AU2023203786A1

AU2023203786A1 - Flexible wear plate fixing device

Info

Publication number: AU2023203786A1
Application number: AU2023203786A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Dmitrii ILIN; Andrii Serdiuk
Original assignee: ALLOY STEEL AUSTRALIA INT Pty Ltd
Current assignee: ALLOY STEEL AUSTRALIA (INT) Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2022-06-30
Filing date: 2023-06-16
Publication date: 2024-01-18

Abstract

There is proposed a fixing device for a wear resistant member, comprising a resiliently deformable insert, holding a threaded nut, being positionable through a hole in a backing or support member, and engageable by a bolt insertable through an 5 aperture in the wear resistant member. Wherein tightening of the bolt causes compression of the resiliently deformable member, to thereby hold the wear resistant member in place relative to the backing or support member. 16 3412 1 58 18 456a 56b 54 24 28 48 56c 6052 56d 50 14 Figure 8 14 16 34 5 12 10 24-fo 28X _,56b 52 54 /--18 50 56c 56d Figure 9

Description

16 3412

58 18 456a 56b

54

24

48 56c 28 6052 56d 50

14 Figure 8 14 16

34 5

12

10 24-fo 28X _,56b

52 54 /--18

50 56c

56d

Figure 9

FLEXIBLE WEAR PLATE FIXING DEVICE FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for fixing a wear plate to a backing, and in one particular aspect relates to a resiliently deformable or flexible insert for retaining a nut. In one form, the wear plate is attached over a portion of the metal surface of a material handling chute.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Abrasion resistant wear plates or wear resistant steel liners, often referred to as wear plates, are used on various types of machinery or material handling equipment. These replaceable wear plates are installed to protect an underlying surface from damage caused by the movement of an abrasion material thereover.

Wear plates are commonly used on material handling chutes of mineral processing plants, configured for the transfer of an ore material between different locations.

These material handling chutes are constructed from mild steel plate that is welded to form the chute body. A number of small sacrificial wear plates are attached over the inner surface of the chute in order to protect the underlying mild steel and can be replaced at regular intervals or as required.

Typically, each wear plate or liner is attached to the metal support member or backing using studs, or conventional fasteners, such as bolts. Often the studs, nuts or bolt heads of these fasteners protrude inwardly of the chute which can increase wear and hang up of ore material within the chute. Other conventional systems include a countersunk bolt, however these still required access from both sides to facilitate tightening thereof.

Some systems, such as that disclosed in Australian Patent Application No. 2005313863 (DAVIES), include a fastener system for fixing hardened plates having a fastener element with either a frusto-conical nut or frusto-conical bolt head. However, the device disclosed in DAVIES either result in an end of the bolt shaft extending inwardly of the chute body or requires access from both sides for tightening.

It should be appreciated that any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification is included solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention and should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art was widely known or formed part of the common general knowledge in the field as it existed before the priority date of the application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a fixing means for attaching a wear plate that can be installed or removed from one side of the structure being protected, i.e. from within the chute. Further objects of the present invention are to overcome at least some of the aforementioned problems, or at least provide the public with a useful alternative. The foregoing objects should not necessarily be considered as cumulative and various aspects of the invention may fulfil one or more of the above objects.

The invention could be broadly understood to comprise a fixing device for a wear resistant member, comprising a resiliently deformable insert, retaining a threaded nut, the resiliently deformable insert being configured to at least partially pass through a hole in a backing or support member, and engageable by a bolt insertable through an aperture in the wear resistant member, whereupon tightening of the bolt causes compression of the resiliently deformable member, to thereby hold the wear resistant member in place relative to the backing or support member.

The backing or support member is preferably a piece of machinery or material handling equipment, such as, but not limited to a material handling chute.

In one aspect of the invention, but not necessarily the broadest or only aspect, there is proposed a fixing device for a wear plate, comprising: a resiliently deformable insert, including a passageway extending thereinto, the resiliently deformable insert being positionable through a hole in a support member of a piece of equipment; a threaded nut retained within the resiliently deformable insert and coaxially aligned with the passageway; a bolt including a threaded shaft adjoining a head, the bolt being engageable through an aperture in the wear plate, wherein the head being configured to bear against a tapered or correspondingly shaped part of the aperture, and the shaft being configured to extend through the aperture and into the passageway of the resiliently deformable insert positioned through the hole in the support member, for threadable engagement with the nut retained therein; and wherein tightening of the bolt relative to the nut, moves the resiliently deformable insert from an extended arrangement into a compressed arrangement, such that a portion of the resiliently deformable insert being configured to distort and bear against a rear surface of the support member, whereby a first diameter of the resiliently deformable insert under load from tightening of the bolt, being larger than a diameter of the hole in the support member, such that the wear plate being fixable in place relative to the support member.

A number of fixing devices may be used to attach each of a plurality of wear plates to the support member of the piece of equipment. In one form, the piece of equipment is a material handling chute.

The resiliently deformable insert, may be constructed from a polyurethane, elastomer, rubber or semi-rigid foam material.

The resiliently deformable insert may be moulded from a single material or co-extruded from two or more materials.

The resiliently deformable insert may be formed around the threaded nut, or the threaded nut may be inserted into the resiliently deformable insert and held within a correspondingly shaped groove in a wall of the passageway.

The resiliently deformable insert preferably includes a first end having an opening leading to the passageway, a second end for retaining the threaded nut, and a deformable portion intermediate of the first and second ends.

The deformable portion may include one or more annular recesses to regulate the compression of the resiliently deformable insert. An internal annular recess may be formed in the wall of the passageway, and two spaced apart external annular recesses may be formed in the outer surface of the resiliently deformable insert.

The resiliently deformable insert may include an annular shoulder at the first end, for bearing against a front surface of the support member adjacent the hole extending therethrough.

The passageway may be a blind ended passage, having a first tubular portion extending inwardly of the first end, and a second tubular portion, wherein the threaded nut is held intermediate of the coaxially aligned first and second tubular portions. Preferably, the first tubular portion has a larger diameter than the diameter of the second tubular portion.

Preferably, the resiliently deformable insert is configured to be compressed by the tightening of the bolt with the nut, such that a portion of the resiliently deformable insert bears against the rear surface of the support member adjacent the hole to thereby hold the resiliently deformable insert in place within the hole.

The reader will appreciate that the portion of the resiliently deformable insert being compressed or deformed axially and becomes larger than the diameter of the hole through the support member.

It could be understood that the compression or deformation of the resiliently deformable insert causes a portion of the resiliently deformable insert, rearward of the support member, to balloon out and bear against the rear surface of the support member, as the bolt is tightened.

Since the part of the resiliently deformable insert within the hole will compress to less of a degree than the part rearward of the support member, the same resiliently deformable insert may be used on a range of different wall thicknesses, such as between 5mm to 50mm. This is because the configuration of the deformable portion between the first and second ends is able to accommodate different support member thicknesses.

The resiliently deformable insert is preferably UV and temperature resistant, in one form, begin generally stable up to 120°C.

The resiliently deformable insert may provide a degree of shock absorption capacity to the fixing means, thereby reducing chute wall stress. The configuration of the resiliently deformable insert may also reduce noise, provide corrosion protection, and inhibit loosening of the fixing device due to vibration between the nut and bolt. The resiliently deformable insert may be considered to provide stronger fixing than traditionally used arc studs, or provide a water/dust proofing.

The nut includes a threaded bore extending therethrough for engageable with the threaded shaft of the bolt. The nut may include a nylon collar that is configured to inhibit loosening of the threaded shaft therefrom. In one form, the nut is a threaded flanged nut, and in a preferred form, the nut is selected from a group including, but not limited to, threaded flanged nylon-insert lock nuts (nylock), threaded flanged polymer-insert lock nuts, and threaded flanged elastic stop nuts. The nut may be a M16 (16mm) sized nut or other suitably size, which corresponds to the diameter of the threaded shaft of the bolt. In another form, fibreglass tape reinforcement is wrapped around a non-flanged nut.

In one form, the aperture in the wear plate including an inwardly tapered annular part being positionable adjacent the support member, wherein the head of the bolt has a correspondingly shaped taper for mating therewith.

The reader should therefore appreciate that the surface of the inwardly tapered annular part is preferably at substantially the same angle as the tapered edge of the head of the bolt, such that the respective surfaces are able abut. However, other configurations of aperture and bolt head shapes could be used provided they are able to bear against each other or otherwise engage.

In another form, the taper of the aperture may be formed by an annular insert having an outwardly facing tapered surface, wherein the annular insert being attachable within a generally cylindrical hole that extends through the wear plate.

The head of the bolt may have an outer end comprising a generally disc shaped planar surface, and an inner end having a tapered or otherwise shaped portion for abutment with the inwardly tapered or otherwise shaped part of the aperture or an insert.

The centrally located threaded shaft extends outwardly from the head. The shaft may be 40mm in length or any other suitable length.

Preferably, the outer planar surface of the head includes at least two depressions or recesses for engagement with a tool for rotation of the bolt. The tool may comprise a power hand tool that is used to fix the wear plate to the support member from one side thereof. In one form, the bolt includes four depressions, spaced apart evenly into the outer planar surface of the head for engagement with a tool having four projections extending outwardly therefrom, each of the projections being configured to engage with a respective depression in the outer planar surface of the bolt.

The head of the bolt is preferably constructed from, or at least coated in, the same material or a material that has similar wear resistant properties, to that from which the wear plate is constructed. This means that the surface of the wear plate and bolt head abrade at a similar rate to ensure a generally flush surface. The head of the bolt may be of various thicknesses for different applications and for use on wear plates of different dimensions.

The material from which the wear plate and bolt are constructed, may be a hard alloy, such as but not limited to, a chromium-carbide rich alloy, or the material may be a ceramic. Preferably, the Brinell hardness of the material may be at least 300HB.

The support member may be plate metal and in one form is a mild steel plate. In one form the support member is a portion of plate metal having a thickness of between 5mm to 50mm, and the wear plate has a thickness of between 10mm and 100mm. It should however be appreciated that other thickness of plate/sheet metal or wear plates are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.

The outer planar surface of the bolt is preferably aligned with, or adjacent and parallel, an outer planar surface of the wear plate. The bolt preferably does not extend outwardly from the outer surface of the wear plate to thereby inhibit hang-up of material or excessive wear of the bolt.

In one form a sealing rings is positioned on the outside of the resiliently deformable insert in the area of contact between support member/chute and the insert, to inhibit it falling out when tightening bolt.

The wear plate may be used on material handling equipment including but not limited to chutes, crushers, shredders, scrapers, casting equipment, mill equipment, earth moving equipment, mining equipment, wear blades, choppers, bucket or any applications where friction between two parts or materials creates degradation of the parent material. The phrase "support member" used throughout the specification should therefore be given its broadest definition, which includes, but is not limited to, steel plate equipment.

In another aspect of the invention there is proposed a method of attaching a wear plate to a support member, including the steps of: providing a fixing device in accordance with any one of the above aspects; positioning the resiliently deformable insert through a hole in a support member; positioning a wear plate over the support member, wherein an aperture through the wear plate aligns with a hole in the support member; inserting the threaded shaft of the bolt through the aperture in the wear plate and into the passageway of the resiliently deformable insert; engaging the end of the threaded shaft with the nut retained within the resiliently deformable insert; and tightening the bolt relative to the nut, wherein the resiliently deformable insert is moved from an extended arrangement into a compressed arrangement, such that a portion of the resiliently deformable insert bears against a rear surface of the support member, whereby the wear plate is fixed in place relative to the support member.

The above method further including the steps of cutting or drilling the aperture through the wear plate and/or cutting or drilling the hole through the support member.

The above method including fixing an annular insert within the aperture to form the inwardly tapered annular part for abutment with the head of the bolt.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an implementation of the invention and, together with the description and claims, serve to explain the advantages and principles of the invention.

In the drawings,

Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a resiliently deformable insert of a fixing device of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the resiliently deformable insert of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a side view of the resiliently deformable insert of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view through A-A of the resiliently deformable insert of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a front view of the resiliently deformable insert of Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a rear view of the resiliently deformable insert of Figure 1;

Figure 7 is a schematic rear view of the fixing device illustrating the resiliently deformable member positioned through a hole in a support member, and the nut within the passageway;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the fixing device of the present invention in use, illustrating the resiliently deformable member, fixing bolt, backing and wear plate;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the fixing device of Figure 8, in an assembled arrangement;

Figure 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the fixing device of Figure 9, illustrating the resiliently deformable member in an extended arrangement;

Figure 11 is the cross-sectional view of the fixing device of Figure 10, illustrating the resiliently deformable member in a compressed arrangement;

Figure 12 is the cross-sectional view of the resiliently deformable insert of Figure 4, in an extended arrangement;

Figure 13 is the cross-sectional view of the resiliently deformable insert of Figure 12, illustrating the resiliently deformable member in a retracted arrangement;

Figure 14 is the cross-sectional view of the resiliently deformable insert of Figure 13 illustrating the movement between the extended arrangement and the retracted or compressed arrangement;

Figure 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the fixing device;

Figure 16 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the resiliently deformable insert;

Figure 17 is a side view of the resiliently deformable insert of Figure 16;

Figure 18 is a perspective view of the hump lock of Figure 15;

Figure 19 is a side view of the hump lock of Figure 18;

Figure 20 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the fixing device illustrating the longitudinal compression of resiliently deformable member;

Figure 21 is a front view of the fixing devices of Figure 20;

Figure 22 is a rear view of the fixing devices of Figure 20;

Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view of the aperture through ArcoplateT M wear plate;

Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view of the aperture through quenched and tempered wear plate;

Figure 25 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of the resiliently deformable member and hump lock;

Figure 26 is a partial cross-sectional view of the resiliently deformable member and hump lock of Figure 25;

Figure 27 is a perspective view of a rod for mould with donut for use in the manufacture of the resiliently deformable member; and

Figure 28 is a side view of the mould of Figure 27.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED AND EXEMPLIFIED EMBODIMENTS

Similar reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings. Dimensions of certain parts shown in the drawings may have been modified and/or exaggerated for the purposes of clarity or illustration.

Referring to the drawings for a more detailed description, there is illustrated a fixing device 10 for securing a wear plate 12 to a mild steel plate support member 14, demonstrating by way of examples, arrangements in which the principles of the present invention may be employed.

Multiple wear plates 12 may be used to line an inner surface of a support member 14, such as but not limited to, a material handling chute (not shown). In such a situation, each of the individual wear plates 12 are attached to the sides of the chute using a number of fixing devices. The reader will appreciate that the whole of the chute or a portion/portions of the chute may be covered. The reader should also appreciate that the wear plates 12 could be attached to other equipment or machinery without departing from the scope of the invention.

Essentially, the fixing device 10 of the present invention, comprises a resiliently deformable insert 16 and a bolt 18. Figures 1 to 6, illustrates one embodiment of the resiliently deformable insert 16, which includes a passageway 20 extending inwardly from a first end 22. The resiliently deformable insert 16 further includes a second end 24 for retaining a threaded nut 26, and a deformable portion 28 intermediate of the first end 22 and second end 24.

The first end 22 of the resiliently deformable insert 16 further includes an annular shoulder 30, being configured to bear against a front surface 32 of the support member 14 adjacent the hole 34 extending therethrough, as best illustrated in Figures 10 and 11.

As illustrated in Figure 4, the passageway 20 is a blind ended passage, having an opening 36, a first tubular portion 38 extending inwardly of the first end 22, and a coaxially aligned second tubular portion 40. The threaded nut 26 is held intermediate of the coaxially aligned first and second tubular portions 38, 40. The first tubular portion 38 has a larger diameter than that of the second tubular portion 40, however they may be of the same diameter.

The resiliently deformable insert 16 may be formed around the threaded nut 26 or the threaded nut 26 may be retained within a corresponding shaped groove in a wall of the passageway 20, and inserted during manufacture.

The deformable portion 28 includes an internal annular recess 42 formed in the wall of the passageway 20, and two spaced apart external annular recesses 44, 46 formed in an outer surface of the resiliently deformable insert 16.

The nut 26 in the present embodiment is a M16 threaded flanged nylock nut, however a nut of another configuration could be use, or the nut may be held in place by a washer.

In use, as illustrated in Figure 7, the resiliently deformable insert 16 is inserted in through the hole 34 in the support member 14, such that the second end 24 extends rearwardly of the support member 14.

As illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, the bolt 18, includes a threaded shaft 48 adjoining a head 50. The head 50 includes a tapered part 52 adjacent the threaded shaft 48, and a generally disc-shaped outer planar surface 54 having four tool engaging depressions or recesses 56a, 56b, 56c, 56d, configured for engagement with the projections of a power tool (not shown) for use in the rotation of the bolt 18 relative to the nut 26.

The skilled addressee will appreciate that the power tool is used to impart torque to thereby cause rotation of the bolt 18 relative to the nut 26 for either installing or removing the bolt 18. The configuration of the four depressions or recesses 56a, 56b, 56c, 56d, means that they can be engages with the tool in multiple orientations.

In the present embodiment, the aperture 58 in the wear plate 12 including an inwardly tapered annular part 60 being positionable adjacent the support member 14, wherein tapered part 52 of the head 18 has a correspondingly shaped taper for mating therewith, as illustrated in Figures 8 and 9.

As further illustrated in Figure 9, when initially installed the outer planar surface 54 of the bolt 18 is aligned with, or slightly inward of, a front planar surface of the wear plate 12, such that it does not extend outwardly from the wear plate 12. This thereby inhibit hang-up of material or excessive wear of the bolt 18 when initially installed.

As the reader will appreciate, the head 50 is constructed from, or at least coated in, the same material or a material that has similar wear resistant properties, to that from which the wear plate 12 is constructed. This ensures a similar rate of abrading to thereby provide a generally flush surface during use.

As illustrated in Figures 10 and 11, in use the bolt 18 is inserted in through hole 58 in the wear plate 12, and the passageway 20 of the resiliently deformable insert 16, wherein the end of the shaft 48 threadably engages the nut 26 and the tapered surfaces 52, 60 abut.

As illustrated in Figure 11, when the bolt 18 is tightened the second end 24 of the resiliently deformable insert 16 is drawn towards the rear 62 of the support member 14, wherein the polyurethane deformable portion 28, is caused to expand outwardly or balloon out, such that it bears against the rear surface 62. This ensures that the resiliently deformable insert 16 is fixed through the hole 34, to thereby retain or fix the wear plate 12 in position relative to the support member.

The reader will appreciate that when the bolt 18 is tightened relative to the nut 26, the resiliently deformable insert 16 is moved from an extended arrangement into a retracted or compressed arrangement with a first diameter of the resiliently deformable insert rearward of the hole 34, being under greater load such that it is larger than the diameter of the hole 34. In this way the portion 28 of the resiliently deformable insert 16 is compressed or deformed and bears against a rear surface 62 of the support member 14, to hold the wear plate 12 in position.

As further illustrated in Figures 10 and 11, the configuration of the resiliently deformable insert 16, which has a blind ended passageway 20, provides a barrier to water and dust. This water/dust proofing thereby reduces material from within the chute seeping or otherwise move out through the support structure. This partially sealing or dust proofing can therefore assist in reducing site contamination or environmental risks to personnel in the vicinity.

Figures 12 to 14 show one embodiment of the resiliently deformable insert 16, movable between an extended arrangement 64, as illustrated in Figure 12 and a compressed or retracted arrangement 66, as illustrated in Figure 13, showing the compression of the deformable portion 28. The reader will appreciate that the compression or deformation of the deformable portion 28 is generally stylised in the figures and will be dependent on the thickness of support member 14 through which the resiliently deformable insert 16 is installed.

Figure 15 illustrates another embodiment of the fixing device 10, which includes a DIN 914 - M6 x8 hex socket set screw 68 for securing the threaded shaft 48 to head 50. The resiliently deformable insert 16 of the present embodiment includes a concertina portion 70 to control the longitudinal compression of the insert 16, as illustrated in Figures 15 to 17.

Figure 15 furthermore illustrates the use of a hump lock 72, which is inserted into the opening 36 of the passageway 20 once the resiliently deformable insert 16 has been positioned through the hole 34 in the support member 14. The installation of the hump lock 72, which can also be referred to as a hump bush sleeve, within the passageway 20 causes the resiliently deformable insert 16 to press against the support member 14, i.e. the chute, to thereby inhibit turning of the resiliently deformable insert 16 when the tightening bolt 18.

As illustrated in Figures 18, 19, 25 and 26, the hump lock 72 includes a generally tubular body 74 with an annular flange 76 at a first end and an annular ridge 78 at a second end. A passage 80 extends through the hump lock 72 and is configured to allow the threaded shaft 48 to pass therethrough.

Figures 20 to 22 illustrate the longitudinal compression of fixing device 10, wherein rotation of the bolt 18 results in movement from an extended resiliently deformable member 16a into a retracted resiliently deformable member 16b, such that the deformable portion 28 billows outwardly. As the reader will now appreciate, that billowing out of the deformable portion 28 holds the insert 16 within hole 34.

As further illustrated in Figure 20, an annular insert 82 is fixed within the aperture 58 to form the inwardly tapered annular part 60 for abutment with the head 50 of the bolt 18.

Figure 23 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the aperture 58 through Arcoplate T M proprietary wear plate 12, which includes a mild steel layer 84 and a hard face layer 86. The annular insert 82 is welded or otherwise held is place within the aperture 58 to thereby form the inwardly tapered annular part 60.

In another embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 24, quenched and tempered wear plate 88 can be used, with the inwardly tapered annular part 60 form by a stepped aperture 58.

Figures 27 and 28 show one possible embodiment of the rod 90 for mould with donut for use in the manufacture of the resiliently deformable member 16.

The skilled addressee will now appreciate the advantages of the illustrated invention over the prior art. In one form, the present invention provides a fastening system which increases the life of the wear liners and reduces stress on the underlying steel structure. Furthermore, the invention only requires access only from one side of the steel structure thereby reducing installation time. Other advantages include, shock absorption capacity, due to the material from which the resiliently deformable member is constructed, a reduction in welding required, a reducing in noise, corrosion protection, water/dust sealing, use on a range of wall thicknesses and being able to retrofit or use the fixing device 10 with existing holes in a support member.

Various features of the invention have been particularly shown and described in connection with the exemplified embodiments of the invention, however it must be understood that these particular arrangements merely illustrate the invention and it is not limited thereto. Accordingly, the invention can include various modifications, which fall within the scope of the invention.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. A fixing device for a wear plate, comprising: a resiliently deformable insert, including a passageway extending thereinto, the resiliently deformable insert being positionable through a hole in a support member of a piece of equipment; a threaded nut retained within the resiliently deformable insert and coaxially aligned with the passageway; a bolt including a threaded shaft adjoining a head, the bolt being engageable through an aperture in the wear plate, wherein the head being configured to bear against a tapered or correspondingly shaped part of the aperture, and the shaft being configured to extend through the aperture and into the passageway of the resiliently deformable insert positioned through the hole in the support member, for threadable engagement with the nut retained therein; and wherein tightening of the bolt relative to the nut, moves the resiliently deformable insert from an extended arrangement into a compressed arrangement, such that a portion of the resiliently deformable insert being configured to distort and bear against a rear surface of the support member, whereby a first diameter of the resiliently deformable insert under load from tightening of the bolt, being larger than a diameter of the hole in the support member, such that the wear plate being fixable in place relative to the support member.

2. The fixing device for a wear plate in accordance with claim 1, wherein the support member is a piece of machinery, material handling equipment or material handling chute.

3. The fixing device for a wear plate in accordance with claim 1 or 2, wherein the resiliently deformable insert, is constructed, at least party from, a polyurethane, elastomer, rubber or semi-rigid foam material.

4. The fixing device for a wear plate in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the resiliently deformable insert is:

a. formed around the threaded nut; or b. the threaded nut is inserted into the resiliently deformable insert and held within a correspondingly shaped groove in a wall of the passageway.

5. The fixing device for a wear plate in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the resiliently deformable insert includes a first end having an opening leading to the passageway, a second end for retaining the threaded nut, and a deformable portion intermediate of the first and second ends.

6. The fixing device for a wear plate in accordance with any one of the above claims, wherein the deformable portion includes one or more annular recesses to regulate the compression or deformation of the resiliently deformable insert.

7. The fixing device for a wear plate in accordance with any one of the above claims, wherein the resiliently deformable insert includes an annular shoulder at the first end, for bearing against a front surface of the support member adjacent the hole extending therethrough.

8. The fixing device for a wear plate in accordance with any one of the above claims, wherein the passageway is a blind ended passage, having a first tubular portion extending inwardly of the first end, and a second coaxially aligned tubular portion, wherein the threaded nut is held adjacent the second tubular portion and spaced apart from the first tubular portion.

9. The fixing device for a wear plate in accordance with any one of the above claims, wherein the resiliently deformable insert is configured to be deformed or compressed by tightening of the bolt with the nut, such that a portion of the resiliently deformable insert bears against the rear surface of the support member to thereby hold the resiliently deformable insert in place within the hole, whereby the wear plate is fixed in place.

10. The fixing device for a wear plate in accordance with any one of the above claims, wherein the nut includes a nylon collar that is configured to inhibit loosening of the threaded shaft therefrom.

11. The fixing device for a wear plate in accordance with any one of the above claims, wherein the aperture in the wear plate includes an inwardly tapered annular part, being positionable adjacent the support member, wherein the head of the bolt has a correspondingly shaped taper for mating therewith.

12. The fixing device for a wear plate in accordance with claim 11, wherein the surface of the inwardly tapered annular part is at substantially the same angle as the correspondingly shaped taper of the head of the bolt, such that the respective surfaces are able abut.

13. The fixing device for a wear plate in accordance with claim 11, wherein the taper of the aperture is formed by an annular insert having an outwardly facing tapered surface, wherein the annular insert being fixable within a generally cylindrical hole that extends through the wear plate.

14. The fixing device for a wear plate in accordance with claim 11, wherein the head of the bolt includes an outer end comprising a generally disc-shaped planar surface.

15. The fixing device for a wear plate in accordance with claim 14, wherein the outer planar surface of the head includes at least two depressions or recesses for engagement with a tool for rotation of the bolt.

16. The fixing device for a wear plate in accordance with any one of the above claims, wherein the head of the bolt is constructed from, or coated in, the same material or a material that has similar wear-resistant properties to that from which the wear plate is constructed.

17. The fixing device for a wear plate in accordance with any one of the above claims, wherein the support member is plate metal.

18. The fixing device for a wear plate in accordance with claim 14, wherein the outer planar surface of the bolt is aligned with, or adjacent and parallel, an outer planar surface of the wear plate.

19. A method of attaching a wear plate to a support member, including the steps of: providing a fixing device in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 18; positioning the resiliently deformable insert through a hole in a support member; positioning a wear plate over the support member, wherein an aperture through the wear plate aligns with a hole in the support member; inserting the threaded shaft of the bolt through the aperture in the wear plate and into the passageway of the resiliently deformable insert; engaging the end of the threaded shaft with the nut retained within the resiliently deformable insert; and tightening the bolt relative to the nut, wherein the resiliently deformable insert is moved from an extended arrangement into a compressed arrangement, such that a portion of the resiliently deformable insert bears against a rear surface of the support member, whereby the wear plate is fixed in place relative to the support member. The method of attaching a wear plate to a support member in accordance with claim 19, further including the steps of: cutting or drilling the aperture through the wear plate; and/or cutting or drilling the hole through the support member.

20. The method of attaching a wear plate to a support member in accordance with claim 19, further including the preliminary steps of: cutting or drilling the aperture through the wear plate; and/or cutting or drilling the hole through the support member.