BE1022982B1 - TOOTH ASSEMBLY AND ADAPTER, LATCH SYSTEM - Google Patents

Abstract

A locking system arranged to erode a tine on an adapter of an earthmoving machine, wherein the locking system co-creates a one-piece base bar having a central bar and two end portions positioned on opposite sides of the bar center, at least one end portion is configured to engage a tool for inserting the locking system into and / or removing the tooth-adapter assembly along the longitudinal direction, wherein at least one end portion is provided with an engaging member which is configured to position the tool on the end portion.

Description

The invention relates to a locking system for a tooth and adapter assembly for use, for example, on earth-moving machines.

An earthmoving machine such as an excavator or a knife suction dredge may include a number of teeth. In use, the teeth engage in the ground, and depending on the type of soil, are more or less subject to rapid wear. When the teeth are worn, they can be replaced. In order to replace the tooth on an earthmoving machine, the tooth can be removably mounted on an adapter itself removable, which adapter is mounted on the earthmoving machine. A locking system, for example a locking pin, can be used to lock the tooth on the adapter. Since the earthmover is stopped and not working, during the replacement of the teeth, it is preferably effected effectively in terms of time. Teeth replacement can also be done manually and can be dangerous for operators or equipment because of relatively heavy equipment or work or even atmospheric conditions on the job site.

An object of the invention may be to provide an improved locking system which could be used safely and / or which could reduce the time of tooth replacement.

An aspect of the invention can then be a locking system according to claim 1.

By providing a locking system in which at least one end portion is provided with an engagement member for engagement with a tool, it becomes relatively safe and reliable to introduce the locking system into the tooth-adapter assembly. By providing a tool that can cooperate with the engagement member, a safe and reliable hammerless system can be provided to introduce the locking system into the tooth-adapter assembly. By providing a hammer-free system, the safety of on-site workers who change locking systems can be improved. The lifetime of the equipment can also be increased because of the controlled cooperation via the commitment element.

In one embodiment, the engagement member extends in the longitudinal direction of the locking system so that the engagement member can provide guidance to the tool when the tool engages the commitment element. Because it extends in the longitudinal direction, the tool can be better aligned with the locking system so that the force applied by the tool can be transmitted more effectively to the locking system.

In one embodiment, the engagement member may extend inwardly relative to the locking system so that the engagement member may have a recess relative to the end portion of the locking system.

In another embodiment, the engagement member may extend outwardly relative to the locking system so that the engagement member may have a protrusion with respect to the end portion of the locking system. .

In another embodiment, the base bar of the locking system may be provided with a stop to retain the elastic member between the base bar and the resilient piece. By providing such a stop, the elastic element can be retained inside the locking system even if the locking system was to be subjected to relatively significant loads. The abutment on the basic bar can be considered as an invention on its own. Other advantageous embodiments are shown in the subclaims.

Embodiments of the invention are related to a tooth and adapter assembly, an earthmover, an assembly of a locking system, a tool for the locking system, and a method for locking a tooth to an adapter and unlock it.

In one embodiment, the locking system may be used in a crushing machine or roll crushing machine and / or for other size reduction machines. The invention will be explained further on the basis of exemplary embodiments which are shown in the drawings. The exemplary embodiments are provided by way of non-limiting illustration of the invention.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 shows an exploded schematic perspective view of a tooth-adapter assembly with a locking system;

Figure 2 shows an exploded schematic perspective view of a locking system;

Figure 3 shows a schematic front view of the locking system of Figure 2;

Figure 4 shows a schematic rear view of the locking system of Figure 2;

Figure 5 shows a schematic side view of the locking system of Figure 2;

Figure 6 shows a schematic cross section along the line A-A of the locking system of Figure 2;

Figure 7 shows various embodiments of an engagement member in an end portion of the locking system;

Figure 8a shows a schematic perspective view of a tooth;

Figure 8b shows a schematic front view of the tooth of Figure 8a;

Figure 8c shows a cross-section along the line B-B in Figure 8b;

Fig. 9 shows a schematic detail of a tooth on an adapter showing a locking channel;

Figure 10 shows an exploded schematic perspective view of a tooth-adapter assembly, a locking system and a tool;

Figure 11a shows a schematic perspective view of a tool introducing the locking system into the locking channel;

Fig. 11b shows a schematic perspective view of a tool removing the lock channel locking system; and

Figure 12 shows a schematic perspective view of a maintenance tool for the locking system.

It should be noted that the figures are only schematic representations of embodiments of the invention which are provided by way of non-limiting examples. In the figures, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals.

FIG. 1 shows an exploded schematic perspective view of a tooth-adapter assembly 1 and a locking system 2. The tooth-adapter assembly 1 comprises a tooth 3 which is arranged to be coupled to an adapter 4. The tooth-adapter assembly 1 can be mounted on an earth moving machine such as an excavator or a knife drag, etc., or can be mounted for example on a crushing machine. Such an earthmoving machine typically comprises multiple tooth-adapter assemblies 1. For example on a dragger knife, there may be multiple tooth-adapter assemblies 1 which may be circumferentially disposed on the dragger knife. In use, the dredge knife is rotatable and during rotation, the teeth 3 mounted on the tooth-adapter 1 sets of dredge knives may engage the ground. For example on an excavator, there may be multiple tooth-adapter assemblies 1 which may be arranged in a straight line and / or circumferentially and / or helically on the excavator.

Since the teeth 3 may come into contact with the ground, they may be subject to wear or tear or abrasion. Depending on the type of soil in which the teeth 3 engage, the life of the teeth 3 can be relatively short, ranging from a few hours to a few days. In operation, the teeth 3 may often have to be replaced or repaired. Therefore, the teeth 3 are coupled to an adapter on the earthmoving machine for removal and / or replacement purposes.

The tooth 3 of the tooth-adapter assembly 1 can be removably coupled to the adapter 4. The adapter 4 can be provided for this purpose with an adapter mounting surface 41 and the tooth 3 can be provided. for this purpose a tooth mounting surface 31. The tooth mounting surface 31 is not visible in FIG. 1, but is provided on a lower side and an inner side of the tooth 3 so that when the tooth 3 is mounted on the adapter 4, the surface The tooth mounting 31 faces the mounting surface 41 of the adapter. In one embodiment, the tooth mounting surface 31 can cooperate with the mounting surface 41 of the adapter to allow firm coupling. In another embodiment, the tooth mounting surface 31 may remain at a small distance from the adapter mounting surface 41, even in the coupled state. Numerous variations are possible, for example depending on the design of the tooth mounting surface and / or the adapter mounting surface.

In addition, the tooth 3 may comprise a tooth locking portion 32 and the adapter 4 may comprise an adapter locking portion 42 which, when the tooth 3 is mounted on the adapter 4, form a locking channel in which which the locking system 2 can be accommodated. In Figure 1, the locking portion 42 of the adapter is not visible but is somewhat on a rear side blocked in the view in Figure 1.

The tooth 3 can be locked to the adapter 4 by means of a locking system 2. The locking system 2 is arranged to be introduced into the locking channel formed by the tooth 3 when it is positioned on the adapter 4 By inserting the locking system 2 into the locking channel, the tooth 3 is securely locked to the adapter 4 preventing removal of the tooth from the adapter during use.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a locking system 2. The locking system 2 comprises a one-piece base bar 5 having a central portion 6 and two end portions 7a, 7b positioned on opposite sides of the central portion 6 viewed in a longitudinal direction X of the locking system 2. At least one end portion 7a, 7b is configured to engage a tool for introducing and / or removing the locking system. locking 2 of a tooth-adapter assembly 1.

In addition, the locking system 2 comprises a resilient piece 8 which can be coupled to the central portion 6. For example, the resilient piece 8 may comprise an elastic member which is compressible in at least one direction transverse to the longitudinal direction X, for example in the Y direction or Z direction as shown in Figure 2. In the example of Figure 2, X, Y and Z are three axes of an orthogonal coordinate system.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2, there is further provided a front piece 9 which, once put in place, can enclose the resilient piece 8 between the central part 6 of the base bar 5 and the front piece 9. The front piece 9 may provide additional protection for the resilient portion 8 during use. In other embodiments, the front piece may be omitted and the locking system may include a base bar with a resilient piece.

The resilient portion 8 may be an elastic member, for example a polyurethane member, as shown in Figure 2. The resilient portion may also be provided in another compressible elastic material. The resilient portion 8 may also be made differently, for example the resilient portion may be a spring member comprising a coil spring or a torsion spring or a leaf spring, or it may be a piston-cylinder member such as for example a hydraulic cylinder. Many variations of the resilient portion are conceivable.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the base bar 5 is provided with grooves 10a, 10b on opposite sides of the central portion 6. The resilient portion 8 may be inserted into the grooves 10a, 10b as well as the front piece 9 covering the resilient portion 8. The front piece 9 is provided here with grooves 11a, 11b corresponding to the grooves 10a, 10b so that the front piece 9 fits in the grooves 10a, 10b of the base bar 5. In addition, the front piece 9 comprises an upper flange 12 which, in use, extends above the resilient portion 8. It can be seen in the cross section of FIG. 6. The upper flange 12 can then protect the resilient portion 8 of a contact for example with the tooth and / or the adapter. The front piece 9 can be made to translate in the grooves 10a, 10b and can be moved downwards against the resilient force of the resilient portion 8 and / or can be pushed upwards by the resilience force of the resilient part 8.

In one embodiment, the central portion 6 of the base bar 5 is provided with a stop 13 for retaining the resilient portion 8. By providing the stop 13, the resilient portion 8 can be prevented from being pushed downwardly. through the base bar 5 and can exit the base bar 5 on a lower side. In practice, the compressive forces on the resilient portion 8 can be so high that the resilient portion 8 can be expelled from the base bar 5. Thus by providing the stop 13, the resilient portion 8 can then be retained on the bar of base 5 so that the function of the locking system 2 can be maintained even during high forces.

In this embodiment, the stop 13 is provided as a rib extending along the length of the central portion 6. In another embodiment, the stop 13 may be provided as a number of protuberances against which the resilient portion 8 can stumble. Many variations of the abutment are possible, for example the stop may have a length shorter than the length of the central portion or may comprise different discrete protuberances.

In addition, the base bar 5 may be provided with retainers 14 to retain the resilient portion 8 in an upward direction. The retaining elements 14 are made here as hooks behind and / or below which a flange 15 of the resilient portion 8 can be arranged. The retaining elements may also be made differently, for example as a ridge or rib or flange extending in whole or in part along the length of the central portion 6 or as multiple hook elements, etc. Many variations are possible.

The flange 15 of the resilient portion 8 can abut against the abutment rib 13 of the base bar 5. As can be seen in the cross-section of FIG. 6, the flange 15 of the resilient portion 8 can then be retained between the abutment rib 13 on a lower side and between the retaining members 14 on an upper side.

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 respectively show a schematic front and rear view of the locking system 2. In FIGS. 3 and 4, it can be seen that the upper flange 12 of the front piece 9 extends over the base bar 5 and above the resilient portion 8 and may as such be in contact with the locking channel. As can be seen in the back view of Fig. 4, a rear side 5r is provided with at least one chamfered edge 16 on a lower side thereof.

The chamfered edge 16 abuts in operation against an abutment surface 17 of the locking portion 32 of the tooth. The locking portion 32 of the tooth is shown in Figures 8a, 8b and 8c. The locking portion 32 of the tooth is provided with a wall portion 32a and a bottom portion 32b, the bottom portion 32b extending transversely of the wall portion 32a thereby forming a flange. The wall portion 32a and the bottom portion 32b enclose the locking channel 50 when the tooth 3 is mounted on the adapter 4, as can be seen in Figure 9. A recess 18 which is limited at the two opposite ends by the abutment surfaces 17 and 19 are provided on the tooth locking portion 32 on an upper side of the bottom portion 32b. On the cross section along the line B-B shown in Figure 8c, it can be seen that the abutment surfaces 17 and 19 are inclined with respect to the wall portion 32a. This can be advantageous when removing the locking system 2 from the locking channel 50.

The base bar 5 is provided on the lower side of the rear side 5r of an edge 20 at an end opposite to the chamfered edge 16. A protrusion 21 which, in use, can fit between the abutment surfaces 17 and 19 of the locking portion 32 can thus be formed between the edge 20 and the chamfered edge 16.

As can be seen for example in FIG. 6, in one embodiment, the resilient portion 8 can be compressible in two directions, here in the Y direction and in the Z direction. Thus, the locking system 2 can, according to this embodiment, be pressed when it is inserted into the locking channel both in the direction of the height, in the Z direction, than in the direction of the depth, in the Y direction, of the locking system. It may be advantageous during operation that the locking system 2 can expand in two directions as a result of the use of the tooth-adapter assembly 1 to securely lock the tooth 3 to the adapter 4 also during continuous operation.

In this embodiment, the resilient portion 8 as well as the front piece 9 are translational relative to the base bar 5 to be adaptable to the compressive forces during use.

In one aspect of the invention, the locking system 2 may be provided with an engagement member 22 which is configured to position the tool on the end portion 7a of the base bar 5 so that the tool enters into position. taken with the end portion for transmitting forces to the base bar 5. The engagement member 22 is configured to engage a tool and may have various shapes. In one aspect of the invention, the engagement member 22 extends in the longitudinal direction, i.e. the direction along the X axis, of the base bar 5. Advantageously , the tool can then transmit forces to the base bar 5 in the longitudinal direction thereof, which corresponds to the direction of insertion and / or removal of the base bar 5 in and / or out of the locking channel 50.

In the embodiment of Figure 2, as can be seen in Figure 3 and Figure 4, the engagement member 22 extends inwardly relative to the end portion 7a thus forming a recess in the end part 7a. The tool can then be provided for example with a protuberance or other tooling element that can fit in the recess 22. By extending the engagement element 22 in the longitudinal direction, the element engagement can provide some guidance to the tool and can thus facilitate the transmission of force to the basic bar.

In another embodiment, the engagement member 22 extends outside of the end portion 7a of the base bar 5, thereby forming a protuberance with respect to the end portion 7a. The tool can then comprise a tooling element that can fit and / or tighten and / or cooperate around the protrusion to transmit forces to the base bar 5. Here too, by extending the element of commitment, it is possible to provide some guidance to the tool to cooperate with the engagement element.

Many variations of the engagement member 22 are possible, some of which are shown in Fig. 7. There are many forms of the cross section of the engagement member, for example circular (Fig. 7a, 7b). or square (Figure 7c) or hexagonal (Figure 7d) or octagonal or triangular, etc. Many forms of a recess, also as protuberances, are also possible, for example cylindrical (Figure 7a, Figure 7e), conical (Figure 7b), columnar (Figure 7c, 7d), pyramidal, spherical, etc. Special shapes and / or profiles may make it easier for the tool to align with the base bar and / or effectively transmit forces to the base bar. The length of the engagement member, i.e. the depth of the recess or the length of the protuberance, may be at least 5 mm to provide firm cooperation with the tool. In one embodiment, the length of the engagement member may be between about 5 mm and about 25 mm. On the one hand, a firm cooperation can be provided, while on the other hand, the engagement element can be sufficiently robust, resistant for example to damage during use.

In another embodiment, the engagement member 22 may be a magnet or a magnetic member which in cooperation with a magnet or a magnetic element or a current of the tool may cooperate with the tool during insertion and / or the removal of the locking system. For example, the magnet may be an electromagnet that can be electrified by current supplied by the tool. By using magnetic coupling, a relatively large area of the end portion 7a can be used to abut the tool against it and thus allow relatively effective force transfer to the base bar. The magnetic elements can then be used to couple the tool to the locking system, while the tool can exert a force on the locking system mechanically and / or hydraulically and / or pneumatically.

In one embodiment, the locking system can be made from magnetizable metal so that when the magnetic engagement member is electrified, the entire locking system can be magnetized. Alternatively, the magnetic engagement member may be protected from the rest of the locking system by positioning a magnetic shield around the magnetic element. In one embodiment, the magnetic element may be positioned within the lateral portion 7a of the locking system 2, in another embodiment it may be positioned on the outer side, for example as a protrusion of the lateral part 7a. Many variations are possible. In one embodiment, the magnetic system may be produced from non-ferrous materials so that the engagement member may be provided in or on the side portion in the absence of a magnetic shield. In another embodiment, a magnetic shield may be provided for the non-ferrous locking system to protect the tooth and / or the magnetic force adapter.

In use, the locking system 2 is inserted into the locking channel 50 by a tool 23. The tool 23 may be, for example, a pneumatic hammer or a compressed air pistol or any other tool capable of exerting a force in the longitudinal direction of the basic bar. In one embodiment, the tool 23 is provided with an auxiliary part 24, also referred to as a tool element 24 in the context of this disclosure. The auxiliary piece 24 may be a guide pin or any other piece of equipment that is configured at one end 24a to be mounted on the tool 23 and which is configured at an opposite end 24b to engage the die member. In one embodiment, the end 24b is adapted to correspond to the engagement member 22, for example to fit into the recess or to engage around a protuberance or may be a magnetic element for cooperating with the end portion 7a. The tool 23 engages with the engagement member 22 of the locking system 2 and pushes the locking system 2 into the locking channel 50 produced by the tooth locking portion 32 and the locking portion 42 of the locking device 32. adapter, see Figure 11a. Due to the abutment surface 17 on the locking portion 32 and the chamfered surface 16 on the base bar 5, "stopping" or "clicking" is felt when the chamfered surface 16 abuts against the abutment surface 17. The person holding the tool 23 feels this 'click' or 'stop' and can then know that the locking system 2 can fit in the locking channel because the protrusion 21 fits in the recess 18. When the locking system 2 is removed from the locking channel, the tool 23 is engaged with the engagement member 22 and can begin to exert a force on the locking system 2, see FIG. 11b. First, the locking system 2 can be pushed onto the abutment surface 17 to disengage the protuberance 21 from the recess 18, which can be done relatively easily because of the chamfered surface 16. locking 2 is pushed further out of the locking channel and is received at the other end of the locking channel in a receiving basket held temporarily there to receive the outgoing locking system.

In addition, a maintenance tool 25 can be provided for the locking system 2. Because of the modularity of the locking system 2 comprising a base bar 5, a resilient portion 8 and, in some embodiments, a front piece 9, these components can, for maintenance purposes, be uncoupled from one another with the maintenance tool 25. Then, the components can be cleaned, repaired and / or replaced and can be re-coupled to form the system of maintenance. lock 2 with tool 25.

A locking system arranged to lock a tooth on an earthmover adapter, wherein the locking system comprises a one-piece base bar having a center bar and two end portions positioned on opposite sides of the bar at least one end portion is configured to engage a tool to introduce the locking system into and / or remove the tooth-adapter assembly along the longitudinal direction, wherein at least a terminal portion is provided with an engagement member which is configured to position the tool on the end portion. For the sake of clarity and brevity of the description, the features are described herein as part of the same or different embodiments, but it should be understood that the scope of the invention may include embodiment having combinations of all or some of the features described.

Many variants will appear to the skilled person. The invention is explained by means of embodiments in which a front piece is provided to the locking system. However, locking systems without a front part can also be provided with an engagement element. For the person skilled in the art, it is clear that the invention is not limited thereto. Other applications may also be possible, for example applications such as crushing. All variants are understood to fall within the scope of the invention defined in the following claims.

Claims (18)

claims A locking system arranged to lock a tooth on an earthmover adapter, wherein the locking system comprises a one-piece base bar having a central portion and two end portions positioned on opposite sides of a the central portion in a longitudinal direction of the locking system, of which at least one end portion is configured to engage with a tool to introduce the locking system into and / or remove the tooth-adapter assembly therefrom; the longitudinal direction, further comprising a resilient portion engageable with the central bar, wherein at least one end portion is provided with an engagement member which is configured to position the tool on the end portion so that the tool engages the end portion to transmit forces to the base bar. The locking system of claim 1, wherein the engagement member extends in the longitudinal direction of the locking system to provide guidance for the tool engaging the engagement member. The locking system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the engagement member extends within the end portion into a recess. Locking system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the engagement element extends outside the end portion into a protuberance. Locking system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a length of the longitudinal locking engagement member of the locking system is at least about 5 mm. The locking system of claim 5, wherein the length of the engagement member is between about 5 mm and about 25 mm. A locking system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the resilient portion comprises an elastic member which is compressible in at least one direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the locking system. The locking system of claim 7, wherein the resilient portion is detachably coupled to the base bar. The locking system of claim 7 or 8 wherein the base bar is further provided with a stop for retaining the resilient portion. A locking system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the resilient portion is translationally prone in a second direction transverse to a longitudinal direction of the locking system. A tooth and adapter assembly for use on an earthmover, comprising a tooth having a tooth mounting surface and an adapter having an adapter mounting surface corresponding to the tooth mounting surface so that in use, the tooth mounting surface faces the adapter mounting surface, wherein the tooth further comprises a tooth lock portion and the adapter further comprises an adapter lock portion such that The tooth locking portion and the adapter locking portion form a locking channel arranged to receive a locking system according to any one of claims 1 - 10. An earthmoving machine comprising a planar area or comprising a plurality of cavities or protuberances which are configured to receive an adapter of the tooth and adapter assembly according to claim 11, wherein the tooth is locked to the adapter by a system. locking device according to any of claims 1 - 10. An assembly of a locking system and a tool for introducing and / or removing the locking system from a tooth and adapter assembly, further comprising an auxiliary part which is configured at one end to be mounted on the tool and is configured at an opposite end to engage the engagement member of the locking system. 14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the tool exerts, in use, a pulsating force on the end portion of the locking system for introducing and / or removing the locking system. 15. The assembly of claim 14, wherein the tool is arranged to apply a force by means of compressed air. 16. An assembly of a locking system and a tooth, wherein the tooth is configured to be mounted on an adapter and wherein the locking system is a locking system according to any one of claims 1 - 10. A method of locking a tooth on an adapter for use on an earth moving machine, comprising mounting the tooth on the adapter, positioning the locking system at least in part in a locking channel produced by the assembly of the tooth and the adapter, bringing a tool into contact with the locking system engaging member, applying a pushing and / or pulsating force to the locking system to introduce the locking system. locking in the locking channel until the locking system is adjusted in the channel. A method for unlocking a tooth of an adapter for use on an earthmoving machine, comprising contacting a tool with the locking system engaging member, applying a thrust force, and or pulsed to the locking system to extract the locking system out of the locking channel until the locking system is released from the locking channel.