EARTH-WORKING BUCKET WITH REMOVABLE WEAR PLATES

Abstract

A bucket may have a main body defining an inner cavity. A wear plate(s) covers an inner surface and/or an outer surface of the main body, the wear plate having holes therein. Fasteners passing through the holes and secured to the main body by screwing engagement. The wear plate(s) may cover an inner surface and/or an outer surface of the main body or the door at an interface therebetween.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the priorities of U.S. Patent Application No. 63/291,961 filed on Dec. 21, 2021, and of U.S. Patent Application No. 63/392,605 filed on Jul. 27, 2022, the contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates to excavation equipment such as earth-working buckets, also known as excavation buckets and dippers.

BACKGROUND OF THE ART

Excavation equipment, and in particular earth working buckets such as cable shovel dippers, are used, amongst other applications, for heavy earthwork applications such as mining and excavation. Buckets are hollow tools defining a bowl to carry earth. The buckets typically have a leading edge for the bowl, also known as the lip, that performs a digging action, so as to fill the cavity of the bucket. A closable door is on the trailing end of the bucket, and may be opened to empty the bucket of its content. Due to the weight of the content in the bucket, and the harsh conditions of operation (e.g., moisture, dirt, abrasiveness), parts of the bucket may become worn and may require replacement. For example, the bowl portion of the bucket may need replacement, and this require metal works, e.g. cutting, grinding, welding, etc, causing downtime to production equipment.

In some instances, the bucket may have wear plates that may shield core material from wear. Such wear plates can be removed and replaced when worn beyond a given threshold. The wear plates are conventionally welded to the core material of the bowl, to ensure a robust connection. Accordingly, when replacement of worn wear plates is required, welding operations must be effected. This entails specialized personnel, welding equipment availability, and non-negligible downtime resulting in a stop to production.

It is hence contemplated to provide shielding to the bucket, in a manner that may reduce maintenance maneuvers.

SUMMARY

Therefore, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a bucket comprising: a main body defining an inner cavity, at least one wear plate covering an inner surface and/or an outer surface of the main body, the wear plate having holes therein; and fasteners passing through the holes and secured to the main body by screwing engagement.

Further in accordance with the aspect, for example, the fasteners include bolts passing through the holes, and nuts.

Still further in accordance with the aspect, for example, the nuts are secured to the main body.

Still further in accordance with the aspect, for example, the nuts are welded to the main body.

Still further in accordance with the aspect, for example, the nuts are fixed in a retainer cup on the main body.

Still further in accordance with the aspect, for example, the bolts are fixed in a retainer cup on the main body.

Still further in accordance with the aspect, for example, the wear plate has edge portions against supports separated by a spacing, the fasteners being partly received in the spacing.

Still further in accordance with the aspect, for example, the at least one wear plate is against the inner surface of a bottom portion of the bucket.

Still further in accordance with the aspect, for example, the at least one wear plate has a surface against the inner surface and/or the outer surface of the bucket, the surface having a complementary negative geometry to that of the inner surface and/or the outer surface.

Still further in accordance with the aspect, for example, the holes in the at least one wear plate are counterbore holes.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a bucket comprising: a main body defining an inner cavity, a door pivotally mounted to the main body, at least one wear plate covering an inner surface and/or an outer surface of the main body or the door at an interface therebetween, the wear plate having holes therein; and fasteners passing through the holes and secured to the main body or the door by screwing engagement.

Further in accordance with the second aspect, for example, the fasteners include bolts passing through the holes, and nuts.

Still further in accordance with the second aspect, for example, the fasteners have heads trapped in a wear plate mounting area defined on the main body or the door.

Still further in accordance with the second aspect, for example, the mounting area extends along one of a front lip of the door and a rear lip of the main body, the front lip and the rear lip facing each other, the front lip and the rear lip movable towards and away each other as the main body and the door pivot relative to each other.

Still further in accordance with the second aspect, for example, the mounting area is defined by a mounting plate forming an integral part of the main body.

Still further in accordance with the second aspect, for example, the fasteners and the mounting area define a slide lock.

Still further in accordance with the second aspect, for example, the wear plate has at least one guiding member at a back thereof, the guiding member engageable with a complementary feature of the main body or the door aligning with the guiding member.

Still further in accordance with the second aspect, for example, the wear plate has a L-shape profile, the wear plate covering two faces of the main body, including the inner surface or the outer surface, and an edge extending between the inner surface and the outer surface.

Still further in accordance with the second aspect, for example, the at least one wear plate has a surface against the inner surface and/or the outer surface of the bucket, the surface having a complementary negative geometry to that of the inner surface and/or the outer surface.

Still further in accordance with the second aspect, for example, the holes in the at least one wear plate are counterbore holes.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an excavation bucket with removable wear plates in accordance with a first variant of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the excavation bucket of FIG. 1, showing wear plate configurations.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a main body of an excavation bucket with removable wear plates in accordance with a second variant of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A is an enlarged view of the main body of FIG. 3, magnified on a rear lip of the main body, with removable wear plates.

FIG. 3B is a bottom perspective view of the main body of FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a door of an excavation bucket with removable wear plates, the door pivotally connectable to the main body of FIG. 3.

FIG. 4A is a magnified view of a front lip of the door shown in FIG. 4, with one of the removable wear plates mounted and another one shown removed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a bucket such as used for excavation, for example as part of a cable shovel dipper of the type generally used on electric-cable shovels to scoop ore from the ground, and is an example of the numerous types of excavation equipment that may benefit from the configuration described hereinafter for a mechanically attached bowl. Other types of excavation equipment and like earth working buckets include electric rope shovels, hydraulic face shovels, hydraulic backhoe, loader, dragline, bucket-wheel excavator, etc. However, for simplicity, the present disclosure refers to the bucket 10, although it is understood that other excavation equipment may use the configuration described hereinafter.

As a general description, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the bucket 10 has a main body, generally tubular in shape, or hollow as another way to described the body, having a leading end L for excavation, and a trailing end T opposite the leading end. The bucket 10 defines an inner cavity 11 for receiving earth or like excavation products, with the lip 12 leading the excavating. A central axis of the bucket 10 may be generally aligned with axis X, with the tubular main body being generally horizontal in an at-rest position, as in FIG. 1. The lip 12 is shown generically in FIG. 1, but may have numerous components, such as teeth, shrouds, C-clamps, wear plates, to name a few, and it may differ in shape and configuration to what is shown in FIG. 1. Various connectors 13 are provided on a top surface of the bucket 10, to connect the bucket 10 to a handle, to a stick, to an arm, etc, of a cable shovel dipper, crane or like equipment or vehicle. Any appropriate type of connector may be used.

Pivot supports 14 may be adjacent to a trailing end of the bucket 10. The pivot supports 14 may be provided on both sides of the bucket 10, and are above a trailing opening of the bucket 10, through which the load of earth in the inner cavity 11 of the bucket 10 may be unloaded. The pivot supports 14 are provided to pivotally support a door, which door opens the trailing opening and closes the trailing opening. The door is closed during the excavating or digging, while the door is selectively opened to unload the content of the bucket 10. Such door may also be referred to as backwall or backdoor in the field.

Still referring to FIGS. 1 to 2, the body of the bucket 10 may be made of two interconnected or integrally formed frame members, namely a bowl 20 and an upper frame 30, though this is optional. The bowl 20 and the upper frame 30 may be interconnected in any appropriate way. The bowl 20 forms the bottom of the bucket 10 and features the lip 12. The upper frame 30 is the upper part of the bucket 10, and features the various connectors 13 and the pivot supports 14, among other features. The upper frame 30 interfaces the bucket 10 to a vehicle or operating equipment, such as to a boom or crane, for example.

The bowl 20 may be defined by a single metallic member, or multiple interconnected members. The bowl 20 has a bottom portion 21 that is generally planar, including the presence of a slight curvature as a possibility. The bottom portion 21 may be referred to as a plate, panel, etc. The bottom portion 21 may have an inner surface 21A, in the inner cavity of the bucket 10, and an outer surface 21B, on an outside of the bucket 10. The inner surface 21A and the outer surface 21B may be generally smooth and continuous (such as a flat plane, or curved plane). In some variants, surface features may be present.

For reference purposes, a X-Y referential is shown, with the bottom portion 21 being generally parallel to the axis X. Lateral portions 22 project upwardly, i.e., along axis Y, on both sides of the bottom portion 21. In an aspect, the lateral portions 22 are integrally connected to the bottom portion 21, for example as a monoblock construction, or as welded or otherwise secured permanently together. The bowl 20 may define a curved transition from the bottom portion 21 to the lateral portions 22, as shown. However, this is merely an option as the lateral portions 22 may be in a square relation with the bottom portion 21.

In a variant, elongated supports 23 may be present, such as shown in FIG. 2. The elongated supports 23 may be in pairs with a spacing 24 therebetween, and may extend along the inner surface 21A, such as in the inner cavity 11 (or outside). In a variant, the elongated supports 23 extend along the full extent of the bottom portion 21, and may also extend along the curved transition to the lateral portions 22, and possibly along the lateral portions 22. For example, the elongated supports 23 may be generally parallel to the lip 12. The elongated supports 23 may be integrally cast with the bowl 20, may be welded to the bowl 20, or may be fastened to the bowl 20. Moreover, although shown on the inner surface 21A, the elongated supports 23 may be on the outer surface 21B. The elongated supports 23 may not be elongated, with supports 23 punctually distributed on the bottom portion 21 of the bowl 20 and optionally in the curved transition to the lateral portions 22, and further optionally on the lateral portions 22. The elongated supports 23 may hence be projections of material from the adjacent continuous plane of the surface 21A and/or surface 21B. The elongated supports 23 may have a square, rectangular, trapezoidal cross-section, among other possible shapes. The supports 23 may be substantially longer than wide and/or high, such as by having a ratio of at least 5:1 of length to width, and/or a ratio of at least 5:1 of length to height. In a variant, the supports 23 have a ratio of at least 10:1 of length to width, and/or a ratio of at least 10:1 of length to height, notably to maintain a low profile while covering large spans of surface.

Still referring to FIGS. 1 to 2, the upper frame 30 is described in further detail. While the bowl 20 may have a generally U-shape, the upper frame 30 may be said to have an inverted U-shape. This is one possible configuration among others as numerous other bowl configurations are possible. The “inverted” is when the bucket 10 is horizontal as in FIG. 1. However, in use the bucket 10 may have other orientations, whereby “inverted” is used to described the horizontal orientation of the upper frame 30.

The upper frame 30 has a top portion 31 that is generally planar, with the connectors 13 and pivot members 14 projecting upwardly from the top portion 31. The top portion 31 may be referred to as a plate, panel, etc. In the X-Y referential, the top portion 31 is generally parallel to the axis X. Lateral portions 32 project downwardly, i.e., along axis Y, on both sides of the top portion 31. In an embodiment, the lateral portions 32 are integrally connected to the top portion 31, for example as a monoblock construction, or as welded or otherwise secured permanently together. The upper frame 30 may define a curved transition from the top portion 31 to the lateral portions 32, as shown, and contributing to the inverted U-shape. However, this is merely an option as the lateral portions 32 may be in a square relation with the top portion 31. The lateral portions 32 of the upper frame 30 merge with the lateral portions 22 of the bowl 20 to form the lateral walls of the bucket 10. The lateral portions 22 and 32 may be one and the same, or may be interconnected by various components. For example, the bowl 20 and the upper frame 30 may be detachable from one another, such as in U.S. Patent Application No. 63/112,296, incorporated herein by reference. The elongated supports 23 may conform to the shape of the curved transition is present.

Referring concurrently to FIGS. 1 and 2, wear plates 40 may be on any of the surfaces of the bowl 20, i.e., inner surface 21A and/or outer surface 21B. For simplicity, the wear plates 40 are only shown on the inner surface 21A in the figures. The wear plates 40 may also be on the lateral walls of the bucket 10, and/or on the surface(s) of the upper frame 30. The wear plates 40 may be removably connected to the bucket 10, to protect the core material of the bucket 10, and to conveniently be replaced when worn.

The wear plates 40 are essentially planar, and may essentially be flat, but may also have given curvatures to match a surface of the bucket 10 they are configured to cover (curved plane). For instance, as shown in FIG. 1, one of the wear plates is shown (second of the series, from the left) as being curved to emulate a shape of the curved transition of the bowl 20. The wear plates 40 may be positioned side-by-side, a.k.a., end to end, in the manner shown in FIG. 1, with a spacing (shown) or without a spacing between the wear plates 40. In a variant, the surface(s) of the wear plates 40 facing the surface 21A or 21B have a geometry that is(are) a negative of the portion of the surface 21A or 21B it is associated with, negative being a complementary opposite. The surface 21A or 21B may include therein the elongated supports 23.

The wear plates 40 shown have a rectangular outline, but may have any other appropriate shape, with oval, circular, polygonal being a few examples among others. The wear plates 40 may be location specific, in that a variety of geometries may be available depending on where the wear plates 40 are located.

To be removably connected to the bucket 10, the wear plates 40 may have holes therein. In an embodiment, each wear plate 40 has at least two holes, to prevent rotation of the wear plate 40 when installed. For example, the holes may be throughbores 41, i.e., holes of constant diameter, and/or having a continuous side wall (e.g., frusto-conical). The holes may also be counterbore holes 42, or countersink holes, to accommodate fastener heads, or bolts, for example.

The wear plates 40 may be cast, may be sheet metal, may be machined in any appropriate way. The wear plates 40 can come in various thicknesses, and the facility by which they may be replaced, in contrast to welded wear plates for example, may allow the use of thinner wear plates that are lower in weight. The lower weight of the wear plates 40 may contribute to enhancing the performance of the apparatus supporting the bucket 10, as lesser weight must be displaced in comparison to conventional buckets with welded wear plates.

FIG. 2 illustrates three different attachment configurations for the wear plates 40, shown as 40A, 40B and 40C. The attachment configurations may borrow some of the features from one another. Also, although different attachment configurations are shown, the bucket 10 may have a single one of these attachment configurations, or multiple ones of the attachment configurations.

The wear plate 40A has its surface laid directly against the inner surface 21A of bowl 20. A similar co-planar arrangement could be used against the outer surface 21B or any other surface of the bucket 10. The wear plate 40A may therefore preferably have a surface that conforms to the surface of the bucket 10 it will cover, such as the complementary negative geometry. The wear plate 40A may also have the counterbore holes 42, to conceal the head of fastener 50, shown as being a bolt (other possibility being a screw, as an example). The bucket 10 defines holes 51 that extend through its walls, e.g., such as through the bottom portion 21, for another part of the fastener 50, such as a nut 52, to be accessed. The fastener 50 may include other components, such as washer(s), lock nuts, etc. In variants, the holes 51 are threaded, a nut is welded along the holes 51, or a nut or bolt head retainer cup is used. In a variant, the bolt head is secured to the bottom portion 21 (e.g., through welding) and a nut is received in the corresponding counterbore hole 42. The counterbore holes 42 would be provided with sufficient clearance for a socket or equivalent tool to access the fastener 50, to rotate it in engagement or disengagement. It is alternatively possible to tighten the fastener 50 via the nut 52. The counterbore holes 42 or holes with anti-rotation features may be shaped to prevent rotation of the bolt 50, for instance by having a polygonal shape. Instead of a plurality of holes 42, a channel may be present in the surface of the wear plate 40A, to accommodate at least two of the fasteners 50. In order to fit the bottom portion 21, the wear plate 40A must have a complementary shape to as to lay against the surface 21A or 21B of the bottom portion 21. Moreover, the wear plate 40A may replicate the fastener pattern or hole pattern of the bottom portion 21, for the holes 42 to be aligned with the fasteners (e.g., bolt 50) or holes 51 in the bottom portion. It is also considered to have the wear plates 40A on opposite sides of the bottom portion 21 to protect the fasteners 50, including the nuts 52. The heads of the fastener 50 could be in the counterbore hole 42 or channel of a first of the wear plates 40A, and the nuts 52 could be in the counterbore hole 42 or channel of a second of the wear plates 40A.

The wear plate 40B has edge portions thereof laid against the supports 23 so as to extend over the spacing 24. The wear plate 40B may have the counterbore holes 42, to conceal the head of fastener 60, shown as being a bolt. In a variant, a nut 61 is secured to the inner surface 21A, in the spacing 24, such as in the channel defined between the elongated supports 23. For example, the nut 61 can be welded to the inner surface 21A, for the screwing engagement of the bolt 60 into the nut 61. Alternatively, the nut 61 would be held captive in a retainer cup. The counterbore holes 42 would be provided with sufficient clearance for a socket or equivalent tool to access the fastener 60, to rotate it in engagement or disengagement (as for all embodiments described herein). Alternatively, a hole could be defined in the wall of the bucket 10, similarly to the hole 51, for a nut to be on the other side of the bottom portion 21, or for engagement with threading in the hole 51. The fastener 60 may include other components, such as washer(s), lock nuts, etc. As the wear plate 40B is supported by its edge portions and hovers over the spacing 24, a biasing effect may result on the bolt 60 when tightened appropriately. The biasing effect may contribute to enhancing the engagement of the bolt 60 in the nut 61 or other complementary engagement threads. The wear plate 40B would have its holes 42 replicate the disposition pattern of the nuts 61 or other fastener or support that is on the bottom portion 21.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the wear plate 40C has edge portions thereof laid against the supports 23 so as to extend over the spacing 24. The wear plate 40C may have the throughbores 41, from which projects a shank of fastener 70, shown as being a bolt. In a variant, a nut 71 is threadingly engaged to the fastener 70 from a top of the wear plate 40C. The bolt 70 may be held captive in a retainer cup 72, the cup 72 having anti-rotation features, or may be welded to the inner surface 21A of the bucket 10, so as not to be rotatable. Alternatively, counterbore holes 42 could be provided with sufficient clearance for a socket or equivalent tool to screw the nut 71 into engagement with or in disengagement from the bolt 70. The fastener 70 may include other components, such as washer(s), lock nuts, etc. As the wear plate 40C is supported by its edge portions and hovers over the spacing 24, a biasing effect may result on the nut 71 when tightened appropriately. The biasing effect may contribute to enhancing the engagement of the nut 71 on the bolt 70 or other complementary engagement threads.

In all variants of the wear plate 40, some of which are shown as 40A-40C in FIG. 2, the wear plates 40 may be removed or installed using screwing/unscrewing tools, such as wrenches, ratchets with sockets, pliers, etc. Accordingly, maintenance operations may be performed by general maintenance personnel, without the need to employ a welder or other specialist. Some embodiments, such as those shown at 40B and 40C, allow the screwing/unscrewing action to be performed with manipulations from a single side of the bucket 10, i.e., from the side of the inner surface 21A. This may entail a rotation blocking feature for one of the complementary threaded pair, the rotation blocking feature including abutment walls, welding, a retainer cup 72, etc.

Thus, the bucket 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2 may be generally described as including a bucket having a main body defining an inner cavity; one or more wear plates covering an inner surface or an outer surface of the main body, the wear plate having holes therein. Fasteners pass through the holes and secured to the main body by screwing engagement. While bolts 60, 70 as referred to above may be standard type bolts, plow bolt type or other types may also be used.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show respectively a main body 10F′ and a door 10R′ of another exemplary bucket 10′. The bucket 10′ including the two main portions shown in FIGS. 3 to 4A includes similar features as those described above, hence not repeated at length, with corresponding features identified with like, primed, references. Additional features are also discussed below.

The main body 10F′ of the bucket 10′, which may be referred to as the front, clam or jaw of the bucket 10′, may include front teeth (shown) or other projecting members at a front lip 12′ to lead the excavating, in at least some variants, as shown. The door 10R′ may be referred to as a backwall or backboard.

The main body 10F′ (FIG. 3) and the door 10R′ (FIG. 4) may be pivotally connected to each other at pivot supports 14′. The pivot supports 14′ may be provided on both sides of the bucket 10′, with complementary portions on each of the main body 10F′ and door 10R′ for the pivotal connection. A trailing opening of the bucket 10′ defined between the main body 10F′ and the door 10R′ may be selectively closed and opened as the main body 10F′ and door 10R′ move toward and away each other, respectively. It is to be understood that the main body 10F′ and/or the door 10R′ may be actuated, one remaining fixed relative to the shovel arm (or bucket holder, crane), for example, or not fixed, to impart a relative movement between the main body 10F′ and the door 10R′, relative to a shovel arm for example. Actuation may be performed via one or more actuators (e.g., hydraulic, mechanical, etc), such as those on hydraulic excavators. Alternatively, the bucket 10′ may rely on gravity to close the door 10R′. The load of earth may be accommodated and transported in the inner cavity 11′ of the bucket 10′ when the trailing opening is closed as the main body 10F′ and the door 10R′ are together. Mating engagement or simply contact between the contours of the main body 10F′ and the door 10R′ may be performed and forced into such position by the force exerted by the actuator(s), by gravity, etc. In the closed configuration, the bucket 10′ may define a concavity to contain a load of earth. In the closed configuration, respective front lip 15F′ of the door 10R′ and rear lip 15R′ of the main body 10F′ face each other and may contact each other. Opposite lateral edge portions of the main body 10F′ and the door 10R′ extending upwardly on opposite sides of the bucket 10′ may also come into contact, hence forming the earth-receiving concavity to contain a load of earth. There may be wear at interface(s) between these two front and rear portions 10F′, 10R′, in particular at the front lip 15F′ and rear lip 15R′ upon repeated impact due to repetitive closing actions in operation, for example. Debris may also be lodged between the front lip 15F′ and rear lip 15R′, pending or after digging, which may accelerate wear over time due to impacts, friction, abrasiveness of the matter, and/or other physical or chemical interactions, for example. Repetitive contacts with rocks, earth or other debris when the front lip 15F′ and rear lip 15R′ are separated from one another (trailing opening is opened) during unloading, for example, may also generate wear.

Removable wear plates 40′, sharing features similar to that described above with reference to plates 40A, 40B and 40C, may be advantageously located at the front lip 15F′ and rear lip 15R′ to limit wear at this solicited area of the bucket 10′.

Wear plates 40′ may have various configurations and be more generally referred to as wear members, as they may be in the form of plates (e.g., flat, curved) of various suitable sizes and/or geometries (e.g., rectangular, square, disc, etc.) to cover selected areas of corresponding sizes and/or geometries, or have a channel profile, L-shape, U-shape or V-shape profile, for example, to engage with the main body 10F′ or door 10R′ of the bucket 10′. For consistency, “wear plates” will be maintained through the description, but it should not be interpreted as limiting with respect to the possible geometries and shapes.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 4A, wear plates 40′ (only one shown in the sectional view of FIG. 3A) may extend at least along the rear lip 15R′ and front lip 15F′. While lip is used below, corner or edge could also be representative of the contemplated location. Closure at the front lip 15F′ and rear lip 15R′ with the wear plates 40′ may allow proper sealing, enough to keep the loaded earth, rocks, etc., captive in the bowl 20′ in working conditions. It is understood that sealing is not to be considered “air tight” or “fluid leak proof”, as this may not be critical in most excavation applications. At least in some embodiments, to achieve a desired level of sealing, the wear plates 40′ on the front lip 15F′ and the rear lip 15R′ are shaped for complementary coplanar engagement. For example, the wear plates 40′ on the front lip 15F′ and the rear lip 15R′ may have a complementary geometry/shape all along a contact edge surface between the main body 10F′ and the door 10R′. The complementary coplanar engagement may require taking into consideration a modified orientation of the door 10R′ relative to the main body 10F′ to obtain the desired level of sealing therebetween, with the wear plates 40′ mounted thereto. Such modified orientation may occur in the possible scenarios where the wear plates 40′ are fitted to buckets 10′ having their main body 10F′ and door 10R′ not designed to have wear plates 40′ received thereon in registering fashion (e.g., recesses adapted to receive wear plates 40′). Complementary coplanar engagement may be obtained by having a custom shape for retrofit kits adapted to various buckets 10′

Wear plates 40′ may be mounted end-to-end along the entire length of the rear lip 15R′ and front lip 15F′, or may be a single wear plate 40′ depending on its size. In a variant, the wear plate 40′ may have a generally L-shape profile, as in FIGS. 3-3B, or a rectangular plate shape, as in FIGS. 4-4A, for example. Protective plates 40″ may also optionally be present, to protect yet allow access to the fasteners. The protective plates 40″ may be permanently secured to the lips 15R′ and/or 15F′. The protective plates 40″ conceal the fasteners, the fasteners being under the surface of the protective plates 40″.

While schematically illustrated as having two separate parts forming respective legs of the L shape in FIG. 3A, the wear plate 40′ may be integrally formed with such shape, as a monoblock piece. Welding or other rigid connection between separate parts to define the wear plate 40′ may be contemplated. With reference to the examples of FIGS. 3A and 4A, a series of holes, here counterbore holes 42′, are defined in the wear plate 40′ to receive fastener 50′ or accommodate part(s) thereof, such as head of fastener 50′ (e.g., screw, bolt, etc.) as in the examples shown in FIG. 2. Fasteners 50′ may have a countersunk head. The head of fastener 50′ and counterbore holes 42′ may have a complementary shape in some variants.

Mechanical connection of the wear plate 40′ to the rear lip 15R′ may be performed through holes in the main body 10F′ along the rear lip 15R′, for example. Holes in the door 10R′ along the front lip 15F′ may serve a comparable purpose. Distribution patterns for such holes are replicated in the wear plates 40′, for alignment of the holes are use of fasteners therewith.

As shown in FIG. 3B, fastening elements, here nuts 52′, may be concealed in counterbore holes or slots 42′ defined in the optional protective plates 40″ on the outer surface 21B′ of the main body 10F′. The counterbore holes 42′ in the outer surface 21B′ may be in the protection plates 40′ forming an integral part of the main body 10F′, as shown. Details as to sizes and other features related to those counterbore holes 42′ (or 42) in the wear plates 40′ described above will not be described again but should be considered to similarly apply.

In a variant, wear plates 40′ may be laid against the outer surface 21B′ of the main body 10F′, along the rear lip 15R′, and may be connected thereto for even greater resistance to wear at the rear lip 15R′. The rear lip 15R′ may be covered on three faces, i.e., outer surface 21B′, inner surface 21A′ and peripheral edge 21C′, instead of one or two faces, in some variants. A U-shape configuration is therefore possible. Mounting on the inner surface 21A′ and/or outer surface 21B′ is contemplated, as discussed above, though mounting on the peripheral edge 21C′ alone is not excluded.

In some variants where the rear lip 15R′ is covered at least on the outer surface 21B′ and inner surface 21A′, one or more (e.g., all) fasteners 50′ may secure in place the wear plates 40′ assembled one to another on opposite sides of the rear lip 15R′. This is only a possibility as each wear plate 40′ may have its own set of (or single) fastener 50′ for mechanical connection.

The above description with respect to the sizes, shapes, geometries, location and mechanical connection of the wear plates 40′ to the rear lip 15R′ may similarly apply to the front lip 15F′ of the door 10R′ of the bucket 10′ and the wear plates 40′ in reference to FIGS. 4 and 4A, hence those features are not repeated integrally in this context.

As best seen in FIG. 4A, one wear plate 40′ is mounted on the front lip 15F′ while another wear plate 40′ is shown removed to illustrate features at its back and on the front lip 15F′. The wear plates 40′ do not correspond in terms of number of connection features, with different configurations shown to illustrate that different numbers of holes and guide members may be present. As shown, a mounting area 16′ is defined along the front lip 15F′. The mounting area 16′ is configured for the wear plates 40′ to be laid against it. Such mounting area 16′ is described with reference to the front lip 15F′, but may also be present at the rear lip 15R′ of the main body 10F′ discussed above.

The mounting area 16′ may be defined by a mounting plate, as shown at 17′. In a variant, the mounting plate 17′ is an integral part of the front lip 15F′, for example by being an integral surface of the material of the front lip 15F′, even though such mounting plate 17′ may be a separate part, retrofitted to an existing bucket for wear plate compatibility, for example.

In FIG. 4A, the mounting area 16′, here in the form of the mounting plate 17′, includes a series of retaining slots 18′. One possible attachment configuration is contemplated where heads of respective fasteners 50′, such as bolts 60, 70 discussed above, inserted in those retaining slots 18′ define a slide lock, to support the wear plates 40′ secured therewith and restrict relative movement. A single slot, with same or different configuration could be contemplated. The retaining slots 18′ may have various shapes and sizes adapted for mechanical engagement with various fasteners (or other retaining/guiding members, as described later). The reverse arrangement is possible, namely with slots being in the wear plates 40′.

Positioning and/or supporting of the wear plates 40′ may be facilitated during installation with such slide lock. During installation, head of fasteners 50′ may be engaged through the openings of respective slots 18′, and trapped therein by lateral displacement, as illustrated at FIG. 4A. The retaining of a head of fastener 50′ may be obtained from the mechanical interference between the trapped head abutted against peripheral edges of the retaining slot 18′ when a pulling force is exerted on the fastener in a pull (outward) direction normal to the mounting area 16′. With the head trapped, the shank of the fastener 50′ may project outwardly and engage through respective holes (either throughbores or counterbore holes) of the wear plate 40′ in alignment therewith. The fasteners 50′ may be blocked from rotating, thus enabling the screwing of nuts 52′ to the shanks. The nuts 52′ may be tightened with those fasteners 50′ until an appropriate retaining force is obtained between the wear plate 40′ and the mounting area 16′. For a wear plate replacement, the nuts 52′ may be unscrewed and the worn wear plate 40′ replaced by another. In circumstances where the nuts 52′ and fasteners are damaged and/or not untightenable, the fasteners 50′ may be cut off and replaced by new ones without compromising the integrity of the mounting area 16′, hence reduce downtime due to maintenance and wear plate replacements.

In some variants, features at the back of the wear plates 40′ and at the mounting area 16′ may interconnect to align and/or support the wear plates 40′ thereon. Those features may be complementary, such as a male-female connectors or interlocking connectors of various configurations. Features in the mounting area 16′ and on the wear plates 40′ may define a guide and rail or guide and slot arrangement.

In a variant, as in the example shown at FIG. 4A, the wear plates 40′ have at least one (here two, but could be more or less) guide member 43′ to facilitate alignment of the wear plate 40′ and provide more support to the wear plate 40′ during installation. The guide member(s) 43′ may be welded or integral part(s) of the wear plate 40′. The guide member(s) 43′ and the retaining slots 18′ described above may define a guide and slot arrangement for alignment and support of the wear plates 40′ at the mounting area 16′. It may be contemplated to have guide member(s) 43′ with a shape interlocking with the retaining slots 18′ to serve as locking/retaining features in some variants. For example, in another configuration, the guide member 43′ of the wear plates 40′ may be a T-slot or rail, or other interlocking shapes, cooperating with a corresponding male connector projecting from the mounting area 16′. The guide member 43′ could be inserted in such slot, then laterally displaced once engaged in the slot to produce mechanical retention. Fasteners or other means could be contemplated to lock the guide member(s) 43′ in place, though locking may be performed by the guide member(s) 43′, such as via an integrated locking feature. There could be a plurality of male connector and/or slots for interlocking. The wear plates 40′ may define the male connector and the mounting area 16′ may define the slot, or other female connector, as another possibility.

In FIG. 4A, the guiding member(s) 43′ are blocks, which may have a size and shape allowing engagement with the retaining slots 18′ (at least a segment thereof). In a variant, as shown, the blocks have a square outline, but other shapes may be contemplated, such as round, oval, rectangular, or polygonal. The blocks are spaced apart from each other, in a end-to-end direction of the wear plate 40′. They may be centered in a widthwise direction (normal to the end-to-end direction) of the wear plate 40′, but other locations may be contemplated. The shape of the blocks may be identical in some cases, or have a different shape. Differently shaped or asymmetrical locations of the blocks on the wear plate 40′ with correspondingly shaped/located slots 18′ at the mounting area 16′ may force a singular orientation of the wear plate 40′ during installation, for example.

When installed, the blocks may align with and abut peripherally in the opening of the retaining slots 18′. Blocks may take up a certain amount of shear stress, hence reduce the shear stress in the fasteners 50′ caused by repeated impacts and/or transverse loads applied to the wear plates 40′ during use. The guiding member(s) 43′ may provide greater resistance, robustness, and lifespan of the wear plates 40′ and the overall mechanical connection, compared to wear plates 40′ not having those features. Faulty positioning, orienting or misalignment of the wear plates 40′ during installation may also be mitigated with the guiding member(s) 43′.

It is contemplated to have other attachment configurations than the mounting area 16′ and plate 17′ described above. For example, welded connectors, such as hooks, pins, or other attachment means fixed on the inner surface 21A′ or outer surface 21B′ of the bucket 10′, are other possibilities.

Those features described with reference to FIGS. 3-4A, including the mechanical connection, installation method, mounting area 16′ and guiding features are not limited to the locations of the front lip 15F′ and the rear lip 15R′. The mounting area 16′ may be provided in other configurations and other locations on the bucket 10′. As discussed above, wear plates 40′ may be located anywhere on the bucket 10′, e.g., in the bowl 20′, either on the inner surface 21A′ or outer surface 21B′. The shape and size of the wear plates 40′ may be adapted to fit at selected locations on the bucket 10′, in areas of the bucket 10′ highly exposed to wear due to impacts, friction, and abrasiveness.

Wear plates 40′ such as those examples disclosed herein are designed for installation on large and sturdy equipment, such as excavation equipment. The wear plates 40′ may be large and heavy parts to handle during installation. As such, in at least some embodiments, and as can be seen in FIGS. 3, 3A, 4 and 4A, the wear plates 40′ may include hoisting features 60′ connectable to lifting equipment, such as lifts (e.g., fork lift, lift truck, crane, rolling bridge), to facilitate handling. In at least some embodiments, such hoisting features 60′ may include lifting eyes, hooks, rings, pins, brackets, etc., welded to or integral with the wear plates 40′. There may be more or less hoisting features 60′ depending on the dimensions of the wear plates 40′ or location on the wear plates 40′. As an example, the wear plates 40′ of FIGS. 3-3B have a single hoisting feature 60′ generally located at a middle length of the wear plates 40′. As another example, the wear plates 40′ of FIGS. 4 and 4A have pairs of hoisting features 60′. The hoisting features 60′ in this example are space apart longitudinally on the wear plates 40′. The hoisting features 60′ in this example projects from the front face of the wear plates 40′. They may be located on the wear plates 40′ so as to prevent interference between them on wear plates 40′ mounted on the front lip 15F′ and rear lip 15R′, respectively, in the closed configuration of the bucket 10′. Hoisting features 60′ could also be removed once the wear plates 40′ are installed, by grinding, for example.

A method associated with the wear plates 40 and/or 40′ could include positioning the wear plate 40/40′ against a surface of the bucket in complementary fashion, including aligning connection holes and/or fasteners; threadingly engaging the wear plate 40/40′ to a surface of the bucket; once worn, removing the wear plate 40/40′ and replacing it with another wear plate 40/40′. The removing may be by threadingly disengaging, by destructing, etc.

Claims

1. A bucket comprising:

a main body defining an inner cavity,

at least one wear plate covering an inner surface and/or an outer surface of the main body, the wear plate having holes therein; and

fasteners passing through the holes and secured to the main body by screwing engagement.

2. The bucket according to claim 1, wherein the fasteners include bolts passing through the holes, and nuts.

3. The bucket according to claim 2, wherein the nuts are secured to the main body.

4. The bucket according to claim 3, wherein the nuts are welded to the main body.

5. The bucket according to claim 3, wherein the nuts are fixed in a retainer cup on the main body.

6. The bucket according to claim 2, wherein the bolts are fixed in a retainer cup on the main body.

7. The bucket according to claim 1, wherein the wear plate has edge portions against supports separated by a spacing, the fasteners being partly received in the spacing.

8. The bucket according to claim 1, wherein the at least one wear plate is against the inner surface of a bottom portion of the bucket.

9. The bucket according to claim 1, wherein the at least one wear plate has a surface against the inner surface and/or the outer surface of the bucket, the surface having a complementary negative geometry to that of the inner surface and/or the outer surface.

10. The bucket according to claim 1, wherein the holes in the at least one wear plate are counterbore holes.

11. A bucket comprising:

a main body defining an inner cavity,

a door pivotally mounted to the main body,

at least one wear plate covering an inner surface and/or an outer surface of the main body or the door at an interface therebetween, the wear plate having holes therein; and

fasteners passing through the holes and secured to the main body or the door by screwing engagement.

12. The bucket according to claim 11, wherein the fasteners include bolts passing through the holes, and nuts.

13. The bucket according to claim 11, wherein the fasteners have heads trapped in a wear plate mounting area defined on the main body or the door.

14. The bucket according to claim 13, wherein the mounting area extends along one of a front lip of the door and a rear lip of the main body, the front lip and the rear lip facing each other, the front lip and the rear lip movable towards and away each other as the main body and the door pivot relative to each other.

15. The bucket according to claim 13, wherein the mounting area is defined by a mounting plate forming an integral part of the main body.

16. The bucket according to claim 13, wherein the fasteners and the mounting area define a slide lock.

17. The bucket according to claim 11, wherein the wear plate has at least one guiding member at a back thereof, the guiding member engageable with a complementary feature of the main body or the door aligning with the guiding member.

18. The bucket according to claim 11, wherein the wear plate has a L-shape profile, the wear plate covering two faces of the main body, including the inner surface or the outer surface, and an edge extending between the inner surface and the outer surface.

19. The bucket according to claim 11, wherein the at least one wear plate has a surface against the inner surface and/or the outer surface of the bucket, the surface having a complementary negative geometry to that of the inner surface and/or the outer surface.

20. The bucket according to claim 11, wherein the holes in the at least one wear plate are counterbore holes.