CN107592892B

CN107592892B - Clamp for tool holding system

Info

Publication number: CN107592892B
Application number: CN201680027235.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: P·J·库恩茨
Original assignee: Caterpillar Inc
Current assignee: Caterpillar Inc
Priority date: 2015-04-17
Filing date: 2016-03-31
Publication date: 2020-07-14
Anticipated expiration: 2036-03-31
Also published as: US20160305095A1; CN107592892A; BR112017021900B1; BR112017021900A2; RU2700136C2; RU2017138109A; WO2016167978A1; ZA201707263B; RU2017138109A3; CL2017002556A1

Abstract

A clamp (52) for a retention system (50) is configured to clamp a tool (26, 28, 30) to a work implement (10). The clip includes a first side (70) and a second side (72) opposite the first side. The second side includes a first clamp arm (82) extending from the second side, a second clamp arm (82) extending from the second side, and an intermediate surface (90) extending between the first clamp arm and the second clamp arm. The intermediate surface includes a generally flat surface (92) closer to the first clamp arm and a generally curved surface (96) closer to the second clamp arm. The generally curved surface is curved relative to an axis (a) extending between a top end (104) and a bottom end (106) of the clamp.

Description

Clamp for tool holding system

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to a retention system and, more particularly, to a system for retaining a ground engaging tool connected to a work implement.

Background

Ground working machines, such as, for example, draglines, may be used to excavate or split the ground or rock and/or move loose material from one place to another. These machines may include buckets for excavating or moving material. The bucket may be subjected to extreme wear due to the abrasion and impacts experienced during earth working applications.

The bucket may include a lip including a plurality of noses protruding from a leading edge of the lip. The lip may also include wings at opposite sides of the lip. Various wear components may be coupled to the lip to protect the leading edge of the lip. For example, the teeth may be mounted to the noses, the lip shroud may be mounted between the noses, and the wing shroud may be mounted to the wing plate. The wear component may be releasably secured to the lip by a retaining system, such as a retaining member or locking pin system.

An example of a retention system for retaining a wear member to an adapter secured to a leading edge of a bucket is described in U.S. patent No. 7,832,129 to Briscoe (the' 129 patent). Specifically, the' 129 patent discloses a lock that includes a wedge and a generally C-shaped spool having a body and two arms. The wedge and the spool are threadably coupled together to urge the wedge into and out of the aligned openings in the wear member and adapter. Rotation of the wedge causes the wedge to press against the front of the opening in the adapter and the bending arms of the spool to press against the correspondingly bent rear of the hole in the wear member.

While the system of the' 129 patent may retain the wear member on the adapter, it may still be less than ideal. The overall C-shaped spool may not provide a sufficiently secure connection. For example, the wear member and the spool may be subject to wear and tear, which may alter the curved profile of the arms of the spool and/or the curved profile of the rear of the hole in the wear member. If the curved profiles do not match, the connection between the wear member and the adapter may loosen. Additionally, the overall C-shaped spool may not provide a sufficiently secure connection when used with other types of wedges and retention systems.

The disclosed system is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems set forth above.

Disclosure of Invention

In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a clamp for a retention system configured to clamp a tool to a work implement. The clip includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The second side includes a first clamp arm extending from the second side, a second clamp arm extending from the second side, and an intermediate surface extending between the first clamp arm and the second clamp arm. The intermediate surface includes a generally flat surface closer to the first clamp arm and a generally curved surface closer to the second clamp arm. The generally curved surface is curved relative to an axis extending between the top and bottom ends of the clamp.

In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a clamp for a retention system configured to clamp a tool to a work implement. The clip includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The second side includes a first clamp arm extending from the second side, a second clamp arm extending from the second side, and an intermediate surface extending between the first clamp arm and the second clamp arm. The intermediate surface includes a generally flat surface and a generally curved surface. The generally flat surface is located between the generally curved surface and the first clamp arm, and the generally curved surface is located between the generally flat surface and the second clamp arm. The side profile of the generally flat surface forms a line that is collinear with the side profile of the generally curved surface.

In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a retention system for clamping a tool to a work implement. The retention system includes a clamp configured to be disposed within an aperture in the work implement and an aperture in the tool to clamp the tool to the work implement. The clip includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The second side includes a generally flat surface and a generally curved surface. The generally flat surface is configured to contact a surface of an aperture in the tool, and the generally curved surface is curved relative to an axis extending between a top end and a bottom end of the clamp. The retention system also includes a wedge assembly located between the first side of the clamp and a surface of an aperture in the work implement. The wedge assembly is adjustably positionable relative to the clamp.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bucket including a lip, a lip shroud, a wing shroud, and a retention system according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the lip, lip cover, wing cover and retention system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a retention system of FIG. 1 attaching a lip cover to a lip;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the clip of the retention system positioned on the lip shroud and lip of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the clamp of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the clamp of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp of FIG. 4 taken along line A-A of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp of FIG. 4 taken along line B-B of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the wedge of the retention system of FIG. 3;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the wedge and fastener of the retention system of FIG. 3;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the wedge and fastener of the retention system of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the fastener of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the fastener of FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the wedge, fastener and cover of the retention system of FIG. 3;

FIG. 15 is a top view of the wedge and cover of FIG. 14;

FIGS. 16 and 17 are perspective views of the closed and open ends, respectively, of the cap of FIG. 14;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the cover of FIG. 14; and

fig. 19 is a bottom view of the cover of fig. 14.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

An exemplary embodiment of a work implement (e.g., a machine bucket 10) is illustrated in fig. 1. In an exemplary embodiment, the bucket 10 is attachable to a dragline (not shown) configured to remove material, such as earthen material, with the bucket 10. The dragline can manipulate the bucket 10 by utilizing a hoist mechanism (not shown) and a traction mechanism (not shown) controlled by an operator in the dragline nacelle (not shown). Alternatively, bucket 10 may be attached to other types of machines known in the art, such as excavators or other earth working machines. As another alternative, the work implement may implement any device for performing a task assigned to the machine.

Bucket 10 may include a body 12, which may be a box-like structure having an open top through which material may enter body 12, and an open front 14. The body 12 may include side walls 16 connected by a cross member 18. The bucket 10 may include one or more attachment mechanisms 20, such as one or more brackets, for attachment to a chain or cable for manipulating the bucket 10. For example, the beam 18 may include one or more connections 20 for connecting to one or more chains associated with the hoisting mechanism, and the side wall 16 may include one or more connections 20 for connecting to one or more chains for the traction mechanism.

The bucket 10 may include a wear assembly 22 attached to the body 12 of the bucket 10, such as by welding, and be replaceable. The wear assembly 22 may include a lip 24 and one or more Ground Engaging Tools (GET) attached to the lip 24, such as one or more lip shrouds 26, one or more wing shrouds 28, and/or a plurality of teeth 30.

Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the wear assembly 22, except for the teeth 30, according to an exemplary embodiment. The lip 24 may also include one or more noses that project forward from a leading edge of the lip 24, and the teeth 30 may be attached to the noses directly or indirectly (e.g., via an adapter or coupling). In one embodiment, the teeth 30 may be a two-piece component that includes a tip that may be connected to an adapter, such as by welding, a coupler, or other retention system. The adapters may be removably connected to the respective noses via locking pins or other retention systems, such as the retention systems described below. Alternatively, the GET (e.g., lip shroud 26, wing shroud 28, and/or teeth 30) may take any form known in the art, such as, for example, a one-piece or multi-piece component that is removably connected to the nose, such as a fork or other multi-point configuration, a chisel or blade configuration, a butt-end configuration, or other single-point configuration.

The terms "front" and "rear" refer herein to the relative positions of the components of the exemplary wear assembly 22. As used herein, "front" refers to a side of the wear assembly 22, such as the tip of the nose closer to the lip 24 and/or the tooth 30 connected to the nose. Conversely, "rear" refers to the side opposite the front side of the wear assembly 22. The rear side of the wear assembly 22 may be the side that is connected to the body 12 of the bucket 10 when the wear assembly 22 is attached to the body 12.

Lip shroud 26 and wing shroud 28 may protect the leading edge of lip 24. A lip shroud 26 may be mounted on the lip 24 between the noses, and a wing shroud 28 may be mounted on a wing portion of the lip 24 that extends upwardly (e.g., perpendicularly or at a generally upward angle) relative to the central plate portion. As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the wear assembly 22 may include five teeth 30 spaced along the length of the lip 24, four lip shrouds 26 located between adjacent teeth 30, and two wing shrouds 28. Each of the teeth 30, lip shroud 26, and wing shroud 28 are replaceable and designed to protect different portions of the lip 24 from wear. Alternatively, other numbers of teeth 30, lip shrouds 26, and wing shrouds 28 may be provided depending on the application.

Each of the lip shroud 26 and the wing shroud 28 may include a leading edge portion that hooks over a leading edge of the lip 24. Each of the lip shroud 26 and the wing shroud 28 may also include a mounting portion 32 configured to receive a retention system 50 for removably clamping or attaching the respective lip shroud 26, wing shroud 28, or other GET to the lip 24 or other portion of the work implement.

Fig. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a retention system 50 for attaching one lip shroud 26 to the lip 24. The retention system 50 for retaining the wing cover 28 or other GET or other portion of the work implement on the lip 24 may be similar or identical to the retention system 50 for retaining the lip cover 26 on the lip 24. It should be understood that the disclosed embodiments of the retention system 50 may also be used to retain other GETs or other portions of a work implement on the wing cover 28 or lip 24 in a similar or identical manner.

The mounting portion 32 of the lip shroud 26 may include one or more apertures 34 and a bottom surface 36, which may be generally planar. The aperture 34 may receive a retention system 50 that may contact the rear surface 38 of the aperture 34, as will be described below. The retention system 50 may form a void relative to the front surface of the aperture 34. While the disclosed embodiment of the lip shroud 26 includes a single aperture 34, it should be understood that the lip shroud 26, wing shroud 28, or other GET may include a plurality of apertures 34 for receiving a corresponding number of retention systems 50. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, two retention systems 50 may be provided to retain each wing cover 28 on the lip 24.

The lip 24 may include one or more generally planar mounting surfaces 40 at least partially surrounding one or more apertures 42. The apertures 42 in the lip 24 may be aligned with the apertures 34 in the lip shroud 26, the wing shroud 28, and/or other GETs positioned on the lip 24. As shown in fig. 2, the lip 24 may include four apertures 42 configured to receive four retention systems 50 for attaching four lip shrouds 26 to the lip 24, and two pairs of apertures 42 configured to receive two pairs of retention systems 50 (one wing shroud 28 attached to each pair). When the lip shroud 26 is positioned on the lip 24, the generally flat bottom surface 36 of the mounting portion 32 of the lip shroud 26 may be supported by the generally flat mounting surface 40 of the lip 24, and the apertures 34 in the lip shroud 26 may be aligned with the corresponding apertures 42 in the lip 24. The aperture 42 in the lip 24 may also receive a retention system 50 that may contact the front surface 44 of the aperture 42 and may form a void relative to the rear surface 46 of the aperture 42, as will be described below.

In an embodiment, the retention system 50 may include a clamp 52 and a wedge assembly. The wedge assembly may include a wedge 54, a slider 56, a fastener 58, and a cover 60. The wedge assembly may be located between the clamp 52 and the front surface 44 of the aperture 42 in the lip 24. The wedge assembly is adjustably positionable relative to the clamp 52 as will be described below.

Fig. 4 to 8 show an exemplary embodiment of the clamp 52. FIG. 4 shows the clamp 52 positioned in the aligned

apertures

34 and 42 prior to insertion of the wedge assembly. The fixture 52 may include a front side 70 and a rear side 72 opposite the front side 70. The clamp 52 may also include a top end 74 and a bottom end 76 opposite the top end 74. The front side 70 of the clamp 52 may include a ramp 78 and a plurality of grooves 80 configured to engage the slider 56. The top end 74 of the clamp 52 may include a bail 84 configured to facilitate lifting using a crane or other lifting device or by hand for installation and removal of the clamp 52.

The clamp 52 may be generally C-shaped, and the rear side 72 of the clamp 52 may include a pair of clamping arms 82 extending rearwardly from the rear side 72. As shown in fig. 3 and 4, one of the clamp arms 82 (e.g., the clamp arm closer to the top end 74) may include a first inner surface 86, and the other clamp arm 82 (e.g., the clamp arm closer to the bottom end 76) may include a second inner surface 88 facing the first inner surface 86. First inner surface 86 may be configured to face the top surface of lip shroud 26 and second inner surface 88 may be configured to contact lip 24.

A third inner (intermediate) surface 90 may extend between the first inner surface 86 and the second inner surface 88. The third inner surface 90 may include a generally flat surface 92 disposed between two generally curved edge surfaces 94 extending in a top-to-bottom direction of the clamp 52. Fig. 7 shows a cross-section of the clamp 52 illustrating the profile of the generally flat surface 92 disposed between the generally curved edge surfaces 94.

The third inner surface 90 may also include a generally curved surface 96 that may be closer to the bottom end 76 (and the clamping arm 82 with the second inner surface 88) than the generally flat surface 92 and the generally curved edge surface 94. A generally curved surface 96 may be located between the generally flat surface 92 and the clamping arm 82 having the second inner surface 88. The generally flat surface 92 and the generally curved edge surface 94 may be closer to the apex 74 (and the clamping arm 82 having the first inner surface 86) than the generally curved surface 96. The generally flat surface 92 and the generally curved edge surface 94 may be located between the generally curved surface 96 and the clamp arm 82 having the first inner surface 86.

Fig. 8 shows a cross-section of the clip 52 illustrating the profile of the generally curved surface 96, the generally curved surface 96 may be curved relative to an axis extending between the top end 74 and the bottom end 76 of the clip 52 (extending into the page in fig. 8), the generally curved surface 96 may have a generally constant radius of curvature along the axis, in an embodiment, the generally flat surface 92 may have a length L1 (fig. 5) along the top-bottom direction of about 20 millimeters to about 60 millimeters (e.g., about 40 millimeters), which may be measured between the first inner surface 86 and a point where the generally flat surface 92 and the generally curved surface 96 intersect, in an embodiment, the generally flat surface may have a width W1 (fig. 5) of about 13 millimeters to about 41 millimeters (e.g., about 27 millimeters), in an embodiment, the generally curved surface 96 may have a length L2 (fig. 5) of about 36 millimeters to about 110 millimeters (e.g., about 73 millimeters), which may be measured between the point on the second inner surface 88 and the point where the generally flat surface 92 and the generally curved surface 96 intersect.

The generally curved edge surface 94 may also be curved relative to a respective axis extending between the top end 74 and the bottom end 76 of the clamp 52 (into the page in fig. 7). The generally curved edge surfaces 94 form curved corners of the clamp 52 on generally opposite sides of the planar surface 92. The first inner surface 86 may be generally perpendicular to the generally planar surface 92, and the second inner surface 88 may be sloped upward toward the front of the clamp 52. Thus, the second inner surface 88 may be sloped toward the first inner surface 86.

As shown in fig. 6, the side profile of the third inner surface 90 may include a side profile of the generally flat surface 92 that forms a line that is collinear with a side profile of the generally curved surface 96. The clamp 52 may taper toward the tip 74, and the ramp 78 on the front side 70 of the clamp 52 may be inclined relative to the side profile of the third inner surface 90.

As shown in fig. 3 and 4, when the lip shroud 26 is positioned on the lip 24, the generally flat surface 92 may be configured to contact the rear surface 38 (which may also be generally flat) of the aperture 34 in the lip shroud 26, and the generally curved surface 96 may be configured to face the rear surface 46 (which may also be generally curved) of the aperture 42 in the lip 24. A void or gap may be formed between the generally curved surface 96 of the clamp 52 and the generally curved rear surface 46 of the aperture 42. In embodiments, the voids may be radial voids of less than about 15 millimeters (e.g., about 1 millimeter to about 10 millimeters (e.g., about 10 millimeters)).

As shown in fig. 3, a wedge assembly (e.g., including the wedge 54, the slider 56, the fastener 58, and the cover 60) may be located between the front side 70 of the clamp 52 and the front surface 44 of the aperture 42 of the lip 24.

Fig. 9-11 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the wedge 54 of the wedge assembly. The wedge 54 includes a front side 100 and a rear side 102 opposite the front side 100. The wedge 54 may also include a top end 104 and a bottom end 106 (FIG. 3) opposite the top end 104. The wedge 54 may include a recess 108 in the rear side 102, and the recess 108 may extend along the axis a. Axis a may extend between top end 104 and bottom end 106.

The wedge 54 may include an annular protrusion 110 that extends into the recess 108. Annular protrusion 110 may include a ramp 112 inclined at an angle X1 (fig. 10) relative to axis a. In embodiments, the angle X1 may be an acute angle, such as less than 90 degrees, between about 40 degrees to about 80 degrees, or about 60 degrees.

As shown in fig. 9, the tip 104 of the wedge 54 may include a notch 114 connected to the recess 108 and extending away from the recess 108. The recess 114 may be formed with sidewalls 116. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 3, the top end 104 of the clamp 54 may include an eye 118 configured to facilitate lifting using a crane or other lifting device or by hand for installation and removal of the wedge 54.

Referring back to FIG. 3, the slider 56 may be at least partially disposed in a recess 108 in the wedge 54. The slider 56 may include teeth 120 that engage the grooves 80 on the front side 70 of the clamp 52.

The slider 56 may also include a through hole 122 having threads that engage the threads on the fastener 58, and the fastener 58 may be rotatable to move the slider 56 along the fastener 58 and along the axis A of the wedge 54, thereby adjusting the position of the wedge 54 relative to the clamp 52.

Fig. 10-14 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a fastener 58. The fastener 58 may be disposed within a recess 108 in the wedge 54 and may be rotatable relative to the wedge 54. Additionally, the fastener 58 may be configured to adjust the position of the wedge 54 relative to the clamp 52, as will be described below.

The fastener 58 may include a head 130 on a top end and a threaded shaft 132 on a bottom end opposite the top end. The threaded rod 132 may be threadably engaged with threads in the through bore 122 of the slider 56, and may also have an axis that is generally collinear with the axis a of the recess 108.

The head 130 may include a first collar 134 that may have a top tapered surface 136. The top tapered surface 136 may taper along the axis a toward the tip of the fastener 58. The top conical surface 136 may be inclined at an angle X2 (fig. 12) relative to the axis a. In embodiments, the angle X2 may be an acute angle, such as less than 90 degrees, between about 10 degrees to about 50 degrees, or about 30 degrees.

The first collar 134 may also have a bottom tapered surface 138 on the opposite side of the first collar 134 from the top tapered surface 136. The bottom tapered surface 138 may be configured to be supported by and rest on the sloped surface 112 in the wedge 54, as shown in fig. 10, 11, and 14. The bottom tapered surface 138 may taper along the axis a toward the bottom end of the fastener 58. The bottom tapered surface 138 and the sloped surface 112 of the wedge 54 may be disposed at the same angle relative to the axis a. The bottom tapered surface 138 may be inclined at an angle X3 (fig. 12) relative to the axis a. In embodiments, the angle X3 may be an acute angle, such as less than 90 degrees, between about 40 degrees to about 80 degrees, or about 60 degrees. In an embodiment, the bottom tapered surface 138 and the top tapered surface 136 may be separated by an angle of about 90 degrees.

The head 130 of the fastener 58 may also include an alignment feature configured to engage a corresponding alignment feature on the cap 60 to inhibit relative rotation between the head 130 and the cap 60. The alignment feature may include one or more radially extending gear teeth 140 disposed about the tip of the fastener 58. In the embodiment shown in fig. 10-14, the fastener 58 includes twelve gear teeth 140. Alternatively, another number of gear teeth 140 may be provided depending on the application. The gear teeth 140 may extend radially relative to the axis a. The gear teeth 140 may also extend from a top surface 142 on a top end of the head 130 to the first collar 134.

The top surface 142 of the head 130 may include an opening 144 that extends into the head 130. The opening 144 may include one or more sidewalls 146. In an embodiment, the opening 144 may include four side walls 146 (e.g., similar to the opening on a half-inch square drive bolt head), although it should be understood that another number of side walls 146 may be provided. Each sidewall 146 may be generally planar and may include a cavity 148. Each cavity 148 may be located near a bottom surface of the opening 144 and may be defined by a curved surface.

The head 130 may also include a second collar 150 and a cylindrical portion 152. As shown in fig. 10, the second collar 150 may include a top surface and a bottom surface extending generally perpendicularly from the axis a. A second collar 150 may be located between the first collar 134 and the threaded rod 132, and a cylindrical portion 152 may be located between the first collar 134 and the second collar 150. The first and

second collars

134, 150 may each have an outer dimension (e.g., an outer diameter) that is greater than an outer dimension of the cylindrical portion 152. The outer dimension of the first collar 134 may also be greater than the outer dimension of the second collar 150. Additionally, the outer dimension of the second collar 150 may be greater than the inner dimension of the ramps 112 of the wedges 54.

Fig. 14 to 19 show an exemplary embodiment of the cover 60. The cap 60 is removably attached to the head 130 of the fastener 58. The cover 60 may include a body 160. In the embodiment shown in fig. 14-19, the body 160 may be generally cylindrical and may have an axis that is generally collinear with the axis a. The body 160 may include a protrusion 162 extending radially away from the body 160. The protrusion 162 may be configured to extend into the notch 114 in the wedge 54.

The body 160 may also include an open end 164 and may define a hollow interior. The cap 60 may also include an end 166 that forms a closed end of the body 160. Axis a may extend between the open end 164 and the closed end of the body 160. In embodiments, the cap 60 may be formed from a resilient material and/or plastic (such as a relatively hard plastic). In embodiments, the cap 60 may be formed from a thermoplastic polyester elastomer, such as a thermoplastic polyether-ester copolymer having a nominal shore D durometer hardness in the range of about 55, or about 72, or about 55 to about 72.

The body 160 may include an alignment feature configured to engage an alignment feature on the head 130 of the fastener 58 to inhibit relative rotation between the cover 60 and the fastener 58. The alignment feature may include one or more gear teeth 168 on a generally cylindrical inner surface of the body 160. Gear teeth 168 may extend radially relative to axis a into the hollow interior and may be configured to engage gear teeth 140 on head 130 of fastener 58 to inhibit relative rotation of cap 60 and fastener 58. In the embodiment shown in fig. 14-19, the cover 60 includes twelve gear teeth 168. Alternatively, another number of gear teeth 168 may be provided depending on the application.

The cap 60 may also include a hollow interior portion 170 connected to the inner surface of the end portion 166 and extending through the hollow interior toward the open end 164 of the body 160. In the embodiment shown in fig. 14-19, the inner portion 170 may be generally cylindrical and may have an axis that is generally collinear with the axis a. Thus, the body 160 and the inner portion 170 may have generally collinear axes. The inner portion 170 may be spaced apart from the body 160 and may have a distal end configured to be inserted into the opening 144 in the head 130 of the fastener 58. The distal end of the inner portion 170 may extend outwardly from the hollow interior of the body 160.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 14-19, the distal end of the inner portion 170 may form a spherical end 172. When the distal end of the inner portion 170 is inserted into the opening 144 in the head 130 of the fastener 58, a portion of the bulbous end 172 may be at least partially disposed in the cavity 148 in the sidewall 146 of the opening 144 to help attach and secure the cap 60 to the fastener 58.

The inner portion 170 may include one or more slits 174 extending through a wall of the inner portion 170 parallel to the axis a of the body 160. A slit 174 may extend through the bulbous end 172 at the distal end of the inner portion 170. The slits 174 may allow the inner portion 170 to collapse sufficiently to allow the inner portion 170 to be inserted into the opening 144 in the head 130 of the fastener 58, and to allow the inner portion 170 to be removed from the opening 144 when the cap 60 is removed. The slit 174 may extend parallel to the axis a of the inner portion 170 along at least a majority of the length of the inner portion 170. In the embodiment shown in fig. 14-19, the inner portion 170 includes six slits 174. Alternatively, another number of slits 174 may be provided depending on the application.

The cover 60 may also include one or more disassembly features to assist in prying the cover 60 away from the head 130 of the fastener 58 during adjustment and/or removal. The detachment feature may include a first detachment feature 176 at a distal end of the protrusion 162. The first removal member 176 may include an indentation or recess formed in the distal end of the projection 162 at the open end 164. A tool (e.g., a flat head screwdriver or other pry bar) may be inserted into the notch to engage the upper edge of the notch and the handle of the tool may be pressed downward against the wedge 54. This action may generate a lifting force on the cover 60 that acts through the protrusion 162.

The detachment feature may also include a second detachment feature 178 on the top surface of the end 166. The second detachment feature 178 may include a pierceable region formed in the end 166. The pierceable region can have a thickness T2 that is less than the thickness T1 adjacent the end 166 of the pierceable region. As shown in fig. 16, the pierceable region can be formed on top of the end surface 166 as a plurality of grooves. Additionally, as shown in fig. 18, a pierceable region having a thickness T2 can be formed in an area in end 166 having a radius equal to or less than that of inner portion 170 relative to axis a. A tool (e.g., a flat head screwdriver or other pry bar) may be inserted through the pierceable region to raise on the inner surface of end surface 166. This action may generate a lifting force on the cover 60.

Industrial applicability

The disclosed tool retention system may be applicable to any work implement having removable GET such as lip covers, wing covers, and the like. Several advantages may be associated with the disclosed tool retention system. The tool retention system may exhibit improved performance.

To clamp lip shroud 26 to lip 24, a clamp 52 may be inserted into

apertures

34 and 42, as shown in FIG. 4. When the clamp 52 is positioned in the position shown in fig. 4, the first inner surface 86 of the clamping arm 82 closer to the top end 74 may face the top surface of the mounting portion 32 of the lip shroud 26, and the generally flat surface 92 of the clamp 52 may be drawn up against the generally flat rear surface 38 of the aperture 34 in the lip shroud 26. Because the respective surfaces of the clamp 52 and the lip shroud 26 are generally flat, the clamp 52 may be securely held in place within the

apertures

34 and 42 when the lip shroud 26 is clamped to the lip 24. The first inner surface 86 on the clamp arm 82 may be separated from the top surface of the mounting portion 32 of the lip shroud 26 by a gap when the lip shroud 26 is clamped to the lip 24, and the gap may decrease (e.g., such that the first inner surface 86 may contact the top surface of the mounting portion 32) when material is loaded into the bucket 10.

The generally curved surface 96 of the clamp 52 may be spaced apart from the generally curved rear surface 46 of the aperture 42 in the lip 24 by a radial clearance. This clearance may be sufficient to allow the clamp 52 to be pulled back when the fastener 58 is rotated to push the clamp 52 against the lip shroud 26 and lip 24, and small enough to allow the retention system 50 to be relatively compact. As a result, providing both the generally flat surface 92 and the generally curved surface 96 on the rear side 72 of the clip 52 (e.g., on the third inner surface 90) allows the clip 52 to maintain a relatively stable and secure positioning of the clip 52 relative to the generally flat rear surface 38 of the aperture 34 in the lip shroud 26, while also maintaining a sufficiently large clearance between the clip 52 and the generally curved rear surface 46 of the aperture 42 in the lip 24 to allow the clip 52 to be pulled back when the fastener 58 is rotated to tighten the clip 52 against the lip shroud 26 and the lip 24.

After inserting the clamp 52 into the

apertures

34 and 42, the wedge assembly may also be inserted into the

apertures

34 and 42 and positioned alongside the clamp 52 to hold the clamp 52 in place, as shown in fig. 3. The wedge assembly may be inserted with the slider 56 and fastener 58 positioned within the recess 108 of the wedge 54. The rear side 102 of the wedge 54 may face the front side 70 of the clamp 52, and the teeth 120 on the slider 56 may engage the grooves 80 on the clamp 52 when the wedge 54 is inserted into the

apertures

34 and 42. The front side 100 of the wedge 54 may contact the front surface 44 of the aperture 42 and may be generally parallel to the generally planar surface 92 of the clamp 52.

The fastener 58 can then be rotated to push the clamp 52 against the lip shroud 26 and lip 24. As the fastener 58 is rotated and the slider 56 is moved along the fastener 58, the wedge 54 is forced into the

apertures

34 and 42. The movement of the wedge 54 may correspond to a pull back force generated by the clamp 52 on the lip shroud 26 and the lip 24 such that as the wedge 54 is forced further into the

apertures

34 and 42, the clamp 52 is urged against the lip shroud 26 and the lip 24.

The fastener 58 is rotatably disposed in the wedge 54 and centered in the recess 108 by an annular protrusion 110. The bottom tapered surface 138 of the first collar 134 on the fastener 58 may contact and be supported on the ramped surface 112 of the annular protrusion 110 to maintain the fastener 58 in a centered position in the recess 108. As a result, the stress on the fastener 58 may be reduced, which may allow for higher torque on the fastener 58.

To release the connection between lip shroud 26 and lip 24, fastener 58 may be rotated in the opposite direction to move wedge 54 upward from

apertures

34 and 42. Thus, the fastener 58 may be configured to adjust the position of the wedge 54 relative to the clamp 52, and the retention system 50 may allow the lip shroud 26 to be removably coupled to the lip 24 by rotation of the fastener 58.

When the wedge assembly is removed from the

apertures

34 and 42, the fastener 58 may be rotated a sufficient amount to allow the second collar 150 on the fastener 58 to abut the bottom surface of the annular protrusion 110. The fastener 58 and slider 56 may then be raised and lowered with the wedge 54 (e.g., using the lifting ring 118).

After the desired pull-back force is achieved, the cap 60 may be attached to the head 130 of the fastener 58 to form a relatively secure fastening system. As described above, the gear teeth 168 in the cap 60 may engage the gear teeth 140 on the head 130 of the fastener 58, and the inner portion 170 of the cap 60 may be inserted into the opening 144 in the head 130 of the fastener 58. The slits 174 in the inner portion 170 may allow the inner portion 170 to collapse sufficiently to allow the inner portion 170 to be inserted into the opening 144, and portions of the bulbous end 172 may snap into place in the cavity 148 in the opening 144. As a result, the cover 60 may assist in allowing a flow of material (e.g., concrete, dust, etc.) to flow through the retention system 50 as the material is loaded or unloaded from the bucket 10. Material flow may be prevented from getting lodged in and around the head 130 of the fastener 58 (e.g., lodged in the opening 144, lodged in the recess 108, lodged in the notch 114 in the wedge 54, etc.). When the retention system 50 requires adjustment and/or removal, the cover 60 can be removed, and the material removed, such as by using a tool, the fastener 58 can be rotated, but not clean (or rarely clean) around the head 130. Additionally, snapping the bulbous end 172 into the cavity 148 in the opening 144 may provide a relatively secure and removable connection between the cap 60 and the fastener 58.

When the cover 60 is attached to the head 130 of the fastener 58, the protrusion 162 may be configured to extend into the recess 114 in the wedge 54, as shown in fig. 15. The side walls 116 of the recess 114 may prevent or limit rotation of the projection 162 about the axis a (fig. 14), which may also prevent or limit rotation of the cover 60 (and corresponding rotation of the fastener 58 due to engaging the gear teeth 140 and 168). As a result, the cover 60 may prevent or limit inadvertent rotation of the fastener 58 and may lock the fastener 58 in place. In addition, the cap 60 may be removed relatively easily by inserting a tool into the first or second removal features 176, 178.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed tool retention system. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosed tool retention system. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope being indicated by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A clamp (52) for a retention system (50) configured to clamp a tool (26, 28, 30) to a work implement (10), the clamp comprising:

a first side (70); and

a second side (72) opposite the first side, the second side comprising:

a first clamping arm (82) extending from the second side,

a second clamping arm (82) extending from the second side, an

An intermediate surface (90) extending between the first and second clamp arms, the intermediate surface including a generally flat surface (92) closer to the first clamp arm and a generally curved surface (96) closer to the second clamp arm, the generally curved surface being curved relative to an axis (A) extending between a top end (74) and a bottom end (76) of the clamp.

2. The clamp of claim 1, wherein a line formed by a side profile of the generally flat surface is collinear with a side profile of the generally curved surface.

3. The clamp of claim 1, wherein the intermediate surface further comprises two generally curved edge surfaces (94) extending along the axis and forming curved corners of the clamp on opposite sides of the generally flat surface.

4. The clamp of claim 1, wherein the generally curved surface has a generally constant radius of curvature.

5. The clip of claim 1, wherein the clip tapers toward the apex and the first side of the clip includes a surface (78) that is inclined relative to the intermediate surface.

6. The clip of claim 1, wherein the first side of the clip comprises a groove (80) configured to engage a tooth (120) of a wedge assembly (54, 56, 58, 60) of the retention system.

7. The clamp of claim 1, wherein:

the clamp is generally C-shaped;

the first clamp arm having a first surface (86) configured to face the tool; and

the second clamp arm has a second surface (88) configured to contact the work implement, the first surface facing the second surface.

8. The clamp of claim 1, wherein the first clamp arm includes a surface (86) configured to face the tool, the surface being generally perpendicular to the generally planar surface of the intermediate surface.

9. A retention system for clamping a tool (26, 28, 30) to a work implement (10), the retention system comprising:

a clamp (52) configured to be disposed within an aperture in the work implement (42) and an aperture in the tool (34) to clamp the tool to the work implement, the clamp including a first side (70) and a second side (72) opposite the first side, the second side including a generally flat surface (92) configured to contact a surface (38) of the aperture in the tool and a generally curved surface (96) that is curved relative to an axis (A) extending between a top end (74) and a bottom end (76) of the clamp; and

a wedge assembly (54, 56, 58, 60) between a first side of the clamp and a surface (46) of the aperture in the work implement, the wedge assembly adjustably positionable relative to the clamp.

10. The retention system of claim 9, wherein:

the generally planar surface is configured to contact a generally planar surface of the tool; and

the generally curved surface of the clamp is configured to face a generally curved surface of the aperture in the work implement to form a gap between the generally curved surface of the clamp and the generally curved surface of the aperture in the work implement.