Circle Assembly for Implement

The present disclosure relates to motor graders. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a circle assembly for an implement of a motor grader, an implement assembly for the motor grader, and a mounting assembly for the implement of the motor grader.

Grading machines may be used in construction and maintenance of various surfaces, such as, roads. Such grading machines may be used to cut, spread, and level materials, for example, soil, gravel, snow, and the like. To perform such tasks, a grading machine includes an implement, also referred to as a moldboard. The implement is supported and positioned on a grading machine by various components, including, a drawbar and a circle assembly.

The circle assembly includes a circle, a pair of side arms coupled to the circle at opposing ends of the circle, and a pair of implement brackets. The implement brackets are removably coupled to a corresponding side arm from the pair of side arms as well as the implement. Conventionally, each implement bracket is coupled to a corresponding side arm via a pin. Specifically, the implement bracket is coupled to the corresponding side arm by a single shear pin joint. Such a single shear pin joint exhibits limited durability and limited load bearing capacity that may cause damage to the side arm, the implement bracket, and/or the pin and may decrease a lifespan of such components. In operation, due to the single shear pin joint, the pin is subjected to a large amount of shear loading, which causes shear failure of the pin. A failure of the pin, the side arm, or the implement bracket may increase servicing costs and downtime associated with the grading machine.

GB561271A describes a bulldozer or angledozer in which the blade is carried by a frame, pivoted to the subframes of creeper tracks of a tractor, the subframes being capable of oscillating relative to the tractor when crossing inequalities in the ground, and the position of the frame, being controlled by bell cranks or rocking plates fulcrumed on the tractor and adjusted preferably by fluid pressure cylinders, oscillating movement of the track subframes is compensated for, as regards the blade, by provision of an oscillating support pivoted on each subframe and carrying the pivot of the corresponding bell crank and the pivot of the corresponding cylinder, the support being also pivoted to a link pivoted to the tractor frame. The supports may each comprise a yoke-shaped structure bridging the top of the corresponding sub-frame, and comprising V-shaped side plates welded to a channel member carrying the pivots.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, a circle assembly for an implement of a motor grader is provided. The circle assembly includes a circle. The circle assembly also includes one or more mounting assemblies adapted to couple the circle with the implement. Each of the one or more mounting assemblies includes a first bracket coupled to the circle. The first bracket includes a first arm, a second arm axially spaced apart from the first arm, and a third arm connecting the first arm with the second arm. Each of the one or more mounting assemblies also includes a second bracket removably coupled to the first bracket. The second bracket is adapted to be coupled with the implement. Each of the one or more mounting assemblies further includes a fastener that removably couples the first bracket with the second bracket via the first arm and the second arm. When the fastener is coupled with the first bracket and the second bracket, a portion of the second bracket is axially disposed between the first arm and the second arm.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, an implement assembly for a motor grader is provided. The implement assembly includes a circle assembly. The circle assembly includes a circle. The circle assembly also includes one or more mounting assemblies that couple the circle with the implement. Each of the one or more mounting assemblies includes a first bracket coupled to the circle. The first bracket includes a first arm, a second arm axially spaced apart from the first arm, and a third arm connecting the first arm with the second arm. Each of the one or more mounting assemblies also includes a second bracket removably coupled to the first bracket. The second bracket is coupled with the implement. Each of the one or more mounting assemblies further includes a fastener that removably couples the first bracket with the second bracket via the first arm and the second arm. When the fastener is coupled with the first bracket and the second bracket, a portion of the second bracket is axially disposed between the first arm and the second arm. Each of the one or more mounting assemblies includes a cylinder coupled, at a first end, with the first bracket and coupled, at a second end, with the second bracket. The implement assembly also includes an implement removably coupled with the circle assembly.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a mounting assembly for an implement of a motor grader is provided. The mounting assembly includes a first bracket adapted to be coupled to a circle of the motor grader. The first bracket includes a first arm, a second arm axially spaced apart from the first arm, and a third arm connecting the first arm with the second arm. The mounting assembly also includes a second bracket removably coupled to the first bracket. The second bracket is adapted to be coupled with the implement. The mounting assembly further includes a fastener that removably couples the first bracket with the second bracket via the first arm and the second arm. When the fastener is coupled with the first bracket and the second bracket, a portion of the second bracket is axially disposed between the first arm and the second arm.

Other features and aspects of this disclosure will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

Referring to, a perspective view of a motor graderis illustrated. The motor gradermay be used during a grading process prior to road construction, to cut/dig a work surface, and/or for moving of snow, debris, and so on, without any limitations.

The motor graderincludes a frame. The framedefines a front endand a rear end. Further, the motor graderincludes two pairs of rear wheelsdisposed proximate to the rear endand one pair of front wheelsdisposed proximate to the front end. The front wheelsand the rear wheelsallow movement of the motor grader.

The framesupports various components of the motor grader, such as, a power source (not shown) disposed within an enclosure, an operator cabin, the front wheels, the rear wheels, and so on. The power source may be an engine, such as an internal combustion engine, a battery system, a fuel cell, and the like. The power source may supply output power to various components of the motor graderfor operation thereof. Further, the motor graderincludes the operator cabin. The motor graderalso includes a drawbarcoupled to the frame. The drawbaris coupled to the frameat an endof the drawbarby a ball and socket joint (not shown), such that the drawbarcan pivot relative to the frame.

Referring now to, the drawbarincludes one or more drawbar beamsand a circle mounting portion. The circle mounting portionis circular in shape. In the illustrated example of, the drawbarincludes two drawbar beams, but it should be understood that the drawbarcan include any suitable number of drawbar beams, or any other suitable structure known to a person having ordinary skill in the art. The drawbarmay include additional elements (not shown herein) that may facilitate connection of the drawbarto other components of the motor grader(see).

The motor graderfurther includes an implement assembly. The implement assemblyis coupled with the drawbar. The implement assemblyincludes a circle assemblyfor an implementof the motor grader. The implement assemblyalso includes the implementremovably coupled with the circle assembly. The implementmay include a blade or a moldboard. The implementmay be used to perform work operations, such as, grading or snow removal.

Referring to, the circle assemblyincludes a circle. The circle assemblyalso includes one or more mounting assemblies,to couple the circlewith the implement(see). Specifically, the circle assemblyincludes a first mounting assemblydisposed at a first sideof the circleand a second mounting assemblydisposed at a second sideof the circle. The mounting assemblymay be hereinafter interchangeably referred to as “the first mounting assembly”. The mounting assemblymay be hereinafter interchangeably referred to as “the second mounting assembly”. The first mounting assemblyand the second mounting assemblyare similar to each other in terms of configuration and functionality, and are symmetric relative to a vertical axis A.

Each of the one or more mounting assemblies,includes a first bracketcoupled to the circle. Each first bracketis fixedly coupled to the circleat the first and second sides,, respectively. In an example, each first bracketis fixedly coupled to the circleby welding. However, any other joining technique apart from welding may be used to fixedly couple the first bracketsto the circle. The first bracketdefines a first distal endand a second distal endthat is spaced apart from the first distal endalong the first bracket. The first distal endis disposed in proximity to the circleand the second distal endis disposed away from the circle. Specifically, the first bracketis coupled to the circleproximate to the first distal end.

Referring now to, the first bracketincludes a first arm, a second armaxially spaced apart from the first arm, a third armconnecting the first armwith the second arm. The first bracketfurther includes a fourth armspaced apart from the third armand connecting the first armwith the second arm. In the illustrated of, the first brackethas a box-shaped cross-section along at least a portion of the first bracket. In other words, the first arm, the second arm, the third arm, and the fourth armtogether form the box-shaped cross-section. Further, the second arm, the third arm, and the fourth armextend only along a portion of the first bracket. The second armextends from the second distal endtowards the first distal end. Further, the first armextends from the first distal endto the second distal end. The third armand the fourth armmay be fixedly coupled with the first and second arms,, for example, by welding. Alternatively, the first arm, the second arm, the third arm, and the fourth armmay be integral with each other.

In other examples, the first bracketmay include a C-shaped cross-section. In such examples, the first bracketmay omit the fourth arm, and only include the first arm, the second arm, and the third arm.

Referring again to, the first bracketfurther includes a first bushingcoupled to the first arm. The first bushingmay be fixedly coupled with the first arm, for example, by welding. Alternatively, the first bushingand the first armmay be integral with each other. The first bushingis disposed proximate to the second distal endof the first bracket. Some portion of the first bushingis received within the first arm(best visible in) and a remaining portion of the first bushingextends axially outwards from the first arm. It should be noted that the first bushingand the third armextend from opposing surfaces of the first arm.

The first bracketfurther includes a second bushingcoupled to the second arm. The second bushingand the first bushingare in alignment with each other. The second bushingmay be fixedly coupled with the second arm, for example, by welding. Alternatively, the second bushingand the second armmay be integral with each other. The second bushingis disposed proximate to the second distal endof the first bracket. Some portion of the second bushingis received within the second arm(best visible in) and a remaining portion of the second bushingextends axially outwards from the second arm. It should be noted that the second bushingand the third armextend from opposing surfaces of the second arm.

Referring to, each of the one or more mounting assemblies,also includes a second bracketremovably coupled to the first bracket. The second bracketis coupled with the implement. The second bracketincludes various elements that allow coupling of the second bracketwith the implement. The second bracketincludes a body. The bodyis a single integral element that defines a first member, a second member, and a third member.

As shown in, each second brackethas a substantially triangular profile. The first memberand the second membermay angularly extend from one another from a first vertex portionof the body. In addition, the third membermay angularly extend from the first memberfrom a second vertex portionto join the second memberat a third vertex portionto impart the substantially triangular profile to the second bracket. The first memberof the second bracketincludes a pair of portionsthat are axially spaced apart from each other, to accommodate a cylinder(shown in) therebetween. Similarly, the second memberof the second bracketmay also include a pair of portions (not shown herein) that are axially spaced apart from each other, to accommodate the cylindertherebetween. It should be noted that the second bracketmay have any other design or profile, as per requirements.

As shown in, each of the one or more mounting assemblies,further includes a fastenerthat removably couples the first bracketwith the second bracketvia the first armand the second arm. The first bracketis removably coupled to the second bracketproximal to the third vertex portion. Further, the first bracketis coupled to the second bracket, by the fastener, such that the second bracketpivots/articulates relative to the first bracketabout an axis A. By way of articulation of the second bracketrelative to the first bracket, the second bracketmay facilitate, at least in part, a tilting of the implementwith respect to the frame(see) or the work surface, during grading operations. The fasteneris embodied as a pinherein. The fastenermay be hereinafter interchangeably referred to as “the pin”. Further, the pinincludes a body portion(shown in) and a head portion(shown in).

As shown in, each of the one or more mounting assemblies,further includes the cylindercoupled, at a first end (not shown herein), with the first bracketand coupled, at a second end, with the second bracket. During the operation of the motor grader(see), the implement(see) may be moved to a host of positions. For example, the implementmay be moved towards a left side or a right side of the motor graderby sliding the implementlaterally, by use of the cylinder. Further, the circle assemblyincludes a platefixedly coupled with the circleand each first bracket. In an example, the platemay be fixedly coupled with the circleand each first bracketby welding.

Referring now to, the first bracketdefines a first through-holeand a second through-hole. Specifically, the first bushingdefines the first through-holeand the second bushingdefines the second through-hole. Further, the second bracketdefines a third through-hole. The third through-holeis defined proximal to the third vertex portion. Furthermore, each of the first through-hole, the second through-hole, and the third through-holealign with each other to receive the fastener.

As shown in, when the fasteneris coupled with the first bracketand the second bracket, a portion of the second bracketis axially disposed between the first armand the second arm. Specifically, the third vertex portionis at least partially disposed between the first armand the second arm. Further, when the fasteneris coupled with the first bracketand the second bracket, the fasteneris at least partially disposed in the first bushing. Furthermore, when the fasteneris coupled with the first bracketand the second bracket, the fasteneris at least partially disposed in the second bushing. Moreover, when the fasteneris coupled with the first bracketand the second bracket, the head portionof the pinis disposed adjacent to the first bushing.

Each of the one or more mounting assemblies,further includes a first bearingradially disposed between the first bushingand the fastener. The first bearingis received within the first through-hole. Each of the one or more mounting assemblies,further includes a second bearingradially disposed between the second bushingand the fastener. The second bearingis received within the second through-hole. Each of the one or more mounting assemblies,further includes one or more third bearingsradially disposed between the second bracketand the fastener. The third bearingsare received within the third through-hole. In the illustrated example of, the mounting assemblies,includes two third bearings. Alternatively, the mounting assemblies,may include a single third bearing. Further, each mounting assembly,also includes a collarthat is coupled to the body portionof the fastener. The collaris disposed adjacent to the second arm.

It is to be understood that individual features shown or described for one embodiment may be combined with individual features shown or described for another embodiment. The above described implementation does not in any way limit the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it is to be understood although some features are shown or described to illustrate the use of the present disclosure in the context of functional segments, such features may be omitted from the scope of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

The present disclosure relates to the circle assemblyfor the motor graderthat includes the mounting assemblies,. Each mounting assembly,includes the first bracketthat is removably coupled to the second bracket, via the fastener. The first bracketincludes the first armand the second armthat is spaced apart from the first arm. Specifically, the second bracketis removably coupled to each of the first and second arms,by a double shear pin joint. Such a double shear pin joint may increase a durability of a joint between the first bracketand the second bracket.

Further, the design of the first bracketthat allows coupling of the first and second brackets,may increase a load bearing capacity of the joint between the first and second brackets,and a service life of the said joint. Furthermore, a design of the first and second brackets,as described herein may reduce a probability of failure of the joint between the first and second brackets,, which may in turn reduce servicing and maintenance costs associated with the motor grader.

The first bracketdescribed herein includes the sub-assembled box structure that may protect the cylindersby improving load distribution in the circle assembly. Furthermore, the double shear pin joint as provided by the mounting assembly,of the present disclosure may be simple to manufacture, may be cost-effective to incorporate, and may eliminate bending of the fastenerby improving the load bearing capacity of the joint between the first and second brackets,. The mounting assembly,of the present disclosure may also improve a run time of the motor grader.

Unless explicitly excluded, the use of the singular to describe a component, structure, or operation does not exclude the use of plural such components, structures, or operations or their equivalents. The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and “at least one” or the term “one or more,” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The use of the term “at least one” followed by a list of one or more items (for example, “at least one of A and B” or one or more of A and B”) is to be construed to mean one item selected from the listed items (A or B) or any combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B; A, A and B; A, B and B), unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Similarly, as used herein, the word “or” refers to any possible permutation of a set of items. For example, the phrase “A, B, or C” refers to at least one of A, B, C, or any combination thereof, such as any of: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B, and C; or multiple of any item such as A and A; B, B, and C; A, A, B, C, and C; etc.

While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed machines, systems and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof.