WO2014081412A1

WO2014081412A1 - Work vehicle axle

Info

Publication number: WO2014081412A1
Application number: PCT/US2012/066048
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nathan Bradley; Matthew D. WAGENBACH; Bradley O'Connor
Original assignee: Cnh America Llc
Priority date: 2012-11-20
Filing date: 2012-11-20
Publication date: 2014-05-30
Also published as: BR112015011613B1; BR112015011613A2; CN205417026U

Abstract

A work vehicle includes an axle having a sealable hollow body extending between opposed steering swivel housing pivots, the axle configured to receive ballast material therein.

Description

WORK VEHICLE AXLE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to excavating machines, and, more particularly, to excavating machine front axles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Work vehicles, such as excavating machines and including tractor loader backhoes (TLBs), are versatile in their ability to load material by virtue of implements, such as buckets, disposed at each end of the tractor. The conventional backhoe includes a boom mounted on the rear of a tractor carrying a pivotal bucket for the digging operation. During digging operations, as well as other activities, it may be desirable to add weights to the forward portion of the work vehicle frame to provide improved stability and control. However, such weights that are commonly secured to the frame add cost to work vehicles.

[0003] What is needed is an inexpensive configuration or construction for adding weight or ballast toward the front end of the work vehicle that also provides the ballast sufficiently close to ground level to simultaneously promote stability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to a work vehicle including an axle having a sealable hollow body extending between opposed steering swivel housing pivots, the axle configured to receive ballast material therein.

[0005] The present invention further relates to an axle for a work vehicle including a sealable hollow body extending between opposed steering swivel housing pivots, the axle configured to receive ballast material therein.

[0006] The present invention yet further relates to a method of adjusting ballast of a work vehicle including providing an axle having a sealable hollow body extending between opposed steering swivel housing pivots, the axle configured to receive ballast material therein. The method further includes adjusting the amount of ballast material contained in the body.

[0007] An advantage of the present invention is inexpensive ballast positioned low to the ground to promote work machine stability.

[0008] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an axle according to the present invention.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a reverse upper perspective view of the axle of FIG. 1 according to the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a cross section taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1 of the axle according to the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 4 is cross section taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2 of the axle according to the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial perspective view taken from region 5 of FIG. 2 of the axle according to the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial perspective view taken from region 6 of FIG. 1 of the axle according to the present invention.

[0015] Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Referring to the drawings for a description of an exemplary embodiment of an axle 12 employed by a working vehicle 10, FIGS. 1-2 collectively show opposed plates 24, 26 positioned between a base plate or plate 42 and plates 28, 30. Upon assembly, plates 24, 26, 28, 30 and 42 form a sealable hollow body 14 (FIG. 3) resembling a box structure 22 extending between opposed steering swivel housing pivots 16, 18, with the hollow body 14 configured to selectively receive ballast material 20. In one embodiment, steering swivel housing pivots 16, 18 are castings. Not only does ballast material 20 (FIG. 3) generally improve traction, but also improves stability, due to the axle 12 being positioned in close proximity to the ground. Further, there is improved stability compared to ballast secured to the work vehicle frame, in that the axle 12 is closer to the ground than the frame of the work vehicle. In one embodiment, ballast material can be a suitable liquid that does not promote corrosion. In one embodiment, a lining material can be inserted inside of axle 12 or a layer of material that can be applied by spraying, immersion or other suitable application technique. In another embodiment, ballast material can be solid matter, such as a powdered metal, including but not limited to iron, lead or other dense or otherwise suitable material, or a mix of a solid and a liquid. As further shown collectively in FIGS. 1 and 3, an opening 32 can be formed in plates 28, 30 with a cap 34 being created during formation of opening 32, such as by a laser, pressurized water or other suitable manufacturing technique, and reused to close the opening. As shown in FIG. 4, opening 32 can be formed to resemble a cylindrical cone profile and cap 34 can be inverted relative to plate 30 to provide a favorable surface arrangement for sealing opening 32 with cap 34, such as by a weld, adhesive or other suitable means after ballast material 20 has been introduced inside of the axle, such as through opening 32. Upon assembly, the components of axle 12 form a seal therebetween, preventing inadvertent escape of the ballast material from the axle.

[0017] As further collectively shown in FIGS. 1 -3, opposed plates 24, 26 correspond to respective forward and aft portions of axle 12. In one embodiment, plates 24, 26 are substantially identical to one another. As shown in FIG. 1, plates 24, 26 are substantially similar to one another, except that plate 24 includes a bend about an axis 41 defining an obtuse angle 40 subtending corresponding portions of the surface of plate 24 facing plate 26. As further shown in FIG. 1, and for purposes of clarification, the bend about axis 41 defines a reflex angle 38 subtending corresponding portions of the surface of plate 24 facing away from plate 26. The sum or combined angular extent of obtuse angle 40 and reflex angle 38 equals one full rotation or 360 degrees about axis 41. As further shown in FIG. 1 , a base plate or plate 42 is secured to one end of plate 24, the edge of plate 42 corresponding to reflex angle 38, forming a basis for a weld 72 joining plates 24 and 42. Conversely, base plate or plate 42 is secured to one end of plate 26, forming the basis for a weld 84 for joining plates 26 and 42. Plates 28, 30 are each secured to portions of ends of corresponding plates 24, 26 positioned opposite of base plate or plate 42. Collectively, plates 24, 26, 28, 30 and 42 form a box structure 22 of axle 12.

[0018] A doubler plate 46 is positioned and secured along the junction of a forward- facing surface of plate 24, plate 28, plate 30 and a pivot axle 44. An additional doubler plate is positioned and secured along the junction of a rear-facing surface of plate 26, plate 28, plate 30 and pivot axle 44. Pivot axle 44, which is secured to body 14 of axle 12, pivotably secures the chassis of work vehicle 10 (FIG. 1) to axle 12 about an axis 50. As shown in FIG. 3, a plate 60 is located internally of the axle, and is secured to plates 24, 26, 42 and pivot axle 44 to provide additional strength and structural rigidity to the axle. In one embodiment, optional opening(s) 43 can be formed in plates 60 to permit a more even distribution of ballast material 20 between opposed halves or compartments of the axle. In one embodiment, plate 60 and pivot axle are positioned along the midspan of the axle. In one embodiment, additional plates can be formed internally of the axle. A pair of stops 36 secured to plates 28, 30 maintain a minimal spacing between the chassis of the work vehicle and the corresponding portion of axle 12 as a result of relative movement therebetween about axis 50. As shown in FIG. 1, pivot axis 50 of pivot axle 44 is substantially transverse to a major axis 52 of axle 12. [0019] As collectively shown in FIGS. 2, 5 and 6, the features for securing steering swivel housing pivot 18 to one end of axle 12 (FIG. 1) is shown. It is to be understood that the features for securing steering swivel housing pivot 16 to the opposite end of axle 12, while not shown, is essentially the same as that shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. As further shown in FIG. 5, steering swivel housing pivot 18 includes a peripheral chamfer 62 or formed edge relative to the corresponding end of axle 12 such that a full penetration groove weld 64 can be formed therebetween. That is, the full penetration well 64 is formed between chamfer 62 and corresponding ends of plates 24, 26, 30 and 42.

[0020] Upon completion of the full penetration groove weld securing steering swivel housing pivot 18 to one end of axle 12, as shown in FIG. 5, a weld 68 between plate 26 and plate 30 can be formed. A recess 66 formed in steering swivel housing pivot 18 is aligned with the junction between plate 26 and plate 30, forming the junction for weld 68. Upon completion of weld 68 between plate 26 and plate 30, weld 68 is extended into recess 66, resulting in a gradual heat transition at the end of the weld as well as reduced stresses in the weld, and providing a weld of improved quality. Similarly, upon completion of the full penetration groove weld securing steering swivel housing pivot 18 to one end of axle 12, as further shown in FIG. 5, a weld 72 between plate 26 and plate 42 can be formed. A recess 70 formed in steering swivel housing pivot 18 is aligned with the junction between plate 26 and plate 42, forming the junction for weld 72. Upon completion of weld 72 between plate 26 and plate 42, weld 72 is extended into recess 70, resulting in a higher quality weld, as previously discussed.

[0021] As further shown in FIG. 5, a stop 48 is positioned between steering swivel housing pivot 18 and the end of axle 12 (stop 48 positioned between steering swivel housing pivot 16 and the opposite end of axle 12 is shown in FIG. 2). Upon completion of the full penetration groove weld 64 securing steering swivel housing pivot 18 to the end of axle 12, as shown in FIG. 5, a pair of opposed welds 76 (one weld is shown in FIG. 5) between stop 48 and plate 26 that further extends between stop 48 and steering swivel housing pivot 18 can be formed. A pair of recesses 74 formed in steering swivel housing pivot 18 are each aligned with the junction between stop 48 and plate 26 that further extends between stop 48 and steering swivel housing pivot 18, each recess 74 forming the junction for the corresponding weld 76. Upon completion of each weld 76 between stop 48 and plate 26 that further extends between stop 48 and steering swivel housing pivot 18, each weld 76 is extended into a corresponding recess 74, resulting in a higher quality weld, as previously discussed.

[0022] As further shown in FIG. 6, upon completion of the full penetration groove weld 64 securing steering swivel housing pivot 18 to the one end of axle 12, a weld 80 between plate 24 and plate 30 can be formed. A recess 78 formed in steering swivel housing pivot 18 is aligned with the junction between plate 24 and plate 30, forming the junction for weld 80. Upon completion of weld 80 between plate 24 and plate 30, weld 80 is extended into recess 78, resulting in a higher quality weld, as previously discussed. Similarly, upon completion of the full penetration groove weld 64 securing steering swivel housing pivot 18 to the one end of axle 12, as further shown in FIG. 6, a weld 84 between plate 24 and plate 42 can be formed. A recess 82 formed in steering swivel housing pivot 18 is aligned with the junction between plate 24 and plate 42, forming the junction for weld 84. Upon completion of weld 84 between plate 24 and plate 42, weld 84 is extended into recess 82, resulting in a higher quality weld, as previously discussed.

[0023] While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A work vehicle comprising:

an axle comprising a sealable hollow body extending between opposed steering swivel housing pivots, the axle configured to receive ballast material therein.

2. The work vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the ballast material is solid matter.

3. The work vehicle of claim 2, wherein the solid matter is powdered metal.

4. The work vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the body is formed from plates secured together to form a box structure.

5. The work vehicle of claim 4, wherein the box structure includes at least one set of opposed plates defining opposed sides of the box structure, the at least one set of opposed plates being substantially identical.

6. The work vehicle of claim 5, wherein one plate of the at least one set of opposed plates includes a bend subtending an obtuse angle.

7. The work vehicle of claim 1 , wherein a pivot axle is secured to the body for pivotably securing a chassis of the work vehicle to the axle.

8. The work vehicle of claim 7, wherein an axis of the pivot axle is substantially transverse to a major axis of the body.

9. The work vehicle of claim 4, wherein a portion of the body created during formation of an opening in the body is usable as a plug for sealing the opening.

10. The work vehicle of claim 4, wherein the steering swivel housing pivots are secured to opposed ends of the box structure.

1 1. The work vehicle of claim 10, wherein the steering swivel housing pivots include a recess substantially in alignment with a weld joint formed between adjacent plates of the box structure, the weld joint extending to the groove.

12. An axle for a work vehicle comprising:

a sealable hollow body extending between opposed steering swivel housing pivots, the axle configured to receive ballast material therein.

13. The axle of claim 12, wherein the ballast material is an accumulation of solid matter.

14. The axle of claim 13, wherein the solid matter is powdered metal.

15. The axle of claim 12, wherein the body is formed from plates secured together to form a box structure.

16. The axle of claim 15, wherein the box structure includes at least one set of opposed plates defining opposed sides of the box structure, the at least one set of opposed plates being substantially identical.

17. The axle of claim 16, wherein one plate of the at least one set of opposed plates includes a bend subtending an obtuse angle.

18. The axle of claim 1, wherein an axis of a pivot axle secured to the body for pivotably securing a chassis of the work vehicle to the axle is substantially transverse to a minor axis of the body.

19. The axle of claim 10, wherein the steering swivel housing pivots secured to opposed ends of the box structure include a recess substantially in alignment with a weld joint formed between adjacent plates, the weld joint extending to the groove.

20. A method of adjusting ballast of a work vehicle comprising:

providing an axle having a sealable hollow body extending between opposed steering swivel housing pivots, the axle configured to receive ballast material therein; and

adjusting the amount of ballast material contained in the body.