EA041755B1 - WEARING PART FOR EARTH-MOVING EQUIPMENT - Google Patents

Description

Related Applications

This application claims priority over U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/332286, filed May 5, 2016, entitled A Wear Part for Earth Working Equipment, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety and forms a part thereof.

Technical field

The present invention relates to wear elements and fixtures for attaching wear elements to earthmoving equipment.

Prerequisites for the creation of the invention

Wear parts are usually attached to earthmoving equipment such as dredging buckets and the like. For example, teeth and shrouds are typically installed along the cutting edge of a dredging bucket to protect the bucket from wear and improve excavation performance. Such wear assemblies typically include a base, a wear member, and a retainer for releasably attaching the wear member to the base. The base is fixed to the equipment as an integral part of the equipment or as one or more components fixed to the equipment by welding or mechanical connection. The wear element is located on top of the base. The assembled base and wear element together form a cavity, which includes a latch for detachable fastening of the wear element to the base.

Earthmoving equipment wear parts typically operate in harsh environments and/or are heavily loaded. Accordingly, it is desirable that the retainers have the strength necessary to effectively retain the wear part on the equipment, resist ejection during operation, and be easy to install and remove in the field when the wear part needs to be replaced. Many different retainer designs have been developed to achieve these goals, with varying degrees of success.

Statement of the Invention

The present invention relates to wear parts for earthmoving equipment, and in particular to a fixing structure that is strong, durable, resistant to ejection, easy to manufacture, lower cost, easy to store and transport, and/or easy and safe to use.

In one embodiment, the wear member is configured to mount and hold the hinge pin in two different positions, including a release position and a hold position.

In another embodiment, the wear element is provided with a latch retained on the wear element in both the holding position and the release position, without the use of a resilient element such as an elastomer.

In another embodiment, an earthmoving wear member has an outer surface subject to ground wear, a rear mounting portion having an inner surface, and an opening leading to the inner surface and the outer surface. The hole has opposing surfaces, each of which has a pair of holders for attaching the latch to the wear element in two different positions, so that the latch can be fixed in the first position, which allows the wear element to be installed on earthmoving equipment, and the second position, in which the latch can secure wear element on earth-moving equipment. In one preferred design, the orientation of the latch in the release position is substantially parallel to the orientation of the latch in the hold position.

In another embodiment, the wear element for earthmoving equipment has an opening with a retaining element for engaging and holding a hinged lock in a release position in which the wear element can be mounted on the earthmoving equipment, and in a holding position in which the wear element can be attached to the earthmoving equipment .

In another embodiment, the wear assembly for earthmoving equipment comprises a wear element with an opening having opposing walls, each of which has a holder assembly, and a latch for engaging the opposite walls to hold the latch in the opening in a release position that allows the wear element to be installed on the earthmoving equipment. , and in a holding position that allows the wear member to be attached to the earthmoving equipment. The latch can be moved between a locked state in which the latch engages the opposing walls and an unlocked state in which the latch disengages the opposing walls to move from a release position to a holding position.

In another embodiment, a hinged retainer for attaching a wear member to earthmoving equipment comprises a plurality of components interconnected for pivotal movement between an extended orientation in which the components are aligned and a retracted orientation in which the components are folded. The latch in the extended orientation may engage the wear member in the retaining position to secure the wear member to the earthmoving equipment, and in the stowed orientation may disengage the wear member. Each component has a slot and tab, and in the extended orientation, the tab of each component is installed in the slot of the other component to limit the separation of the components.

In another embodiment, the latch for attaching the wear member to the earthmoving equipment comprises hinge members rotatably coupled together to move between an extended position and a retracted position, and an insert. The hinge elements are interlocked in at least one ridge and groove configuration to limit the separation of the elements along the axis of rotation of the hinge elements, and the rotational movement of the hinge elements is prevented by placing an insert between the elements when they are in a locked position to attach the wear element to the earthmoving equipment.

In another embodiment, a retainer for attaching a wear member to earthmoving equipment comprises hinge members each having an inner surface, the hinge members being rotatably connected together to move along the inner surfaces between an extended position and a retracted position, and an insert. The first hinge element contains a recess in the inner surface and the first support surface located adjacent to the recess. The second hinge element contains a sleeve with an opening and a second support surface located adjacent to the sleeve. The sleeve is installed in the recess, and the insert is installed in the hole and engages the bearing surfaces to limit the rotational movement of the hinge elements and attach the wear element to the earthmoving equipment.

In another embodiment, the retainer for attaching the wear element to the earthmoving equipment includes hinge elements, each of which has an inner surface, a recess in the inner surface, as well as a support surface adjacent to the recess, a sleeve and an insert. The hinge elements are pivotally connected together to move along the inner surfaces between the extended position and the retracted position. The coupling has a hole and is installed in the recesses. The insert is installed in the hole and engages the bearing surfaces to limit the rotational movement of the hinge elements and attach the wear element to the earthmoving equipment.

In another embodiment, a method of attaching a wear member to the earthmoving equipment includes mounting the wear member on the earthmoving equipment with a latch secured in a release position in a wear member opening, releasing the latch from walls forming the opening at the release position, and engaging the latch with walls forming an opening in a hold position other than the release position to hold the wear member on the earthmoving equipment.

In another embodiment, the latch has end walls shaped to cooperate with the sides of the opening in the wear part, so as to resist the latch being pushed out during use. Each of the end walls can be engaged at two different locations to secure the wear member in a release position and a hold position.

In another embodiment, interlocks are provided on each of the two components of the latch. When the latch components are in the extended position, the interlocks can resist lateral movement of the latch components relative to each other and thus increase the stability of the latch.

In another embodiment, each part of the two-piece retainer can be preloaded in the transverse direction by placing an insert between the two parts of the retainer that interlock to resist movement of the parts relative to each other. The application of such forces allows the insert to be retained and reduces the risk of losing the retainer during use.

In another embodiment, substantially frustoconical hole portions are formed along a dividing line separating the retainer components, with a first frustoconical hole portion formed in one retainer component and a second frustoconical hole portion formed in the second component of the latch. The frustoconical insert is configured to be placed in the frustoconical hole to prevent movement (ie retraction) of the two components relative to each other. In one embodiment, one portion of the hole is smaller than the inserted insert to define a substantially three-point or linear engagement of the retainer components with the insert.

In another embodiment, a frustoconical insert having a radius at a selected depth of insertion into a longitudinally aligned two-channel frustoconical hole is greater than the radius of curvature of the first channel and less than the radius of curvature of the second channel.

Brief description of graphic materials

In FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wear assembly in which the wear element is a shroud attached to the lip of the excavator bucket with a retainer (the lip is only partly shown).

- 2 041755

In FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the wear assembly shown in FIG. 1.

In FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along the line 3-3 shown in FIG. 1.

In FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of a wear member.

In FIG. 5 is a perspective view from below of a wear member.

In FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the latch in a locked configuration.

In FIG. 7 is a top view of the retainer in a locked configuration with no insert.

In FIG. 8 is a top view of the latch in a locked configuration with an insert.

In FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the latch.

In FIG. 10 is an exploded reverse angle perspective view of the retainer shown in FIG. 9.

In FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the casing with the latch set in the release position.

In FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view along line 12-12 of FIG. eleven.

In FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the casing with the latch in the hold position.

In FIG. 14A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 in FIG. 13 showing the latch in an unlocked configuration in the hold position.

In FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 in FIG. 13 showing the latch in the locked configuration and in the hold position.

In FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view along line 15-15 in FIG. 14B, which shows an example profile of the force that can be applied to the retainer and the reaction force.

In FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an alternative latch in a locked configuration.

In FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the alternative retainer shown in FIG. 16.

In FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the first element of the second alternative latch.

In FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the second element of the second alternative retainer for assembly with the element shown in FIG. 18.

In FIG. 20 is an exploded view of the second alternative retainer.

In FIG. 21 is an exploded view of the third alternative retainer.

In FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a latch with a fourth alternative latch.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

The present invention relates to wear parts 9 for earth moving equipment 14. In one embodiment, the wear part 9 includes a wear element 12 and a latch 10 for releasably attaching the wear element 12 to the earth moving equipment 14. In this example, the wear element 12 is a casing attached to the edge 16 excavator bucket lock 10 (Fig. 1-22). However, wear elements may have other shapes (eg, other types of shrouds, excavator teeth, sliders, liners, blades, etc.). In addition, the wear member may be attached to other types of earthmoving equipment (eg, mouldboards, dredger heads, stingers, truck bodies, etc.). In this description, relative terms such as forward, backward, up, or down are used for convenience of explanation with reference to a figure; other orientations are also possible.

In FIG. 1-3 illustrate a shroud 12 mounted on an edge 16 between two noses 18 supporting notch points (not shown). In this one embodiment, the edge 16 includes a base 25 that can be fixed in place by welding 32 (FIG. 3), although the base may be molded into the edge. The base 25 includes an abutment 26 along the front edge 27 of the edge 16. The base 25 includes a rear bearing surface 40 on the rear side of the anvil 26 and a rear surface 60 behind the anvil 26. The abutment surface 40 and the rear surface 60 form a ledge or recess 64 for receiving a latch. Anvil 26 further comprises a forward facing abutment surface 28 for abutting a respective front abutment surface 29 in cavity 30 in the wear element. Anvil 26 also includes side bearing surfaces 31, preferably extending axially from the front abutment surface 28 to the rear abutment surface 40. Of course, the base can be of many different designs to accommodate various wear elements.

In this example, the wear element 12 includes a pair of legs 20, 22 for bending around the edge 16 and a wear outer surface 24. The inner surface 36 of the upper leg 20 includes a recess 34 to provide clearance when the casing 12 passes over the stop 26 and to set the stop 26 in the forward position in recess 34. The recess 34 borders the side walls 33 to resist and bear against the side bearing surfaces 31 and the front bearing surface 29. The recess

- 3 041755 may be a hole in the leg 20 or an offset surface around the stop in the front (Fig. 4-5). Hole 38 is made through leg 20 to receive latch 10. In the illustrated example, hole 38 has a longitudinal axis 42 located across the central axis 44 of casing 12. Hole 38 includes a rear wall 48, front wall 50 and opposite end walls 52. Hole 38 and recess 64 collectively form an opening 39 into which the latch 10 is installed in the holding position.

Each of the end walls 52 includes holders 54, 56 for interacting with the latch 10 and supporting the latch in the release and hold positions. If the latch is in the release position, the wear element 12 can be mounted on or removed from the base 25 (ie earthmoving equipment). With latch 10 in the retained position, the wear member may be attached to base 25. In the illustrated embodiment, holders 54, 56 are projections extending inwardly from end walls 52. However, holders 54, 56 may be of other designs, such as , for example, formed as one or more recesses into which their respective protrusions on the latch fit, or, for example, which can be formed on the front and rear walls 48, 50.

Moreover, the holders may be formed as a single holding device which allows the latch to be installed in both the release position and the holding position. For example, the ends of the retainer may have two different devices for inserting the same holder into the hole to secure the retainer in two positions. Accordingly, although this disclosure essentially refers to two holders 54, 56 on each end wall, the number of holders is not important. It is possible to use one or more than two holders to secure the latch in the release position and the holding position.

The first or outer holder 54 in this embodiment is in the outward position, i. near the outer surface 57 of the wear element 12 (Fig. 11, 12). The second or inner holder 56 in this embodiment is in the inward position, i. near the inner surface 36 of the wear element 12 (FIGS. 13, 14B). In this embodiment, the latch 10 is positioned in the gap 66 such that both holders 54, 56 function to secure the latch 10 in the release position. In the illustrated example, the second holder 56 has a substantially semi-cylindrical surface. The first holder 54 has a curved portion 53 and a substantially straight portion 55 (FIG. 14A) to reduce its upward extension and the thickness of the upper leg 20. The second holder 56 preferably has fuller contact with the latch to withstand the expected higher loads, arising during use, for example during earthworks. However, the holders may have the same shape (for example, both may be formed as a semi-cylindrical projection, as shown for the holder 56) or each may have different shapes from those shown. The first holder 54 may be continuous or discontinuous as shown (FIGS. 4-5), i.e. with a central gap 58 to provide access for easier removal of small particles from the opening 39. Although not illustrated here, the second holder 56 may also or instead be discontinuous.

The first holder 54 in this example protrudes into the hole 38 by a smaller distance than the second protrusion 56, although this is not required. The first or medial pocket or gap 66 is located between the holders 54, 56. The second or inner pocket or gap 68 is located inside the holder 56 (ie between the holder 56 and the inner surface 36). Pockets 66, 68 may comprise straight, curved, or other surfaces (FIGS. 12, 14A, 14B). As illustrated, the second protrusion 56 may be configured to have a substantially semi-cylindrical profile to provide a solid contact surface for both outward and inward contact with the latch 10.

The retainer 10 may be installed in the opening 39 to hold the wear member 12 on the earthmoving equipment 14. In general, with the wear member 12 on the edge 16, the retainer 10 is attached to the second holders 56 to position against the bearing surface 40 of the stop 26 and the bearing surface 48 in the hole 38 to hold the wear member 12 in place; those. with the latch 10 in the hold position in the opening 39, the wear element cannot be retracted from the edge 16 (FIG. 3).

In the illustrated embodiment, the latch 10 may be held at two different locations on the wear member 12. The two positions may be defined as a release position (eg, when the latch is positioned for transport, storage, and/or installation) (FIG. 12) and a holding position (eg, when the retainer can attach the wear element to the base) (FIG. 14B). In the release position, the lower lip 107 of the latch 10 is located between the inner holder 56 and the outer holder 54. The release position can also be defined as the position in which the inner lugs 107 are installed in pockets 66 having the appropriate size and shape. The pockets 66 can grip the inner ledge 107. Other designs are possible.

The latch can also have two different configurations: unlocked or folded con

- 4 041755 figure, in which the latch can be installed in the hole 38 and the holders 54, 56, or removed from them, and a locked or deployed configuration, in which the latch can engage the holders 54, 56 in the hole 38. The latch can be installed in the release position holes during manufacture, i.e. wherein one retainer is securely coupled to one wear element for transport, storage and/or installation. At the job site, while still in the locked configuration in the release position, the shroud can be installed on the base 25, i. e. installed on the earth-moving device without any modification of the latch. The latch can then be moved to the unlocked state and removed from the release position and placed in a locked configuration by engaging the holders 56 in the retained position on the wear member. In one example, the latch may be secured in a locked configuration with a single substantially rigid insert 100. Insert 100 may be a metal insert 100 made of steel, for example. The latch can then be held in place without the need for an additional element such as a latch or elastomer. Other latch designs are also possible.

In the illustrated embodiment, latch 10 comprises two components or components 70, 72 (FIGS. 6-10) connected together to pivot to move about a transverse axis 74 between a locked state (FIG. 14B) and an unlocked state (FIGS. 14A). The two constituents or components 70, 72 may be positioned to contact each other on respective first and second internal or contact surfaces 76, 78 (FIGS. 9-10). The connection of the contact surfaces 76, 78 may define a dividing line 80 (FIGS. 7, 8) along which the latch 10 may be divided into latch components 70, 72. Although the surfaces 76, 78 preferably contact each other (in this and other disclosed embodiments), they may be spaced apart from each other, i.e. the contact between the two components takes place elsewhere, such as at the points of adhesion.

Relative rotation or articulation of the two components 70, 72 can be achieved using the hinge mechanism 82. In the illustrated example, the hinge mechanism 82 includes an integral post 84 protruding from the first contact surface 76 of the first component 70. The second contact surface 78 includes a complementary hole 86 having a corresponding sized and positioned to mount the strut 84, thereby articulating the first and second components 70, 72 together in a limited movement assembly 99 about the axis 74 (FIGS. 6-10). In this embodiment, the axis of rotation 74 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 44 of the wear member 12 and perpendicular to the contact surfaces 76, 78. The articulation may have other designs. For example, the hinge mechanism 82 may have other designs, including, for example, each component being formed with a hole for receiving a hinge pin secured in place by retaining rings, or the like.

Each component or component 70, 72 may form a channel 90, 92 (FIGS. 9-10) in surfaces 76 and 78. One channel 90 may include helical ridge segments 94 to engage the groove or grooves 96 in the insert 100. When the components 70, 72 assembled together in a locked position, the channels 90, 92 are aligned with each other to jointly form a tapered partially threaded passage 102, configured to receive an insert 100 with a mating (Fig. 6-10). Other forms of passages and inserts are also possible. Other ways of fastening the insert in the passage are also possible, in addition to the threaded engagement.

In the illustrated embodiment, each channel 90, 92 forms a semicircle in lateral section so that the two channels together form a complete circular passage, although it is possible to use a shape less than a full semicircle for each or one channel. In one embodiment, only one channel 90 is formed with threaded segments 94, although both may be threaded. The channel(s) may also be (may) be partially threaded(s) or may (may) have an interrupted thread. Each channel 90, 92 gradually tapers so that together they form an opening or passage 102 in a substantially frustoconical shape. However, the passage and insert may be cylindrical.

An insert 100, in the form of a threaded frusto-conical rod, may be screwed into the passage 102 with the latch 10 in a locked position to prevent relative movement between the two components 70, 72. For rotation of the insert 100, a hex socket is provided at the top of the insert 100 104 or other tool hooking device. When the insert 100 is installed in the passage 102, the components 70, 72 cannot rotate about the axis 74. As a result, the latch is a strong one-piece pin that withstands a large load and prevents the release of the wear element 12 from the edge 16. Installing the insert 100 in complementary channels 90, 92 formed in the contact surfaces 76, 78 extending perpendicular to the axis of rotation 74 provides a strong resistance to rotation of the components and a low risk that the insert will be pushed out or broken. When the insert 100 is removed, the components 70, 72 can be rotated about the axis 74 from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration (FIG. 14A). The insert 100 may take many different forms and may be installed in

- 5 041755 other openings provided in one or both components. For example, it may be unthreaded and may be attached by other means, may have other shapes, and/or may be inserted in other positions and/or other locations. The insert 100 simply needs to secure the latch components 70, 72 in its locked configuration.

As insert 100 moves down passage 102, insert 100 contacts a progressively smaller inner circumference in both channels 90, 92. In one embodiment, the radii of insert 100 and channels 90, 92 in the fully installed position are substantially the same. In another embodiment, the radius of curvature of one channel is less than the radius of the insert at the respective positions when fully installed, and the curvature of the other channel substantially matches or is greater than the curvature of the insert. In one embodiment, the smaller radius channel is not threaded. Thus, a single line contact is supported in a threaded channel, while a double line contact is supported in a non-threaded channel. Thus, the three lines of contact can provide substantially balanced forces 160, 162, each directed substantially toward the central axis 101 of the insert 100, having a single line of contact on one side of the center plane and a double line of contact on the opposite side. Alternatively, the smaller duct may be a threaded duct, or both ducts or neither duct may be threaded. In an unthreaded passage, the insert is secured by other means such as a retaining ring or a latch.

In embodiments, the passage 102 may also be provided with threads enclosing less than the full circumference of the channel, i. e. less than half of the path along the circumference of the hole. For example, the threads may only extend from a few degrees up to 175 degrees of circumference or more. Arrow 166 in FIG. 7 illustrates one example of a thread circumferential range 94. In some cases, the threads may have a chamfer or groove at each end of the thread profile closest to the slide planes, which can reduce the circumferential extent of the thread. Double line loading can be slowed or prevented and insert 100 can be screwed deeper into the hole. Thus, the insert 100 can be rotated to a large extent during the tightening operation. This may provide a more comfortable and confident feel to the operator when tightening the insert 100.

In addition, although the components 70, 72 are disclosed as having the same or similar lengths and forming opposite ends of the latch 10, other designs can be used. For example, the components may be of different lengths, or each may extend the full length of the retainer. In addition, the latch may include a collapsible element, and not consist of two components connected by a pivot pin. To ensure secure locking in the holding position, other designs may be used that allow the latch to be folded into the release position. For example, the latch 10 may have a plurality of hinges formed by three or more components. As another example, the latch 10 may flex in the resilient portion of the hinge. Moreover, the latch 10 may be formed without a hinge or folding portion; instead, the latch 10 may have various means for releasably attaching to the holders 54, 56. In one example, the latch may have an end that is telescopically movable in and out to engage or release the holders 54, 56.

The retainer 10 includes end walls 87, 88 which engage end walls 52 in an opening 38 in the wear part. For example, the end walls 87, 88 can engage the holders 54, 56 when the latch is in the released position, allowing the wear element 9 to be installed and removed without removing the latch 10 from the wear element 9. The latch can be completely removed from the wear element when the wear element is to be installed and removed from wearable working equipment, although it is preferable that the retainer be installed during the manufacture of the assembly for transport, storage and installation as a one-piece unit. Preferably, the latch is installed in the wear element 12 during manufacture and transported, stored and installed with the latch in this release position in engagement with the holders 54. equipment 14. The latch 10 is in a locked configuration when it is attached to the holders 54, 56, and in an unlocked configuration when it is installed on or removed from the holders 54, 56. Alternatively, the holders 54 may be lowered so that the latch is inserted after the wear element is installed on the base 25. In this example, the latch 10 may be transported and stored with the latch engaging the holders 56, or transported and stored separately from the wear element.

In the illustrated embodiment, end walls 87, 88 have a substantially concave curved configuration corresponding to the curved surfaces of holders 54, 56, although other end wall shapes and/or holders may be used. In this example, the concave curved surface 103 defines a pair of spaced apart projections 105, 107. The inner or lower projection 107 is placed in the medial pocket 66 when the end walls 87, 88

- 6 041755 engage the holders 54 in the release position. The inner lug 107 fits into the inner pocket 68 when the end walls 87, 88 engage the holders 56. The outer lug 105 can fit into the pocket 66 or be shorter than the pocket 66. This kind of interaction or engagement of the holders with the retainer increases the resistance to loss or extrusion of the retainer when inserted. 100 is located in passage 102. This design further improves the resistance to rotation of the latch under load. However, other types of end walls may be used. By way of example only, the end walls of the latch may be stepped, may contain projections, or be otherwise shaped to secure the latch in place.

During use in the holding position, the outer sides of the second holders 56 contact the inner sides of the outer lugs 105 and the inner sides of the holders 56 contact the outer sides of the inner lugs 107. Thus, resistive or corrective forces can act on the latch in both an upward and downward direction. and down. Forces can act along any position along the ledges, i.e. at any distance from the central axis 112 of the latch, on the side surfaces 114 of the latch 10. Thus, forces can be resisted by the ends of the latch engaging any set of holders 54, 56, which could otherwise cause, for example, the latch to fall, to be pushed out, to rotate or longitudinal twist.

For example, during use, forces will be applied to the latch 10 by the bearing surface 48 of the wear member 12 on one side, as indicated by arrow 49, and by the bearing surface 40 of the anvil 26, as indicated by arrow 41 (FIG. 15), on the opposite side. Since the surfaces can move away from each other, opposing forces cause the latch to rotate in the opening 39. However, in accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the outer lug lugs 105 of the latch contact the outer surfaces of the second lug 56 of the wear element 12 (arrow 106), and the inner lug 107 of the latch contact with inner surfaces of the second projections 56 (arrow 108). This prevents the lock 10 from turning in the opening 39.

In the illustrated embodiment, the retainer does not have a uniform length. The length along the projections 105 is less than the length along the projections 107 to allow the latch to pivot from an extended, locked configuration to a retracted, unlocked configuration (FIG. 16A), i. to provide sufficient clearance for the projections 105 to move further into the pocket 66 when the latch 10 is rotated into the unlocked configuration. Alternatives are possible. For example, the medial pocket 66 may have sufficient depth to allow rotation when the projections 105, 107 are the same length (ie, when the inner and outer lengths of the retainer 10 are the same).

In order to replace a worn wear element, the latch 10 must first be removed. To do this, the insert 100 is removed from the passage 102, and the components 70, 72 are rotated about the axis 74 into an unlocked configuration (FIG. 14A). In this position, the outer projections 105 can move into the medial pocket 66, as illustrated. The shorter length of the latch 10 at the level of the outer projections 105 allows the upper lug 105 to enter the medial pocket 66 when the latch 10 is rotated to a loose or unlocked state. The contour of the concave surface 103 of the end walls 87, 88 of the retainer is configured to follow the contour of the holder 56 to allow for smooth rotation of each respective component 70, 72 of the retainer.

In the holding position, the inner surface 109 of the latch 10 may or may not be in contact with the bottom of the cavity 64. A small gap may be allowed or provided.

The latch 10 may include lateral locks 140 on each of the two latch components 70, 72 (FIG. 6). When the latch components 70, 72 are in the extended, locked position, the interlocks 140 can keep the latch components 70, 72 from separating laterally. When the latch members 70, 72 are fixed at their ends, each latch member 70, 72 may tilt slightly under the stress that occurs when the insert 100 is forcibly inserted into the channel 102 in the middle portion of the latch. Each lock 140 may include respective pairs of tongue 142 and retaining slot 144, i.e. each component 70, 72 has a tab 142 at one end and a retaining slot 144 at the opposite end, although other locking designs are possible (FIG. 7). The tongue 142 may be configured to slide into the slot 144 during the same pivotal movement about the axis of rotation 74 as the pivoting or releasing or straightening movement of the lock components 70, 72 described herein. Each tongue 142 may extend substantially radially from the axis of rotation 74, and the inner opposing walls 146 of each retaining slot 144 (when in the closed extended position) may extend in close proximity on the same plane as the outer opposing surfaces of the tongue 142. The surfaces of the tongue 142 and the retaining the walls may deviate slightly from parallel to provide radial thrust for quick and unhindered separation of adjacent surfaces when the latch members 70, 72 rotate to the open position. The tongue ends and/or the end walls of the slots 144 may

- 7 041755 also form a radial thrust in order to also or instead provide a quick and unobstructed separation of adjacent surfaces when the components 70, 72 of the latch are rotated to the open position. Each latch component 70, 72 can be bent transversely from the longitudinal axis 112 of the latch 10 by means of an insert 100 applying a preload to the latch 10. The preloaded latch components 70, 72 in turn provide lateral holding forces 150 from opposite sides of the slip plane 80, to resist pushing out the insert 100. The resulting force components are substantially perpendicular to the sliding plane 80 and directed transverse to the longitudinal axis (FIGS. 6-8).

In the illustrated embodiments, various surfaces, such as interlocks 140 and hinge pin 84, increase the stability of the assembled retainer components 70, 72 even without insert 100 in place. Interlocks 140 and hinge pin 84 provide constraining surfaces that limit degrees of freedom of relative movement between components 70 , 72 detents, except relative rotation or articulation. As described, the interlocks 140 resist relative lateral movement of the latch components. The hinge pin 84 extends laterally across the contact surfaces 76, 78 and is accordingly positioned to resist relative longitudinal movement between the latch components 70, 72. Accordingly, even without the insert 100 in place, the latch 10 is easy to handle, move, and otherwise handle. This can be especially helpful for the operator. The insert 100 may be positioned to prevent relative rotation or articulation between the latch components 70, 72. Therefore, the forces acting on the insert are relatively limited by the resistance to relative rotation, which tends to protect the insert from deformation and/or extrusion.

Locks 140 and pivot pin 84 can hold the latch in place and withstand various loads that may be placed on it. For example, bending force 170 (FIG. 7) may apply tensile stress on one side of central axis 112 and compressive forces on the other side. Bending forces will tend to pull stress-side tab 142 out of mating slot 144. However, the outer surface of pivot pin 84 in contact with the interior walls of the corresponding hole 86 will resist relative longitudinal movement of the retainer components 70, 72, adding strength and stability to the retainer. In addition, the pivot axis 74 is preferably substantially perpendicular to and adjacent to the central axis 101 of the insert 100. Accordingly, any relative rotation or articulation of the retainer components 70, 72 about the axis 74 results in a minimum displacement of the passageway 102 parallel to the central axis 101 of the insert 100. Therefore, axial forces on the insert 100 to resist articulation are minimized, reducing the possibility of ejection. or deformation.

In one alternative embodiment, the lock comprises concentric walls 282, 284 slidable relative to each other to allow relative rotational movement of the latch components 270, 272 about the pivot axis 274 (FIGS. 16-17). Each component may include a tongue or tongue and groove that engage in a tongue and groove configuration. The retainer assembly 200 includes tabs 292 and 294 forming walls 292A and 294A. The latch assembly may include slots 296 and 298 defining walls 296A and 298A spaced from the tabs. These tongue and groove walls 292, 294, 296, 298 have substantially corresponding shapes and are shown in FIG. 17 as curvilinear and concentric about the axis of rotation. The walls may be of any shape that allows the components of the retainer to rotate about the pivot axis to fold and unfold to full length without being fastened. The hinge assembly may include bringing the contact surface 276 to the contact surface 278 with the longitudinal axes of the components 270, 272 substantially at an angle to each other (ie, without engaging the tabs 292, 294 in the slots 296, 298). As the components 270, 272 rotate relative to each other around the axis of rotation 274, each of the tongues passes into the respective slots. Entangled components, once assembled with each other, resist separation. The rotation of the components relative to each other can be limited by the installation of the insert 100.

The end walls 87, 88 of the latch release the end walls 52 of the opening 38 so that the latch can be removed from the wear member 12. At least one component 70, 72 (and preferably both to allow removal in any direction) is provided with a catch 120 to facilitate rotation of the components and pulling the latch out of the opening. In one embodiment, the grips 120 are formed as sloping cavities for receiving a removal tool 122; although other forms of grips can be used. Each component 70, 72 may also include a recess 124 located at a distance from the grip 120 to firmly support the support 126 of the tool 122. 126 in one recess 124. The lever 130 of the tool 122 is pushed down to pull the middle of the latch 10 up so that the components 70, 72 rotate around the hinge mechanism 82. In this position, the latch

- 8 041755 can be pulled out of opening 38 with tool 122 so that the cover can be removed from the equipment.

In FIG. 18 and 19 show an alternative design of the hinged detent. The first component 370 and the second component 372 include tabs 392 and 394 and slots 396 and 398, respectively, which engage in a tongue and groove configuration on the component assembly. The first component 370 has a contact or inner surface 376, and the second component 372 has a contact or inner surface 378. The contact surface 376 preferably has a substantially hemispherical recess 382 and an opening 380A. Above and below the hemispherical recess are preferably curved bearing surfaces 384A and 386A. The contact surface 378 includes a laterally protruding threaded sleeve or protrusion 374 provided with a pin 380. The sleeve has an opening or passage 375 passing through it along an axis of passage substantially parallel to the contact surfaces and substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the latch. The passage 375 is provided with threads 375A in the wall of the opening. The second component 372 includes a recess 382 for receiving the sleeve 374 and a hole 380A for receiving the pin 380. Above and below the sleeve are curved bearing surfaces 384B and 386B.

In FIG. 20 is an exploded view of the latch 350. Components 370 and 372 are assembled in such a way that the sleeve 374 with the threaded passage 375 and the pin 380 is installed in the recess 382 and hole 380A, respectively. The sleeve and recess are appropriately shaped to allow the components of the latch to rotate relative to each other about the pin and hole defining the axis of rotation 274 with limited engagement. The outer portion of the sleeve 374 and recesses 382 are preferably spherical segments, although other shapes are possible. Tabs 392 and 394 fit into slots 396 and 398 when the components rotate to the extended position. Other shapes may be used for the sleeve and recess surfaces, and the sleeve and recess shapes are not necessarily mating. Preferably, the sleeve is symmetrical with respect to the axis of rotation and allows the components to rotate after assembly.

With the latch in the extended position, bearing surfaces 384A and 384B adjacent to each other form a single circular upper bearing surface 384. Similarly, bearing surfaces 386A and 386B adjacent to each other form a lower circular bearing surface 386. However, the bearing surfaces are not necessarily should form a complete circle. When the components 370, 372 are in the extended position, the threaded insert 300 is installed in the threaded opening 375. The threaded insert 300 preferably includes a socket 300A with a socket 300B for receiving a torque wrench (not shown), such as a hex wrench, although other installation devices may be used. tool. Although the insert 300 is shown with a radially flared head, it may simply be the rear end of the shaft, i.e. extension of the shaft without radial expansion. Also, while threaded insert 300 and threaded opening 375 are preferred, they may each be unthreaded and may have other means (eg, latch) to hold the insert in the opening.

The threaded insert 300 may optionally include an offset snap-tooth 308 extending from the insert. The tooth may interact with a corresponding outer pocket or recess 310 in the threaded opening 375 of the coupling. The tooth engaging the recess can limit the rotation of the insert below a set level of applied torque and prevent the insert from accidentally falling out of the retainer. The interlocking tooth and recess may form an abutment for a fully installed position.

The insert shaft 300 preferably includes an upper bearing surface 304, a lower bearing surface 306, and threads 302 between the two. When the insert 300 is fully screwed into the passage 375, the upper and lower bearing surfaces 304 and 306 are adjacent to or on the bearing surfaces 384 and 386, respectively. The installation of the upper and lower support surfaces 304, 306 of the insert 300 on the support surfaces 384, 386 of the components 370, 372 limits the rotational movement of the components 370 and 372 about the axis 274 of rotation. During use, latch 350 is positioned in the wear member opening in a manner similar to the previous latch described above, and similarly engages the opening retaining structure. The threaded opening may comprise full threads extending around the circumference of the opening. Alternatively, the opening may have threaded portions or ridges in the opening to engage the threads 302 of the insert 300.

The latch components 370, 372 and insert 300 are shown with top and bottom bearing surfaces, but other designs are possible. For example, an insert may have a head 300A, threads 302, and a bottom seat 306 without a top seat 304. In some designs, the head may act as the top seat. In another example, the retainer has only threads and a bottom bearing surface to bear on the insert 300 without a top bearing surface. In another design, the retainer has threads and an upper bearing surface to bear on an insert without a lower bearing surface.

In FIG. 21 shows an alternative design of the latch 450, containing components 470 and

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Claims (5)

472 with features similar to the retainers described above. The first component 470 and the second component 472 include tabs 492 and 494 and slots 496 and 498, respectively, which engage in a tongue and groove configuration on the latch component assembly. Here, each component preferably has a hemispherical recess 482 and 484, each with an opening 482A and 484A. The sleeve 474, separated from the components 470, 472, is installed in the recesses 482, 484. The sleeve 474 is provided with an opening or passage 476 that extends through the sleeve and is provided with threads 476A in the walls of the passage. The coupling has pins 486 and 488 on opposite sides. The retainer 450 is assembled by fitting a sleeve 474 into recesses 482 and 484 with pins 486 and 488 in openings 482A and 484A. The latch components 470 and 472 are then rotated around the pins and openings to an extended position in which tabs 492 and 494 are seated in slots 496 and 498. In the extended position, the upper circular bearing surface 497 is above the sleeve 474. The lower circular bearing surface 499 is below the sleeve 474 The insert 300 fits into the threaded socket and the bearing surfaces 302 and 304 rest on or adjacent to the bearing surfaces 497 and 499. When installed, the insert limits the rotational movement of the components 470 and 472 relative to each other. Other embodiments are possible with only the top support surface or only the bottom support surface for placement on the insert 300. Other shapes may be used for the sleeve and recess surfaces, and the sleeve and recess shapes are not necessarily mating. Preferably, the sleeve is symmetrical with respect to the axis of rotation and allows the components to rotate after assembly. The ends of the latch may have different designs to engage the receiving structure of the opening of the wearing element. In FIG. 22 shows a retainer 550 with a middle structure 502 similar to the retainers described above, ie, for example, a ridge and groove design, and a pivot limiting insert. The latch 550 has bevelled ends 502 and 504 converging in an upward direction. The latch 550 can be installed in the opening of the wearing element with an appropriate design. Such wear elements are described in US Pat. No. 7,536,811, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Any of the retainers described herein may be formed with chamfered ends (or other ends) for receiving various wear elements and attaching wear elements to earthmoving equipment. The embodiments described above are preferred embodiments of the present invention. Various alternatives may be used. For example, in any of the disclosed embodiments, the holders may be threaded rods or threaded wedges. Holders can be of widely varying designs and include sliding plates, stoppers, latches, etc. The axis of rotation or hinge may be formed in other ways, which provide the desired movement of the components. The folding of the latch component can also be achieved by other means. In General, various other embodiments, as well as many changes and modifications can be implemented without deviating from the essence and broader aspects of the invention. CLAIM 1. Wear element (12) for earth-moving equipment (14), containing an outer surface (24) subject to wear when interacting with the ground, an inner surface (36) for installing a wear element on earth-moving equipment and a hole (38) leading to the inner surface and the outer surface, wherein the opening (38) contains opposite walls (52), each of which has holders (54, 56) that are spaced from each other and are configured to attach the retainer (10) to the wear element in two different positions, including a release position and a holding position, wherein the release position of the latch attached to the wear item corresponds to holding the latch outward from the inner surface by the holders to facilitate installation of the wear item on the earthmoving equipment, and the holding position of the latch attached to the wear item corresponds to keeping the latch holders inward from provisions for anchorage to secure the wear element on the earth-moving equipment. 2. Wear element (12) according to claim 1, in which the holders contain an inner ledge (56) and an outer ledge (54) on each of the opposite walls (52), and the inner ledge (56) is closer to the inner surface (36) than the outer ledge (54). 3. Wear element (12) according to claim 2, in which the internal projections (56) are located at a distance from the internal surface (36). 4. Wear element (12) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the protrusions (54, 56) on one opposite wall (52) are symmetrical to the protrusions on the other opposite wall. 5. Wear element (12) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, in which each of the protrusions (54, 56) contains at least a part having a convex curvilinear configuration for engaging the corresponding -