EP1563147A1

EP1563147A1 - Device for coupling wear pieces to reception tools of a public works machine

Info

Publication number: EP1563147A1
Application number: EP03808752A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Charles Pasqualini; Jean-Marc Noailly
Original assignee: AFE Metal SAS
Current assignee: AFE Metal SAS
Priority date: 2002-10-17
Filing date: 2003-10-08
Publication date: 2005-08-17
Anticipated expiration: 2023-10-08
Also published as: FR2846017B1; CN1714208A; CN100393950C; US7086185B2; KR20050070065A; CA2502561C; AU2003301453B8; CA2502561A1; ATE445049T1; DE60329624D1; WO2004035945A8; AU2003301453A1; ES2332408T3; WO2004035945A1; EP1563147B1; FR2846017A1; AU2003301453B2; US20050144817A1

Abstract

The connector for fastening a tooth wear tip (D) to an adapter (A) on a digging machine implement consists of a key (C) with a thrust zone that is inserted through slots (2.4) and engages with the flat surface of a transverse recess (1e) in the adapter. The slots are made in a rear section of the wear tip that is in the form of a skirt (2) fitting over the rear part of the adapter. The key is in two parts (4, 5) that can move transversely relative to one another, each having a stop and counterstop.

Description

DEVICE FOR COUPLING WEAR PARTS TO RECEPTACLE TOOLS OF A MACHINE

PUBLIC WORKS

The invention relates to the technical sector of equipment for public works machines having skips, buckets or other receptacles capable of scraping, picking up, moving materials or the like with a view to their evacuation from a given place to other operating stations using public works equipment, land or sea.

10

It is known, according to the prior art, to have, on skips, buckets, receptacles and the like mentioned above, shaped adapter noses which are capable of receiving removable teeth with a complementary profile. These teeth are in direct contact with the materials, materials to be removed,

15 scraping, and are therefore a source of rapid wear due to their usage constraint. The adapter noses formed on the buckets, buckets and other receptacles are male parts secured to the lip of the bucket, of the preformed bucket or receptacle and are produced in an attached or monobloc manner during the shaping of the bucket, bucket or receptacle, or the like.

20 special tools. The teeth which are attached constitute female parts established to the complementary shapes of the profiles of the adapter nose (s) for engaging thereon. The requirement to change the teeth to take account of their wear requires a connection between the wearing parts and the corresponding adapter nose. This connection is, according to the technique

25 prior, proposed by many manufacturers in the form of keying which can be either metallic or mixed, integrating a flexibility function by a flexible material. All the systems proposed, according to the prior art, have one thing in common which is to present, adapt and ensure a balance in the behavior between the attached tooth and the corresponding adapter nose. It is indeed necessary, having regard to the constraints of use, that there is a constant firm connection between the tooth and the adapter nose which responds to the thrust and recoil stresses in the efforts made. Thus, the connection between the two parts is such that there must be a forward support area and rear support areas in the connection obtained between the tooth and the adapter nose. Different key profiles exist. Solutions have been proposed, for example that defined in patent EP 412,186.

We know the concept of so-called sandwich keys formed by metal elements enclosing a rubber or elastomeric lining and which allows pressure adaptation of the components of the key. For example, patent FR 2204741 describes such a structure. Also known are keying interfering on the adapter by external transverse support, vertical or horizontal, single or double.

The problem posed at the origin of the invention lies in the fixing of replacement teeth on the existing adapter noses. The approach used was, from various profiles, in the case of adapter noses on the market, to design a new assembly and coupling means, in particular which allows, depending on a new configuration of the tooth, to position and fix on any type of adapter nose.

The problem was therefore to find a solution which made it possible to overcome the profiles and characteristics of the teeth currently on the market and their specific key connection system while allowing positioning on the adapter nose. A first goal sought, according to the invention, was therefore to implement a new concept of connection in the adapter nose, even key, which is simple in design, easy to install, which responds, satisfactorily, over time, to the various external stresses inherent in this type of material and with satisfactory behavior.

Another desired object, according to the invention, was to make the holding in position of the key very effective relative to the tooth and the adapter nose with an increase and optimization of the contact surfaces.

Another object sought after, according to the invention, was to reconsider the profile of the tooth to improve the protection of the adapter nose, thereby reducing the risk of deterioration by its contact with one external environment.

These goals and others will become apparent from the following description.

According to a first characteristic, the coupling connection device between wearing parts at the ends of receptacle tools in use on public works, land or sea vehicles, comprises a tooth positioned on an adapter nose while being coupled by a key with a front support zone on the adapter and rear support zones on the tooth, the adapter nose having an area with a vertical or horizontal transverse cut, for the passage of key and defining a transverse border forming plane of stop, the device being characterized in that the tooth has, at its rear end opposite the scraper tip, an enveloping skirt covering the adapter nose beyond the key passage zone, said skirt having a profiled configuration connecting to a rectilinear flat return wall, comprising a ribbing edge, and in that said return wall is established in the width of the skirt and corresponding to the passage and positioning of the key, and in that near the ends of said wall in return, and in the thickness of the skirt, there are established openings for the passage of the key without stop function in operating situation and ensuring a guide and stop function exclusively during the introduction or removal of the key, and in that the key comprising two components, movable relative to each other, in a transverse direction, said key having, on each of these components, very long abutment and abutment abutment zones, on the one hand, against the opposite part of the adapter nose and, on the other hand, against the back wall, at the place of its ribbing edge, in the space between the keyway openings.

According to another characteristic, the device is characterized in that the key comprises two components adjustable relative to each other, in a transverse plane, and arranged with specific shapes to provide the support and counter functions support relative to the tooth and to the adapter nose, and in that said components receive a lining material ensuring their connection and allowing, after positioning of the key and by elastic relaxation, the abutment of each of said components against the faces in look of the adapter nose and the tooth at the location of the back wall. To fix the subject of the invention illustrated in a nonlimiting manner in the figures of the drawings where:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tooth-nose assembly of the key assembly and coupling, according to the invention, before assembly,

- Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of% illustrating the key in two separate parts before assembly, - Figure 3 is a front perspective view, according to Figure 2, of the key,

FIG. 4 is a rear front view of the assembled key,

FIG. 5 is a side view of the assembled key,

- Figure 6 is a view of the front face of the mounted key, - Figure 7 is a side view opposite to the previous of the mounted key,

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the tooth and of the adapter nose, along line 8.8 of FIG. 12 illustrating the start of positioning of the key,

FIG. 9 is a sectional view, along line 9.9 of FIG. 12, illustrating the final positioning of the key,

FIGS. 10a, 10b, 10c are partial views on a large scale illustrating the gradual introduction of the key into the adapter tooth-nose assembly,

- Figure 1 1 is a view, according to Figure 10, illustrating the positioning of the key for the adapter tooth-nose coupling,

FIG. 12 is a view in longitudinal section showing the adapter tooth-nose assembly according to the invention, - Figure 13 is a partial exterior view, along arrow F of Figure 15

- Figure 14 is a partial sectional view along line 14.14 of Figure 11, but after positioning the key in the adapter tooth-nose connection with representation of a new position of the two components of the key, the one relative to the other, then assembly binder.

- Figure 15 is a partial perspective view illustrating the mouth of the tooth, - Figure 16 is a partial view along arrow F of the figure

15.

- Figure 17 is a sectional view of the tooth in the front part, along line 17-17 of Figure 16.

- Figure 18 is a sectional view of the tooth in the rear part along line 18-18 of Figure 16.

- Figure 19 is a partial sectional view along line 19-19 of Figure 17.

In order to make the object of the invention more concrete, it is now described in a nonlimiting manner illustrated in the figures of the drawings.

The invention applies to the assembly of wearing parts such as teeth and adapter nose, buckets, and all similar wearing parts adapted and used for public works, land or sea vehicles, various equipment for implementation and treatment of materials and their handling. The rest of the description will essentially refer to the application of the invention, to the teeth and adapter nose.

The invention therefore relates to a connection and coupling device between the tooth referenced as a whole by (D) and an adapter nose referenced as a whole by (A), the connection means being a key referenced by (C).

In known manner, the adapter nose (A) intended to allow the tooth to become inflamed (D) comprises 4 successive parts, the assembly constituting a single piece which is fixed in any suitable manner on the bucket or other receptacle. The end of the nose, shown in FIG. 1, is hatched to signify that it is arbitrary depending on the fixing conditions.

The part (la) is tapered and comes into the bottom of the tooth, this part being of any suitable configuration. It is followed by a portion (lb) of larger section in contact with the wall opposite the tooth. The following part (le) has, in known manner, and transversely, a cutout (le) for the passage of the key (C) and defining a transverse border (lf) forming an abutment plane. The width of this cut is suitable for the passage of the key. The following end portion (ld) constitutes the wall in return of the adapter nose for attachment to the bucket or receptacle. An adapter nose of this type is used by all manufacturers. According to the invention, the adapter nose (A) is capable of penetrating into the tooth (D), which has a specific profile to, on the one hand, allow obtaining support and counter-support zones different from those of the prior art and more important for a better distribution of the stressing forces and, on the other hand, allow optimized protection of the adapter nose.

The tooth (D) thus has, according to a first characteristic, at its rear end opposite to the scraper tip part, an enveloping profiled skirt (2) obtained in foundry with the tooth. This skirt is intended to cover as much as possible the adapter nose over the whole of its peripheral contour, coming substantially beyond the part (it) thereof corresponding to the passage area of the key. Thus, the skirt has a profiled enveloping configuration (2.1) whose shape corresponds to that of the adapter whatever the shape of the latter; widening to form a mouthpiece without, however, being in contact with the adapter nose at this point, as shown in Figure 12 of the drawings and with a clearance. The other part of the skirt forms a flat back wall (2.2) , rectilinear, with a ribbing border (2.7). This rectangular return wall is established across the width of the skirt and corresponds to the passage and the positioning of the support of the key (C). Near the ends of said back wall, and in the thickness of the skirt, there are established openings (2.3 - 2.4) for the passage of the key so that the latter engages, through one of the openings and is positioned on the inner part of the return wall. These openings have a square or rectangular shape (2.3a - 2.4a) with one or two complementary overhanging notches (2.3b - 2.3c - 2.4b - 2.4c) located in opposition and at levels different for the passage of the particular profile key, as will be described later.

It should be noted that, during the insertion or extraction of the key, the openings have a stop wall (2.3d - 2.4d), the conditions of which will be explained below.

As illustrated in FIG. 15, the return wall (2.2) comprises a first ramp (2.5) of rectilinear front guide situated slightly projecting with respect to the internal plane of the return wall, said first ramp adjoining the internal walls (2.6) of the tooth opening into the receiving part and in contact with the adapter nose.

In addition, the back wall (2.2) of the tooth is formed, at the end, by said ribbing edge (2.7), rectilinear, located adjacent to the plane of the opening connecting with the external profile of the skirt and thus ensuring a full closed profile of the skirt. This ribbing edge (2.7), by an internal recess (2.7a), constitutes a rear abutment zone of the key over the entire length (2.7a) of said recess. In addition, said ribbing edge is arranged on its inner face with a seat section (2.7b) of a certain zone forming stop and notching in position of the key, as will be explained later. FIGS. 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 have thus shown such an arrangement which is specific. It should be noted that said openings for the passage of the key have no abutment or support or counter-support function, in an operating situation. On the other hand, one of the openings (2.3) constitutes, by a face (2.3d), a zone of abutment and of limitation in transverse displacement of the key exclusively during its introduction, the other opening (2.4) having an identical face (2.4d) of abutment for guiding and removing the key, or vice versa.

It is now necessary to explain the characteristics of the key

(C) which is illustrated in all its forms in the figures of the drawings.

The key thus comprises two components (4 - 5) adjustable transversely with respect to one another as a function of the position of the key in the situation of introduction into the adapter tooth-nose pair, then in the coupling situation, and also in a situation of wear.

In addition to the key introduction phase, in a determined direction, said key is capable of transverse displacement in the phase of its positioning.

In the operating relationship of the two components, one of the components is fixed (4), the other (5) is movable transversely relative to the previous one. The two components are guided together by specific shapes, and are joined to each other by the introduction of an elastomeric material (6), which will be specified below, each of said components being arranged with profiles specific likely to come into abutment and against abutment on the opposite abutment faces of the tooth and the adapter nose in order to ensure a firm connection of the coupling and therefore of the tooth-adapter nose relationship. More specifically, the fixed component (4) is produced according to the configuration of a body of great length defining the length of the key, and being of a width capable of coming opposite the interior return wall (2.2) in the skirt (2) which passes through the aforementioned openings (2.3 - 2.4). This body has, on its front face, and along the corresponding vertical edge (4.1), a flat strip (4.2) in excess thickness whose ends (4.3) are cut sides. Said flat strip (4.2) acts as a stop face with the wall (2.3d) of the opening (2.3) when the key is introduced. This specific profile (4.2) is intended to be centered and notched in abutment on the profile corresponding to the transverse ribbing edge (2.7) of said wall, by means of its internal recess (2.7a) and the part seat (2.7b). In addition, the main body (4) is open in its internal volume and has a transverse cutout (4.4) with guide grooves (4.5) to allow the displacement of the second component (5). Oblong openings (4.6) are also established on the upper face of said main body, to ensure a dual function, namely allowing the introduction of the elastomeric material and then its expansion.

The mobile component (5), called secondary, has an L-shaped profile and is capable of moving relative to the main body (4). To this end, the secondary body has a flat plate (5.1) whose ends (5.2) are tapered to engage in the guide grooves (4.5) formed transversely on the main body. The plate has an interior cavity (5.3), not emerging, capable of receiving the connecting material (6) allowing the assembly of all of said mounted key. The secondary body plate continues with a wing (5.4) squared which has an abutment face (5.6) which is capable of coming to bear on the face opposite the adapter nose, as will be explained below. This wing (5.4) may in turn have a straight edge (5.5) which may be located above the abutment edge of the adapter nose. It should also be noted that the secondary body (5) has, on either side of its bearing and abutment face on the adapter nose, flaps (5.7) forming ramps oriented in the longitudinal direction, the function will be specified with the description and installation of the key. E

As a variant, the contact face of the key on the rib of the tooth may be straight, rectilinear or curvilinear, as shown in short dashed lines (FIG. 7). The curved shape contributes to keeping the key in position, the housing being of complementary configuration.

The packing material (6) can be an elastomeric resin or the like and fills the entire space of the interior volume of the main body and the secondary body, as shown in FIG. 14, without opening or leveling off, at the oblong slots. formed on the main body. The material solidifies so that the key is ready to be mounted. In this situation, the secondary body is positioned on the main body so that the rear edge in support of the stop zone comes in the same plane as the front face of the main body. Thus, the key is in the state of the representation in FIG. 5. The filling material is chosen so that it offers properties corresponding to the different parameters:

integrity of the key which is made monolithic, - maintenance of the adapter tooth-nose connection despite the usual stresses,

- present compression and extension properties to respond to the different situations of fitting the key but also to present, over time, after wear, an always relative position of the tooth and the adapter nose relative to to the other,

- Have holding and shearing properties by relative displacements of the two key components relative to each other.

It is therefore necessary to ensure and expose the operation of the assembly and the installation of the key.

Referring to Figures 10a, 10b and 11, the installation is carried out as follows.

According to FIG. 10a, the key which forms a one-piece whole with its two components (4 - 5) and packing material (6) is introduced, according to the arrow FI, into the free space formed between the tooth and the adapter nose . In this situation, the key is introduced, according to the arrow (fl), so that the rear face thereof comes opposite the ribbing edge (2.7) of the aforementioned back wall formed on the skirt. The key, by its part (4.2), then comes into abutment and guide contact with the wall (2.3d) of the opening (2.3). In phase according to FIG. 10b, the key is positioned so that the ramp (5.7) formed on the secondary body comes to bear against the stop part (1 f) formed on the adapter nose so as to create a phenomenon of compression of the packing material. Phase 3 (Figure 10c) of threading the key is partial. It can be seen in particular that the flange established (5.6) on the secondary body (5) at the end of the L-shaped part comes to the stop part (lf) formed on the adapter nose, while there is always the contact of the key with the aforementioned opening wall (2.3d). As the key is introduced, the secondary body of the latter tends to tilt obliquely, as shown in FIG. 10c, causing a complementary effect of compression of the lining material. In the next phase, shown in Figure 11, the key is fully in place and it has escaped from the wall (2.3d) of the opening (2.3). In this situation, the key is, by its main body, substantially advanced by being correctly positioned since the projecting part (4.2) formed on the main body (4) is positioned and in support centered on the seat part (2.7b) and the offset part

(2.7a) corresponding established on the ribbing edge (2.7) of the back wall, and this in a notching situation. Furthermore, it is in this positioning that the compressed lining material which expands elastically, comes to fill the area of the initial oblong unfilled openings formed on the key and possibly in slight overflow, as shown in FIG. 14.

The components of the key, as shown in FIG. 11, tend to deviate transversely from one another over a few millimeters, coming into abutment under the aforementioned conditions. It should be noted that the spacing of the two components is of the order of approximately 5 millimeters corresponding to the distance (d) materialized in FIG. 7. There is therefore a compression effect of the material and a perfect hold of the whole. The key is then held firmly and correctly between the tooth and the adapter nose, on the one hand in the stop zone (lf) opposite the adapter nose part and the rear stop zone opposite the ribbing edge ( 2.7) formed on the wall in return of the skirt. These stop zones are very long, compared to the prior art. The whole is therefore perfectly held. It should be recalled that the opening zones (2.3 - 2.4) have no stop functionality in the operating situation after fitting the key.

The key is removed by a striking operation which causes the compression of the material, the stripping of the seat key and receiving profile (2.7a - 2.7b) and therefore the release of the key.

In this configuration of the invention, the proposed device makes it possible to meet the various sought-after aims recalled above.

The opening (2.4) has, in turn, a guide face (2.4d) identical to that (2.3d) which allows to support the key for its release.

In addition, the full skirt provides almost total protection of the adapter nose and keying and consolidates the tooth retention area and creates a screen for introducing material that can be detrimental to the keying or disassembly of the tooth as well as to the contact areas established between the tooth and its adapter support. In the context of an extension of the invention, it is conceivable that the tooth is suitable for the passage of two opposite keys. In this case, the adapter is arranged with two opposite cutouts (I ^e ).

Claims

R E V E N D I C A T I O N S

-1- Coupling connection device between wearing parts at the ends of receptacle tools in use on public works vehicles, of the type comprising a tooth (D) positioned on an adapter nose (A) while being coupled by a key (C) with a front support zone on the adapter and rear support zones on the tooth, the adapter nose having a zone (le) with a cutout (le) vertical or horizontal transverse for the keyway and defining a transverse border forming an abutment plane, the device being characterized in that the tooth (D) has, at its rear end opposite the scraper tip, an enveloping skirt (2) covering the adapter nose beyond the key passage area, said skirt having a profiled configuration (2.1) connecting to a flat rectilinear return wall (2.2), comprising a ribbing edge (2.7), and in that said back wall is eta blie in the width of the skirt and corresponding to the passage and positioning of the key, and in that near the ends of said back wall, and in the thickness of the skirt, are established openings (2.3 - 2.4) of passage of the key without stop function in operating situation and ensuring a guiding and stop function exclusively during the insertion or removal of the key, and in that the key comprising two components (4 - 5), movable relative to each other, in a transverse direction, said key having, on each of these components, very long abutment and abutment abutment zones, on the one hand, against the part next to adapter nose and, on the other hand, against the return wall, at the location of its ribbing edge, in the space between the keyway openings.

-2- Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the skirt has a profiled enveloping configuration (2.1) widening to form a mouth without being in contact with the adapter nose, the other part of the skirt forming back wall (2.2), and in that the openings (2.3 - 2.4) for the passage of the key have complementary overflowing openings for the passage of the key.

-3- Device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the return wall (2.2) comprises a first guide ramp (2.5) rectilinear projecting from the inner plane of the return wall and adjoining the internal walls (2.6) of the tooth, and a straight ribbing border (2.7) located adjacent to the plane of the opening connecting with the external profile of the skirt and ensuring a complete closed profile of the skirt, said border ribbing constituting a stop zone over its entire width of the key.

-4- Device according to claim 3, characterized in that said ribbing edge forms an internal recess (2.7a) at the location of the notches formed on the passage openings of the key, and on both sides a seat section (2.7b) of a certain zone of the key by constituting a stop and notching zone in position of the key. -5- Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the key comprises two components (4 - 5) adjustable relative to each other and arranged with specific shapes to perform the functions of support and counter-support with respect to the tooth and to the adapter nose, and in that said components receive a packing material (6) ensuring their connection and the joining of all of said key and allowing, by relaxation , the abutment of each of said components against the opposite faces of the adapter nose and the tooth at the location of the wall in return.

-6- Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the fixed component (4) is established according to a body of great length defining the length of the key and being capable of fitting on the wall back inside (2.2) in the skirt (2), said body having, on its front face and along the vertical edge (4.1), a flattened strip (4.2) in excess thickness whose ends are with cut sides, the profile being intended to come into abutment and catch on the profile corresponding to the ribbing edge (2.7) of the return wall.

-7- Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the main body of the fixed component is open in its internal volume and has a transverse cutout (4.4) with guide grooves (4.5) to allow the movement of the second component, and in that oblong openings (4.6) are established on the upper face of said body. -8- Device according to any one of claims 5, 6 and 7, characterized in that the movable component (5) has an L-profile with a flat plate (5.1) whose ends (5.2) are tapered to s '' engage in the guide grooves (4.5) formed on the main coφs, said plate having an interior cavity (5.3), not opening, receiving the connecting material, said plate having a wing (5.4) squared with a stop face ( 5.6) in contact with the opposite face of the adapter nose, and in that said movable component (5) has, on either side of its bearing and abutment face on the adapter nose, sections (5.7) forming a ramp oriented in the longitudinal direction.

-9- Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the packing material is an elastomeric resin.

-10- Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the openings

(2.3 - 2.4) have a stop and guide face (2.3d - 2.4d) during the insertion and extraction of the key, and in that the openings (2.3 and 2.4) have no function stop and guide, after fitting the key.