Patent Description:
Loaders, such as underground loaders, provided with buckets play a crucial role in mining production and the like by helping to efficiently move ore for processing. However, loader buckets are subject to considerable wear that can compromise mining efficiency.

For example, as the condition of a loader bucket deteriorates the following problems can arise: reduced penetration due to wear of the bucket leading edge; higher fuel usage due to the loader working harder; increased wear and tear on consumables such as tyres which must work harder and tend to spin as the loader attempts to penetrate material, and reduced loading due to the volume of material shifted by a worn bucket being up to <NUM>% less per cycle than that moved by a new one.

As a result of the above problems, replaceable GETs are frequently mounted on buckets to protect the areas prone to wear. Examples of such GETS include lip shrouds, heel shrouds, teeth, corner shrouds and cast corners.

Traditionally, GETs were welded onto the lips of buckets and when the GET came to the end of their useful life, they were cut from the bucket, and a new GET welded in their place - for example, the right angled corners of the buckets were protected by a GET welded to the leading edge or lip of the floor of the bucket and also along the leading edge of the upright sides of the bucket. However, the welding and rewelding steps to fit and remove GETs directly to a bucket ultimately resulted in the weakening of the bucket and also added to a loss of productivity and increased operating costs to a business.

As a result, various mechanical GET attachment methods have been proposed to reduce the need for welding and rewelding which involve the use of mechanical fasteners to attach GETs or shrouds to a bucket. However, the effective mechanical connection of GETs to bucket corners is particularly problematical due to the high stresses to which the bucket corner is subjected in use. These high stresses can result in deformation and weakening of the mechanical fastener while, in some cases the deformation can be so severe that the GET must be cut away, completely negating any advantage of mechanical connection.

Various attempts have been made to overcome the aforementioned problems. For example,<CIT> describes connection means involving the use of a shroud which mounts about a boss on the lip or corner of an excavator bucket and a locking device in the form of a pin assembly which locates between the shroud and the boss. Examples of known earthmoving equipment bucket corner are disclosed in document <CIT> as well as D2 <CIT>. These known bucket corners are reflected in the preamble of the appended independent claims.

However, it has been found that the locking devices of the prior art can still fail prematurely due to the high forces exerted on the GET at the contacting surfaces between GETs and bucket corners and at the pin assemblies. In addition, due to the complex shapes of the known bucket corners and associated GETs, it can be difficult to accurately cast the bucket corners and GETs to ensure the tight fit required at the contacting surfaces to optimally resist high forces in use.

It is an object of the invention to overcome at least one of the above-referenced problems.

According to the invention there is provided an earth moving equipment bucket corner comprising:.

The range of angles ensures an optimal parallel configuration for optimal reductions reaction forces.

In one embodiment, the outside GET contacting surface and the inside GET contacting surface are parallel. This arrangement allows for improved dimensional control of castings together with an improved bucket corner - GET grip and reduced reaction forces.

In -any embodiment, the earth moving equipment bucket corner comprises an intermediate portion extending between and angled with respect to the side upright portion and the floor portion wherein the intermediate portion defines a top GET contacting surface and a bottom GET contacting surface disposed parallel with the top GET contacting surface. This arrangement also allows for improved dimensional control of castings together with an improved bucket corner - GET grip and reduced reaction forces.

Optionally, the side upright portion, the floor portion and the intermediate portion comprise a leading edge, defining a leading edge plane, for insertion in a GET and the boss comprises a recess in the upper GET contacting surface for abutting a GET connector at an upright GET connector contacting seat, which defines a contacting seat plane, wherein the leading edge plane and the contacting seat plane are parallel. This configuration ensures a reduced bending moment of GET connectors, particularly GET connectors of the pin assembly type.

Preferably, the leading edge plane and the contacting seat plane are parallel to within an angle ω of from about <NUM>° to about <NUM>° An angle ω in this range ensures optimal bending moment reductions.

In any embodiment, the side upright portion, the floor portion and the intermediate portion comprise a chamfer between the leading edge and the inside GET contacting surface, the upper GET contacting surface and the top GET contacting surface respectively. Such a chamfer allows for effective matching of the bucket corner with the bucket lip.

In one embodiment, the earth moving equipment bucket corner comprises a GET contacting surface transition zone between the leading edge and the upper GET contacting surface wherein the transition zone comprises a bevel formed from a radiused surface and a first sloped surface intersecting with a first side of the radiused surface. The transition zone allows for a smooth transition between the leading edge and the chamfer. The transition zone also allows for a smooth transition between the bucket corner and a sloped lip of a bucket.

Optionally, the transition zone further comprises a second sloped surface intersecting with a second side of the radiused surface. Accordingly, the bevel of the transition zone can be formed by the radiused surface and a single sloped surface or by the radiused surface and two sloped surfaces as required.

In another embodiment, the transition zone is formed from a chamfer.

In one embodiment, the central horizontal longitudinal axis of the boss and the inside GET contacting surface of the side upright portion are parallel to within +/-<NUM>°. Preferably, the central horizontal longitudinal axis of the boss and the inside GET contacting surface of the side upright portion are completely parallel These parallel arrangements facilitate a highly effective fit between the bucket corner and the GET.

The invention also extends to an earth moving bucket lip protection system comprising:.

In one embodiment, the GET is connectable with the bucket corner at defined contact points on the GET configured to stand proud of the outer surface of the GET. The contact points provide pre-defined contact areas between the GET and the bucket corner.

Suitably, the GET comprises pads defining the contact points. Pads which stand proud of the GET surface can be applied to individual GETs following casting as required. This configuration allows for better control of mating faces and support positions between the bucket corner and GETs.

In any embodiment, the earth moving bucket lip protection system further comprises a GET connector for reversibly attaching the GET to the bucket corner at the boss.

The invention also extends to an earth moving equipment bucket comprising a bucket corner or an earth moving bucket lip protection system as hereinbefore defined.

The invention also extends to a GET for connection to a bucket comprising:.

In a preferred embodiment, the GET is for connection to a bucket corner.

In one embodiment, the outer surface comprises a top face and a bottom face and the contact points are provided on the bottom face.

In one embodiment, the GET comprises pads defining the contact points.

The applicant has found by ensuring that contact surfaces on a bucket corner are arranged in as parallel a configuration as possible as defined above to eliminate unnecessary slopes at the contact surfaces between GETs and bucket corners that load transfers to GET connectors (pin assembly locking mechanisms and the like) are minimised and better load distribution between the GET, bucket corner and GET connector is achieved for optimal performance of bucket corners and GETs. As a result, bucket corners and GETs are less likely to fail so that machine downtime is minimised and optimal bucket loader performance is maintained. In effect, the configuration of the bucket corner of the invention ensures that stresses on the pin assembly are minimised. Moreover, easier control of the casting processes required in the manufacture of bucket corners and GETs is achieved.

<FIG> shows a perspective view from above and one side of an earth moving equipment bucket corner <NUM> of the prior art fitted with a GET <NUM> for protecting the lip of a bucket. The GET <NUM> is attached to the bucket corner <NUM> with a mechanical GET connector <NUM> of the pin assembly type. <FIG> shows an enlarged perspective view of the bucket corner <NUM>.

As shown in the drawings, the bucket corner <NUM> is substantially L-shaped and is made up of a side upright portion <NUM> attachable to a bucket sidewall and a floor portion <NUM> attachable to a bucket floor lip. A sloped intermediate portion <NUM> extends between the sidewall portion <NUM> and the floor portion <NUM> so that the sidewall portion <NUM>, the floor portion <NUM> and the intermediate portion <NUM> are in different planes while a boss <NUM> for receiving the connector <NUM> is provided on the sloped intermediate portion <NUM>. Accordingly, the GET <NUM> makes contact with the bucket corner <NUM> at the sloped intermediate portion <NUM>. In addition, the side upright portion <NUM> defines an outside GET contacting surface <NUM> and an inside GET contacting surface <NUM> which are also differently sloped.

<FIG> and <FIG> show a bucket corner <NUM>, GET <NUM> and GET connector <NUM> of the invention. As outlined further below, the bucket corner <NUM>, GET <NUM> and optionally the GET connector <NUM> in combination form an earth moving bucket lip protection system <NUM> of the invention.

As shown in the drawings, the bucket corner <NUM> is made up of a side upright portion <NUM> attachable to a bucket sidewall and a floor portion <NUM> attachable to a bucket lip. The side upright portion <NUM> defines an upright outside GET contacting surface <NUM> on the outside of the of the side upright portion <NUM> and an upright inside GET contacting surface <NUM> on the inside of the side upright portion <NUM> about which the GET <NUM> can also receive the upright side portion <NUM> in a mating relationship. The floor portion <NUM> defines a substantially horizontal plane <NUM> disposed perpendicular to the upright portion <NUM>. Generally, the bucket corner <NUM> is a cast bucket corner <NUM> which can be attached to a bucket by welding the side upright portion <NUM> and the floor portion <NUM> to the bucket.

The floor portion <NUM> is provided with an upper GET contacting surface <NUM> and an oppositely disposed lower GET contacting surface <NUM> about which the GET <NUM> can receive the floor portion <NUM> in a mating relationship. A boss <NUM>, configured to engage the GET <NUM> and having a central horizontal longitudinal axis <NUM> (see <FIG>), is provided on the upper GET contacting surface <NUM>.

The bucket corner <NUM> is further provided with a sloped intermediate portion <NUM> extending between and angled with respect to the side upright portion <NUM> and the floor portion <NUM>. The intermediate portion <NUM> meets the side upright portion <NUM> at a radiused corner portion <NUM>. The intermediate portion <NUM> defines a top GET contacting surface <NUM> and a bottom GET contacting surface <NUM> disposed substantially parallel with the top GET contacting surface <NUM> about which the GET <NUM> can also receive the intermediate portion <NUM> in a mating relationship.

The bucket corner <NUM> has a leading edge <NUM> for insertion in the GET <NUM> defined by the side upright portion <NUM>, the floor portion <NUM> and the intermediate portion <NUM>. The leading edge <NUM> defines a generally vertical leading edge plane <NUM>.

As indicated above, the boss <NUM> is located on the upper GET contacting surface <NUM> and is made up of a recess <NUM> defined in the upper GET contacting surface <NUM> for receiving the GET connector <NUM> and attaching the GET <NUM> to the bucket corner <NUM>. More particularly, the recess <NUM> has a proximal leading edge end <NUM> and a distal bucket end <NUM> between which the GET connector <NUM> is held in place in the boss <NUM>. At the proximal leading edge end <NUM>, the recess <NUM> is provided with an upright GET connector contacting seat <NUM> to prevent lateral movement of the GET connector <NUM> and the hence the GET <NUM> in the boss <NUM> towards the leading edge <NUM>. The GET connector contacting seat <NUM> defines a substantially vertical contacting seat plane <NUM>.

The GET <NUM> is shaped and configured to define a tooth for penetrating material to be loaded and has a body <NUM> with a body outer surface <NUM>. The body outer surface is generally made up of a top face <NUM> and a bottom face <NUM>.

The top face <NUM> has low profile front end <NUM> provided with a front edge <NUM> for engaging material, an open bucket corner receiving end <NUM>, a first side <NUM> and an opposite second side <NUM>. The bucket corner receiving end <NUM> has a substantially horizontal slot <NUM> and a substantially vertical slot <NUM> defined by an upstanding wall <NUM> and contiguous with the horizontal slot <NUM> for receiving the bucket corner <NUM> at the leading edge <NUM>.

The horizontal slot <NUM> is defined by a horizontal slot top face <NUM>, a horizontal slot bottom face <NUM> and a horizontal slot end face <NUM> while the vertical slot <NUM> is similarly defined by a vertical slot first side face <NUM>, a vertical slot second side face <NUM> and a vertical slot end face <NUM>. The faces <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> of the horizontal slot <NUM> and the vertical slot <NUM> are shaped and contoured with surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> complementary with the upper GET contacting surface <NUM>, the intermediate portion <NUM>, the radiused corner portion <NUM>, the inside GET contacting surface <NUM> and the outside GET contacting surface <NUM> respectively of the bucket corner <NUM> to ensure an effective mating relationship.

The GET <NUM> is provided with a GET connector receiving notch <NUM> which extends inwards from the bucket corner receiving end <NUM> and through the GET <NUM>. Following mounting of the GET <NUM> on the bucket corner <NUM>, the GET connector <NUM> is inserted into the notch <NUM> so that the pin assembly (not shown) in the GET connector <NUM> can hold the GET <NUM> in place on the bucket corner <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a perspective view from above and one side of the bucket corner <NUM> of <FIG>. As shown in the drawing, the upper GET contacting surface <NUM> is substantially parallel or nearly parallel with the lower GET contacting surface <NUM> to facilitate an improved grip between the bucket corner <NUM> and the GET <NUM> at the contacting surfaces <NUM>,<NUM>. More particularly, as the boss <NUM> is located on the upper GET contacting surface <NUM> which is substantially horizontal and also parallel with the lower GET contacting surface <NUM>, the GET connector <NUM> (and particularly the pin assembly) is subjected to reduced reaction forces in use.

The upper GET contacting surface <NUM> is typically parallel with the lower GET contacting surface <NUM> to within an angle ϕ of from about <NUM>° to about <NUM>° (see also <FIG>).

In addition, the sloped intermediate portion <NUM> can be angled with respect to the side upright portion <NUM> and the floor portion <NUM> at an angle α of between about <NUM>° and about <NUM>° (see also <FIG>). This angle allows for space for additional wear material of the shroud. The exact angle α can be selected according to the dimensions of, and hence the amount of wear material required in, the GET <NUM>.

As shown in the drawing, the side upright portion <NUM>, the floor portion <NUM> and the intermediate portion <NUM> are provided with a chamfer <NUM> between the leading edge <NUM> and the inside GET contacting surface <NUM>, the upper GET contacting surface <NUM> and the top GET contacting surface <NUM>. The chamfer <NUM> allows for a lower profile bucket corner profile towards the leading edge <NUM>.

<FIG> also shows a GET contacting surface transition zone <NUM> defined between the leading edge <NUM> and the upper GET contacting surface <NUM>. The transition zone <NUM> allows for a smooth transition between the leading edge <NUM> and the chamfer <NUM>. The transition zone also allows for a smooth transition between the bucket corner <NUM> and a sloped lip <NUM> of a bucket <NUM> (see also <FIG>). The transition zone <NUM> is cut into a corner <NUM> of the bucket corner <NUM> defined between the proximal leading end <NUM> and the free edge <NUM> of the floor portion <NUM>. The transition zone <NUM> is made up of a bevel <NUM> formed in the floor portion <NUM> from a radiused surface <NUM>, having a radius R, and a first sloped surface <NUM> which intersects and is contiguous with a first side of the radiused surface <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, the transition zone <NUM> is further provided with an optional second sloped surface <NUM> intersecting with a second side of the radiused surface <NUM> to form the transition zone. The transition zone <NUM> also serves to minimise stress on the bucket corner <NUM> in use to reduce fatigue and optimise the life of the bucket corner <NUM>.

In an alternative embodiment, the transition zone <NUM> can be formed from a chamfer instead of the radiused surface <NUM> and the sloped surface(s) <NUM>, <NUM>.

In another embodiment of the invention, the transition zone <NUM> can be omitted where the lip <NUM> of the bucket <NUM> is not sloped.

<FIG> is a front end view of the bucket corner <NUM> of <FIG>. As shown in the drawing, the outside GET contacting surface <NUM> on the outside of the of the side upright portion <NUM> and the inside GET contacting surface <NUM> on the inside of the side upright portion <NUM> are disposed substantially parallel with each other. This arrangement allows for improved dimensional control of the bucket corner <NUM> during casting and an improved fit with the GET <NUM> as sloped contacting surfaces between the bucket corner <NUM> and GET <NUM> are further eliminated. As a consequence, as before, the GET connector <NUM> (and particularly the pin assembly) is subjected to reduced reaction forces in use.

In addition, as indicated above, the top GET contacting surface <NUM> and bottom GET contacting surface <NUM> of the intermediate portion <NUM> are substantially parallel with the top GET contacting surface <NUM>. This parallel configuration also allows for improved dimensional control of the bucket corner <NUM> during casting, an improved GET <NUM> and reduced reaction forces on the GET connector <NUM> in use.

<FIG> also shows the angle γ in the GET contacting transition zone <NUM> defined between the radiused surface <NUM> (and the second sloped surface <NUM> where present) and the first sloped surface <NUM> towards the leading edge <NUM>. This angle can be between about <NUM>° and about <NUM>°, preferably between about <NUM>° and about <NUM>°. The angle γ and the radius R can be selected to optimise the stress performance of the bucket corner <NUM>.

Also, as shown in <FIG>, the angle α defines the angle between the slope of the intermediate portion <NUM> and the horizontal plane <NUM> of the floor portion <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the angle α is configured to be less than about <NUM>° and preferably at about <NUM>° to allow increased boss space on the floor portion <NUM> and reduce the risk of GET sliding.

<FIG> shows a top plan view of the bucket corner <NUM>. As shown in the drawing, the central longitudinal axis <NUM> of the boss <NUM> is configured to be substantially parallel with the outside and inside GET contacting surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the side upright portion <NUM>. The central longitudinal axis <NUM> and in particular the inside GET contacting surface <NUM> can be parallel to within +/- <NUM>° while a completely parallel configuration is optimal. This parallel arrangement also facilitates a highly effective fit between the bucket corner <NUM> and the GET <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a cross-sectional view along the line VIII-VIII of <FIG>. As shown in the drawing, the leading edge plane <NUM>, and the contacting seat plane <NUM> of the contacting seat <NUM> are substantially parallel which also serves to reduce the bending moment and reaction force on the GET connector pin assembly. Typically, the leading edge plane <NUM> and the contacting seat plane <NUM> are substantially parallel to within an angle ω of from about <NUM>° to about <NUM>°, preferably about <NUM>° to about <NUM>°.

As indicated above, the bucket corner <NUM> is provided with a leading edge <NUM>, which as shown in <FIG>, defines a generally vertical leading edge plane <NUM>.

<FIG> also shows the upper GET contacting surface <NUM> being configured to be substantially parallel or nearly parallel with the lower GET contacting surface <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a perspective view from below and one side of a further embodiment of a GET <NUM> of the invention. In the present embodiment, the GET <NUM> is provided with (raised) bucket corner contact points <NUM> positioned on the surface <NUM> of the GET <NUM> so that the contact points <NUM> stand proud of the surface <NUM>. Accordingly, the GET <NUM> only makes contact with the bucket corner <NUM> at specific locations determined by the contact points <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the contact points <NUM> are formed by pads <NUM> provided on the GET surface <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, the contact points <NUM> are provided on the shaped and contoured surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> of the GET <NUM> which are complementary with the upper GET contacting surface <NUM> and the inside GET contacting surface <NUM> respectively of the bucket corner <NUM>. However, additional or other contact points <NUM> can be located on the GET <NUM> as required.

The contact points <NUM> provide pre-defined contact areas between the GET and the bucket corner <NUM> to help ensure an optimal fit between the bucket corner <NUM> and the GET <NUM>. This configuration also allows for better control of mating faces and support positions between the bucket corner <NUM> and a GET <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An earth moving equipment bucket corner (<NUM>) comprising:
a side upright portion (<NUM>) attachable to a bucket sidewall (<NUM>), the side upright portion (<NUM>) defining an upright outside GET contacting surface (<NUM>) on the outside of the of the side upright portion (<NUM>) and an upright inside GET contacting surface (<NUM>) on the inside of the side upright portion (<NUM>);
a floor portion (<NUM>), defining a horizontal plane (<NUM>), attachable to a bucket floor lip (<NUM>), the floor portion (<NUM>) having an upper GET contacting surface (<NUM>) and a lower GET contacting surface (<NUM>);
an intermediate portion (<NUM>) extending between and angled with respect to the side upright portion (<NUM>) and the floor portion (<NUM>),
characterized in that
a boss (<NUM>), having a central horizontal longitudinal axis (<NUM>) and configured to engage a GET (<NUM>), is provided on the upper GET contacting surface (<NUM>) and the upper GET contacting surface (<NUM>) is parallel with the lower GET contacting surface (<NUM>) to within an angle ϕ of from about <NUM>° to about <NUM>°.