CN101688385A - Wear components for excavation equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

A wear assembly for excavating equipment comprising: the wear member includes a base secured to the excavating equipment, a wear member mounted above the base, and a lock releasably retaining the wear member to the base. The wear elements include side relief to reduce drag on the system. The wear member and the base each include a hemispherical front end and a generally trapezoidal rear portion. The base includes a nose and a stop projecting from the nose to cooperate with the lock without an opening for receiving the lock into the nose. The lock is an elongated lock positioned generally in an axial direction and retaining the wear member to the base under a compressive load.

Description

Wear components for excavation equipment

technical field

The present invention relates to a wear assembly for securing wear elements to excavating equipment, and in particular to a wear assembly suitable for attachment and use on a dredge cutterhead.

Background technique

A cutter dredger is used to excavate earthy material underwater such as a river bed. Generally, a cutter dredger 1 comprises several arms 2 extending from a base ring 3 towards a hub 4 (Fig. 21). The arms are spaced around the base ring and form a wide helix about the central axis of the impeller. Each arm 2 is provided with a series of spaced teeth 5 for digging into the ground. The tooth consists of an adapter or base 6 fixed to the arm, and a tip 7 releasably attached to the base by a lock 8 .

In use, the cutter head rotates about its central axis to excavate earthy material. A straw is placed near the ring to remove scooped material. To excavate a desired swath of ground, the cutter head is moved side to side and simultaneously forward. Due to rising water and other movements, the cutterhead also tends to move up and down and periodically impacts the bottom surface. A further difficulty arises from the operator's inability to see the ground being excavated underwater, ie, unlike most other excavation operations, the inability to effectively guide the cutter dredger along the path most appropriate for the terrain being excavated. Considering the heavy load and harsh environment, the interconnection of tip and base is required to be stable and strong.

The cutter head is rotated so that the tines are rapidly driven into and through the ground. Therefore, considerable power is required to drive the cutter head, especially when digging rock. In an effort to minimize power requirements, excavator tips typically have elongated, slimmer blades to more easily penetrate the ground. However, as the blade shortens due to wear, the mounting portion of the tip will begin to engage the ground during the cutting operation. The mount is wider than the blade, but is not shaped to reduce drag. Due to the resulting increased resistance imposed by the mount on the cutterhead, the tip will usually change before the blade is fully worn.

Contents of the invention

According to an aspect of the present invention, a wear element for excavating equipment is formed with a secondary relief angle in the working and mounting portion for minimizing resistance associated with excavating work and, in turn, minimizing the power required to drive the equipment change. The reduction in power consumption in turn results in more efficient work and longer service life of the wearing components.

According to the invention, the wear element has a transverse configuration, wherein the width of the front side is greater than the width of the corresponding rear side, so that the side walls of the wear element follow the shadow of the front side, thereby reducing drag. The use of a smaller rear side is not only provided by the working end, but also at least partially into the installation end. As a result, the worn wear elements of the present invention experience less resistance than conventional wear elements. Less drag translates into less power consumption and longer wear elements before they need to be replaced. Thus, the working end of the wear element can wear further before replacement is required.

According to another aspect of the invention, the wear element has a digging profile defined by the cross-sectional configuration of that portion of the wear element that penetrates the ground in a direction of movement through the ground in each digging pass. In another aspect of the invention, secondary relief in the wear elements is provided in the digging profile to reduce drag experienced during digging operations. In a preferred embodiment, the secondary relief is provided in every digging profile expected over the life of the wear element, including the digging profile around the mount.

In another aspect of the invention, the wear element includes a receptacle for receiving a nose secured to a base of the excavating equipment. The receptacle is formed with a generally trapezoidal transverse shape corresponding generally to the transverse trapezoidal outer profile of the wear element. The approximate fit of the receptacle to the exterior of the mounting portion eases manufacture, maximizes the size of the nose, and improves the strength-to-weight ratio.

In a preferred configuration, one or more of the top, bottom or side surfaces of the trapezoidal nose and the corresponding walls of the receptacle are each arcuately curved to fit together. These surfaces and walls have a progressive curvature to facilitate installation, increase the stability of the wear element and resist rotation of the wear element about the longitudinal axis in use.

According to another aspect of the invention, the socket and nose each include a rear stabilizing surface substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the wear member and extending substantially around the perimeter of the socket and nose to resist Rearward loads applied in all directions.

According to another aspect of the invention, the receptacle and nose are formed with complementary front bearing surfaces which are generally hemispherical in shape to reduce stress in the components and to better control wear elements A rattling sound occurs between the base and the base.

In another aspect of the invention, the receptacle and nose are formed with front curved bearing surfaces at their respective front ends and have a generally trapezoidal cross-sectional shape rearwardly of the front for increased stability, ease of manufacture and maximizing the size of the nose , reduces drag, stress and wear, and improves the strength-to-weight ratio.

According to another aspect of the invention, a wear assembly includes a base, a wear element mounted to the base, and an axially oriented lock that retains the wear element to the base in a compressed state in a reliable, easy-to-use, easy-to-manufacture manner, and The fitting of the wear element on the base can be tightened. In a preferred embodiment, the wear assembly includes an adjustable axial lock.

In another aspect of the invention, the wear member includes an opening in which the lock is received, and a hole formed in a rear wall of the opening adapted to pass the lock, thereby stabilizing the lock and facilitating fastening of the lock.

In another aspect of the invention, the base interacts with the lock only through the use of protruding detents. As a result, there is no need for a permanent hole, recess or passageway in the nose to receive the lock. The strength of the nose is thus increased.

In another aspect of the invention, the latching arrangement for securing the wear element to the base is adjustable so as to consistently apply a predetermined fastening force to the wear element regardless of the amount of wear that may exist in the base and/or wear element .

In another aspect of the invention, the wear element includes markings that can be used to identify when the lock has been sufficiently tightened.

In another aspect of the invention, the wear element is mounted and secured to the base by an easy-to-use axial lock comprising a new method. Wear elements are mounted on noses secured to the base of the excavating equipment. The base includes a detent projecting outwardly from the nose. An axial lock is received into the opening in the wear element and extends between the stop and a bearing surface on the wear element to releasably retain the wear element to the nose.

In another aspect of the invention, the wear element first slides on a base secured to the excavating equipment. Axially oriented locking is such that one bearing surface bears against a stop on the base and the other bearing surface bears against a bearing wall on the wear element such that the lock is in axial compression. Adjust the lock so that the wear element moves tightly onto the base.

In another aspect of the invention, a lock for releasably retaining a wear element to a base includes: a threaded linear shaft having a bearing end and a tool engaging end; a nut threadedly engaged to the shaft; and a spring including a spring mounted around the threaded shaft. A plurality of alternating annular resilient discs and annular spacers between the bearing end and the nut.

Description of drawings

Figure 1 is a wear assembly according to the invention.

Figure 2 is a side view of a wear element of the present invention.

Figure 2A is a side view of a conventional wear element.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3A-3A in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6A-6A in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 1 .

Figure 10 is a top view of a wear element.

Figure 11 is a rear view of a wear element.

Figure 12 is a perspective view of the nose of the base of the present invention.

Figure 13 is a front view of the nose.

Figure 14 is a side view of the nose.

Figure 15 is an enlarged perspective view of the lock in the wear assembly.

Figure 16 is an enlarged perspective view of the lock in the wear assembly prior to tightening.

Figure 17 is a perspective view of the lock.

Figure 18 is a side view of the lock.

Figure 19 is an exploded perspective view of the lock.

Figure 20 is a perspective view of a lock with a nose (tip has been omitted).

Fig. 21 is a side view of a conventional excavator cutter head.

Detailed ways

The present invention relates to a wear assembly 10 for excavation equipment, the invention being particularly suitable for excavation operations. In this application, the invention is described in terms of an excavating tooth adapted to be coupled to a cutter dredger. However, different aspects of the invention may be used with other types of wear components (eg, shrouds) and other types of excavating equipment (eg, buckets).

Components are sometimes described in relative terms such as upper, lower, horizontal, vertical, front and rear; these terms should not be considered necessary, but merely for ease of description. The orientation of the wear elements during excavation operations, in particular dredging operations, can vary to a large extent. Unless otherwise indicated, these relative terms should be read in conjunction with the orientation of wear assembly 10 shown in FIG. 1 .

The wear assembly 10 includes a base 12 secured to the excavator cutterhead, a wear element 14, and a lock 16 that releasably retains the wear element to the base 12 (see FIGS. 1-10 ).

The base 12 includes: a forwardly projecting nose 18 to which the wear element 14 is mounted; and a mounting end (not shown) which is secured to the arm of the cutter dredge (Figs. 1, 9 and 11-14). The base can be cast as part of the arm, welded to the arm or attached by mechanical means. By way of example only, the base may be formed and mounted to the cutterhead as disclosed in US Patent No. 4,470,210 or US Patent No. 6,729,052.

In the tooth of the dredger, the wearing element 14 is a tip having a working part 21 in the form of an elongated slender blade and a mounting part 23 defining a receptacle 20 for receiving the nose 18 ( Figure 1-10). The tip 14 is rotated by the cutterhead so that it engages the ground in substantially the same way for each pass of excavation. As a result, tip 14 includes a front side 25 and a back side 27 . With each rotation of the cutterhead, the front side 25 is the side that first engages and guides penetration into the ground. In the present invention, the rear side 27 has a smaller width (that is, along the longitudinal axis 28 perpendicular to the tip 14 ) than the front side 25 through the blade 21 ( FIG. 5 ) and at least partially through the mounting portion 23 ( FIG. 4 ). flat). In a preferred embodiment, the rear side 27 has a smaller width than the front side 25 throughout the length of the tip 14 (Figs. 4, 5 and 7).

The cutting edge 21 of the tip 14 preferably has a generally trapezoidal transverse configuration, with the front side 25 being wider than the rear side 27 (Fig. 5). The term “transverse configuration” is used to refer to a two-dimensional configuration along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 28 of the wear element 14 . Due to the narrowing of the tip, the side walls 29, 31 follow the shadow of the front side 25 when digging, thereby creating little resistance during the digging operation. In a preferred configuration, the side walls 29, 31 converge toward the rear side 27 at an angle Θ of about 16 degrees (Fig. 5); however, other angular configurations are possible. Front side 25, rear side 27 and side walls 29, 31 may be planar, curved or irregular. In addition, shapes other than trapezoidal that provide side relief may be employed.

In use, the dredge tip 14 penetrates the ground to a certain depth with each pass of digging (ie, with each rotation of the cutter head). During most of the tip's useful life, the blade penetrates the ground on its own. As an example, the ground level in one excavation cycle extends approximately along line 3-3 (FIG. 2) at the center point of each excavation pass. Since only the blade penetrates the ground and the blade is relatively thin, resistance during digging operations is manageable. However, with many teeth being driven constantly through the ground at a faster speed, power requirements are always higher and, especially when digging through rock, even reduced drag in the blade is beneficial to the operation of.

In a preferred configuration, the side walls 29, 31 not only converge towards the rear side 27, but are configured such that the side walls lie within the shadow of the front side 25 in the excavation profile. "Excavation profile" is used to refer to the cross-sectional configuration of a portion of the tip 14 penetrating the ground along a plane (i) parallel to the direction of progress 34 at the center point of each excavation pass through the ground and (ii) ) transversely perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The digging profile is a better representation of the resistance exerted on the tip during use than the true cross-section. Providing a secondary relief angle in the digging profile is dependent on the angle at which the sidewalls converge toward the rear side and the axial slope or spread of the tip surface in the rearward direction. It is intended to provide a width which narrows substantially from the front side to the rear side when considering the perspective view of the excavation profile. The secondary relief in the digging profile preferably extends through the desired cutterhead digging angle, but benefits are still obtained if such secondary relief is present in at least one of the digging angles. As an example only, the cross-sectional configuration shown in FIG. 3 represents a digging profile 35 of a portion of the tip 14 being driven through the ground. As can be seen, the blade 21 has a secondary relief angle even in the digging profile, as the side walls 29, 31 converge towards the rear side 27 to reduce drag.

As the blade 21 wears, the ground level gradually creeps back so that the more rearward, thicker portion of the tip 14 is pushed through the ground with each digging cycle. Therefore, as the tip wears, more power is required to drive the cutterhead. Eventually, enough of the blade is worn such that the mounting portion 23 of the tip 14 is driven through the ground on each pass. In the present invention, the mounting portion 23 includes a secondary relief continuously at least at the forward end 40 of the mounting portion ( FIG. 4 ) and preferably throughout the mounting portion ( FIGS. 4 and 7 ). As shown in FIG. 4 , the mounting portion 23 is larger than the blade 21 to accommodate receiving the nose 18 into the receptacle 20 and to provide sufficient strength for the interconnection between the tip 14 and the base 12 . The side walls 29 , 31 are sloped to converge towards the rear side 27 . The inclination of the side walls 29, 31 along the line 4-4 is in this example an angle a (Fig. 4) of about 26 degrees, but other inclinations may also be used. As discussed above, the desired secondary relief angle in the digging profile depends on the relationship between the lateral slope of the sidewall and the axial spread of the tip.

In a conventional tip 14a, the blade 21a has a trapezoidal transverse configuration with a front side 25a wider than a rear side 27a. However, the cutting edge 21a provides no secondary relief in the digging profile. As can be seen in FIG. 3A, the excavation profile 35a in FIG. 2A (ie, along line 3A-3A) does not have sidewalls 29a, 31a that converge toward the rear side 27a (FIGS. 2A and 3A). Instead, the side walls 29a, 31a in the excavation profile 35a expand outwardly with a progressively increasing slope as the side walls extend towards the rear side. Flaring of the side walls 29a, 31a will create increased drag on the cutter head. The effective use of secondary relief in the tip 14 of the excavation profile results in a better reduction in drag than simply using known sidewalls in a transverse configuration.

In another example, the blade 21 has worn to such an extent that a portion of the mount 23 along line 6-6 (Figs. 2 and 6) has been driven through the ground. Even the mounting portion 23 provides a secondary relief angle for reducing drag; ie the side walls 29 , 31 even converge towards the rear side in the digging profile 45 . The presence of secondary relief in the digging profile 45 results in less drag and thus less power required to drive it through the ground. In turn, the reduced drag enables the cutterhead to continue working with the tip worn to the point where the mount penetrates the ground. In a conventional tip 14a, the mounting portion 23a does not have a trapezoidal transverse configuration with side walls 29a, 31a converging towards the rear side 27a. Also, as seen in Figure 6A, the side walls 29a, 31a are separated from the front side 25a in a digging profile 45a taken along line 6a-6a around the front end 40a of the mounting portion 23a. The lack of secondary relief in the digging profile, especially compared to the tip 14 of the present invention, exerts significant drag on the tip 14a as it is driven through the ground. Due to the high resistance created by the tip 14a in this situation, many operators will replace the tip when the mount 23a starts to be driven through the ground (even if the blade 21a is not fully worn). With the present invention, the tip 14 can remain on the base 12 until the cutting edge 21 is further worn.

In a preferred configuration, the sidewalls 29 , 31 taper continuously from the front end 37 to the rear end 47 of the tip 14 . As shown in FIG. 7 , even at the rear of the mounting portion 23 , the side walls 29 , 31 converge toward the rear side 27 . Furthermore, a secondary relief is provided even in the digging profile 55 along line 8 - 8 ( FIGS. 2 and 8 ), ie even in this latter digging profile 55 the side walls 29 , 31 converge towards the rear side 27 .

As noted above, the use of a tip 14 with secondary relief in the blade 21 and mount 23 can be used with virtually any nose and socket configuration. However, in one preferred construction, the forward end 58 of the nose 18 includes a forward facing bearing surface 60 that is convex and curved about two perpendicular axes (Figs. 1, 9 and 11-14). Similarly, the front end 62 of the receptacle 20 is formed with a complementary concave and curved bearing surface 64 for seating against the bearing surface 60 (Figs. 1, 7, 9 and 11). In the configuration shown, the front bearing surfaces 60, 64 are both conformable to spherical segments to reduce the application of non-axial loads (such as disclosed in US Patent No. 6,729,052, which is incorporated herein in its entirety as Reference) to generate stress in the component.

Preferably, the front ends 58, 62 are generally hemispherical in shape to reduce rattling between the tip 14 and the base 12 and to more effectively resist loads from all directions. The front bearing surface 64 of the receptacle 20 is preferably slightly wider than its hemispherical shape at the ends and center, so that it is suitable for securely mounting the tip 14 on a different base (i.e., without binding or bottoming out), so The base operates on the hemispherical ball surface of the base 12 as a true hemispherical receptacle surface under typical loads or subsequent wear. In a conventional tooth 10a (FIG. 2A), the tip 14a moves over the nose as the tooth is forced through the ground. The front ends of the socket and nose are angled relative to the flat bearing surfaces and hard corners. In use, the tip 14a moves over the nose such that the front of the socket 20a rattles around and against the front end of the nose and the rear end of the socket moves around the rear of the nose And rattle against the rear end of the nose. This movement and rattling wears down the tip and base. In the present invention, the use of generally hemispherical front bearing surfaces 60, 64 greatly reduces rattling at the front end of nose 18 and receptacle 20 (Figs. 1 and 9). However, the use of a smooth continuous front bearing surface enables the tip to roll at the nose to reduce wear. A small strap 65 substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 28 preferably extends directly behind the generally hemispherical bearing surface to provide the ability for the nose to wear while still maintaining the desired support. The term "substantially parallel" is intended to include parallel surfaces and those surfaces that are axially offset rearwardly from axis 28 by a small angle (eg, about 1-7 degrees) for manufacturing or other purposes. Small straps 65 are preferably axially inclined relative to axis 28 by no more than 5 degrees, most preferably by about 2-3 degrees.

Nose 18 includes a main body 66 rearward of front end 58 (Figs. 11-14). The body 66 is defined by an upper surface 68 , a lower surface 69 and side surfaces 70 , 71 . In a preferred configuration, body surfaces 68-71 diverge rearwardly such that nose 18 expands outward from front end 58, thereby providing a stronger nose to withstand the rigors of digging. However, it is possible to simply have the upper and lower surfaces 68, 69 diverging from each other and have the side surfaces 70, 71 extend axially substantially parallel to each other. The receptacle 20 has a main portion 76 rearward of the front end 62 to receive the body 66 . The main portion 76 includes an upper wall 78, a lower wall 79, and side walls 80, 81 that conform to the body surfaces 68-71. In a preferred embodiment, both body 66 and main portion 76 have a trapezoidal cross-sectional configuration. The trapezoidal shape employed primarily along the length of the receptacle 20 and nose 18 provides four corners 67 , 77 which act as spaced ridges to prevent rotation of the wear element 14 about the axis 28 .

Furthermore, in preferred embodiments, at least one of the body surfaces 68-71 and the receptacle walls 78-81 (and preferably all of them) have a mutually arcuate configuration (FIGS. 7, 11 and 13); that is, Body surfaces 68 - 71 are preferably concave and curved across substantially their entire width to define slots 84 on each of the four sides of body 66 . Similarly, receptacle walls 78 - 81 are preferably convex and curved across substantially their entire width to define protrusions 86 received in slots 84 . The nose surfaces 68-71 and receptacle walls 78-81 are preferably arcuately curved across substantially their entire width, reinforcing the corners 67, 77 to provide increased rotation of the tip 14 about the base 12 during operation. resistance. The grooves and protrusions also reduce rotational rattling of the tip on the base. While arcuate surfaces 68-71 and walls 78-81 are preferred, other slot and protrusion configurations may be used, such as disclosed in US Patent Application No. 11/706,582, incorporated herein by reference. Other rotation preventing configurations may also be used.

The use of groove 84 and protrusion 86, particularly one that is gradually curved and extends substantially the entire width of surfaces 68-71 and walls 78-81, facilitates assembly of tip 14 onto nose 18. that is, the groove 84 and the protrusion 86 cooperate to guide the tip 14 into the correct assembled position on the nose 18 when assembled. For example, when installing the tip 14 onto the nose, if the tip 14 is initially installed on the nose 18 without being properly aligned with the nose, as the tip is fed back onto the nose 18, it is Engagement of the receiving tab 86 into the slot 84 will rotate the tip into proper alignment. The cooperation of the slot 84 and the projection 86 greatly simplifies and speeds up the installation and setting of the corner 67 into the corner 77 . Between the shape of the receptacle and the shape of the nose, variations are also possible as long as the receptacle body matches the shape of the nose.

The nose surfaces 68 - 71 with grooves 84 are each preferably axially sloped so as to expand outwardly as extending rearwardly to provide strength to the nose 18 until reaching the rear stabilizing surface 85 of the nose 18 . Likewise, receptacle walls 78-81 having protrusions 86 each also expand to conform to surfaces 68-71. Receptacle walls 78 - 81 also define a rear stabilizing surface 95 to bear against stabilizing surface 85 . The rear stabilizing surfaces 85 , 95 are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 28 . In a preferred embodiment, each stabilizing surface 85 , 95 diverges axially rearwardly at an angle relative to the axis 28 of about 7 degrees. The rear stabilizing surfaces 85, 95 also preferably surround (or at least substantially surround) the nose 18 and socket 20 for better resistance to non-axial loads. While contact between the various receptacle surfaces and the nose may occur during excavation operations, the contact between the respective front bearing surfaces 60, 64 and rear stabilizing surfaces 85, 95 is intended to primarily prevent stress on the teeth. loads to provide the desired stability. While the stabilizing surfaces 85, 95 are preferably formed with short axial extensions, they may have longer or different configurations. Furthermore, in some cases, for example, in light duty operations, benefits may be obtained without the need for stabilizing surfaces 85,95.

Front bearing surfaces 60, 64 and rear stabilizing surfaces 85, 95 are provided to stabilize the tip on the nose and relieve stress in the components. The generally hemispherical bearing surfaces 60, 64 at the forward ends 58, 62 of the receptacle 20 and nose 18 are stable against axial and non-axial rearward motions directly opposite to the loads (regardless of their direction of application). force. The use of a curved, continuous front bearing surface reduces tip rattling on the nose and reduces stress concentrations that can occur when corners are present. The rear stabilizing surfaces 85, 95 complement the front bearing surfaces 60, 64 by reducing rattling and providing stability against the rear of the tip as disclosed in US Patent No. 5,709,043, incorporated herein by reference. By virtue of the stabilizing surfaces 85, 95 extending around the entire circumference of the nose 18, or at least substantially around the entire circumference (Figs. 7, 9 and 11-14), they are also able to resist non-axially oriented loads applied in any direction .

The main portion 76 of the receptacle 20 preferably has a generally trapezoidal cross-sectional configuration to receive a matching shaped nose 18 ( FIGS. 7 and 11 ). The generally trapezoidal transverse configuration of the receptacle 20 generally follows the generally trapezoidal transverse configuration of the outer portion 97 of the tip 14 . Co-shaping of the socket 20 and outer portion 97 maximizes the size of the nose 18 that can be accommodated within the tip 14 and allows the tip 14 to be easily manufactured in a casting process and improves the strength to weight ratio.

A wide variety of different locks may be used to releasably secure wear element 14 to base 12 . However, in the preferred embodiment, the lock 16 is received in the opening 101 in the wear member 14, the opening 101 is preferably formed in the rear wall 27, although it could be formed elsewhere (Figs. 1, 9 and 15-20 ). The opening 101 preferably has an axially elongated shape and comprises a front wall 103 , a rear wall 105 and side walls 107 , 109 . A rim 111 is built around the opening 101 to protect the lock and provide additional strength. The rim 111 also widens along the rear wall 105 extending further beyond the outer surface 97 and defines an aperture 113 for the passage of the lock 16 . This hole stabilizes the position of the lock 16 and allows easy access by the operator.

The nose 18 includes a detent 115 projecting outwardly from the upper side 68 of the nose 18 to engage the lock 16 . The stop 115 preferably has a back face 119 with a concave curved recess 121 into which a front end 123 of the lock 16 is received and retained in use, although other arrangements for cooperating with the lock are also possible. In a preferred configuration, opening 101 is long enough and rear wall 27 is sloped enough to provide clearance for stop 115 when wear element 14 is mounted on nose 18 . However, if desired, a relief or other form of clearance may be provided in the receptacle 20 to allow passage of the stop 115 . Furthermore, the protrusion of the stop 115 is preferably limited by providing a depression 118 to accommodate a portion of the lock 16 .

The lock 16 is a linear lock, oriented generally axially, to retain the wear element 14 to the base 12 and to secure the mounting of the wear element 14 to the nose 18 . Employing an axially oriented linear lock increases the ability of the lock to secure the wear element mounted on the nose; ie, it provides a greater length of tightening. In a preferred embodiment, the lock 16 includes a threaded shaft 130 having a front end 123 and a headed rear end 134, a nut 136 threadedly engaged to the shaft 130, and a spring 138 (Figs. 1, 9 and 15-20). The spring 138 is preferably formed from a series of resilient discs 140 constructed of foam, rubber or other resilient material and separated by pads 142, which are preferably in the form of washers. Multiple discs 140 are used to provide sufficient force, elasticity and tightening. Washers isolate the elastic discs so that they operate as a series of individual spring elements. Gasket 142 is preferably constructed of plastic, but could also be made of other materials. Furthermore, the preferred configuration of the spring is economical to manufacture and assemble on the shaft 130 . However, other kinds of springs may be used. A thrust washer 142a or other means is preferably provided at the end of the spring to provide adequate support.

Shaft 130 extends centrally through spring 138 to engage nut 136 . The front end 123 of the shaft 130 fits into the recess 121 such that the shaft 130 is disposed against the stopper 115 for support. Rear end 134 of lock 16 extends through aperture 113 in wear member 14 to enable user access to the lock outside opening 101 . The shaft is preferably set at an angle relative to the axis 28 so that the head 134 is more accessible. A spring 138 is arranged between the rear wall 105 and the nut 136 so that it can apply a biasing force to the wear member during the lock being tightened. Hole 113 is preferably larger than head 134 to allow its passage during installation of lock 16 to assembly 10 . The hole 113 may also be formed as an open slot, suitable for simple insertion of the shaft 130 from above. Other tool engagement structures may also be used in place of the head 134 shown.

In use, the wear element 14 slides over the nose 18 so that the nose 18 fits into the receptacle 20 (Figs. 1 and 9). The lock can be temporarily retained in the hole 113 for transport, storage and/or installation by a releasable retainer (e.g., a simple twist strap) located outside the opening 101 and fitted around the shaft 130, or it can be held in place by a wear element. Install after attaching to the nose. In any case, the shaft 130 is inserted through the hole 113 , with its front end 123 disposed in the recess 121 of the stop 115 . The lock 16 is positioned along the exterior of the nose 18 so that no holes, slots, etc. need to be formed in the nose to accommodate the lock and thus resist the load. Head 134 is engaged by the tool and turned to tighten the lock into compression, retaining the wear element; ie, shaft 130 is turned relative to nut 136 such that front end 123 is pressed against stop 115 . This movement in turn pulls the nut 136 back against the spring 138 which is compressed between the nut 136 and the rear wall 105 . Tightening of the lock 16 draws the wear member 14 tightly onto the nose 18 (ie, the front bearing surfaces 60, 64 engage), resulting in a snug fit with less wear during use. Continued rotation of shaft 130 further compresses spring 138 . Then, as the nose and socket begin to wear, the compressed spring 138 forces the wear element 14 rearwardly. The preferred stability of the nose 18 and tip 14 enables the use of an axial lock, i.e. no significant bending forces will be applied to the lock so that the high axial compressive strength of the bolt can be used to hold the wear element to the base . The lock 16 is lightweight, has no striker, is easy to manufacture, does not take up a lot of space, and does not require any openings in the nose.

In a preferred construction, the lock 16 also includes an indicator portion 146 mounted to the shaft 130 along with the nut 136 (Figs. 15-20). The indicator portion 146 is preferably a plate of steel or other rigid material with side edges 148 , 149 that fit close to the side walls 107 , 109 of the opening 101 , but do not fit tightly into the opening 101 . Indicator portion 146 includes an opening that fully or partially receives nut 136 to prevent the nut from rotating as shaft 130 is turned. The tight reception of the side edges 148, 149 to the side walls 107, 109 prevents the indicator portion 146 from rotating. Alternatively, the indicator may have a threaded hole for the nut; if the indicator is omitted, other means are required to hold the nut 136 against rotation. The indicator portion 146 may also be discontinuous from the nut 136 .

Indicator 146 provides a visual indication of when shaft 130 has been properly tightened to apply the desired pressure to the wear member so as not to place undue stress on shaft 130 and/or spring 138 . In a preferred configuration, the indicator portion 146 cooperates with a marking portion 152 formed along the opening 101 , ie along the rim 111 and/or the side walls 107 , 109 . The marking portion 152 is preferably located on the rim 111 along one or both of the side walls 107, 109, but may have other configurations. The marking portion 146 is preferably a ridge or some structure, rather than just a marking, so that it can be used to retighten the lock 16 when wear begins to occur and is initially tightened.

When the shaft 130 is rotated and the nut 136 is pulled back, the indicator portion 146 moves backward (from the position in FIG. 16 ) with the nut 136 inside the opening 101 . When the indicator portion 146 is aligned with the marking portion 152 (FIG. 15), the operator knows that fastening can be stopped. In this position, the lock 16 exerts a predetermined pressure on the wear element 14 regardless of the wear on the nose and/or in the receptacle 20 . Therefore, undertightening and overtightening of the lock can be easily avoided. Alternatively, the indicating portion 146 may be omitted and the shaft 130 tightened to a predetermined amount of torque.

The various aspects of the invention are preferably employed together for optimal performance and advantages. However, the different aspects can be employed individually to provide the benefits that they each provide.

Claims (44)

1. abrasive element that is used for excavating equipment comprises:

The homework department and the installation portion that roughly align of axis along the longitudinal, this installation portion comprises the jack that is used to receive the base portion that is fixed to excavating equipment,

The front side, in dredge operation, this front side in abrasive element advances by the soil process, be suitable for as to front surface and

Rear side, this rear side are suitable for conduct to the rear surface in abrasive element advances by the soil process,

Front side and rear side extend axially and stride across homework department and installation portion, and along at least a portion of installation portion, in the cross section perpendicular to longitudinal axis, the front side has the width bigger than rear side.

2. according to the abrasive element of claim 1, comprise opening, be used for receiving lock, so that abrasive element is fixed to base portion.

3. according to the abrasive element of claim 1, wherein, homework department is elongated blade.

4. according to the abrasive element of claim 1, wherein, installation portion has the roughly trapezoidal transverse configuration perpendicular to longitudinal axis.

5. according to the abrasive element of claim 4, wherein, homework department has the roughly trapezoidal transverse configuration perpendicular to longitudinal axis.

6. according to the abrasive element of claim 4, wherein, the whole basically length of installation portion has the roughly trapezoidal transverse configuration perpendicular to longitudinal axis.

7. according to the abrasive element of claim 1, wherein, at least one wall of jack archwise that curves inwardly is to limit the protuberance that is installed in the groove that forms on the base portion.

8. according to the abrasive element of claim 1, wherein, jack has roughly trapezoidal transverse configuration.

9. abrasive element according to Claim 8 wherein, determines that each wall of the jack of trapezoidal shape has the protrusion shape of the general curved of the whole width basically that strides across wall.

10. according to the abrasive element of claim 1, wherein, along at least a portion of homework department, in the cross section perpendicular to longitudinal axis, the front side has the width bigger than rear side.

11. an abrasive element that is used for excavating equipment comprises:

The homework department and the installation portion that roughly align of axis along the longitudinal, installation portion comprises the jack that is used to receive the base portion that is fixed to excavating equipment,

The front side, in dredge operation, this front side in abrasive element advances by the soil process, be suitable for as to front surface and

Rear side, this rear side are suitable for conduct to the rear surface in abrasive element advances by the soil process,

Front side and rear side extend axially and stride across homework department and installation portion, in the excavation profile of the part at least forward of installation portion, the sidewall that extends between front side and rear side is roughly assembled towards rear side, excavates profile and be to penetrate central point in excavation and be parallel to the direct of travel that passes the soil and extend and excavate the cross section of angle perpendicular to the longitudinal axis horizontal expansion with at least one.

12., comprise being used to receive lock abrasive element is fixed to the opening on the base portion according to the abrasive element of claim 11.

13. according to the abrasive element of claim 11, wherein, in the excavation profile across the whole length basically of installation portion, sidewall is roughly assembled towards rear side.

14. according to the abrasive element of claim 11, wherein, homework department is elongated blade.

15. abrasive element that is used for excavating equipment, comprise: the homework department and the installation portion that roughly align of axis along the longitudinal, installation portion comprises the jack that is used to receive the base portion that is fixed to excavating equipment, and this jack has across the roughly trapezoidal structure of longitudinal axis and by the surface institute of the archwise that all curves inwardly and limited.

16. according to the abrasive element of claim 15, wherein, the surface of the jack archwise that on the whole width across the surface of jack basically, curves inwardly.

17. according to the abrasive element of claim 15, wherein, the front end of jack comprises roughly hemispheric preceding bearing surface.

18., comprise being used to receive lock abrasive element is fixed to the opening on the base portion according to the abrasive element of claim 15.

19. abrasive element that is used for excavating equipment, comprise: the homework department and the installation portion that roughly align of axis along the longitudinal, installation portion comprises the jack that is used to receive the base portion that is fixed to excavating equipment, this jack comprise limit roughly hemispheric before bearing surface front end and in the major part at this front end rear.

20. according to the abrasive element of claim 19, wherein, described major part has the roughly trapezoidal structure across longitudinal axis.

21. according to the abrasive element of claim 19, wherein, described major part comprises that at least one is arranged essentially parallel to the axially extended surface of stability of longitudinal axis.

22., comprise being used to receive lock abrasive element is fixed to the opening of base portion according to the abrasive element of claim 19.

23. abrasive element that is used for excavating equipment, comprise: the homework department and the installation portion that roughly align of axis along the longitudinal, this installation portion comprises and is used to receive the jack that is fixed to the base portion on the excavating equipment, this jack comprises and limiting around all being recessed into perpendicular to two axles of longitudinal axis and the front end of crooked preceding bearing surface, and at this front end rear and have a major part across the roughly trapezoidal configuration of longitudinal axis.

24., comprise being used to receive lock abrasive element is fixed to the opening of base portion according to the abrasive element of claim 23.

25. abrasive element that is used for excavating equipment, comprise: the homework department and the installation portion that roughly align of axis along the longitudinal, installation portion comprises and is used to receive the jack that is fixed to the base portion on the excavating equipment, this jack comprises the front end that limits bearing surface before the hemispherical roughly and in the major part at this front end rear, and major part comprises and is arranged essentially parallel to that longitudinal axis extends axially and basically around the surface of stability of the girth horizontal expansion of jack.

26. according to the abrasive element of claim 25, wherein, major part has the roughly trapezoidal structure across longitudinal axis.

27., comprise being used to receive lock abrasive element is fixed to the opening on the base portion according to the abrasive element of claim 25.

28. abrasive element that is used for excavating equipment, comprise: the homework department and the installation portion that roughly align of axis along the longitudinal, installation portion comprises and is used to receive the jack that is fixed to the base portion on the excavating equipment, and the opening that is communicated with jack, this opening is used for receiving lock so that abrasive element is remained to excavating equipment releasedly, and this opening has antetheca and rear wall, and rear wall comprises the hole, lock favours longitudinal axis from opening and extends through this hole, so that make the operator approaching easily with fastening lock.

29. according to the abrasive element of claim 28, wherein, the mark adjacent openings is provided with, to be provided vision indication to the operator by abundant when fastening at lock.

30. according to the abrasive element of claim 28, wherein, jack comprises and is arranged essentially parallel to the back surface of stability that longitudinal axis extended axially and be positioned at the rear, hole.

31. a wear assembly that is used for excavating equipment comprises:

Be fixed to the base portion on the excavating equipment;

Abrasive element comprises: the homework department and the installation portion that roughly align of axis along the longitudinal, installation portion comprise and are used to receive the jack that is fixed to the base portion on the excavating equipment; The front side in dredge operation, is suitable for conduct to front surface in abrasive element advances by the soil process; And rear side, in advancing by the soil process, abrasive element is suitable for conduct to the rear surface, and front side and rear side extend axially and stride across homework department and installation portion, and, along at least a portion of installation portion, in the cross section perpendicular to longitudinal axis, the front side has the width bigger than rear side; And

Abrasive element is fixed to lock on the base portion releasedly.

32. according to the wear assembly of claim 31, wherein, base portion comprises the nose portion that is received in the jack, and wherein, nose and jack all have the roughly trapezoidal transverse configuration perpendicular to longitudinal axis.

33. according to the wear assembly of claim 31, wherein, base portion comprises the nose portion that is received in the jack, this nose portion comprises a plurality of grooves, and this jack comprises a plurality of protuberances that are received in the groove.

34. a wear assembly that is used for excavating equipment comprises:

Be fixed to the base portion on the excavating equipment;

Abrasive element comprises: the homework department and the installation portion that roughly align of axis along the longitudinal, installation portion comprise and are used to receive the jack that is fixed to the base portion on the excavating equipment; The front side, in dredge operation, this front side is suitable for conduct to front surface in abrasive element advances by the soil process; And rear side, this rear side is suitable for conduct to the rear surface in abrasive element advances by the soil process, front side and rear side extend axially and stride across homework department and installation portion, in the excavation profile of at least a portion installation portion, the sidewall that extends between front side and rear side is roughly assembled towards rear side, excavates profile and be to penetrate central point in excavation and be parallel to the direct of travel that passes the soil and extend and excavate the cross section of angle perpendicular to the longitudinal axis horizontal expansion with at least one; And

Abrasive element is fixed to lock on the base portion releasedly.

35. a wear assembly that is used for excavating equipment comprises:

Be fixed to the base portion on the excavating equipment;

Abrasive element comprises: the homework department and the installation portion that roughly align of axis along the longitudinal, and installation portion comprises jack, this jack has across the roughly trapezoidal structure of longitudinal axis and by the surface institute of the archwise that all curves inwardly and is limited; And

Abrasive element is fixed to lock on the base portion releasedly.

36. according to the wear assembly of claim 31, wherein, base portion comprises nose portion, this nose portion has the roughly trapezoidal structure across longitudinal axis, with consistent basically with the shape of jack.

37. a wear assembly that is used for excavating equipment comprises:

Base portion is fixed on the excavating equipment and comprises first surface;

Abrasive element comprises: the homework department and the installation portion that roughly align of axis along the longitudinal, and this installation portion has the jack that receives pedestal, and the opening with second surface; And

Elongated lock is orientated the direction roughly the same with longitudinal axis, thereby is fixed between first surface and the second surface with compressive state, so that abrasive element is remained on the base portion releasedly.

38. according to the wear assembly of claim 37, wherein, lock comprises: bear against the thread spindle on the first surface; The nut that engages with male thread; And center on axle to be compressed in the spring between second surface and the nut.

39. one kind is used for abrasive element is installed to method on the excavating equipment, comprises:

The abrasive element that will have jack is installed on nose that is fixed in excavating equipment, makes nose portion be received in the jack;

In the opening of elongated locking bit in abrasive element, make first area supported of lock be resisted against on the area supported on nose, second area supported of lock is resisted against on the area supported on the abrasive element, and the longitudinal axis of lock is orientated roughly to be in abrasive element is installed on the direction on nose;

Lock is regulated,, made lock be in compressive state, thereby abrasive element is remained to base portion with the installation of fastening abrasive element on nose.

40. according to the method for claim 39, wherein, lock comprises: bear against the thread spindle on the first surface; The nut that engages with male thread; And center on axle to be compressed in the spring between second surface and the nut.

41. one kind is used for abrasive element is installed to method on the excavating equipment, comprises:

The nose portion that is fixed on the excavating equipment is provided, and this nose portion has retainer outstanding outside the one side direction;

The abrasive element that will have jack is installed on nose, and the rear and the retainer that make the opening that extends through abrasive element be positioned in retainer are roughly axially aligned;

Lock location, the outside along nose portion, so that lock wall against retainer and opening, thus abrasive element is remained to nose portion releasedly.

42. according to the method for claim 41, wherein, lock fastened, to be in compressive state between the wall that remains on retainer and opening.

43. one kind is used for abrasive element is installed to method on the excavating equipment, comprises:

The abrasive element that will have jack is installed on nose that is fixed in excavating equipment, makes nose portion be received in the jack;

Location lock makes first area supported of lock be resisted against on the area supported on nose, and second area supported of lock is resisted against on the area supported on the abrasive element,

Lock is regulated, being installed on nose abrasive element is fastening, roughly alignd with mark on the abrasive element until the vision instruction unit of lock.

44. one kind is used for abrasive element is fixed to lock on the base portion releasedly, this base portion is fixed to excavating equipment, and this lock comprises: linear thread spindle has supported end and tool engagement end; The nut that engages with male thread; And spring, this spring comprises around thread spindle and is installed in a plurality of annular resilient disc that replace and ring liner between supported end and the nut.

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