Patent Publication Number: US-2019177947-A1

Title: Implement adjustment assembly for a work vehicle

Description:
FIELD 
     The present disclosure generally relates to work vehicles and, more particularly, to implement adjustment assemblies configured to adjust a position and/or orientation of an implement of a work vehicle. 
     BACKGROUND 
     It is well known that, in the construction of many buildings, bridges, roads, and/or the like, that the topography of the soil must be manipulated, typically through the use of an earthmoving operation. Earthmoving operations are generally performed by a work vehicle, such as a wheel loader, that includes an implement, such as a bucket, configured to move a volume of soil between various locations. In order to move the soil, the work vehicle includes an implement adjustment assembly configured to lift or otherwise move the implement between a lowered position and a raised position. For example, the implement is typically able to receive the volume of soil from the ground when at the lowered position. Conversely, the work vehicle is generally able to transport the volume of soil between locations when the implement is at the raised position. To facilitate such movement between the raised and lowered positions, the implement adjustment assembly typically includes various actuators, arms, links, and pivot joints. 
     In certain instances, it is desirable that the implement remain parallel to the ground when being moved between the raised and lowered positions. However, the relative positioning of the pivot joints of conventional implement adjustment assemblies requires simultaneous manipulation of multiple actuators to maintain the implement at an orientation that is parallel to the ground when being moved between the raised and lowered positions. Such simultaneous manipulation of multiple actuators requires a skilled and experienced operator to safely perform. 
     Accordingly, an improved implement adjustment assembly for a work vehicle would be welcomed in the technology. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
     Aspects and advantages of the technology will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the technology. 
     In one aspect, the present subject matter is directed to an implement adjustment assembly for a work vehicle. The work vehicle may include a frame extending in a longitudinal direction between a forward end of the work vehicle and an aft end of the work vehicle. The work vehicle may further extend in a vertical direction between a top end of the work vehicle and a bottom end of the work vehicle. The implement adjustment assembly may include a lift arm pivotably coupled to the frame at a first pivot joint and a bell crank pivotably coupled to the lift arm. Furthermore, the implement adjustment assembly may include a first actuator pivotably coupled to the frame at a second pivot joint, with the first actuator further being pivotably coupled to the bell crank. The second pivot joint may be spaced apart from the first pivot joint by a first distance along the vertical direction and by a second distance along the longitudinal direction, with the first distance being at least one and half times greater than the second distance. 
     In another aspect, the present subject matter is directed to an implement adjustment assembly for a work vehicle. The work vehicle may include a frame extending along a longitudinal direction between a forward end of the work vehicle and an aft end of the work vehicle. The work vehicle may further extend along a vertical direction from a top end of the work vehicle to a bottom end of the work vehicle. The implement adjustment assembly may include a frame and a lift arm pivotably coupled to the frame at a first pivot joint and an implement pivotably coupled to the lift arm. The implement adjustment assembly may also include a bell crank pivotably coupled to the lift arm and a link pivotably coupled to the bell crank and the implement. Furthermore, the implement adjustment assembly may include a first actuator pivotably coupled to the frame at a second pivot joint, with the first actuator further being pivotably coupled to the first end of the bell crank. Moreover, the implement adjustment assembly may include a second actuator pivotably coupled to the frame at a third pivot joint, with the second actuator further being pivotably coupled to the lift arm. Additionally, the second pivot joint may be spaced apart from the first pivot joint by a first distance along the vertical direction and by a second distance along the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the second pivot joint may be spaced apart from the third pivot joint by a third distance along the vertical direction and by a fourth distance along the longitudinal direction. Moreover, the first distance may be at least one and half times greater than the second distance, and the third distance may at least one and half times greater than the fourth distance. 
     These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present technology will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the technology and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the technology. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A full and enabling disclosure of the present technology, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a side view of one embodiment of a work vehicle in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter, particularly illustrating an implement of the work vehicle at a lowered position relative to a ground surface; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates another side view of the work vehicle shown in  FIG. 1  in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter, particularly illustrating the implement of the work vehicle at a raised position relative to the ground surface; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of a one embodiment of an implement adjustment assembly in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter; and 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an enlarged side view of a portion of the implement adjustment assembly shown in  FIG. 3 , particularly illustrating the relative positioning between various pivot joints of the implement adjustment assembly. 
     
    
    
     Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present technology. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     In general, the present subject matter is directed to an implement adjustment assembly for a work vehicle. Specifically, in several embodiments, the implement adjustment assembly may include a lift arm pivotably coupled to a frame of the work vehicle at a first pivot joint. The lift arm may also be pivotably coupled to an implement, such as a bucket, of the work vehicle. The implement adjustment assembly may also include a bell crank pivotably coupled to the lift arm and the implement. Furthermore, the implement adjustment assembly may include an actuator pivotably coupled to the frame at a second pivot joint. The actuator may also be pivotably coupled to the bell crank such that the actuator may be configured to pivot the implement relative to the lift arm so as to control the orientation of the implement relative to a ground surface. 
     In accordance with aspects of the present subject matter, the second pivot joint may be spaced apart from the first pivot joint by a first distance along a vertical direction of the work vehicle and by a second distance along a longitudinal direction of the work vehicle, with the first distance being at least one and half times greater than the second distance. Such relative positioning between the first and second pivot joints may orient various components of the implement adjustment assembly in such a manner that the implement remains parallel to the ground surface as the implement is being moved relative to the ground surface along the vertical direction, such as between a lowered position and a raised position. 
     Referring now to the drawings,  FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate differing side views of one embodiment of a work vehicle  10 . Specifically,  FIG. 1  illustrates a side view of the work vehicle  10  with an implement  12  of the work vehicle  10  at a lowered position relative to a ground surface  14 . Additionally,  FIG. 2  illustrates a side view of the work vehicle  10  with the implement  12  at a raised position relative to the ground surface  14 . 
     As shown, the work vehicle  10  may be configured as a wheel loader. However, in other embodiments, the work vehicle  10  may be configured as any other suitable work vehicle known in the art, including those for agricultural and construction applications, transport, sport, and/or the like. In general, the work vehicle  10  may extend longitudinally (e.g., as indicated by arrow  14  in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) between a forward end  16  of the work vehicle  10  and an aft end  18  of the work vehicle  10 . In addition, the work vehicle  10  may also extend vertically (e.g., as indicated by arrow  20  in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) between a top end  22  of the work vehicle  10  and a bottom end  24  of the work vehicle  10 . 
     The work vehicle  10  may include a frame or chassis  26  that is configured to support or couple to a plurality of components. For example, as will be described below, in several embodiments, the frame  26  may be configured to support the implement  12  at the forward end  16  of the work vehicle  10 . The frame  26  may also be configured to support an enclosed operator&#39;s cab  28  at a location positioned centrally between the forward and aft ends  16 ,  18  of the work vehicle  10 . Furthermore, in one embodiment, a pair of steerable front wheels  30  and a pair of driven, ground-engaging rear wheels  32  may be coupled to the frame  26 . The wheels  30 ,  32  may be configured to support the work vehicle  10  relative to the ground surface  14  and move the work vehicle  10  in a forward direction of travel  34  relative to the ground surface  14 . Additionally, as is generally understood, the work vehicle  10  may include an engine  36  and a transmission (not shown) supported by the frame  26 . The transmission may be operably coupled to the engine  36  and may provide variably adjusted gear ratios for transferring engine power to the wheels  32  via a drive axle assembly (or via axles if multiple drive axles are employed). 
     In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, the implement  12  of the work vehicle  10  may be configured to transport or otherwise convey a volume of soil or other material (e.g., building materials and debris) relative to the ground surface  14 . As shown, the implement  12  may be configured as a bucket. In several embodiments, the implement  12  may be adjustably mounted to the frame  24  so as to lift the volume of soil along the vertical direction  20  relative to the ground surface  14 . Specifically, as shown, the implement  12  may be moveable between a lowered position relative to the ground surface  14  as shown in  FIG. 1  and a raised position relative to the ground surface  14  as shown in  FIG. 2 . For example, in one embodiment, a bottom surface  38  of the implement  12  may in contact with or proximate to the ground surface  14  when the implement  12  is at the lowered position. Conversely, when the implement  12  is at the raised position, the bottom surface  38  of the implement  12  is positioned above the ground surface  14  along the vertical direction  20 , such as at a position proximate to the top end  22  of the work vehicle  10 . However, in alternative embodiments, the raised and lowered positions may correspond to any other suitable positions along the travel path of the implement  12 , with the raised position being located above the lowered position in the vertical direction  20 . Furthermore, as will be described below, an implement adjustment assembly  100  may be configured to adjustably couple the implement  12  to the frame  26  and move the implement  12  along the vertical direction  20 , such as between the lowered and raised positions. It should be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the implement  12  may be configured as any other suitable type of implement, such as a blade or forks. 
     It should also be appreciated that the configuration of the work vehicle  10  described above and shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  is provided only to place the present subject matter in an exemplary field of use. Thus, it should be apparent that the present subject matter may be readily adaptable to any manner of work vehicle configuration. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the work vehicle  10  may include an open operator&#39;s cab  28 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a side view of one embodiment of an implement adjustment assembly  100  suitable for use with a work vehicle is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. In general, the implement adjustment assembly  100  will be described herein with reference to the work vehicle  10  described above with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . However, it should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the disclosed implement adjustment assembly  100  may generally be utilized with work vehicles having any other suitable vehicle configuration. 
     In several embodiments, the implement adjustment assembly  100  may include a lift arm  102  and an associated arm actuator  104 . In one embodiment, one end of the lift arm  102  may be pivotably coupled to the frame  26  of the work vehicle  10  at a first arm pivot joint  106 . Similarly, an opposed end of the lift arm  102  may be coupled to the implement  12  of the work vehicle  10  at a second arm pivot joint  108 . Furthermore, one end of the arm actuator  104  may be pivotably coupled to the frame  26  of the work vehicle  10  at a first arm actuator pivot joint  110 . Similarly, an opposed end of the arm actuator  104  may be coupled to the lift arm  102  at a second arm actuator pivot joint  112 . As shown, the second arm actuator pivot joint  112  may be positioned at a location on the lift arm  102  between the first and second arm pivot joints  106 ,  108 . As such, the arm pivot joints  106 ,  110 ,  112  may allow relative pivotable movement between the frame  26 , the lift arm  102 , and the arm actuator  104 , thereby allowing the position of the implement  12  relative to the ground surface  14  to be adjusted along the vertical direction  20 . For example, the arm actuator  104  may be configured move the implement  12  along the vertical direction  20  between the lowered position ( FIG. 1 ) and the raised position ( FIG. 2 ). However, a person of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the implement  12  may be adjustably coupled to the frame  26  in any suitable manner that permits the actuator arm  104  to move the implement  12  along the vertical direction  20  relative to the ground surface  14 . 
     The implement adjustment assembly  100  may also include a bell crank  114  and an associated crank actuator  116 . Specifically, as shown, one end of the crank actuator  116  may be pivotably coupled to the frame  26  of the work vehicle  10  at a first crank actuator pivot joint  118 . Similarly, an opposed end of the crank actuator  116  may be coupled to one end of the bell crank  114  at a second crank actuator pivot joint  120 . In an alternative embodiment, a link (not shown) may be coupled between the crank actuator  116  and the bell crank  114 . Furthermore, an opposed end of the bell crank  114  may be pivotably coupled to one end of a link  122  at a first link pivot joint  124 . An opposed end of the link  122  may, in turn, be pivotably coupled to the implement  12  at a second link pivot joint  126 . Additionally, a central portion of the bell crank  114  (e.g., a portion located between the pivot joints  120 ,  124 ) may be pivotably coupled to a central portion of the lift arm  102  (e.g., a portion located between the arm pivot joints  106 ,  108 ) at a crank pivot joint  128 . As such, the pivot joints  118 ,  120 ,  124 ,  126  may allow relative pivotable movement between the frame  26 , the crank actuator  116 , the bell crank  114 , and the link  122 , thereby allowing the angular orientation of the implement  12  to be adjusted relative to the ground surface  14 . In this regard, the crank actuator  116  may be configured pivot or rotate the implement  12  between various angles defined between the bottom surface  38  of the implement  12  and the ground surface  14 . For example, in certain instances, the crank actuator  116  may be configured to orient the implement  12  such that the bottom surface  38  of the implement  12  is parallel to the ground surface  14  as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . However, a person of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the implement  12  may be adjustably coupled to the frame  26  in any suitable manner that permits the crank actuator  116  to rotate the implement  12  between various angular orientations relative to the ground surface  14 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , one embodiment of the relative positioning between the pivot joints  106 ,  110 , and  118  defined between the components of the implement adjustment assembly  100  and the frame  12  of the work vehicle  10  is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. As shown, in several embodiments, the first crank actuator pivot joint  118  (i.e., defined between the crank actuator  116  and the frame  26 ) may be positioned below the first arm pivot joint  106  (i.e., defined between the lift arm  102  and the frame  26 ) along the vertical direction  20  of the work vehicle. In this regard, the pivot joints  106 ,  118  may, in one embodiment, be spaced apart a first vertical distance  130  defined between the center points of the pivot joints  108 ,  118  along the vertical direction  20  of the work vehicle  10 . Furthermore, in several embodiments, the first crank actuator pivot joint  118  may be positioned forward of the first arm pivot joint  106  along the longitudinal direction  14  of the work vehicle  10 . In this regard, the pivot joints  106 ,  118  may, in one embodiment be spaced apart a first horizontal distance  132  defined between the center points of the pivot joints  106 ,  118  along the longitudinal direction  14  of the work vehicle  10 . In several embodiments, the first vertical distance  130  may be at least one and half times greater than the first horizontal distance  132 . For example, in one embodiment, the first vertical distance  130  may be at least twice as great as the first horizontal distance  132 . In another embodiment, the first vertical distance  130  may be at least two and a half times as great as the first horizontal distance  132 . In a further embodiment, the first vertical distance  130  may be at least three times as great as the first horizontal distance  132 . In an additional embodiment, the first vertical distance  130  may be at least three and half times as great as the first horizontal distance  132 . In yet a further embodiment, the first vertical distance  130  may be at least four times as great as the first horizontal distance  132 . 
     In general, a person of ordinary skill the art would appreciate that the first vertical and first horizontal distances  130 ,  132  may be any other suitable distances so long as the first vertical distance  130  is at least one and a half times as great as the first horizontal distance  132 . For example, in one embodiment, the first vertical distance  130  may be approximately three hundred and thirty millimeters and the first horizontal distance  132  may be approximately seventy-five millimeters. In another embodiment, the first vertical distance  130  may be approximately three hundred and sixty-five millimeters and the first horizontal distance  132  may be approximately one hundred and fifty millimeters. In a further embodiment, the first vertical distance  130  may be approximately three hundred and eighty millimeters and the first horizontal distance  132  may be approximately one hundred millimeters. 
     Additionally, the relationship between the first vertical distance  130  and the first horizontal distance  132  may be based on the size of the work vehicle  10 . For example, in one embodiment, the first vertical distance  130  may be at least four times as great as the first horizontal distance  132  on a small or light-duty work vehicle  10 . Furthermore, the first vertical distance  130  may be at least three times, such as between three times and four times, as great as the first horizontal distance  132  on a medium-sized or medium duty work vehicle  10 . Moreover, the first vertical distance  130  may be at least one and half times, such as between one and half times and three times, as great as the first horizontal distance  132  on a large or heavy-duty work vehicle  10 . However, a person of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the first vertical and first horizontal distances  130 ,  132  may be any other suitable relationships regardless of the size of the work vehicle  10  so long as the first vertical distance  130  is at least one and a half times as great as the first horizontal distance  132 . 
     Moreover, as shown in  FIG. 4 , in one embodiment, the first crank actuator pivot joint  118  (i.e., defined between the crank actuator  116  and the frame  26 ) may be positioned above the first arm actuator pivot joint  110  (i.e., defined between the arm actuator  104  and the frame  26 ) along the vertical direction  20  of the work vehicle. In this regard, the pivot joints  106 ,  118  may, in one embodiment, be spaced apart a second vertical distance  134  defined between the center points of the pivot joints  110 ,  118  along the vertical direction  20  of the work vehicle  10 . Additionally, in several embodiments, the first crank actuator pivot joint  118  may be positioned forward of the first arm actuator pivot joint  110  along the longitudinal direction  14  of the work vehicle  10 . In this regard, the pivot joints  110 ,  118  may, in one embodiment, be spaced apart a second horizontal distance  136  defined between the center points of the pivot joints  110 ,  118  along the longitudinal direction  14  of the work vehicle  10 . In several embodiments, the second vertical distance  134  may be at least one and half times greater than the second horizontal distance  136 . For example, in one embodiment, the second vertical distance  134  may be at least twice as great as the second horizontal distance  136 . In another embodiment, the second vertical distance  134  may be at least two and a half times as great as the second horizontal distance  136 . In a further embodiment, the second vertical distance  134  may be at least three times as great as the second horizontal distance  136 . In an additional embodiment, the second vertical distance  134  may be at least three and half times as great as the second horizontal distance  136 . In yet a further embodiment, the second vertical distance  134  may be at least four times as great as the second horizontal distance  136 . Furthermore, in one embodiment, the first crank actuator pivot joint  118  may be positioned closer to the first arm actuator pivot joint  110  along the vertical direction  20  than the first arm actuator pivot joint  106 . However, in alternative embodiments, the first crank actuator pivot joint  118  may be positioned the same distance or farther away from the first arm actuator pivot joint  110  along the vertical direction  20  than the first arm actuator pivot joint  106 . 
     As described above, the actuators  104 ,  116  may be configured to adjust differing aspects of the implement  12  relative to the ground. Specifically, the arm actuator  104  may be configured to adjust the relative distance between the bottom surface  38  of the implement  12  and the ground surface  14  along the vertical direction  20  of the work vehicle  10 , while the crank actuator  116  may be configured to adjust the angular orientation of the bottom surface  38  of the implement  12  relative the ground surface  14 . In this regard, the actuators  104 ,  116  may be independently controlled, such as via two different levers or other user input devices (not shown). As such, an operator of the work vehicle  10  may be able to adjust the relative distance between the bottom surface  38  of the implement  12  and the ground surface  14  along the vertical direction  20  by controlling the arm actuator  104  without changing the angular orientation of the bottom surface  38  of the implement  12  relative the ground surface  14 . Similarly, the operator may also be able to adjust the angular orientation of the bottom surface  38  of the implement  12  relative the ground surface  14  by controlling the crank actuator  116  without changing the relative distance between the bottom surface  38  of the implement  12  and the ground surface  14  along the vertical direction  20 . However, in alternative embodiments, the actuators  104 ,  116  may be controlled simultaneously or otherwise together or as a single unit. Furthermore, although the actuators  104 ,  116  are illustrated as fluid-driven actuators (e.g., hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders) in  FIGS. 1-3 , it should be appreciated that, in alternative embodiments, the actuators  104 ,  116  may correspond to any suitable type of actuators, such as electric linear actuators. 
     In several embodiments, the angular orientation of the bottom surface  38  of the implement  12  may remain constant as the implement  12  is moved along the vertical direction  20 . More specifically, as described above, the first crank actuator pivot joint  118  (i.e., defined between the crank actuator  116  and the frame  26 ) may generally be positioned below and forward of the first arm pivot joint  106  (i.e., defined between the lift arm  102  and the frame  26 ) such that the vertical distance  130  between the pivot joints  106 ,  118  is at least one and half times greater than the longitudinal distance  132  therebetween. Such relative positioning between the pivot joints  106 ,  108  orients the various components of the implement adjustment assembly  100  in such a manner that the angular orientation of the bottom surface  38  of the implement  12  relative to the ground surface  14  remains constant as the implement  12  is moved along the vertical direction  20  by the arm actuator  104 , such as between the lowered position ( FIG. 1 ) and the raised position ( FIG. 2 ). Furthermore, this angular orientation of the implement  12  may be maintained during such vertical movement without any input from or adjustment of the bell crank  114  by the crank actuator  116 . For example, after the bottom surface  38  of the implement  12  has been oriented parallel to the ground surface  14  (e.g., via the crank actuator  116 ), the implement  12  may be moved along the vertical direction  20 , such as between the lowered position and the raised position, by the arm actuator  104 . Throughout this vertical movement, the bottom surface  38  of the implement  12  remains oriented parallel to the ground surface  14  without any adjustment of the bell crank  114  from the crank actuator  116 . 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the technology, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the technology, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the technology is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.