GRADING ATTACHMENT FOR WORK MACHINE

Abstract

A grading attachment for a work machine includes a frame defining a front end and a rear end and a roller rotatably coupled to the frame proximal to the front end of the frame. The roller defines an outer surface. The grading attachment includes a scraper assembly coupled to the frame proximal to the front end of the frame. The scraper assembly is offset to an axis of rotation of the roller. The scraper assembly includes a first scraper plate extending along the axis of rotation. The first scraper plate includes a first end surface that is proximal to the outer surface of the roller. The scraper assembly also includes a second scraper plate coupled to the first scraper plate and extending along the axis of rotation. The second scraper plate includes a second end surface that is proximal to the outer surface of the roller.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

BACKGROUND

Work machines, such as excavators and backhoe loaders, are used for a variety of earthmoving operations. For example, such work machines may be used for levelling of material, removal of material, excavation, material handling, cutting, forestry work, demolition, grading, heavy lifting, or mining. Based on a type of work operation that is to be performed, different types of attachments may be coupled with the work machines. For example, a bucket may be coupled with the work machine for excavation or material handling.

Conventionally, such a bucket may also be used for levelling of a ground surface. Specifically, a rear portion of the bucket is used for performing a levelling operation. However, it may be difficult to control the levelling operation due to a design and an orientation of the rear portion of the bucket, which may impact an accuracy and a productivity of the levelling operation. Moreover, continuous friction and wear experienced by the rear portion of the bucket may reduce a service life of the bucket, which is undesirable. Therefore, a tool may be desired to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings.

U.S. Pat. No. 11,732,629 describes a highway construction rolling forming equipment which structurally comprises a vehicle body, a driving wheel, a front vehicle frame, a rolling roller and a movable adjusting mud scraping assembly, the rolling roller is clamped in the front vehicle frame, the movable adjusting mud scraping assembly is horizontally arranged at the front end of the rolling roller in the axis direction of the rolling roller, and the movable adjusting mud scraping assembly is composed of a driving disc, a scraping mechanism and a locking device. Driving discs are installed at the two ends of the rolling roller in a locked mode through bolts, the two sides of the scraping mechanism abut against the driving discs, and the front end of the locking device is connected with the scraping mechanism on the inner side of the front frame. The scraping mechanism is arranged at the front end of the rolling roller, and the rolling roller is scraped upwards and downwards through the two scraping plates, thus no matter the rolling roller moves forwards or backwards, only one scraping plate abuts against the rolling roller to conduct mud scraping operation in the corresponding direction, and the situation that one scraping plate is subjected to continuous friction and the service life is damaged is avoided.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In an aspect of the present disclosure, a grading attachment for a work machine is provided. The grading attachment includes a frame defining a front end and a rear end. The grading attachment also includes a roller rotatably coupled to the frame proximal to the front end of the frame. The roller is rotatable in a clockwise direction and an anti-clockwise direction about an axis of rotation. The roller defines an outer surface. The grading attachment further includes a scraper assembly coupled to the frame proximal to the front end of the frame. The scraper assembly is offset to the axis of rotation of the roller. The scraper assembly includes a first scraper plate extending along the axis of rotation. The first scraper plate includes a first end surface that is proximal to the outer surface of the roller. The first end surface is adapted to at least partially remove material stuck to the outer surface of the roller. The scraper assembly also includes a second scraper plate extending along the axis of rotation. The second scraper plate is coupled to the first scraper plate and is disposed at an angle relative to the first scraper plate. The second scraper plate includes a second end surface that is proximal to the outer surface of the roller. The second end surface is adapted to at least partially remove material stuck to the outer surface of the roller.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a work machine is provided. The work machine includes a chassis. The work machine also includes a plurality of ground engaging members coupled to the chassis. The work machine further includes a grading attachment removably coupled to the chassis. The grading attachment includes a frame defining a front end and a rear end. The grading attachment also includes a roller rotatably coupled to the frame proximal to the front end of the frame. The roller is rotatable in a clockwise direction and an anti-clockwise direction about an axis of rotation. The roller defines an outer surface. The grading attachment further includes a scraper assembly coupled to the frame proximal to the front end of the frame. The scraper assembly is offset to the axis of rotation of the roller. The scraper assembly includes a first scraper plate extending along the axis of rotation. The first scraper plate includes a first end surface that is proximal to the outer surface of the roller. The first end surface is adapted to at least partially remove material stuck to the outer surface of the roller. The scraper assembly also includes a second scraper plate extending along the axis of rotation. The second scraper plate is coupled to the first scraper plate and is disposed at an angle relative to the first scraper plate. The second scraper plate includes a second end surface that is proximal to the outer surface of the roller. The second end surface is adapted to at least partially remove material stuck to the outer surface of the roller.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary work machine;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a grading attachment associated with the wok machine of FIG. 1, according to an example of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the grading attachment of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a scraper assembly of the grading attachment of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the grading attachment of FIG. 2 showing a roller of the grading attachment rotating in an anti-clockwise direction; and

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the grading attachment of FIG. 2 showing the roller of FIG. 5 rotating in a clockwise direction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary work machine 100. The work machine 100 may be used to perform a variety of earthmoving applications. The work machine 100 may include an excavator or a backhoe loader. In the illustrated example of FIG. 1, the work machine 100 is embodied as the excavator. Alternatively, the work machine 100 may include the backhoe loader, a material handler, and the like. Further, the disclosure may be applied to different types of machines used in industries including, but not limited to, earthmoving, construction, transportation, agriculture, forestry, and waste management. Accordingly, the work machine 100 may be used for performing work operations, such as, levelling, loading, hauling, dumping, filling, cutting, excavating, spreading, compacting, grading, dozing, etc.

As shown in FIG. 1, the work machine 100 includes a chassis 102. The work machine 100 also includes a number of ground engaging members 104 coupled to the chassis 102. In the illustrated example of FIG. 1, the ground engaging members 104 are embodied as a pair of continuous tracks that rotate to move the work machine 100 in a forward or backward direction on a ground surface. Alternatively, the ground engaging members 104 may be any other type of ground engaging members such as, for example, wheels, etc.

The work machine 100 also includes an operator cabin 105. An operator may be seated within the operator cabin 105 of the work machine 100 for controlling the work machine 100. The operator cabin 105 may include one or more controls (not shown), such as, joysticks, pedals, levers, buttons, switches, knobs, audio visual devices, operator consoles, a steering wheel, and the like. The controls may enable the operator to control the work machine 100. Alternatively, the operator may be seated at a remote operator station that is externally located relative to the work machine 100.

The work machine 100 further includes a linkage assembly 106 coupled to the chassis 102. The linkage assembly 106 includes one or more linkages, for example, a boom 107 that pivotally moves with respect to the chassis 102 and a stick 108 pivotally coupled to the boom 107. The work machine 100 further includes a pair of boom cylinders 107C that pivotally move the boom 107 relative to the chassis 102 and a stick cylinder 108C that pivotally moves the stick 108 with respect to the boom 107.

The work machine 100 also includes a blade 109 coupled to the chassis 102 of the work machine 100. The blade 109 moves pivotally with respect to the chassis 102. The work machine 100 further includes a grading attachment 110 removably coupled to the chassis 102 of the work machine 100. Specifically, the grading attachment 110 is removably coupled to the chassis 102 via the linkage assembly 106. In other examples, the grading attachment 110 may be coupled to the chassis 102 of the work machine 100 via any other suitable linkage arrangement. The work machine 100 further includes a coupler 111 that couples the stick 108 with the grading attachment 110. The coupler 111 may include a tilt coupler that may allow rotation and subsequent positioning of the grading attachment 110 at a number of work positions relative to the stick 108.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, perspective views of the grading attachment 110 are shown. The grading attachment 110 is used to level, profile, or smooth ground surfaces on which the material is deposited. The grading attachment 110 includes a frame 112. The frame 112 defines a front end 114 and a rear end 116 disposed opposite to the front end 114. The front and rear ends 114, 116 are disposed at opposing ends along a longitudinal axis L-L′ of the grading attachment 110. The frame 112 of the grading attachment 110 includes a coupling structure 118 that removably couples the grading attachment 110 with the linkage assembly 106. In other words, the grading attachment 110 is coupled with the coupler 111 (see FIG. 1) via the coupling structure 118. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 2 and 3, the coupling structure 118 is defined at a top portion of the frame 112.

Referring to FIG. 2, the grading attachment 110 also includes a roller 126 rotatably coupled to the frame 112 proximal to the front end 114 of the frame 112. The roller 126 is rotatable in a clockwise direction C2 and an anti-clockwise direction C1 about an axis of rotation X-X′. The axis of rotation X-X′ is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L-L′ of the grading attachment 110. The roller 126 defines an outer surface 128. The outer surface 128 of the roller 126 contacts the ground surface, for example, during a grading/levelling operation. The roller 126 may spread the material evenly on the ground surface to facilitate levelling/profiling of the ground surface. Moreover, the roller 126 may also lightly compact the material present on the ground surface.

As shown in FIG. 3, the grading attachment 110 further includes a plate 122 coupled to the frame 112 proximal to the rear end 116 of the frame 112. The plate 122 is angularly disposed relative to the longitudinal axis L-L′ of the grading attachment 110. The plate 122 defines an edge 124 that may contact the ground surface. The edge 124 may contact material deposited on the ground surface during levelling and/or profiling of the ground surface.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, when the grading attachment 110 operates, some material may stick to the outer surface 128 of the roller 126. If not removed, the material stuck to the roller 126 may reduce an efficiency of the grading attachment 110. The grading attachment 110 further includes a scraper assembly 130 coupled to the frame 112 proximal to the front end 114 of the frame 112. The scraper assembly 130 removes the material from the outer surface 128 of the roller 126. The scraper assembly 130 is offset to the axis of rotation X-X′ of the roller 126.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the scraper assembly 130 of the grading attachment 110. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the scraper assembly 130 includes a first scraper plate 132 extending along the axis of rotation X-X′. The first scraper plate 132 includes a first end surface 134 proximal to the outer surface 128 of the roller 126. The first end surface 134 at least partially removes the material stuck to the outer surface 128 of the roller 126. The scraper assembly 130 also includes a second scraper plate 136 extending along the axis of rotation X-X′. The second scraper plate 136 is coupled to the first scraper plate 132. The second scraper plate 136 includes a second end surface 138 proximal to the outer surface 128 of the roller 126. The second end surface 138 at least partially removes the material stuck to the outer surface 128 of the roller 126.

The scraper assembly 130 further includes a pair of end plates 140 disposed at opposing ends 142, 144 of the scraper assembly 130. The first scraper plate 132 and the second scraper plate 136 extend between the pair of end plates 140. The scraper assembly 130 is coupled to the frame 112 (see FIG. 2) of the grading attachment 110 (see FIG. 2) via the pair of end plates 140. Each end plate 140 defines a pair of slots 146. In some examples, each of the first scraper plate 132, the second scraper plate 136, and the pair of end plates 140 may be integral with each other. Alternatively, the first scraper plate 132, the second scraper plate 136, and the pair of end plates 140 may be manufactured as separate components that are coupled to each other, for example, by welding.

Referring to FIG. 5, the first scraper plate 132 is disposed at an inclination angle A1 relative to the longitudinal axis L-L′ of the grading attachment 110. In some examples, the inclination angle A1 between the first scraper plate 132 and the longitudinal axis L-L′ of the grading attachment 110 lies in a range of 5 degrees and 45 degrees. However, a value of the inclination angle A1 may lie outside of the range of 5 degrees and 45 degrees, as per requirements.

Further, the second scraper plate 136 is disposed at an angle A2 relative to the first scraper plate 132. In some examples, the angle A2 between the first scraper plate 132 and the second scraper plate 136 lies in a range of 40 degrees and 100 degrees. However, a value of the angle A2 may lie outside of the range of 40 degrees and 100 degrees, as per requirements.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the roller 126 rotates in the anti-clockwise direction C1, the first end surface 134 of the first scraper plate 132 contacts the material stuck to the outer surface 128 of the roller 126 to facilitate removal of the material from the outer surface 128 of the roller 126. As shown in FIG. 6, when the roller 126 rotates in the clockwise direction C2, the second end surface 138 of the second scraper plate 136 contacts the material stuck to the outer surface 128 of the roller 126 to facilitate removal of the material from the outer surface 128 of the roller 126.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the grading attachment 110 also includes a number of mechanical fasteners 148. Each end plate 140 is coupled with the frame 112 via two mechanical fasteners 148. Thus, the grading attachment 110 includes four mechanical fasteners 148 in total. The scraper assembly 130 is removably coupled to the frame 112 by the number of mechanical fasteners 148. The mechanical fasteners 148 further couple the frame 112 and the end plate 140 with the roller 126. Specifically, each mechanical fastener 148 is received within a corresponding slot 146 defined in the end plate 140, a corresponding slot (not shown) defined in the frame 112, and a corresponding slot (not shown) defined in the roller 126 to facilitate removable coupling of the frame 112 with the roller 126 and the scraper assembly 130.

Moreover, the grading attachment 110 also includes a number of mechanical fasteners 150. The roller 126 is coupled with the frame 112 via four mechanical fasteners 150. The roller 126 is removably coupled to the frame 112 by the number of mechanical fasteners 150. Specifically, each mechanical fastener 150 is received within a corresponding slot (not shown) defined in the frame 112 and a corresponding slot (not shown) defined in the roller 126 to facilitate removable coupling of the frame 112 with the roller 126.

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 grading attachment 110 for the work machine 100. The grading attachment 110 may allow levelling and/or profiling of loose aggregates present on the ground surface without any visibility issues. The grading attachment 110 described herein may improve an efficiency and a productivity of the operation being performed by the work machine 100. The grading attachment 110 is removably coupled to the work machine 100. Thus, the grading attachment 110 may be retrofitted on existing work machines. The grading attachment 110 includes the roller 126 rotatably coupled to the frame 112. Along with profiling the ground surface, the roller 126 also provides compaction of the material present on the ground surface. Specifically, the outer surface 128 of the roller 126 provides compaction of the material, thereby providing a levelled surface.

The grading attachment 110 also includes the scraper assembly 130. The scraper assembly 130 includes the first scraper plate 132 and the second scraper plate 136 that are used for scraping any material that may be stuck to the outer surface 128 of the roller 126. Specifically, the first scraper plate 132 includes the first end surface 134 and the second scraper plate 136 includes the second end surface 138 that removes the material stuck to the outer surface 128 of the roller 126. The first scraper plate 132 removes the material from the outer surface 128 when the roller 126 is rotating in the anti-clockwise direction Cl and the second scraper plate 136 removes the material from the outer surface 128 when the roller 126 is rotating in the clockwise direction C2. Therefore, at a time only one scraper plate 132, 136 is in contact with the outer surface 128 of the roller 126, which may improve a service life of the scraper assembly 130. The removal of material from the roller 126 may increase the productivity of the grading attachment 110.

Further, while the first scraper plate 132 scrapes the material from the roller 126, some material may deposit on an upper surface of the first scraper plate 132. The first scraper plate 132 is disposed at the inclination angle Al which may prevent accumulation of any material on the first scraper plate 132. Specifically, an angled profile of the first scraper plate 132 may cause the material to slide off the first scraper plate 132. Moreover, the first scraper plate 132 is angled away from the frame 112, which may cause material to slide away from the frame 112, thereby preventing accumulation of any material on the frame 112.

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.

Claims

1. A grading attachment for a work machine, the grading attachment comprising:

a frame defining a front end and a rear end;

a roller rotatably coupled to the frame proximal to the front end of the frame, wherein the roller is rotatable in a clockwise direction and an anti-clockwise direction about an axis of rotation, and wherein the roller defines an outer surface; and

a scraper assembly coupled to the frame proximal to the front end of the frame, wherein the scraper assembly is offset to the axis of rotation of the roller, the scraper assembly including: a first scraper plate extending along the axis of rotation, wherein the first scraper plate includes a first end surface that is proximal to the outer surface of the roller, and wherein the first end surface is adapted to at least partially remove material stuck to the outer surface of the roller; and a second scraper plate extending along the axis of rotation, wherein the second scraper plate is coupled to the first scraper plate and is disposed at an angle relative to the first scraper plate, wherein the second scraper plate includes a second end surface that is proximal to the outer surface of the roller, and wherein the second end surface is adapted to at least partially remove material stuck to the outer surface of the roller.

2. The grading attachment of claim 1, wherein the scraper assembly further includes a pair of end plates disposed at opposing ends of the scraper assembly, wherein the first scraper plate and the second scraper plate extend between the pair of end plates, and wherein the scraper assembly is coupled to the frame of the grading attachment via the pair of end plates.

3. The grading attachment of claim 1, wherein the angle between the first scraper plate and the second scraper plate lies in a range of 40 degrees and 100 degrees.

4. The grading attachment of claim 1, wherein the first scraper plate is disposed at an inclination angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the grading attachment.

5. The grading attachment of claim 4, wherein the inclination angle between the first scraper plate and the longitudinal axis of the grading attachment lies in a range of 5 degrees and 45 degrees.

6. The grading attachment of claim 1, wherein, when the roller rotates in the anti-clockwise direction, the first end surface of the first scraper plate is adapted to contact the material stuck to the outer surface of the roller to facilitate removal of the material from the outer surface of the roller.

7. The grading attachment of claim 1, wherein, when the roller rotates in the clockwise direction, the second end surface of the second scraper plate is adapted to contact the material stuck to the outer surface of the roller to facilitate removal of the material from the outer surface of the roller.

8. The grading attachment of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of mechanical fasteners, wherein the scraper assembly is removably coupled to the frame by the plurality of mechanical fasteners.

9. The grading attachment of claim 1, wherein the work machine includes an excavator or a backhoe loader.

10. A work machine comprising:

a chassis;

a plurality of ground engaging members coupled to the chassis; and

a grading attachment removably coupled to the chassis, the grading attachment including: a frame defining a front end and a rear end; a roller rotatably coupled to the frame proximal to the front end of the frame, wherein the roller is rotatable in a clockwise direction and an anti-clockwise direction about an axis of rotation, and wherein the roller defines an outer surface; and a scraper assembly coupled to the frame proximal to the front end of the frame, wherein the scraper assembly is offset to the axis of rotation of the roller, the scraper assembly including: a first scraper plate extending along the axis of rotation, wherein the first scraper plate includes a first end surface that is proximal to the outer surface of the roller, and wherein the first end surface is adapted to at least partially remove material stuck to the outer surface of the roller; and a second scraper plate extending along the axis of rotation, wherein the second scraper plate is coupled to the first scraper plate and is disposed at an angle relative to the first scraper plate, wherein the second scraper plate includes a second end surface that is proximal to the outer surface of the roller, and wherein the second end surface is adapted to at least partially remove material stuck to the outer surface of the roller.

11. The work machine of claim 10 further comprising a linkage assembly coupled to the chassis, wherein the grading attachment is removably coupled to the chassis via the linkage assembly.

12. The work machine of claim 11, wherein the frame of the grading attachment includes a coupling structure that removably couples the grading attachment with the linkage assembly.

13. The work machine of claim 10, wherein the scraper assembly further includes a pair of end plates disposed at opposing ends of the scraper assembly, wherein the first scraper plate and the second scraper plate extend between the pair of end plates, and wherein the scraper assembly is coupled to the frame of the grading attachment via the pair of end plates.

14. The work machine of claim 10, wherein the angle between the first scraper plate and the second scraper plate lies in a range of 40 degrees and 100 degrees.

15. The work machine of claim 10, wherein the first scraper plate is disposed at an inclination angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the grading attachment.

16. The work machine of claim 15, wherein the inclination angle between the first scraper plate and the longitudinal axis of the grading attachment lies in a range of 5 degrees and 45 degrees.

17. The work machine of claim 10, wherein, when the roller rotates in the anti-clockwise direction, the first end surface of the first scraper plate is adapted to contact the material stuck to the outer surface of the roller to facilitate removal of the material from the outer surface of the roller.

18. The work machine of claim 10, wherein, when the roller rotates in the clockwise direction, the second end surface of the second scraper plate is adapted to contact the material stuck to the outer surface of the roller to facilitate removal of the material from the outer surface of the roller.

19. The work machine of claim 10, wherein the grading attachment further includes a plurality of mechanical fasteners, and wherein the scraper assembly is removably coupled to the frame by the plurality of mechanical fasteners.

20. The work machine of claim 10, wherein the work machine includes an excavator or a backhoe loader.