EP1819882B1 - Assembly for coupling wear parts to support tools for heavy-construction machinery - Google Patents

Abstract

An assembly for coupling wear parts to support tools for heavy-construction machinery includes a tooth and an adapter with a key connection. The tooth and the adapter have complementary support profiles located in different planes and disposed between respective contact and connection ends. The profiles are arranged in a symmetrically opposing manner on upper and lower faces of a nose of the adapter and the tooth.

Description

The invention relates to the technical sector of equipment of public works machines with buckets, buckets or other receptacles likely to scrape, remove, move materials or others for their evacuation from a given place to other operating posts using public works machinery.

It is known, according to the prior art, to have, on skips, buckets, receptacles and the like above, shaped nose adapters that are capable of receiving removable teeth complementary profile. These teeth are directly in contact with the materials, materials to be sampled, scraped, and are therefore a source of rapid wear due to their use stress. The adapter noses formed on the buckets, buckets and other receptacles are male pieces integral with the lip of the bucket, the bucket or preformed receptacle and are made in an attached or monobloc manner during the conformation of the bucket, bucket or receptacle, or other special tools. The teeth that are reported are female parts established to the complementary shapes of the profiles of the nose or adapters to engage it. The requirement of changing the teeth, to take account of their wear, requires a connection between the wear parts and the corresponding adapter nose. This connection is, according to the prior art, proposed by many manufacturers in the form of a keyway which can be either direct metal or assisted by an elastic material.

Experience shows that, whatever the fitting and connection systems involved, it is not possible to prevent because of manufacturing tolerances that require play to allow the assembly of the teeth on their support. adapter, to which are added those which are formed by the pressure matting and wear in service of the contact areas, there is a possible movement of the tooth on its adapter support.

Thus, the connection of the teeth on their nose adapters is made by keying to allow, after wear of the teeth, to proceed with their removal and replacement. The horizontal, lateral, oblique or various stresses inherent to the applications and uses, also cause deteriorations in the tooth-nose-adapter relationship, but also on the keying. We note the pivoting of the tooth relative to the nose of the adapter and therefore a deterioration thereof by wear due to friction.

We can see these two major problems that combine or not according to the arrangement of the teeth and adapters.

On the first problem and in the prior art, we often find the tooth-adapter fitting configuration, as shown figure 1 , in the form of a fitting either pyramidal or frustoconical.

When applying the digging force (FC), illustrated figure 2 , which is the most important constraint received when loading buckets and buckets, there is a tilting movement in the direction indicated by (R). The tooth tends to tip over its adapter bracket and the lower wall of the cavity (Ci) is very strongly supported on the lower body of the adapter support.

As long as the gaps between tooth and adapter are weak, the tilting of the tooth is also possible and the force on the contact area (Ci) is acceptable by the resistance of the tooth case.

There comes a time when the clearance (J) between the tooth and its adapter support is such that it can be placed in the corner of the tooth case and it cracks, tears or bursts ( figure 2 ), the tooth is then out of order.

A stronger configuration is also known, according to the figure 3 . The nose of the adapter support has, in its front part, a stabilizing plate and the rear part of the adapter holder comprises housings receiving the two ears of the tooth. The play established in the production of parts is such that J2 between the upper and lower faces of the fitting is greater than that achieved at the levels of the flat stabilization and ears (J1). J2> J1.

When applying the digging force (FC) to this configuration also shown in FIG. figure 4 , the tooth is supported on the stabilization plate to which it applies a force (SPF) which initiates a rotation according to (R), blocked by the contact of the teeth of the tooth which transmit the force (FO) in their housing of the adapter support. As a result, the bearing force in (Ci) is reduced and the risk of bursting of the tooth case is less than in the previous case ( Figures 1 and 2 ).

Nevertheless, experience shows that in use the stabilizing plates and the housing of the ears of the tooth take wear by matting and friction and the game that then exists with the corresponding faces of the new replacement teeth increases much . The interest of the recovery of efforts, by the effect of the support of the ears of the tooth in their housing in the support adapter, no longer exists, and we find the previous case presented Figures 1 and 2 .

We know from the document US 6079132 a coupling assembly according to the preamble of claim 1.

If we come back now to the second problem, which is that of keying, it is necessary to observe.

According to known practice, the keying systems of the teeth, to ensure their retention on their adapter supports, are arranged, either vertically or horizontally. Their keys are assisted or not by an elastic element. Placed horizontally, they have the disadvantage of difficult access because of the presence too close to neighboring adapters. Placed vertically, they pre-dispose to the loss of keys, especially from the bottom.

• Le premier concerne une clavette verticale formée par deux cylindres qui se vissent l'un sur l'autre, l'un formant boulon et l'autre formant écrou (figures 5, 6 et 7). Un tube de caoutchouc est placé entre les deux. En vissant les deux éléments formant la clavette qui se rapprochent, on tend à écraser et à expanser le tube caoutchouc. Il se positionne dans un chambrage prévu dans le corps de l'adapteur où il peut s'expanser, durcir sous la pression de vissage. Cela permet d'assurer la retenue de la clavette en service. Par contre, le caoutchouc, dont la position est imposée par le chambrage dans l'adapteur, place les éléments métalliques formant clavette dans une position aléatoire vis-à-vis des orifices de la dent où ils ne peuvent pas systématiquement se trouver en position de contact arrière pour assurer la retenue de la dent. En plus de cela, il n'y a pas, pratiquement, ou très peu, dans le cas de position aléatoire favorable de la clavette, de force d'appui arrière pour la retenue de la dent.

The elastic elements of the aforementioned type are sometimes made in the form of tubular sleeves and two systems are known:

• The first relates to a vertical key formed by two cylinders which screw on one another, one forming a bolt and the other forming a nut ( Figures 5, 6 and 7 ). A rubber tube is placed between the two. By screwing the two elements forming the key that come together, it tends to crush and expand the rubber tube. It is positioned in a recess provided in the body of the adapter where it can expand, harden under the screwing pressure. This ensures the retention of the key in use. On the other hand, the rubber, the position of which is imposed by the recess in the adapter, places the metallic elements forming a key in a random position with respect to the orifices of the tooth where they can not systematically be in the position of back contact to ensure the retention of the tooth. In addition to this, there is no, practically or very little, in the case of favorable random position of the key, rear support force for the retention of the tooth.

The second is placed horizontally ( Figures 8 and 9 ). A rubber tube is introduced into its housing in the adapter. After placing the tooth, a cylindrical pin forming a key is introduced through one or other of the orifices of the tooth. The diameter of the rod is slightly greater than the inside diameter of the rubber tube to create a clamping to ensure the holding in place of the key during service.

This device, with which we find the disadvantages of the previous, as to the random position of the key vis-à-vis the orifices of the tooth and the lack of restraining force, is used only in special cases where it n There is no extraction constraint of the tooth. It is implemented only in applications called RIPPER where the teeth are only requested in the direction of the advance. It is thus the single direction of work of penetration which, on the contrary, tends to strongly apply the tooth on its support adapter.

The principle of sandwich keys, as described by the applicant, is also known, which are particularly arranged with a particular structure of two components movable relative to each other and between which is disposed an elastically deformable material. Such a key is described in the patent PCT WO 2004/035945 the applicant. This type of key, however, is specific to a configuration of the tooth with a skirt surrounding and protecting the adapter.

The applicant also exploits a particular process known as "STICKEY process", subject of the patent EP No. 618,334 which provides for the insertion of a key in a vertical plane, the key being tapered from top to bottom, and receiving, in a suitable chamber, the connecting material. This is in the form of a resin which solidifies by forming, after stiffening, a retaining sheath between the tooth and the adapter.

In all cases known to the applicant and discussed above, the key is completely embedded in the connection volume between the tooth and the adapter. Specific tools are then required to proceed with its removal and / or tearing, see also heating the elastic material to make it liquid and allow the removal of the key.

Faced with all these problems, the applicant's approach was to reflect on a new design of the tooth-adapter coupling that is easy to implement and that perfectly meets the various constraints.

This reflection was first focused on the purpose of an arrangement of the tooth and the adapter nose to absorb all the stresses by reducing the phenomena of wear by better absorption of the forces of stress.

This reflection was also directed to the connection tooth-adapter by the design of a specific keying device responding to the problems posed and goals sought.

Thus, the applicant's approach has been to propose a tooth-adapter coupling assembly that can implement, independently or in combination, depending on the case and application, special provisions in the contact zones between the tooth and the nose-adapter. on the one hand, and in the introduction of a keying device, on the other hand. Thus, the connection between the tooth and the adapter is substantially improved by the addition of complementary contact areas for the absorption of stresses of all kinds and multi-directional.

The new design of the keying device also contributes to the limitation of the movement between the tooth and the adapter, while avoiding, as far as it is concerned, all risks of escape, from the top or the bottom, in the nose connection. -adapteur, which is perfectly secure by leaving no possibility of inadvertent snap when used in situ.

According to a first feature, the coupling assembly is remarkable in that the stepped shape defines a complementary upper support plane which is oriented angularly with respect to the plane of the stabilizing plate, and in that the complementary shapes are made of specific way and in opposition to the longitudinal median axis of the adapter.

According to another characteristic, the coupling assembly of wear parts on support tools for equipment of public works machines of the type comprising an assembly key between a tooth and an adapter, the key being positioned vertically, said key fitting into a receiving sleeve of elastic material, the tooth and the adapter being arranged with openings and abutment and abutment zones allowing insertion of the key-sleeve assembly and its holding, is remarkable in that that the key is arranged with three specific areas, one intermediate to be engaged and cooperate with the sheath, another upper outlet of the sheath and being arranged with means for gripping and positioning a disassembly tool, and another lower to engage in the lower portion forming seat of the tooth, and in that the key in its intermediate portion has on its side faces a plurality of zones horizontal tool-holders extended by an alternation of recessed areas and projections capable of cooperating with a plurality of complementary raised and recessed zones established in the sleeve to ensure an adjustment and anchoring, and in that the tooth is arranged with a flared upper opening allowing the introduction of the key and the positioning and actuation of a tool for the disengagement of the key.

According to another characteristic, the coupling assembly of wear parts on support tools for equipment of public works machines is remarkable in that the tooth and the adapter are arranged with profiled complementary support shapes located between their respective contact and connecting ends, said shapes being arranged symmetrically and in opposition on the upper and lower faces of the nose of the adapter and the tooth, and in that the key is arranged with three specific areas, one intermediate to be engaged and cooperate with the sleeve, another upper opening of the sleeve and being arranged with means for gripping and positioning a disassembly tool, and another lower to engage in the lower portion forming a seat of the tooth, and in that the key in its intermediate portion has on its side faces a plurality of horizontal areas taken of tools extended by an alternation of recessed zones and projections capable of cooperating with a plurality of complementary raised and recessed zones established in the sleeve to ensure an adjustment and anchoring, and in that the tooth is arranged with an opening upper flared allowing the introduction of the key and the positioning and actuation of a tool for the disengagement of the key.

These and other characteristics will be apparent from the rest of the description.

• Les figures 1 et 2 sont des vues à caractère schématique illustrant l'accouplement dent-adapteur dans une configuration d'emmanchement conique selon l'art antérieur.
• Les figures 3 et 4 sont des vues à caractère schématique en variante dans lequel le nez-adapteur présente un plat avant de stabilisation et où la liaison de la dent sur l'adapteur est obtenue et complétée par des oreilles.
• La figure 5 est une vue d'une clavette visée, selon l'art antérieur, en demi coupe.
• La figure 6 est une vue de la clavette, selon la figure 5.
• La figure 7 est une vue montrant le montage de la clavette dans un assemblage dent-adapteur, selon l'art antérieur.
• La figure 8 est une vue d'une dent dite RIPPER, selon l'art antérieur, avec l'utilisation d'une clavette intégrant un fourreau.
• La figure 9 est une vue en coupe, selon la ligne A.A. de la figure 8.
• La figure 10 est une vue en perspective de l'ensemble d'accouplement dent-adapteur fourreau-clavette, avant montage, montrant une mise en oeuvre des formes complémentaires de contact et de liaison établies sur l'adapteur et la dent.
• La figure 11 est une vue de dessous de l'adapteur tel qu'illustré figure 10.
• La figure 12 est une vue en coupe longitudinale, selon XIII.XIII de l'ensemble d'accouplement dent-adapteur après montage dans une première variante d'aménagement intérieur de la dent.
• La figure 13 est une vue de dessus et en coupe selon XII.XII.
• La figure 14 est une vue à caractère schématique d'une autre configuration intérieure de la dent.
• La figure 15 est une vue partielle de côté de l'extrémité du nez adapteur.
• La figure 16 est une vue de dessus, selon la figure 15.
• La figure 17 est une vue en variante, selon la figure 15.
• La figure 18 est une vue de dessus, selon la figure 17.
• La figure 19 est une vue de côté de la clavette selon l'invention.
• Les figures 19.1, 19.2, 19.3 sont des vues en coupe, selon les lignes I.I, II.II, III.III de la figure 19, sur les différentes sections successives de la clavette.
• La figure 20 est une vue de dessus de la clavette, selon la figure 19.
• La figure 21 est une vue de face de la clavette, selon la figure 19.
• La figure 22 est une vue de côté et en coupe du fourreau récepteur de la clavette objet de l'invention.
• La figure 23 est une vue de face et en coupe, selon la ligne IV.IV de la figure 22.
• La figure 24 est une vue de dessus, selon la figure 22.
• La figure 25 est une vue de dessous, selon la figure 22.
• La figure 26 est une vue en coupe partielle de l'adapteur réceptionnant ledit fourreau.
• La figure 27 est une vue partielle et en coupe de la dent s'adaptant sur l'adapteur et réceptionnant la clavette selon l'invention.
• La figure 28 est une vue en coupe partielle, selon la ligne V.V. de la figure 27.
• La figure 29 est une vue de la face extérieure inférieure de la dent.
• La figure 30 est une vue de la face extérieure supérieure de la dent.
• La figure 31 est une vue en coupe partielle illustrant le montage du dispositif de clavetage, clavette-fourreau entre la dent et l'adapteur.
• La figure 32 est une vue de dessus, selon la figure 31.
• La figure 33 est une vue en coupe, selon la figure 31, illustrant l'enlèvement de la clavette.

For fixing the object of the invention illustrated in a nonlimiting manner to the figures of the drawings where:

• The Figures 1 and 2 are schematic views illustrating the tooth-adapter coupling in a conical fitting configuration according to the prior art.
• The Figures 3 and 4 are schematic views in a variant in which the nose-adapter has a stabilizing front plate and where the connection of the tooth on the adapter is obtained and supplemented by ears.
• The figure 5 is a view of a key referred, according to the prior art, in half section.
• The figure 6 is a view of the key, according to the figure 5 .
• The figure 7 is a view showing the mounting of the key in a tooth-adapter assembly, according to the prior art.
• The figure 8 is a view of a so-called RIPPER tooth, according to the prior art, with the use of a key incorporating a sheath.
• The figure 9 is a sectional view along line AA of the figure 8 .
• The figure 10 is a perspective view of the tooth-adapter sleeve-key coupling assembly, before assembly, showing an implementation of the complementary forms of contact and binding established on the adapter and the tooth.
• The figure 11 is a bottom view of the adapter as shown figure 10 .
• The figure 12 is a longitudinal sectional view, according to XIII.XIII of the tooth-adapter coupling assembly after mounting in a first variant of interior arrangement of the tooth.
• The figure 13 is a view from above and in section along XII.XII.
• The figure 14 is a schematic view of another interior configuration of the tooth.
• The figure 15 is a partial side view of the tip of the adapter nose.
• The figure 16 is a view from above, according to the figure 15 .
• The figure 17 is an alternative view, according to the figure 15 .
• The figure 18 is a view from above, according to the figure 17 .
• The figure 19 is a side view of the key according to the invention.
• Figures 19.1, 19.2, 19.3 are sectional views along the lines II, II.II, III.III of the figure 19 , on the different successive sections of the key.
• The figure 20 is a top view of the key, according to the figure 19 .
• The figure 21 is a front view of the key, according to the figure 19 .
• The figure 22 is a side view and in section of the receiving sleeve of the key object of the invention.
• The figure 23 is a front view and in section, according to line IV.IV of the figure 22 .
• The figure 24 is a view from above, according to the figure 22 .
• The figure 25 is a view from below, according to the figure 22 .
• The figure 26 is a partial sectional view of the adapter receiving said sheath.
• The figure 27 is a partial view in section of the tooth fitting on the adapter and receiving the key according to the invention.
• The figure 28 is a partial sectional view along line VV of the figure 27 .
• The figure 29 is a view of the lower outer face of the tooth.
• The figure 30 is a view of the upper outer face of the tooth.
• The figure 31 is a partial sectional view illustrating the mounting of the keying device, feather key between the tooth and the adapter.
• The figure 32 is a view from above, according to the figure 31 .
• The figure 33 is a sectional view, according to the figure 31 , illustrating the removal of the key.

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 assembly of coupling of wear parts on support tools for equipment of public works implements, to meet to the objectives of the invention, a tooth (D) and an adapter (A) can be associated and secured by a key (C).

In order to meet the first objective of absorbing the stresses inherent to the applications, the nose of the adapter is arranged in known manner in front with a stabilizing plate and or not openings for the reception of lateral ears arranged at the ends of the tooth. . According to the invention, the tooth and the adapter are arranged with complementary shapes (FA) supporting profiles in differentiated planes located between their respective ends and the stabilizing plate for the adapter and the tooth base, of on the one hand, and their opposite connecting and centering ends, on the other hand. These complementary shapes (FA) are arranged symmetrically and in opposition on the upper (FS) and lower (FI) faces of the nose of the adapter and the tooth. These complementary shapes are therefore additional support zones that complete the support zones installed on the stabilization plates, in front of the nose of the adapter, and back, if necessary, in the ears housing of the tooth, which no longer have to receive the effort alone when applying a stress on the stabilizing plate. These shapes (FA) profiled additional support can increase the surface of stabilizing plates, to perform a better distribution of the forces received by the adapter nose, and to increase the total surface receiving the transmitted forces. This reduces the possibility of movement of the tooth relative to the adapter and reduces wear.

Referring to Figures 10 to 18 , the upper (FS) and lower (FI) faces of the adapter nose are arranged between the front part of the stabilizing plate and the rear part beyond the constitutive zone of the nose of the adapter with tiered forms established over all or part of the width of the nose. Thus, said stepped shapes located on the upper and lower faces of the nose of the adapter are established in the extension of the stabilizing plate, established in a plane (a) which is extended by an inclined plane (a2) until connection with the upper part connecting the area from the nose of the adapter to the body of the adapter. The stepped shape thus defines an upper plane (a3) of complementary support which is oriented angularly with respect to the plane (a) of the stabilizing plate and also with respect to the oblique connection plane (a2). The stepped form is, in its front part, in turn connected to the stabilizing plate (a1), itself offset with respect to the plane (a), by a tilting inclined plane (a4), so that said shape has, in its front part, a sloping configuration forming a notch. The plane (a2) is inclined at the angle (G2) with respect to the plane (a). The plane (a3), which starts from the same vertex (0) as the plane (a2), defines, with the latter, an angulation (G3) smaller than the angulation (G2), which allows the establishment of contact (a4 - a5) forming abutments at an inclination (G4) less than 90 ° with respect to the plane (a1) and oriented with respect to the longitudinal axis of the assembly in an inclination (G5) also less than 90 °, to increase the angular blocking capacity of the planes (a4) and (a5). The shape (FA) thus described is found on the underside of the nose of the adapter symmetrically and opposite to the longitudinal median axis of the adapter. The width of this shape (FA) on the nose of the adapter is preferably equal to half of the total width of the nose of the adapter thus leaving partially free the inclined plane (a2). Note that the connection area of the upper inclined plane (a3) with the inclined plane (a2) can be at any level relative to the body of the adapter. The staggered shift of planes (a) and (a1) ( figure 10 ) makes it possible to increase the surface of the planes (a4 and a5) and forms a notch that promotes lateral blocking of the tooth effectively because located on the most advanced area of the adapter bracket.

The planes (a6) and (a7) are defined by the junction of the upper planes (a3) and connection planes (a2) and are advantageously vertical. Their function is the role of notches with the addition of a self-centering horizontal alignment of the tooth on the adapter support.

The particular configuration of the adapter nose, by its additional forms of support, offers a better imbrication of the tooth on the adapter nose.

The tooth is thus arranged in a complementary manner to allow the reception of additional forms of the adapter nose. It has thus been shown, figure 10 upper (LS) and lower (LI) housings disposed from the upper and lower faces of the tooth, and receiving the form (FA) of the aforementioned type. These housings have support walls and contact with the forms (FA). Moreover, and as represented figures 12 and 14 , the zone of junction with the front end forming a notch of the shape (FA), can be complementary ( figure 12 ) to define a firm interlocking complementary parts facing, or alternatively, the tooth may present ( figure 14 ) an internal clearance, so that the notch portion is not in contact and contact with the bottom of the housing established on the tooth and receiving complementary shapes (FA).

It is thus conceived that the particular configuration of the nose of the adapter and the tooth greatly increases the contact and support surfaces. Without departing from the scope of the invention, the intermediate support zones may be arranged on the horizontal faces and / or vertical of the nose of the adapter, the tooth being arranged in a complementary manner.

This implementation thus meets a first objective, that of limiting the respective movements of the tooth on the adapter with increasing support surfaces and their angular orientation to find themselves favorably positioned to respond and absorb the multi-directional stresses transmitted by the tooth.

Depending on the applications and uses of the coupling assemblies, this implementation can be sufficient, whatever the keying system used.

However, in the context of an optimization of the tooth resistance on the adapter, and in the search for a limitation of the wear of the parts as a result of the stresses exerted, the implementation of a connecting device by key can provide additional guarantees on the longevity of the coupling assembly.

Hereinafter is described the key connection device responding to the second problem initially raised.

The keying device, according to the invention, uses, to fulfill the functions and objectives sought above recalled, a key C, having a specific profile and conformation, capable of engaging and cooperating in a sheath (F) having an elastic deformation capacity, the key and the sheath being capable of being engaged and protected in the assembly of the tooth (D) on the adapter (A) located on the skips and buckets of public works machinery. The adapter and the tooth are themselves profiled, one to receive internally said sheath, and the other to, on the one hand, protect the key in partial overflow of the sheath and allow the introduction of tools disassembly of the key in the situation of removal of the worn tooth. Thus, the four main elements, tooth, adapter, key, sheath have interactive profiles to ensure assembly, holding and dismounting. Thus, the adapter (A) has a housing (AL) for receiving the elastic sleeve (F) ( figure 25 ) and the tooth (D) ( figures 26 , 27 , 28 and 29 ) has an upper orifice (D1) for the introduction of the key (C) with the passages (D1,2) and (D1,3) for the access of the disassembly tool of the key, and a lower orifice (D2) having the stop (D2,1) and the opening portion (D2,2).

It is therefore necessary to describe the specificity of each of these elements, then to expose the methods of assembly, disassembly of the key.

The following is a description of the key, according to the invention, which has three specific zones (Z1, Z2, Z3), one lower (Z1) fits in the lower part of the tooth, another intermediate (Z2) for engaging and cooperating with the sheath, and the other upper (Z3) opening of the sheath and being in the upper part of the tooth and allowing access and taking a tool for removal .

The key is constituted by a pyramidal body (C1) allowing it to have a wedge effect, whose section is rectangular or trapezoidal. The rear face in contact with the orifices of the tooth (D) is more advantageously rounded.

At its upper part (Z3), are on each of the two lateral faces, a boss (C2-C3) having a function of gripping and against-support of the tool, and one or more notches (C4) successive horizontal and spaced along said parts. These notches are intended to allow the positioning of the tip of the tool for removal. At least the top notch that appears figure 19 is disengaged from the sheath (F) and into the space or introduction opening formed in the tooth. The following notch (s) may be partially in the interior of the sleeve when the key is in place. The release of the key causes the progressive accessibility to the other notches to allow the introduction of the tool again and operate an additional clearance until the final removal of the key.

The intermediate portion (Z2) of the key then has, on the two lateral faces whose surface is voluntarily broadly dimensioned and underlying, one or more recessed areas (C5) separated by relief zones (C15) alternately. Said zones (C5-C15) are established in a horizontal plane on said lateral faces. These so-called zones (C5-C15) thus have a complementary profile with a configuration similar to that in the inner part of the sleeve (F) with a succession of complementary hollow and relief zones (F15-F16) to allow assembly and locking in position of the key in the sheath. In view of the constitution of the sheath of a material having an elastic capacity of deformation, it ensures a firm connection of the key in the sheath.

The front face (C6) of the key is rectilinear and terminated in the lower zone by a radius or chamfer (C7) to avoid an angle that could damage the area (F1-2) of the elastic sleeve during its introduction.

The rear face of the key comprises a zone (C8) recessed with respect to the two active faces (C9) and (C10), arranged in the upper and lower part of the key, which bear in the two orifices (D1) and ( D2) of the tooth (D). The active face (C9) is arranged with a notch (C11) forming a stop for locking the exit of the key upwards and, at the active end face (C10), a chamfer (C12) to facilitate the introduction of the lower end of the key in the hole of the tooth (D2).

The lower zone (Z1) of the overflow key of the sleeve has an abutment face (C13) and the end of small section (C14).

The key thus defined is of great length and is likely to overflow the sheath (F) in which it is engaged, on the one hand by its upper part and, on the other hand, by its lower part as it appears at Figures 31 and 33 drawings.

Without departing from the scope of the invention, said notches (C4) may have transverse recesses in their thickness to facilitate the taking of tools.

It is necessary to describe now the configuration of the sheath (F). This is made of a material having an elastic capacity of deformation. For example, it is made of rubber or polyurethane resin. This sheath has an outer pyramidal shape to facilitate its implementation. place and its replacement in its housing (AL) formed in the adapter holder. This sheath has a central through opening (F1) receiving the key (C). On the inside front (F1-1) is disposed an over-thickness of material (F1-2) which represents the elastic volume which will be put in compression by the key when it is introduced. The upper (F2) and lower (F3) forms of its front face are set up in such a way that they leave a vacuum in the housing (AL) of the adapter support so as to allow the expansion of the material excess (F1- 2) when it is put in compression by the key.

On the lateral interior faces of the passage (F1) are arranged the reliefs (F1-3) in variable number and corresponding to those established on the lateral faces of the key and whose shape is conjugated with those of the corresponding recesses (C5) of the key.

The inside rear side is marked (F1-4) and is straight. Its mission is to guide the key when it is introduced. The height of the sleeve is set to correspond to the intermediate zone (Z2) of the key with its successive parts (C5-C15) recessed and raised.

To facilitate the sliding of the key (C) on the over-thickness (F1-2), it can incorporate a metal plate surface.

Thus according to the invention, the key secured to the tooth by its contacts in the orifices of the latter also has, on its lateral faces (C15) and (C16), a tight elastic support on the lateral faces (F1. 5) and (F1.6) of the sleeve (F).

The key and the sheath, as described according to the invention, require specific arrangements of the tooth and the adapter. We thus refer to Figures 26 to 30 .

Regarding the adapter, it has a vertical opening of pyramidal configuration to receive the sheath. The tooth has an upper orifice (D1) for introducing the key with flared parts (D12-D13) to allow the passage of the active part of the disassembly tool and access to the different notches (C4). Moreover, said flared portions have a straight-sloped profile (D12.1-D13.1) to constitute a base of counter-support during the pivoting movement of the release tool. The lower part of the tooth (D) has a passage opening (D2) of the lower end of the key with an upper recess zone (D2.1) corresponding to the bearing zone of the zone (C13) of the key forming a seat, the lower opening portion being referenced by (D2.2) and receiving the final end of the key.

It is therefore necessary to explain the implementation of the invention and its operation.

The assembly of the key and the sleeve is as follows. The sheath (F) is introduced beforehand into its housing (AL) of the adapter support (A) (see figure 26 ) and is maintained by the corresponding pyramidal form. The tooth (D) is set, that is to say, introduced on the adapter and the key is inserted by force, using a striking tool. By its particular provisions, the key can not be placed upside down. The wedge shape of the key facilitates its introduction by gradually operating the compression of the zone (F1-2) of the sheath (F). The necessary force of introduction is thus also progressive and is only at its maximum in the final position. This is obtained when the abutment face (C13) meets the face (D2-1) of the tooth. This abutment face (D2-1) is placed very indented so as to always exist, even in the case of extreme wear of the outer face of the tooth. The chamfer (C12) has allowed the entry of the key in the hole (D2) of the tooth even if there is a positional shift of the tooth forward relative to its adapter support. The key, by the succession of its zones in projections and recesses, is thus centered and maintained in the recessed zones and complementary projections of the sheath. The chosen material of the sheath makes it possible, by virtue of its elastic deformation capacity, to retract or crush during the passage in force of the relief zones of the key opposite the zones in relief of the sheath. After passage, the lateral zones in relief of the sheath return to their initial position and are anchored in the recessed areas of the key. After setting up, we are in the situation of assembly of figure 31 and 32 .

In situation of use during the service, one notes the following facts. The compression of the over-thickness (F1-2) of the sheath by the key creates a reaction force which pushes the latter backwards and whose active faces (C9) and (C10) of the key press on the rear of the orifices (D1) and (D2) of the tooth which is thus firmly retained on its support. This compression of said over-thickness (F1-2) causes deformation of the elastic sleeve which, being crushed, tends to lengthen, and invests the voids left in the housing (AL) of the adapter support near the zones ( F2) and (F3). This compression also creates, on the part of the key C pushed backwards, a bearing force on the inner rear face (F1-4) of the sleeve. To avoid a reaction opposition from the face (F1-4), which could tend to push the key forward and reduce the retaining force of the tooth, the key has the clearance (C8) which eliminates its contact with the face (F1-4), which no longer has the ability to transmit an opposition reaction.

1. a) L'orifice débouchant inférieur (D2-2) de la dent est de surface volontairement très réduite (voir figure 29), laissant très peu d'accès aux matériaux pouvant appuyer sur l'embout de la clavette, lui aussi de section très réduite, donc ne pouvant recevoir qu'une faible poussée.
2. b) La retenue bi-latérale, formée par le blocage des zones creuses (C5) de la clavette par les reliefs (F1-3) du fourreau, est établie sur une très grande surface. D'autre part, la mise en compression de la sur-épaisseur (F1-2) influence toute la matière située dans les zones qui lui sont proches. C'est le cas des reliefs (F1-3) qui durcissent fortement et créent un blocage très ferme dans les creux (C5) de la clavette.
   De manière avantageuse, cette configuration des reliefs (F1-3) du fourreau et des creux (C5), et de la clavette, a la particularité d'être établie parallèlement à l'axe horizontal de l'ensemble de façon à laisser toute liberté à la clavette d'avancer ou de reculer sa position en fonction du niveau d'enfoncement de la dent sur son support adapteur. Les reliefs étagés (F1-3) forment une retenue en escalier qui ne permet pas une sortie intempestive directe totale. Elle ne peut s'établir que par étapes correspondantes à chaque niveau (F1-3).
   Si d'aventure une clavette avait, malgré ce qui précède, tendance à remonter, attendu qu'elle reste parfaitement visible pour l'opérateur de la machine, il lui serait facile de la renfoncer de nouveau à poste sans avoir eu le risque de perdre une dent.
3. c) Dans les cas extrêmes, il demeure l'option de disposer, à l'arrière de la clavette, en zone supérieure du cran (C11) qui formerait une butée de plus pour s'opposer à toute remontée de la clavette.

Regardless of the vertical pressure from top to bottom of the earthmoving and other materials on the key, the maintenance of post keying during service is ensured by the impossibility of exit from the bottom with respect to the blocking of the key on the stop face (D2-1) of the tooth. To oppose the risk of the pressure of the materials from the bottom to the top, the securing of the key, vis-à-vis a possible exit from the top, is provided in several ways.

1. a) The lower opening opening (D2-2) of the tooth is voluntarily very small (see figure 29 ), leaving very little access to materials that can press the tip of the key, also very small section, so can only receive a small thrust.
2. b) The bi-lateral restraint, formed by blocking the hollow areas (C5) of the key by the reliefs (F1-3) of the sheath, is established over a very large area. On the other hand, the compression of the over-thickness (F1-2) influences all the material located in the areas that are close to it. This is the case of reliefs (F1-3) which harden strongly and create a very firm lock in the recesses (C5) of the key.
   Advantageously, this configuration of the reliefs (F1-3) of the sheath and recesses (C5) and of the key has the particularity of being established. parallel to the horizontal axis of the assembly so as to allow any freedom to the key to move forward or backward position according to the level of depression of the tooth on its adapter bracket. The staggered reliefs (F1-3) form a stepped restraint that does not allow a total direct untimely exit. It can only be established in stages corresponding to each level (F1-3).
   If, incidentally, a key had, despite the foregoing, a tendency to rise, since it remains perfectly visible to the operator of the machine, it would be easy to reintroduce it to the post without having the risk of losing a tooth.
3. c) In extreme cases, it remains the option to have, in the back of the key, in the upper zone of the notch (C11) which would form an additional stop to oppose any ascent of the key.

It should be explained how to dismount the key.

It is operated from above, therefore in easy access position, with the aid of a conventional lever forming tool such as a screwdriver which, resting on the faces (D1-2-1) and (D1 -3-1) passages (D1-2) and (D1-3), can lift the key by placing itself in the notches (C4) under the two bosses (C2) and (C3) and in the notches (C4 ) by the effect of counter-support on the straight parts and the tilting of the tool which raises the key. The force of action on the tool is sufficient to disengage the full and recessed complementary parts formed on the sheath and the key.

The height of the bosses (C2) and (C3) is voluntarily large so that, in the case of extreme wear of the upper face of the tooth, there remains, on the key, enough material for the action of such lever as shown above.

The solution provided by the invention by a firm connection between the key and the sheath due to the complementarity of the protruding and recessed forms on the lateral faces (C15-C16) and the lateral faces (F15-F16) of the sheath, with a tight elastic connection makes it possible to respond to the problem of controlling the pivoting of the tooth relative to the nose of the adapter. The key-sleeve assembly forms a one-piece assembly that stiffens the tooth-adapter connection, and limits the possibility of pivoting. This is an important advantage of the invention.

If, in an exceptional case of force majeure, the disassembly process above could not be accomplished, there would be the possibility of extracting the key by action from the bottom upwards through the lower opening opening of the tooth ( D2-2). In the case where the key has the notch forming stop (C11), the disassembly tool would no longer have a simple vertical movement to accomplish but should, initially, also provide a leverage forward to disengage the stop (C11).

The advantages of this key connection device are well in the invention and particularly emphasizes the easy assembly and disassembly of the key while respecting the constraints of holding and safety during use of the entire device. The key and its sheath are, moreover, perfectly protected in the tooth-adapter coupling.

Overall, a set of couplings that combines the implementation of the two basic features, namely the integration of complementary bearing zones shaped on the nose of the adapter, and also the keying device, provides a guarantee of use very largely superior to the prior art, with a limitation of the wear of the tooth and the adapter despite the diversity of multi-directional stresses.

Claims (8)

1. Assembly for coupling wear parts to support tools for heavy construction equipment of the type comprising a tooth and an adaptor with a keyed connection of the type comprising a tooth and an adaptor arranged with complementary profiled bearing shapes (FA), in differentiated planes, located between their respective contact and connecting ends, said complementary shapes being arranged symmetrically on the upper (FS) and lower (FI) faces of the nose of the adaptor and of the tooth, the complementary profiled bearing shapes (FA) being in differentiated staged planes located between their respective ends and a stabilisation flat for the adaptor and the tooth root, on the one hand, and their opposite connecting and centring ends, on the other hand, said staged shapes being established over one part of the width of the nose on the upper and lower faces of the nose of the adaptor in prolongation of the stabilisation flat, and in a plane (a) which is extended by an inclined plane (a2) up to the connection with the upper part connecting the adaptor nose zone to the adaptor body, the staged shape defining a complementary upper bearing plane which is angularly oriented relative to the slanting connection plane, characterised in that the staged shape defines a complementary upper bearing plane which is angularly oriented relative to the plane of the stabilisation flat (a1), and in that the complementary shapes (FA) are arranged specifically and in opposition relative to the longitudinal median axis of the adaptor.
2. Coupling assembly as claimed in claim 1 characterised in that the staged shape defines a complementary upper bearing plane (a3) in its front part connected to a stabilisation flat (a1) itself offset relative to the plane (a),
3. Coupling assembly as claimed in claim 2, characterised in that the staged form is, in its front part, connected to the stabilisation flat by a recessed inclined plane (a4), so that said shape has, in its front part, a sloped notch-forming configuration.
4. Coupling assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the plane (a2) in prolongation of the stabilisation flat established along a plane (a) is inclined at the angle (G2) to the plane (a),
   and in that the plane (a3), which begins at the same apex (0) as the plane (a2), defines, therewith, an angle (G3) smaller than the angle (G2), allowing contact planes (a4 - a5) to be established forming stops at an inclination (G4) lower than 90°.
5. Coupling assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that it comprises junction planes (a6) (a7) defined by the junction of the upper (a3) and connection (a2) planes and serving functionally as catches additionally providing a horizontal alignment self-centring of the tooth on the adaptor support.
6. Coupling assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the tooth is arranged in a complementary manner so as to accommodate the additional shapes of the adaptor nose, with upper (LS) and lower (LI) housings positioned from the upper and lower faces of the tooth, and accommodating the shape (FA) of the aforementioned type, these housings constituting bearing and contact walls for the shapes (FA).
7. Coupling assembly, as claimed in claim 6, characterised in that the junction zone of the housings, with the front notch-forming end of the shape (FA), is complementary so as to define a firm fitting for the opposite complementary parts.
8. Coupling assembly as claimed in claim 6, characterised in that the junction zone of the housings with the front notch-forming end of the shape (FA) has an internal clearance, so that the notch part is not connected to and in contact with the bottom of the housing established on the tooth and accommodating the complementary shapes (FA).

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