SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACTUATING MOLDBOARD FOR WORK MACHINE

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a moldboard for a work machine, a system for actuating the moldboard for the work machine, and a method for actuating the moldboard for the work machine.

BACKGROUND

A work machine, such as, a cold planer includes a moldboard. The moldboard may be disposed behind a rotor of the cold planer to scrape up loose material and clean a work surface so that minimal additional cleanup is necessary after the cold planer makes a pass over the work surface. The moldboard is capable of vertical movement. Some cold planers include a variable width moldboard in which one or more sections of the moldboard are movable as per application requirements. In current applications, such variable width moldboards include multiple actuators and multiple control valves to actuate the sections of the moldboard. For example, if the moldboard includes two sections, each section has an individual actuator and an individual control valve. Addition of individual actuators and control valves may increase cost, maintenance efforts, assembly efforts, and design complexity of the cold planer.

DE3823480C1 describes a collecting plate for surface-cutting machines, which is arranged, seen in the working direction, height-adjustably behind the cutting roll and drags its optionally carbide-reinforced lower edge over the cut-off surface and collects the cut-off material. The collecting plate is subdivided over the width of the cutting roll into segments (4, 5, 6, 7) which are optionally constructed to be height-adjustable independently of one another and thus permit adaptation of the width of the collecting plate to the respective cutting width of the surface-cutting machine.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In an aspect of the present disclosure, a system for actuating a moldboard for a work machine is provided. The moldboard includes a first moldboard section and a second moldboard section that is movable relative to the first moldboard section. The system includes a linkage defining a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The linkage is movably coupled with the first moldboard section proximal to the first end. The linkage is movably coupled with the second moldboard section proximal to the second end. The system also includes an actuator including a cylinder adapted to be coupled with a portion of the work machine and a rod member coupled with the linkage. During a raising operation of the moldboard, the linkage and the actuator raise the second moldboard section until the second moldboard section at least partially engages with the first moldboard section post which the linkage and the actuator simultaneously raise each of the first moldboard section and the second moldboard section.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a moldboard for a work machine is provided. The moldboard includes a first moldboard section having a first width. The moldboard also includes a second moldboard section that is movable relative to the first moldboard section. The second moldboard section has a second width that is lesser than the first width. The moldboard further includes a linkage defining a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The linkage is movably coupled with the first moldboard section proximal to the first end. The linkage is movably coupled with the second moldboard section proximal to the second end. The moldboard also includes an actuator including a cylinder coupled with a portion of the work machine and a rod member coupled with the linkage. During a raising operation of the moldboard, the linkage and the actuator raise the second moldboard section until the second moldboard section at least partially engages with the first moldboard section post which the linkage and the actuator simultaneously raise each of the first moldboard section and the second moldboard section.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for actuating a moldboard for a work machine is provided. The moldboard includes a first moldboard section and a second moldboard section that is movable relative to the first moldboard section. The method includes actuating an actuator of the moldboard. The moldboard includes a linkage defining a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The linkage is movably coupled with the first moldboard section proximal to the first end. The linkage is movably coupled with the second moldboard section proximal to the second end. The actuator includes a cylinder coupled with a portion of the work machine and a rod member coupled with the linkage. The method also includes raising, via the linkage and the actuator, the second moldboard section until the second moldboard section at least partially engages with the first moldboard section. The method further includes simultaneously raising, via the linkage and the actuator, each of the first moldboard section and the second moldboard section after the second moldboard section at least partially engages with the first moldboard section.

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a work machine, according to an example of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a front view of a moldboard associated with the work machine of FIG. 1, according to an example of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a lowering operation of the moldboard of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 illustrates a raising operation of the moldboard of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for actuating the moldboard for the work machine, according to an example of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a work machine 100, according to an example of the present disclosure. The work machine 100 is embodied as a cold planer herein. Alternatively, the work machine 100 may include any other type of machine that has a moldboard. The work machine 100 operates on a ground surface 102 for performing a milling operation on the ground surface 102. The work machine 100 includes a frame 104 and an enclosure 106 attached to the frame 104. The enclosure 106 houses a power source (not shown) of the work machine 100. The power source may include, such as, an engine, a battery system, a fuel cell, and the like that provides propulsion power to the work machine 100 and also powers various components of the work machine 100.

The work machine 100 defines a front end 108 and a rear end 110. A pair of front tracks 112 are defined proximate to the front end 108 of the work machine 100. Further, a pair of rear tracks 114 are defined proximate to the rear end 110 of the work machine 100. Alternatively, the work machine 100 may include wheels instead of the tracks 112, 114. The work machine 100 has an operator platform 116. When the work machine 100 is embodied as a manual or semi-autonomous machine, an operator of the work machine 100 may sit or stand at the operator platform 116 to operate the work machine 100.

The work machine 100 also includes a rotor chamber (not visible in FIG. 1) defined proximal to the rear end 110. The rotor chamber is an enclosed space. Further, a rotor (not shown) that is rotatably coupled to the frame 104 lies within the rotor chamber. The rotor includes a generally cylindrical member and a number of cutting assemblies disposed on the cylindrical member. A portion of the cutting assemblies contact the ground surface 102 for removing material therefrom.

Further, the work machine 100 includes a conveyor system 118. The conveyor system 118 may be pivotally connected to the frame 104 and is used to transport material away from the rotor chamber and into a receptacle (not shown). The conveyor system 118 includes one or more conveyors for transportation of material.

Referring to FIG. 2, the work machine 100 includes a moldboard 200. The moldboard 200 is coupled to the frame 104 of the work machine 100. Further, the moldboard 200 is disposed proximal to the rear end 110 (see FIG. 1) of the work machine 100. The moldboard 200 may scrape up loose material and clean the ground surface 102 so that minimal additional cleanup is necessary after the work machine 100 makes a pass over the ground surface 102.

The moldboard 200 includes a first moldboard section 202 having a first width W1. The first moldboard section 202 includes a bottom edge 203. The moldboard 200 also includes a second moldboard section 204 that is movable relative to the first moldboard section 202. The second moldboard section 204 has a second width W2 that is lesser than the first width W1. The second moldboard section 204 includes a bottom edge 205. The moldboard 200 defines a first moldboard end 206 and a second moldboard end 208. The first moldboard section 202 extends from the first moldboard end 206 to the second moldboard end 208. The second moldboard section 204 extends, at least partially, from the second moldboard end 208 towards the first moldboard end 206.

The work machine 100 also includes a system 210 for actuating the moldboard 200 for the work machine 100. The system 210 includes a linkage 212. The linkage 212 includes a rectangular bar herein. The linkage 212 may be made of a metal or an alloy. The linkage 212 defines a first end 214 and a second end 216 opposite the first end 214. The linkage 212 is movably coupled with the first moldboard section 202 proximal to the first end 214. The linkage 212 is movably coupled with the second moldboard section 204 proximal to the second end 216. The linkage 212 rotates relative to the first moldboard section 202 proximal to the first end 214 of the linkage 212. Moreover, the linkage 212 is adapted to slide relative to the second moldboard section 204 proximal to the second end 216 of the linkage 212. The linkage 212 has a circular through-hole 218 defined proximal to the first end 214. Further, the linkage 212 has an elongated slot 220 defined proximal to the second end 216.

The system 210 also includes a first fastener 222 received in the circular through-hole 218 to couple the linkage 212 with the first moldboard section 202. The first fastener 222 couples the linkage 212 with the first moldboard section 202, and also allows rotation of the first moldboard section 202 relative to the linkage 212. The system 210 further includes a second fastener 224 received in the elongated slot 220 to couple the linkage 212 with the second moldboard section 204. When the moldboard 200 is raised or lowered, the second fastener 224 is slidable within the elongated slot 220 to compensate for a change in a distance between the first fastener 222 and the second fastener 224. The second fastener 224 couples the linkage 212 with the second moldboard section 204, and also allows sliding of the second moldboard section 204 relative to the linkage 212. It should be noted that the moldboard assembly 200 may include any other design, elements, or mechanisms to facilitate the rotation of the first moldboard section 202 relative to the linkage 212 and the sliding of the second moldboard section 204 relative to the linkage 212.

The system 210 also includes an actuator 226. The actuator 226 may include a hydraulic actuator. The actuator 226 includes a cylinder 228 coupled with a portion of the work machine 100 and a rod member 230 coupled with the linkage 212. Specifically, the cylinder 228 of the actuator 226 is coupled to the frame 104 of the work machine 100. Further, the rod member 230 of the actuator 226 is connected to the linkage 212 at a location 232 that is proximal to the second end 216 of the linkage 212 and distal from the first end 214 of the linkage 212. The system 210 includes a third fastener 234. The third fastener 234 connects the rod member 230 with the linkage 212. It should be noted that the first, second, and third fasteners 222, 224, 234 may include a bolt, a pin, and the like.

The first moldboard section 202 further includes one or more limit stops 236. Specifically, the first moldboard section 202 includes two limit stops 236 that are spaced apart from each other along the first width W1. The limit stops 236 are projections extending from the first moldboard section 202. The limit stops 236 have a rectangular shape herein. Alternatively, the limit stops 236 may have a square shape, or any other shape. The limit stops 236 may be coupled to a body of the first moldboard section 202 using welding, soldering, brazing, mechanical fasteners, and the like. The limit stops 236 are disposed such that when the second moldboard section 204 contacts the limit stops 236, the bottom edges 203, 205 are inline, or in other words, the bottom edges 203, 205 are in alignment with each other. However, a position of the limit stops 236 may vary as per requirements.

As shown in FIG. 3, to lower the moldboard 200, i.e. to move the moldboard 200 in a downward direction D1, the rod member 230 extends relative to the cylinder 228. During a lowering operation of the moldboard 200, the linkage 212 and the actuator 226 lower each of the first moldboard section 202 and the second moldboard section 204 simultaneously until the first moldboard section 202 contacts the ground surface 102 post which the linkage 212 and the actuator 226 further lower the second moldboard section 204 into the ground surface 102. As the second moldboard section 204 is lowered further, while the first moldboard section 202 is stationary and engaged with the ground surface 102, the linkage 212 rotates in an anti-clockwise direction D4, causing the second fastener 224 to slide within the elongated slot 220, thereby compensating for an increase in the distance between the first fastener 222 and the second fastener 224.

As shown in FIG. 4, to raise the moldboard 200, i.e. to move the moldboard 200 in an upward direction D3, the rod member 230 retracts, which in turn causes the linkage 212 to move in a clockwise direction D2. During a raising operation of the moldboard 200, the linkage 212 and the actuator 226 raise the second moldboard section 204 until the second moldboard section 204 at least partially engages with the first moldboard section 202 post which the linkage 212 and the actuator 226 simultaneously raise each of the first moldboard section 202 and the second moldboard section 204.

Moreover, when the second moldboard section 204 at least partially engages with the first moldboard section 202, the bottom edges 203, 205 of the first moldboard section 202 and the second moldboard section 204 are inline. Further, during the raising operation of the moldboard 200, the one or more limit stops 236 engage with the second moldboard section 204 to allow each of the first moldboard section 202 and the second moldboard section 204 to be raised together. Specifically, as the rod member 230 starts retracting, only the second moldboard section 204 starts moving upwards until the second moldboard section 204 contacts the limit stops 236. Once the second moldboard section 204 engages with the limit stops 236, a further retraction of the rod member 230 causes the first and second moldboard sections 202, 204 to be lifted as a single unit.

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.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present disclosure relates to the system 210 for actuating the moldboard 200 for the work machine 100. The system 210 includes the single actuator 226 and the single linkage 212 that allows vertical movement of the moldboard 200. The system 210 described herein includes minimal part numbers. Further, a design of the linkage 212 eliminates the need to mount individual actuators and control systems for each of the first and second moldboard sections 202, 204, which may in turn reduce cost, maintenance efforts, assembly efforts, and design complexity of the work machine 100.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method 500 for actuating the moldboard 200 for the work machine 100. The moldboard 200 includes the first moldboard section 202 and the second moldboard section 204 that is movable relative to the first moldboard section 202. At step 502, the actuator 226 of the moldboard 200 is actuated. The moldboard 200 includes the linkage 212 defining the first end 214 and the second end 216 opposite the first end 214. The linkage 212 is movably coupled with the first moldboard section 202 proximal to the first end 214. The linkage 212 is movably coupled with the second moldboard section 204 proximal to the second end 216. The actuator 226 includes the cylinder 228 coupled with the portion of the work machine 100 and the rod member 230 coupled with the linkage 212;

At step 504, the second moldboard section 204 is raised via the linkage 212 and the actuator 226 until the second moldboard section 204 at least partially engages with the first moldboard section 202. At step 506, each of the first moldboard section 202 and the second moldboard section 204 is simultaneously raised via the linkage 212 and the actuator 226 after the second moldboard section 204 at least partially engages with the first moldboard section 202. Specifically, at the step 506 the one or more limit stops 236 of the first moldboard section 202 engage with the second moldboard section 204 to allow each of the first moldboard section 202 and the second moldboard section 204 to be raised together.

The method 500 further includes a step (not shown) at which each of the first moldboard section 202 and the second moldboard section 204 is simultaneously lowered via the linkage 212 and the actuator 226 until the first moldboard section 202 contacts the ground surface 102. The method 500 further includes a step (not shown) at which the second moldboard section 204 is lowered into the ground surface 102 via the linkage 212 and the actuator 226 after the first moldboard section 202 contacts the ground surface 102.

The linkage 212 has the circular through-hole 218 defined proximal to the first end 214. The linkage 212 has the elongated slot 220 defined proximal to the second end 216. The moldboard 200 includes the first fastener 222 received in the circular through-hole 218 to couple the linkage 212 with the first moldboard section 202 and the second fastener 224 received in the elongated slot 220 to couple the linkage 212 with the second moldboard section 204. The method 500 further includes a step (not shown) at which the second fastener 224 slides within the elongated slot 220, during the raising or lowering of the moldboard 200, to compensate for the change in the distance between the first fastener 222 and the second fastener 224.

It should be noted that the steps 502, 504, 506 of the method 500 may be performed in a sequence that is different from that explained in relation to FIG. 5. Further, various steps 502, 504, 506 can be performed together.

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 work 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.