RIPPER FOR WORK MACHINE

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a work machine, and more particularly, to a ripper for the work machine.

BACKGROUND

A work machine, such as a motor grader or an excavator, includes a ripper disposed at a rear end of the work machine to loosen hardened ground, break up rock formations and/or otherwise engage a ground surface. The ripper includes a carriage assembly and a mounting assembly coupled to the work machine. The ripper includes a coupling assembly that movably couples the carriage assembly with the mounting assembly. The coupling assembly includes one or more links that allow the carriage assembly to move between a raised position and a ground-engaging position. The ripper includes an actuator for example, a hydraulic cylinder, that moves between an extended position and a retraced position. In the extended position, the actuator causes the carriage assembly to be disposed in the ground-engaging position from the raised position and, in the retracted position, the actuator causes the carriage assembly to be disposed in the raised position.

In some situations, the work machine with the ripper may breakdown or may get stuck. In such situations, the work machine may be retrieved using a retrieval device that is mounted at a rear side of the ripper. In some examples, such retrieval devices may also be used to tow a broken work machine or a trailer. During a retrieval operation, the actuator of the ripper may experience an excessive load. However, the actuator may not be able to withstand such excessive load and may fail, which may compromise retrieval requirements of the ripper, may increase machine downtime, and may increase machine maintenance costs. Current rippers do not include any means or mechanisms to prevent the load transfer to the actuator.

U.S. Patent Number 10,927,524 describes a retrieval arrangement for a ripper of a machine that includes a bollard that is disposed towards a rear portion of the machine. The bollard includes a base that is disposed along a mid-plane of the ripper and connected to the ripper via a ripper carriage. A method for retrieving the ripper includes positioning a sling around the bollard, and pulling the sling using another machine such that the bollard is biased in the direction away from the ripper carriage.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In an aspect of the present disclosure, a ripper for a work machine is provided. The ripper includes a mounting assembly adapted to couple the ripper with the work machine. The ripper also includes a carriage assembly including a cross bar, at least one ground engaging shank coupled with the cross bar, and a pair of connecting towers coupled with the cross bar. The ripper further includes a coupling assembly that movably couples the carriage assembly with the mounting assembly. The coupling assembly includes a pair of links and a frame member. The ripper includes a retrieval assembly removably coupled with the carriage assembly. The retrieval assembly includes a mounting bracket and a plurality of mechanical fasteners that removably couple the mounting bracket with the cross bar of the carriage assembly. Each of the plurality of mechanical fasteners has a linear profile or a U-shaped profile. The ripper also includes a pair of locking mechanisms. Each of the pair of locking mechanisms includes at least one linkage that locks the carriage assembly with the mounting assembly to prevent a movement of the carriage assembly relative to the mounting assembly.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a work machine is provided. The work machine includes a frame. The work machine also includes a ripper coupled with the frame. The ripper includes a mounting assembly that couples the ripper with the frame of the work machine. The ripper also includes a carriage assembly including a cross bar, at least one ground engaging shank coupled with the cross bar, and a pair of connecting towers coupled with the cross bar. The ripper further includes a coupling assembly that movably couples the carriage assembly with the mounting assembly. The coupling assembly includes a pair of links and a frame member. The ripper includes a retrieval assembly removably coupled with the carriage assembly. The retrieval assembly includes a mounting bracket and a plurality of mechanical fasteners that removably couple the mounting bracket with the cross bar of the carriage assembly. Each of the plurality of mechanical fasteners has a linear profile or a U-shaped profile. The ripper also includes a pair of locking mechanisms. Each of the pair of locking mechanisms includes at least one linkage that locks the carriage assembly with the mounting assembly to prevent a movement of the carriage assembly relative to the mounting assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic side view of an exemplary work machine;

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a ripper for the work machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A illustrates a schematic perspective view of a retrieval assembly associated with the ripper of FIG. 2, according to an example of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3B illustrates a schematic perspective view of a retrieval assembly associated with the ripper of FIG. 2, according to another example of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic side view of the ripper of FIG. 2 illustrating a pair of locking mechanisms, according to an example of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic side view of the ripper of FIG. 2 illustrating a pair of locking mechanisms, according to another example of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6A illustrates a schematic side view of the ripper of FIG. 2 illustrating a pair of locking mechanisms, according to yet another example of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6B illustrates a schematic side view of the ripper of FIG. 2 illustrating a pair of locking mechanisms, according to yet another example of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6C illustrates a schematic side view of the ripper of FIG. 2 illustrating a pair of locking mechanisms, according to yet another example of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic side view of the ripper of FIG. 2 illustrating a pair of locking mechanisms, according to yet another example of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8A illustrates a schematic perspective view of the ripper of FIG. 2 illustrating a pair of locking mechanisms, according to yet another example of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 8B illustrates a schematic side view of the ripper of FIG. 8A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

Referring to FIG. 1, a schematic side view of an exemplary work machine 100 is illustrated. The work machine 100 may perform one or more work operations associated with an industry, such as mining, construction, farming, transportation, or any other industry known in the art. The work machine 100 is embodied as a motor grader that may be used to flatten uneven ground surfaces, such as, during a grading process prior to road construction and/or moving of snow, debris, and so on. Alternatively, the work machine 100 may be embodied as any other machine that includes a ripper, such as, an excavator.

The work machine 100 defines a front end 118 and a rear end 119. The work machine 100 includes a frame 102. The frame 102 includes a front frame 104. The front frame 104 supports a pair of front wheels 108. The front frame 104 also supports a work implement 110. The work implement 110 may be used to perform work operations, such as, grading or snow removal. The work implement 110 is supported by a Drawbar-Circle-Moldboard (DCM) system 112. The frame 102 also includes a rear frame 106 that is movably coupled to the front frame 104. The rear frame 106 supports a pair of rear wheels 120. The rear wheels 120 and the front wheels 108 allow movement of the work machine 100 on ground surfaces.

The rear frame 106 also supports various components of the work machine 100 thereon, such as, an enclosure 114 of the work machine 100, a power source (not shown) of the work machine 100 that is disposed within the enclosure 114, an operator cabin 116 of the work machine 100, etc. 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 work machine 100 for operation thereof.

The work machine 100 further includes a ripper 122 coupled with the frame 102. Specifically, the rear frame 106 supports the ripper 122. The ripper 122 is disposed proximal to the rear end 119 of the work machine 100. The ripper 122 may be used to loosen hardened ground, break up rock formations, and/or otherwise engage a ground surface.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the ripper 122 for the work machine 100 of FIG. 1, according to an example of the present disclosure. The ripper 122 includes a mounting assembly 124. The mounting assembly 124 couples the ripper 122 with the work machine 100. The mounting assembly 124 includes a pair of mounting members 123 at each end 144, 146 of the ripper 122. The mounting assembly 124 also includes a pair of elongated tag links 125 that extend forwardly from the pair of mounting members 123. Each elongated tag link 125 assists in securing the ripper 122 to the work machine 100.

The ripper 122 also includes a carriage assembly 126. The carriage assembly 126 includes a cross bar 128. The cross bar 128 is embodied as an elongated tubular member. The carriage assembly 126 also includes one or more ground engaging shanks 130, 160 coupled with the cross bar 128. In the illustrated example of FIG. 2, a total of four ground engaging shanks 130, 160 are associated with the ripper 122, three of which are coupled with the cross bar 128. However, the carriage assembly 126 may include any number of ground engaging shanks 130, 160 based on application attributes. The ground engaging shanks 130, 160 may engage and/or dig into the ground surface to perform one or more work operations.

The carriage assembly 126 further includes a pair of connecting towers 132 coupled with the cross bar 128. The connecting towers 132 extend in a direction that is opposite the ground engaging shanks 130. The carriage assembly 126 further includes a pair of connecting brackets 148 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 2) coupled with and extending from the cross bar 128. One of the connecting brackets 148 is disposed at the end 144 of the ripper 122 and the other connecting bracket 148 is disposed at the end 146 of the ripper 122. The connecting towers 132 extend in an angular direction relative to connecting brackets 148.

The ripper 122 further includes a coupling assembly 134 that movably couples the carriage assembly 126 with the mounting assembly 124. The coupling assembly 134 includes a pair of links 136 (only one of which is visible in FIG. 2). The pair of links 136 are spaced apart from each other along a length L1 of the ripper 122. Each link 136 from the pair of links 136 is coupled with a corresponding connecting tower 132 of the carriage assembly 126 at one end and the mounting members 123 of the mounting assembly 124 at another end. Each link 136 is removably coupled with the corresponding connecting tower 132 via a first fastener 150 and each link 136 is removably coupled with the corresponding mounting member 123 via a second fastener 152. In the illustrated example of FIG. 2, each of the pair of links 136 has a substantially L-shaped profile. Further, each of the pair of links 136 defines a first through-opening 416 (shown in FIG. 4).

The coupling assembly 134 also includes a frame member 138. The frame member 138 includes a pair of lower links 142 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 2) spaced apart from each other along the length L1 of the ripper 122. Each lower link 142 is coupled with a corresponding connecting bracket 148 at one end and a corresponding pair of mounting members 123 at another end.

The ripper 122 includes an actuator 140. A cylinder 156 of the actuator 140 is coupled with the carriage assembly 126 via a bracket 154 of the carriage assembly 126. Further, a rod member 158 of the actuator 140 is coupled with the mounting assembly 124. The actuator 140 is movable between a retracted position and an extended position such that in the extended position of the actuator 140, the carriage assembly 126 is in a lowered/ground-engaging position and in the retracted position of the actuator 140, the carriage assembly 126 is in a raised position. In some examples, the actuator 140 may include a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, and the like.

FIG. 3A, a schematic perspective view of a retrieval assembly 200 is illustrated, according to an example of the present disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3A, the ripper 122 includes the retrieval assembly 200 removably coupled with the carriage assembly 126. The retrieval assembly 200 includes a mounting bracket 202 and a number of mechanical fasteners 204 that removably couple the mounting bracket 202 with the cross bar 128 of the carriage assembly 126. Each of the number of mechanical fasteners 204 has a linear profile or a U-shaped profile. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 2 and 3A, the retrieval assembly 200 includes the number of mechanical fasteners 204 each of which has the linear profile. The retrieval assembly 200 further includes a pin 218. In some examples, the pin 218 couples the mounting bracket 202 with a machine (not shown) for towing of the machine. In other examples, the pin 218 couples the mounting bracket 202 with the machine for retrieval of the ripper 122 from the ground surface. In some examples, the machine may be a broken machine, a trailer, or any other machine, without limiting the scope of the present disclosure. The retrieval assembly 200 also includes an attachment 203 that defines a pocket (not shown). When the retrieval assembly 200 is coupled with the carriage assembly 126, the pocket receives the ground engaging shank 160 that is removed from the carriage assembly 126 to accommodate the retrieval assembly 200.

Referring to FIG. 3A, when each of the number of mechanical fasteners 204 has the linear profile, the mounting bracket 202 includes a central plate 206. The mounting bracket 202 also includes a pair of mounting plates 208 extending orthogonally from the central plate 206 and disposed at a first side 210 of the central plate 206. The mounting plates 208 are substantially triangular in shape. The mounting bracket 202 further includes a pair of first plates 212 spaced apart from the central plate 206 and disposed at a second side 214 of the central plate 206. The second side 214 is opposite the first side 210. Each of the pair of first plates 212 is removably coupled with the central plate 206 via two or more mechanical fasteners 204 from the number of mechanical fasteners 204.

In the illustrated example of FIG. 3A, each first plate 212 from the pair of first plates 212 is removably coupled with the central plate 206 via four mechanical fasteners 204. Therefore, the retrieval assembly 200 includes eight mechanical fasteners 204 in total, each of which has the linear profile. However, the retrieval assembly 200 may include any number of mechanical fasteners 204, based on application attributes. Each mechanical fastener 204 is embodied as a bolt herein. The mounting bracket 202 further includes two second plates 216. One of the second plate 216 is disposed proximal to a first end 220 of the retrieval assembly 200 and extends between a corresponding first plate 212 and the central plate 206. Further, the other second plate 216 is disposed proximal to a second end 222 of the retrieval assembly 200 and extends between a corresponding first plate 212 and the central plate 206. The first and second plates 212, 216 are substantially rectangular in shape. A portion of the cross bar 128 (see FIG. 2) is received between the central plate 206 and the pair of first plates 212 to removably couple the mounting bracket 202 with the carriage assembly 126 (see FIG. 2).

Referring now to FIG. 3B, a schematic perspective view of a retrieval assembly 300 that may be associated with the ripper 122 of FIG. 2 is illustrated, according to another example of the present disclosure. The retrieval assembly 300 is substantially similar to the retrieval assembly 200 of FIG. 3A, with common components being referred to by the same numerals. The retrieval assembly 300 includes the mounting bracket 202 and a number of mechanical fasteners 304, that removably couple the mounting bracket 202 with the cross bar 128 (see FIG. 2) of the carriage assembly 126 (see FIG. 2). Each of the number of mechanical fasteners 304 has a U-shaped profile. The retrieval assembly 300 further includes the pin 218. The pin 218 couples the mounting bracket 202 with the machine for towing of the machine. The retrieval assembly 300 also includes the attachment 203 that defines the pocket (not shown). When the retrieval assembly 300 is coupled with the carriage assembly 126, the pocket receives the ground engaging shank 160 that is removed from the carriage assembly 126 to accommodate the retrieval assembly 300.

As mentioned above, the retrieval assembly 300 includes the number of mechanical fasteners 304 that have the U-shaped profile. When each of the number of mechanical fasteners 304 has the U-shaped profile, each of the number of mechanical fasteners 304 defines a first fastener end 310 and a second fastener end 312. The first fastener end 310 and the second fastener end 312 are in alignment with each other. When each of the number of mechanical fasteners 304 has the U-shaped profile, the mounting bracket 202 includes a central plate 206. Each of the number of mechanical fasteners 304 is removably coupled with the central plate 206 at each of the first fastener end 310 and the second fastener end 312 of each of the number of mechanical fasteners 304. The mounting bracket 202 also includes a pair of mounting plates 208 extending orthogonally from the central plate 206 and disposed at a first side 210 of the central plate 206. The mounting plates 208 are substantially triangular in shape.

In the illustrated example of FIG. 3B, the number of mechanical fasteners 304 includes four mechanical fasteners 304 in total, each of which have the U-shaped profile. Specifically, two mechanical fasteners 304 are removably coupled with the central plate 206 at the first end 220 of the retrieval assembly 300 and other two mechanical fasteners 304 are removably coupled with the central plate 206 at the second end 222 of the retrieval assembly 300. However, the retrieval assembly 300 may include any number of mechanical fasteners 304, based on application attributes. A portion of the cross bar 128 is received within a space 314 defined between the central plate 206 and each of the number of mechanical fasteners 304 to removably couple the mounting bracket 202 with the carriage assembly 126. The mounting bracket 202 includes two second plates 316. One of the second plates 316 is disposed proximal to the first end 220 of the retrieval assembly 300 and extends from the central plate 206. Further, the other second plate 316 is disposed proximal to the second end 222 of the retrieval assembly 300 and extends from the central plate 206. The second plates 316 are substantially rectangular in shape.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the ripper 122 further includes a pair of locking mechanisms 400 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 4). The ripper 122 includes one locking mechanism 400 at the end 144 and the other locking mechanism 400 at the end 146 (see FIG. 2). The locking mechanism 400 at the end 144 is shown in FIG. 4. The locking mechanisms 400 are spaced apart from each other along the length L1 (see FIG. 2). Each of the pair of locking mechanisms 400 includes one or more linkages 402 that locks the carriage assembly 126 with the mounting assembly 124 to prevent a movement of the carriage assembly 126 relative to the mounting assembly 124. The carriage assembly 126 is illustrated in the raised position in FIG. 4.

The one or more linkages 402 includes a single linkage 402 having a substantially L-shaped profile. The single linkage 402 includes a first section 404 that is removably coupled with the carriage assembly 126. Specifically, the first section 404 is removably coupled with the carriage assembly 126 via a fastening means 412. Specifically, the first section 404 is removably coupled with the connecting bracket 148. It should be noted that the first section 404 includes a through-hole that aligns with a through-hole in the connecting bracket 148 to receive the fastening means 412.

The single linkage 402 also includes a second section 406 that is removably coupled with the mounting assembly 124. Specifically, the second section 406 is removably coupled with the mounting assembly 124 via a fastening means 414. Specifically, the second section 406 is removably coupled with the mounting members 123 of the mounting assembly 124 via the fastening means 412. It should be noted that the second section 406 includes a through-hole that aligns with a through-hole in the mounting member 123 to receive the fastening means 414. In some examples, each of the fastening means 412, 414 may include a pin, a bolt, a screw, a rivet, and the like, without limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

The single linkage 402 further includes an intermediate section 408 extending between the first section 404 and the second section 406. The intermediate section 408 defines a second through-opening 418. The single linkage 402 locks with a corresponding link 136 from the pair of links 136 to prevent the movement of the carriage assembly 126 relative to the mounting assembly 124. Each of the pair of locking mechanisms 400 further includes a coupling element 410 that removably couples the single linkage 402 with the corresponding link 136 from the pair of links 136 to prevent the movement of the carriage assembly 126 relative to the mounting assembly 124. In some examples, the coupling element 410 may include a pin, a bolt, a screw, a rivet, and the like.

When the carriage assembly 126 is to be locked with the mounting assembly 124, the carriage assembly 126 is moved to the raised position so that the first through-opening 416 of the link 136 aligns with the second through-opening 418 of the single linkage 402. Each of the first through-opening 416 and the second through-opening 418 receives the corresponding coupling element 410 to removably couple the single linkage 402 with the corresponding link 136, thereby preventing the movement of the carriage assembly 126 relative to the mounting assembly 124.

Further, the mounting member 123 that is disposed at an outer end of the ripper 122 includes a retention bracket 162 for holding the coupling element 410. When the carriage assembly 126 is in an unlocked condition i.e., when the carriage assembly 126 is movable relative to the mounting assembly 124, the coupling element 410 is coupled to the retention bracket 162 for retaining the coupling element 410 on the ripper 122. Further, when the carriage assembly 126 is to be locked with the mounting assembly 124, the coupling element 410 is removed from the retention bracket 162 and coupled to the corresponding single linkage 402 and the corresponding link 136.

FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of the ripper 122 illustrating one of a pair of locking mechanisms 500 that may be associated with the ripper 122, according to another example of the present disclosure. The ripper 122 includes one locking mechanism 500 at the end 144 and the other locking mechanism 500 at the end 146 (see FIG. 2). Only the locking mechanism 500 at the end 144 is shown in FIG. 5. The carriage assembly 126 is illustrated in the raised position in FIG. 5. The coupling assembly 134 of the ripper 122 includes a pair of links 536. The pair of links 536 are spaced apart from each other along the length L1 (see FIG. 2) of the ripper 122. Each link 536 from the pair of links 536 is coupled with the corresponding connecting tower 132 of the carriage assembly 126 at one end and the mounting members 123 of the mounting assembly 124 at another end. Each link 536 is removably coupled with the corresponding connecting tower 132 via a first fastener 524 and each link 536 is removably coupled with the corresponding mounting member 123 via a second fastener 526. As is apparent from FIG. 5, each of the pair of links 536 has a substantially arcuate profile. Each of the pair of links 536 includes a first projection 520 that extends outwards from the link 536. The first projection 520 defines a first through-opening 516.

The pair of locking mechanisms 500 includes one or more linkages 502. The one or more linkages 502 includes a single linkage 502 having a substantially arcuate profile. The single linkage 502 includes a first section 504 that is removably coupled with the carriage assembly 126. Specifically, the first section 504 is removably coupled with the connecting bracket 148 of the carriage assembly 126 via a fastening means 512. It should be noted that the first section 504 includes a through-hole that aligns with the through-hole in the connecting bracket 148 to receive the fastening means 512.

The single linkage 502 also includes a second section 506 that is removably coupled with the mounting assembly 124. Specifically, the second section 506 is removably coupled with the mounting assembly 124 via a fastening means 514. Specifically, the second section 506 is removably coupled with the mounting members 123 of the mounting assembly 124. It should be noted that the second section 506 includes a through-hole that aligns with the through-hole in the mounting member 123 to receive the fastening means 514. In some examples, each of the fastening means 512, 514 may include a pin, a bolt, a screw, a rivet, and the like, without limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

The single linkage 502 further includes an intermediate section 508 disposed between the first section 504 and the second section 506. The intermediate section 508 includes a second projection 522 that extends outwards from the intermediate section 508 of the single linkage 502. The second projection 522 defines a second through-opening 518.

The single linkage 502 locks with a corresponding link 536 from the pair of links 536 to prevent the movement of the carriage assembly 126 relative to the mounting assembly 124. Each of the pair of locking mechanisms 500 further includes a coupling element 510 that removably couples the single linkage 502 with the corresponding link 536 from the pair of links 536 to prevent the movement of the carriage assembly 126 relative to the mounting assembly 124. In some examples, the coupling element 510 may include a pin, a bolt, a screw, a rivet, and the like.

When the carriage assembly 126 is to be locked with the mounting assembly 124, the carriage assembly 126 is moved to the raised position so that the first projection 520 overlaps with the second projection 522. Accordingly, the first through-opening 516 aligns with the second through-opening 518. Each of the first through-opening 516 and the second through-opening 518 receives the corresponding coupling element 510 to removably couple the single linkage 502 with the corresponding link 536, thereby preventing the movement of the carriage assembly 126 relative to the mounting assembly 124.

Further, the mounting member 123 that is disposed at the outer end of the ripper 122 includes the retention bracket 162 for holding the coupling element 510.

FIG. 6A is a schematic perspective view of the ripper 122 illustrating one of a pair of locking mechanisms 600 that may be associated with the ripper 122, according to yet another example of the present disclosure. The ripper 122 includes one locking mechanism 600 at the end 144 and the other locking mechanism 600 at the end 146 (see FIG. 2). Only the locking mechanism 600 at the end 144 is shown in FIG. 6A. The coupling assembly 134 of the ripper 122 includes a pair of links 636. Each link 636 from the pair of links 636 is coupled with the corresponding connecting tower 132 of the carriage assembly 126 at one end and the mounting members 123 of the mounting assembly 124 at another end. Each link 636 has a linear profile. The pair of locking mechanisms 600 includes one or more linkages 602. The one or more linkages 602 includes a single linkage 602. The single linkage 602 includes a stay bar 612, a rope 652 (see FIG. 6B), or a chain 662 (see FIG. 6C). In the illustrated example of FIG. 6A, the single linkage 602 includes the stay bar 612. The stay bar 612 has a substantially linear profile. The single linkage 602 defines a first end 604 and a second end 606 opposite the first end 604. The single linkage 602 locks with each of the carriage assembly 126 and the mounting assembly 124 to prevent the movement of the carriage assembly 126 relative to the mounting assembly 124. Specifically, the single linkage 602 is removably coupled with the connecting bracket 148 at the first end 604 and with the mounting members 123 of the mounting assembly 124 at the second end 606.

Each of the pair of locking mechanisms 600 also includes a first coupling element 608 that removably couples the single linkage 602 with the carriage assembly 126 proximal to the first end 604 of the single linkage 602. Specifically, the first coupling element 608 couples the stay bar 612 with the connecting bracket 148 of the carriage assembly 126. It should be noted that the single linkage 602 includes a through-hole that aligns with the through-hole in the connecting bracket 148 to receive the first coupling element 608.

Each of the pair of locking mechanisms 600 further includes a second coupling element 610 that removably couples the single linkage 602 with the mounting assembly 124 proximal to the second end 606 of the single linkage 602. Specifically, the second coupling element 610 couples the stay bar 612 with the mounting members 123 of the mounting assembly 124. In some examples, each of the first coupling element 608 and the second coupling element 610 may include a bolt, a pin, a screw, a rivet, and the like. It should be noted that the single linkage 602 includes a through-hole that aligns with the through-hole in the mounting member 123 to receive the second coupling element 610. Further, the mounting member 123 that is disposed at the outer end of the ripper 122 includes the retention bracket 162 for holding the first coupling element 608 and/or the second coupling element 610.

FIG. 6B is a schematic perspective view of the ripper 122 illustrating one of a pair of locking mechanisms 650 that may be associated with the ripper 122, according to yet another example of the present disclosure. The pair of locking mechanism 650 is substantially similar to the pair of locking mechanism 600 illustrated in FIG. 6A, with common components being referred to by the same numerals. The pair of locking mechanisms 650 includes one or more linkages 602. The one or more linkages 602 includes the single linkage 602. The single linkage 602 includes the rope 652 (instead of the stay bar 612 shown in FIG. 6A).

Each of the pair of locking mechanisms 650 also includes the first coupling element 608 that removably couples the single linkage 602 with the carriage assembly 126 proximal to the first end 604 of the single linkage 602. Specifically, the first coupling element 608 couples the rope 652 with the connecting bracket 148 of the carriage assembly 126.

Each of the pair of locking mechanisms 650 further includes a second coupling element 610 that removably couples the single linkage 602 with the mounting assembly 124 proximal to the second end 606 of the single linkage 602. Specifically, the second coupling element 610 couples the rope 652 with the mounting members 123 of the mounting assembly 124. In some examples, each of the first coupling element 608 and the second coupling element 610 may include a hook, a clip, or the like for coupling the rope 652 with each of the carriage assembly 126 and the mounting assembly 124.

FIG. 6C is a schematic perspective view of the ripper 122 illustrating one of a pair of locking mechanisms 660 that may be associated with the ripper 122, according to yet another example of the present disclosure. The pair of locking mechanism 660 is substantially similar to the pair of locking mechanism 600 illustrated in FIG. 6A, with common components being referred to by the same numerals. The pair of locking mechanisms 660 includes one or more linkages 602. The one or more linkages 602 includes the single linkage 602. The single linkage 602 includes the chain 662 (instead of the stay bar 602 or the rope 652 shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, respectively).

Each of the pair of locking mechanisms 660 also includes the first coupling element 608 that removably couples the single linkage 602 with the carriage assembly 126 proximal to the first end 604 of the single linkage 602. Specifically, the first coupling element 608 couples the chain 662 with the connecting bracket 148 of the carriage assembly 126.

Each of the pair of locking mechanisms 660 further includes a second coupling element 610 that removably couples the single linkage 602 with the mounting assembly 124 proximal to the second end 606 of the single linkage 602. Specifically, the second coupling element 610 couples the chain 662 with the mounting members 123 of the mounting assembly 124. In some examples, each of the first coupling element 608 and the second coupling element 610 may include a hook, a clasp, clip, or the like for coupling the chain 662 with each of the carriage assembly 126 and the mounting assembly 124.

FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of the ripper 122 illustrating one of a pair of locking mechanisms 700 that may be associated with the ripper 122, according to yet another example of the present disclosure. The ripper 122 includes one locking mechanism 700 at the end 144 and the other locking mechanism 700 at the end 146 (see FIG. 2). The locking mechanism 700 at the end 144 is shown in FIG. 7. The pair of locking mechanisms 700 includes one or more linkages 702. The ripper 122 includes a pair of links 736. Each link 736 has a linear profile.

The one or more linkages 702 includes a first linkage 704 removably coupled with the carriage assembly 126. The first linkage 704 has a triangular profile. Each of the pair of locking mechanisms 700 includes a pair of fasteners 712, 713 that removably couple the first linkage 704 with the carriage assembly 126. Specifically, the first linkage 704 is coupled with the corresponding connecting tower 132 of the carriage assembly 126 via the fastener 712. Further, the first linkage 704 is coupled with the corresponding connecting bracket 148 of the carriage assembly 126 via the fastener 713. In some examples, each fastener 712, 713 may include a pin, a bolt, a screw, a rivet, and the like, without any limitations. The first linkage 704 also defines a first through-opening 718.

The one or more linkages 702 further includes a second linkage 706 having a substantially linear profile. The second linkage 706 locks with the first linkage 704 to prevent the movement of the carriage assembly 126 relative to the mounting assembly 124. The second linkage 706 defines a first end 708 and a second end 710 opposite the first end 708. The second linkage 706 defines a second through-opening 720 at the first end 708.

Each of the pair of locking mechanism 700 also includes a first coupling element 714 that couples the second linkage 706 with the first linkage 704 proximal to the first end 708 of the second linkage 706. Specifically, when the carriage assembly 126 is to be locked with the mounting assembly 124, the carriage assembly 126 is moved to the raised position so that the first through-opening 718 aligns with the second through-opening 720. Each of the first through-opening 718 and the second through-opening 720 receives a corresponding first coupling element 714 to removably couple the second linkage 706 with the first linkage 704, thereby preventing the movement of the carriage assembly 126 relative to the mounting assembly 124.

Each of the pair of locking mechanism 700 further includes a second coupling element 716 that couples the second linkage 706 with the mounting assembly 124 proximal to the second end 710 of the second linkage 706. Specifically, the second coupling element 716 removably couples the second linkage 706 with the mounting members 123 of the mounting assembly 124. It should be noted that the second linkage 706 includes a through-hole that aligns with the through-hole in the mounting member 123 to receive the second coupling element 716. In some examples, each of the first coupling element 714 and the second coupling element 716 may include a pin, a bolt, a screw, a rivet, and the like, without any limitations.

Further, the mounting member 123 that is disposed at the outer end of the ripper 122 includes the retention bracket 162 for holding the first coupling element 714 and/or the second coupling element 716.

FIG. 8A is a schematic perspective view of the ripper 122 illustrating one of a pair of locking mechanisms 800 that may be associated with the ripper 122, according to yet another example of the present disclosure. FIG. 8B is a schematic side view of the ripper 122 of FIG. 8A. With reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the ripper 122 includes a pair of links 836. Each link 836 has a linear profile.

Further, the frame member 138 includes the pair of lower links 142. Each of the pair of lower links 142 has an extruded section 801. The extruded section 801 defines a first through-opening (not shown herein).

The pair of locking mechanisms 800 includes one or more linkages 802. The one or more linkages 802 include a first linkage 804 removably coupled with the mounting assembly 124. The one or more linkages 802 further includes a second linkage 806 removably coupled with the mounting assembly 124 and spaced apart from the first linkage 804 along the length L1 of the ripper 122. The first linkage 804 and the second linkage 806 are same as the mounting members 123 (see FIGS. 2 to 7) that are earlier referenced in this disclosure. However, each of the first and second linkages 804, 806 further includes an extruded portion 810. Each extruded portion 810 defines a second through-opening (not shown). Each of the first linkage 804 and the second linkage 806 locks with a corresponding lower link 142 from the pair of lower links 142 to prevent the movement of the carriage assembly 126 relative to the mounting assembly 124.

Each of the pair of locking mechanisms 800 further includes a coupling element 808 that removably couples each of the first linkage 804 and the second linkage 806 with the extruded section 801 of the corresponding lower link 142 from the pair of lower links 142 to prevent the movement of the carriage assembly 126 relative to the mounting assembly 124.

When the carriage assembly 126 is to be locked with the mounting assembly 124, the carriage assembly 126 is moved to the raised position so that the first through-opening of the extruded section 801 aligns with the second through-opening of each of the first linkage 804 and the second linkage 806. Each of the first through-opening and the second through-opening receives a corresponding coupling element 808 to removably couple each of the first linkage 804 and the second linkage 806 with the corresponding lower link 142, thereby preventing the movement of the carriage assembly 126 relative to the mounting assembly 124.

Further, the mounting member 123 that is disposed at the outer end of the ripper 122 includes the retention bracket 162 for holding the coupling element 808.

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 ripper 122 that includes the retrieval assembly 200, 300. The retrieval assembly 200, 300 may facilitate towing of the broken machine. In some examples, the retrieval assembly 200, 300 may also allow retrieval of the ripper 122 if the ripper 122 is stuck into the ground surface. The retrieval assembly 200, 300 described herein may meet the retrieval requirements and may reduce time, effort, and additional costs associated with a retrieval operation. Further, the retrieval assembly 200, 300 may be retrofitted on existing rippers.

The ripper 122 also includes the pair of locking mechanisms 400, 500, 600, 700, 800. The pair of locking mechanisms 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 lock the carriage assembly 126 with the mounting assembly 124 to prevent the movement of the carriage assembly 126 relative to the mounting assembly 124, while the work machine 100 is performing the retrieval operation. Further, the pair of locking mechanisms 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 may prevent the actuator 140 of the ripper 122 from taking excessive load during the retrieval operation, thereby preventing failure of the actuator 140. In some examples, the pair of locking mechanisms 600, 700 may be retrofitted to existing rippers. Furthermore, the pair of locking mechanism 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 may provide stability to the ripper 122 and may prevent failure of the ripper 122. The pair of locking mechanisms 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 have a simple design and is easy to assemble with the ripper 122.

Further, the ripper 122 includes the retention bracket 162 that retains the coupling element 410, 510, 608, 610, 714, 716, 808. The retention bracket 162 may prevent misplacing of the coupling element 410, 510, 608, 610, 714, 716, 808, thereby saving time of an operator to lock the carriage assembly 126 relative to the mounting assembly 124.

Overall, the retrieval assembly 200, 300 and the pair of locking mechanisms 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 are simple in construction, may improve the performance of the work machine 100 during the retrieval operation, and may prevent failure of components associated with the work machine 100.

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 what is disclosed. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof.