Caterpillar Inc.
Bucket actuator assembly with resilient bump stop

Abstract:

A work tool includes a bucket and a hydraulic actuator that pivots the bucket on a frame. The loaded bucket applies a maximum compressive force Fc against a resilient bump stop, which reacts a proportion of the applied force as a restoring force Fr against the actuator. A major proportion of the applied maximum compressive force Fc is reacted between the piston and cylinder, while the restoring force Fr is arranged to be greater than the force Fe applied by the self weight of the empty bucket, such that (Fc>2Fr), and (Fr>Fe).