KR20100023857A - Wear assembly for excavating equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

A wear assembly for excavating equipment includes a base fixed to the excavating equipment, a wear member fit over the base, and a lock to releasably hold the wear member to the base. The wear member includes side relief to reduce drag on the system. The wear member and the base each includes a hemispherical front end and a generally trapezoidal rear portion. The base includes a nose and a stop projecting from the nose to cooperate with the lock without an opening being needed to receive the lock into the nose. The lock is an elongate lock positioned generally in an axial direction and which holds the wear member to the base under compressive loads.

Description

Wear Assembly for Excavator {WEAR ASSEMBLY FOR EXCAVATING EQUIPMENT}

The present invention relates to an abrasive assembly for securing an abrasive member to an excavation device. In particular, the present invention relates to wearable assemblies that are well suited for use in attachment to dredger cutter heads.

Dredge cutterheads are used to excavate soiled materials below the water surface, such as riverbeds. Generally, the dredger cutter head 1 comprises several arms 2 extending from the base ring 3 towards 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 teeth 5 excavating the ground. The tooth comprises an adapter or base 6 secured to the arm and a point 7 releasably attached to the base by the lock 8.

In use, the cutter head is rotated around its central axis to excavate dirt material. A suction pipe is provided near the ring to remove dredged material. To excavate the desired sections of the ground, the cutter head is moved laterally as well as forward. Due to the swell and other movement of the water, the cutter head also moves up and down and periodically impacts the bottom surface. Another difficulty is due to the fact that the ground excavated below the surface, unlike most other excavation processes, for example, is invisible to the operator, and the dredger cutter head cannot be effectively guided along the path towards the zone that is most suitable for excavation. Given the heavy loads and harsh environments, the protrusions and bases need to be reliably and safely interconnected.

The cutter head is rotated so that the teeth penetrate into the ground at a rapid speed. As a result, considerable power is required to drive the cutter head, especially when digging rocks. In an effort to minimize power requirements, dredger protrusions typically have long, thin bits for easier penetration into the ground. However, as the bit becomes shorter due to wear, it will begin to engage the ground in the cutting operation in the mounting section of the protrusion. 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 protrusions are usually replaced before the bit is completely worn out.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a wearable member for an excavation device is formed with side reliefs in the working and mounting sections to minimize drag associated with the excavation process and thereby minimize the power required to drive the device. Subsequently, reduced power consumption leads to more efficient process and longer service life of the wearable member.

According to the present invention, the wearable member has a transverse configuration in which the width of the tip surface is larger than the width of the corresponding rear face such that the side of the wearable member follows the shadow of the tip surface to reduce drag. do. The use of this smaller rear face is provided not only through the working end but also at least partially within the mounting end. As a result, the drag generated on the wearable member of the present invention is less than that of a conventional wearable member. Less drag translates into less power consumption and allows the wearable member to be used longer before replacement of the wearable member is required. Thus, the working end of the wearable member can be worn further before replacement is required.

According to another aspect of the invention, the wearable member has a digging porfile formed by the transverse cross section of the portion of the wearable 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 wearable member is provided in the excavation profile to reduce drag that occurs during the excavation process. In a preferred embodiment, the side reliefs are provided for all expected excavation profiles over the life of the wearable member, including excavation profiles surrounding the mounting section.

In another aspect of the invention, the wearable member comprises a socket for receiving a nose of a base secured to an excavation device. The socket is formed in a substantially trapezoidal transverse shape, which generally corresponds to the trapezoidal transverse outer profile of the wearable member. This generally fits the outside of the mounting section to facilitate manufacture and minimize the size of the nose, thereby improving the ratio of strength to weight.

In a preferred configuration, at least one of the top, bottom or sides of the trapezoidal nose and the corresponding wall surface of the socket are each bent together. These surfaces and walls have a stepwise curvature to facilitate mounting, thereby improving the stability of the wearable member and preventing the wearable member from rotating around its longitudinal axis during use.

According to another aspect of the invention, each of the socket and the nose comprises a rear stable surface, the rear stable surface extending substantially around the periphery of the socket and the nose and resisting the longitudinal axis of the wearable member to resist the rear load applied in all directions. Extend substantially parallel.

According to another aspect of the invention, the socket and the nose are formed with a substantially hemispherical complementary front support surface to reduce the stress of the component and to better control the rattle generated between the wearable member and the base. Let's do it.

In another aspect of the present invention, the sockets and the noses have curved front support surfaces at their front ends and generally have a trapezoidal transverse shape at the rear of the front ends, improving stability, facilitating manufacture, and noses. Minimizes size, reduces drag, stress and wear, and improves the ratio of strength to weight.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an abrasive assembly has a base, an abrasive member mounted to the base, and an axially oriented lock that holds the abrasive member in a compressed manner in a fixed manner to the base, for ease of use and It is easily manufactured and allows the wearable member to fit tightly to the base. In one preferred embodiment, the wearable assembly includes an adjustable axial lock.

In another aspect of the present invention, the wearable 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 making it easy and easy to stabilize the lock and tighten the lock.

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

In another aspect of the invention, the locking arrangement for securing the wearable member to the base is adjusted to consistently apply a predetermined tightening force to the wearable member regardless of the amount of wear that may be present at the base and / or wearable member. Can be.

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

In another aspect of the present invention, the wearable member is mounted and secured to the base through a novel, easy-to-use process involving an axial lock. The wearable member fits over the nose of the base secured to the excavation device. The base includes stops that protrude outwardly from the nose. An axial lock is received in the opening of the wearable member and extends between the support surface and the stop on the wearable member to releasably hold the wearable member to the nose.

In another aspect of the invention, the wearable member slides over a base that is initially secured to an excavation device. The axially oriented lock is disposed with one support surface for the stop on the base and the other support surface for the support wall on the wearable member such that the lock is in the axial compression state. The lock is adjusted so that the wearable member moves tightly on the base.

In another aspect of the invention, a lock for releasably retaining a wearable member at a base includes a linear threaded shaft having a support end and a tool engaging end, a nut threaded onto the shaft, and a spring; The spring comprises a plurality of alternating annular elastic disks and annular spacers fitted around the threaded shaft between the nut and the support end.

1 is an abrasive assembly according to the present invention.

2 is a side view of the wearable member of the present invention.

2A is a side view of a conventional wearable member.

3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG.

3A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3A-3A in FIG. 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.

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 the line 8-8 of FIG.

9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 1.

10 is a plan view of the wearable member.

11 is a rear view of the wearable member.

12 is a perspective view of the 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 the lock of the wear assembly.

16 is an enlarged perspective view of the lock of the wear 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 the lock provided with the nose (projection is omitted).

21 is a perspective view of a conventional dredge cutter head.

The present invention relates to a wearable 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 dredge teeth configured to be attached to a dredge cutter head. Nevertheless, other aspects of the present invention may be used in conjunction with other types of abrasive assemblies (eg, protective shrouds) and may be used in other types of excavation devices (eg, buckets). Can be used.

Occasionally, an assembly is described in relative terms such as up, down, horizontal, vertical, front and rear, which terms are not to be considered inherent but merely for ease of explanation. In excavation processes, in particular dredging processes, the orientation of the wearable member can vary considerably. Unless stated otherwise, these relative terms should be understood with reference to the orientation of the wearable assembly 10 as shown in FIG. 1.

The wearable assembly 10 includes a base 12 secured to a dredger cutter head, an abrasive member 14, and a lock 16 that releasably holds the abrasive member to the base 12 (FIGS. 1 to FIG. 1). 10).

The base 12 includes a front projecting nose 18 to which the wearable member 14 is mounted, and a mounting end (not shown) fixed to the arm of the dredger cutter head (FIGS. 1, 9, and 11 to 11). 14). The base may be cast into part 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 a cutter head as disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,470,210 or US Pat. No. 6,729,052.

In the dredge teeth, the wearable member 14 has a long and thin bit-shaped working section 21 and a mounting section 23 forming a socket 20 for receiving the nose 18. It is a protrusion (FIGS. 1-10). The protrusions 14 are rotated by the cutter head to engage the ground in substantially the same direction as the respective excavation paths. As a result, the protrusion 14 includes a front end face 25 and a rear end face 27. The front end surface 25 is a surface which first engages with the ground and penetrates the ground by using each rotation of the cutter head. In the present invention, the rear face 27 is through the bit 21 (FIG. 5) (ie along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 28 of the protrusion 14), and at least partially the mounting section 23. 4), it has a width smaller than the tip surface 25. In a preferred embodiment, the rear end face 27 has a width smaller than the front end face 25 over the entire length of the protrusion 14 (FIGS. 4, 5 and 7).

Preferably, the bit 21 of the protrusion 14 has a generally trapezoidal transverse shape with a leading end face 25 wider than the rear end face 27 (FIG. 5). The term "lateral shape" is used to refer to a two-dimensional shape along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 28 of the wearable member 14. Because of this narrowing shape of the protrusions, the side walls 29 and 31 follow the shadow of the tip surface 25 during excavation, thereby creating a small drag in the cutting process. In a preferred configuration, the side walls 29 and 31 converge toward the rear end face 27 at an angle θ of approximately 16 degrees (FIG. 5). However, other angle shapes are possible. The front end face 25, the rear end face 27 and the side walls 29 and 31 may be flat, curved or irregularly shaped. Moreover, other shapes may be used that provide side relief in addition to trapezoids.

In use, the dredger protrusion 14 penetrates the ground to any depth in each excavation path (ie, with each rotation of the cutter head). For most of the service life of the protrusions, only the bits penetrate the ground. As an example, the ground height 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 bit is relatively thin, the drag in the excavation process is within controllable limits. Nevertheless, there are many teeth that continuously pierce the ground at a rapid rate and high power is always required, and reducing drag even within the bit is advantageous in the process, especially when digging rocks.

In a preferred structure, the side walls 29 and 31 converge not only toward the rear end face 27, but are also formed so that the side walls lie in the shadow of the leading end face 25 of the excavation profile. The term “excavation profile” refers to protrusions 14 that (i) are parallel to the direction of travel 34 at the central point of the excavation path through the ground and (ii) penetrate the ground along a plane that is laterally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. It is used to mean the cross-sectional shape of the part of). Excavation profiles are a good index for representing the drag applied to protrusions during use, rather than the actual transverse cross section. The provision of the side relief in the excavation profile depends on the angle at which the sidewalls converge toward the rear end face and the axial tilt or expansion of the projection surface to the rear. The present invention provides a width that generally narrows from the leading end surface to the rear end when viewed 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 can still benefit if such side relief is present at one or more excavation angles. As just one example, the cross-sectional shape shown in FIG. 3 represents one excavation profile 35 for a portion of the protrusion 14 penetrating the ground. As can be seen, the bit 21 also has side reliefs in the excavation profile, as the side walls 29 and 31 converge toward the rear face 27 to reduce drag.

As the bit 21 wears, the ground height gradually rises to the rear, and according to each excavation cycle, the thicker portion behind the projection 14 is forced through the ground. Thus, greater power is required to drive the cutter head as the protrusions wear. Indeed, when the bit is sufficiently worn, the mounting section 23 of the projection 14 penetrates the ground into each excavation path. In the present invention, the mounting section 23 continues to include side relief at least at the front end 40 of the mounting section (FIG. 4), preferably continues to include side relief throughout the mounting section (FIGS. 4 and FIG. 7). As shown in FIG. 4, the mounting section 23 is provided with a bit (B) to receive the nose 18 in the socket 20 and to provide sufficient strength for the interconnection between the protrusions 14 and the base 12. Greater than 21). The side walls 29 and 31 are inclined to converge toward the rear end face 27. In this embodiment, the side walls 29 and 31 are inclined at an angle α of approximately 26 degrees along line 4-4 (FIG. 4), although other inclinations may also be used. As mentioned above, the desired side relief in the excavation profile depends on the relationship between the axial expansion of the protrusion and the transverse slope of the side wall.

In the conventional projection 14a, the bit 21a has a trapezoidal transverse shape with a tip surface 25a that is wider than the rear surface 27a. However, bit 21a does not provide a side relief in the excavation profile. As shown in FIG. 3A, the excavation profile 35a of FIG. 2A does not have sidewalls 29a and 31a that converge towards the rear end 27a (FIGS. 2A and 3A). Rather, the side walls 29a and 31a of the excavation profile 35a extend outwards with an increasingly larger slope as the side walls extend toward the rear end face. Outward flaring of these side walls 29a and 31a will result in increased drag on the cutter head. Effective use of the side reliefs of the protrusions 14 for the excavation profile further reduces the drag transmitted in the transverse shape than simply using sidewalls.

In another embodiment, the bit 21 is worn such that portions of the mounting section 23 along lines 6-6 (FIGS. 2 and 6) penetrate the ground. Even the mounting section 23 provides a side relief for drag reduction. That is, the side walls 29 and 31 converge toward the rear end face in the excavation profile 45. The presence of the side reliefs in the excavation profile 45 imposes less drag, thus requiring less power to penetrate the ground. The reduced drag then allows the cutter head to continue to operate with the worn protrusions to the point where the mounting section penetrates the ground. In a typical protrusion 14a, the mounting section 23a does not have a trapezoidal transverse shape with side walls 29a and 31a converging towards the rear end face 27a. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, the sidewalls 29a, 31a include the front end 40a of the mounting section 23a from the tip surface 25a at the excavation profile 45a taken along line 6a-6a. Radiates. In particular when compared to the protrusion 14 of the present invention, the lack of side relief in the excavation profile imposes a large drag on the protrusion 14a as the protrusion 14a penetrates the ground. Since large drag is generated by the protrusion 14a in this state, many workers will replace the protrusion even when the mounting section 23a starts to penetrate the ground, even when the bit 21a is not sufficiently worn out. Using the present invention, the protrusions 14 may remain on the base 12 until the bit 21 wears further.

In a preferred configuration, the taping of the side walls 29, 31 continues from the front end 37 to the rear end 47 of the protrusion 14. As shown in FIG. 7, the side walls 29 and 31 converge toward the rear end 27 even behind the mounting section 23. Moreover, side reliefs are also provided in excavation profile 55 along lines 8-8 (FIGS. 2 and 8). That is, the side walls 29 and 31 converge toward the rear end face 27 even in this rear excavation profile 55.

As described above, the protrusion 14 with the side relief of the mounting end 23 and the bit 21 can be used with virtually any nose and socket shape. Nevertheless, in one preferred configuration, the front end 58 of the nose 18 includes a forward facing support surface 60 that is convexly curved around two vertical axes (FIGS. 1, 9 and 11). To FIG. 14). Likewise, the front end 62 of the socket 20 is formed of a concavely curved complementary support surface 64 lying on the support surface 60 (FIGS. 1, 7, 9 and 11). In the structure shown, each of the anterior supports 60, 64 conforms to a spherical segment for reducing the stress of the component due to the application of non-axial loads, as disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,729,052, The patent is incorporated herein by reference in all respects.

Preferably, the front ends 58, 62 are generally hemispherical, respectively, reducing the rattle between the protrusions 14 and the base 12 and more efficiently resisting loads from all directions. The anterior support surface 64 of the socket 20 is preferably slightly wider (ie without engaging or at its end and center) in order to facilitate reliably mounting the projection 14 to the other bases. Without touching the floor), the normal load or consequent wear 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 forced through the ground, the protrusion 14a moves around the nose. The front ends of the nose and socket are angled with a flat support surface and hard edges. During use, the protrusion 14a moves around on the nose such that the front of the socket 20a lashes around the front end of the nose with respect to the front end of the nose, the rear end of the socket moving around the rear end of the nose and Rattle against the rear end of the nose. This movement and rattle causes wear of the protrusions and the base. In the present invention, the use of a generally hemispherical front support surface 60, 64 substantially reduces the rattle at the front end of the nose 18 and the socket 20 (FIGS. 1 and 9). Rather, due to the use of a continuous smooth front support surface, the protrusions rotate around the nose to reduce wear. The small band 65 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 28 and preferably extends directly to the rear of the generally hemispherical support surface to provide additional performance to the nose to maintain the desired support even when worn. The term "substantially parallel" is intended to include axially diverging rearward from the axis 28 at small angles (eg, approximately 1-7 degrees) for manufacturing or other purposes as well as parallel surfaces. The small band 65 is preferably inclined axially only 5 degrees with respect to the axis 28, and most preferably inclined axially about 2 to 3 degrees.

The nose 18 includes a body 66 behind the front end 58 (FIGS. 11-14). The body 66 is formed by the upper surface 68, the lower surface 69 and the side surfaces 70 and 71. In a preferred configuration, the body surfaces 68-71 diverge backwards such that the nose 18 extends outward from the front end 58 to provide a firmer nose to withstand the harshness of the excavation process. Nevertheless, it is also possible that only the upper and lower surfaces 68, 69 diverge from each other, and the sides 70, 71 extend axially substantially parallel to each other. The socket 20 has a main portion 76 for receiving the body 66 at the rear of the front end 62. The main portion 76 includes an upper wall 78, a lower wall 79 and side walls 80 and 81, which correspond to body surfaces 68 to 71. In a preferred embodiment, the body 66 and the main portion 76 each have a trapezoidal transverse shape. The use of a remarkable trapezoidal shape along the length of the nose 18 and the socket 20 provides four corners 67, 77, wherein the four corners 67, 77 have an abrasion member 14 with a shaft 28. Acts as a spaced ridge to prevent rotation around it.

Further, in a preferred embodiment, the one or more body surfaces 68 to 71 and the socket walls 78 to 81 (preferably all of them) have curved shapes to one another (FIGS. 7 and 11 to 13). . That is, the body surfaces 68-71 are preferably curved concave substantially over the entire width of the surface to form a trough 84 in each of the four sides of the body 66. Likewise, socket walls 78 to 81 are preferably convexly curved over the entire width of the wall to form a projection 86 that is received within groove 84. The preferred curvature of the socket walls 78 to 81 and the nose surfaces 68 to 71 substantially over their entire width is that the protrusions 14 are around the base 12 during operation by throttling the corners 67 and 77. Provide increased resistance to rotation. The grooves and protrusions will also reduce the rotational rattle of the protrusions on the base. Although curved surfaces 68-71 and walls 78-81 are preferred, other groove and protrusion shapes, such as those described in US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 706,582, incorporated herein by reference, may also be used. Other rotational resistance structures can also be used.

Use of the grooves 84 and the projections 86, in particular the use of the grooves 84 and the projections 86 which are gradually curved and extend substantially over the entire width of the surfaces 68 to 71 and the walls 78 to 81. Silver makes it easy to assemble the protrusions 14 on the nose 18. That is, the grooves 84 and the projections 86 cooperatively guide the protrusions 14 to the proper assembly positions on the nose 18 during assembly. For example, if the protrusion 14 is initially mounted to the nose 18 out of proper alignment with the nose when the protrusion 14 is fitted on the nose, the engagement of the protrusion 86 received in the groove 84 may result in the protrusion being noised. The projections will rotate into proper alignment when fed back on 18. This cooperative effect of the grooves 84 and the projections 86 allows the corners 67 to be positioned and mounted very easily and quickly on the corners 77. It is also possible to use some deviations between the shape of the socket and the shape of the nose as long as the socket is significantly matched with the shape of the nose.

The nose surfaces 68 to 71 with the grooves 84 extend rearwardly to provide strength to the noses 18 until they reach the rear stable surface 85 of the nose 18. The provided nose surfaces 68 to 71 are each inclined in an axial direction, preferably outwardly expanding. Similarly, socket walls 78-81 with protrusions 86 also expand to conform to surfaces 68-71, respectively. The socket walls 78 to 81 also form a rear stable surface 95 for supporting the stable surface 85. The rear stable surfaces 85 and 95 are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 28. In one preferred embodiment, each stable surface 85, 95 diverges axially rearward at an angle of approximately 7 degrees relative to the axis 28. Preferably, rear stabilizer surfaces 85, 95 also surround (or at least substantially surround) nose 18 and socket 20 to better resist non-axial loads. While the 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 rear stabilizer surfaces 85, 95 has a major resistance to the load applied on the teeth. It is intended to provide and thereby provide the desired stability. The stable surfaces 85 and 95 are preferably formed with short axial stretches, but they may have longer or other structures. In addition, in any environment, for example, in light duty operations, the benefit can be achieved without the stable surfaces 85, 95.

Anterior support surfaces 60, 64 and rear stable surfaces 85, 95 are provided to stabilize the protrusions on the nose and reduce stress on the components. The generally hemispherical support surfaces 60, 64 at the front ends 58, 62 of the socket 20 and the nose 18 have axial and non-axial rear forces opposite to the load, regardless of the direction in which the load is applied. It can reliably resist (rearward force). The use of this continuous curved anterior support surface reduces the rattle of the protrusions on the nose and reduces other stress concentrations present when there are corners. As disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,709,043, which is incorporated herein by reference, the posterior stabilizer surfaces 85, 95 provide anterior support surfaces 60, 64 by reducing the rattle at the rear of the protrusions and providing stable resistance at the rear of the protrusions. To complement. The stable surfaces 85, 95 extend around the entire periphery of the nose 18 or at least substantially around the entire periphery (FIGS. 7, 9 and 11-14), and they also have a stockpile applied in any direction. Can withstand directional loads.

Preferably, the main portion 76 of the socket 20 has a generally trapezoidal transverse shape to accommodate the coherently shaped nose 18 (FIGS. 7 and 11). The generally trapezoidal transverse shape of the socket 20 generally follows the substantially trapezoidal transverse shape of the protrusions 14 outside 97. This cooperative shaping of the socket 20 and the exterior 97 maximizes the size of the nose 18 that can be accommodated in the protrusion 14, facilitates manufacturing the protrusion 14 in a casting process, and Improves the ratio of strength to

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

The nose 18 includes a stop 115 that projects outwardly from the top surface 68 of the nose 18 to engage the lock 16. Preferably, the stop 115 has a rear face 119 with a recessed recessed recess 121 in which the front end 123 of the lock 16 is received into the recess 121 for use. While retained for a while, other configurations for cooperating with locks may also be used. In a preferred configuration, the opening 101 is long enough and the rear end wall 27 is sufficiently inclined to provide a gap for the stop 115 when the wearable member 14 is mounted on the nose 18. However, if necessary for the passage of the stop 115, a relief or other type of gap may be provided in the socket 20. Also, the protrusion of the stop 115 is preferably limited by the provision of a depression 118 to receive a portion of the lock 16.

The lock 16 is a linear lock that is generally axially oriented to hold the wear member 14 on the base 12 and to securely wear the wear member 14 on the nose 18. Using an axially oriented linear lock increases the ability of the lock to tightly fit the wearable member onto the nose. That is, it takes a longer length. In a preferred embodiment, the lock 16 comprises a threaded shaft 130 having a rear end and a front end 123 with a head 134 and a nut 136 screwed to the shaft 130; , Spring 138 (FIGS. 1, 9 and 15-20). Preferably, spring 138 is formed of a series of elastomeric disks 140 composed of foam, rubber or other resilient material and preferably separated by spacers 142 in the form of washers. Multiple disks 140 are used to provide sufficient force, restoring force and seat occupancy. The washer separates the elastic disks so that they act as a series of individual spring members. Washer 142 is preferably made of plastic, but may be made of other materials. Moreover, the spring of the preferred structure is economical to build 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.

Shaft 130 extends centrally through spring 138 to engage nut 136. The front end 123 of the shaft 130 is fitted in the recess 121 such that the shaft 130 rests on the stop 115 for support. The rear end 134 of the lock 16 extends through the hole 113 of the wearable member 14 to allow the user to access the lock outside of the opening 101. The shaft is preferably laid at an angle with respect to the axis 28 so that the head 134 can be more easily accessed. The spring 138 lies between the rear wall 105 and the nut 136 so that a biasing force can be applied to the wearable member when the lock is tightened. Preferably, the hole 113 is larger than the header 134, thereby allowing passage of the header during mounting of the lock 16 in the assembly 10. In addition, the hole 113 can be formed as an open slot to facilitate the insertion of the shaft 130 from above. Other tool engagement structures may be used instead of the illustrated head 134.

In use, the wearable member 14 slides on the nose 18 so that the nose 18 fits into the socket 20 (FIGS. 1 and 9). The lock may be temporarily held in the hole 113 by inserting a releasable retainer (eg, a simple twist tie) around the shaft 130 outside the opening 101 for shipping, storage and / or mounting. Or, the wearable 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 or the like need to be formed in the nose to include the lock that resists the load. Head 134 is engaged and rotated by a tool that tightens the lock in a compressed state to retain the wearable 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 retracts the nut 136 back against the spring 138 compressed between the nut 136 and the back wall 105. This tightening of the lock 16 pulls the wearable member 14 tightly on the nose 18 (ie, the joined front support surfaces 60, 64) for snug fit and reduced wear during use. with]. In addition, continuous rotation of the shaft 130 compresses the spring 138. The compressed spring 138 then pushes the wearable member 14 backwards as the nose and socket begin to wear. Preferred stability of the nose 18 and protrusion 14 allows the use of an axial lock. That is, no substantial bending force will be applied to the lock so that the high axial compressive strength of the bolt can be used to hold the wearable member at the base. The lock 16 is lightweight, hammerless, easy to manufacture, does not consume much space and does not require any openings in the nose.

In a preferred configuration, the lock 16 also includes an indicator 146 that fits on the shaft 130 jointly with the nut 136 (FIGS. 15-20). Preferably, indicator 146 is a plate formed of steel or other rigid material, and side edges 148 and 149 that fit close to sidewalls 107 and 109 of opening 101 but not tightly within opening 101. ). Indicator 146 includes an opening that receives the nut 136 in whole or in part to prevent the nut from rotating when the shaft 130 is rotated. Receiving side edges 148, 149 close to sidewalls 107, 109 prevents indicator 146 from rotating. As an alternative, the indicator may have a threaded bore acting as a nut. If the indicator is omitted, other means will be required to keep the nut 136 from rotation. In addition, the indicator 146 may be separate 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 wearable member without severely stressing the shaft 130 and / or the spring 138. In a preferred configuration, the indicator 146 cooperates with a marker 152 formed along the opening 101, such as along the rim 111 and / or the side walls 107, 109. The marker 152 is preferably located on the rim 111 along either or both of the sidewalls 107, 109, but may have other structures. Preferably, the marker 152 is a ridge or any structure beyond a simple indicia so that it can be used to retighten the lock 16 not only when first tightening but also when wear begins to occur.

As the shaft 130 is rotated and the nut 136 is retracted backwards, the indicator 146 moves backwards (from the position in FIG. 16) 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, lock 16 applies a predetermined pressure to wearable member 14 irrespective of wear on nose and / or in socket 20. Thus, under-tightening and over-tightening of the lock can be easily prevented. As an alternative, the indicator 146 may be omitted and the shaft 130 is tightened to a predetermined amount of torque.

Preferably, the various aspects of the present invention are used together for optimal performance and advantages. However, various aspects may be used individually to provide the advantages they each provide.

Claims (44)

Wearable members for drilling rigs, Working and mounting sections generally aligned along the longitudinal axis, A front end configured to be a front face while the wearable member is advanced through the ground during a digging operation; A rear face configured to be a rear face while the wearable member is advanced through the ground, The mounting section includes a socket for receiving a base secured to the excavation device, The leading end face and the rear end face extend axially across the working section and the mounting section, And the leading end face has a width greater than the rear end face in a transverse cross section perpendicular to at least a longitudinal axis along a portion of the mounting section. The method of claim 1, And the wearable member includes an opening for receiving a lock that secures the wearable member to the base. The method of claim 1, And the working section is a long length bit. The method of claim 1, And the mounting section has a generally trapezoidal transverse shape perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The method of claim 4, wherein And the working section has a generally trapezoidal transverse shape perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The method of claim 4, wherein And wherein the overall length of the mounting section has a generally trapezoidal transverse shape perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The method of claim 1, At least one wall of the socket bends inward to form a protrusion that fits into a groove formed on the base. The method of claim 1, And the socket has a generally trapezoidal transverse shape. The method of claim 8, Wherein each wall of the socket forming the trapezoidal shape has a generally convex curved shape over substantially the entire width of the wall. The method of claim 1, And the leading end face has a width greater than the rear end face in a transverse cross section perpendicular to at least a longitudinal axis along a portion of the working section. Wearable members for drilling rigs, Working and mounting sections generally aligned along the longitudinal axis, A front end surface configured to be a front face while the wearable member is advanced through the ground during an excavation process; A rear face configured to be a rear face while the wearable member is advanced through the ground, The mounting section includes a socket for receiving a base secured to the excavation device, The leading end face and the rear end face extend axially across the working section and the mounting section, The sidewall extending between the leading end face and the rear end face generally converges towards the rear end face at least in a digging profile of the front portion of the mounting section, Wherein the excavation profile is a cross section extending parallel to the direction of travel through the ground at the center point of the excavation path and extending laterally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis at one or more excavation angles. The method of claim 11, The wearable member includes an opening for receiving a lock that fixes the wearable member to the base. The method of claim 11, And the sidewalls generally converge toward the rear end face over substantially the entire length of the mounting section in the excavation profile. The method of claim 11, And the working section is a long length bit. Wearable members for drilling rigs, Comprising working and mounting sections generally aligned along the longitudinal axis, The mounting section includes a socket for receiving a base secured to the excavation device, And the socket has a generally trapezoidal shape that traverses the longitudinal axis, each formed by an inwardly curved and curved surface. The method of claim 15, Wherein the surface of the socket is bent inward over substantially the entire width of the surface. The method of claim 15, And the front end of the socket includes a generally hemispherical front support surface. The method of claim 15, The wearable member includes an opening for receiving a lock that fixes the wearable member to the base. Wearable members for drilling rigs, Comprising working and mounting sections generally aligned along the longitudinal axis, The mounting section includes a socket for receiving a base secured to the excavation device, And the socket comprises a front end defining a generally hemispherical front support surface and a major portion at the rear of the front end. The method of claim 19, And the main portion has a generally trapezoidal shape that traverses the longitudinal axis. The method of claim 19, And the main portion comprises at least one stable surface extending axially substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The method of claim 19, The wearable member includes an opening for receiving a lock that fixes the wearable member to the base. Wearable members for drilling rigs, Comprising working and mounting sections generally aligned along the longitudinal axis, The mounting section includes a socket for receiving a base secured to the excavation device, The socket has a front end that defines a curved front support surface that is concave around two axes each perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a major portion having a generally trapezoidal shape that is rearward of the front end and crosses the longitudinal axis. Comprising a wearable member. The method of claim 23, wherein The wearable member includes an opening for receiving a lock that fixes the wearable member to the base. Wearable members for drilling rigs, Comprising working and mounting sections generally aligned along the longitudinal axis, The mounting section includes a socket for receiving a base secured to the excavation device, The socket comprises a front end defining a generally hemispherical anterior support surface, and a major portion at the rear of the front end, And the main portion comprises a stable surface extending axially substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and extending substantially transversely around the periphery of the socket. The method of claim 25, And the main portion has a generally trapezoidal shape that traverses the longitudinal axis. The method of claim 25, The wearable member includes an opening for receiving a lock that fixes the wearable member to the base. Wearable members for drilling rigs, Comprising working and mounting sections generally aligned along the longitudinal axis, The mounting section includes a socket for receiving a base secured to the digging device and an opening in communication with the socket for receiving a lock that releasably holds the wearable member to the digging device, The opening has a front wall and a rear wall, And the rear wall includes a hole in which the lock extends obliquely to the longitudinal axis from the opening so that an operator can easily access to tighten the lock. The method of claim 28, And when the lock is fully tightened, a marker is provided adjacent the opening to provide a visual indication to the operator. The method of claim 28, And the socket comprises a rear stable surface extending axially substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and located rearward of the aperture. Wearable assembly for an excavation device, A base fixed to the excavating device, An abrasive member comprising a work section and a mounting section generally aligned along a longitudinal axis, A lock for releasably securing the wearable member to the base, The mounting section includes a socket for receiving a base secured to the excavation device, a leading end surface configured to be a front face while the wearable member is advanced through the ground during the excavation process, and while the wearable member is advanced through the ground Including a rear section configured to be a rear surface, The leading end face and the rear end face extend axially over the working section and the mounting section, And the leading end face has a width greater than the rear end face at least in a transverse cross section perpendicular to a longitudinal axis along a portion of the mounting section. The method of claim 31, wherein The base portion comprises a nose received in the socket, Wherein said nose and said socket each have a generally trapezoidal transverse shape perpendicular to a longitudinal axis. The method of claim 31, wherein The base portion comprises a nose received in the socket, The nose includes a plurality of grooves, And the socket includes a plurality of protrusions received in the groove. Wearable assembly for an excavation device, A base fixed to the excavating device, An abrasive member comprising a work section and a mounting section generally aligned along a longitudinal axis, A lock for releasably securing the wearable member to the base, The mounting section includes a socket for receiving a base secured to the excavation device, a front end surface configured to be a front surface during the excavation process while the wearable member advances through the ground, and the wearable member advances through the ground. A rear face configured to be a posterior face, The leading end face and the rear end face extend axially over the working section and the mounting section, The sidewalls extending between the leading end face and the rear end face converge toward the rear end face at least in an excavation profile of at least a portion of the mounting section, Wherein the excavation profile is a cross-section that extends parallel to the direction of travel through the ground at the center point of the excavation path and laterally extends laterally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis at one or more excavation angles. Wearable assembly for an excavation device, A base fixed to the excavating device, An abrasive member comprising a work section and a mounting section generally aligned along a longitudinal axis, A lock for releasably retaining the wearable member at the base, The mounting section comprises a socket having a generally trapezoidal shape traversing a longitudinal axis, The sockets are each formed by an inwardly curved and curved surface. The method of claim 31, wherein And the base portion comprises a nose having a generally trapezoidal shape that traverses a longitudinal axis to substantially match the shape of the socket. Wearable assembly for an excavation device, A base secured to said drilling device and including a first surface, A wearable member comprising a work section and a mounting section generally aligned along a longitudinal axis, The mounting section having a socket for receiving the base and an opening having a second surface, The wear assembly includes an elongate lock oriented generally in the same direction as the longitudinal axis to fit between the first surface and the second surface in a compressed state to releasably retain the wear member at the base. Wear assembly. The method of claim 37, And the lock comprises a threaded shaft supporting the first surface, a nut screwed to the shaft, and a spring positioned about the shaft and compressed between the nut and the second surface. A method of mounting a wearable member on an excavation device, Inserting the wearable member with the socket over the nose fixed to the excavation device so that the nose is received into the socket; Positioning the long lock in the opening of the wearable member such that the first support surface of the lock fits on the support surface on the nose and the second support surface of the lock fits on the support surface on the wearable member; Adjusting the lock to securely fit the wearable member on the nose such that the lock is in a compressed state holding the wearable member at the base; And the longitudinal axis of the lock is generally oriented in the direction in which the wearable member fits over the nose. The method of claim 39, The lock includes a threaded shaft for supporting the first surface, a nut screwed to the shaft, and a spring positioned about the shaft and compressed between the nut and the second surface. . A method of mounting a wearable member on an excavation device, Providing a nose secured to an excavation device having a stop projecting outwardly from one side of the nose; Inserting the wearable member with the socket over the nose such that an opening extending through the wearable member is disposed generally axially aligned with the stop at the rear of the stop; Disposing a lock along an outer surface of the nose to abut against the stop and the wall of an opening that releasably retains the wearable member to the nose. The method of claim 41, wherein And the lock is tightened to be in a compressed state between the wall of the opening and the stop. A method of mounting a wearable member on an excavation device, Inserting a wearable member with a socket over the nose fixed to the excavation device such that the nose is received in the socket; Arranging the lock such that the first support surface of the lock is fitted to the support surface on the nose and the second support surface of the lock is fitted to the support surface on the wearable member; Adjusting the lock to securely fit the wearable member on the nose until the visual indicator of the lock is generally aligned with the marker on the wearable member. A lock for releasably fixing the wearable member to the base fixed to the excavating device, A linear threaded shaft having a support end and a tool engagement end; A nut screwed onto the shaft, Including the spring, And the spring includes a plurality of alternating annular elastic disks and annular spacers that fit around the threaded shaft between the support end and the nut.

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