SNOW WING ASSEMBLY HAVING INDEPENDENT ROTATIONAL CONTROLS

In some implementations, a lift assembly for a moldboard of a snow wing assembly of a machine may include a lifting mechanism, coupled to an undercarriage assembly of the machine, configured to lift the moldboard of the snow wing assembly to a bench height associated with the moldboard. The lift assembly may include a hinge rotatably mounted on a bar of the lifting mechanism, wherein the bar defines a first axis, and wherein the hinge is rotatably coupled to the moldboard about a second axis. The lift assembly may include a first rotational mechanism, coupled to the lifting mechanism and the hinge, configured to rotate the hinge and the moldboard about the first axis. The lift assembly may include a second rotational mechanism, coupled to the hinge and the moldboard, configured to rotate the moldboard about the second axis.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a snow wing assembly of a machine and, for example, to a snow wing assembly having independent rotational control mechanisms.

BACKGROUND

Machines, such as grader machines (e.g., motor graders), may use a snow wing (e.g., often including a moldboard or other snow blade) to displace, move, distribute, and/or grade snow and/or other material. The snow wing may need to be moved to various positions relative to a work surface and/or the grader machine to effectively carry out one or more of the functions described above and/or to enable other operations of the grader machine. For example, the snow wing may be mounted on a side of a cab of the grader machine and may need to be raised relative to the ground (e.g., to perform a benching operation), angled relative to an operator cab of the grader machine, and/or tilted (e.g., to change an angle between the moldboard and the ground), among other examples.

The grader machine may utilize a mast to enable the snow wing to be raised to a bench height. For example, the snow wing may be raised or lowered along the mast via one or more actuators. However, the mast may present an impediment to accessing an operator cab of the grader machine. Additionally, the mast may block or impede a view of an operator from inside of the operator cab. As another example, the grader machine may utilize a mast-less system to enable the snow wing to be raised to a bench height. However, the mast-less system may be limited as to an achievable bench height for the snow wing. Therefore, the mast-less system may be unable to perform certain operations that require a bench height greater than the achievable bench height associated with the mast-less system. Further, the grader machine may utilize a coupling between the snow wing (e.g., a moldboard of the snow wing) and a rear strut of the grader machine to change an angle (e.g., relative to the operator cab) and/or a tilt (e.g., relative to the ground) of the snow wing. For example, a coupling mechanism (e.g., a push pole) may enable a coupling between the rear strut of the grader machine and a moldboard of the snow wing. The coupling mechanism may include a shear pin to enable mechanical disengagement of the coupling with the rear strut of the grader machine (e.g., to provide relief to components when forces on the coupling become too large). However, such couplings require manual adjustment (e.g., such as when the shear pin breaks) and are mechanically complex.

In other words, to perform the various movement operations (e.g., lifting operations and/or rotational operations), the snow wing may be coupled to both a front end and a rear end of the grader machine. Such configurations may result in a dependency between the various movement operations. For example, changing a bench height of the moldboard may result in a tilt angle (e.g., relative to the ground) of the moldboard changing. As a result, a positional control of the moldboard may be complex and imprecise due to the dependency between the various movement operations.

The lift assembly for the snow wing of the present disclosure solves one or more of the problems set forth above and/or other problems in the art.

SUMMARY

In some implementations, a lift assembly for a moldboard of a snow wing assembly of a machine includes a lifting mechanism, coupled to an undercarriage assembly of the machine, configured to lift the moldboard of the snow wing assembly to a bench height associated with the moldboard; a hinge rotatably mounted on a bar of the lifting mechanism, wherein the bar defines a first axis, and wherein the hinge is rotatably coupled to the moldboard about a second axis; a first rotational mechanism, coupled to the lifting mechanism and the hinge, configured to rotate the hinge and the moldboard about the first axis; and a second rotational mechanism, coupled to the hinge and the moldboard, configured to rotate the moldboard about the second axis.

In some implementations, a motor grader includes a snow wing assembly including a moldboard rotatably coupled to a hinge about a first axis; and a lifting assembly for lifting the moldboard to a bench height, wherein the lifting assembly is coupled to an undercarriage assembly of the motor grader at a side of the motor grader, and wherein the lifting assembly includes the hinge rotatably coupled to a member of the lifting assembly about a second axis; a first rotational mechanism configured to rotate the moldboard about the first axis, wherein the first rotational mechanism includes a first hydraulic cylinder coupled to the hinge and the moldboard; and a second rotational mechanism configured to rotate the moldboard and the hinge about the second axis, wherein the second rotational mechanism includes a second hydraulic cylinder coupled to the lifting assembly and the hinge.

In some implementations, a snow wing assembly includes a moldboard having a first side and a second side; a lifting assembly rotatably coupled to the moldboard and configured to lift the moldboard to a bench height; and a roller bearing configured at an interface between the lifting assembly and the moldboard to enable the moldboard to rotate with respect to the lifting assembly about a first axis.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Generally, corresponding reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts.

This disclosure relates to a lift system or assembly for a snow wing, which is applicable to any machine that includes a mounted snow wing. For example, the machine may be a grader machine (e.g., a motor grader), a plow truck, a dump truck, a dozer, a backhoe loader, a tractor, an excavator, or another vehicle. In other words, although examples are described herein in connection with a motor grader, the lift assembly and/or snow wing assembly described herein may be similarly applied to any machine that includes a mounted snow wing.

FIG.1is a side view of a motor grader100described herein. The motor grader100may also be referred to as a grader machine, among other examples. The motor grader100may be used to displace, spread, distribute, level, and grade, materials102, such as snow or soil, over a work surface104. Generally, a grading operation is performed during machine movement, and for this purpose, the motor grader100may include traction devices106that facilitate machine movement over the work surface104. For example, traction devices106include a set of front wheels108disposed towards a front end112of the motor grader100and a set of rear wheels110disposed towards a rear end114of the motor grader100. The terms “front” and “rear”, as used herein, are in relation to an exemplary direction of travel of the motor grader100, as represented by arrow, T, inFIG.1, with the direction of travel being exemplarily defined from the rear end114towards the front end112. The motor grader100defines a length, L, between the front end112and the rear end114.

A movement of the traction devices106(e.g., a rotation of the set of front wheels108and the set of rear wheels110) may be powered by a power source, such as an engine (not shown inFIG.1), housed in a power compartment116of the motor grader100. Further, the motor grader100may include an undercarriage assembly118and a sub-frame portion120. The undercarriage assembly118may also be referred to herein as an undercarriage assembly of the motor grader100. The sub-frame portion120may be movable relative to the undercarriage assembly118. Further, the motor grader100may include an operator cab122supported on the sub-frame portion120. The operator cab122may house various controls of the power source and other functions of the motor grader100.

To grade and level the materials102, the motor grader100may include a drawbar-circle-blade (DCB) arrangement or a drawbar-circle-moldboard (DCM) arrangement, which may also be referred to as a grader group124. The grader group124may be supported by the sub-frame portion120, and may include a drawbar126, a circle member128, and a blade130(referred to as a moldboard), each of which may function in concert to perform a grading operation on the work surface104.

As shown inFIG.1, the motor grader100may also include a snow wing assembly132mounted on the motor grader100. For example, the snow wing assembly132may be mounted to the undercarriage assembly118. The snow wing assembly132may be mounted on a side of the motor grader100(e.g., on a side of the operator cab122). For example, as shown inFIG.1, the snow wing assembly132may be mounted on the right hand side of the operator cab122relative to the direction of travel T. In other examples, the snow wing assembly132may be mounted on the left hand side of the operator cab122relative to the direction of travel T. The snow wing assembly132may include a moldboard134. The moldboard134may also be referred to as a blade, a plow, and/or a snowplow, among other examples. The moldboard134may include a surface136, such as a curved surface or a concave surface, that may help receive and agglomerate the materials102over the work surface104. As an example, the moldboard134may define an edge138at a bottom end (e.g., closer to the work surface104) of the surface136to help engage and scrape the materials102off the work surface104and distribute, level, and grade the work surface104, during a grading operation.

The snow wing assembly132may be mounted to the motor grader100via a lift assembly200(e.g., also referred to herein as a lifting assembly). The lift assembly200may be coupled to the motor grader100(e.g., via the undercarriage assembly118). The lift assembly200may be configured to link the snow wing assembly132to an undercarriage assembly (e.g., the undercarriage assembly118) of the motor grader100. The lift assembly200may include one or more lifting mechanisms, such as one or more actuators (e.g., hydraulic actuators and/or pneumatic actuators) and/or other components configured to raise and/or lower the snow wing assembly along a direction142. A vertical clearance of the snow wing assembly132in the direction142may be referred to as a bench height. Additionally, as described in more detail elsewhere herein, the lift assembly200may be configured to angle and/or tilt the moldboard134.

The snow wing assembly132may enable the motor grader100to perform a benching application, which may involve grading and/or distributing materials102from an elevated surface (e.g., elevated relative to the work surface104). For example, the moldboard134may be used to remove, grade, or distribute snow from a top portion of a bank. The moldboard134may include an outboard end144and an inboard end146. “Outboard” and “inboard” may be relative to the motor grader100and/or the operator cab122. For example, the moldboard134may have an approximately rectangular configuration having two long edges (e.g., the edge138and the corresponding edge approximately parallel to the edge138) and two short edges (e.g., at the outboard end144and the inboard end146). As shown inFIG.1, the snow wing assembly132may be coupled to the lift assembly200proximate to the inboard end146of the moldboard134. In other words, the moldboard134may be coupled to the lift assembly200proximate to one of the short edges (e.g., at the outboard end144and the inboard end146) of the moldboard134.

The snow wing assembly132may be coupled to the lift assembly200via a coupling assembly140. The coupling assembly140may enable the snow wing assembly132to rotate in multiple rotational directions. For example, the coupling assembly140may enable the snow wing assembly132(e.g., and the moldboard134) to rotate in a first rotational direction164(e.g., shown inFIG.4). For example, the snow wing assembly132may include an actuator148, such as a hydraulic actuator or a pneumatic actuator, among other examples. The actuator148may be coupled to the undercarriage assembly118(e.g., proximate to the rear end114of the motor grader100) and to the moldboard134(e.g., proximate to the outboard end144of the moldboard134). The coupling assembly140may also enable the snow wing assembly132(e.g., and the moldboard134) to rotate in a second rotational direction166(e.g., shown inFIG.5). The first rotational direction164may enable the outboard end144of the moldboard134to move closer to and/or further from the motor grader100(e.g., from the operator cab122of the motor grader100). For example, the inboard end146of the moldboard134may be fixed at the coupling assembly140and the outboard end144of the moldboard134may be free to rotate in the first rotational direction164and the second rotational direction166.

As shown inFIG.1, a tilting operation (e.g., in the second rotational direction166) may be controlled via the actuator148that is coupled to the moldboard134and a rear strut150of the motor grader100. As a result, a lifting operation (e.g., via the lift assembly200) may necessarily alter an angle of the moldboard134(e.g., in the second rotational direction166) as controlled by the actuator148that is coupled to the rear strut150. In other words,FIG.1depicts an example snow wing assembly132in which rotational controls (e.g., in the first rotational direction164, the second rotational direction166, and a lifting operation along the bench height156) are not independent. As depicted and described in more detail elsewhere herein, the lift assembly200may be associated with a configuration that enables independent control of the various rotational and lifting operations associated with the snow wing assembly132and/or the moldboard134(e.g., by eliminating a coupling of the moldboard134with the rear strut150, among other features).

As used herein, “actuator” or “cylinder” may refer to a hydraulic cylinder, a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic cylinder, a pneumatic actuator, rod-style cylinders, and/or welded body cylinders, among other examples. For example, the lift assembly200may utilize a fluid system, such as a hydraulic system, to power one or more components of the lift assembly200. The fluid system may include one or more actuators or cylinders. For example, the lift assembly200may include one or more hydraulic cylinders. The hydraulic cylinder(s) may be single acting cylinders, double acting cylinders, tie-rod cylinders, welded rod cylinders, and/or telescopic cylinders, among other examples. The hydraulic cylinder(s) may be internal valve cylinders (e.g., where a control valve is included internally in the cylinder) or external valve cylinder (e.g., where the control value is external to the cylinder). In examples where the lift assembly200includes multiple cylinders or actuators, the multiple cylinders or actuators may be included in a single circuit or fluid line, may be included in in separate circuits or fluid lines, may be plumbed in series with one another, and/or may be plumbed in parallel with one another.

The coupling assembly140may enable the moldboard134to rotate in the first rotation direction164via a hinge206(e.g., not depicted inFIG.1) that is rotatably coupled to the lift assembly200. The first rotational direction164may enable the snow wing assembly132to be placed into an operational state (e.g., with the outboard end144of the moldboard134extended away from the operator cab122, as shown inFIG.4) or a stored state (e.g., with the outboard end144of the moldboard134rotated proximate to the operator cab122, as shown inFIG.5). For example, the stored state may enable the motor grader100to operate without the snow wing assembly132protruding from the side of the motor grader100.

FIG.2is a front view of the motor grader100and the lift assembly200described herein. In some implementations, the lift assembly200may include a first lifting mechanism202and a second lifting mechanism204. In other implementations, the lift assembly200may include a single lifting mechanism. The first lifting mechanism202may be mechanically coupled to an undercarriage assembly (e.g., the undercarriage assembly118) of the motor grader100. The second lifting mechanism may be mechanically coupled to the first lifting mechanism202and the moldboard134. In some implementations, the lift assembly200may include a single lifting mechanism (e.g., that is configured to raise the moldboard134to a bench height (e.g., the bench height156).

The first lifting mechanism202may be configured to lift (e.g., raise and/or lower) the moldboard134of the snow wing assembly132a first portion160of the bench height156associated with the moldboard134. The second lifting mechanism204may be configured to lift (e.g., raise and/or lower) the moldboard134of the snow wing assembly132a second portion162of the bench height156associated with the moldboard134. The bench height156may be an achievable distance that the lift assembly200is capable of raising the snow wing assembly132(e.g., the moldboard134) from a work surface (e.g., the work surface104) associated with the motor grader100. For example, the bench height156may be measured from the ground to the edge138of the moldboard134. The bench height156may be a maximum height that the lift assembly200is capable of lifting the snow wing assembly132(e.g., the moldboard134) from the ground. In some examples, the bench height156may be greater than 40 inches. More specifically, the bench height156may be greater than 50 inches. In some examples, the bench height156may be approximately 60 inches.

In some examples, the first portion160may be approximately 75% of the bench height156and the second portion162may be approximately 25% of the bench height156. In other examples, the first portion160and the second portion162may be different percentages of the bench height156. In other words, the first lifting mechanism202may be configured to lift (e.g., raise and/or lower) the moldboard134of the snow wing assembly132to the first portion160of the bench height156and the second lifting mechanism204may be configured to lift (e.g., raise and/or lower) the moldboard134of the snow wing assembly132the remainder (e.g., the second portion162) of the bench height156. In this way, the lift assembly200may be a dual stage lift assembly (e.g., with a first stage being associated with the first lifting mechanism202and a second stage being associated with the second lifting mechanism204).

When the snow wing assembly132is raised to the bench height156, the snow wing assembly132(e.g., the moldboard134) may be a distance158from the operator cab122. For example, as the lift assembly200raises the snow wing assembly132, the lift assembly200may cause the snow wing assembly132to be pulled closer to the operator cab122. In other words, when the lift assembly200lowers the snow wing assembly132to the ground (e.g., to the work surface104), the lift assembly200may cause the snow wing assembly132(e.g., the inboard end146of the moldboard134) to be pushed further away from the operator cab122than when the snow wing assembly132is raised to the bench height156. The distance158may be measured between the inboard end146of the moldboard134and a side (e.g., a door) of the operator cab122on which the snow wing assembly132is mounted. The lift assembly200may be configured to ensure that the distance158is less than or equal to a threshold, such as 6 feet or similar distances.

The first lifting mechanism202may include a four-bar linkage configured to lift the moldboard134via a hydraulic cylinder associated with the four-bar linkage. The four-bar linkage may include a first vertical member210, a second vertical member212, a first horizontal member214, and a second horizontal member216(e.g., shown inFIG.3). “Vertical” and “horizontal” are provided for ease of description and are not intended to describe an orientation of the members of the four-bar linkage (e.g., the orientation of the members of the four-bar linkage may change as the four-bar linkage moves). The first vertical member210may be coupled to the undercarriage assembler of the motor grader100. The hydraulic cylinder208may be coupled to the first vertical member210and the first horizontal member214such that when the hydraulic cylinder208extends a rod of the hydraulic cylinder208, the four-bar linkage causes the second vertical member212to be raised (e.g., because the first vertical member210is fixed in position). As another example, the hydraulic cylinder208may be coupled to the second vertical member212and the second horizontal member216such that when the hydraulic cylinder208extends a rod of the hydraulic cylinder208, the four-bar linkage causes the second vertical member212to be raised relative to the first vertical member210.

The lift assembly200may be configured to raise and/or lower the snow wing assembly132and/or the moldboard134as described in more detail herein. For example, the first lifting mechanism202and/or the second lifting mechanism204may enable the lift assembly200to raise the moldboard134to a bench height (e.g., the bench height156) that is greater than or equal to a first threshold distance (e.g., 40 inches, 48 inches, 50 inches, 60 inches, or another distance) and to ensure that a distance (e.g., the distance158) between the moldboard134(e.g., the inboard end146) and the operator cab122of the motor grader is less than a second threshold distance (e.g., 72 inches or similar distances). In other words, the dual stage system of the lift assembly200may enable the lift assembly200to raise the moldboard134to a bench height (e.g., the bench height156) that is greater than or equal to a first threshold distance while also ensuring that the distance (e.g., the distance158) between the moldboard134(e.g., the inboard end146) and the operator cab122is not too large so as to cause collisions with nearby objects when the moldboard134is raised to the bench height156and/or when the snow wing assembly132is in the stored state. Eliminating the coupling between the moldboard134and the rear strut150may enable the moldboard134to be stored in the stored state closer to the operator cab122.

FIG.3is a perspective view of the lift assembly200described herein. As described above, the lift assembly200may include a lifting mechanism (e.g., the first lifting mechanism202and/or the second lifting mechanism204), coupled to the undercarriage assembly118of the motor grader100, configured to lift the moldboard134of the snow wing assembly132to the bench height156associated with the moldboard134.

As described above, the lifting mechanism may include a four-bar linkage having the first vertical member210coupled to the undercarriage assembly118, the second vertical member212, the first horizontal member214, and the second horizontal member216. The second lifting mechanism204may be disposed at, or near, the second vertical member212of the four-bar linkage (e.g., of the first lifting mechanism202). For example, as shown inFIG.3, the second lifting mechanism204may include the hinge206slidably coupled to the bar218. The hinge206may be coupled to the moldboard134. The second lifting mechanism204may be configured to cause the hinge206to slide along the bar218. The second lifting mechanism204may include an actuator, a hydraulic cylinder, one or more chains, one or more gear systems, a motor, and/or a cable and pulley system, among other examples.

The hinge206may be slidably and rotatably coupled to the bar218. For example, the hinge206may include a sleeve that is disposed around the bar218. The hinge206may be configured to slide up and down along the bar218(e.g., to raise and/or lower the moldboard134the second portion162of the bench height156or the entire bench height156) and the rotate around the bar218(e.g., to rotate the moldboard134in the first rotational direction164described above and as depicted inFIG.4). A rod of a hydraulic cylinder of the lifting mechanism may be coupled to the hinge206. For example, in some cases, the hydraulic cylinder may be configured to retract the rod to cause the hinge206to slide up the bar218(e.g., to cause the moldboard134to raise the second portion162of the bench height156or the entire bench height156). Similarly, the hydraulic cylinder may be configured to extend the rod to cause the hinge206to slide down the bar218(e.g., to cause the moldboard134to lower the second portion162of the bench height156or the entire bench height156).

The lift assembly200may include a first rotational mechanism220. The first rotational mechanism220may be referred to herein as an angle mechanism or an angling mechanism. For example, the first rotational mechanism220may be configured to rotate the hinge206and the moldboard134in the first rotational direction164. For example, the bar218may define an axis222. The first rotational direction164may be about (e.g., around) the axis222(e.g., the first rotational direction164may be defined by the axis222). In other words, the first rotational mechanism220may be configured to rotate the hinge206and the moldboard134about (e.g., around) the axis222. The first rotational mechanism220may be coupled to the lifting mechanism and the hinge206. As shown inFIG.3, the first rotational mechanism220may not be coupled directly to the moldboard134(e.g., and may cause the moldboard134to rotate via the coupling to the hinge206and because the moldboard134is coupled to the hinge206).

For example, the first rotational mechanism220may include a hydraulic cylinder224. The hydraulic cylinder224may be mechanically coupled to the hinge206and the lifting mechanism. For example, the hydraulic cylinder224may be mechanically coupled to the hinge206and the second vertical member212of the four-bar linkage. For example, a first end of the hydraulic cylinder224(e.g., the rod end of the hydraulic cylinder224as shown inFIG.3as an example) may be mechanically coupled to the hinge206. A second end of the hydraulic cylinder224(e.g., a head end of the hydraulic cylinder224, as shown inFIG.3as an example) may be mechanically coupled to the lifting mechanism (e.g., to the second vertical member212of the four-bar linkage). For example, the ends of the hydraulic cylinder224may be respectively coupled to the hinge206and the second vertical member212via pin joints or another mechanical coupling that allows for rotation in at least one rotational direction.

The first rotational mechanism220may be configured to cause the moldboard134to rotate in the first rotational direction164via the hydraulic cylinder224. For example, in the example configuration depicted inFIG.3, the first rotational mechanism220may be configured to extend the rod of the hydraulic cylinder224to cause the outboard end144of the moldboard134to rotate away from the operator cab122in the first rotational direction164. Similarly, the first rotational mechanism220may be configured to retract the rod of the hydraulic cylinder224to cause the outboard end144of the moldboard134to rotate toward the operator cab122in the first rotational direction164. For example, extending and/or retracting the rod of the hydraulic cylinder224may cause the hinge206to rotate about (e.g., around) the bar218. Because the hinge206is coupled to the moldboard134, as the hinge206rotates about the bar218, the moldboard134will rotate in the first rotational direction164.

The lift assembly200may include a second rotational mechanism226. The second rotational mechanism226may be referred to herein as a tilt mechanism or a tilting mechanism. For example, the second rotational mechanism226may be configured to rotate the moldboard134in the second rotational direction166. For example, the hinge206may be rotatably coupled to the moldboard134about an axis228(e.g., defined by the coupling assembly140). The axis228is depicted inFIGS.4,6, and7. The second rotational mechanism226may be configured to rotate the moldboard134about the axis228. The axis222may be perpendicular to the axis228. The second rotational mechanism226may be coupled to the hinge206and the moldboard134. For example, unlike the first rotational mechanism220, the second rotational mechanism226may not be directly coupled to the lifting mechanism and/or the motor grader100. As described elsewhere herein, this may enable independent movement of the moldboard134in the first rotational direction164, the second rotational direction166, and along the bench height156.

For example, the second rotational mechanism226may include a hydraulic cylinder230. The hydraulic cylinder230may be mechanically coupled to the hinge206and the moldboard134. For example, the hydraulic cylinder230may be mechanically coupled to the hinge206and the rear side168of the moldboard134. The rear side168may be opposite to the surface136(e.g., may be on an opposite side of the moldboard134from the surface136). A first end of the hydraulic cylinder230(e.g., the rod end of the hydraulic cylinder230, as shown inFIG.3as an example) may be mechanically coupled to the moldboard134(e.g., to the rear side168). A second end of the hydraulic cylinder230(e.g., a head end of the hydraulic cylinder230, as shown inFIG.3as an example) may be mechanically coupled to the hinge206. For example, the ends of the hydraulic cylinder230may be respectively coupled to the hinge206and the moldboard134via pin joints or another mechanical coupling that allows for rotation in at least one rotational direction.

The second rotational mechanism226may be configured to cause the moldboard134to rotate in the second rotational direction166via the hydraulic cylinder230. For example, in the example configuration depicted inFIG.3, the second rotational mechanism226may be configured to extend the rod of the hydraulic cylinder230to cause the outboard end144of the moldboard134to rotate toward the ground (e.g., toward the work surface104) in the second rotational direction166. Similarly, the second rotational mechanism226may be configured to retract the rod of the hydraulic cylinder230to cause the outboard end144of the moldboard134to rotate away from the ground (e.g., away from the work surface104) in the second rotational direction166. For example, extending and/or retracting the rod of the hydraulic cylinder230may cause an angle between the edge138of the moldboard134and the group (e.g., the work surface104) to change (e.g., to decrease when the rod is extended and to increase when the rod is retracted, or vice versa if the configuration of the hydraulic cylinder230is flipped, such that the rod end is coupled to the hinge206).

For example, as the rod of the hydraulic cylinder230is extended or retracted, the moldboard134may rotate about a coupling (e.g., of the coupling assembly140) with the hinge206and the hinge206may remain fixed with respect to the second rotational direction166. Because the second rotational mechanism226is coupled to the hinge206(e.g., which is fixed relative to the second rotational direction166, but is rotatable relative to the first rotational direction164), a movement of the moldboard134in the first rotational direction164may be independent of a movement of the moldboard134in the second rotation direction166. For example, because the first rotational mechanism220is coupled to the hinge206, rather than the moldboard134, a rotation of the moldboard134in the second rotation direction166will not impact or change a rotational position of the moldboard134relative to the first rotational direction164. Additionally, because the second rotational mechanism226is coupled to the hinge206, rather than the lifting mechanism or the undercarriage assembly118(e.g., to a strut, such as the rear strut150), a rotation of the moldboard134in the first rotation direction164will not impact or change a rotational position of the moldboard134relative to the second rotational direction166.

Additionally, the connection point between the first rotational mechanism220and the lifting mechanism may not be to a fixed component (e.g., a mechanically fixed or immovable component). For example, the second vertical member212may be a moveable component (e.g., the second vertical member212may move with respect to the bench height156as the lift assembly200raises and lowers the moldboard134). Similarly, because the hinge206is coupled to the second vertical member212(e.g., via the bar218), the connection point between the second rotational mechanism and the hinge206is also not fixed with respect to the bench height156and may move with respect to the bench height156as the lift assembly200raises and lowers the moldboard134. Therefore, as the moldboard134moves along the bench height156, the connections of the first rotational mechanism220and the second rotational mechanism226may also move relative the bench height156, thereby enabling a rotational position of the moldboard with respect to the first rotational direction164and the second rotational direction166to be maintained as the moldboard134is raised and/or lowered along the bench height156. Therefore, the movement and/or rotation of the moldboard134may be independent in at least three directions (e.g., along the bench height156, in first rotational direction164, and in second rotational direction166). In other words, a lifting operation of the moldboard134via the lifting assembly200, an angling operation of the moldboard134via the first rotational mechanism220, and a tilting operation of the moldboard134via the second rotational mechanism226are configured to move the moldboard independently respective to one another based on the hydraulic cylinder230being coupled to the hinge206and the moldboard134and based on the hydraulic cylinder224being coupled to the lifting assembly200(e.g., the second vertical member212) and the hinge206. As used herein, “independent” or “independently” may refer to a movement or rotation of the moldboard134in a first direction not impacting a position of the moldboard134with respect to a second direction.

FIG.4is a top view of the motor grader100having the snow wing assembly132described herein. As shown inFIG.4, the first rotational mechanism220may be configured to rotate the moldboard134in the first rotational direction164. As shown inFIG.4, the outboard end144of the moldboard134may be free (e.g., may include no attachments or couplings to components associated with causing a movement and/or rotation of the moldboard134). For example, the hinge206and the second rotational mechanism226may be coupled to the moldboard134proximate to the inboard end146of the moldboard134.

For example, the moldboard134may have a length M. In some implementations, the second rotational mechanism226(e.g., the hydraulic cylinder230) may be coupled to the moldboard134at a distance from the inboard end146that is less than or equal to M/2 (e.g., may be coupled to the moldboard134closer to the inboard end146than the outboard end144). Additionally, or alternatively, the second rotational mechanism226(e.g., the hydraulic cylinder230) may be coupled to the moldboard134, but not to a rear strut or other component of the undercarriage assembly118of the motor grader100. For example, in some cases, the second rotational mechanism226(e.g., the hydraulic cylinder230) may be coupled to the moldboard134at a distance from the inboard end146that is greater than M/2, but because the second rotational mechanism226(e.g., the hydraulic cylinder230) is coupled to the hinge206, rather than to the undercarriage assembly118of the motor grader100, the outboard end144of the moldboard134may be free. This enables the snow wing assembly132to not be associated with any connections or couplings to a rear end114of the motor grader100.

The hydraulic cylinder224may be associated with a pressure relief valve that is configured to relieve a pressure associated with the hydraulic cylinder224based on the pressure associated with the hydraulic cylinder224satisfying a pressure threshold. For example, in operation, the moldboard134(e.g., at the surface136) may contact material (e.g., dirt, snow, earth, and/or other material). In some cases, the moldboard134(e.g., at the surface136) may contact material or an object that results in a force applied to the first rotational mechanism220and/or the lift assembly200increasing (e.g., due to the moldboard134being in a fixed position relative to the first rotational direction164) to a level that may damage or break components of the first rotational mechanism220and/or the lift assembly200. To prevent this, the pressure relief valve may relieve a pressure associated with the hydraulic cylinder224(e.g., enabling the moldboard134to move relative to the first rotational direction164without an operator command or change in a hydraulic circuit associated with the hydraulic cylinder224) to prevent forces applied to the first rotational mechanism220and/or the lift assembly200from increasing to a level that may damage or break components. In other words, the hydraulic cylinder224may be enabled to provide hydraulic relief to the moldboard134. The position of the moldboard134relative to the first rotational direction164may be returned to the position prior to the pressure relief valve relieving pressure associated with the hydraulic cylinder224via an operator command (e.g., automatically from an input component, such as a control board, inside the operator cab122and without requiring the operator to exit the operator cab122). For example, the hydraulic cylinder224(and/or the hydraulic cylinder230) may be configured to return the moldboard134to an operator indicated position via a hydraulic operation.

As shown inFIG.4, the first lifting mechanism202may be configured to be approximately perpendicular to the operator cab122. For example, the first horizontal member214and/or the second horizontal member216may be approximately perpendicular to a side of the operator cab122. In some other implementations, the first lifting mechanism202(e.g., the first horizontal member214and/or the second horizontal member216) may not be perpendicular to the side of the operator cab122. For example, the first lifting mechanism202(e.g., the first horizontal member214and/or the second horizontal member216) may be angled, relative to the side of the operator cab122, toward the rear end114of the motor grader100. In some implementations, the angle between the first lifting mechanism202(e.g., the first horizontal member214and/or the second horizontal member216) and the side of the operator cab122may be greater than or equal to 50 degrees and less than 90 degrees, among other examples. Rotating the first lifting mechanism202toward the rear end114of the motor grader100may improve operator visibility from the operator cab122and/or may reduce a distance that the snow wing assembly132extends away from the operator cab122in a stored state (e.g., may improve a packing of the snow wing assembly132).

FIG.5is a side view of the motor grader100having the snow wing assembly132described herein.FIG.5depicts the snow wing assembly132in a stored state (e.g., with the outboard end144rotated in the first rotation direction164proximate to the operator cab122). As depicted inFIG.4, because the outboard end144of the moldboard134is free, the moldboard134may be stored in the stored state with the outboard end144closer to the operator cab122than if the moldboard134included connections or attachments proximate to the outboard end144(e.g., as depicted inFIG.1).

The second rotational mechanism226may be configured to move or rotate the moldboard134in the second rotational direction166(e.g., about the axis228defined by the coupling assembly140). For example, in the position depicted inFIG.5, the moldboard134(e.g., the edge138of the moldboard134) may be approximately parallel to the work surface104. However, if the hydraulic cylinder230is actuated, the angle between the moldboard134(e.g., the edge138of the moldboard134) and the work surface104may change. This may enable the moldboard134to be operated in additional positions, such was when performing a benching operation, thereby providing additional flexibility to the operator of the motor grader100.

In some cases, the coupling assembly140may include a pin extending through the moldboard134and the hinge206. In such examples, the pin may define the axis228. For example, the pin may enable the moldboard134to rotate in the second rotational direction166(e.g., around the pin) relative to the hinge206. In other examples, the coupling assembly140may include a roller bearing232. For example, the roller bearing232may be disposed at an interface between the moldboard134and the hinge206. The roller bearing232may enable the moldboard134to rotate with respect to the hinge206about the axis228(e.g., in the second rotational direction166), as depicted and described in more detail in connection withFIGS.6and7.

FIG.6is a perspective view of the snow wing assembly132and the lift assembly200described herein. In some cases, to enable the moldboard134to be moved to various positions, the moldboard134may be rotatably mounted to the hinge206. To facilitate the coupling of the moldboard134to the hinge206, the coupling assembly140may be used. The coupling assembly140may include a pin that is passed through the moldboard134and the hinge206to rotatably couple the moldboard134with the hinge206(e.g., via a nut, such as a castle nut).

However, in some cases, over time, the coupling assembly140and/or pin may become susceptible to seizure within the components (e.g., the moldboard134and/or the hinge206) via which they contact (e.g., due to the harshness of conditions in which the grader machine operates). Additionally, a size of the pin or bolt required to support forces exerted on the coupling assembly140may result in a torque required to fasten the pin or bolt being extremely high (e.g., 3100 newton-meters (Nm)).

Therefore, in some cases, the coupling assembly140may include the roller bearing232. The roller bearing232may be used with the lift assembly200, the first rotational mechanism220, and/or the second rotational mechanism226. Additionally, the roller bearing232may be used with other configurations associated with a snow wing assembly and/or a lift assembly. For example, the roller bearing232may be used with a single four-bar linkage lift assembly, a masted lift assembly, and/or other lift assemblies configured to lift the moldboard134to a bench height. For example, the roller bearing232may be configured at an interface between the lift assembly200and the moldboard134to enable the moldboard134to rotate with respect to the lift assembly200about the axis228.

The moldboard134may include a recess170. The recess170may extend into a front side172of the moldboard134. The front side172may include the surface136. For example, the front side172may be an opposite side of the moldboard134from a side that includes the interface between the moldboard134and the lift assembly200(e.g., with the hinge206). For example, the front side172may be an opposite side of the moldboard134from rear side168. The recess170may extend a depth into the front side172. As shown inFIG.5, the recess170may have a circular shape. In some implementations, the recess170may have a shape corresponding to a shape of the roller bearing232. The recess170may provide a flat surface for the roller bearing232to mate to. For example, as described above, the moldboard134may be associated with a curved surface or a concave surface, that may help receive and agglomerate the materials102over the work surface104. However, the curved surface may not provide sufficient contact area for the roller bearing232to be coupled to the moldboard134. The recess170may provide a surface174that is approximately flat (e.g., not curved) to enable the roller bearing232to be coupled to the moldboard134proximate to the surface174.

The moldboard134may be coupled to the roller bearing232via a plurality of fasteners234. As shown inFIG.6, the moldboard134may be coupled to the roller bearing232via eight fasteners234. The moldboard134may include a plurality of holes or apertures corresponding to locations of the fasteners234(e.g., to enable the fasteners234to pass through the moldboard134). The fasteners234may be bolts, pins, screws, studs, rivets, or another type of fastener. For example, the fasteners234may be bolts having a size (e.g., a diameter) that is less than a threshold. For example, the threshold may be a size (e.g., a diameter) corresponding to a metric coarse (M) 20 (M20) bolt, such as 20 millimeters. In other words, the fasteners234may be bolts having a size of M20 or smaller. This may enable a torque required to fasten the fasteners234to be reduced when compared to using a single, larger bolt for the coupling assembly140. Additionally, a shear strength of the coupling assembly140may be increased because forces are distributed across the plurality of fasteners234, rather than over a single bolt or pin.

FIG.7is an exploded view of the coupling assembly140described herein. As shown inFIG.7, the roller bearing232may be disposed at an interface between the lift assembly200(e.g., between the hinge206) and the moldboard134. For example, the hinge206may include a surface236. The surface236may be a flat surface to enable the roller bearing232to be coupled to hinge206at the surface236. The surface236and the side168of the moldboard134may define the interface between the lift assembly200(e.g., between the hinge206) and the moldboard134.

The hinge206may be coupled to the roller bearing232via a plurality of fasteners238. As shown inFIG.6, the moldboard134may be coupled to the roller bearing232via eight fasteners238. The hinge206may include a plurality of apertures240corresponding to locations of the fasteners238(e.g., to enable the fasteners238to pass through the hinge206). The fasteners238may be bolts, pins, screws, studs, rivets, or another type of fastener. For example, the fasteners238may be the same as, or similar to, the fasteners234.

The roller bearing232may include a slew bearing, a cylindrical roller bearing, a cross roller bearing, a needle bearing, a tapered roller bearing, or another type of roller bearing. For example, the roller bearing232may include a first ring242and a second ring244. The first ring242and the second ring244may be configured to rotate relative to one another above the axis228(e.g., in the second rotational direction166). For example, the roller bearing232may include one or more rolling elements, such as balls, rollers, and/or other rolling elements between the first ring242and the second ring244to enable the first ring242and the second ring244to rotate relative to one another. The roller bearing232and/or the one or more rolling elements may be internally greased and/or lubricated to enable a smooth and fluid rotation of the first ring242and the second ring244relative to one another.

The moldboard134may be coupled to the first ring242via the plurality of fasteners234passing from the surface174of the moldboard134through the roller bearing232(e.g., through the first ring242). Similarly, the lift assembly200(e.g., the hinge206) is coupled to the second ring244via the plurality of fasteners238(e.g., passing through the roller bearing232and the apertures240). As a result, the moldboard134may be coupled to the hinge206(e.g., via the roller bearing232) and may be enabled to rotate relative to the hinge206about the axis228in the second rotational direction166. For example, the second rotational mechanism226may cause the hydraulic cylinder230to be actuated to rotate the moldboard134relative to the hinge206about the axis228in the second rotational direction166, as described in more detail elsewhere herein.

In some implementations, the coupling assembly140may be configured such that the axis228is approximately above a leading end178of a cutting edge176of the moldboard134. For example, the moldboard134may include the cutting edge176, which may be a metal or other hard material configured to cut into material on the work surface104(e.g., to facilitate removal of the material). The leading end178may sometimes be referred to as a “toe” of the moldboard134and/or the cutting edge176. In some cases, an offset between the axis228and the leading end178may cause the leading end178to cut into the work surface104when the moldboard134is rotated about the axis228(e.g., and is lowered relative to the bench height156). The cutting into the work surface104by the leading end178may sometimes be referred to as toe gouge. By configuring the axis228to be approximately above the leading end178of the cutting edge176of the moldboard134(e.g., such that there is no, or little, offset between the axis228and the leading end178relative to the length of the moldboard134), the leading end178may not cut into the work surface104when the moldboard134is rotated about the axis228(e.g., and is lowered relative to the bench height156). For example, in some cases, the leading end178of the cutting edge176may be offset a distance from the inboard end146(e.g., the leading end178may be configured to be some distance away from the inboard end146toward the outboard end144). In some implementations, a distance (e.g., along a length of the moldboard134from the outboard end144to the inboard end146) between the axis228and the leading end178may be less than a threshold (e.g., where the threshold may be 2 millimeters, 5 millimeters, 10 millimeters, or another distance).

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

In some cases, the moldboard134depicted inFIG.1may be raised or lowered along the mast via one or more actuators. However, the mast may present an impediment to accessing an operator cab122of the motor grader100. Additionally, the mast may block or impede a view of an operator from inside of the operator cab122. As another example, the motor grader100may utilize a mast-less system to enable the moldboard134to be raised to a bench height. However, the mast-less system may be limited as to an achievable bench height for the moldboard134. Therefore, the mast-less system may be unable to perform certain operations that require a bench height greater than the achievable bench height associated with the mast-less system. Further, the motor grader100may utilize a coupling between the moldboard134and a rear strut150of the motor grader100to change an angle (e.g., relative to the operator cab122) and/or a tilt (e.g., relative to the ground) of the moldboard134. For example, a coupling mechanism (e.g., a push pole or the actuator148) may enable a coupling between the rear strut150of the motor grader100and the moldboard134. The coupling mechanism may include a shear pin to enable mechanical disengagement of the coupling between the rear strut150(e.g., to provide relief to components when forces on the coupling become too large). However, such couplings require manual adjustment (e.g., such as when the shear pin breaks) and are mechanically complex.

In other words, to perform the various movement operations (e.g., lifting operations and/or rotational operations), the moldboard134may be coupled to both a front end and a rear end of the motor grader100. Such configurations may result in a dependency between the various movement operations. For example, changing a bench height of the moldboard134may result in a tilt angle (e.g., relative to the ground) of the moldboard134changing. As a result, a positional control of the moldboard may be complex and imprecise due to the dependency between the various movement operations.

Some implementations described herein enable snow wing assembly132having independent rotational control mechanisms. For example, the lift assembly200of the snow wing assembly132may include the first rotational mechanism220and the second rotational mechanism226. The first rotational mechanism220and the second rotational mechanism226may be configured to enable independent lifting (e.g., along the bench height156), angling (e.g., in the first rotational direction164), and tilting (e.g., in the second rotational direction166) of the moldboard134. Additionally, the first rotational mechanism220and the second rotational mechanism226may be configured to enable connections between the moldboard134and a rear strut150of the motor grader100to be eliminated, thereby improving operator access to the operator cab122and improving visibility from within the operation cab122.

For example, because the first rotational mechanism220is coupled to the hinge206, rather than to the moldboard134, a rotation of the moldboard134in the second rotation direction166will not impact or change a rotational position of the moldboard134relative to the first rotational direction164. Additionally, because the second rotational mechanism226is coupled to the hinge206, rather than to the lifting mechanism or the undercarriage assembly118(e.g., to a strut, such as the rear strut150), a rotation of the moldboard134in the first rotation direction164will not impact or change a rotational position of the moldboard134relative to the second rotational direction166. Additionally, the connection point between the first rotational mechanism220and the lifting mechanism may not be to a fixed component (e.g., a mechanically fixed or immovable component). For example, the second vertical member212may be a moveable component (e.g., the second vertical member212may move with respect to the bench height156as the lift assembly200raises and lowers the moldboard134). Therefore, the movement and/or rotation of the moldboard134may be independent in at least three directions (e.g., along the bench height156, in first rotational direction164, and in second rotational direction166).

Additionally, the roller bearing232may enable the snow wing assembly132and/or the lift assembly200to support greater axial load at the coupling assembly140between the moldboard134and the lift assembly132(e.g., by using the plurality of fasteners234and fasteners238, rather than a single pin or a single bolt). For example, to facilitate the coupling of the snow wing (e.g., the moldboard134of the snow wing) to the lift assembly200, a coupling assembly may be used. The coupling assembly may typically include a pin or bolt that is passed through the moldboard and the hinge to rotatably couple the moldboard with the hinge (e.g., via a nut, such as a castle nut). However, such hinges and/or coupling assemblies do not provide any means for providing grease or lubricant to interfaces associated with the coupling assembly. Over time, the coupling assembly and/or pin may become susceptible to seizure within the components (e.g., the moldboard134and/or the hinge206) via which they contact (e.g., due to the harshness of conditions in which the motor grader100operates). Moreover, because there are multiple interfaces between moving components of the coupling assembly, a likelihood of seizure of a component may be increased. The roller bearing232described herein enables a rotation of the moldboard134relative to the lift assembly200(e.g., and the hinge206) in the second rotational direction166. Moreover, because the roller bearing232may be internally greased or lubricated, the roller bearing232may reduce a likelihood that one or more of the parts of the coupling assembly140will seize due to the rotational movement of the parts. Additionally, the plurality of fasteners234and fasteners238may increase an axial strength of the coupling assembly140.

The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the implementations to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications and variations may be made in light of the above disclosure or may be acquired from practice of the implementations. Furthermore, any of the implementations described herein may be combined unless the foregoing disclosure expressly provides a reason that one or more implementations cannot be combined. Even though particular combinations of features are recited in the claims and/or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of various implementations. Although each dependent claim listed below may directly depend on only one claim, the disclosure of various implementations includes each dependent claim in combination with every other claim in the claim set.

As used herein, “a,” “an,” and a “set” are intended to include one or more items, and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Further, as used herein, the article “the” is intended to include one or more items referenced in connection with the article “the” and may be used interchangeably with “the one or more.” Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise. Also, as used herein, the term “or” is intended to be inclusive when used in a series and may be used interchangeably with “and/or,” unless explicitly stated otherwise (e.g., if used in combination with “either” or “only one of”). As used herein, satisfying a threshold may, depending on the context, refer to a value being greater than the threshold, greater than or equal to the threshold, less than the threshold, less than or equal to the threshold, equal to the threshold, not equal to the threshold, or the like.