LOCK ASSEMBLY FOR A TIP AND ADAPTER

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to retaining mechanisms employed on work implement assemblies such as bucket assemblies used by earth moving, mining, construction equipment and the like for attaching a tip to an adapter of the work implement assembly. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a retaining mechanism that uses a spring bar and pin to hold a retainer of the retaining mechanism in a locked or unlocked configuration.

BACKGROUND

Machines such as wheel loaders, excavators, and the like employ work implement assemblies including bucket assemblies, rakes, shears, etc. that have teeth or tips attached to them to help perform work on a material such as dirt, rock, sand, etc. For example, teeth or tips may be attached to a bucket assembly to help the bucket assembly to penetrate the ground, facilitating the scooping of the dirt into a bucket. Adapters are often attached to the work edges (e.g. the base edge, the side edge, etc.) of the bucket or other work implement so that different styles of teeth or tips may be attached to the work implement. Also, the tips or teeth may be replaced easily when worn by providing a retaining mechanism that is used to selectively hold the tip onto the adapter or to allow the tip be removed from the adapter.

U.S. Pat. No. 10,774,500 B2 discloses a power operated locking device for securing a tooth or an adapter to a ground engaging system. The lock has an internal motor, and sensing system operated by remote wireless technology to unlock and lock the locking device. A wireless transmitting handheld device for locking, and unlocking the power operated locking device is also provided. The motor, drive, and electronic response circuits are all contained within the power operated locking device.

As can be seen, the '500 patent discloses a complicated electronic retaining mechanism that has multiple components that are sequentially assembled to form the retaining mechanism. Accordingly, there exists a need to develop a retaining mechanism that is simpler and easier to assemble.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

A tip and adapter assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise a tip that includes a body that defines a direction of assembly, a vertical axis that is perpendicular to the direction of assembly, and a lateral axis that is perpendicular to the vertical axis and the direction of assembly. The body of the tip may include a forward working portion disposed along the direction of assembly including a closed end, and a rear attachment portion disposed along the direction of assembly including an open end. The rear attachment portion may define an exterior surface, an adapter nose receiving pocket extending longitudinally from the open end, a retaining mechanism receiving aperture in communication with the adapter nose receiving pocket and the exterior surface, and a first ledge defining a first lateral undercut in the retaining mechanism receiving aperture. The assembly may also include an adapter that includes a body comprising a nose portion that is configured to fit within the adapter nose receiving pocket of the tip. The body of the adapter may include an outer surface defining a round retaining mechanism receiving aperture, and a polygonal pin receiving aperture that is in communication with the round retaining mechanism receiving aperture. The tip defines a threaded retaining mechanism receiving aperture.

A retaining mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise a lock including a drive portion and a pin receiving portion, wherein the drive portion includes a polygonal aperture, and the pin receiving portion includes a hole with an internal surface of revolution that defines an axis of rotation, a radial direction, a circumferential direction. A slot may extend at least partially through the pin receiving portion into the hole.

A retaining mechanism according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise a pin that includes a shaft with a polygonal perimeter, a first disc attached to the shaft, and a second disc spaced away from the first disc, defining a spring receiving groove with faceted groove surface.

A lock assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise a spring bar that is made from spring steel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a work implement assembly such as a bucket assembly using tips, adapters, and retaining mechanisms (may also be referred to as a lock assembly) with components configured according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a tip and adapter assembly of FIG. 1, shown in isolation from the work implement assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a portion of a tip and adapter assembly of FIG. 2, focusing on the mid portions of assembly. A retaining mechanism is shown disposed in an aperture of the tip.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the retaining mechanism of FIG. 3 removed the assembly.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the retaining mechanism of FIG. 4, revealing that the retaining mechanism includes a lock, a pin, and a spring clip.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the pin and spring clip removed from the lock of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is an exploded assembly view of the retaining mechanism of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the spring clip and pin assembled, providing a subassembly of the retaining mechanism.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the spring clip of FIGS. 5 and 7 shown in isolation.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the pin of FIGS. 5 thru 7 shown in isolation.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the lock of FIGS. 4 thru 6 shown in isolation. The lock includes two side tabs.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a lock similar or identical to the lock of FIG. 10 except only one side tab is provided.

FIG. 12 is a rear oriented perspective view of the lock of FIG. 11, illustrating its interior features.

FIG. 13 is a rear oriented perspective view of the lock of FIG. 10.

FIG. 14 is a side view of another embodiment of a tip and adapter assembly similar or identical to that of FIG. 3 except that the lock employs a single side tab similar to that of FIGS. 11 and 12.

FIG. 15 is a top sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 14, depicting the interior components of the retaining mechanism as assembled as well as the mating of the pin with the adapter and the mating of the lock with the tip and the adapter.

FIG. 16 is an interior sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 2 with the adapter removed, showing more clearly the disposition of the retaining mechanism in the tip.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a tip and adapter assembly similar to that of FIG. 14 except that the retaining mechanism is shown being held in an ear of the tip, etc., shown in isolation from the work implement assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 18 is a side view of a portion of a tip and adapter assembly of FIG. 17, focusing on the mid portions of assembly. A retaining mechanism is shown disposed in an aperture of the tip.

FIG. 19 is another embodiment of a retaining mechanism similar to that of FIGS. 4 thru 6 except for some dimensional differences and a more pronounced ramp on the side tab of the lock.

FIG. 20 is a sectional view of the retaining mechanism of FIG. 19, revealing that the lock, the pin, and the spring clip.

FIG. 21 is an exploded assembly view of the retaining mechanism of FIG. 19.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the pin and spring clip removed from the lock of FIG. 19.

FIG. 23 is an interior sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 19 with the adapter removed, showing more clearly the disposition of the retaining mechanism in the tip.

FIG. 24 is an alternate view of the tip of FIG. 23 with the retaining mechanism removed, showing the ledges in the aperture of the tip more clearly.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a tip and adapter assembly that employ another embodiment of a lock assembly that has a self-contained spring bar, and threads to eject the lock.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the adapter and the lock of FIG. 25, with the tip removed for enhanced clarity.

FIG. 27 shows the adapter of FIG. 26 in isolation. The adapter may be similarly or identically configured as the adapter associated with the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 thru 24.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the tip of FIG. 25 shown in isolation, and depicting the exterior of the lock receiving aperture.

FIG. 29 is an alternative perspective view of the tip of FIG. 28 showing the interior of the lock receiving aperture.

FIG. 30 is a top view of the lock assembly of FIGS. 25 and 26 being inserted into the lock receiving aperture of the tip.

FIG. 31 is a side view of the lock assembly of FIG. 30, showing the lock assembly in an appropriate angular orientation necessary in the unlocked configuration as the lock assembly is being inserted.

FIG. 32 shows the lock assembly of FIG. 30 partially inserted into the lock receiving aperture before the external thread of the lock assembly contacts the internal thread of the tip.

FIG. 33 illustrates the lock assembly of FIG. 32 fully inserted with the external thread of the lock assembly contacting the internal thread of the tip.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view the lock assembly of FIG. 33 after it has been rotated clockwise 90 degrees to a locked configuration.

FIG. 35 is a top view of the lock assembly of FIG. 34, showing that the lock assembly no longer protrudes past the side of the tip having been fully pulled into the lock receiving aperture by the thread(s).

FIG. 36 is a front view of the tip and adapter assembly with the lock assembly shown in the locked configuration.

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the tip and adapter assembly of FIG. 36 with the lock assembly in the locked configuration.

FIG. 38 shows the lock assembly of FIG. 37 having been rotated counterclockwise slightly into an unlocked configuration.

FIG. 39 is a front view of the lock assembly of FIG. 38, showing the lock assembly slightly protruding from the side of the tip.

FIG. 40 illustrates the lock assembly of FIG. 38 having been rotated further into an unlocked configuration.

FIG. 41 is a front view of the lock assembly of FIG. 40, illustrating that the thread(s) have continued to eject the lock assembly from the tip and adapter.

FIG. 42 depicts the lock assembly of FIG. 41 having been fully rotated to complete the ejection of the of the lock assembly from the tip.

FIG. 43 is a front view of the lock assembly, tip and adapter of FIG. 42.

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the lock assembly shown removed from the tip and adapter assembly of FIG. 43.

FIG. 45 is a sectional view of the lock assembly of FIG. 44 taken along lines 45-45 thereof. Only a portion of the spring bar is shown.

FIG. 46 is another sectional view of the lock assembly of FIG. 44 taken along lines 46-46 thereof. The entire spring bar is shown.

FIG. 47 is yet another sectional view of the lock assembly of FIG. 44 taken along lines 47-47 thereof. The spring bar is shown mating with a side of the locking pin.

FIG. 48 is a side view of the lock assembly of FIG. 47.

FIG. 49 illustrates the locking assembly of FIG. 48 after the outer lock has been rotated 45 degrees about the axis of rotation of the locking pin such that the corner of the locking pin flexes the spring bar.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the 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, a reference number will be indicated in this specification and the drawings will show the reference number followed by a letter for example, 100a, 100b or a prime indicator such as 100′, 100″ etc. It is to be understood that the use of letters or primes immediately after a reference number indicates that these features are similarly shaped and have similar function such as is often the case when geometry is mirrored about a plane of symmetry. For ease of explanation in this specification, letters or primes will often not be included herein but may be shown in the drawings to indicate duplications of features discussed within this written specification. For example, multiple or mirrored versions of the features including the locking assemblies may be provided on either side of an adapter, a base, a tip, or a wear member. These features may be connected by a laterally extending through hole, etc.

A work implement assembly using tips according to various embodiments of the present disclosure will now be discussed.

Starting with FIG. 1, the work implement assembly 100 may take the form of a bucket assembly 100′ that may be used by a wheel loader and that includes an enclosure 101 that defines an opening 102 that communicates with a generally enclosed interior. Starting from the rear of the bucket assembly 100 as shown in FIG. 1, the bucket assembly 100 includes a curved shell profile 104, which is attached to a rear wall 106 at the top end of the shell 104. The other end of the shell 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 to a spill guard 112 that is designed to funnel material into the interior of the bucket and prevent material from spilling out of the bucket. Reinforcing ribs 118 are provided that are attached to the top plate 110 and the spill guard 112, providing reinforcement for 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 shell 104.

A side edge assembly 115 is attached to each end plate 114 while a front edge assembly 116 is attached to the front edge of the bottom plate 108 of the bucket assembly 100. The front edge assembly 116 includes a base edge 117 that is attached to the bottom plate 108, a plurality of center adapters 118 attached to the base edge 117, and a plurality of tips 200 (may also be referred to as tools, teeth, wear members, etc.) with each one of the plurality of tips 200 being attached to one of the plurality of center adapters 118. Also, two corner adapters 120 are also attached to the base edge and the side edges 122 of the bucket assembly 100′. Tip 200 may also be attached to the corner adapters 120.

Moreover, a plurality of base edge protectors 124 are also provided with each one of the base edge protectors 124 positioned between center adapters 120 and between a center adapter 120 and a corner adapter 120. A side edge protector 126 is also provided that is attached to the side edge 122 proximate to a corner adapter 120.

It is to be understood that the work implement assembly may take other forms other than a bucket assembly including rake assemblies, shear assemblies, etc. In addition, a differently configured bucket that is meant to be used by an excavator may also use various embodiments of a tip, retaining mechanism, adapter, spring, spring loaded retainer, tip assembly, and tip and adapter assembly, etc. as will be discussed herein.

A tip and adapter assembly constructed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, and 14 thru 16.

Such a tip and adapter assembly 150 may comprise a tip 200, 203 (may be referred to more generally as a wear member 200a, 203a that may take different forms including edge protector, shroud, cutting edge, compacting pad, etc.) that includes a body that defines a direction of assembly 202, a vertical axis 204 that is perpendicular to the direction of assembly 202, and a lateral axis 206 that is perpendicular to the vertical axis 204 and the direction of assembly 202.

The body of the tip 200, 203 may include a forward working portion 208 disposed along the direction of assembly 202 including a closed end 210, as well as a rear attachment portion 212, 212a that is disposed along the direction of assembly 202 including an open end 214.

The rear attachment portion 212, 212a may define an exterior surface 216, and an adapter nose receiving pocket 218 extending along the direction of assembly 202 from the open end 214. A retaining mechanism receiving aperture 220, 220a is in communication with the adapter nose receiving pocket 218, and the exterior surface 216. A first ledge 222 may be disposed in this aperture defining a first lateral undercut(s) 224, 224a (see FIGS. 15 and 16) for receiving a portion of the retaining mechanism in a manner that will be discussed later herein.

The assembly 150, 150a may further comprise an adapter 300 (or may be referred to more generally as a base 300a) that includes a body comprising a nose portion 302 that is configured to fit within the adapter nose receiving pocket 218 of the tip 200. As best seen in FIG. 15, the body (or more specifically the nose portion 302) of the adapter 300 includes an outer surface 304 defining a round retaining mechanism receiving aperture 306, and a polygonal pin receiving aperture 308 that is in communication with the round retaining mechanism receiving aperture 306.

More specifically as seen in FIG. 15, the polygonal pin receiving aperture 308 may include a square or rectangular shape. Also, the retaining mechanism receiving aperture 220, 220a of the tip 200, 203 may define an axis of rotation 226, a first surface of revolution 228 (e.g., a cylindrical surface, a conical surface, etc.), and a circumferential direction 230. The round retaining mechanism receiving aperture 306 of the adapter 300 may define a second surface of revolution 310 that is coextensive with the first surface of revolution 228. That is to say, they may have been part of the same hole if the tip and adapter were a single component. So, the round retaining mechanism receiving aperture 306 may share the same axis of rotation 226.

Turning to FIG. 16, the tip 200, 203 may further comprise a first circumferential stop 232 that is attached to the first ledge 222 (may extend perpendicularly or nearly so from the first ledge 222). In some embodiments, the tip 200 may further comprise a second ledge 222a defining a second lateral undercut 224a in the retaining mechanism receiving aperture 220. This may allow a lock 400, 400a with two tabs to be used instead of only one tab. So, a second circumferential stop 232a is attached to the second ledge 222a to stop circumferential movement of the tab of the lock during the locking process.

To initiate the locking process, the lock 400, 400a with its tab(s) may be inserted into a tab entry slot 234 (extends along the axis of rotation) that is defined at least partially circumferentially by the first ledge 222 or the second ledge 222a. The lock is then rotated until its tab is trapped in an undercut formed by a ledge (e.g., see 224, 224a) and contacts or nearly contacts a circumferential stop, helping to prevent its removal. Unintentional movement of the lock is prevented by a spring clip 600 (see FIG. 15) that holds the lock into place in a manner that will be further explained later herein. The body of the lock then prevents the tip from being removed from the adapter or base.

Now a wear member 200a, 203a that may be provided as a replacement or retrofit in the field will now be discussed with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, and 14 thru 16.

The wear member 200a, 203a may have a body that defines a longitudinal axis (e.g., may be the same as the direction of assembly 202), a vertical axis 204 that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a lateral axis 206 that is perpendicular to the vertical axis 204 and the longitudinal axis.

The body may include a forward wear portion 208a that is disposed along the longitudinal axis (see direction of assembly 202), and a rear attachment portion 212 disposed along the longitudinal axis including an open end 214.

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 retaining mechanism receiving aperture 220 extending from the exterior surface 216 through the body to the adapter nose receiving pocket 218. A first ledge 222 (may also be referred to as a rib) a first lateral undercut 224 in the retaining mechanism receiving aperture 220 in a manner previously described herein.

In FIG. 15, the retaining mechanism receiving aperture 220 may define an axis of rotation 226, a surface of revolution (e.g., see 228), and a circumferential direction 230. As best seen in FIG. 16, and the first ledge 222 may extend circumferentially from a first stop (e.g., may take the form of a first circumferential stop 232) to a first tab receiving slot (e.g., may take the form of a tab entry slot 234) that is spaced circumferentially away the first stop.

Looking at FIG. 14, the first tab receiving slot may include an at least partially arcuate perimeter 236 in a plane that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation 226. Also, the surface of revolution may define a surface radius of curvature 238, and the arcuate perimeter 236 may define a perimeter radius of curvature 240 that is different than the surface radius of curvature 238 (e.g., 240 may be smaller than 238). Also, the first tab receiving slot may include a pair of angled edges 241 extending from the arcuate perimeter 236, but not necessarily so. Other configurations of the tab receiving slot are possible in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

In FIGS. 15 and 16, a first ejector ramp 242 may be provided that extends circumferentially away from the first tab receiving slot opposite of the first ledge 222. Once the user wishes to remove the wear member, the user may rotate the lock 400, 400a until its tab(s) moves away from the stop, past the first tab receiving slot, and contacts the first ejector ramp 242 that provides a prying force that may help to dislodge the wear member a little off of the adapter or base. Then, the lock could be rotated back until its tab in alignment with the first tab receiving slot, and pulled out so that the body of the lock is no longer in the apertures of the adapter/base or the tip/wear member. This ramp feature may be omitted in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

A wear member 200a according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may be characterized as follows in more general terms while referring to FIGS. 2, 3, and 14 thru 16.

The wear member 200a may comprise a hollow body 201 (see FIG. 16) including an interior surface 215, and an exterior surface 216. The hollow body may define an least partially cylindrical or conical hole (e.g., may be a particular configuration for the retaining mechanism receiving aperture 220) that at least partially extends from the interior surface 215 to the exterior surface 216.

As best seen in FIGS. 15 and 16, a first rib (e.g., may form ledge 222) that defines a tab receiving circumferential groove 225, and an angled surface 242a (may be part of the first ejector ramp 242) that extends circumferentially and ramps along a direction that is parallel to the axis of rotation 226. More specifically, the angled surface 242 and the tab receiving circumferential groove 225 are separated circumferentially by a tab receiving axial slot (e.g., may act as the tab entry slot 234). The angled surface 242a may ramp axially closer to the interior surface 215 (see shallow point 244) as the angled surface 242a extends circumferentially away from the tab receiving axial slot. The tab receiving circumferential groove 225 may be delimited circumferentially by a radially extending surface 233 that may act as the stop for limiting the rotation of the lock 400, 400a as its tab(s) contacts or nearly contacts this surface.

Unlike some prior designs, the interior surface 215 defines a nose receiving pocket, but lacks grooves for receiving retention nubs or the like of an adapter or base. Likewise, its exterior surface 216 may lack ears for housing the apertures and the retaining mechanism that may be disposed therein.

Now an adapter 300 that may be used as replacement part or a retrofit in the field will be described with continued reference to FIGS. 2, 3, and 14 thru 16.

The adapter 300 may comprise a body including a nose portion 302 having an external surface (e.g., see outer surface 304 in FIG. 15) defining a round retaining mechanism receiving aperture 306 with a bottom seat surface 312 (may have flat annular shape), and a faceted pin receiving aperture 308a that extends below the bottom seat surface 312.

As mentioned previously herein the body may lack a nub or any projection extending from the external surface or outer surface 304. More specifically, the body may lack a nub or any projection extending from the external surface adjacent to the round retaining mechanism receiving aperture 306, making the design easier to manufacture and less complicated.

Focusing on FIG. 15, the round retaining mechanism 306 may define an external diameter 314, while the faceted pin receiving aperture 308a may define a minimum dimension 316 in a plane that is parallel to the bottom seat surface 312.

In some embodiments, a ratio of the external diameter 314 to the minimum dimension 316 may range from 3.48 to 4.22. In such a case, the external diameter 314 may range from 12.0 mm to 132.0 mm in some embodiments. While the ratio may be adjusted slightly, it will typically cover most designs based on scaling. The dimensional range may change depending on the scale of the design, etc. For the embodiments shown in FIGS. 19 thru 22, this ratio may be 1.5 to 10.0 in some applications.

Referring to both FIG. 15 and FIG. 20, the faceted pin receiving aperture 308a may define a square perimeter or a rectangular perimeter (i.e., this one example of the polygonal perimeter 318) including a first side 320, and a second side 320a that is opposite of the first side (e.g. the opposite sides of a polygon). In such a case, the minimum dimension 316 (or 912) is measured perpendicularly from the first side 320 to the second side 320a, and may range from 6.0 mm to 72.0 mm. This range may change based on scaling or forces exerted on the assembly, etc.

As alluded to earlier herein with reference to FIG. 15, the round retaining mechanism receiving aperture 306 may define an axis of rotation 226, and the faceted pin receiving aperture 308a may be centered on the axis of rotation 226. This may not be the case for other embodiments of the present disclosure. That is to say, the axis of rotation 226 and the geometric center of the faceted pin receiving aperture 308a may be radially offset in some embodiments from the axis of rotation in other embodiments, etc.

Also as best seen in FIG. 15, the round retaining mechanism receiving aperture 306 may define a first axial depth 322 measured from the external surface to the bottom seat surface 312, and the faceted pin receiving aperture 308a may define a second axial depth 324 measured from the bottom seat surface 312 to a bottom extremity 326 of the faceted pin receiving aperture 308a. Put another way, the first axial depth 322 is the amount the larger portion of the lock extends into the adapter while second axial depth 324 is the depth that the square or polygonal anti-rotational protrusion extends into the adapter.

In some embodiments, and a ratio of the first axial depth 322 to the second axial depth 324 may range from 0.9 to 1.1. In such a case, the first axial depth 322 may measure from 12.0 mm to 156.0 mm, while the second axial depth may measure from 6.0 mm to 60.0 mm. Other dimensional ranges are possible depending on the scale of the design, the loads exerted on the assembly, etc.

The faceted aperture may mate with a faceted portion of the pin 500 discussed later herein, allowing the pin to remain stationary (not rotate), while the lock 400, 400a is allowed to rotate relative to the pin, etc.

A base 300a that may be provided as a replacement part or as a retrofit in the filed may be described as follows with reference to FIG. 15.

The base 300a may comprise a body including a nose portion 302 having an external surface (e.g., may be the outer surface 304) defining an at least partially a circular retaining mechanism receiving aperture (e.g., may be a form of the round retaining mechanism receiving aperture 306, and may have a conical or cylindrical surface, etc.) at the external surface with a bottom seat surface 312 that is spaced away from the external surface. A non-circular pin receiving aperture (e.g., 308 or 308a, or any other aperture that is designed to prevent the pin 500 from rotating) may extend from the bottom seat surface 312 to a bottom extremity 326 (may be a thru-hole in other embodiments, etc.).

As also mentioned earlier herein with reference to FIG. 15, the non-circular pin receiving aperture may have a polygonal perimeter 318 (e.g., may be square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, etc.). Or, the perimeter may by wavy or undulating, creating a circumferential undercut(s) that prevents the pin 500 from rotating.

In general terms, an adapter 300 that may be provided as a replacement part or a retrofit in the field may comprise a body having an exterior surface (e.g., see outer surface 304) lacking projections, and defining at least one counterbore 305 including a surface of revolution (e.g., see 310, may be cylindrical, or conical, etc.), and a surface of non-revolution 311 extending below the surface of revolution. More particularly, the surface of non-revolution 311 may include one or more planar surfaces 328, or one or more valleys (not shown) that may help prevent the rotation of the pin 500 of the retaining mechanism 160. The surface of revolution 310 may be radially outwardly offset from or radially surround the surface of non-revolution 311. This may not be the case for other embodiments of the present disclosure.

Now, a retaining mechanism that may be used with the tip and adapter assembly described herein will be discussed with reference to FIGS. 4 thru 13.

The retaining mechanism 160 may comprise a lock 400, 400a having a drive portion 402, and a pin receiving portion 404 (e.g., see FIGS. 10 thru 13).

The drive portion 402 may include a polygonal aperture 406, and the pin receiving portion 404 may include a hole 408 with an internal surface of revolution 410 that defines an axis of rotation 412, a radial direction 414, a circumferential direction 416, and a plurality of depressions 418 disposed on the internal surface of revolution 410 arranged as a circular array about the axis of rotation 412. These depressions mate with the spring clip, holding the lock at predetermined angular positions against unintentional movement when the retaining mechanism is in use. Other configurations are possible. For example, any non-circular hole or aperture (may also be referred to as a drive hole) may be used for the drive portion, etc.

As best seen in FIGS. 10 and 11, the polygonal aperture 406 may be in communication with the hole 408 of the pin receiving portion 404. That is to say, this aperture is a thru-hole. However, this may not be the case for other embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, a wall may separate the hole and the aperture, etc.

Also, the lock may have one or more side tabs 420 (e.g., a first side tab and/or a second side tab, etc.) extending from the lock 400 for holding the lock in the tip or wear member and locking the assembly. More particularly, the side tab(s) 420 may extend circumferentially and radially from the drive portion.

Looking at FIGS. 12 and 13, the lock 400, 400a may include a shelf surface 422 that divides the drive portion 402 from the pin receiving portion 404. The pin may contact the surface or nearly so (see FIG. 15). One or more side tabs 420 may be at least partially axially aligned with the shelf surface 422 (e.g., see in FIG. 5 that the bottom surface of the tab 420 is axially aligned or nearly axially aligned with the shelf surface 422). More specifically, the drive portion may include an outer circumferential surface 423 defining a maximum diameter MD of the lock, and the side tab(s) may extend radially from the outer circumferential surface 423. This may not be the case for other embodiments of the present disclosure.

The tabs may be configured so that they define a circumferential extent 424, a radial dimension 426, and an axial thickness 428 that is less than at least one of the circumferential extent and the radial dimension (or both).

In FIG. 9, the pin 500 may include a non-circular shaft 502, a first ring 504 attached to the non-circular shaft, a second ring 504a spaced away from the first ring 504, forming a spring clip receiving groove 506 (this portion of the pin may be generally referred to as a “grooved head”). A plurality of ribs 508 (or one or more ribs) may extend from the first ring 504 to the second ring 504a, dividing the spring clip receiving groove 506 into a plurality of holding notches 510 (or one or more holding notches). These notches may be defined by a pair of perpendicular or nearly perpendicular planar surfaces.

Put another way, the non-circular shaft may have a polygonal perimeter with a first disc (e.g., see first ring 504) attached to the shaft, a second disc (e.g., see first ring 504a) spaced away from the first disc, defining a spring clip receiving groove 506 with an undulating groove surface 512 that is designed to prevent movement of the spring clip 600 relative to the pin 500.

FIG. 8 depicts that the spring clip 600 of the retaining mechanism 160 may include an at least partially annular clover leaf configuration having four inner corners 602, and an outer undulating profile 604 including three lobes 606, each of the three lobes having a plurality of apexes 608 that are spaced apart from each other.

More specifically, each of the three lobes 606 may be disposed between two of the four inner corners 602, and the spring clip 600 may further comprise a first straight arm 610, and a second straight arm 610a that define an opening 612 therebetween. Though not shown, these arms may have apertures so that snap ring pliers may be used to pry the opening up further to install the spring clip into the groove of the pin. Alternatively, a pair of pliers may be placed between the arms to spread them. Making the spring clip from spring steel may add to its flexibility to allow this spreading. Also, angled free end surfaces may allow a wedge effect to help spread the spring clip open.

The corners may be relatively sharp, helping them to cling or dig into the pin to prevent rotation of the spring clip. Or, as understood with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the corners are defined by a pair of orthogonal or nearly orthogonal planar surfaces 603 (e.g. may form an angle ranging from 70.0 degrees to 110.0 degrees) that match the perpendicular or nearly perpendicular surfaces of the holding notches 510 of the pin 500. Other configurations are possible in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

In other words, the spring clip 600 may include an inner undulating perimeter 614, an outer undulating perimeter 616, and an opening 612 defined by two arms (e.g., may take the form of straight arms 610, 610a) that are spaced away from each other. Other configurations are possible. The inner undulating perimeter 614 may be configured to mate with the undulating groove surface 512 of the spring clip receiving groove of the pin 506.

Once assembled as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the inner undulating perimeter of the spring clip is disposed in and mates with the undulating groove surface of the pin to help prevent rotation of the spring clip. At about the same time, the depressions 418 of the internal surface of revolution 410 (may more generally be referred to as an inside surface) may mate with the outer undulating perimeter 616 of the spring clip 600. Also, the first disc or ring, the second disc or ring, as well as the spring clip 600 that is disposed therebetween in the groove, are also situated in the pin receiving hole of the lock, while the shaft of the pin is free to enter the aperture of the adapter or base.

So due to this arrangement in use, the pin does not rotate due to its non-circular shaft mating with a complimentarily shaped aperture of the adapter or base, the spring clip does not rotate relative to the pin, and the lock is free to rotate about the pin provided enough torque is supplied to its drive portion to overcome the spring force created by the mating of the apexes (may be arcuately shaped to allow compression via a camming action when enough torque is supplied) of the spring clip with the depressions of the lock.

The retaining mechanism 160 may also be characterized as follows with reference to FIGS. 6 thru 9.

The spring clip 600 may include an at least partially annular undulating configuration having four or more inner apexes (e.g., may be formed by inner corners 602), and three or more lobes 606 defining outer apexes (e.g., may take the form of apexes 608).

The pin 500 may define an aperture (e.g., may take the form of the spring clip receiving groove 506) that receives the spring clip 600, and a plurality of projections (e.g., may take the form of rib(s) 508) disposed in the aperture. Each of the four corners may be disposed between the plurality of projections once the spring clip is installed onto the pin.

As alluded to earlier herein, the lock 400, 400a may define a hole 408 that receives the pin 500. This hole may also receive the spring clip as shown in FIG. 15.

Again, it should be noted that any of the dimensions, angles, surface areas and/or configurations of various features may be varied as desired or needed including those not specifically mentioned herein. Although not specifically discussed, blends such as fillets are shown to connect the various surfaces. These may be omitted in other embodiments and it is to be understood that their presence may be ignored sometimes when reading the present specification unless specifically mentioned.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

In practice, a machine, a work implement assembly, a tip, a wear member, an adapter, a base, a tip assembly, a tip and adapter assembly, a clip spring, a lock, a pin, a retaining mechanism, and/or any combination of these various assemblies and components may be manufactured, bought, or sold to retrofit a machine or a work implement assembly in the field in an aftermarket context, or alternatively, may be manufactured, bought, sold or otherwise obtained in an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) context.

Any of the aforementioned components may be made from any suitable material including iron, grey-cast iron, steel, spring steel, plastic, rubber, foam, etc.

In use, the embodiments discussed herein may eliminate the need to first secure the retaining mechanism to the tip or wear member before attaching the tip or wear member to the adapter or base. Instead, the user simply needs to insert the tip or wear member over the adapter or base until the retaining mechanism receiving apertures of the tip/wear member are aligned with those of the adapter/base. Then, the tab(s) of the lock are aligned with the tab entry slot of the tip/wear member, and the retaining mechanism is inserted until it hits the bottom seat surface of the counterbore of the adapter base. Then, the lock is rotated to achieve the locking configuration (e.g. about a 45 degree rotation in some embodiments, but may be more such as 90 degrees, etc.) where the tab(s) contacts or nearly contacts a stop surface.

In some embodiments, the retaining mechanism may first be angularly oriented such that a tab(s) is radially aligned with a flat of the pin (or some other predetermined position relative to the flat) so that the retaining mechanism is properly timed so that the tab will fit into the tip/wear member while the pin will fit into the adapter/base. This may be done at the factory or in the field, etc. Also, the locking mechanism may already be installed in the tip or wear member at the factory, allowing for a one step assembly process by the user.

Disassembly may be achieved by reversing the above process. In some embodiments, the lock is rotated past the tab entry slot until the tab contacts the ramp surface that helps dislodge the tip/wear member slightly from the adapter/base. Then, the lock may be rotated back until the tab is aligned with the tab entry slot, and the retaining mechanism may be axially removed so that the retaining mechanism receiving apertures of the tip/wear member and those of the adapter/base member are empty. Without the body of the lock preventing removal of the tip/wear member, the user can easily pully the tip/wear member off the adapter/base. More specifically, for the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 thru 16, they are designed such that even when the pin tab is at the top of the ramp, you cannot remove the tip. That is to say, the pin must come out in order to remove the tip.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing description provides examples of the disclosed assembly and technique. However, it is contemplated that other implementations of the disclosure may differ in detail from the foregoing examples. All references to the disclosure or examples thereof are intended to reference the particular example being discussed at that point and are not intended to imply any limitation as to the scope of the disclosure more generally. All language of distinction and disparagement with respect to certain features is intended to indicate a lack of preference for those features, but not to exclude such from the scope of the disclosure entirely unless otherwise indicated.

To that point, yet another set of embodiments for the tip, the adapter, and the retaining mechanism is shown in FIGS. 17 thru 24 that have the same features as previously described herein with reference to the embodiments of FIGS. 2 thru 16 except with some dimensional and feature variances as will now be described.

As seen in FIGS. 17 and 18, the tip 700 has an ear 746 that protrudes from the side of its exterior surface 716 that at least partially defines the retaining mechanism receiving aperture 720 that extends from the interior surface to the exterior surface.

As a result as seen in FIGS. 19 thru 22, the lock 800 of the retaining mechanism 160a has an increased axial length 830 as compared to the earlier embodiments of the lock described herein. So, the drive aperture (in this case polygonal aperture 806) is not a thru-hole as is the case with the earlier embodiments. Instead, a web 832 separates the polygonal aperture 806 from the hole 808 that receives the pin 900 and spring clip 600. This web may help prevent fouling of the spring by intruding debris, and may also provide added strength. Also, the side tab 820 is spaced further away from the end (see axial dimension 834) of the lock 800 that forms the drive portion 802. For example, the side tab 820 may be at least partially axially aligned or overlapping the web 832. The side tab 820 may also have an inclined surface 836 (which may engage a ramp surface of the tip) that faces axially (see axis of rotation 812) and circumferentially (see circumferential direction 816) toward the pin receiving portion 804.

Looking at the pin 900, it may be similarly or identically configured as described earlier herein except that the width 912 of its non-circular shaft 902 (may be rectangular or square) may be increased approaching the diameter 914 of its rings. For example, the width 912 may be at least 75% of the diameter 914 in some embodiments. The mating or corresponding void of the adapter/base would be similarly dimensioned and/or complementarily shaped. The spring clip 600 may be similarly or identically configured as discussed previously herein.

Turning now to FIGS. 23 and 24, the interior of the tip 700 may be similarly or identically configured as previously described herein. So, it may include a tab entry slot 734, an angled edge 741, a first ejector ramp 742, a tab receiving circumferential groove 725, etc.

Unlike the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 thru 16, the embodiment(s) shown in FIGS. 17 thru 24 may be disassembled without taking the pin completely out of the tip. More specifically, the protrusion on the side that yields surface (or ear) 746 increases the ramp height. So, when the pin tab is at the top of the ramp, it has been ejected far enough to remove the tip from the adapter without needing to pull the pin assembly out any further. Of course, the user can still pull the pin all the way out the tip before removing the tip from the adapter if desired.

A third set of embodiments for the tip, the adapter, the tip and adapter assembly 150b, and the retaining mechanism 160b is shown in FIGS. 25 thru 49 that have the same features as previously described herein with reference to the embodiments of FIGS. 2 thru 24 except with some differences or variations as will now be described.

Starting with FIGS. 25, 28, and 29, a tip 1000 may define a threaded retaining mechanism receiving aperture 1002 (i.e. at least a partially threaded aperture). The threaded retaining mechanism receiving aperture 1002 may define an axis of rotation 1004, a first surface of revolution 1006, and a circumferential direction 1007. The tip 1000 may further comprise a first circumferential stop 1008 that is outwardly axially adjacent to the threaded retaining mechanism receiving aperture 1002. The lock 2000 may have a first side tab 2001 that contacts this stop when fully in the locked configuration. The tip may lack a second circumferential stop (unlike some of the earlier embodiments discussed herein) that is spaced circumferentially away from the first stop since this embodiment may be designed to eject the lock when it is rotated. A first circumferential stop may also be omitted in some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Looking at FIG. 27, the round retaining mechanism receiving aperture 306 of the adapter 300 defines a second surface of revolution 310 that is coextensive with the first surface of revolution 1006 when assembled (see FIG. 35). As a result, the body of the lock 2000 engages both the tip and the adapter, preventing the tip from being removed from the adapter.

As best seen in FIG. 28 thru 30, the threaded retaining mechanism receiving aperture 1002 may include a female thread 1012 or groove that extends to the exterior 1010 of the tip. As a result, the female thread 1012 may be configured to act as a tab entry slot as described earlier herein, but may also act as an ejector ramp as well. This female thread 1012 may extend to the interior 1014 of the tip 1000 or nearly so. The female thread 1012 may take the form of a lead screw thread or other thread types in various embodiments.

As most clearly shown in FIG. 28, the exterior 1010 of the tip may include an ear 1015 that at least partially defines the threaded retaining mechanism receiving aperture 1002. Such an ear may be omitted in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

Focusing now on FIGS. 44 thru 49, the retaining mechanism 160b may include a lock 2000 including a drive portion 2002, and a pin receiving portion 2004. Similar to what has been previously described herein, the drive portion 2002 may include a polygonal aperture 2006, and the pin receiving portion 2004 may define a hole 2008 with an internal surface of revolution 2010 (e.g., a cylindrical or conical surface) that defines an axis of rotation 2012, a radial direction 2014, a circumferential direction 2016.

The pin receiving portion and the drive portion may share the same circumferential surface 2018 as shown, but not necessarily. A slot 2020 that is configured to receive the spring bar 3000 may be provided that extends radially and/or circumferentially at least partially through the pin receiving portion 2004 into the hole 2008. As shown in FIGS. 46 thru 49, the slot 2020 may extend completely through the pin receiving portion, but not necessarily so

The polygonal aperture 2006 may be axially separated from the hole 2008 of the pin receiving portion 2004 by a web 2022, but not necessarily so. As alluded to earlier herein, the lock may have a first side tab 2001 (see FIG. 44) extending circumferentially and/or radially from the circumferential surface 2018 of the lock that is at least partially axially aligned with the polygonal hole 2006.

As seen in FIGS. 30, 40, 41 and 44 thru 46, a male thread 2024 that matches the female thread (e.g., may take the form of a lead screw thread or other types of threads) of the tip may extending circumferentially and axially from the circumferential surface 2018. In FIGS. 30 and 44, the first side tab 2001 may extend circumferentially and axially (in a helical or spiral manner) from the male thread 2024, and may define a stop surface 2026 that is axially adjacent a junction 2028 (see FIG. 45) between the first side tab 2001, and the male thread 2024. A gap between the male thread and the side tab in other embodiments of the present disclosure. This stop surface 2026 may contact the circumferential stop 1008 of the tip as shown in FIG. 34, signaling that the locking operation is complete.

Turning to FIGS. 44 and 45, the first side tab 2001 may include an inclined surface 2030 that faces axially toward the pin receiving portion 2004 (matching with a corresponding surface 2032 of the male thread 2024. A pin 4000 may be inserted into the hole 2008 of the lock that includes a non-circular shaft 4002, a first ring 4004 that is attached to the non-circular shaft 4002, and a second ring 4006 spaced axially away from the first ring 4004. This arrangement may define a spring receiving groove 4008 (may be circular or ringlike as shown in FIGS. 48 and 49) that is in communication with the slot 2020 of the pin receiving portion 2004 of the lock 2000.

FIGS. 48 and 49 depict that the spring bar 3000 may be disposed in the slot 2020 of the lock, and the spring receiving groove 4008 simultaneously. As a result, rotation of the lock causes the spring bar 3000 to rotate and contact the corners 4010 of disposed in the spring receiving groove. This gives resistance to unintentional rotation of the lock since the corners need to deflect the spring bar as shown in FIG. 49 to remove the lock from the tip and adapter assembly during the unscrewing process. At this point, the spring bar also captures the pin in the hole of the lock, creating a self-contained module or assembly.

The slot 2034 may include a first angled portion 2034 that extends from the circumferential surface 2018 to the hole 2008 of the pin receiving portion 2004 that is spaced radially away from the axis of rotation 2012. The slot 2034 may also include a second angled portion 2034a that extends from the circumferential surface 2018 to the hole 2008 of the pin receiving portion 2004 that is also spaced away from the axis of rotation 2012, forming an oblique angle 2036 with the first angled portion 2034, but not necessarily so. This arrangement allows the spring bar to flex as shown in FIG. 49 with some additional flexibility, reducing the force and stress on the spring bar.

Also, a first spring bar retaining projection 2038 may be disposed near a first end 3002 of the spring bar 3000, forming a first spring bar receiving recess 2040. Likewise, a second spring bar retaining projection 2038a may be disposed near a second end 3002a of the spring bar 3000, forming a second spring bar receiving recess 2040a.

During assembly, the spring bar may be inserted into the slot until it is in the appropriate position. The projections may be formed by deforming or swaging the ends of the slot so that the spring bar is trapped. Or, the projections may be pre-formed or cast into the lock ahead of time, or stops may be inserted or screwed into the slot at both ends, etc. With the spring bar trapped, the self-contained module or assembly is reliably held together.

Referring to FIGS. 47, 48 and 49, the pin 4000 may be provided as a replacement part and may include a shaft 4002 with a polygonal perimeter 4012, a first disc (such as the first ring 4004) attached to the shaft 4002, and a second disc (such as the second ring 4003) spaced away from the first disc, defining a spring receiving groove 4008 with a faceted groove surface 4014 which is configured to be contacted by the cylindrical shape of the spring bar 3000. More particularly, the faceted groove surface defines groove corners 4010 that contact the spring bar 3000, flexing the spring bar 3000. Between these corners, there may be a middle resting surface 4022 (so called since the spring bar rests tangentially on this surface when not flexing or deflecting), and a pair of cam surfaces 4024, 4024a (so called since these surfaces start the flexing or deflecting of the spring bar when the lock is rotated).

As best understood with reference to FIG. 45, the first disc defines a first disc diameter 4016, while the second disc defines a second disc diameter 4018 that is less than the first disc diameter 4016. Consequently, the hole 2008 of the lock 2000 forms a counterbore 2042 that is complementarily or matching shaped to receive the first disc and the second disc of the pin. Other configurations are possible in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

Looking at FIG. 47, the polygonal perimeter 4012 of the shaft 4002 defines shaft corners 4020 that are circumferentially out of phase with the groove corners 4010. This may not be the case for other embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 48, the spring bar 3000 may also be provided as a replacement part and may be manufactured from spring steel, have a solid bar configuration, and may be configured to provide the necessary durability, flexibility, and spring force.

To that end, the spring bar 3000 may define a spring bar length 3004, a spring bar diameter 3006, and a ratio of the spring bar length 3004 to the spring bar diameter 3006 may range from 7.7 to 11.2. Also, the spring bar diameter may range from 2.0 millimeters to 5.0 millimeters, while the spring bar length may range from 20.0 millimeters to 50.0 millimeters. Other ratios and dimensions are possible in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

As can be understood, the embodiment(s) just described may use a single self-contained lock module to lock the GET (ground engaging tool) or other wear member to the work tool. Nearly all of the complicated features are in the lock module. The adapter nose has a simple round hole and some sort of non-rotating shape (square, hexagon, etc.). The tip has a round hole and a partial thread/ramp feature.

The tip is installed first, then the lock module is inserted, in an orientation that lines up with the thread/ramp feature in the tip. Once the lock module bottoms out against the tip, it can be rotated 90 degree clockwise to the fully locked position. The thread on the lock module and tip restrain the lock module along the axial direction, and the square shape and internal pin/spring mechanism prevent rotation.

To uninstall, the lock module is rotated counterclockwise. As the lock module rotates, it ejects out of the adapter and tip. Once fully unthreaded, the user may be able to grab the lock module and pull it the rest of the way out to remove the tip. This system may be able to make uninstallation as easy as possible with the ejecting feature. All of the thread is also exposed and near the surface so packed material can be easily chipped away or washed away with liquid. So, the lock is free to spin. The user may be able to lock the retaining mechanism with a manual ratchet driver or an electric driver, etc. Then, the customer may unlock the tips with an electric/air/hydraulic impact gun. The impact will knock any unchipped/unwashed packing loose, and then spin the lock right out of the tip. This may make disassembly very easy, and fast.

Put another way, the assembly lock assembly may include an inner pin, an outer lock, and a spring disposed inside the outer lock. During installation, the tip slides onto the adapter and the lock assembly is inserted in a tip-hole in an orientation wherein the threads of the outer lock are lined up with threads of the tip-hole. To retain, the lock assembly is rotated by 90 degrees to bring it into a locked position. While in a locked position, the inner pin engages the spring, helping to prevent self-rotation of the lock assembly, thereby keeping the tip locked onto the adapter. During uninstallation of the tip from the adapter, the lock assembly is rotated by the 90 degrees in the other direction to bring the assembly in an unlocked position, thereby releasing the lock assembly out of the tip-hole.

As used herein, the articles “a” and “an” are intended to include one or more items, and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Where only one item is intended, the term “one” or similar language is used. Also, as used herein, the terms “has”, “have”, “having”, “with” or the like are intended to be open-ended terms. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise.

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 methods of assembly as discussed herein without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention(s). Other embodiments of this 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, some of the equipment may be constructed and function differently than what has been described herein and certain steps of any method may be omitted, performed in an order that is different than what has been specifically mentioned or in some cases performed simultaneously or in sub-steps. Furthermore, variations or modifications to certain aspects or features of various embodiments may be made to create further embodiments and features and aspects of various embodiments may be added to or substituted for other features or aspects of other embodiments in order to provide still 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 disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

LOCK ASSEMBLY FOR A TIP AND ADAPTER

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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

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