EA040656B1 - STABILIZING ELEMENTS IN ASSEMBLY WITH A WEAR ELEMENT - Google Patents

Description

Technical field

This invention generally relates to grouser wear assemblies, including adapters for attaching earth moving wear members to bucket cutting edges.

More specifically, the present invention relates to the stabilization of load-bearing bearing surfaces between adjacent wear elements.

State of the art

Material handling apparatus such as earth moving buckets installed on construction, mining and other earth moving equipment typically include replaceable wear parts such as grouser teeth. They are usually detachably attached to larger main structures such as earth moving buckets and come into abrasive wear contact with the soil or other material being moved. For example, digging tooth assemblies that are provided on digging equipment such as digging buckets and the like typically include a relatively massive adapter portion that is suitably attached to the front cutting edge of the bucket. The part of the adapter usually includes a protruding nozzle. The removable barb typically includes a rearward-facing cavity that receives the adapter tip in a releasable manner. To hold the tooth on the adapter head, generally aligned transverse holes can be made on both the tooth and the adapter head, and an appropriate connecting structure is inserted and firmly held inside the aligned holes for removable fastening of the replacement tooth on the adapter head that corresponds to it.

During normal operation, the tooth is loaded in different directions. If the prong is not positioned in a stable manner on the bit, the stresses placed on the prong can cause additional wear to the adapter. Therefore, there is a need for an improved adapter head and corresponding tooth hole.

Short description

According to some exemplary embodiments, the wear element assembly may include a nozzle operable to be attached to the cutting edge of the bucket. The nozzle may include a rear portion having a first set of eight substantially flat surfaces that converge in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the nozzle toward the distal end of the rear portion. The first set of substantially flat surfaces may include a first subset of surfaces with a top and bottom surface, a second subset of side surfaces, and a third subset of surfaces that contain support surfaces. The third subset of surfaces is at an angle and is located between the first subset of surfaces and the second subset of surfaces. The nozzle may also include a front portion located forward adjacent to the rear portion, wherein the front portion has a second set of eight substantially flat surfaces that converge in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the nozzle toward the distal end of the front portion. The second set of substantially flat surfaces may include a fourth subset of top and bottom surfaces, a fifth subset of side surfaces, and a sixth subset of surfaces that contain support surfaces, wherein the sixth subset of surfaces is angled and located between the first subset of surfaces and the second subset of surfaces. The wear element assembly may also include a wear element having a cavity open toward the rear end, wherein the cavity comprises rear and front bearing surfaces that correspond to the third subset of surfaces and the sixth subset of surfaces.

According to some exemplary embodiments, the wear member includes a cavity that has a back with a first set of eight surfaces that converge in the direction of the longitudinal axis at a first angle towards the distal end of the back. The first set of substantially flat surfaces may include a top and bottom surface, a set of side surfaces, and a third set of diagonal surfaces that contain support surfaces. The cavity may further include a front portion located forward adjacent to the rear portion, wherein the front portion has a second set of eight surfaces that converge in the direction of the longitudinal axis at a second angle less than the first angle. The cavity may further include a set of slots located at least partially along diagonal surfaces, wherein the slots have inwardly facing vertical surfaces.

According to some exemplary embodiments, the wear element assembly may include an adapter cap having a rear end with a cross sectional width and a cross section height, the cross section width being different from the cross section height, the back end having two non-support surfaces and four substantially flat bearing surfaces, two non- bearing surfaces are essentially horizontal in cross section, and four substantially flat bearing surfaces are inclined in cross section, the first two of the four substantially flat bearing surfaces are located on the first side of the two essentially flat non- bearing surfaces, and the second two of the four essentially flat support surfaces are located on the second side of the two essentially flat non-support surfaces, and at the far end of the rear part, the cross-sectional width of one of the two

- 1 040656 non-supporting surfaces differs from the cross-sectional width of any of the four essentially supporting surfaces.

According to some exemplary embodiments, the wear element includes a cavity with a back and a front. The rear part may have a cross section width and a cross section height, wherein the cross section width is different from the cross section height. The cavity may have two substantially flat non-support surfaces and four substantially flat support surfaces. The two substantially flat non-support surfaces may be substantially horizontal in cross section, and the four substantially flat support surfaces may be inclined in cross section. The first two of the four substantially flat support surfaces may be located on the first side of the two substantially flat non-support surfaces, and the second two of the four substantially flat support surfaces may be located on the second side of the two substantially flat non-support surfaces. At the distal rear end, the cross-sectional width of one of the two substantially flat non-supporting surfaces may be different from the cross-sectional width of either of the four substantially supporting surfaces.

The present invention relates to a wear element assembly having a specially shaped bearing surface located on a wear element nozzle, such as an adapter nozzle, and a correspondingly shaped bearing surface on an additional wear element fitted on the nozzle. It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following drawings and detailed description are given by way of example and explanation and are intended to provide an understanding of the present invention without limiting the scope of the present invention. Additional aspects, features and advantages of the present invention in this regard will become apparent to the person skilled in the art from the following information.

The present invention relates to the stabilization of load-bearing surfaces on wear members that provide stability and support during engagement/material transfer operations. In some embodiments, the present invention describes a hollow grouser wear member capable of being attached to a support structure, which may include a leading end positioned to engage with the ground and a rear end hollowed out therein. The cavity may have an inner surface as well as an axis that extends longitudinally and a front and rear near the rear end. The inner surface may have horizontally divided opposite inner walls and vertically divided opposite inner walls which form an upper inner surface and a lower inner surface. Each of the upper inner surface and the lower inner surface may have a centrally located, inwardly protruding portion of the bearing surface positioned to provide a support fit with the support structure. Each inwardly protruding part of the support surface may be located in the rear part of the cavity and may have a transverse width smaller than the longitudinal length and configured to be received in the recess of the support structure. The inwardly projecting portion of the bearing surface may be positioned to bear vertically applied loads on the leading end.

In accordance with some exemplary embodiments, the present invention relates to a support structure positioned to receive a wear element, wherein the support structure may include a nozzle positioned to receive a cavity of the wear element. The nozzle may include a front portion that has a plurality of outward-facing surfaces, the outward-facing surfaces being at a first angle to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle. The nozzle may further include a back portion that has two horizontally divided outward-facing surfaces and two vertically divided outward-facing surfaces that include a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the horizontally divided outward-facing surfaces and the vertically divided outward-facing surfaces are at a second angle to longitudinal axis, which is different from the first angle. The nozzle may further include a first concave support surface located on the upwardly facing surface. The nozzle may further include a second concave support surface located on the downwardly facing surface.

In accordance with a further exemplary embodiment, the present invention relates to a wear element that may include a cavity located with the possibility of fitting on the adapter nozzle. The cavity may include a front portion that has a plurality of inwardly facing surfaces, the inwardly facing surfaces being at a first angle to the longitudinal axis of the cavity. The cavity may include a rear portion that has two horizontally divided inward surfaces and two vertically divided inward surfaces, which include an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the horizontally divided inward surfaces and the vertically divided inward surfaces are at a second angle to the longitudinal axis. , which is different from the first corner. The cavity may include a first convex support surface located on an upward facing

- 2 040656 surfaces. The cavity may include a second convex support surface located on the downwardly facing surface.

According to yet another exemplary embodiment, the present invention relates to a wear element assembly that may include an adapter having a rear end positioned to attach the adapter to a bucket cutting edge and a front end having a nozzle. The wear element may also include an upwardly facing substantially flat surface that at least partially describes an upwardly facing concave bearing surface and a downwardly facing substantially flat surface that at least partially describes a downwardly facing concave bearing surface. The wear element assembly may also include a wear element having a front end positioned to engage the ground and a rear end having a cavity. The cavity may include a downwardly facing surface having a first external projection extending therefrom, the first external projection being positioned to fit into the upwardly facing concave support surface. The cavity may include an upwardly facing surface having a second external projection extending therefrom, the second external projection being positioned to fit into the downwardly facing concave support surface.

Brief description of the drawings

The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the systems, devices, and methods described herein and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

In FIG. 1 is a view of a wear grouser assembly according to an example incorporating the principles described herein.

In FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an adapter nozzle with a portion of the bearing surface on the top and bottom surfaces in accordance with an example incorporating the principles described herein.

In FIG. 3A and 3B are diagrams showing a longitudinal cross-sectional view of portions of the bearing surface in an adapter head according to an example incorporating the principles described herein.

In FIG. 4A and 4B are diagrams showing a cross-sectional view of portions of a bearing surface in a nozzle according to an example incorporating the principles described herein.

In FIG. 5 is a plan view of a nozzle with part of the bearing surface according to an example incorporating the principles described herein.

In FIG. 6 is a front view of a nozzle with part of the bearing surface according to an example incorporating the principles described herein.

In FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a barb that has a protrusion corresponding to a portion of the bearing surface in the nozzle, in accordance with an example incorporating the principles described herein.

In FIG. 7B is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a rib according to an example incorporating the principles described herein.

In FIG. 8 and 9 are cross-sectional views of a serrated tooth according to an example incorporating the principles described herein.

In FIG. 10 is a rear view of a tooth as viewed into a cavity, in accordance with an example incorporating the principles described herein.

In FIG. 11A is an exploded perspective view of a grouser wear assembly in accordance with one example of the principles described herein.

In FIG. 11B depicts the adapter nozzle as viewed along the longitudinal axis of the nozzle, in accordance with one example of the principles described herein.

In FIG. 11C is a side view of an adapter nozzle according to one example of the principles described herein.

In FIG. 12A depicts a tooth as viewed into a cavity, in accordance with one example of the principles described herein.

In FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional side view of a tooth assembly according to one example of the principles described herein.

In FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an adapter nozzle in accordance with one example of the principles described herein.

In FIG. 14A depicts an adapter head with torsion controls in accordance with one example of the principles described herein.

In FIG. 14B is a side view of an adapter nozzle with torsion controls in accordance with one example of the principles described herein.

In FIG. 14C is a perspective view of an adapter nozzle with torsion controls in accordance with one example of the principles described herein.

- 3 040656

In FIG. 14D is a plan view of an adapter nozzle with torsion controls in accordance with one example of the principles described herein.

In FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a barb having a cavity configured to fit onto the bit of an adapter with torsion controls, in accordance with one example of the principles described herein.

In FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional view of the adapter nozzle, orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, in accordance with one example of the principles described herein.

In FIG. 16B depicts a cross-sectional view of an adapter nozzle with torsion controls orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, in accordance with one example of the principles described herein.

In FIG. 16C is a cross-sectional view of the front of an adapter nozzle according to one example of the principles described herein.

In FIG. 16D is a cross-sectional view of an adapter nozzle with offset torsion controls in accordance with one example of the principles described herein.

These figures will become clearer with reference to the following detailed description.

Detailed description

In order to provide an understanding of the principles of the present invention, reference is made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific terminology is used to describe them. However, it should be understood that no limitation on the scope of the invention is intended. Any changes and additional modifications of the described devices, tools, methods, as well as any other application of the principles of this invention, as a rule, will be clear to a person skilled in the field to which this invention belongs. In addition, the present invention describes certain elements or features in detail with respect to one or more embodiments or figures when the same elements or features are presented in successive figures without such a high degree of detail. It is fully contemplated that features, components and/or steps described in relation to one or more embodiments or one or more figures may be combined with features, components and/or steps described in relation to other embodiments or figures in this invention. For the sake of simplicity, in some of the examples in the drawings, identical or similar reference numerals are used to indicate identical or similar parts.

The present invention relates to a grouser wear assembly that includes an adapter head that is capable of being attached to a bucket cutting edge. The grouser wear assembly also includes a barb or other wear element, such as an intermediate adapter, that is configured to attach to the adapter nozzle. The wear element includes a rearward-facing cavity configured to fit onto the adapter nozzle. The nozzle may include a front set of surfaces and a back set of surfaces, and in some embodiments, both the front set of surfaces and the back set of surfaces may form a substantially octagonal shape in cross section. Different surfaces in both the front surface set and the back surface set may be contiguous (or reference) surfaces, while the other surfaces in the front surface set and the back surface set may be non-contiguous (or non-reference) surfaces. In some specific embodiments, the top surface and bottom surface of the rear set of surfaces may be adjacent surfaces and include a cooperating support feature, such as a protrusion, on one of the prong or adapter element, and a corresponding recess on the other prong or adapter element. They can cooperate to distribute vertical load in a manner that promotes stability and alignment of the wear element on the adapter head. In the context of this document, the adjacent surface is the load-bearing surface.

In some embodiments, the wear grouser adapter includes mating surfaces on angled side surfaces. These abutments may be arranged in a manner that provides stabilizing contact on more than one abutment when the grouser wear assembly is subjected to a vertical load or a horizontal load. For example, a downwardly applied vertical load may be carried by two angled abutments, and an upwardly applied vertical load may be carried by two separate angled abutments. Similarly, the horizontal load on the left can be carried by two angled abutments, and the horizontal load on the right can be carried by two angled abutments. In some embodiments, the distal or leading portion of the adapter nozzle has a set of angled abutments, and the proximal or driven portion of the adapter nozzle has another set of angled abutments. Thus, a wear element, such as a tooth, can be supported by the angled abutting surfaces at both the distal end and the proximal end of the adapter bit.

- 4 040656

In FIG. 1 shows an example of a grouser wear assembly 100 in accordance with one example of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the wear assembly 100 includes a tooth (or wear) 104, an adapter 102, and a locking pin 106. In this example, the wear assembly 100 also includes a wear member housing 108. Adapter 102 includes a hole (not shown) for receiving a locking pin 106. Barb 104 also includes a hole through which a locking pin 106 can be inserted. Locking pin 106 can secure barb 104 to adapter 102. Adapter 102 may also be referred to herein as a support structure. because it provides a stabilizing support for the additional component, which in this embodiment is barb 104.

In FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the adapter 102.

In accordance with this example, the adapter 102 includes a front end 201 and a rear end 212. The front end 201 includes a nozzle 203, and the rear end 212 includes a pair of fork legs 214a, 214b configured to attach the adapter 102 to the cutting edge of a bucket (not shown) . The longitudinal axis 211 is shown passing through the front 201 and rear end 212. For comparison, the transverse axis 215 is shown in a position that runs parallel to the edge of the cutting edge of the bucket (not shown).

In accordance with this example, the nozzle 203 includes a front part 205, a back part 207 and an intermediate part 209 that extends between the front part 205 and the back part 207. The front part 205 includes a forward-facing end surface 220 and a plurality of outward-facing surfaces 202 in an octagonal arrangement near end surface 220. In this embodiment, each surface 202 is angled with respect to longitudinal axis 211. In addition, at least four surfaces are angled with respect to transverse axis 215. In some examples, at least four of the plurality of surfaces 202 may be load-bearing adjacent surfaces. For example, in some embodiments, surfaces 202 may include angled surfaces 202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d as load-bearing adjacent surfaces. In other embodiments, surfaces 202 may include vertical and horizontal surfaces 202e, 202f, 202g, and 202h as load-bearing adjacent surfaces. In some embodiments, each surface 202 may be substantially flat, while in other embodiments, only four of the eight surfaces 202 are substantially flat. In other embodiments, another number of the eight surfaces 202 are substantially flat.

In this example, the rear portion 207 also includes a plurality of outwardly facing surfaces 204 in an octagonal arrangement. Each surface 204 is angled with respect to the longitudinal axis. Each rear surface 204 may be positioned at different angles with respect to the longitudinal axis. For example, the side surfaces 204f, 204h may be located at a different angle relative to the longitudinal axis than the top and bottom surfaces 204e, 204g. In this example, the rear surfaces 204 are at a different angle relative to the longitudinal axis than the front surfaces 202. In particular, the rear surfaces 204 are located at a greater angle relative to the longitudinal axis than the front surfaces 202. In the examples, different rear surfaces 202 may have different angles relative to the longitudinal axis. axes. Likewise, the back surfaces 204 have different angles with respect to the longitudinal axis. In such examples, the average angle at which each rear surface 204 converges in the direction of the longitudinal axis may be greater than the average angle at which the front surfaces 202 converge in the direction of the longitudinal axis. As shown in perspective view in FIG. 2, back surfaces 204 include angled surfaces 204a, 204b, 204c. The opposite side of the nozzle 2 03 includes an additional angled surface 204d, which is shown, for example, in FIG. 4A and 4B. The rear surfaces 204 also include a top surface 204e and a side surface 204h. The nozzle 203 also includes a bottom surface 204g and an opposite side surface 204f, which are shown, for example, in FIG. 4A and 4B. The rear surfaces 204 may also be support or adjacent surfaces. In some examples, each rear surface 204 may be abutment surfaces. In some examples, only the angled surfaces 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d may be adjacent surfaces. In some examples, only the horizontal and vertical surfaces 204e, 204f, 204g, 204h may be adjacent surfaces. In some embodiments, each surface 204 may be substantially flat, while in other embodiments, only four of the eight surfaces 204 are substantially flat. In other embodiments, another number of surfaces 204 are substantially flat.

In this example, intermediate portion 209 includes a plurality of outward-facing surfaces 216. These outward-facing surfaces 216 may extend between and intersect surfaces 202 and surfaces 204. In some embodiments, surfaces 216 may be located at a different angle than surfaces 202 and surfaces 204 with respect to longitudinal axis 211. Referring to FIG. 2, the outwardly facing surfaces 216 may include a plurality of surfaces including, among other surfaces, an upper counter surface 216a and a lower counter surface 216b (FIGS. 3A and 3B). In this embodiment, the side surfaces of the intermediate portion 209 may include an opening 206. Additional angled surfaces 216c, 216d, 216e, 216f (best depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6) are placed around the intermediate portion of the nozzle.

According to FIG. 2, 3A, 3B, 5 and 6, the upper counter surface 216a of the intermediate portion 209 may extend at a different angle than the adjacent upper surface 204e of the rear portion 207 and the adjacent upper surface 202e of the front portion 205. Accordingly, the upper counter surface 216a may be non-planar with adjacent upper surface 204e of rear portion 207 and non-planar with adjacent upper surface 204e of front portion 207. Similarly, lower opposing surface 216b of intermediate portion 209 may extend at a different angle than adjacent lower surface 204g of rear portion 207 and lower surface 202g of front portion 205.

In this example, top surface 204e includes a concave support surface 210 that is located thereon. In some examples, top surface 204e describes a concave abutment surface 210. In some embodiments, concave abutment surface 210 connects the intersection of top counter surface 216a and top surface 204e. In this embodiment, the concave bearing surface 210 is a recess that can cooperate with a corresponding protrusion on the wear member 104 to provide load-bearing stability as well as lateral stability. Although not visible from this perspective, the nozzle 203 may also have a similar portion of the curved support surface on the bottom surface that is opposite the top surface 204e. In some embodiments, the concave support surface on the bottom surface may have the same shape as the concave support surface 210 on the top surface 204e. In this example, the concave support surface 210 has a substantially elliptical shape. Other forms are also provided. For example, instead of being elliptical, the concave support surface 210 may be circular or may have some other configuration.

The nozzle 203 also includes an opening 206 that extends from the side surface 204h to the opposite side surface (not shown in this perspective). In this embodiment, an opening 206 is provided in the intermediate portion 209 of the nozzle 203. The opening 206 is shaped and sized to receive a locking pin. In this example, opening 206 is located in front of concave support surface 210. In other words, at least a portion of concave support surface 210 is located behind opening 206. In some examples, the entire concave support surface 210 may be located behind opening 206. In another embodiment, opening 206 is only partially extends through the nozzle 203. A corresponding hole 206 may be provided in the opposite side of the nozzle 203. In these embodiments, two separate locking pins may be used to attach the wear member 104 to the adapter 102 (see FIG. 1).

The nozzle also includes torsion control surfaces 230b, 230d. Torsion control surfaces 230a, 230c are shown in FIG. 4B and 6. The torsion control members 230a, 230b, 230c, and 230d may be substantially flat surfaces that face outward and are sized and shaped to abut against corresponding surfaces within the tooth cavity, which will be described in more detail below. In this example, the torsion control surfaces 230a, 230b, 230c, 230d respectively intersect the angled rear surfaces 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d. In particular, the torsion control surfaces 230a, 230b, 230c, 230d intersect the angled surfaces 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d near where such surfaces meet the vertical surfaces 204f, 204h. In some examples, the torsion control surfaces 230a, 230b, 230c, 230d may be flush with the vertical surfaces 204f, 204h.

In some examples, the angled surfaces of both the front surfaces 202 and the back surfaces 204 may be support (or adjacent) surfaces. In particular, surfaces 202a, 202b, 202c, 202d, 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d may be support surfaces. In addition, the horizontal and top surfaces of the front surfaces 202 and rear surfaces 204 may be non-supporting (or non-adjacent) surfaces. In particular, surfaces 202e, 202f, 202g, 202h, 204e, 204f, 204g, 204h may be non-support surfaces. Other combinations of support and non-support surfaces are also provided.

In FIG. 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of adapter 102 showing upper concave bearing surfaces 210 and lower concave bearing surfaces 213. In particular, FIG. 3B shows a portion of the support surface 213 in the bottom surface 204g of the adapter head 102. In some embodiments, both the top surface 204e and the bottom surface 204g may be adjacent surfaces. In such a case, other surfaces, such as side surfaces or angled surfaces, may be adjacent or non-adjacent surfaces. For example, it may be that all angled surfaces are nonadjacent surfaces,

- 6 040656 while the top, bottom and side surfaces are adjacent surfaces. As noted above, in some embodiments, the concave abutment surface 210 connects the intersection of the top counter surface 216a and the top surface 204e. In such embodiments, the upper counter surface 216a may be a non-adjacent surface, while the concave abutment surface 210 forms an abutment surface. In some examples, the concave surfaces 210, 213 may be nonadjacent surfaces. In such examples, various combinations of horizontal, vertical, and angled surfaces may constitute adjacent surfaces, and in some cases, only the angled surfaces constitute adjacent surfaces. It is assumed that all surfaces can be contiguous surfaces. Other combinations of adjacent and non-adjacent surfaces are also contemplated. For example, the angled surfaces may be adjacent surfaces, while the horizontal and vertical surfaces are non-adjacent surfaces, in the same manner as described below in the accompanying text to FIG. 11A-16D.

The lower concave seat 213 may be substantially identical to a portion of the upper concave seat 210. In some instances, the position and shape of a portion of the lower concave seat 213 may reflect the position and shape of a portion of the upper concave seat 210. Accordingly, similar to the layout described above, the lower the concave support surface 213 may connect the intersection of the lower counter surface 216b and the lower surface 204g. In such embodiments, lower counter surface 216b may be a non-adjacent surface while lower concave abutment surface 213 forms an abutment surface. In some examples, a portion of the lower concave seat 213 may be longitudinally offset relative to a portion of the upper concave seat 210. For example, a portion of the lower concave seat 213 may be closer to or further from the front of the nozzle than a portion of the upper concave seat 210.

In this embodiment, portions of the concave abutment surfaces 210, 213 are recesses that have smooth, rounded surfaces as the shape transitions from the concave surface to the flat top surface 204e. The recess provides lateral stability to the rear of the wear member 104 when subjected to a load in use. In addition, when vertical loads are applied to the drive tip of the wear member 104, the recess distributes the load on the back of the wear member, and the load is transferred through the concave bearing surface portions 210, 213 to the adapter (or intermediate adapter, if present). In addition, the load-bearing concave bearing surface portions 210, 213 provide a smooth surface with curved sides that contribute to lateral stability. Accordingly, side loads on the drive tip of the wear member 104 that result in opposite loads at the end of the wear member can be relieved to some extent by the curved sides of the concave bearing surface portions 210, 213. As can be seen, the recesses are formed on the top surface 204e, which is longitudinally angled so as to face the direction of the leading end surface 220 of the adapter 102. Therefore, the corresponding protrusions on the inside of the wear element 104 can clearly enter the recessed part 210 and 213 of the support surfaces.

In FIG. 4A and 4B are diagrams showing a cross-sectional view of the concave support surface portions 210, 213 in the adapter 102. FIG. 4A and 4B also show each rear surface 204. In particular, FIG. 4A and 4B depict an upwardly facing top surface 204e, outwardly facing side surfaces 204f, 204h, and a downwardly facing bottom surface 204g. In FIG. 4A and 4B also show outwardly angled surfaces 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d. In the exemplary embodiment, the concave support surface portions 210, 213 are formed in the rear portion 207 only in the upward facing top surface 204e and the downward facing bottom surface 204g, while the outwardly facing side surfaces 204f, 204h and the outwardly angled surfaces 204a , 204b, 204c, 204d are all relatively flat. This may provide additional support to the adjacent surface under vertical load on the supported barb 101 while still providing standard support under horizontal or lateral load.

In FIG. 5 is a plan view of the nozzle 203 of the adapter 102. The concave support surface portion 210 is shown extending into and through the upward surface 216a and the top surface 204e. In some examples, the transverse width 504 of the portion 210 of the concave support surface may be in the range of approximately 60-80 percent of the transverse width 508 of the top surface 204e. In some examples, the lateral width 504 of the portion 210 of the concave support surface may be approximately 70% percent of the lateral width 508 of the top surface 204e. The longitudinal length 502 of the concave bearing surface portion 210 may be similar to the transverse width 504 of the concave bearing surface portion. In some examples, the longitudinal length 502 of the concave bearing surface portion 210 may be greater than the transverse width 504 by an amount that

- 7 040656 is in the range of approximately 0-50 percent. The concave bearing surface portion 210 may be sized to provide stability and increase the area of the top surface 204e while minimizing weakening of the adapter 102 by load concentrators. Therefore, the depth of the recessed portion of the bearing surface can be chosen to provide the necessary balance of stability and strength. In some embodiments, the depth of the abutment portion is chosen to be in the range of about 0.1 inch to about 0.625 inch, although other depths are contemplated.

In FIG. 6 is a slightly oblique front view of the adapter 102 with the concave seat portion 210. In FIG. 6 also shows top surface 204e and top surface 202e, as well as top surface 216a. In FIG. 6 also shows the rear angled surfaces 204a, 204b, the anterior angled surfaces 202a, 202b, and the intermediate non-support surfaces 216c and 216f.

In FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a wear member 104 that includes protrusions extending from the interior surfaces of the cavity. The wear member 104 may also be referred to as a hollow grouser wear member. Although wear member 104 may also be referred to as a tooth, wear member 104 may also form an intermediate adapter or other wear member that is configured to be supported or supported by other wear members. The wear element 104 includes a leading end 708 at the front end 701 of the wear element. The leading end 708 is positioned to engage with or penetrate the ground and may be collectively referred to as the working end. The wear member 104 also includes a rear end that has a cavity (shown in cross section in FIG. 7B) sized and shaped to receive the nozzle 203 of the adapter 102.

In this example, side 709 of wear member 104 includes an opening 711 sized and shaped to receive locking pin 106 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the opposite side of the wear element 104 may include a similar opening. Hole 711 can be positioned such that when wear member 104 is properly installed on nozzle 203, hole 711 is aligned with hole 206 of adapter 102. Thus, locking pin 106 can be inserted through both holes 206, 711 and positioned to wear element 104 on adapter 102.

In this example, the wear element 104 includes a wear indicator 731. The wear indicator 731 may be a recess or recess in the wear element 104 that notifies the operator that the wear element 104 needs to be replaced. In particular, the wear element 104 wears as it is used for excavation. When worn to the point where the bottom of the wear indicator 731 is flush with the rest of the wear element 104, this notifies the operator that it is time to replace the wear element 104. The wear indicator 731 may be sized and shaped to have a depth associated with the expected amount of wear before the wear element 104 must be replaced. This expected amount of wear may be based on previously obtained data, which is data on the wear of the wear element 104 during normal operation. The wear indicator 731 may also be located at other locations on the wear element 104.

In FIG. 7B is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the wear member 104 showing an upper shoulder 706 and a lower shoulder 707 positioned to fit concave bearing surfaces 210, 213 on the adapter 102. The wear member 104 includes a leading end 708 and a trailing end 703. The cavity 702 is formed at the rear end 703 extending longitudinally inward from the rear end 703. The cavity 702 is open toward the rear of the wear member 104 and is sized and shaped to fit over the nozzle 203 of the adapter 102.

In some embodiments, cavity 702 is shaped to have surfaces corresponding to different surfaces of nozzle 203. In some embodiments, since not all surfaces are adjacent surfaces, only the adjacent surfaces of cavity 702 and nozzle 203 are the same shape. That is, the cavity 702 may be described so that the adjacent surfaces of the cavity 702 coincide with the adjacent surfaces of the adapter 102. With this in mind, the descriptions applied herein to the outer surfaces of the nozzle 203 can equally be applied to the internal surfaces of the cavity 702 of the wear element. 104. Similar to nozzle 203, cavity 702 includes a front portion 720, a rear portion 722, and an intermediate portion 724. Cavity 702 also includes a longitudinal axis 718, which in this embodiment is the coaxial longitudinal axis of wear member 104. Transverse axis 719 (FIGS. 7A and 10) extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 718 and is positioned to extend substantially parallel to the leading end of the cutting edge of the bucket.

According to this example, the cavity 702 includes a front part 720, an intermediate part 724, and a back part 722. The front part 720 includes a plurality of substantially flat inward-facing surfaces 721a, 721b, 721e, 721f, 721g in an octagonal shape (not all eight surfaces are shown in the view). in cross section in Fig. 7B). These surfaces 721a, 721b, 721e, 721f, 721g can respectively

- 8 040656 some of the outwardly facing surfaces 202 of the front portion 205 of the adapter 102. As described above, some surfaces 202 of the front portion 205 may be adjacent surfaces, while some may be non-adjacent surfaces. The adjacent surfaces of adapter 102 may coincide with the adjacent surfaces of cavity 702, while the non-adjacent surfaces of adapter 102 may have slightly different shapes than the non-adjacent surfaces of cavity 702, or may be offset from the non-adjacent surfaces of cavity 702.

Intermediate portion 724 includes a plurality of substantially flat inwardly facing surfaces 723a, 723b, 723e, 723f, 723g (not all surfaces are shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 7B). These surfaces 723a, 723b, 723e, 723f, 723g may correspond to some of the outwardly facing surfaces 216 of the intermediate portion 209 of the adapter 102. In particular, the adjacent surfaces of the adapter 102 may coincide with the adjacent surfaces of the cavity 702, while the non-adjacent surfaces of the adapter 102 may have slightly different shape than the non-adjacent surfaces of the cavity 702, or may be offset from the non-adjacent surfaces of the cavity 702.

Rear portion 722 includes a plurality of substantially flat, inward-facing surfaces 704a, 704b, 704c, 704d, 704e, 704f, 704g, 704h in an octagonal shape (some surfaces are best shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B). These surfaces include upper inner surface 704e and lower inner surface 704g (which are vertically divided, horizontally divided side surfaces 704f, 704h), upper angled inner surfaces 704a, 704c, and lower angled inner surfaces 704b, 704g. These surfaces 704a, 704b, 704c, 704d, 704e, 704f, 704g 704h may correspond to the outwardly facing surfaces 204 of the front portion 207 of the adapter 102. In particular, the adjacent surfaces of the adapter 102 may coincide with the adjacent surfaces of the cavity 702, while the non-adjacent surfaces of the adapter 102 may have slightly different shapes than the non-adjacent surfaces of the cavity 702, or may be offset from the non-adjacent surfaces of the cavity 702.

The cavity 702 includes an upper inward surface 704e that is configured to align with the upward surface 204e of the nozzle 203. In some embodiments, the upper inward surface 204e may be substantially flat. The upper inward facing surface 204e also includes an upper projection 706 extending therefrom. The upper protrusion 706 can also be described as an inwardly protruding bearing surface portion 706 because it protrudes inward in the direction of the longitudinal axis 718 of the wear member 104 and cavity 702. The upper inwardly protruding bearing surface portion 706 is sized and shaped to match the concave portion 210 the support surface of the nozzle 203. Similarly, the cavity includes a lower inward-facing surface 704g, which is configured to coincide with the downward-facing surface 204g of the nozzle 203. The lower inward-facing surface 704g also includes an inwardly protruding portion 707 of the abutment surface. The cavity also includes other surfaces that correspond to the surfaces 202, 204 of the nozzle 203. The inner bearing surface portions 706, 707 are convex and positioned to bear loads that act vertically on the leading end.

The projections 706, 707 may be centered on their respective surfaces 704e, 704g. Thus, the protrusions 706, 707 can be described by the flat portions of the surfaces 704e, 704g. In addition, the protrusions 706, 707 can be displaced relative to each other if the respective parts 210, 213 of the concave bearing surface of the nozzle 203 can be displaced relative to each other. Both the upper projection 706 and the lower projection 706 may form an arc in cross section that has sharp tangents. In some examples, there may be only one projection 706 on the top surface 704 and only one projection 707 on the bottom surface 704g. However, in some examples, there may be additional projections on each surface 704e, 704g.

In this example, the surfaces of the protrusions 706, 707 can act as abutment surfaces against the abutment surface portions 210, 213 of the adapter nozzle 203. Thus, the cooperating elements that comprise the projections 706, 707 and the bearing surface portions 210, 213 can provide additional support for loads in different directions. In addition, due to their curvature, the projections and recesses provide lateral stability and also act as vertical support surfaces.

The cavity 702 may also include an opening 725 that is aligned with the opening 206 when the wear member 104 is positioned on the adapter 102. This alignment allows the locking pin to be inserted through it. In some examples, wear member 104 may include a single hole on one side of the cavity, and in other examples, wear member 104 may include two holes, one on each side of cavity 702. Cavity 702 also includes inward-facing torsion control surfaces 727a, 727c. Torsion control surfaces 727b, 727d are depicted in FIG. 10. The inward-facing torsion control surfaces 727a, 727c are sized and shaped to abut against the outward-facing torsion control members 230a, 230b, 230c, 230d in the adapter head.

- 9 040656

In FIG. 8 and 9 are a cross-sectional view of a serrated tooth. In FIG. 8 shows vertically divided opposite inner walls 704e, 704g that correspond to walls 204e, 204g of nozzle 203. FIG. 8 also shows horizontally divided opposite inner walls 704f, 804h that correspond to walls 204f, 204h of nozzle 203. In FIG. 8 also shows transverse inwardly angled walls 704a, 704b, 704c, 704d that correspond to the outwardly angled transverse walls 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d of nozzle 203.

In FIG. 10 is a rear view of the prong as viewed into cavity 702. Looking into the cavity, surfaces 721a, 721b, 721c, 721d, 721e, 721f, 721g, 721h of front portion 720 of cavity 702 can be seen. In addition, surfaces 723a, 723b can be seen. .

While the concave bearing surface portions 210, 213 and projections 706, 707 are substantially elliptical in shape, in some embodiments there may be provided bearing surface portions and projections that are polyhedral in shape. In some examples, portions of the bearing surface may be located near or adjacent to holes 206, 711 through which the locking pin is inserted. Because the projections 706, 707 are sized and shaped to match the size and shape of the portions of the concave bearing surface, the description of one element is equally applicable to the other. Although the recesses are described on the adapter 102 and the protrusions are described on the inner surfaces of the wear element 104, it should be noted that in some implementations, the arrangement is reversed, where the protrusion is on the adapter 102 and the recesses are on the wear element 104.

The present invention also relates to a grouser wear assembly that includes an adapter tip operable to attach to a bucket cutting edge and a tooth. The nozzle includes an angled support surfaces that are located with the possibility of receiving in the cavity of the tooth. The cavity includes support surfaces that correspond to and engage with the support surfaces of the nozzle. According to some examples, the adapter nozzle may include a front portion at the distal end of the nozzle and a rear portion at the proximal end of the nozzle. The rear portion may include eight substantially flat surfaces that converge in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the nozzle. The front part may also include eight substantially flat surfaces that converge in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the nozzle, however at a smaller angle. In some embodiments, both the front and rear thus have a substantially octagonal cross-section. In some rear end embodiments, the horizontal and vertical octagonal cross-sectional surfaces may be non-support surfaces, and the angled surfaces (eg, non-horizontal and non-vertical surfaces) may be support surfaces. At the front, the angled surfaces can also be support surfaces.

In FIG. 11A is an exploded perspective view of the grouser wear assembly 10. In accordance with this example, the wear element assembly 10 includes a nozzle 1100 and a wear element 1200. An exemplary embodiment of the wear element 1200 is a tooth 1200. In another embodiment, the wear element 1200 is an intermediate adapter. Other wear items are provided. Nozzle 1100 includes a front portion 1124 and a rear portion 1122. In the illustrated example, nozzle 1100 extends from the basic structure shown as a block, but is any additional attachment structure that provides support for the nozzle, which includes a bucket receiving portion that has fork-shaped adapter feet, like adapter 102 in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the nozzle is configured to attach to the cutting edge of an excavator bucket. The cap may form part of an adapter or intermediate adapter, and may also be referred to herein as a support structure because it provides stabilizing support for the accessory, which in this embodiment is barb 1200. Cap 1100 also includes a hole 12 for receiving a locking pin. In this example, the nozzle includes elements 18 to control torsion. Barb 1200 also includes a hole 14 through which a locking pin can be inserted. Since any number of known locking pins can be used in this case, a detailed description of the locking pin is not included. Barb 1200 also includes a rearward-facing cavity (not shown in FIG. 11A) and a ground engaging end as a leading end 16. Pin 1105 extends through wear member assembly 10.

In FIG. 11B shows a view of the nozzle 1100 along the longitudinal axis 1105 of the nozzle 1100. In FIG. 11C shows a side view of the nozzle 1100 along the transverse axis 1107. The transverse axis 1107 is aligned at a position that runs parallel to the edge of the cutting edge of the bucket (not shown). As described above, the nozzle 1100 may be attached to the cutting edge of the bucket and includes a front portion 1124 and a rear portion 1122. The rear portion 1122 includes a set of eight substantially flat surfaces. Specifically, the set includes a subset that has a top surface 1108a and a bottom surface

- 10 040656

1108b, a subset of two side surfaces 1106a, 1106b and a subset of four angled surfaces 1110a, 1110b, 1110c, 1110d. The top and bottom surfaces may be referred to as horizontal surfaces, and the side surfaces may be referred to as vertical surfaces, since such surfaces are horizontal and vertical in cross section. The four angled surfaces 1110a, 1110b, 1110c, 1110d may be bearing surfaces that are positioned to contact and interact with the surfaces of the tooth 1200. Since each bearing surface is at an angle, each bearing surface can resist both horizontal, and vertical load. Angled surfaces may also be referred to as diagonal or inclined surfaces. Both the horizontal surfaces 1108a, 1108b and the vertical surfaces 1106a, 1106b may be non-support surfaces.

In this exemplary embodiment, each of the eight substantially flat surfaces converges in the direction of the longitudinal axis 1105 of the nozzle 1100. In some examples, the angle at which the eight substantially flat surfaces are located relative to the longitudinal axis 1105 may be in the range of approximately 5-25 degrees. In some examples, the angle may be in the range of approximately 8-15 degrees. Other ranges are also provided. In this embodiment, the top and bottom surfaces 1108a, 1108b may be wider than the side surfaces 1106a, 1106b. Thus, the width 1132 of the octagonal cross-section may differ from the height 1134. This contributes to torsion control and stability.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the front portion 1124 also includes a set of eight substantially flat surfaces. In particular, the set includes a subset that has a top surface 1114a and a bottom surface 1114b, a subset of two side surfaces 1112a, 1112b, and a subset of four angled surfaces 1116a, 1116b, 1116c, 1116d. The four angled surfaces 1116a, 1116b, 1116c, 1116d may be bearing surfaces that are positioned to contact and interact with the surfaces of the tooth 1200. Since each bearing surface is at an angle, each bearing surface can resist both horizontal, and vertical load. The top and bottom surfaces 1114a, 1114b may also be non-support surfaces. In some examples, side surfaces 1112a, 1112b may be abutment surfaces. However, in some examples, the side surfaces 1112a, 1112b may be non-support surfaces. In some embodiments, the non-supporting surfaces of the front or 1124 or rear 1122 may not be substantially flat.

In some embodiments, each of the eight substantially flat surfaces of the front portion 1124 converges in the direction of the longitudinal axis 1105 of the nozzle 1100, but at an angle less than the angle at which the eight substantially flat surfaces of the rear portion 1122 converge in the direction of the longitudinal axis 1105. In some examples, the angle at which the eight substantially flat surfaces of the front portion 1124 are located relative to the longitudinal axis 1105 may be in the range of approximately 0-15 degrees. In some examples, the angle may be in the range of approximately 1-8 degrees. In addition, the top and bottom surfaces 1114a, 1114b may be wider than the side surfaces 1112a, 1112b. Thus, the width 1132 of the octagonal cross-section is different from the height 1134. This also contributes to stability and torsion control. In some examples, the ratio between the width of the top or bottom surface and the width of the side surface at the front 1124 is different from the ratio at the back 1122. For example, the ratio between the width of the top or bottom surface and the width of the side surface at the front 1124 may be greater than the ratio at the rear. 1122.

In FIG. 12A is a view of barb 1200 as viewed into cavity 1205. FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view of barb 1200 along longitudinal axis 1105 behind lines 12B-12B in FIG. 12A. A cavity 1205 is provided at the rear end 1209 of the tooth 1200 extending longitudinally inward from the rear end 1204. The cavity 1205 has bearing surfaces that correspond to and interact with the bearing surfaces of the bit 1100. It also has a base longitudinal axis 1105 and a transverse axis 1107. The cavity 1205 also includes a front portion 1224; and a rear portion 1222. The rear portion 1222 includes a set of eight substantially flat surfaces. Accordingly, in this exemplary embodiment, the set of substantially flat surfaces includes a subset that has a top surface 1208a and a bottom surface 1208b, a subset of two side surfaces 1206a, 1206b, and a subset of four angled surfaces 1210a, 1210b, 1210c, 1210d. The four angled surfaces 1210a, 1210b, 1210c, 1210d may be support surfaces. Since each bearing surface is at an angle, each bearing surface can resist both horizontal and vertical loads that may be applied to the tooth 1200 during operation. Both the top and bottom surfaces 1208a, 1208b, as well as the side surfaces 1206a, 1206b, may be non-support surfaces. In some examples, the non-supporting surfaces may not be substantially flat. For example, the non-support surfaces may be curved. Front 1224 also includes front

- 11 040656 set of eight essentially flat surfaces. In particular, the front set includes a subset that has a top surface 1214a and a bottom surface 1214b, a subset of two side surfaces 1212a, 1212b, and a subset of four angled surfaces 1216a, 1216b, 1216c, 1216d. The four angled surfaces 1216a, 1216b, 1216c, 1216d may be support surfaces. Again, since each bearing surface is at an angle, each bearing surface can resist both horizontal and vertical loading. Horizontal surfaces 1214a, 1214b may also be non-supporting surfaces. In some examples, vertical surfaces 1212a, 1212b may be support surfaces. However, in some examples, the vertical surfaces 1212a, 1212b may be non-supporting surfaces.

According to FIG. 11C, nozzle 1100 includes a rear surface 1101 and an octagonal front contact surface 1118. Front contact surface 1118 may have an octagonal shape. Front contact surface 1118 may be a contiguous surface as long as it is configured to come into contact with front contact surface 1218 of cavity 1205 (shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B). The front contact surface 1185 of the cavity 1205 may also have an octagonal shape. The rear surface 1201 at the rear end 1109 of the tooth 120 may or may not come into contact with the rear surface 1101 of the nozzle 1100.

In some embodiments, nozzle 1100 and barb 1200 may be symmetrical such that the barb can rotate 180 degrees and still properly fit the barb. This allows the tooth 1200 to switch after a period of wear. After that, the operation of the tooth 1200 can be continued in the switched position. This extends the life of the 1200 tooth.

In FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the nozzle 1100. In addition to the substantially flat surfaces 1106a, 1106b, 1108a, 1108b, 1110a, 1110b, 1110c, 1110d, 1112a, 1112b, 1114a, 1114b, 1116a, 1116b, 1116c, 1116d, both the front and back 122 may have curved surfaces that are located between flat surfaces. In embodiments with rear surface 1101, nozzle 1100 may include surfaces 1302 that extend from rear surface 1101 to eight substantially flat surfaces 1106a, 1106b, 1108a, 1108b, 1110a, 1110b, 1110c, 1110d of rear portion 1122 and located between them. The nozzle 1100 may also include elongated curved surfaces 1304 between adjacent edges of each flat surface 1106a, 1106b, 1108a, 1108b, 1110a, 1110b, 1110c, lllOd, 1112a, 1112b, 1114a, 1114b, 1116a, 1116b, 1116b, 1116b, 1116b, 1116b, 1116b, 1116b, 1116b, 1116b, 1116b, 1116b, 1116b, 1116b, 1124 and at the rear 1122. The nozzle 1100 may also include curved surfaces 1306 located between the flat surfaces 1106a, 1106b, 1108a, 1108b, 1110a, 1110b, 1110c, 1110d of the back 1122 and the flat surfaces of the front 1124. The nozzle 1100 also may include curved surfaces 1308 located between front contact surface 1118 and flat surfaces 1112a, 1112b, 1114a, 1114b, 1116a, 1116b, 1116c, 1116d of front portion 1124. In some embodiments, these curved surfaces may be roundings or circles that are intended to minimize local load during operation. Curved surfaces can also help provide clearance for the wear element cavity.

In some examples, the cross-sectional width W1 of the upper and lower non-support surfaces 1108a, 1108b at the distal end 1307 of the rear portion 1122 is different from the cross-sectional width W3 of the proximal end 1305 of the rear portion 1122. For example, the cross-sectional width W1 of the upper and lower non-support surfaces 1108a, 1108b at the distal end 1307 of the rear portion 1122 may be less than the cross-sectional width W3 at the proximal end 1305 of the rear portion 1122, or vice versa. In addition, the cross-sectional width W2 of the support surfaces 1110a, 1110b, 1110c, and 1110d at the distal end 1307 of the rear portion 1122 may be different from the cross-sectional width W4 at the proximal end 1305. For example, the cross-sectional width W2 of the support surfaces 1110a, 1110b, 1110c, and 1110d at the distal end 1307 of the rear portion 1122 may be less than the cross-sectional width W4 at the proximal end 1305, or vice versa. In addition, the cross-sectional width W1 of the top and bottom surfaces 1108a, 1108b at the distal end 1307 of the rear portion 1122 may be different from the cross-sectional width W2 of the support surfaces 1110a, 1110b, 1110c, 1110d at the distal end 1307 of the rear portion 1122. For example, the width W1 of the transverse the sections of the top and bottom surfaces 1108a, 1108b at the distal end 1307 of the rear portion 1122 may be less than the width W2 of the cross section of the support surfaces 1110a, 1110b, 1110c, 1110d at the distal end 1307 of the rear portion 1122, or vice versa. In addition, the cross sectional width W3 of the top and bottom surfaces 1108a, 1108b at the proximal end 1305 of the rear portion 1122 may be different from the the sections of the top and bottom surfaces 1108a, 1108b at the proximal end 1305 of the rear 1122 may be greater than the width W4 of the cross section of the support surfaces 1110a, 1110b, 1110c, 1110d at the proximal end 1305 of the rear 1122, or vice versa.

In FIG. 14A is a view of an exemplary adapter nozzle 1400 with torsion control elements 1402a, 1402b, 1402c, 1402d that resist torsional movement of wear.

- 12 040656 of the driven element 1200 relative to the nozzle 1100. In FIG. 14B is a side view of the adapter nozzle 1400 with torsion controls. In FIG. 14C is a perspective view of the adapter nozzle 1400 with torsion controls. In FIG. 14D shows a top view of the adapter nozzle 1400 with torsion controls. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the adapter nozzle 1400 includes angled support surfaces, which are described with reference to FIG. 11A, 11B, 11C and 13. For convenience, these bearing surfaces will not be described again with reference to FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C and 14D. The torsion controls 1402a, 1402b, 1402c, 1402d comprise protrusions that extend from the nozzle 1400. Each torsion control includes vertical, flat, outward facing surfaces 1404a, 1404b, 1404c, 1404d. Torsion control elements 1402a, 1402b, 1402c, 1402d are located near the rear end of the adapter nozzle 1400. Torsion control elements 1402a, 1402b, 1402c, 1402d are also positioned such that vertical surfaces 1404a, 1404b, 1404c, 1404d intersect angled support surfaces 1110a, 1110b, 1110c, 1110d of nozzle 1400. As shown in FIG. 14D, vertical surfaces 1404a, 1402b, 1402c, 1404d converge in the direction of the longitudinal axis. This allows barb 1200 to be removed from bit 1100 more easily. As best shown in the side view of FIG. 14B, the torsion control elements 1402a, 1402b, 1402c, 1402d are within the limits defined by the planar surfaces 1108a and 1108b. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the adapter nozzle 1400 includes torsion controls 1402a, 1402b that are located on the top and includes torsion controls 1402c, 1402d that are located on the bottom. In some embodiments, adapter nozzle 1400 includes torsion controls on only one of the top and bottom. Also in the illustrated embodiment, the twist control elements 1402a, 1402b are shown vertically aligned with the twist control elements 1402c, 1402d. In some embodiments, the twist controls are not vertically aligned.

In FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a depicted barb 1500 having a cavity 1505 configured to match an adapter socket, such as an adapter socket 1400, with torsion controls, such as torsion control elements 1402a, 1402b, 1402c, 1402d. The cavity 1505 may include a number of slots 1502a, 1502b, 1502c, 1502d. The slots 1502a, 1502b, 1502c, 1502d may be configured to receive the torsion control elements 1402a, 1402b, 1402c, 1402d of the adapter nozzle 1400. In an exemplary embodiment, the slots 1502a, 1502b, 1502c, 1502d include vertical, flat, inward-facing surfaces 1504a, 1504b, 1504c, 1504d that correspond to the vertical surfaces 1404a, 1404b, 1404c, 1404d of the adapter nozzle 1400. Thus, the vertical surfaces 1404a, 1404b, 1404c, 1404d of the bit 1400 are configured to engage and interact with the vertical surfaces 1504a, 1504b, 1504c, 1504d of the tooth 1500 so as to resist torsional motion between the bit 1400 and the tooth 1500. The tooth 1500 may have, as indicated with reference to FIG. 12A and 12B, flat abutment surfaces that co-operate with the flat abutment surfaces on the adapter head 1400.

In FIG. 16A shows an assembled cross section of the adapter nozzle 1100, orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (eg, 1105, FIG. 11B). Accordingly, in FIG. 16A also illustrates a cross section of barb 1200. As shown, the angled surfaces 1110a, 1110b, 1110c, 1110d of the bits 1100 abut against the angled abutment surfaces 1210a, 1210b, 1210c, 1210d of the barb 1200. These angled abutment surfaces minimize or prevent both vertical and horizontal movement of the tooth 1200 relative to the adapter nozzle 1100. In some examples, there may be a gap between the horizontal non-bearing surfaces 1108a, 1108b of the nozzle and the horizontal non-bearing surfaces 1208a, 1208b of the tooth 1200. Similarly, there may be a gap between the vertical non-support surfaces 1106a, 1106b of the nozzle and the vertical non-support surfaces 1206a, 1206b of the tooth 1200. However, in some instances, the non-support surfaces of both bit 110 and barb 1200 may come into contact when barb 1200 is seated on bit 1100. Due to the angled bearing surfaces, both vertical and lateral movement can be minimized.

In FIG. 16B shows a cross section orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the adapter nozzle 1400 with torsion controls. As described above, the vertical surfaces 1404a, 1404b, 1404c, 1404d of the nozzle 1400 abut against the vertical surfaces 1504a, 1504b, 1504c, 1504d of the tooth 1500. Thus, the elements 1402a, 1402b, 1402c, 1402d of the control torsion are located with the ability to resist movement and torsion torsion between the bit 1400 and the barb 1500. This can aid in the stability of the barb 1500 on the adapter bar 1400 during use.

In FIG. 16C is a cross-sectional view of the front of the adapter nozzle 1100. In FIG. 16C also depicts a cross-section of barb 1200. As shown, angled surfaces 1116a, 1116b, 1116c, 1116d of nozzles 1100 abut against angled bearing surfaces 1216a, 1216b, 1216c, 1216d of barb 1200. In some examples, between the horizontal non-bearing surfaces 1114a, 1114b nozzles and horizontal non-support surfaces 1214a, 1214b teeth

-

Claims (54)

1200 may be a gap. In this example, the vertical surfaces 1112a, 1112b of the nozzle 1100 and the vertical surfaces 1212a, 1212b of the tooth 1200 are abutment surfaces and hence there is no gap between them. However, in some examples, there may be a gap between the vertical surfaces 1112a, 1112b of the nozzle 1100 and the vertical surfaces 1212a, 1212b of the tooth 1200. In this exemplary embodiment, the angled support surfaces 1116c and 1116d are adjacent to, but do not form part of, the bottom surface 1114b of the adapter nozzle 1100. In some instances, this angled design can extend the life of the adapter nozzle 1100. It is not uncommon during operation for an operator to wear the bottom of a tooth by inadvertently working on and wearing the bottom surface of the adapter tip 1100. In traditional systems that use the lowest surface of the adapter tip as a support surface, this can undesirably affect the stability of the next barb that is placed on the adapter tip. A worn bearing surface can cause runout, further accelerating wear and potentially permanently damaging the adapter tip. However, in the exemplary embodiment described herein, bearing surfaces are included on the angled bottom surfaces rather than the horizontal bottom surface. Because of this, if the operator unintentionally wears part of the bottom surface of the adapter bit, the angled bearing surfaces can still provide stability for the tooth in both the horizontal and vertical directions. This can increase the life of the adapter bit as the barb can be properly retained even if the bottom surface of the adapter bit is worn. In FIG. 16D is a cross-sectional view of the adapter nozzle 1450 with the torsion controls offset. For example, surface 1454a is offset from surface 1454c. Similarly, surface 1454b is offset from surface 1454d. Barb 1550 includes respective surfaces 1554a, 1554b, 1554c, 1554d. The offset is such that the barb 1550 can still be reversed and placed on the nozzle 1450. In other words, the barb is configured to engage with the adapter nozzle 1450 in two positions of rotation. Although the specification lists eight flat surfaces, some of the adapter and barb embodiments described herein include four angled flat surfaces and fewer than four vertical or horizontal flat surfaces. In some embodiments, the adapter bits and teeth described herein include a circular or arcuate outer surface that connects two adjacent flat, angled surfaces. For example, some implementations do not include a vertical side, with rings connecting adjacent surfaces 106a and 1106b. In these embodiments, surfaces 1106a and 1106b may be replaced by a circular surface that connects flat support surfaces 1110a and 1110c. The tooth may have a suitable shape. In some embodiments, the adapter nozzle may be configured with eight flat surfaces, but a tooth cavity, such as cavity 1205, may be configured with only six flat surfaces. In some examples, the vertical surfaces 1206a and 1206b described herein may be rounded, while the cavity 1205 may still be configured to engage and fit onto the flat, angled support surfaces of the adapter nozzle. U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/441,756, filed January 3, 2017, titled Spring Clip Connector for Grouser Wear Assembly, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/335,424, filed May 12, 2016, titled Fastener element for a wear element assembly, and U.S. Application No. 15/589,647, filed May 8, 2017, titled Stabilizing Elements in a Wear Element Assembly, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments included in the description of the present invention are not limited to the specific exemplary embodiments described above. In this regard, while exemplary embodiments have been given and described, the foregoing description contemplates a wide range of modifications, changes, combinations, and substitutions. It should be understood that such variations on the above information may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the appended claims are to be interpreted in a broad sense and in a manner consistent with the present invention. CLAIM 1. Node (100) with a wear element, containing a nozzle (203), made with the possibility of attaching to the cutting edge of the bucket, and the nozzle contains a rear part (207) having a first set of surfaces that converge in the direction of the longitudinal axis (211) of the nozzle in direction of the distal end of the rear portion, wherein the first set of surfaces comprises a first subset of surfaces having a top surface and a bottom surface (204e, 204g); a second subset of side surfaces (204f, 204h); and a third subset of surfaces (204a-d), wherein the third subset of surfaces is angled and located between the first subset of surfaces and the second subset of surfaces; and a front part (205) located in front of the rear part, wherein the front part contains a second set of surfaces that converge in the direction of the longitudinal axis (211) of the nozzle in the direction of the distal end of the front part, while the second set of surfaces contains a fourth subset having a top surface and bottom surface (202e, 202g); fifth subset of side surfaces (202f, 202h); and a sixth subset of surfaces (202a-d), wherein the sixth subset of surfaces is angled and located between the fourth subset of surfaces and the fifth subset of surfaces; and an intermediate part (209) located between the rear part (207) and the front part (205) and containing the number of surfaces in the cross section, different from the number of surfaces of the front part in the cross section and the rear part in the cross section; and a wear element (104) having a cavity (702) open towards the rear end, wherein the cavity contains support surfaces that correspond to at least some of the surfaces of the front and rear of the nozzle (203). 2. Assembly (100) with wear element according to claim 1, characterized in that the third subset of surfaces (204a-d) and the sixth subset of surfaces (202a-d) are placed so as to resist horizontal and vertical loading. 3. The wear element assembly (100) of claim 1 further comprising an octagonal-shaped forward facing contact surface (220) at the distal end of the nozzle. 4. Assembly (100) with wear element according to claim 1, characterized in that the first subset (204e, 204g) of surfaces is longer in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (211) than the second subset of surfaces (204f, 204h). 5. Assembly (100) with wear element according to claim 1, characterized in that the fourth subset of surfaces (202e, 202g) is longer in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (211) than the second subset of surfaces (204f, 204h). 6. Assembly (100) with wear element according to claim 1, further comprising a set of four protrusions extending from the third subset of surfaces (204a-d). 7. Wear element assembly (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that the protrusions have outwardly facing vertical surfaces (230a-d) which are positioned to resist the torsional movement of the wear element. 8. Node (100) with a wear element according to claim 6, characterized in that all the protrusions are aligned relative to each other. 9. Assembly (100) with a wear element according to claim 6, characterized in that the two protrusions are offset relative to the other two protrusions so that the wear element (104) can engage with the nozzle (203) in two positions of rotation. 10. Wear element assembly (100) according to claim 1, further comprising curved surfaces that are located between each surface in the first set of surfaces (204a-h). 11. Assembly (100) with wear element according to claim 1, characterized in that the second set of surfaces (202a-h) is located at a smaller angle relative to the longitudinal axis (211) than the first set of surfaces (204a-h). 12. Assembly (100) with a wear element according to claim 1, characterized in that the wear element (104) is made with the possibility of connection with the nozzle (203) in two positions of rotation. 13. Assembly (100) with wear element according to claim 1, characterized in that the wear element (104) includes a wear indicator (731) on the outer surface of the wear element, and the wear indicator contains a recess. 14. Assembly (100) with wear element according to claim 1, characterized in that the first subset of surfaces (204e, 204g) contains support surfaces. 15. Assembly (100) with wear element according to claim 1, characterized in that the second subset of surfaces (204f, 204h) contains non-support surfaces. 16. Assembly (100) with a wear element, containing a nozzle (203) having a front part (205) and a back part (207), while the rear part has a first set of surfaces (204a-h), each surface of the first set of surfaces converges in the direction of the longitudinal axis (211) of the nozzle in the direction of the distal end of the rear part, the front part (205) has a second set of surfaces (202a-h), each surface of the second set of surfaces converges in the direction of the longitudinal axis towards the distal end of the front part, and the nozzle includes an intermediate part (209) located between the rear part and the front part and containing the number of surfaces in the cross section, different from the number of surfaces of the front part in the cross section and the rear part in the cross section; and a wear element (104) having a distal end for engagement with the ground and a proximal end containing a cavity (702), wherein the cavity has a front and back with surfaces that correspond to at least a portion of the front, intermediate, or back of the nozzle. 17. Assembly (100) with a wear element according to claim 16, characterized in that the angled surfaces of both the rear and front (207, 205) parts of the nozzle are support surfaces that are located in such a way as to resist the horizontal and vertical load. 18. Assembly (100) with wear element according to claim 16, characterized in that the edges between the surfaces of both the rear and front parts (207, 205) are chamfered. 19. Wear element assembly (100) according to claim 16, further comprising a set of four protrusions extending from the angled surfaces (204a-d) of the rear portion (207). 20. Wear element assembly (100) according to claim 19, characterized in that the protrusions have outwardly facing side surfaces (230a-d) which are positioned to resist the torsional movement of the wear element. 21. Assembly (100) with wear element according to claim 19, characterized in that all the protrusions are aligned relative to each other. 22. Assembly (100) with a wear element according to claim 19, further comprising curved surfaces that are located between the front part (205) and the rear part (207). 23. Node (100) with a wear element, containing: adapter nozzle (203), having a longitudinal axis (211) and containing a front part (205) having a plurality of outward-facing surfaces (202a-d) located relative to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle under the first angle, while the outwardly facing surfaces of the front part are inclined in cross section; an intermediate part (209) having a plurality of outwardly facing surfaces (204a-d, 216ad) located relative to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle at a second angle different from the first angle, while the outwardly facing surfaces of the intermediate part are inclined in cross section; and a rear portion (207) having a plurality of outwardly facing surfaces (204a-d) disposed relative to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle at a third angle different from the second angle, wherein the outwardly facing surfaces of the rear portion are inclined in cross section; moreover, a plurality of said surfaces, inclined in cross section, have such a shape and size that they are made as support surfaces for bearing on the wear element (104) installed on the adapter nozzle (203), while the intermediate part contains the number of surfaces in the transverse section, different from the number of surfaces of the front part in the cross section and the rear part in the cross section. 24. Assembly (100) with a wear element according to claim 23, characterized in that the front part (205) contains a front contact surface (220) and two non-support surfaces and four essentially flat support surfaces, with at least two of the four the essentially flat support surfaces are sloped in cross section. 25. Wear element assembly (100) according to claim 23, characterized in that the rear part (207) comprises two additional surfaces which form substantially vertical side surfaces. 26. Node (100) with a wear element according to claim 23, characterized in that it contains a wear element (104) having a distal end for interaction with the ground and a proximal end having a cavity (702), while the cavity has a front and rear part (720, 722) with surfaces that correspond to at least part of the front, intermediate or rear parts of the nozzle (203). 27. A wear element (104) comprising a front end (701) and a rear end (703), wherein the rear end has a cavity (702) formed therein, having a rear part (722) and a front part (720), with the rear part of the cavity has two vertically opposite surfaces (704e, 704g), horizontal in cross section and angled to the longitudinal axis of the cavity, and four substantially flat surfaces (704a-d), four substantially flat surfaces inclined in cross section; the first two of the four substantially flat surfaces are located on the first side of the two vertically opposite surfaces, and the second two of the four substantially flat surfaces are located on the second side of the two vertically opposite surfaces; and an intermediate part (724) located between the rear part (722) and the front part (720) and containing a different number of surfaces in cross section from the number of surfaces of the front part and rear part in cross section. 28. Wear element (104) according to claim 27, characterized in that the front part (720) of the cavity (702) goes forward from the rear part (722) and has a cross-sectional width and a cross-sectional height - 16 040656 cheniya, while the width of the cross-section of the front part is different from the height of the cross-section of the front part, the front part has a front contact surface and two non-support surfaces (721f, 721h) and four essentially flat support surfaces (721a-d), two non-support surfaces are substantially vertical in cross section, and four substantially flat bearing surfaces are inclined in cross section, wherein at the distal end of the front portion (720) the cross sectional width of one of the two non-supporting surfaces (721f, 721h) is different from the cross sectional width of either four substantially flat support surfaces (721a-d). 29. Wear element (104) according to claim 27, characterized in that the rear part (722) of the cavity (702) contains two additional non-bearing side surfaces (704f, 704h). 30. The wear element (104) according to claim 28, characterized in that the intermediate part (724) contains at least one non-support surface (721, 723) located at an angle in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the wear element, the non-support surface of the intermediate part is located under a different angle than the two vertically opposite surfaces (704e, 704g) of the rear portion, and at a different angle than the two non-support surfaces (721f, 721h) of the front portion. 31. Node (100) with a wear element, containing: a nozzle (203) having a front part (205) having eight surfaces (202a-h) in an octagonal configuration, which include four inclined surfaces, with each of the four inclined surfaces of the front the part converges in the direction of the longitudinal axis (211) of the nozzle; a rear part (207) having eight surfaces (204-h) which include four inclined surfaces, each of the four inclined surfaces of the rear part converging in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the nozzle; and an intermediate part (209) between the front part and the rear part, while the intermediate part has a different number of surfaces in cross section from the rear part in cross section and the front part in cross section; and a wear element (104) having a distal end for engagement with the ground and a proximal end containing a cavity (702), wherein the cavity has a front and rear part (720, 722) with surfaces that correspond to at least some of the surfaces in the front , intermediate or back of the nozzle. 32. Assembly (100) with wear element according to claim 31, characterized in that the intermediate surfaces (216) are non-supporting surfaces. 33. Assembly (100) with wear element according to claim 31, characterized in that the inclined surfaces (202a-d, 204a-d) are non-support surfaces. 34. Assembly (100) with wear element according to claim 31, characterized in that the eight surfaces (204a-h) of the rear part contain two horizontal support surfaces (204e, 204g) in cross section and two vertical support surfaces (204f, 204h) . 35. A wear element (104) containing a front end (701) and a rear end (703), while the rear end has a cavity (702) formed therein, containing a front part (720) and a back part (722), while the rear the part has a plurality of surfaces (704a-h) in an octagonal configuration, each surface of the plurality of surfaces of the rear part converges in the direction of the longitudinal axis (718) of the cavity, the front part has eight surfaces (721a-h), at least four of the eight surfaces of the front parts converge in the direction of the longitudinal axis; and an intermediate part (724) extending between the front part and the back part, while the intermediate part contains a different number of surfaces in cross section from the front part. 36. Wear element (104) according to claim 35, characterized in that the rear part (722) contains a plurality of inwardly facing grooves that form part of the torsion control element, made with the possibility of abutting against the corresponding torsion control elements on the corresponding support structure. 37. A wear element (104) containing a front end (701) and a rear end (703), while the rear end has a cavity (702) formed therein, containing a front part (702) located in the direction of the front end, and a rear part (722) located in the direction of the rear end, each of the rear part and the front part has at least four surfaces, each of the four surfaces (704a-d) of the rear part converges in the direction of the longitudinal axis (718) of the wear element at the first convergence angle, and each of the four surfaces (721a-d) of the front part converges in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the wear element at the second convergence angle; and an intermediate portion (724) extending between the front portion and the rear portion, wherein the intermediate portion comprises a different number of cross-sectional surfaces from the front portion and the rear portion. 38. The wear element (104) according to claim 37, characterized in that the surfaces (704a-d) of the rear hour- - 17 040656 ti are bearing surfaces, and surfaces (721a-d) of the front part are bearing surfaces, and the surfaces of the intermediate part (724) are not in the same plane with the bearing surfaces of the rear part and are not in the same plane with the bearing surfaces of the front parts. 39. Wear element (104) according to claim 37, characterized in that the rear part (722) forms an octagonal shape. 40. The wear element (104) according to claim 37, characterized in that both the rear (722) and the front (720) contain support surfaces (704a-d, 721a-d) configured to resist horizontal and vertical load. 41. The wear element (104) according to claim 37, characterized in that the rear part (722) of the cavity contains a downwardly facing surface (704e) having a first protrusion (706) extending from it, and contains an upwardly facing surface (704g) having the second ledge passing from it (707). 42. Wear element (104) according to claim 41, characterized in that the first and second protrusions (706, 707) form bearing surfaces that can be supported on a support structure inserted into the cavity (702). 43. Wear element (104) according to claim 41, characterized in that the first and second protrusions (706, 707) are shaped to form an arc. 44. Wear element (104) according to claim 41, characterized in that the first and second protrusions (706, 707) form arcs in cross section with tangents at acute angles. 45. A wear element (104) according to claim 37, further comprising a set of four protrusions extending from the angled surfaces (704a-d) of the rear. 46. Wear element (104), configured to receive the support structure, containing the front end (701) and the rear end (703), and the rear end has a cavity formed in it, having a longitudinal axis (718) and containing the front part (720) having a plurality of inward-facing surfaces (721a-d) arranged at a first angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cavity, wherein the inward-facing surfaces of the front portion are inclined in cross section; an intermediate part (724) having a plurality of inward-facing surfaces (723a-d) located relative to the longitudinal axis of the cavity at a second angle different from the first angle, while the inward-facing surfaces of the intermediate part are inclined in cross section; a rear portion (722) having a plurality of inward-facing surfaces (704a-d) arranged relative to the cavity longitudinal axis at a third angle different from the second angle, wherein the inward-facing surfaces of the rear portion are inclined in cross section; and a plurality of said surfaces inclined in cross section, which have such a shape and dimensions that they are made as support surfaces for bearing on the support structure, while the intermediate part contains a number of surfaces in the cross section, different from the number of surfaces of the front part in the transverse section and back in cross section. 47. Wear element (104) according to claim 46, characterized in that the surfaces of the rear part (722) are bearing surfaces and the surfaces of the front portion (720) are bearing surfaces, and the surfaces of the intermediate part (724) are not in the same planes with the support surfaces of the rear part and are not in the same plane with the support surfaces of the front part. 48. Wear element (104) according to claim 46, characterized in that the rear part (722) forms an octagonal shape. 49. The wear element (104) according to claim 46, characterized in that both the rear (722) and the front (720) part contain bearing surfaces configured to resist horizontal and vertical loading. 50. The wear element (104) according to claim 46, characterized in that the rear part (722) of the cavity contains a downwardly facing surface (704e) having a first protrusion (706) extending from it, and contains an upwardly facing surface (704g) having the second ledge passing from it (707). 51. A wear element (104) according to claim 50, characterized in that the first and second protrusions (706, 707) form bearing surfaces capable of resting on a support structure inserted into the cavity (702). 52. Wear element (104) according to claim 50, characterized in that the first and second projections (706, 707) are shaped to form an arc. 53. A wear element (104) according to claim 50, characterized in that the first and second protrusions (706, 707) form arcs in cross section with tangents at acute angles. 54. Wear element (104) according to claim 46, characterized in that it further comprises a set of four protrusions extending from the angled surfaces (704a-d) of the rear. -