a first inboard end of the second linkage and a second inboard end of the third linkage. The third linkage is selectively adjustable to vary a distance between the second outboard end and the second inboard end for tilting the moldboard.
Another aspect of the present disclosure is related to a linkage assembly for a machine, including a first linkage, a second linkage, a third linkage, and a fourth linkage. The first linkage defines a first axis. The second linkage is pivotally coupled with the first linkage at a first outboard end of the second linkage. The third linkage is pivotally coupled with the first linkage at a second outboard end of the third linkage. The fourth linkage is configured to couple with the machine. The fourth linkage is pivotally coupled with a first inboard end of the second linkage and a second inboard end of the third linkage. The third linkage is selectively adjustable to alter an orientation of the first axis with respect to a ground surface.
Another aspect of the present disclosure is related to a snow wing assembly for a machine including a first linkage assembly, a second linkage assembly, and a moldboard. The first linkage assembly includes a first linkage, a second linkage, a third linkage, and a fourth linkage. The second linkage is coupled with the first linkage at a first outboard end of the second linkage and pivotable about a tilt axis. The third linkage includes a first actuator. The third linkage is coupled with the first linkage at a second outboard end of the third linkage. The fourth linkage is configured to couple with the machine. The fourth linkage is pivotally coupled with the second linkage at a first inboard end of the second linkage and the third linkage at a second inboard end of the third linkage. The second linkage assembly is coupled at a third inboard end to the machine. The second linkage assembly includes a second actuator. The moldboard includes an outboard side and an inboard side opposite the outboard side. The moldboard is coupled with the first linkage on the inboard side and is pivotable about an angle axis. The moldboard is pivotally coupled with a third outboard end of the second linkage assembly on the outboard side. The first actuator is configured to rotate the moldboard about the tilt axis and the second actuator configured to rotate the moldboard about the angle axis.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a machine having a snow wing assembly in a deployed position, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the machine and the snow wing assembly in the deployed position, in accordance with exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a right-side perspective view of the machine of FIG. 1 with the snow wing in a stowed position, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a top of the machine and the snow wing assembly in the deployed position, in accordance with exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the snow wing assembly of FIG. 1 in a lowered and deployed position, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the snow wing assembly of FIG. 1 in a raised and deployed position, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a linkage assembly of the snow wing assembly of FIG. 1, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the linkage assembly in a first orientation, in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the linkage assembly in a second orientation, in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a float member of the linkage assembly of FIG. 7, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 11 a detailed view of the float member of the linkage assembly, in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 10.
FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the snow wing assembly in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1.
FIG. 13 partial cross-section view of a cab of the machine of FIG. 1, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of the snow wing assembly of FIG. 1 in a lowered and deployed position, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to FIGS. 1-4, among others, a machine 100 or piece of heavy equipment, in this case, shown as motor grader 100, generally includes a frame 102, first side 105, a second side 110 opposite the first side 105, a front 115, and a cab 120 coupled to the frame 102. The first side 105 is a right side as shown. In other embodiments, the first side 105 can be a left side. The motor grader 100 further includes a rear 305, as depicted in FIGS. 3-4, among others. The motor grader 100 includes a plurality of front wheels 122 and a plurality of rear wheels 310 rotatably coupled to the frame 102. One or more of the front wheels 122 and the rear wheels 310 are configured to propel the motor grader 100 when driven by an engine, motor, or other propulsion device. The motor grader 100 includes a blade 125 pivotably coupled to an underside 300 of the frame 102 and extending substantially laterally beneath the frame 102. The blade 125 extends beneath the frame 102 between the front wheels 122 and the rear wheels 310. During operation, the blade 125 selectively contacts a ground surface 170 to grade, plow, or otherwise engage with a work material, such as snow, dirt, gravel, or some other material present on the ground surface 170.
The motor grader 100 includes a snow wing assembly 130 having a moldboard 135 coupled to the frame 102 of the motor grader 100 via a linkage assembly 165. The moldboard 135 includes a top 140, a bottom 145, an outboard side 150, an inboard side 155 opposite the outboard side 150, and a work material engaging surface 160. The bottom 145 of the moldboard 135 defines an edge or tip of the moldboard 135 that is configured to selectively engage the ground surface 170 or a work material (e.g., snow, dirt, gravel, sand, or some other material) on the ground surface 170. As depicted in FIGS. 1-4, among others, the surface 160 is typically a curved, concave surface. In other embodiments, the surface 160 of the moldboard 135 can be flat, curved, textured, smooth, or some combination thereof. The surface 160 is free from any pivot joints or other objects protruding through the surface 160. For example, rather than including a pivot joint extending through the surface 160 proximate (e.g., within one foot, within two feet) the inboard side 155, the surface 160 is a substantially uniform, continuous surface so that the work material, for example snow, can traverse substantially unimpeded across the surface 160. As depicted in FIGS. 1-4, among others, the top 140 and the bottom 145 of the moldboard 135 are non-parallel such that a distance between the top 140 and the bottom 145 of the moldboard 135 is greater at one side (e.g., the outboard side 150) than at another side (e.g., the inboard side 155). In other embodiments, the top 140 can be parallel with the bottom 145 such that the moldboard 135 exhibits a generally rectangular shape. Similarly, the radius of curvature of the moldboard 135 will typically vary between the inboard side 155 and the outboard side 150.
The moldboard 135 is movable with respect to the frame 102 of the motor grader 100 and the ground surface 170 via the linkage assembly 165. The linkage assembly 165 is configured to selectively articulate the moldboard 135 to vary a bench height 200 of the moldboard 135. As depicted in FIG. 2, among others, the bench height 200 is a distance between the bottom 145 of the moldboard 135 or some point along the bottom 145 and the ground surface 170. For example, the linkage assembly 165 is configured to articulate the moldboard 135 to vary the bench height 200. The linkage assembly 165 is configured to selectively rotate the moldboard 135 inboard (e.g., toward the first side 105 of the motor grader 100) or outboard (e.g., away from the first side 105 of the motor grader 100. For example, the linkage assembly 165 is configured to selectively move (e.g., extend or retract) the outboard side 150 of the moldboard 135 away from the first side 105 at a distance 205 from the first side 105. The linkage assembly 165 is configured to selectively tilt the moldboard 135 with respect to the motor grader 100 or the ground surface 170. The linkage assembly 165 is configured to selectively raise or lower the outboard side 150 of the moldboard 135 relative to the inboard side 155 of the moldboard 135 such that the moldboard 135 is positioned at a tilt angle 210 with respect to a horizontal plane or with respect the ground surface 170.
As depicted in FIG. 4, among others, the snow wing assembly 130 includes a rear linkage assembly 410. The rear linkage assembly 410 includes a rear linkage actuator 415 coupled at a first end 420 to a backside 440 of the moldboard 135 and at a second end 425 to a rear mount 430. The first end 420 is an outboard end 420 of the rear linkage actuator 415. As depicted in FIGS. 2 and 4, among others, the outboard end 420 can be a cylinder end of the rear linkage actuator 415. However, as depicted in FIGS. 5, 6, and 14, among others, the outboard end 420 can be a rod end of the rear linkage actuator 415. The rear mount 430 is coupled to or integral with the rear 305 of the motor grader 100. The rear linkage actuator 415 is shown as a hydraulic actuator 415 that is configured to extend or retract to move the moldboard 135. Specifically, the rear linkage actuator 415 is configured to extend to rotate the outboard side 150 of the moldboard 135 about an axis near (e.g., within one foot, within two feet, or within some other distance) the inboard side 155 of the moldboard 135. In this way, the linkage assembly 165 is configured to pivot the moldboard 135 outboard or inboard at an angle 435. For example, the rear linkage assembly 410 is configured to selectively pivot the moldboard 135 in an outboard direction as the rear linkage actuator 415 extends such that the outboard side 150 of the moldboard 135 is positioned away from the first side 105 of the motor grader 100. The rear linkage assembly 410 is configured to selectively pivot the moldboard 135 in an inboard direction as the rear linkage actuator 415 retracts such that the outboard side 150 of the moldboard 135 is positioned toward the first side 105 of the motor grader 100.
As depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4, among others, the linkage assembly 165 is coupled to the underside 300 of the frame. The linkage assembly 165 is coupled to the underside 300 of the frame 102 at least partially underneath the cab 120. The linkage assembly 165 extends outward from the underside 300 of the frame 102 and away from the first side 105 of the motor grader 100. In other embodiments, the linkage assembly 165 can be coupled to a side (e.g., the first side 105 or the second side 110), a top side, or some other portion of the motor grader 100. The linkage assembly 165 extends outward from the frame 102 at an angle 405 relative to a centerline 400 of the motor grader 100. The angle 405 is some angle other than 90° (e.g., a non-perpendicular angle) such that the linkage assembly 165 extends non-perpendicularly from the centerline 400 of the motor grader 100. For example, in some embodiments, the angle 405 can be about 45° (e.g., +) 15°, about 60° (e.g., +) 15°, about 75° (e.g., +) 15°. In other embodiments, the angle 405 can be less than 45°, between 45° and 75°, or greater than 75° from the centerline 400 of the motor grader 100. As depicted in FIG. 4, among others, the linkage assembly 165 extends non-perpendicularly and from the centerline 400 at the angle 405 and extends toward the rear 305 of the motor grader 100 (e.g., away from the front 115 of the motor grader 100). In other embodiments, the linkage assembly 165 can extend toward the front 115 of the motor grader 100 (e.g., away from the rear 305).
As depicted in FIGS. 1-4, among others, the snow wing assembly 130 is configured to selectively move between various deployed positions and various stowed positions. For example, as depicted in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the moldboard 135 of the snow wing assembly 130 is deployed away from the first side 105 of the motor grader 100 such that the moldboard 135 is able to engage a work material. The moldboard 135 is positioned above the ground surface 170 at the bench height 200. The outboard side 150 of the moldboard 135 is spaced apart from the first side 105 by the distance 205. The bottom 145 of the moldboard 135 is tilted relative to the linkage assembly 165, the first side 105, or some vertical axis by the tilt angle 210. Each of the bench height 200, the distance 205, and the tilt angle 210 are configured to be independently controlled by the linkage assembly 165. In other embodiments, the bench height 200, the distance 205, and the tilt angle 210 are collectively or simultaneously varied. The linkage assembly 165 is configured to selectively vary the bench height 200 and the tilt angle 210, while the rear linkage assembly 410 is configured to selectively vary distance 205 and the angle 435. Because each of the bench height 200, the distance 205, the tilt angle 210, and the angle 435 are variable, multiple (e.g., an infinite amount) deployed positions of the snow wing assembly 130 are possible.
The stowed position of the snow wing assembly 130 is depicted in FIG. 3 and is characterized by the positioning of the moldboard 135 near the first side 105 of the motor grader 100. In the stowed position, the moldboard 135 is oriented parallel or substantially parallel (e.g., +15° from parallel) with the centerline 400 of the motor grader 100, for example. Similarly, the moldboard 135 is oriented parallel or substantially parallel (e.g., +15° from parallel) with a roadside (e.g., a curb or guard rail of a road on which the motor grader 100 can travel). The moldboard 135 is positioned at a bench height 200 that is higher than the rear wheels 310 or a rear fender 315 of the motor grader 100 in the stowed position depicted in FIG. 3. In this way, the moldboard 135 is tucked close the cab 120 and first side 105 of the motor grader 100 rather than extending outward away from the motor grader 100. For example, the moldboard 135 is stowed toward the first side 105 of the motor grader 100 and away from roadside obstacles (e.g., road signs, trees, other vehicles) when the motor grader 100 is in a motoring (e.g., driving, non-working) operation.
Referring now to FIGS. 5-9, the snow wing assembly 130 is shown in greater detail with the motor grader 100 removed. The snow wing assembly 130 is an implement (e.g., attachment, assembly) configured to be installed on a motor grader 100 as an aftermarket component (e.g., from a non-OEM source) or as a factory-installed option (e.g., from the OEM). The linkage assembly 165 is couped to the underside 300 of the motor grader 100 via a first mount member 550. The first mount member 550 is coupled to (e.g., welded, fastened, or otherwise coupled to) or integral with the underside 300 of the frame 102 of the motor grader 100. As depicted in FIG. 5, the first mount member 550 includes multiple fasteners or multiple openings configured to receive fasteners to couple the linkage assembly 165 to the first mount member 550 such that the linkage assembly 165 is capable of being installed on the motor grader 100 to extend from the first side 105 or from the second side 110. The rear linkage assembly 410 is coupled to the rear 305 of the motor grader 100 via a second mount member 555. The second mount member 555 is coupled to (e.g., welded, fastened, or otherwise coupled to) or integral with the rear 305 of the motor grader 100. The rear linkage assembly 410 is coupled to the second mount member 555 via the rear mount 430. The second mount member 555 includes multiple fasteners or multiple openings configured to receive fasteners to couple the rear linkage assembly 410 to the second mount member 555 such that the rear linkage assembly 410 is capable of being installed on the motor grader 100 to extend from the first side 105 or the second side 110.
The linkage assembly 165 includes multiple linkages. According to an exemplary embodiment, the linkage assembly 165 is a four-bar linkage having four linkages. The linkage assembly 165 includes a first linkage 500, a second linkage 505 pivotally coupled to the first linkage 500, a third linkage 510 pivotally coupled to the first linkage 500, and a fourth linkage 515 pivotally coupled to both the second linkage 505 and the third linkage 510. The inboard side 155 of the moldboard 135 is pivotally coupled to the first linkage 500 at a first pivot joint 520 and configured to rotate about a first axis 720. The first axis 720 can be an angle axis 720. Specifically, the rear linkage actuator 415 is configured to extend to rotate the outboard side 150 of the moldboard 135 about the angle axis 720 axis. In this way, the linkage assembly 165 is configured to pivot the moldboard 135 outboard or inboard at the angle 435 about the angle axis 720 of the first pivot joint 520. For example, the rear linkage assembly 410 is configured to selectively pivot the moldboard 135 in an outboard direction about the angle axis 720 as the rear linkage actuator 415 extends such that the outboard side 150 of the moldboard 135 is positioned away from the first side 105 of the motor grader 100. The rear linkage assembly 410 is configured to selectively pivot the moldboard 135 in an inboard direction about the angle axis 720 as the rear linkage actuator 415 retracts such that the outboard side 150 of the moldboard 135 is positioned toward the first side 105 of the motor grader 100.
The second linkage 505 is coupled to the first linkage at a second pivot joint 525 and configured to rotate about a second axis 725. The second axis 725 is a tilt axis 725. The third linkage 510 is coupled to the first linkage 500 at a third pivot joint 530 and configured to rotate about a third axis 730. The second linkage 505 is coupled to the fourth linkage 515 at a fourth pivot joint 535 and configured to rotate about a fourth axis 735. The third linkage 510 is coupled to the fourth linkage 515 at a fifth pivot joint 540 and configured to rotate about a fifth axis 740. The fourth linkage 515 is rigidly (e.g., non-pivotally) coupled to the first mount member 550 via a bracket member 545. The bracket member 545 extends outwards from the first mount member 550 and from the underside 300 of the frame 102 to which the first mount member 550 is coupled. As depicted in FIGS. 5-7, among others, the bracket member 545 extends perpendicularly from the first mount member 550 and includes a surface (e.g., a plate) to which the fourth linkage 515 is coupled, where the surface is oriented at an angle relative to the first mount member 550. In other embodiments, the bracket member 545 can extend non-perpendicularly from the first mount member 550.
The rear linkage assembly 410 includes at least one relief valve 560, as depicted in FIG. 5. The relief valve 560 is fluidly coupled to the rear linkage actuator 415. The relief valve 560 includes an inlet that is exposed to a pressurized hydraulic fluid associated with the rear linkage actuator 415 such that a hydraulic pressure experienced by the relief valve 560 corresponds to a hydraulic pressure of the rear linkage actuator 415. The relief valve 560 is configured to relieve the pressure associated with the rear linkage actuator 415 by selectively allowing hydraulic fluid to pass from the inlet to a low-pressure outlet when a pressure associated with the rear linkage actuator 415 exceeds a threshold pressure (e.g., a cracking pressure). In some embodiments, the relief valve 560 is an adjustable relief valve having a cracking pressure (e.g., a maximum pressure) selected by an operator, for example by adjusting a spring bias force of the relief valve 560. The relief valve 560 acts to prevent a pressure within the rear linkage actuator 415 from exceeding a threshold amount, where the threshold amount is the cracking pressure of the relief valve 560. For example, the relief valve 560 is configured to prevent sudden pressure spikes. During operation of the snow wing assembly 130 and the associated motor grader 100, for example, a sudden pressure increase results when the moldboard 135 contacts a stationary or heavy object (e.g., a rock, a tree, or some other obstacle), which imposes a substantial force on the rear linkage actuator 415 that in turn increases the pressure within the rear linkage actuator 415. When exposed to pressure spikes, namely those at pressures beyond the threshold pressure, the relief valve 560 will open to reduce the pressure experienced by the rear linkage actuator 415, thereby reducing a likelihood that the rear linkage actuator 415, the rear mount 430, or any other associated components will be damaged. For example, the by relieving the pressure in the rear linkage actuator 415, the relief valve 560 is configured to allow the rear linkage actuator 415 to retract and rotate the moldboard 135 inwards (e.g., toward the first side 105 of the motor grader 100). In this arrangement, a shear pin (e.g., a pin configured to shear when exposed to high forces) coupling the second end 425 of the rear linkage actuator 415 to the rear mount 430 is not needed because the relief valve 560 reduces the pressure within—and thus the forces experienced by—the rear linkage actuator 415.
The rear linkage assembly 410 includes at least one accumulator 565, as depicted in FIG. 5. The accumulator 565 is fluidly coupled with the rear linkage actuator 415 of the rear linkage assembly 410. The accumulator 565 includes a reservoir configured to contain some volume of hydraulic fluid and/or some other substance, such as some volume of a gas (e.g., pressurized nitrogen gas or some other inert gas). For example, the accumulator 565 can include a bladder, diaphragm, piston, or some other device to separate a volume of hydraulic fluid from a second volume of nitrogen gas. The pressurized gas in the accumulator 565 can be configured to compress to absorb a shock associated with a pressure spike within the rear linkage actuator.
For example, a sudden pressure increase results when the moldboard 135 contacts a stationary or heavy object (e.g., a rock, a tree, or some other obstacle) during operation of the motor grader 100, which imposes a substantial force on the rear linkage actuator 415 that in turn increases the pressure within the rear linkage actuator 415. The accumulator 565 is fluidly coupled with the rear linkage actuator 415 such that increase pressure within the rear linkage actuator 415 will cause a corresponding increase in pressure of the hydraulic fluid within the accumulator 565. The increased pressure of the hydraulic fluid within the accumulator 565 will cause the pressurized gas (e.g., nitrogen gas) to further compress. The compression of the pressurized gas will at least partially absorb a shock or impact force resulting from contact between the moldboard 135 and some other object. For example, the pressurized gas within the accumulator can compress by some amount such that the rear linkage actuator 415 can retract by some predetermined amount, such as six inches, ten inches, greater than ten inches, or less than six inches. By allowing the rear linkage actuator 415 to retract by a predetermined amount, the accumulator 565 can allow the moldboard 135 to rotate inwards (e.g., toward the first side 105 of the motor grader 100). The accumulator 565 can be used in place of or in combination with the relief valve 560. Like the relief valve 560, the accumulator 565 obviates the need for a shear pin (e.g., a pin configured to shear when exposed to high forces) coupling the second end 425 of the rear linkage actuator 415 to the rear mount 430 because the accumulator 565 absorbs shock forces experienced by the rear linkage actuator 415.
As depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7, among others, the second linkage 505 includes a plate 600 coupled to one or more side members 605, namely two side members 605. The two side members 605 extend perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly (e.g., +15° from perpendicular) to the plate 600. The side members 605 define one or more openings 610 that pass through the side member 605 and provide access to an area between the two side members 605. The side members 605 are pivotally coupled to the first linkage 500 at the second pivot joint 525 and the fourth linkage 515 at the fourth pivot joint 535, and the plate 600 is coupled to an underside of the two side members 605. The second linkage 505 includes an actuator 700, shown as a hydraulic actuator 700 (e.g., a hydraulic piston-cylinder actuator) disposed between the two side members and above the plate 600. The actuator 700 includes a first, outboard end 760 (e.g., a rod end) coupled to the plate 600 proximate the second pivot joint 525 and a second, inboard end 765 (e.g., cylinder end) pivotally coupled to the fourth linkage 515 and configured to rotate about an axis 770. The axis 770 is offset from the fourth axis 735 by a distance (e.g., one to six inches, greater than six inches, or some other distance). As depicted in FIG. 7, among others, the second linkage 505 further includes a first, outboard end 750 that is pivotally coupled to the first linkage 500 at the second pivot joint 525. The second linkage 505 further includes a second, inboard end 755 that is pivotally coupled to the fourth linkage 515 at the fourth pivot joint 535. The second linkage 505 is a rigid, non-extendable linkage. In other examples, the actuator 700 can be another type of actuator, such as a screw-drive device, a belt-drive device, a rack and pinion device, a pneumatic actuator, or some other device.
The hydraulic actuator 700 is fluidly coupled with a hydraulic control system (e.g., a hydraulic control valve or some other device) via at least one hydraulic hose (e.g., line, conduit, lumen). As depicted in FIG. 7, among others, the hydraulic actuator 700 is coupled with a first hydraulic hose 775 and a second hydraulic hose 780. The first hydraulic hose 775 is fluidly coupled with a first side of the hydraulic actuator 700, such as a piston side. For example, the first hydraulic hose 775 can provide hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuator 700 to extend the hydraulic actuator 700. The second hydraulic hose 780 is fluidly coupled with a second side of the hydraulic actuator 700, such as a rod side. For example, the second hydraulic hose 780 can provide hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuator 700 to retract the hydraulic actuator 700. The opening 610 of the side member 605 is configured to receive one or more of the first hydraulic hose 775 and the second hydraulic hose 780. For example, the first hydraulic hose 775 and the second hydraulic hose 780 are routed through the opening 610 of one side member 605 of the second linkage 505. The side member 605 can protect the first hydraulic hose 775 and the second hydraulic hose 780 from being pinched or otherwise damaged as the linkage assembly 165 moves to articulate the moldboard 135.
The third linkage 510 includes a first, outboard end 710 coupled to the first linkage 500 at the third pivot joint 530 via a float member 715. According to an exemplary embodiment, the third linkage 510 is an actuator 705, shown as a hydraulic actuator 705 (e.g., a hydraulic piston-cylinder actuator). In other examples, the actuator 705 can be another type of actuator, such as a screw-drive device, a belt-drive device, a rack and pinion device, a pneumatic actuator, or some other device. The outboard end 710 is a rod end of the actuator 705, according to an exemplary embodiment. The float member 715 is configured to rotate about the third pivot joint 530. For example, the float member 715 defines an opening at a first end that is configured to receive a pin of the third pivot joint 530 and rotates about the third axis 730. The float member 715 further includes at least one opening at a second end that is configured to couple with the outboard end 710 of the actuator 705 of the third linkage 510, as is discussed in detail below with reference to FIGS. 10-12. The third linkage 510 includes a second, inboard end 745 (e.g., a cylinder end). The inboard end 745 is the cylinder end of the actuator 705, according to an exemplary embodiment. The third linkage 510 is an extendable linkage. Specifically, third linkage 510 is the actuator 705 and is configured to selectively extend (e.g., increase in length) or retract (e.g., decrease in length) such that a distance between the outboard end 710 and the inboard end 745 is variable.
The actuator 700, the actuator 705, and the rear linkage actuator 415 are each be hydraulic cylinders in fluid communication with a hydraulic control system. For example, in some embodiments the actuator 700, the actuator 705, and the rear linkage actuator 415 are fluidly coupled to a hydraulic control valve (not shown). The hydraulic control valve is configured to actuate each of the actuator 700, the actuator 705, and the rear linkage actuator 415 to perform various functions, as discussed below. In other examples, the actuator 700, the actuator 705, and the rear linkage actuator 415 can be pneumatic actuators or some other linear actuator.
As depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9, among others, the actuator 700 is configured to raise or lower the moldboard 135 as the actuator 700 extends or retracts. The actuator 700 performs a “lift” function of the snow wing assembly 130. Specifically, an extension of the actuator 700 will cause the outboard end 760 to extend relative to the inboard end 765, which will further cause the second linkage 505 and the third linkage 510 to pivot about the fourth pivot joint 535 and fifth pivot joint 540, respectively. Because the fourth axis 735 of the fourth pivot joint 535 and the fifth axis 740 of the fifth pivot joint 540 are offset from the cylinder axis 770, the actuator 700 acts as a moment arm that is configured to cause rotation of the second linkage 505 about the fourth axis 735 of the fourth pivot joint 535 and rotation of the third linkage 510 about the fifth axis 740 of the fifth pivot joint 540, respectively. The outboard end 750 of the second linkage 505 and the outboard end 710 (via float member 715) freely pivot about the second pivot joint 525 and the third pivot joint 530 as the second linkage 505 and the third linkage 510 pivot about the fourth pivot joint 535 and fifth pivot joint 540, respectively. In other words, the respective pivotal rotation of second linkage 505 and the third linkage 510 about the fourth pivot joint 535 and fifth pivot joint 540 does not affect the tilt angle 210 of the moldboard 135. An extension of the actuator 700 causes the second linkage 505 and the third linkage 510 to rotate downwards to lower the moldboard 135 toward the ground surface 170 to decrease the bench height 200 and position the snow wing assembly 130 in a lowered position 800 while the tilt angle 210 remains substantially constant (e.g., 90% constant), as shown in FIG. 8. A retraction of the actuator 700 causes the second linkage 505 and the third linkage 510 to rotate upwards to raise the moldboard 135 away from the ground surface 170 to increase the bench height 200 and position the snow wing assembly 130 in a raised position 900 while the tilt angle 210 of the moldboard 135 remains substantially constant (e.g., 90% constant), as shown in FIG. 9.
The actuator 705 of the third linkage 510 is configured to tilt the moldboard 135 about the tilt axis 725. The actuator 705 performs a “tilt” function of the snow wing assembly 130. Specifically, an extension of the actuator 705 (e.g., an increase in the distance between the outboard end 710 and the inboard end 745) will cause the first linkage 500 to rotate about the tilt axis 725. A rotation of the first linkage 500 about the tilt axis 725 causes a corresponding rotation of the first pivot joint 520 about the tilt axis 725, which in turn causes a corresponding rotation of the moldboard 135 about the tilt axis 725. For example, an extension of actuator 705 of the third linkage 510 causes the moldboard 135 to tilt downwards. Specifically, an extension of the actuator 705 of the third linkage 510 tilts the moldboard 135 by lowering the outboard side 150 of the moldboard 135 relative to an inboard side 155. For example, an extension of the actuator 705 of the third linkage 510 can alter an orientation of the angle axis 720 of the first linkage 500 with respect to the ground surface 170. A retraction of the actuator 705 of the third linkage 510, on the other hand, will cause the first linkage 500 and the moldboard 135 to tilt upwards. Specifically, a retraction of the actuator 705 of the third linkage 510 tilts the first linkage 500 and the moldboard 135 by raising the outboard side 150 relative to the inboard side 155. For example, a retraction of the actuator 705 of the third linkage 510 can alter an orientation of the angle axis 720 of the first linkage 500 with respect to the ground surface 170. The adjustable (e.g., extendable) nature of the third linkage 510 allows for the moldboard 135 to tilt without requiring any pivot member protruding through the surface 160 of the moldboard 135. Instead, the moldboard 135 is configured to pivot about the tilt axis 725 of the linkage assembly 165 as the third linkage 510 is adjusted.
As depicted in FIG. 8, among others, the fourth linkage 515 defines at least one aperture 805 (e.g., a first aperture 805). The aperture 805 is a thru-hole defining a diameter configured to accept a pin 810. The aperture 805 is positioned between the fourth pivot joint 535 and the fifth pivot joint 540 along a side of the fourth linkage 515. In other embodiments, the fourth linkage 515 can include multiple apertures 805 positioned variously on the side of the fourth linkage 515, including beneath the fourth pivot joint 535, above the fifth pivot joint 540, and between the fourth pivot joint 535 and the fifth pivot joint 540. The second linkage 505 includes at least one aperture 815, shown as a circular hole. The aperture 815 is a hole extending through one of the two side members 605. In other embodiments, the aperture 815 can be a hole extending only part way through the side member 605. The aperture 815 defines a diameter that is similar in diameter (e.g., within +25% of) a diameter of the aperture 805 defined by the fourth linkage 515. The aperture 815 is configured to receive the pin 810. In some embodiments, the aperture 815 or the aperture 805 can have a circular cross-sectional shape or some other cross-sectional shape, such as rectangular, star-shaped, ovular, or some other shape. The pin 810 is coupled to the bracket member 545 via a chain (e.g., a rope, a tether, a wire, or some other flexible connector). The bracket member 545 includes a holder, shown as a horizontally disposed plate with a thru-hole, to removably retain the pin 810. In other embodiments, the pin 810 can be coupled to the fourth linkage 515 or some other component of the linkage assembly 165 or the motor grader 100. In yet other embodiments, the pin 810 is not coupled to any component of the linkage assembly 165 or motor grader 100 but is instead a separately provided pin 810.
In FIG. 8, among others, the snow wing assembly 130 is shown in the lowered position 800. In the lowered position 800, the aperture 805 of the fourth linkage 515 and the aperture 815 of the second linkage 505 are not aligned. Specifically, the aperture 805 of the fourth linkage 515 and the aperture 815 of the second linkage 505 are not concentric when the snow wing assembly 130 is in the lowered position 800. Accordingly, the pin 810 cannot be received in both the aperture 805 and the aperture 815 simultaneously. In FIG. 9, the snow wing assembly 130 is shown in the raised position 900. In the raised position 900, the aperture 805 of the fourth linkage 515 and the aperture 805 of the second linkage 505 are axially aligned. For example, the aperture 815 and the aperture 805 are aligned to be substantially concentric (e.g., +95% concentric) such that both the aperture 815 and the aperture 805 are configured receive the pin 810 simultaneously. The pin 810 is configured to prevent rotation of the second linkage 505 relative to the fourth linkage 515 with the pin 810 inserted in both the aperture 805 of the fourth linkage 515 and the aperture 815 of the second linkage 505. For example, the pin 810 will retain the snow wing assembly 130 in the raised position 900 with the pin 810 inserted through the aperture 805 and into the aperture 815. In this way, the pin 810 will act to keep the moldboard 135 raised above the ground surface 170, as may be the case when the snow wing assembly 130 is stowed or not in use (e.g., when the motor grader 100 is driving in a roading mode).
In FIGS. 10-12, among others, the float member 715 of the linkage assembly 165 is shown. As noted above, the third linkage 510 includes the actuator 705, which further includes the outboard end 710 coupled to the first linkage 500 at the third pivot joint 530 and the inboard end 745 coupled to the fourth linkage 515 at the fifth pivot joint 540 (not shown). The outboard end 710 is rotatably coupled to the third pivot joint 530 via the float member 715. The float member 715 is positioned between the outboard end 710 of the actuator 705 and the third pivot joint 530. The float member 715 includes a slot 1000 configured to receive the outboard end 710 of the actuator 705. The float member 715 includes a first slot member 1010 spaced apart from a second slot member 1010. Each slot member 1010 defines a slot 1000. The slot 1000 of the first slot member 1010 is substantially aligned (e.g., +95% aligned or concentric) with the slot 1000 of the second slot member 1010. The first slot member 1010 and the second slot member 1010 are configured to receive the outboard end 710 of the actuator 705 a space therebetween. A pin 1030 is inserted through the slot 1000 of the first slot member 1010, a hole defined by the outboard end 710 of the actuator 705, and finally through the slot 1000 of the second slot member 1010. Locking collars 1035 are secured to opposite ends of the pin 1030 to retain the pin 1030 within the slots 1000. In this configuration, the outboard end 710 of the actuator 705 is pivotally coupled to the pin 1030, and the pin 1030 is slidably coupled to the float member 715 via the slots 1000 defined by the first and second slot members 1010. Specifically, the pin 1030—and the outboard end 710 of the actuator 705 that is coupled to the pin 1030—is configured to slide within the slot 1000 in a direction 1005. In some embodiments, the slot 1000 has a length of one inch, two inches, or more than two inches to allow a corresponding movement of the pin 1030 within the slot 1000 of one inch, two inches, or more than two inches in the direction 1005.
Because the outboard end 710 of the actuator 705 is configured to slide (e.g., translate) in the direction 1005 via the float member 715, the first linkage 500 is permitted to rotate by relatively small amount (e.g., less than) 30° about the second pivot joint 525 to move the third pivot joint 530 toward or away from the outboard end 710 of the actuator 705. The permitted rotation of the first linkage 500 enabled by the movement of the outboard end 710 within the slot 1000 of the float member 715 corresponds to a tilting (e.g., a rotation) of the moldboard 135 about the second pivot joint 525. If the bottom 145 of the moldboard 135 contacts an obstacle (e.g., a bump, stone, incline, decline, grade variation along the bottom 145 of the moldboard, or some other obstacle), the float member 715 allows the outboard side 150 of the moldboard 135 to tilt upwards or downwards to overcome the obstacle or to maintain contact with the ground surface 170 or working material. For example, as depicted in FIG. 12, the float member 715 allows the moldboard 135 to move (e.g., tilt) between a first position 1200 and a second position 1205 without any actuation of the actuator 705 of the third linkage 510. In this way, the moldboard 135 is allowed to “float” along the ground surface 170 during operation.
As depicted in FIG. 10, among others, the first linkage 500 is pivotally coupled to the moldboard 135 via the first pivot joint 520. The first pivot joint 520 includes a pin 1015 received in a bore 1025 extending from the first linkage 500 and apertures formed in two plates 1040 protruding from the moldboard 135. The bore 1025 of the first linkage 500 is positioned between two plates 1040 of the moldboard 135. Locking collars 1045 are secured to opposite ends of the pin 1015 to retain the pin 1015 within the apertures formed by the plates 1040 and the within the bore 1025. The bore 1025 has a length that is less than a distance between the two plates 1040. Accordingly, the bore 1025—and the first linkage 500 from which the bore 1025 extends—is configured to slide along the pin 1015 between the plates 1040 of the moldboard 135 in a direction 1020. In many circumstances, a gravitational force will keep a top of the bore 1025 engaged against an underside of the top-most plate 1040. However, the moldboard 135 is permitted to move (e.g., lift) in the direction 1020 if the moldboard 135 encounters an obstacle (e.g., a bump, stone, incline, decline, grade variation along the bottom 145 of the moldboard 135, or some other obstacle) to overcome the obstacle. In this way, the moldboard 135 is further configured to “float” along the ground surface 170 during operation.
Referring now to FIG. 13, the cab 120 of the motor grader 100 includes at least one window 1300. The moldboard 135 is positioned at least partially across the window 1300 with the snow wing assembly 130 in the stowed position. For example, the moldboard 135 is folded back toward the first side 105 of the motor grader 100 in the stowed position such that the backside 440 of the moldboard 135 is facing the window 1300 of the cab 120. A bottom 145 of the moldboard 135 is positioned substantially horizontal (e.g., +15° from horizontal) across the window 1300 with the snow wing assembly 130 in the stowed position. Therefore, an operator positioned within the cab 120 (e.g., an operator operating the motor grader 100) will have a view at least partially obstructed by the moldboard 135. However, as noted discussed above with respect to FIG. 3, because the linkage assembly 165 extends at an angle 405 relative to a centerline 400 of the motor grader 100, and because the rear linkage assembly 410 includes the retractable rear linkage actuator 415, the stowed position includes moldboard 135 is positioned against (e.g., within two feet of) the first side 105 of the motor grader 100 with the bottom 145 oriented to be substantially horizontal. In this orientation, an upper viewing portion 1305 of the window 1300 exists above the top 140 of the moldboard 135. The upper viewing portion 1305 allows the operator to see clearly above the moldboard 135, which further provides the operator a clear line of sight to the first side 105 of the motor grader. Similarly, a lower viewing portion 1310 of the window 1300 exists below the bottom 145 of the moldboard 135. The lower viewing portion 1310 allows the operator to see clearly below the bottom 145 of the moldboard 135, which further provides the operator a clear line of sight to the ground surface 170. Moreover, the lower viewing portion 1310 allows the operator to see the float member 715 and the pin 1015 so that the operator can readily ascertain whether the moldboard 135 is floating.
Referring now to FIG. 14, the rear linkage assembly 410 and the first linkage 500 are shown in an alternative embodiment. According to this embodiment, the second end 425 of the rear linkage actuator 415 is coupled with the first linkage 505, rather than to the rear mount 430. The first linkage 505 can include a mounting member 1400 configured to couple with the second end 425 of the rear linkage actuator 415. The mounting member 1400 can be a portion, region, or feature of the first linkage 505 that is spaced apart from the backside 440 of the moldboard 135. Because the mounting member 1400 is spaced apart from the backside 440 of the moldboard 135, the rear linkage actuator 415 is oriented at an angle relative to the moldboard 135. As the rear linkage actuator 415 extends, the moldboard 135 pivots about the first pivot joint 520 to rotate the moldboard 135 in an outboard direction (e.g., away from the first side 105 of the motor grader 100. As the rear linkage actuator 415 retracts, the moldboard 135 pivots about the first pivot joint 520 to rotate the moldboard 135 in an inboard direction (e.g., towards the first side 105 of the motor grader 100). In this embodiment, the snow wing assembly 130 is not coupled with the rear 305 of the motor grader 100. Rather, the snow wing assembly 130 is coupled to the motor grader 100 via the linkage assembly 165, which is coupled to an underside 300 of the motor grader 100 as discussed above. Because the snow wing assembly 130 is not coupled to the rear 305 of the motor grader 100, the snow wing assembly 130 can be stowed tightly against the motor grader 100 or in a position that improves operator visibility.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
The disclosed solutions contain several industrial applications. In general, the snow wing assembly 130 is configured for use with a machine, such as the motor grader 100, during a snow plowing operation, a road grading operation, a debris clearing operation, or any other operation where a machine is used to move a work material (e.g., dirt, snow, gravel, sand, or some other work material). In particular, the snow wing assembly 130 is configured to serve as an auxiliary or secondary blade to engage a work material positioned to a side of the machine. For example, the snow wing assembly 130 is configured to engage a work material to one side of the machine to push (e.g., plow) the work material to one side of the machine, as may be the case in a snow plowing operation to clear snow from a roadway.
The disclosed solutions further include the linkage assembly 165 and the rear linkage assembly 410 to actuate the moldboard 135 of the snow wing assembly 130. Specifically, the linkage assembly 165 is a four-bar linkage system that includes an adjustable (e.g., extendable) third linkage 510 that is configured to rotate the first linkage 500 about the tilt axis 725 of the second pivot joint 525. By rotating the first linkage 500 about the tilt axis 725, the adjustable third linkage 510 causes the moldboard 135 to tilt (e.g., raise or lower the outboard side 150 relative to the inboard side 155) via the four-bar linkage. Because this functionality is incorporated within the linkage assembly 165, namely a four-bar linkage assembly, no separate linkage or hydraulic actuator is required to perform the tilt function. Furthermore, the second pivot joint 525 about which the first linkage 500 rotates is part of the linkage assembly 165, rather than being a separate pivot joint (e.g., a pivot joint protruding through the surface 160 of the moldboard). The linkage assembly 165 also includes a float member 715 coupled to the adjustable third linkage 510 that allows the moldboard 135 to tilt by an amount (e.g., about 1-) 15° without extending or retracting the actuator 705 of the third linkage 510. Furthermore, the snow wing assembly 130 includes the first linkage 500 slidably engaged with and floating on the pin 1030 of the first pivot joint 520, which allows the moldboard to raise and lower by an amount without operation of the actuator 700 of the second linkage 505, for example. Accordingly, the moldboard 135 floats along the ground surface 170 to facilitate improved engagement between the moldboard 135 and a work material. Similarly, the float member 715 and the floating connection of the first linkage 500 with the first pivot joint 520 allows the moldboard 135 to readily move over obstacles (e.g., stones, bumps, debris, ice, or other obstacles) that might otherwise impede operation of the snow wing assembly 130 or damage the same.
The snow wing assembly 130 includes the rear linkage assembly 410 to adjust an angle of the moldboard 135. The rear linkage assembly 410 includes the rear linkage actuator 415 that extends to rotate the moldboard 135 in an outboard direction away from the motor grader 100, for example. The rear linkage assembly 410 includes the rear linkage actuator 415 that retracts to rotate the moldboard 135 in an inboard direction toward the motor grader 100, for example. The rear linkage assembly 410 does not include a rigid linkage connecting the moldboard 135 with the motor grader 100. Similarly, the rear linkage assembly 410 does not include a shear pins coupling the rear linkage assembly 410 to the motor grader 100. Instead, the rear linkage assembly 410 includes the adjustable (e.g., extendable) rear linkage actuator 415 between the moldboard 135 and the motor grader 100. The rear linkage actuator 415 retracts to draw the moldboard toward the motor grader 100 in a stowed position. Because the rear linkage assembly 410 includes an adjustable rear linkage actuator that is retractable, rather than a rigid or non-extendable linkage, the moldboard 135 is configured to be stowed tightly (e.g., within one foot, within two feet, or within some other distance) to the motor grader 100. Similarly, the moldboard 135 is configured to be stowed with the bottom 145 of the moldboard 135 in a substantially horizontal position. The rear linkage assembly 410 includes a relief valve 560 that is fluidly coupled to the rear linkage actuator 415 and configured to relief a pressure within the rear linkage actuator 415 in the case of a pressure spike. In this way, when the moldboard 135 experiences an impact force resulting from contact with a rigid obstacle (e.g., a rock, a tree, or some other obstacle), a pressure within the rear linkage actuator 415 is reduced via the relief valve 560, thereby allowing the rear linkage actuator 415 to retract to dynamically absorb the impact force. By absorbing the impact force in this fashion, a shear pin (e.g., a pin configured to break in response to an impact force) is not used, and cumbersome replacement of a shear pin is not required.
The snow wing assembly 130 provides for improved operator visibility in multiple respects. For example, the snow wing assembly 130 provides for improved visibility of the bottom 145 of the moldboard 135 as the bottom 145 engages a work material. The linkage assembly 165 of the snow wing assembly 130 is configured to extend at an angle 405 from the centerline 400 of the motor grader 100 or some other machine. Because the linkage assembly 165 is angled relative the centerline 400, an operator within the cab 120 of the motor grader 100 has visibility of the float member 715, the pin 1030, and at least a portion of the bottom 145 of the moldboard 135. For example, an operator is able to see when the moldboard 135 is “floating” by observing the position of the outboard end 710 of the actuator 705 within the slot 1000 of the float member 715 or by viewing a position of the plate 1040 of the moldboard 135 relative to the bore 1025 of the first linkage 500. This increased visibility provides for increased operator awareness of machine function.
The snow wing assembly 130 further provides for improved visibility around (e.g., above and below) the moldboard 135 when the snow wing assembly 130 is in a stowed position. For example, the moldboard 135 is configured to be positioned against (e.g., within one foot, within two feet of, or within some other distance of) the first side 105 of the motor grader 100 such that the moldboard 135 extends across at least a portion of the window 1300 of the cab 120. Rather than extending across the window 1300 in an upwards or angled direction, the rear linkage assembly 410 and the linkage assembly 165 are configured to position the moldboard 135 horizontally (e.g., with the bottom 145 substantially horizontal) such that a greater portion of the window 1300 is unobstructed. Specifically, the upper viewing portion 1305 provides visibility for an operator above the top 140 of the moldboard 135 and the lower viewing portion 1310 provides visibility for the operator below the bottom 145 of the moldboard 135. The upper viewing window 1305 and the lower viewing window 1310 collectively offer increased visibility to an operator within the cab 120 while the snow wing assembly 130 is in the stowed position.
The snow wing assembly 130 is configured to allow an operator to control a tilt orientation, a lift orientation, and an angle orientation independently of each other. Specifically, actuation of the actuator 705 to tilt the moldboard 135 (e.g., raise or lower the outboard side 150 relative to the inboard side 155) are able to be performed independently of any actuation of the actuator 700 to vary the bench height 200 of the moldboard 135 (e.g., raise or lower the moldboard 135 relative to the ground surface 170). For example, the actuator 705 is able to tilt the moldboard 135 without affecting or requiring any corresponding change to the bench height 200 of the moldboard 135 by the actuator 700. The linkage assembly 165 and the rear linkage assembly 410 are configured for a one-to-one relationship between actuation a actuator and movement of the moldboard 135 such that actuation of one actuator (e.g., the actuator 705) causes movement of the moldboard 135 in one direction (e.g., rotation about the tilt axis 725 to tilt the moldboard 135). In this way, an operator has the ability to control the snow wing assembly 130 with greater precision and in a more simplified manner.
As utilized herein with respect to numerical ranges, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms generally mean+/−10% of the disclosed values, unless specified otherwise. As utilized herein with respect to structural features (e.g., to describe shape, size, orientation, direction, relative position, etc.), the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are meant to cover minor variations in structure that may result from, for example, the manufacturing or assembly process and are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims.
It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, as used herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).
The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If “coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic.
References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the figures. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.
It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the snow wing assembly 130 and the components thereof as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Additionally, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein.
Patent Application
20250198101
