KR101618022B1 - Wear assembly for excavating equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

The abrasive member for a drilling apparatus includes a base fixed to the drilling apparatus, an abrasive member fitted over the base, and a lock releasably holding the abrasive member at the base. The abradable member includes a side relief for reducing drag on the system. The abradable member and the base portion each include a hemispherical front end and a generally trapezoidal rear portion. The base includes a nose and stop and the stop protrudes from the nose to cooperate with the lock without the opening required to receive the lock in the nose. The lock is a generally long lock that is located axially and maintains the wear member at the base under a compressive load.

Description

[0001] WEAR ASSEMBLY FOR EXCAVATING EQUIPMENT [0002]

The present invention relates to an abrasive assembly for securing an abrasive member to a drilling apparatus. Specifically, the present invention relates to an abrasive assembly that is well suited for use in attaching to a dredger cutter head.

A dredge cutterhead is used to excavate soil-borne material, such as river beds. Generally, the dredger cutter head 1 includes several arms 2 extending from the base ring 3 toward the hub 4 (Fig. 21). The arms are spaced around the base ring and are formed in a wide spiral around the central axis of the cutter head. Each arm 2 has a series of spaced apart teeth 5 for excavating the ground. The toothed portion comprises an adapter or base 6 secured to the arm and a point 7 releasably attached to the base by a lock 8.

In use, the cutter head is rotated about its central axis to excavate soil material. A suction pipe is provided near the ring to remove the dredged material. To excavate the desired section of the ground, the cutter head is moved laterally as well as forward. Due to the swell of water and other movements, the cutter head also moves up and down, periodically impacting the floor surface. Another difficulty is that, for example, unlike most other excavation processes, the ground excavated below the surface of the water is not visible to the operator, and the dredger cutter head can not be effectively guided along the path to the zone most suitable for excavation. In consideration of heavy loads and harsh environments, the tip and base need to be interconnected reliably and securely.

The cutter head is rotated such that the tooth portion penetrates into the paper surface at a rapid speed. As a result, considerable power is required to drive the cutter head, particularly when excavating the rock. In an effort to minimize power requirements, the dredger tip typically has long, slender beats to more easily penetrate the ground. However, as the bit becomes progressively shorter due to wear, it will begin to engage the ground in the cutting operation on the mounting section of the leading edge. The mounting section is wider than the bit and is not shaped to reduce drag. Since the increased drag generated in the mounting section is imposed on the cutter head, the tip is typically replaced before the bit is fully worn.

According to one aspect of the present invention, an abrasive member for a drilling apparatus is formed with a side relief in a work section and a mounting section to minimize the drag associated with the drilling process and thereby minimize the power required to drive the apparatus. The reduced power consumption then leads to a more efficient process and a longer service life of the wear member.

According to the present invention, the abradable member has a transverse configuration in which the width of the leading end face is greater than the width of the corresponding rear end face so as to reduce the drag by causing the side of the abrading member to follow the shadow of the leading end face do. The use of such a smaller rear section is also provided not only through the working end but also at least partly within the mounting end. As a result, the drag force on the worn wear member of the present invention is smaller than in the conventional wear member. Less drag is converted to less power consumption and the wearer member can be used longer before replacement of the wearer member is required. Thus, the working end of the abradable member can be further worn before replacement is required.

According to another aspect of the invention, the abradable member has a digging profile formed by a transverse section of the portion of the abradable member that penetrates the ground in one excavation path and in the direction of travel through the ground. In another aspect of the present invention, a side relief of the abradable member is provided in the excavation profile to reduce the drag that occurs during the excavation process. In a preferred embodiment, the side relief is provided for all excavation profiles expected over the life of the abradable member, including the excavation profile surrounding the mounting section.

In another aspect of the present invention, the abradable member includes a socket for receiving a nose of a base fixed to the drilling device. The socket is formed in a generally trapezoidal transverse shape, corresponding generally to a trapezoidal lateral outer profile of the abradable member. As such, the socket generally conforms to the exterior of the mounting section, which facilitates manufacture and minimizes the size of the nose, thereby improving the ratio of strength to weight.

In a preferred construction, at least one of the top, bottom or side of the nose of the trapezoidal shape and the corresponding wall surface of the socket are bent together. Such surfaces and walls have a stepped curvature to facilitate mounting, thereby increasing the stability of the wear member and preventing the wear member from rotating about its longitudinal axis during use.

According to another aspect of the present invention, each of the socket and the nose includes a rear stabilizing surface, and the rear stabilizing surface extends substantially around the periphery of the socket and the nose so as to resist a rear load applied in all directions, Extend substantially in parallel.

According to another aspect of the invention, the socket and nose are formed with a substantially hemispherical complementary front support surface to reduce the stress of the component and better control the rattle occurring between the wear member and the base It is.

In another aspect of the invention, the socket and the nose are provided with a curved front support surface at their front end and a generally trapezoidal lateral shape at the rear of the front end to improve stability, facilitate manufacture, Minimizes the size, reduces drag, stress and wear, and improves the ratio of strength to weight.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an abradable assembly includes a base, an abradable member mounted to the base, and an axially oriented lock that maintains the abradable member in a compressed state in a manner fixed to the base, , Which is easily manufactured and allows the abradable member to be firmly fitted to the base. In a preferred embodiment, the abradable assembly includes an adjustable axial lock.

In another aspect of the invention, the abradable member includes an opening in which the lock is received and a hole formed in the rear wall of the opening to receive the passage of the lock, thereby facilitating and stabilizing the lock and tightening the lock.

In another aspect of the invention, the base portion interacts with the lock only through the use of a protruding stop. As a result, the nose typically does not need holes, recesses, or passageways as provided to accommodate the lock. As a result, the nose strength is improved.

In another aspect of the present invention, a locking arrangement for securing an abradable member to a base portion may be adapted to adjust the abradable member to consistently apply a predetermined tightening force to the abradable member, regardless of the amount of wear that may be present in the base and / .

In another aspect of the invention, the abradable member includes a marker that can be used to indicate when the lock has been properly tightened.

In another aspect of the invention, the abradable member is mounted and secured to the base through a new and easy to use process involving axial locking. The abrasive member is fitted over the nose of the base fixed to the drilling rig. The base includes a stop that protrudes outward from the nose. The axial lock is received within the opening of the abradable member and extends between the support surface on the abradable member and the stop to releasably retain the abradable member in the nose.

In another aspect of the invention, the abradable member is initially slid on a base fixed to the drilling rig. The axially oriented lock is disposed with one support surface for the stop on the base and another support surface for the support wall on the abradable member, so that the lock is axially compressed. The lock is adjusted so that the abradable member is moved tightly on the base.

In another aspect of the present invention, a lock releasably holding an abradable member on a base includes a linearly threaded shaft having a support end and a tool engagement end, a nut threadably threaded onto the shaft, and a spring, , The spring includes a plurality of alternating annular resilient discs and annular spacers that fit around a shaft that is threaded between the nut and the support end.

According to one aspect of the present invention, an abrasive member for a drilling apparatus is formed with a side relief in a work section and a mounting section to minimize the drag associated with the drilling process and thereby minimize the power required to drive the apparatus. The reduced power consumption then leads to a more efficient process and a longer service life of the wear member.

Figure 1 is an abradable assembly in accordance with the present invention.
2 is a side view of the abrasive member of the present invention.
2A is a side view of a conventional abradable member.
3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of Fig.
Figure 3a is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3A-3A in Figure 2a.
4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG.
5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG.
6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of Fig.
FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6A-6A in FIG. 2A.
7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of Fig.
8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of Fig.
9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of Fig.
10 is a plan view of the abrading member.
11 is a rear view of the abrading member.
12 is a perspective view of a nose of the base of the present invention.
13 is a front view of the nose.
14 is a side view of the nose.
15 is an enlarged perspective view of a lock of an abradable assembly.
16 is an enlarged perspective view of the lock of the abradable assembly before tightening;
17 is a perspective view of the lock.
18 is a side view of the lock.
19 is an exploded perspective view of the lock.
20 is a perspective view of a lock with a nose (the leading end is omitted).
21 is a perspective view of a conventional dredger cutter head.

The present invention relates to an abrasive assembly (10) for a drilling rig, and is particularly well suited for dredging processes. In the present specification, the present invention is described as a dredger tooth portion configured to be attached to a dredge cutter head. Nonetheless, other aspects of the present invention may be used in conjunction with other types of abrasive assemblies (e.g., shrouds) and may be used in other types of excavating devices (e.g., buckets) Can be used.

Sometimes, the assembly is described in relative terms such as up, down, horizontal, vertical, forward and rearward, and such terms are not to be considered essential, but merely for ease of description. In the excavation process, and in particular in the dredging process, the orientation of the abradable member can vary considerably. Unless otherwise stated, these relative terms should be understood with reference to the orientation of the abradable assembly 10 as shown in FIG.

The abradable assembly 10 includes a base 12 secured to a dredger cutter head, a wearable member 14 and a lock 16 releasably holding the abradable member to the base 12 10).

The base portion 12 includes a front projecting nose 18 to which the abrading member 14 is mounted and a mounting end (not shown) that is fixed to the arm of the dredger cutter head (Figs. 1, 9, 14). The base can be cast into a portion of the arm, welded to the arm, or attached by mechanical means. By way of example only, the base may be formed and mounted to the cutter head as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,470,210 or U.S. Patent No. 6,729,052.

In the dredger teeth, the abrading member 14 is provided with a working section 21 having a long and slender bit shape and a mounting section 23 forming a socket 20 for receiving the nose 18 (Figures 1 to 10). The tip portion 14 is rotated by the cutter head to engage the ground surface in substantially the same direction as each excavation path. As a result, the tip portion 14 includes the distal end surface 25 and the rear end surface 27. [ The front end face 25 is a face that first engages with the ground surface using each rotation of the cutter head and penetrates the ground surface. 5) (i. E., Along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 28 of the tip portion 14) and at least partially into the mounting section < RTI ID = 0.0 > 23) (Fig. 4), and has a smaller width than the front end face 25. In a preferred embodiment, the rear end face 27 has a width less than the front end face 25 over the entire length of the tip end 14 (Figs. 4, 5 and 7).

Preferably, the bit 21 of the tip portion 14 has a generally trapezoidal cross-sectional shape having a wider end face 25 than the back end face 27 (FIG. 5). The term "trapezoidal shape" is used to refer to a two-dimensional shape along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 28 of the abradable member 14. Because of this narrowing shape of the tip, the side walls 29, 31 follow the shadow of the end face 25 during excavation and thereby produce a small drag in the cutting process. In a preferred construction, the side walls 29, 31 converge towards the rear end face 27 at an angle of approximately 16 degrees (Fig. 5). However, other angular shapes are possible. The front end face 25, the rear end face 27 and the side walls 29, 31 may be flat, curved or irregular in shape. Furthermore, other shapes that provide side relief in addition to trapezoidal may be used.

In use, the dredge tip section 14 penetrates the ground to any depth with each drilling path (i.e., with each rotation of the cutter head). During most of the lifetime of the tip, the bit only penetrates the ground. As an example, the height of the ground in one excavation cycle extends generally along line 3-3 at the center point of the excavation path (FIG. 2). Since only the bit penetrates the ground and the bits are relatively thin, the drag in the excavation process is within the controllable limits. Nonetheless, there is always a need for high power with a large number of teeth continuously piercing at rapid speeds, and reducing drag within a bit is advantageous in the process, especially when excavating rock.

In the preferred construction, the sidewalls 29, 31 converge not only toward the rear end face 27, but also the sidewall is formed to lie within the shadow of the front end face 25 of the excavation profile. The term "excavation profile" refers to a profile that (i) is parallel to the direction of movement 34 at the center point of the excavation path through the ground, and (ii) Sectional shape of the portion of the first and second electrodes 14 and 14. The excavation profile is a good index to show the drag applied to the tip portion during use, rather than the actual transverse section. The provision of side relief in the excavation profile is dependent on the angle at which the sidewalls converge toward the rear section and the axial tilt or swell of the rearward leading section surface. The present invention provides a width that is substantially narrower from the leading end to the trailing end in a perspective view of the excavation profile. Preferably, the side relief of the excavation profile extends over the expected cutter head excavation angles, but still can benefit if such side relief is present at one or more excavation angles. By way of example only, the cross-sectional shape shown in Figure 3 represents one excavation profile 35 for a portion of the tip portion 14 penetrating the ground. As can be seen, the bit 21 has a side relief in the excavation profile, as the side walls 29, 31 converge towards the rear end face 27 to reduce the drag.

As the bit 21 wears, the ground height gradually rises backward, causing a thicker portion behind the tip portion 14 to be pressed through the ground in accordance with each excavation cycle. Thus, as the tip portion wears, greater power is required to drive the cutter head. In practice, when the bit is sufficiently worn, the mounting section 23 of the tip section 14 penetrates the ground with each excavation path. In the present invention, the mounting section 23 continues to include at least a side relief at the front end 40 of the mounting section (Fig. 4), preferably including a side relief over the entire mounting section 7). 4, the mounting section 23 is configured to receive the nose 18 in the socket 20 and to provide sufficient strength for the interconnection between the tip section 14 and the base section 12, (21). The side walls (29, 31) are inclined to converge toward the rear end face (27). In this embodiment, the side walls 29, 31 are inclined at an angle? Of approximately 26 degrees along the line 4-4 (FIG. 4), but other inclination can also be used. As discussed above, the desired side relief in the excavation profile depends on the relationship between the axial expansion of the leading edge and the lateral slope of the side wall.

In the conventional tip portion 14a, the bit 21a has a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape with a tip end face 25a wider than the rear end face 27a. However, bit 21a does not provide side relief in the excavation profile. 3A, the excavation profile 35a of FIG. 2A does not have sidewalls 29a, 31a converging toward the posterior end 27a (FIGS. 2A and 3A). Rather, the sidewalls 29a, 31a of the excavation profile 35a extend outwardly at an increasingly greater slope as the sidewall extends toward the rear section. The outward flaring of these side walls 29a, 31a will generate an increased drag on the cutter head. The effective use of the side relief of the tip portion 14 with respect to the excavation profile further reduces the drag transmitted in the transverse configuration than simply using the side walls.

In another embodiment, the bit 21 is worn to such an extent that a portion of the mounting section 23 along line 6-6 (Figs. 2 and 6) penetrates the ground. Even the mounting section 23 provides side relief for drag reduction. That is, the side walls 29, 31 converge from the excavation profile 45 toward the rear section. The presence of lateral relief in the excavation profile 45 imposes less drag, and thus requires less power to penetrate the ground. Then, due to the reduced drag, the cutter head can continue to operate with the worn tip to the point where the mounting section penetrates the ground. In the conventional tip section 14a, the mounting section 23a does not have a trapezoidal transverse shape with sidewalls 29a, 31a converging toward the rear section 27a. 6, the side walls 29a and 31a are inclined from the distal end face 25a to the excavation profile 45a taken along the line 6a-6a including the front end 40a of the mounting section 23a Diverge. In particular, the absence of side relief in the excavation profile, as compared to the tip portion 14 of the present invention, places a large drag on the tip portion 14a as the tip portion 14a penetrates the ground. In this condition, since a large drag is generated by the tip portion 14a, many workers will replace the tip portion even when the mounting section 23a starts to penetrate the ground, even when the bit 21a is not sufficiently worn. With the present invention, the tip portion 14 can remain on the base portion 12 until the bit 21 is worn further.

The tapering of the side walls 29,31 continues from the front end 37 to the rear end 47 of the tip portion 14. [ As shown in Fig. 7, the side walls 29, 31 converge toward the rear end face 27 also from the rear side of the mounting section 23. Furthermore, the side relief is also provided in the excavation profile 55 along lines 8-8 (Figures 2 and 8). That is, the side walls 29, 31 also converge toward the rear end face 27 in this rear excavation profile 55 as well.

The tip end 14 with the side relief of the mounting end 23 and bit 21 as described above can be used with virtually any nose and socket shape. Nevertheless, in a preferred construction, the front end 58 of the nose 18 includes a convexly curved forward facing support surface 60 about two vertical axes (Figs. 1, 9 and 11 14). Similarly, the front end 62 of the socket 20 is formed by a concave curved complementary support surface 64 that rests on the support surface 60 (Figs. 1, 7, 9, and 11). In the structure shown, each of the front support surfaces 60, 64 conforms to a spherical segment for reducing the stress of the component due to application of the non-axial load, as disclosed in U.S. Patent 6,729,052, These patents are incorporated herein by reference in all respects.

Preferably, the front end portions 58, 62 are each generally hemispherical, reducing the rattle between the tip portion 14 and the base portion 12 and more effectively countering loads from all directions. The front support surface 64 of the socket 20 is preferably slightly wider than the hemispherical at its ends and center to facilitate secure mounting of the tip portion 14 to the other base portions (i.e., Or under the floor), the normal load or wear thereon in this situation acts as the actual hemispherical socket surface on the hemispherical ball surface of the base 12. [ In a typical tooth 10a (Fig. 2a), when the tooth is undergoing a force through the ground, the tip 14a moves about the nose. The front end of the nose and socket is angled with a flat support surface and a rigid edge. During use, the tip portion 14a moves around on the nose so that the front of the socket 20a rats about the front end of the nose relative to the front end of the nose, and the rear end of the socket moves around the rear end of the nose And rats against the rear end of the nose. Such movement and rats cause abrasion of the leading edge and base. In the present invention, using substantially hemispherical front support surfaces 60 and 64 substantially reduces the nose 18 and the rattles at the front end of the socket 20 (Figs. 1 and 9). Rather, due to the use of a continuous smooth front support surface, the tip portion rotates around the nose to reduce wear. The small band 65 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 28 and extends straight rearwardly of the generally hemispherical support surface to provide additional performance to the nose to maintain the desired support, preferably when worn. The term "substantially parallel" is intended to include diverging axially backward from axis 28 at a small angle (e.g., approximately 1 to 7 degrees) for manufacturing or other purposes as well as for parallel surfaces. The small band 65 is preferably angled axially only about 5 degrees relative to the axis 28, and most preferably about 2 to 3 degrees in the axial direction.

The nose 18 includes a body 66 at the rear of the front end 58 (Figs. 11-14). Body 66 is formed by upper surface 68, lower surface 69 and side surfaces 70, 71. In a preferred construction, the body surfaces 68-71 diverge backward so that the nose 18 extends outwardly from the forward end 58 to provide a more robust nose to withstand the rigors of the drilling process. Nevertheless, it is also possible for only the upper and lower surfaces 68, 69 to diverge from each other and the side surfaces 70, 71 to extend axially substantially parallel to each other. The socket 20 has a main portion 76 for receiving the main body 66 at the rear of the front end portion 62. The main portion 76 includes a top wall 78, a bottom wall 79 and sidewalls 80, 81 that conform to the body surfaces 68-71. In the preferred embodiment, the body 66 and the main portion 76 each have a trapezoidal transverse shape. The use of a prominent trapezoidal shape along the length of the nose 18 and socket 20 provides four corners 67 and 77 and the four corners 67 and 77 allow the abrasive member 14 to move along axis 28 As a ridge to prevent it from rotating about its periphery.

Also, in the preferred embodiment, one or more of the body surfaces 68-71 and the socket walls 78-81 (preferably all of them) have a curved shape (Figures 7 and 11-13) . The body surfaces 68 to 71 are preferably concavely curved over the entire width of the surface to form troughs 84 in each of the four sides of the body 66. [ Likewise, the socket walls 78-81 are preferably curved convexly over the entire width of the wall to form projections 86, which are preferably received within the grooves 84. As shown in Fig. The desired curvature of the socket walls 78 to 81 and the nose surfaces 68 to 71 substantially along their entire width is achieved by the fact that the tips 14 are formed around the base 12 To provide increased resistance to rotating. Also, the grooves and protrusions will reduce the rotational rattle of the tip on the base. While curved surfaces 68-71 and walls 78-81 are preferred, other grooves and protrusion shapes such as those described in U.S. Patent Application No. 11 / 706,582, which is incorporated herein by reference, may also be used. Other rotational resistance structures may also be used.

The use of the grooves 84 and the protrusions 86 and particularly the use of the grooves 84 and protrusions 86 which are gradually curved and extend substantially over the entire width of the surfaces 68 to 71 and the walls 78 to 81, Facilitates assembly of the tip portion 14 onto the nose 18. [ That is, the groove 84 and the protrusion 86 cooperatively guide the tip portion 14 to a proper assembly position on the nose 18 during assembly. The engagement of the protrusion 86 received in the groove 84 is prevented by the engagement of the tip portion 18 and the distal end portion of the protrusion 86, And will rotate the projection into the proper alignment when fed back on the nose 18. This cooperative effect of the grooves 84 and the protuberances 86 allows the corner 67 to be positioned and mounted very easily and quickly on the edge 77. It is also possible to use some deviation between the shape of the socket and the shape of the nose so long as the socket is remarkably matched to the shape of the nose.

Since the nose surfaces 68 to 71 with the grooves 84 extend rearward to provide strength to the nose 18 until they reach the rear stabilizing surface 85 of the nose 18, Each of the nose surfaces 68 to 71 preferably has an axial inclination and outwardly expands. Likewise, the socket walls 78 to 81 with the protrusions 86 also expand to conform to the surfaces 68 to 71, respectively. The socket walls 78-81 also form a rear stabilizing surface 95 for supporting the stabilizing surface 85. [ The rear stabilizing surfaces 85, 95 are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 28. In a preferred embodiment, each of the stabilizing surfaces 85, 95 diverges axially backward at an angle of approximately 7 degrees relative to the axis 28. Preferably, the rear stabilizing surfaces 85, 95 also surround (or at least substantially encircle) the nose 18 and the socket 20 to better resist the non-axial load. While contact between the various socket faces and the nose is likely to occur during the excavation process, the contact between the corresponding front support surfaces 60, 64 and the backward stabilization surfaces 85, 95 results in a major resistance to the applied load on the teeth And thereby provide the desired stability. The stabilizing surfaces 85, 95 are preferably formed with short axis stretches, but they may have a longer or different structure. Also, in certain circumstances, for example in a light duty operation, benefits can be achieved without the stabilizing surfaces 85, 95.

The front support surfaces 60 and 64 and the rear stabilizers 85 and 95 are provided to stabilize the tip and reduce the stress of the component on the nose. The generally hemispherical support surfaces 60 and 64 at the front ends 58 and 62 of the socket 20 and the nose 18 are axially and rearwardly biased in the opposite direction of the load regardless of the direction in which the load is applied, it is possible to stably resist the rearward force. The use of such a continuously curved forward support surface reduces the rattle of the leading edge on the nose and reduces other stress concentrations that exist when there is a corner. As described in U.S. Patent No. 5,709,043, which is incorporated herein by reference, the rear stabilizing surfaces 85, 95 allow the front support surfaces 60, 64 to be stabilized by reducing the rattle from the rear of the tips and providing a stable resistance to the rear of the tips. . The stabilizing surfaces 85 and 95 extend around the entire circumference of the nose 18 or at least substantially around the entire circumference (Figs. 7, 9 and 11 to 14) Directional load.

Preferably, the main portion 76 of the socket 20 has a generally trapezoidal transverse shape to accommodate the cooperatively shaped nose 18 (Figs. 7 and 11). The generally trapezoidal cross-sectional shape of the socket 20 generally follows the generally trapezoidal cross-sectional shape of the outer portion 97 of the tip portion 14. This cooperative shaping of the socket 20 and the exterior 97 facilitates maximizing the size of the nose 18 that can be accommodated within the tip portion 14 and facilitating manufacturing of the tip portion 14 in a casting process , And improves the ratio of strength to weight.

A wide variety of different locks may be used to releasably secure the wear member 14 to the base 12. [ Nevertheless, in a preferred embodiment, the lock 16 is received within the opening 101 of the wear member 14, and the opening 101 is preferably formed in the rear end wall 27, although it may be formed differently (Figs. 1, 9 and 15 to 20). Preferably, the opening 101 has an axially extending shape and includes a front wall 103, a rear wall 105 and side walls 107, 109. The rim 111 is laminated around the opening 101 for protection of the lock and additional strength. The rim 111 also increases along the rear wall 105 to further extend outwardly of the outer surface 97 and form a hole 113 through which the lock 16 passes. The holes stabilize the position of the lock 16 and allow the operator to easily access the lock.

The nose 18 includes a stop 115 that protrudes outwardly from the top surface 68 of the nose 18 to engage the lock 16. The stop 115 preferably has a rear surface 119 with a concavely curved recess 121 in which the front end 123 of the lock 16 is received into the recess 121, But other configurations for cooperating with the lock may also be used. The opening 101 is sufficiently long and the rear end wall 27 is sufficiently inclined to provide a clearance for the stop 115 when the wear member 14 is mounted on the nose 18. [ However, a relief or other type of clearance may be provided in the socket 20, if necessary for the passage of the stops 115. In addition, the protrusion of the stop 115 is preferably limited by the provision of a depression 118 that receives a portion of the lock 16.

The lock 16 is a linear lock that is generally axially oriented to hold the abradable member 14 on the base 12 and to securely fit the abradable member 14 onto the nose 18. Using an axially oriented linear lock increases the performance of the lock to securely fit the wear member onto the nose. In other words, it takes a longer length. The lock 16 includes a threaded shaft 130 having a rear end with a head 134 and a forward end 123 and a nut 136 threaded into the shaft 130, , And a spring 138 (Figs. 1, 9 and 15 to 20). Preferably, the spring 138 is formed of a series of elastomeric discs 140 that are composed of foam, rubber or other resilient material and are preferably separated by a spacer 142 in the form of a washer. Multiple disks 140 are used to provide sufficient force, resilience, and seat occupancy. The washer separates the elastic disc so that the elastic discs act as a series of individual spring members. The washer 142 is preferably made of plastic, but may be made of other materials. Moreover, the spring of the preferred construction is economical to make and assemble on the shaft 130. However, other types of springs may be used. Preferably, a thrust washer 142a or other means is provided at the end of the spring to provide sufficient support.

The shaft 130 extends centrally through the spring 138 to engage the nut 136. The front end 123 of the shaft 130 fits within the recess 121 such that the shaft 130 rests on the stop 115 for support. The rearward end 134 of the lock 16 extends through the aperture 113 of the wear member 14 to allow the user to access a lock external to the aperture 101. The shaft is preferably angled relative to the shaft 28 such that the head 134 is more easily accessible. The spring 138 lies between the back wall 105 and the nut 136 so that biasing force can be applied to the abradable member when the lock is tightened. Preferably, the holes 113 are larger than the header 134, thereby allowing passage of the headers while mounting the lock 16 in the assembly 10. [ Further, the hole 113 can be formed as an open slot for simply inserting the shaft 130 from above. Other tooling structures may be used in place of the illustrated head 134.

In use, abrasive member 14 is slid on the nose 18 so that the nose 18 fits within the socket 20 (Figs. 1 and 9). The lock can be temporarily held in the hole 113 by fitting a releasable retainer (e.g., a simple twist tie) around the shaft 130 outside the opening 101 for loading, storing and / Or the abrasive member may be mounted after being fitted on the nose. In any case, the shaft 130 is inserted through the hole 113 and the front end 123 of the shaft lies in the recess 121 of the stop 115. The lock 16 is positioned to lie along the outside of the nose 18 such that no holes, slots, etc. need to be formed in the nose to include a load resistant bearing. The head 134 is engaged and rotated by a tool that tightens the lock in a compressed state to hold the abradable member. That is, the shaft 130 is rotated relative to the nut 136 such that the front end 123 presses the stop 115. This movement then causes the nut 136 to retract rearward relative to the compressed spring 138 between the nut 136 and the rear wall 105. This tightening of the lock 16 tightly pulls the abradable member 14 tightly on the nose 18 (i.e., the front support surfaces 60 and 64 to be engaged) during use to reduce snug fit and wear. with]. Further, the continuous rotation of the shaft 130 compresses the spring 138. The compressed spring 138 then presses the wear member 14 backward when the nose and the socket begin to wear. The stability of the preferred nose 18 and tip portion 14 enables the use of an axial lock. That is, a substantial bending force will not be applied to the lock such that the high axial compressive strength of the bolt can be used to hold the abradable member to the base. The lock 16 is lightweight, hammerless, easy to manufacture, does not expend a lot of space, and does not require any openings in the nose.

In a preferred construction, the lock 16 also includes an indicator 146 that fits over the shaft 130 in cooperation with the nut 136 (Figs. 15-20). The indicator 146 is preferably a plate formed of steel or other rigid material and has side edges 148 and 149 which are close to the sidewalls 107 and 109 of the opening 101 but which fit tightly in the opening 101 . The indicator 146 includes an opening that wholly or partially accommodates the nut 136 to prevent rotation of the nut when the shaft 130 is rotated. Containing the side edges 148, 149 proximate the side walls 107, 109 prevents the indicator 146 from rotating. Alternatively, the indicator may have a threaded bore that operates with a nut. If the indicator is omitted, other means may be required to maintain the nut 136 from rotation. The indicator 146 may also be detached from the nut 136.

The indicator 146 provides a visual indication when the shaft 130 is properly tightened to apply the desired pressure to the abradable member without exerting severe stress on the shaft 130 and / or the spring 138. The indicator 146 cooperates with the markers 152 formed along the opening 101, for example along the rim 111 and / or the side walls 107, 109. The markers 152 are preferably located on the rim 111 along either or both of the side walls 107, 109, but may have other structures. Preferably, the markers 152 are of a ridge or any structure that is more than a simple indicia, so that they can be used to re-tighten the lock 16 when it first begins to tighten and when wear begins to occur.

When the shaft 130 is rotated and the nut 136 is retracted backward, the indicator 146 moves backward (from the position of FIG. 16) together with the nut 136 in the opening 101. When the indicator 146 is aligned with the marker 152 (Fig. 15), the operator knows that the tightening can be stopped. In this position, the lock 16 applies a predetermined pressure to the wear member 14 on the nose and / or in the socket 20, regardless of wear. Thus, under-tightening and over-tightening of the lock can be easily prevented. Alternatively, the indicator 146 may be omitted, and the shaft 130 is tightened with a predetermined amount of torque.

Preferably, various aspects of the present invention are used together for optimal performance and benefit. However, the various aspects may be utilized separately to provide the benefits each provides.

Claims (30)

A dredger is a dredger for a cutter head,
A working section and a mounting section aligned along the longitudinal axis,
A front end section configured to be a front face while the cutter head is rotated so as to advance the dredger tooth section through the ground during a digging operation;
Wherein the dredger teeth comprise a rear section configured to be rearward while advancing through the ground,
The mounting section includes a socket for receiving a base fixed to a dredger cutter head for mounting a dredger tooth on a dredger cutter head, the working section being part of a dredger cutter head in front of the socket and having a long, Including,
Said front and rear sections extending axially across said working and mounting sections,
In order to minimize the power required to drive the cutter head when the mounting section is engaged with the ground, said front end section has a rear section in the transverse section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis along at least a portion of the work section and at least a portion of the mounting section A dredger tooth having a greater width. The method according to claim 1,
And an opening for receiving a lock for fixing the dredger toothed portion to the base portion. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the mounting section has a trapezoidal transverse shape perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The method of claim 3,
Wherein the working section has a trapezoidal transverse shape perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The method of claim 3,
Wherein the entire length of the mounting section has a trapezoidal transverse shape perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein one or more walls of the socket bend inwardly to form protrusions that fit within grooves formed on the base. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the socket has a trapezoidal transverse shape. 8. The method of claim 7,
Each wall of said socket forming a trapezoidal shape having a convex curved shape over the entire width of said wall. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the front end face has a greater width than the rear end face in a transverse section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis along the entire working section. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the socket includes an upper surface, a lower surface and side walls each bent inwardly to be received in a groove formed in the base portion. A dredger is a dredger for a cutter head,
A working section and a mounting section aligned along the longitudinal axis,
A front end section configured to be a front face while the cutter head is rotated so as to advance the dredger tooth section through the ground during the excavation process,
A rear end section configured to be rearward while the dredger tooth portion is advanced through the ground;
And a sidewall extending between the distal end surface and the rear end surface,
Wherein the mounting section includes a socket for receiving a base fixed to a dredger cutter head for mounting a dredger tooth on a dredger cutter head, the working section being part of a dredger cutter head in front of the socket,
The front end face, the rear end face, and the side wall extending axially across the working section and the mounting section,
The sidewall converges towards at least a rear section through at least the front end of the mounting section to minimize the power required to drive the cutter head when the mounting section engages the ground. 12. The method of claim 11,
The side wall converging towards the rear section over the entire length of the mounting section. 12. The method of claim 11,
Wherein the working section is a long bit. 12. The method of claim 11,
And an opening for receiving a lock for securing the dredger toothed portion to the base portion. 12. The method of claim 11,
Wherein the socket includes an upper surface, a lower surface and side walls each bent inwardly to be received in a groove formed on the base portion. 12. The method of claim 11,
The sidewalls converging towards the rear section along at least a portion of the work section. 12. The method of claim 11,
The sidewalls converging towards the rear section along the entire length of the working section. Dredger The dredger for a cutter head is a tooth assembly,
A base portion fixed to the dredger cutter head,
A dredger tooth comprising: a working section and a mounting section aligned along a longitudinal axis; a front end section configured to be a front face while the cutter head is rotated to advance the dredger tooth section through the ground during the excavation process; A dredger tooth portion including a rear surface configured to be a rear surface while advancing through the dredger,
And a lock releasably securing the dredger toothed portion to the base,
The mounting section comprising a socket for receiving a base for mounting a dredger tooth on a dredger cutter head,
Wherein the working section comprises a portion of the dredger toothed portion in front of the socket and comprises a lengthy slender bit, the working section comprising a front end for initiating contact with the soil material being excavated,
Said front and rear sections extending axially across the working and mounting sections,
In order to minimize the power required to drive the cutter head when the mounting section is engaged with the ground, said front end section has a rear section in a transverse section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis along at least a portion of the work section and at least part of the mounting section And having a greater width. 19. The method of claim 18,
The base including a nose received within the socket,
Each of the nose and the socket having a trapezoidal transverse shape perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. 19. The method of claim 18,
The base including a nose received within the socket,
Wherein the nose includes a plurality of grooves,
Wherein the socket includes a plurality of protrusions received in the grooves. 19. The method of claim 18,
The base portion includes an upper surface, a lower surface, and a side wall, each of which forms a groove,
Wherein the sockets in the dredger teeth comprise an upper surface, a lower surface and sidewalls that each bend inwardly to be received in one of the grooves formed on the base. 22. The method of claim 21,
The base including a mounting configured for attachment to an arm of a dredger cutter head. 19. The method of claim 18,
The base including a mounting configured for attachment to an arm of a dredger cutter head. Dredger The dredger for a cutter head is a tooth assembly,
A base portion fixed to the dredger cutter head,
A dredger tooth comprising: a working section and a mounting section aligned along a longitudinal axis; and a distal end section configured to be forward while the cutter head is rotated to advance the dredger tooth section through the ground during the excavation process, And a sidewall extending between the front end and the rear end, the sidewall being configured to be rearward while advancing through the ground,
And a lock releasably securing the dredger toothed portion to the base portion,
The mounting section including a socket for receiving a base for mounting the dredger teeth on the dredger cutter head,
The working section is a part of a dredger toothed portion in front of the socket,
The front end face, the rear end face, and the side wall extend axially across the working section and the mounting section,
Wherein the side wall converges towards at least a rear section through at least a forward end of the mounting section to minimize the power required to drive the cutter head when the mounting section engages the ground. 25. The method of claim 24,
The base portion includes an upper surface, a lower surface, and a side wall, each of which forms a groove,
Wherein the sockets in the dredger teeth comprise an upper surface, a lower surface and sidewalls that each bend inwardly to be received in one of the grooves formed on the base. 26. The method of claim 25,
The base including a mounting configured for attachment to an arm of a dredger cutter head. 25. The method of claim 24,
The base including a mounting configured for attachment to an arm of a dredger cutter head. 25. The method of claim 24,
Wherein the side walls of the dredger teeth converge towards the rear section along at least a portion of the work section. 25. The method of claim 24,
Wherein the sidewalls converge toward the rear section along the entire length of the work section. 30. The method of claim 29,
The base including a mounting configured for attachment to an arm of a dredger cutter head.

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