Machine having dipper actuator system
First Claim
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1. An actuator system for a machine, comprising:
- a hydraulic actuator connected to a dipper of the machine;
a hydraulic system fluidly connected to the actuator and configured to selectively direct fluid to the actuator, a component of the hydraulic system being mounted on the dipper; and
an overcenter link coupled to a door of the dipper and biased to maintain the door in a closed position, wherein the actuator is operable to move the overcenter link in a first direction, thereby transitioning the door from the closed position to an open position.
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Abstract
An actuator system for a machine includes a hydraulic actuator connected to a dipper of the machine, and a hydraulic system fluidly connected to the actuator and configured to selectively direct fluid to the actuator. A component of the hydraulic system is mounted on the dipper. The system also includes an overcenter link coupled to a door of the dipper and biased to maintain the door in a closed position. The actuator is operable to move the overcenter link in a first direction, thereby transitioning the door from the closed position to an open position.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An actuator system for a machine, comprising:
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a hydraulic actuator connected to a dipper of the machine; a hydraulic system fluidly connected to the actuator and configured to selectively direct fluid to the actuator, a component of the hydraulic system being mounted on the dipper; and an overcenter link coupled to a door of the dipper and biased to maintain the door in a closed position, wherein the actuator is operable to move the overcenter link in a first direction, thereby transitioning the door from the closed position to an open position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. An actuator system for a machine, comprising:
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one of a linear and a rotary hydraulic actuator associated with a dipper of the machine, the dipper comprising a body having a front side including an excavation opening, a back side opposite the front side, a top surface, and a door moveable between a closed position in which the door is disposed adjacent to the back side and an open position in which the door is disposed away from the back side, the one of the linear and the rotary hydraulic actuator being mounted on the top surface, the dipper being connected to the machine via a boom extending from the machine, and via a dipper handle pivotally connected to a midpoint of the boom; a hydraulic system including a component disposed on the dipper, the hydraulic system being configured to selectively direct fluid to the one of the linear and the rotary hydraulic actuator in response to a control signal received from an operator of the machine; an overcenter link connected to the door; and an eccentric link connected to the overcenter link and the top surface, wherein selectively directing fluid to the one of the linear and the rotary hydraulic actuator moves the eccentric link and the overcenter link relative to the body, and transitions the door between the open and closed positions. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A method of operating a machine, comprising:
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selectively directing fluid between a hydraulic system, having a component disposed on a dipper of the machine, and a hydraulic actuator disposed on the dipper, wherein selectively directing fluid between the hydraulic system and the hydraulic actuator activates the hydraulic actuator; and moving an overcenter link, in response to activation of the hydraulic actuator, in a first direction to transition a door of the dipper connected to the overcenter link to an open position in which the door is disposed away from a body of the dipper, wherein activation of the hydraulic actuator overcomes a biasing force maintaining the door in a closed position in which the door is disposed adjacent to the body.
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Specification