LEG TUBE ASSEMBLY FOR WORK MACHINE

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a work machine, a leg tube assembly for the work machine, and a method of adjusting the work machine.

BACKGROUND

A work machine, such as a cold planer or a reclaimer, is often used to perform milling on various surfaces. The work machine includes a number of ground engaging members. A frame of the work machine may be raised or lowered relative to a ground surface, as required. The work machine further includes a number of leg assemblies. The leg assemblies are movable between an extended state and a retracted state to raise or lower the frame relative to the ground surface.

The leg assemblies may be moved to the extended state to elevate the frame to a desired height for maintenance or other service purposes. The leg assemblies of the work machine are locked at the desired height by using leg locks. Conventionally, the leg locks are manually activated to lock the frame at the desired height. A steering system of the work machine cannot be activated while the leg locks are installed as the leg locks may be dislodged or may get damaged.

U.S. Pat. No. 12,017,705 describes a vehicle that includes a support assembly extending between a chassis and a cab. The support assembly includes a first bracket coupled to the chassis, a second bracket coupled to the cab, a stay arm having a first end coupled to the first bracket and an opposing second end, and a locking assembly. The stay arm defines a locking interface between the first end and the opposing second end. The locking assembly includes a slide, an actuator, a release arm, and a pawl. The slide is translatable along the stay arm. The slide defines a first interface coupled to the second bracket, a second interface coupled to the actuator, and a third interface. The release arm is coupled to the actuator and the third interface. The pawl is coupled to release arm at the third interface. The pawl selectively engages with the locking interface based on a configuration of the actuator.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In an aspect of the present disclosure, a leg tube assembly for a work machine is provided. The leg tube assembly includes a leg tube adapted to raise or lower a frame of the work machine relative to a ground surface. The leg tube defines an outer surface. The leg tube assembly also includes a locking system associated with the leg tube. The locking system includes at least one projection coupled to an outer surface of the leg tube. The locking system also includes a locking element coupled to the frame of the work machine. The locking element is adapted to engage with the at least one projection to lock the frame with the leg tube assembly to dispose the frame at a desired height relative to the ground surface.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a work machine is provided. The work machine includes a frame. The work machine also includes a leg tube assembly. The leg tube assembly includes a leg tube adapted to raise or lower the frame of the work machine relative to a ground surface. The leg tube defines an outer surface. The leg tube assembly also includes a locking system associated with the leg tube. The locking system includes at least one projection coupled to an outer surface of the leg tube. The locking system also includes a locking element coupled to the frame of the work machine. The locking element is adapted to engage with the at least one projection to lock the frame with the leg tube assembly to dispose the frame at a desired height relative to the ground surface.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of adjusting a work machine is provided. The method includes providing a leg tube assembly including a leg tube and a locking system associated with the leg tube. The locking system includes at least one projection coupled to an outer surface of the leg tube and a locking element coupled to a frame of the work machine. The method also includes actuating the locking element to move the locking element towards the at least one projection. The method further includes engaging the locking element with the at least one projection, based on an actuation of the locking element. The method includes locking the frame with the leg tube assembly. The method also includes disposing the frame at a desired height relative to a ground surface, based on the locking of the frame with the leg tube assembly.

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 schematic front view of a portion X of the work machine of FIG. 1 illustrating a leg tube assembly of the work machine, according to an example of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the leg tube assembly of FIG. 2 and a locking system of the leg tube assembly, according to an example of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a leg tube assembly of the work machine of FIG. 1 and a locking system of the leg tube assembly, according to another example of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the leg tube assembly of FIG. 4, according to an example of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for a method of adjusting the work machine of FIG. 1, 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.

Referring to FIG. 1, a schematic perspective view of an exemplary work machine 100 is illustrated. The work machine 100 embodied as a cold planer herein. 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 may alternatively include a reclaimer, a stabilizer, or any other machine that includes leg assemblies.

The work machine 100 may be a manned/manual machine or an unmanned machine. In some examples, the work machine 100 may be a machine having various levels of autonomy, such as a fully autonomous machine, a semi-autonomous machine, a remotely operated machine, or a remotely supervised machine.

The work machine 100 may operate at worksites, such as a mine site, a quarry, a construction site, or any other type of worksite. The work machine 100 may be used to remove, mix, or reclaim material from a work surface, such as streets, highways, and aircraft runways, and the like.

The work machine 100 defines a front end 104 and a rear end 106 opposite the front end 104. The work machine 100 includes a frame 108 that supports various machine components thereon. The work machine 100 also includes a power source (not shown) that generates power. 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 is disposed within an enclosure 110.

The work machine 100 further includes a pair of front tracks 112 disposed proximate to the front end 104 of the work machine 100 and a pair of rear tracks 114 disposed proximate to the rear end 106 of the work machine 100. Alternatively, the work machine 100 may include wheels (not shown) instead of the tracks 112, 114. The work machine 100 includes an operator cabin 116. When the work machine 100 is embodied as the manual or the semi-autonomous machine, an operator of the work machine 100 may sit in the operator cabin 116 to operate or maneuver the work machine 100. The operator cabin 116 includes one or more controls that allow the operator to perform one or more work operations.

Further, the work machine 100 also includes a mixing chamber (not shown) defined between the front and rear tracks 112, 114. The mixing chamber is an enclosed space that is defined under the frame 108 and extends laterally across the work machine 100. Moreover, a rotor (not shown) is disposed within the mixing chamber. The rotor is rotatably coupled to the work machine 100 for performing one or more machine operations, such as cutting, mixing, and/or pulverizing material. The rotor is powered by the power source. The rotor includes a shell member (not shown), and a number of cutting assemblies (not shown) disposed on the shell member. The work machine 100 includes a machine controller 126 (shown in FIG. 5). The machine controller 126 may generate information when the work machine 100 is turned off or when the work machine 100 is in a service mode.

The work machine 100 further includes a leg tube assembly 120. In some examples, the work machine 100 includes four leg tube assemblies 120. Each track 112, 114 includes a corresponding leg tube assembly 120. The four leg tube assemblies 120 may be similar to each other in terms of design and dimensions. The leg tube assemblies 120 may also be referred to as lifting columns. In some examples, each track 112, 114 may be connected to the frame 108 via a corresponding leg tube assembly 120. Each leg tube assembly 120 may include an actuator (not shown), such as a hydraulic actuator, to facilitate raising and lowering of the frame 108 relative to a ground surface 132.

In other examples, the work machine 100 may include three leg assemblies 120, such that two of the leg assemblies 120 are disposed proximal to the front end 104 and one leg assembly 120 is disposed proximal to the rear end 106. It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to a number of the leg assemblies 120 associated with the work machine 100.

Referring to FIG. 2, a schematic front view of a portion X of the work machine 100 is illustrated. The leg tube assembly 120 includes a leg tube 122 to raise or lower the frame 108 relative to the ground surface 132 (see FIG. 1). The leg tube 122 defines an outer surface 124. Specifically, the leg tube 122 is coupled to the frame 108 at one end, and with tracks 112, 114 (see FIG. 1) at another end. Further, the actuator of the leg tube assembly 120 is disposed within the leg tube 122.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the leg tube assembly 120 also includes a locking system 200 associated with the leg tube 122. The locking system 200 includes one or more projections 202 coupled to the outer surface 124 of the leg tube 122. In the illustrated examples of FIGS. 2 and 3, the one or more projections 202 include a number of projections 202 disposed adjacent to each other. It should be noted that a location of the projections 202 as shown in this disclosure is exemplary in nature, and the projections 202 may be disposed at any location around a circumference of the leg tube 122. The number of projections 202 are arranged vertically in a row on the outer surface 124 of the leg tube 122. The number of projections 202 may be integral with the leg tube 122, may be fixedly coupled to the leg tube 122, or may be removably coupled to the leg tube 122. In some examples, the projections 202 may be fixedly coupled with the leg tube 122 by welding. In some examples, the projections 202 may be removably coupled with the leg tube 122 using mechanical fasteners, such as bolts, screws, pins, and the like.

In the illustrated examples of FIGS. 2 and 3, the projections 202 are disposed directly adjacent to each other, such that one projection 202 extends from an adjacent projection 202. Further, a notch 212 is formed between two adjacent projections 202. The one or more projections 202 are triangular in shape. Specifically, each projection 202 is shaped like a right-angled triangle. In other examples, the number of projections 202 may have a square shape, a rectangular shape, or any other suitable shape, without limiting the scope of the present disclosure. The one or more projections 202 define an engaging surface 204 (best visible in FIG. 3).

The locking system 200 also includes a locking element 206 coupled to the frame 108 of the work machine 100. The locking element 206 engages with the one or more projections 202 to lock the frame 108 with the leg tube assembly 120 to dispose the frame 108 at a desired height relative to the ground surface 132. Specifically, the locking element 206 may engage with any one of the number of projections 202. Further, as the locking system 200 includes multiple projections 202, the frame 108 may be disposed at different heights relative to the ground surface 132. For example, the frame 108 may be disposed at a service height, which is a highest possible height at which the frame 108 may be disposed relative to the ground surface 132.

In the illustrated example of FIGS. 2 and 3, the locking element 206 is coupled to a steering collar 130 of the frame 108 of the work machine 100. The steering collar 130 may be used to control a direction and maneuverability of the work machine 100. The steering collar 130 may be a part of a steering system (not shown) of the work machine 100 that allows the operator to adjust an orientation of the tracks 112, 114 (see FIG. 1), enabling the work machine 100 to move in different directions and make turns. The steering collar 130 circumferentially surrounds the leg tube 122.

Referring to FIG. 3, the locking element 206 includes an engaging section 208. In the illustrated example of FIG. 3, the engaging section 208 is triangular in shape. In some examples, the engaging section 208 may have a shape that is similar to a shape defined by the notch 212. Further, when the locking element 206 is in engagement with one of the projections 202, the engaging section 208 is received within the notch 212.

The engaging section 208 of the locking element 206 contacts the engaging surface 204 of the one or more projections 202 to engage the locking element 206 with the projection 202. Specifically, the engaging section 208 rests on the engaging surface 204 to retain the frame 108 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) at the desired height. When the engaging section 208 of the locking element 206 contacts the engaging surface 204, the frame 108 is prevented from moving in a downward direction D1.

Further, the locking system 200 includes a spring 216. The spring 216 is disposed around the locking element 206. The spring 216 retains the locking element 206 in an engaged position, i.e., the spring 216 retains the locking element 206 in contact with one of the projections 202. Further, when the locking element 206 is in a disengaged position, i.e., when the locking element 206 is not engaged with any projection 202, the spring 216 is in a retracted state. The locking element 206 is shown in the disengaged position in FIG. 3.

The locking system 200 further includes a lever 210 coupled with the locking element 206. The lever 210 is operable by the operator to engage the locking element 206 with the one or more projections 202. In some examples, the locking system 200 may include a wheel or any other input device to engage the locking element 206 with any one of the number of projections 202.

FIG. 4 illustrates a leg tube assembly 404 and a locking system 400 associated with the leg tube assembly 404, according to another example of the present disclosure. The leg tube assembly 404 is substantially similar to the leg tube assembly 120 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) with common components referred to by the same numerals. The locking system 400 is substantially similar to the locking system 200 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) with common components referred to by the same numerals. The locking system 400 includes one or more projections 402 and the locking element 206. Specifically, the locking system 400 includes three projections 402 that are spaced apart from each other along the leg tube 122. The projections 402 are similar in design and function to the projections 202 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). Further, the locking element 206 may engage with any one of the three projections 402 based on the desired height at which the frame 108 (see FIG. 1) is to be positioned. The locking element 206 is shown in the engaged position in FIG. 4. When the locking element 206 engages with the leg tube assembly 404, the frame 108 is prevented from moving in the downward direction D1.

Further, the locking system 400 includes an actuation mechanism 414 coupled with the locking element 206. The actuation mechanism 414 actuates the locking element 206. The actuation of the locking element 206 causes the locking element 206 to move towards the one or more projections 402 to engage the locking element 206 with the one or more projections 402. The actuation mechanism 414 may include a solenoid, an actuator, or any other mechanism that can move the locking element 206 towards the projections 402. The actuation mechanism 414 may be actuated hydraulically, electrically, or pneumatically, without limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the locking system 400 also includes a controller 420 communicably coupled with the actuation mechanism 414. In one example, the controller 420 activates the actuation mechanism 414 to engage the locking element 206 with the one or more projections 402 when the work machine 100 is turned off or when the work machine 100 is in the service mode. For example, the controller 420 may receive information from the machine controller 126 when the work machine 100 is in the service mode or when the work machine 100 is turned off. Based on the information received from the machine controller 126, the controller 420 may activate the actuation mechanism 414.

In another example, the controller 420 may activate the actuation mechanism 414 based on an input signal 424 received from a sensor 422. In such an example, the locking system 400 further includes the sensor 422 communicably coupled with the controller 420. The sensor 422 may be a slope sensor, a position sensor, and the like, without limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

In an example, the sensor 422 generates the input signal 424 indicative of an incorrect positioning of the frame 108 relative to the leg tube 122. In another example, the input signal 424 may be generated during an unintentional movement of the leg tube 122. Further, the controller 420 activates the actuation mechanism 414 based on the receipt of the input signal 424 from the sensor 422. Furthermore, the actuation mechanism 414 actuates the locking element 206 which causes the locking element 206 to move towards the one or more projections 402 to engage with the one or more projections 402.

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 locking system 200, 400 for the leg tube assembly 120, 404. The locking system 200, 400 includes the number of projections 202, 402 coupled to the outer surface 124 of the leg tube 122. The engaging section 208 of the locking element 206 engages with the engaging surface 204 of one or more of the number of projections 202, 402 to lock the frame 108 with the leg tube assembly 120, 404 to dispose the frame 108 at the desired height.

In some examples, the locking element 206 is actuated by the lever 210. The operator operating the work machine 100 may manually activate the lever 210 to engage the locking element 206 with one or more of the number of projections 202 to lock the frame 108 with the leg tube assembly 120 at the desired height relative to the ground surface 132.

In some examples, the locking element 206 is actuated by the actuation mechanism 414. The actuation mechanism 414 may be activated by the controller 420. The controller 420 may activate the actuation mechanism 414 to engage the locking element 206 with one of the number of projections 402, when the work machine 100 is turned off or when the work machine 100 is in the service mode.

The locking system 200, 400 may reduce a dependability on manual locks that are conventionally used to lock the leg tube 122 with the frame 108. Further, the locking system 200, 400 may either replace the manual locks or may be used along with the manual locks. Furthermore, the work machine 100 may be able to steer when the locking system 200, 400 is engaged with no risk of damage.

The locking system 200, 400 may improve a stability of the work machine 100 during maintenance procedures. The locking system 200, 400 may allow the work machine 100 to be disposed at a shipping height, for e.g., when the rotor is off the ground surface 132, or the service height, for e.g., when the leg tubes 122 are fully extended. Further, the locking system 200, 400 may allow a retention of the leg tube 122 if a tip-over event is predicted due to the leg tube 122 being retracted. The locking system 200, 400 may also eliminate use of multiple manual locks of varying sizes.

Overall, the leg tube assembly 120, 404 and the locking system 200, 400 are simple in design as the leg tube assembly 120, 404 and the locking system 200, 400 do not include complex components. Moreover, the leg tube assembly 120, 404 and the locking system 200, 400 may be cost-effective, may allow quick locking of the leg tube 122 with the frame 108, may be easy to install, and may be retrofitted on existing work machines.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for a method 600 of adjusting the work machine 100. With reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, at step 602, the leg tube assembly 120, 404 including the leg tube 122 and the locking system 200, 400 associated with the leg tube 122 is provided. The locking system 200, 400 includes the one or more projections 202, 402 coupled to the outer surface 124 of the leg tube 122 and the locking element 206 coupled to the frame 108 of the work machine 100.

At step 604, the locking element 206 is actuated to move the locking element 206 towards the one or more projections 202, 402.

At step 606, the locking element 206 is engaged with the one or more projections 202, 402, based on the actuation of the locking element 206.

At step 608, the frame 108 is locked with the leg tube assembly 120, 404 based on an engagement of the locking element 206 with the one or more projections 202, 402.

At step 610, the frame 108 is disposed at the desired height relative to the ground surface 132, based on the locking of the frame 108 with the leg tube assembly 120, 404.

In one example, the locking system 200 further includes the lever 210 coupled with the locking element 206. In such examples, at the step 604, the operator operates the lever 210 to engage the locking element 206 with the one or more projections 202.

In another example, the locking system 400 includes the actuation mechanism 414 coupled with the locking element 206 and the controller 420 communicably coupled with the actuation mechanism 414. In such examples, at the step 604, the controller 420 actuates the actuation mechanism 414 when the work machine 100 is turned off or when the work machine 100 is in the service mode. Moreover, at the step 604, the actuation mechanism 414 actuates the locking element 206 to move the locking element 206 towards the one or more projections 402 to engage the locking element 206 with the one or more projections 402 based on the activation of the actuation mechanism 414.

It should be noted that the steps 602, 604, 606, 608, 610 of the method 600 may be performed in a sequence that is different from that explained in relation to FIG. 6. Further, various steps 602, 604, 606, 608, 610 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 machine, 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.