Drawings
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a work tool assembly, such as a bucket assembly, that uses a tip, adapter, and retention mechanism (which may also be referred to as a lock assembly) having components constructed in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tip and adapter assembly of FIG. 1 employing a locking assembly, shown separated from the work tool assembly of FIG. 1.
Fig. 3 is an exploded assembly view of the tip and adapter assembly and locking assembly of fig. 2.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the adapter of FIG. 3 showing the block and spring portions of the locking assembly inserted into corresponding holes in the nose portion of the adapter. The tip is also shown inserted over the nose of the adapter.
Fig. 5 is an enlarged side view of a block and spring disposed in a bore of the nose portion of the adapter of fig. 4.
Fig. 6 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating insertion of a locking pin into the block, tip and adapter of fig. 4 after insertion of the tip over the nose of the adapter.
Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the block and spring of fig. 5 shown separately.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the block and spring of FIG. 7, depicting the projection of the spring extending into the central bore of the block.
Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional exploded assembly view of the block and spring of fig. 8.
Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the block and spring of fig. 9 after assembly.
FIG. 11 is a side view of the block of FIG. 10, more clearly illustrating the flared portion of the perimeter of the block.
Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the spring of fig. 7 to 10 shown separately.
Fig. 13 is a side view of the spring of fig. 12.
Fig. 14 is an exploded assembly illustrating the pins of the locking assembly inserted into the holes of the tip and the holes of the block. The ramp of the pin is circumferentially aligned with the spring of the block to begin compressing the spring.
Fig. 15 shows the pin of fig. 14 after axial insertion has begun and spring compression has begun.
Fig. 16 illustrates the pin of fig. 15, where the bevel of the pin begins to compress the spring.
Fig. 17 depicts the pin of fig. 16 after complete axial insertion is completed.
Fig. 18 shows the spring of fig. 17 being further compressed by the tapered ramp of the pin.
Fig. 19 shows the pin of fig. 18 in a locked configuration, the pin having been rotated clockwise to the bottom.
Fig. 20 illustrates the pin of fig. 19 in a locked position, with the spring having fallen into its side notch.
Fig. 21 depicts the tab of the pin of fig. 20 after contacting the stop surface of the tip that has been fully locked.
FIG. 22 is a side cross-sectional view of a spring showing a notch engaging a pin, with a tab disposed in an axial or transverse undercut of the tip, preventing removal of the pin without intentionally rotating the pin in a counter-clockwise direction.
Fig. 23 is a front perspective view of the pin of fig. 22, showing its polygonal drive aperture.
FIG. 24 is a rear perspective view of the pin of FIG. 23 showing the relative circumferential timing of its chamfer relative to its side flap.
FIG. 25 illustrates the pin of FIG. 24 showing the relative circumferential timing of the bevel of the pin with respect to the side notches.
Fig. 26 is a perspective view of a tip and adapter assembly employing a retention mechanism including a threaded locking pin and a threaded retention block according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
Fig. 27 is a perspective view of the tip adapter assembly of fig. 26 with the adapter and retention mechanism removed. Unlike the previous embodiments of the present disclosure, the retention mechanism receiving aperture is not threaded. Instead, the hole is configured to receive a rounded portion of the locking pin.
FIG. 28 is an alternative perspective view of the tip and retention mechanism of FIG. 26 with the adapter removed, more clearly showing the retention block.
Fig. 29 is a perspective view of the adapter and retention mechanism of fig. 26 with the tip removed to enhance clarity. A pry die slot for removal of the thread retaining block and a rounded portion of the thread locking pin can be seen.
Fig. 30 is a perspective view of the adapter of fig. 29 with the retention mechanism removed to more clearly show the retention block receiving aperture of the adapter and the pry die slot.
Fig. 31 is a perspective view of the retention mechanism of fig. 29 shown separately. The side pry die notches shown may be used with pry die slots of an adapter for removing a thread retaining block from the adapter.
Fig. 32 shows a threaded locking pin and C-shaped spring of the retention mechanism of fig. 31, without a threaded retention block.
FIG. 33 is a rear perspective view of the C-spring and threaded locking pin of FIG. 32, showing the threads of the pin more fully.
Fig. 34 is a perspective view of the thread retaining block of fig. 31 shown separately. The C-shaped spring is shown mounted in a recess of the block.
Fig. 35 is an alternative perspective view of the thread retaining block of fig. 34 with the C-shaped spring removed.
Fig. 36 is a top oriented perspective view of the C-shaped spring of fig. 34 shown separated.
Fig. 37 is a bottom oriented perspective view of the C-shaped spring of fig. 36.
FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of the tip and adapter assembly and retention mechanism of the figure taken along line 38-38 of FIG. 26. The threaded locking pin is shown fully in the locked configuration.
FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view of the tip and adapter assembly and retention mechanism of the figure taken along line 39-39 of FIG. 26. The C spring is shown positioned in a recess in the screw retaining block, engaging the circumference of the screw locking pin, providing frictional resistance to unintended rotation.
Fig. 40 illustrates the beginning of the assembly process to achieve the assembled configuration of fig. 39. The C-shaped spring is shown compressed and then inserted into the recess of the screw retaining block.
Fig. 41 depicts a thread retaining block inserted into a pocket of an adapter.
Fig. 42 depicts the tip slid onto the nose of the adapter of fig. 41.
Fig. 43 shows a threaded locking pin inserted into the holes of the nib and the retaining block.
Fig. 44 shows the threaded locking pin contacting the threads of the retention block prior to rotation.
Fig. 45 shows the screw locking pin of fig. 44 after being rotated 45 degrees.
Fig. 46 shows the screw locking pin after being rotated 180 degrees.
Fig. 47 shows the threaded locking pin of fig. 42 after being rotated 225 degrees to form a locked configuration. The C-spring is now located in the groove provided near the end of the threaded locking pin.
Fig. 48 shows the retention mechanism with the threaded locking pin removed from the adapter and nib after being rotated 45 degrees after being inserted into the bore of the retention block.
Fig. 49 illustrates a further rotation (90 degrees) pulling the threaded pin axially further into the bore of the retention block so that the C-spring begins to extend.
Fig. 50 shows that the C-shaped spring is almost completely extended after the screw locking pin is rotated 135 degrees.
Fig. 51 shows the screw locking pin after being rotated 180 degrees. The C-shaped spring has been fully extended.
Fig. 52 depicts the threaded locking pin after being rotated 225 degrees. The threaded locking pin is pulled fully into the hole of the retention block and the C-shaped spring falls into the spring retention hole provided near the end of the threaded locking pin. The C-spring now contacts the grooved surface providing circumferential friction against accidental rotation of the threaded locking pin.
Detailed Description
Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. In some cases, reference numerals will be indicated in this specification, and the figures will show the reference numerals followed by letters, such as 100a, 100b or superscript designators such as 100', 100", or the like. It should be appreciated that the use of letters or superscripts immediately following a reference numeral indicates that these features have similar shapes and have similar functions, such as is often the case when the geometry is mirrored about a plane of symmetry. For ease of explanation in this specification, letters or superscripts are not generally included herein, but may be shown in the drawings to indicate repetition of features discussed in this written description.
Work tool assemblies that use a tip or any type of wear member that may employ a locking assembly constructed in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure will now be discussed. In general, a locking assembly for attaching a wear member such as a tip to a base such as an adapter is provided that includes a retention block having a spring attached thereto that fits into a hole of the base. A locking pin is also provided that fits into the aperture of the wear member and the aperture of the retention block, thereby retaining the wear member on the base. The locking pin engages the spring, which prevents accidental rotation of the locking pin, such that the locking pin is trapped in the hole of the wear member, preventing the locking pin from being unintentionally removed.
Beginning with fig. 1, an example of a work tool assembly 100 may take the form of a bucket assembly 100' that may be used with a wheel loader and that includes a housing 101 defining an opening 102 that communicates with a generally enclosed interior. Starting from the rear of bucket assembly 100 as shown in fig. 1, bucket assembly 100 includes a curved housing profile 104 attached to a rear wall 106 at a top end of housing 104. The other end of the housing is attached to the bottom plate 108 of the assembly 100. A top plate 110 is attached to the top end of the rear wall 106. The top plate 110 transitions into a spill guard 112 that is designed to deliver material into the interior of the bucket and prevent material from spilling out of the bucket. Reinforcing ribs 118 are provided that attach to the top plate 110 and spill guard 112, providing increased strength. Two substantially flat end plates 114 are attached to the side edges of the spill guard 112, top plate 110, rear wall 106, bottom plate 108, and housing 104.
Side edge assemblies 115 are attached to each end plate 114, while front edge assemblies 116 are attached to the front edge of bottom plate 108 of bucket assembly 100. The front edge assembly 116 includes a base edge 117 attached to the bottom plate 108, a plurality of center adapters 118 attached to the base edge 117, and a plurality of tips 200 (which may also be referred to as tools, teeth, wear members, etc.), wherein each of the plurality of tips 200 is attached to one of the plurality of center adapters 118. Also, two corner adapters 120 are also attached to the base and side edges 122 of bucket assembly 100'. Tip 200 may also be attached to angle adapter 120.
In addition, a plurality of base edge protectors 124 are provided, each of the base edge protectors 124 being located between the center adapters 120 and the corner adapters 120. A side edge protector 126 is also provided that attaches to the side edge 122 proximate the corner adapter 120.
It should be appreciated that the work tool assembly may take other forms besides a bucket assembly, including a rake assembly, a shearer assembly, and the like. Further, differently configured buckets intended for use by excavators may also use various embodiments of tips, retention mechanisms, adapters, springs, spring retention blocks, retention blocks with spring subassemblies, adapter subassemblies, and tip and adapter assemblies, etc., as will be discussed herein.
A tip and adapter assembly constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to fig. 2-4, 6, and 14-22.
Starting with fig. 2-4, the tip and adapter assembly 150 may include a tip 200 (which may be more generally referred to as a wear member 200a, which may take different forms including edge protectors, shields, cutting edges, compression pads, etc.) that includes a body defining an assembly direction 202, a vertical axis 204 perpendicular to the assembly direction 202, and a lateral axis 206 perpendicular to the vertical axis 204 and the assembly direction 202.
The body of the tip 200 may include a forward working portion 208 including a closed end 210 disposed along the assembly direction 202 and a rear attachment portion 212 including an open end 214 disposed along the assembly direction 202.
The rear attachment portion 212 may define an exterior surface 216 and an adapter nose receiving pocket 218 extending from the open end 214 in the assembly direction 202. Retention mechanism receiving aperture 220 communicates with adapter nose receiving pocket 218 and outer surface 216. A first flange 222 may be disposed in the aperture, the first flange defining a first transverse undercut 224 (see also fig. 6) for receiving a portion of the retention mechanism in a manner to be discussed later herein.
Referring now to fig. 2-6, the assembly 150 can further include an adapter 300 (or more generally, a base 300 a) that includes a body that includes a nose portion 302 that is configured to fit within the adapter nose receiving pocket 218 of the tip 200. The body (or more specifically the nose portion 302) of the adapter 300 includes an outer layer surface 304 defining a polygonal retention block receiving aperture 306 and a circular pin receiving aperture 308 in communication with the polygonal retention block receiving aperture 306.
More specifically, as best shown in fig. 6, the adapter 300 may have a polygonal retention block receiving bore 306 at least partially formed in a counterbore 310 having a circular pin receiving bore 308 in a bottom thereof. The circular pin receiving bore is blind and at least partially tapered, but this may not be the case in other embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the hole may be a through hole extending through the nose of the adapter, or may have another shape such as square, provided that there is a gap between the locking pin 500 and the wall of the hole to allow the locking pin 500 to rotate, or the like.
Focusing on fig. 5, the polygonal retention block receiving aperture 308 may define a perimeter 311 having an octagonal configuration. More specifically, the octagonal configuration includes a first side 312 (or surface), a second side 312a (or surface) parallel to the first side 312, a third side 314 (or surface) perpendicular to the first side 312, and a fourth side 314a (or surface) perpendicular to the second side 312 a.
Further, the first angled surface 315 is angled with respect to the first side 312, the second angled surface 316 is angled with respect to the second side 312a, the third angled surface 316a is angled with respect to the third side 314, and the fourth angled surface 316b is angled with respect to the fourth side 314 a. As shown in fig. 5, the first angled surface 315 is configured differently than the second angled surface 316, the third angled surface 316a, and the fourth angled surface 316b. For example, the first angled surface 315 has more surface area and is at a different angle. This feature may provide a fool-proof function so that the retention block 400 (so called because it retains the spring 600 in place) and the angular orientation of the spring 600 are correct.
Referring to both fig. 5 and 10, the retention block 400 also has mating or complementary in shape sides and surfaces to fit (at least partially) in the aperture. More specifically, the retention block has a first side 412 that mates with a corresponding portion of the aperture (i.e., 312, etc.), and a second side 412a, a third side 414a, and a fourth side 414a.
These surfaces mate or contact their counterparts for at least two reasons. First, the contact may help provide a slight press fit between the retention block and the adapter to help retain the retention block in the bore of the adapter for ease of assembly. To this end, both sets of surfaces (the surface of the retention block and the surface of the bore of the adapter) are beveled or tapered 0.5 degrees (see fig. 6 and 11) or more so that the retention block can be removed from the adapter when the retention block or spring needs to be replaced. Second, the contact helps to prevent unwanted tilting or rotation of the retention block or spring in use when the locking pin is rotated.
Further, as will be appreciated by combining fig. 5 and 10, the retention block 400 includes a first angled surface 415 spaced from a corresponding portion of the aperture (i.e., 315, etc.) to provide a void, and second, third, and fourth angled surfaces 416, 416a, 416b (also spaced from their corresponding portions). Thus, when disposed in the polygonal retention block receiving aperture, the retention block contacts the first, second, third, and fourth sides, but for various reasons (including to provide an angular crack stop groove), the retention block does not contact the first, second, third, and fourth angled surfaces.
Looking at fig. 9, the retention block 400 defines a center pin receiving aperture 402 and a spring receiving aperture 404 that extends from the center pin receiving aperture 402 toward the exterior or perimeter of the retention block 400. After assembly, the spring 600 may be disposed in the center pin receiving hole 402 and the spring receiving hole 404 (see fig. 10). The locking pin 500 may be disposed in the center pin receiving hole 402 (e.g., see fig. 22), and the locking pin 500 may define a recess 502 that receives the spring 600.
As seen in fig. 4, the tip 200 may further include a first ejector ramp 226 extending circumferentially from the first tab receiving slot 228 to the exterior of the first flange 222. The first flange 222 may extend circumferentially from the first stop 230 to a first tab receiving slot 228 that is circumferentially spaced from the first stop 230 (see fig. 21). The slot 228 may be exposed to the exterior of the wear member (e.g., tip 200) and defined by a second flange 232 (see also fig. 22) that is spaced axially inward from the first flange 222 toward the adapter nose receiving pocket 228. The nose-receiving pocket may be defined by an interior surface that is free of grooves. This may not be the case in other embodiments of the present disclosure.
Looking at fig. 21 and 22, the locking pin 500 may include a first tab 504 disposed circumferentially adjacent the first stop 230 and laterally in the first lateral backstop 224, and a second tab 506 circumferentially spaced from the first tab 504 and disposed axially adjacent the second flange 232 in the first tab receiving slot 228. Further, the locking pin 500 defines a notch 502 that is axially spaced (along the rotational axis 238) from the first tab 502 and the second tab 506 toward the adapter nose receiving pocket 218 of the tip 200. The recess is also diametrically opposed to the ramped surface of the locking pin, as will be discussed later herein.
As best seen in fig. 23-25, the locking pin 500 includes a cylindrical surface 508 from which the first tab 504 and the second tab 506 extend radially. The locking pin 500 includes a conical surface 510 defining a recess 502. The second tab 506 may be disposed closer to the outer surface of the wear member axially than the first tab 504, as shown in fig. 20 and 21.
During assembly, the locking pin 500 may be inserted into the retention mechanism receiving aperture 220 of the nib 200, as illustrated in fig. 14, until the first tab 504 of the locking pin 500 is located in the first tab receiving slot 228 of the nib and contacts the second flange 232, as illustrated in fig. 17. The locking pin 500 is then rotated clockwise until the first tab 504 is hidden or snapped under the first flange 222 in the back-off 224, as shown in fig. 19.
Upon rotation, the ramped surface 512 (see also fig. 23) of the locking pin 500 pulls the locking pin 500 axially further into the center pin receiving hole 402 of the retention block 400 and the circular pin receiving hole 308 of the adapter 300. At this point, the second tab 506 moves into the first tab receiving slot 228. Further, rotation causes the spring 600 to engage the flat surface 514 of the recess 502 of the locking pin 500, maintaining the locking pin 500 in the locked configuration (see fig. 22). It should be noted that the first stopper 230 prevents the locking pin from being excessively rotated in the clockwise direction. Now, the locking pin 500 cannot be removed axially because the first tab is trapped in the undercut formed by the first flange, and the tip cannot be removed from the adapter unless the pin is rotated a sufficient amount in a counter-clockwise direction.
The wear member 200a, which may be provided as an alternative component or retrofit in the field, will now be discussed with reference to fig. 2-4.
The wear member 200a may have a body defining a longitudinal axis (e.g., which may be the same as the assembly direction 202), a vertical axis 204 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a lateral axis 206 perpendicular to the vertical axis 204 and the longitudinal axis.
The body may include a forward wear portion 208a disposed along the longitudinal axis (see assembly direction 202) and a rear attachment portion 212 including an open end 214 disposed along the longitudinal axis.
The rear attachment portion 212 may have an exterior surface 216 with an adapter nose receiving pocket 218 extending longitudinally from the open end 214, and a retention mechanism receiving aperture 220 extending through the body from the exterior surface 216 to the adapter nose receiving pocket 218. The first flange 222 (which may also be referred to as a rib) may define a first transverse undercut 224 in the retention mechanism receiving bore 220 in the manner previously described herein.
In fig. 14, retention mechanism receiving bore 220 may define an axis of rotation 238, a surface of revolution (e.g., see 234, which may be cylindrical or slightly conical, etc.), and a circumferential direction 236. As best seen in fig. 4 and 21, the first flange 222 may extend circumferentially from the first stop 230 to a first tab receiving slot 228 (e.g., which may also be referred to as a tab inlet slot because it is exposed to the exterior of the wear member) that is circumferentially spaced from the first stop 230. The first tab receiving slot 228 is also axially defined or bounded by a second flange 232 that is spaced axially inward from the first flange 222 toward the adapter nose receiving pocket 218 (see also fig. 22) (which may also be referred to as a base boss receiving pocket).
In fig. 15 and 17, a first ejector ramp 242 may be provided that extends circumferentially outward from the first tab receiving slot 228 opposite the first flange 222. Once the user wishes to remove the wear member, the user may rotate the locking pin 500 until its second tab 506 slides up the ejector ramp 226, which provides a prying force that helps to loosen the wear member slightly from the adapter or base, while also ejecting or forcing the locking pin axially away from the retention block 400 and spring 600.
The locking pin 500 may then be removed from the assembly, allowing the tip or other wear member to be removed from the adapter or base because the first tab 504 is no longer caught in the undercut formed by the first flange, but is disposed circumferentially in the first tab receiving slot 228 axially adjacent the second flange 22 a. The ejector ramp feature may be omitted in other embodiments of the present disclosure.
As previously mentioned herein with reference to fig. 21, the locking pin 500 may include a first tab 504 (which may also be referred to as a first tab) disposed circumferentially adjacent the first stop 230 of the tip or wear member and disposed laterally or axially in the first lateral undercut 224 when in the locked configuration. At the same time, a second tab 506 (which may also be referred to as a second tab) is circumferentially spaced apart from the first tab and is disposed axially or laterally adjacent to the second flange 222a of the first tab receiving slot 228.
As best seen in fig. 22, the locking pin 500 may define a notch 502 or other spring engagement feature (e.g., may be a slot or simply a flat surface, etc.) that is axially spaced from the first tab 504 and the second tab 506 toward the adapter nose receiving pocket 218 of the tip 200 or other wear member. The locking pin 500 may include a cylindrical surface 508 (i.e., having less than 2.0 degrees of draft or no draft at all) from which the first tab 504 and the second tab 506 extend radially.
On the other hand, the locking pin 500 may also include a conical surface 510 defining the recess 502 (i.e., the surface has a draft angle of 2.0 degrees or greater). This assists in dislodging and removing the locking pin from the assembly. As shown in fig. 21, the second tab 506 may be disposed closer to the outer surface of the wear member 200a than the first tab 504.
Unlike some prior designs, the interior surface of the adapter nose receiving pocket does not have grooves for receiving retention tabs or the like of the adapter or base. Likewise, the outer surface thereof may be free of ears for receiving the aperture and retention mechanism that may be disposed in the aperture. This may not be the case for other embodiments of the present disclosure.
With continued reference to fig. 2-4, an adapter 300 (which may also be referred to as a base 300 a) that may be used as a replacement component or retrofit in the field will now be described.
The adapter 300 may include a body including a nose portion 302 having an outer surface (e.g., see outer surface 304 in fig. 4) defining a polygonal retention block receiving aperture 306 (see fig. 6) having a base surface 318 and a circular pin receiving aperture 308 extending from the base surface 318 (which may be flat).
As previously mentioned herein, the body may be devoid of bumps or any protrusions extending from the outer surface or outer layer surface, or at least devoid of bumps or any protrusions that are close or immediately adjacent to the aperture (where no aperture boundary is formed). More specifically, the body may be devoid of bumps or any protrusions extending from the outer surface adjacent the circular retention mechanism receiving aperture 306, making the design easier to manufacture and less complex.
As also previously mentioned herein, and as best seen in fig. 5, the polygonal retaining block receiving aperture 306 may be asymmetric about a plane 320 containing the axis of rotation 332, and the circular pin receiving aperture 308 may be radially offset from the perimeter 311 of the polygonal retaining block receiving aperture 306 by a minimum dimension 322 (see fig. 6) on a plane coextensive with the base surface 318.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in fig. 6, the minimum dimension 322 may range from 0.0mm to 25.0mm or to 10.0mm. Further, the circular pin receiving bore 308 may define a maximum diameter 326 that may range from 4.0mm to 40.0mm or 10.0mm to 50.0 mm. Further, the polygonal retention block receiving aperture 306 may define a first axial depth 328 ranging from 15.0mm to 60.0mm or 20.0mm to 150.0mm, while the circular pin receiving aperture 308 defines a second axial depth 330 (ranging from 3.0mm to 25.0mm or 10.0mm to 50.0 mm) that is less than the first axial depth. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, other size ranges are possible.
Looking at fig. 22, the circular pin receiving bore 308 may define an axis of rotation 332, and the polygonal retaining block receiving bore 306 may be centered about the axis of rotation 332. This may not be the case for other embodiments of the present disclosure. Counterbore 310 includes a non-rotating surface (i.e., perimeter 311 of a polygonal retention block receiving bore, which may include one or more planar surfaces, or one or more valleys), and a rotating surface 338 (which may be a cylindrical surface or a conical surface, for example) extending below the non-rotating surface. The surface of revolution 338 defines a radial direction 340 and is offset radially inward from the non-surface of revolution.
Referring back to fig. 3, the adapter 300 may further include an attachment portion 333 extending from the nose portion 302 (or throat portion 334) that may include one or both legs 336, 336a or straps. Other methods of attaching an adapter or base to a work implement (such as a bucket) may be employed in other embodiments of the present disclosure.
In other words, a base 300a according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a body including a nose portion 302 having an outer surface (e.g., outer layer surface 304) defining at least partially non-circular retention block receiving aperture (e.g., see 306 in fig. 5) at the outer surface having a base surface 318 (see fig. 6) spaced apart from the outer surface, and a circular pin receiving aperture (e.g., see 308) extending from the base surface 318. More specifically, the circular pin receiving bore extends from the base surface to a bottom end 342. This may not be the case for other embodiments of the present disclosure.
Next, various embodiments of retention mechanism 160 or locking assembly, which may include a locking pin, a retention block, and a spring, will be discussed.
Starting from fig. 23-25, the locking pin 500 of the retention mechanism may include a drive portion 516 and a spring engagement portion 518 extending axially from the drive portion. The drive portion 516 may include a polygonal bore 520, a surface of revolution (e.g., a cylindrical surface 508 or a conical surface) defining an axis of rotation 522, a radial direction 524, and a circumferential direction 526. The spring engagement portion 518 may include a circumferential surface 528 having at least one recess (e.g., see notch 502) disposed on the circumferential surface 528.
The polygonal hole 520 may be spaced apart from the recess by a predetermined axial distance 530 (see fig. 22). Further, a first side tab (see, e.g., first tab 504) may extend radially and circumferentially from the drive portion 516 at least partially axially aligned with the polygonal hole 520. Specifically, the locking pin defines a first axial end 532, the polygonal bore 520 extends from the first axial end 532, and the first side tab (see, e.g., first tab 504) may be disposed a first axial distance 534 axially away from the first axial end 532.
Further, as shown in FIG. 23, the first side flap defines a circumferential extension 536, a radial dimension 538, and an axial thickness 540 that is less than at least one or both of the circumferential extension 536 and the radial dimension 538. A second side tab (see, e.g., second tab 506, which may have a similar dimensional ratio to the first side tab) may extend radially from the locking pin 500 and may be disposed at the first axial end 532.
The locking pin 500 may also include a ramp surface 512 (which may be located on a diametrically opposite side of the recess 502) that extends circumferentially and axially from the first side tab 504 to the second side tab 506 to assist in positioning the pin during use as previously described. Further, the locking pin 500 may define a second axial end 542, as best seen in fig. 24 and 25, and may also include a blend 544, such as a radius connecting the circumferential surface 528 to the second axial end 542. The mixing portion 544 may help to assist in the installation of the locking pin 500 and the compression of the spring 600 during installation. To this end, a ramp portion 545 may also be provided, which extends circumferentially from the mixing portion and axially from the circumferential surface. In some embodiments, the beveled portion may include a conical surface having a greater draft angle (higher draft angle) than conical surface 510 extending completely circumferentially around the pin. In such cases, the mixing section may be smaller, or even eliminated.
As previously mentioned herein, the circumferential surface 528 is beveled (may be less than the slope of the beveled portion), and a chisel notch 546 (e.g., forming a chisel edge 548) as depicted in fig. 23 may be disposed circumferentially between the first side flap and the second side flap. This feature may help to break up the filler material during counterclockwise rotation of the locking pin, but may be omitted in other embodiments of the present disclosure. The ramp surface portion 545 may be at least partially circumferentially aligned with either the first side flap or the second side flap, as shown in fig. 25. Further, the chamfer portion may be axially out of phase with the recess on the circumferential surface by a predetermined amount, such as 60.0 degrees to 120.0 degrees (e.g., about 90.0 degrees, as shown in fig. 25).
In fig. 7-11, the retention block 400 includes an outer perimeter 406 having a non-rotating surface (e.g., a faceted surface such as shown in fig. 10, including a first side 412, a second side 412a, a third side 414, a fourth side 414a, etc.), a pin receiving aperture (e.g., the center pin receiving aperture 402) defining an inner surface 418 that is inwardly offset (e.g., radially inwardly offset) from the non-rotating surface. As shown, the inner surface may be smooth, but in other embodiments may be threaded to allow the fastener to be used as a tool to insert or remove a block from the adapter. Further, the inner surface 418 may be tapered or beveled at a greater angle (e.g., 2.0 degrees or more compared to less than 2.0 degrees) than the non-rotating surface. The added chamfer may help to allow the locking pin to be ejected from the retention block without ejecting the retention block from the adapter.
Further, the spring receiving bore 404 may extend from the non-rotating surface to the inner surface. The spring receiving aperture 404 may include a T-shape. For the spring receiving aperture, other shapes are possible in other embodiments of the present disclosure.
Further, as shown in fig. 10, a spring 600 having a pair of attachment flanges 602, 602a may be attached to the retention block 400. At least one of the pair of attachment flanges 602, 602a may be brazed to one of the pair of spring attachment surfaces 420, 420 a. Once attached, the spring 600 may extend through the spring receiving aperture (e.g., through the central groove 421 bridged by the spring attachment surface) into the pin receiving aperture (e.g., see 402), through the inner surface 418 of the pin receiving aperture. During brazing, the pair of protrusions or dimples discussed in the introduction may help provide a capillary action to provide a secure engagement between the spring and the retention block.
As best seen in fig. 11, the non-rotating surface includes a flared portion 422 disposed axially adjacent to the spring receiving aperture 404, and the draft angle (e.g., 5.0 degrees or greater) is greater than the remainder of the non-rotating surface (e.g., less than 2.0 degrees). The flared portion may help prevent material from filling into the spring receiving bore. In addition, the flared portion may allow a pry bar or other tool to help pry out a retention block of the adapter because the retention block is adjacent to a pry die slot 344 (see fig. 4) of the adapter. This feature may be omitted in other embodiments of the present disclosure.
Turning now to fig. 12 and 13, the spring 600 may include a top platform member 604 (so-called because that member forms the most distal portion of the spring relative to the attachment flanges 602, 602 a), a first undulating side member 606 extending from the top platform member, a second undulating side member 606a extending from the top platform surface, and a first attachment flange 602 extending from the first undulating side member 606 and a second attachment flange 602 extending from the second undulating side member 606 a. These flanges may be omitted in other embodiments of the present disclosure.
The first attachment flange 602 may include a first attachment surface 608 having a first protrusion 610 (e.g., a shell or hollow dome), and a second attachment flange 602a having a second attachment surface 608a with a second protrusion 610a. It should be noted that these protrusions look like pits when viewed from the back, as shown in fig. 7. As shown, the attachment surfaces may be parallel and/or coplanar with each other, and may also be parallel to the top platform member (e.g., its contact surface 618, so-called because that surface rests on the locking pin). This may not be the case in other embodiments of the present disclosure.
As can be seen in fig. 13, the first photovoltaic side member 606 may include a first peak 612 adjacent to the top platform member 604 and a first valley 614 adjacent to the first attachment flange 602. That is, the first peak is closer to the top platform member than the first attachment flange or the like. The springs define one or more symmetry planes 616, 616a (which may not be the case for other embodiments). In other embodiments of the present disclosure, other configurations are possible. The springs may be made of spring steel and formed by stamping and folding, such as by progressive die or the like.
Further, it should be noted that any size, angle, surface area, and/or configuration of the various features may be varied as desired or needed, including those sizes, angles, surface areas, and/or configurations not specifically mentioned herein. Although not specifically discussed, a hybrid such as a fillet is shown to connect the various surfaces. These may be omitted in other embodiments, and it should be understood that their presence may sometimes be ignored when reading this description, unless otherwise indicated.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
Indeed, the machine, work implement assembly, tip, wear member, adapter, base, adapter assembly, tip and adapter assembly, spring, locking pin, retention block, retention mechanism, and/or any combination of these various assemblies and components may be manufactured, purchased, or sold to retrofit the machine or work implement assembly in the field in an after-market environment, or alternatively, manufactured, purchased, sold, or otherwise obtained in an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) environment.
Any of the above components may be made of any suitable material including iron, gray cast iron, steel, spring steel, plastic, rubber, foam, and the like.
A retainer assembly for a tip of a Ground Engaging Tool (GET) or other wear member is disclosed. The retainer assembly may include a tapered pin and a retainer block including a spring disposed therein. The retention block may be disposed inside the adapter pocket and may include a flat contact surface configured to engage the adapter pocket, thereby maximizing contact area and reducing adapter wear. In operation, the tip is slid onto the adapter and the tapered pin is inserted into the slot or opening of the tip and retention block. Next, the taper pin is rotated clockwise, thereby locking the tip and adapter. Furthermore, the tapered pin is configured to interact with a spring of the retention block, thereby providing an anti-rotation feature. The pin is then rotated in the opposite direction such that the beveled feature of the tip engages the pin (or vice versa) thereby ejecting the pin from the tip of the GET. After the pin is removed, the tip may be removed from the adapter.
The spring may have formed a punch that allows capillary action when soldered to the block, thereby achieving a stronger bond. Symmetrical bends in the side legs (such as at their rear) may help provide linear movement during compression of the spring. The flat front surface of the spring interacts with the pin to create resistance to rotation of the pin.
The pin may have a square drive hole for rotating the pin from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration, or vice versa. The flat surface (which may be embedded in the recess) may interact with a spring to help create resistance to rotation of the pin. The rounded shape of the pin bottom may help reduce stress, while the taper of the pin bottom may help eject the pin as it rotates.
When the pin is rotated to the locked position, a user may obtain tactile, visual, and/or audible feedback that the tip or other wear member is locked to the adapter or base. The tactile feedback may be the feel of the spring snapping into place in the notch of the pin and/or the first tab striking a stop at the tip. The visual feedback may be the fact that the first tab is no longer visible. The audible feedback may be a "click" when the spring snaps into the recess.
In some embodiments, the block and the spring will be arranged such that the spring is already attached to the block. Further, for some embodiments of the present disclosure, the threaded or beveled features of the pin and tip are near or outside of the assembly so that filler material that may interfere with the function of the retention mechanism may be more easily cleaned or removed.
It should be understood that the foregoing description provides examples of the disclosed components and techniques. However, it is contemplated that other embodiments of the present disclosure may differ in detail from the foregoing examples. For all references to the present disclosure or examples thereof, reference is intended to be made to the particular example discussed at this point and is not intended to imply any limitation on the scope of the disclosure more generally. All language of distinction and disparagement with respect to certain features is intended to lack a preference for such features, but not to exclude such from the scope of the disclosure entirely unless otherwise indicated.
For example, the embodiments of the tip and adapter assembly 150a and retention mechanism 160a disclosed in fig. 26-52 are configured similarly or identically to the embodiments discussed in fig. 1-23, except for the following differences or variations.
As shown in fig. 30, 38 and 41, the polygonal retention block receiving aperture 306a of the adapter 300b has no bottom pin receiving aperture (see 308 in fig. 6) and the wear member 200b or tip has a retention mechanism receiving aperture 220a that has no threads or other back-offs such as those previously described herein (see also fig. 27).
As best seen in fig. 29 and 30, this embodiment includes a pry-die slot 344 extending from one side of the polygonal retention block receiving aperture 306a that can communicate with an associated feature (see side slot 424 of retention block 400a, as best seen in fig. 31 and 35). These features can be used to assist in prying the retention block out of the adapter if maintenance or the like is required. The retention block may also have flared portions in addition to or in place of side slots to aid in removal. Any of these prying features may be omitted in other embodiments of the present disclosure.
Unlike previously described, the retention block 400a shown in fig. 34, 35, and 38 may define a threaded pin receiving bore 426 having a radial direction 428, a circumferential direction 430, and an axis of rotation 432. A spring receiving recess 434 may be disposed in the threaded pin receiving bore 426.
The C-shaped spring 700 may be disposed in the threaded pin receiving bore 426 and the spring receiving recess 434. Further, a threaded locking pin 800 may be disposed in the threaded pin receiving bore 426 and define a spring receiving groove 802 that receives the C-shaped spring 700, as shown in fig. 32, 33, and 38.
Looking at fig. 38 and 39, the c-shaped spring 700 may define an inner diameter 702, while the spring receiving groove 802 may define an outer diameter 804 that is greater than the inner diameter 702. This may provide circumferential friction between the C-shaped spring and the threaded locking pin, thereby reducing the likelihood of unnecessary rotation when the threaded locking pin is fully inserted and rotated into the retention block.
Further, the spring receiving recess 434 may define a C-shape having a first circumferential end surface 436 and a second circumferential end surface 436a that are spaced apart from each other and slightly spaced apart from the circumferential ends of the C-shaped spring, creating a slight gap 439. Further, the C-shaped outer circumferential surface 438 of the recess is radially spaced from the C-shaped spring 700, providing a gap 440 therebetween. These gaps 439, 440 may allow the C-spring to flex outwardly as illustrated in fig. 49-51 while also limiting circumferential rotation of the C-spring as the pin passes through the C-spring and the retention block.
Turning now to fig. 32 and 33, the threaded locking pin 800 of the retention mechanism 160a may include a drive portion 806, a threaded portion 808, and a spring engagement portion 810. More specifically, the drive portion may include a surface of revolution 812 (e.g., an outer circumferential surface, such as a cylindrical surface, a conical surface, etc.) defining a radial direction 814, a circumferential direction 816, and an axis of rotation 818. The drive portion 806 may be axially spaced from the threaded portion 808, and the threaded portion 808 may be axially spaced from the spring engagement portion 810.
In particular embodiments of the present disclosure, the threaded portion 808 includes male threads 820 (such as lead screw threads), or other types of threads that extend 180 degrees or less about the rotational axis 818. This may allow the thread to function properly, but the thread is easy to manufacture via a casting process.
Further, the driving portion may define a polygonal surface 821 (which may be an inner flat surface) configured to be driven by a wrench or the like. The drive portion 806 may define a drive portion diameter 822, while the spring engagement portion 810 defines a spring engagement portion diameter 824 that is less than the drive portion diameter 822. For example, the diameter of the pin may expand axially outward at a location between the ends of the pin (see 826). Flaring and diameter differences may be omitted in other embodiments of the present disclosure.
More specifically, the drive portion 806 may be disposed at a first axial end 830 of the pin, while the spring engagement portion 810 may be disposed at a second axial end 832 of the pin. Thus, the threaded portion 808 may be axially disposed between the drive portion and the spring engagement portion.
Further, the spring engagement portion 810 may include a circumferential surface 828 extending axially from the spring engagement portion 810 to the drive portion 806. Further, the circumferential surface 828 may be beveled, as explained previously herein, to assist in loosening between the retention block and the pin during disassembly, or vice versa.
As previously mentioned herein, the spring engagement portion 810 may define a spring receiving groove 802 or recess axially spaced from the first axial end 830. The first lead-in surface 834 may extend from the first axial end 830 to the spring receiving channel 802, while the second lead-in surface 836 may extend from the first lead-in surface 838 to the spring receiving channel 802. The first lead-in surface 834 may be configured to assist in unwinding the C-shaped spring 700 during rotation and insertion, while the second lead-in surface 836 may be configured to assist in performing the reverse process of removing the pin. These lead-in surfaces may be configured to make it easier to insert the pin than to remove the pin from the C-spring. This may not be the case for other embodiments of the present disclosure.
Looking at fig. 34 and 35, the threaded retention block 400a includes an outer perimeter 406a having a non-rotating surface (e.g., a planar surface such as 412, etc.), a pin receiving aperture (e.g., threaded pin receiving aperture 426) defining an inner surface 442 that is inwardly offset from the non-rotating surface, and a spring receiving recess 434 disposed in or in communication with the pin receiving aperture.
Threaded pin receiving bore 426 may define female threads 444, such as lead screw threads as shown, or some other type of threads. More specifically, as best seen in fig. 34, 35 and 52, the female thread 444 extends from the first axial end 446 toward the second axial end 448, terminating short of the second axial end 448, while the spring receiving recess 434 is disposed axially adjacent the second axial end 448 while also being axially spaced from the female thread 444.
This embodiment of the thread retaining block has no flared portion because the C-shaped spring 700 is disposed inside the block, naturally protecting it.
Focusing now on fig. 36 and 37, c-spring 700 may include a pin engaging inner circumferential surface 704 defining a radial direction 706, a circumferential direction 708, and a pin insertion axis 710 (which may coincide with the axis of rotation once the pin is inserted into the retention block). The first circumferential end surface 712 and the second circumferential end surface 712a may help define a C-shape of the spring. The first axial lead-in surface 714 may extend axially from the pin engagement inner circumferential surface 704 to the outer circumferential surface 716 and circumferentially from the first circumferential end surface 712 to the second circumferential end surface 712 a.
Further, the C-shaped spring 700 may define a first axial end 718 and a second axial end 720. The first axial lead-in surface 714 may be disposed at the first axial end 718, while the sharp corner 722 (i.e., no lead-in surface) is disposed at the second axial end 720 between the pin engagement inner circumferential surface 704 and the annular axial end surface 724.
The C-shaped spring 700 may also define a spring circumferential extension 726 of less than 360.0 degrees but greater than 180.0 degrees measured from the first circumferential end surface 712 to the second circumferential end surface 712 a. More specifically, the spring circumferential extension 726 may range from less than 270.0 degrees but greater than 180.0 degrees (e.g., about 260.0 degrees). Further, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the C-shaped spring 700 may define an axial thickness 728 ranging from 0.5mm to 3.0mm measured from the first axial end 718 to the second axial end 720. These dimensions may provide the necessary size, strength, spring constant, and resiliency for certain embodiments of the present disclosure. The ratio range for any of these sizes may be 20% different from the median value of the size range. These ratios may allow the design to scale up or down depending on the application.
One of the differences between the embodiments of fig. 26-52 and the earlier embodiments is that all complex geometric features have been repositioned from the tip or adapter into the smaller component (block, spring, pin). This may make the large tip and adapter casting simpler for ease of manufacture and reduced cost.
While the embodiments discussed herein illustrate a single sided locking arrangement, double sided locking arrangements are contemplated as being within the scope of the present disclosure.
Even in the locking groove, the circumferential spring clips mentioned herein may be under slight tension to minimize the "loose" feel of the system.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the locking pins described herein may be flush or recessed with respect to the tip or wear member to help protect the pins from wear. This may not be the case for other embodiments of the present disclosure.
The spring clip of any of the embodiments discussed herein may be installed in the retention block at the factory, similar to a snap ring. The clip can be retracted radially inward to reduce its outer diameter to place it in a groove in the retention block, then the clip is released and the clip expands into its receiving groove in the block. The end user may only need to insert the block and spring/clip into the adapter as a complete assembly.
The locking pin for the later embodiments may bottom out in the adapter to provide the user with a feel that the system is locked. Clicking and vibration may also be heard when the spring clip falls into the groove of the locking pin.
For various embodiments of the present disclosure, the assembly process may include establishing a retention block/spring assembly step at the supplier or at the factory. The clip/spring will be compressed inwardly using a snap ring tool and then aligned with the appropriate corresponding groove on the block. Upon release of the snap ring tool, the spring clip will expand radially outwardly into the groove in the block. The clip/spring and block are now separate components.
The adapter, base or work tool may have a simple octagonal aperture with a small bevel for casting. The second step of assembly (but the first step for the end user) may be to insert the block and clip/spring assembly into a hole in the adapter. The GET may then be slid completely over the adapter nose or work tool and block and clip spring assembly. Next, the retaining pin may be inserted into the hole in the GET until the threads on the retaining pin engage with the threads on the block. A mastering tool can then be inserted into the square drive section to rotate the pins from 45 degrees to 360 degrees (depending on the design/application). As the pin rotates, it penetrates deeper into the block. As the pin moves inward, it will eventually engage the spring clip and expand radially outward. After the desired rotation, the threads of the pin or the bottom of the pin will come to a physical stop. At the same time, the spring clip will "snap" into the retention groove on the retainer pin. The user can hear and feel the click and feel the physical stop, thereby knowing that the system has been locked. After locking, the GET can be used. The uninstallation and installation processes are exactly reversed. The block and spring/clip may be reused. But if desired, the block and/or adapter may have pry features thereon to facilitate removal.
As used herein, the articles "a" and "an" are intended to include one or more items, and are used interchangeably with "one or more". Where only one item is desired, the term "a" or similar language is used. Furthermore, as used herein, the terms "having," "with," and the like are intended to be open ended terms. Furthermore, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "based, at least in part, on".
Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments of the apparatus and assembly methods discussed herein without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the various embodiments disclosed herein. For example, the construction and function of some of the devices may be different from what has been described herein, and certain steps of any method may be omitted, performed in a different order than specifically mentioned, or performed simultaneously or in sub-steps in some cases. Furthermore, variations or modifications may be made to certain aspects or features of the various embodiments to produce further embodiments, and features and aspects of the various embodiments may be added to or substituted for other features or aspects of other embodiments in order to provide yet further embodiments.
Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.