KR20130079578A - Wear assembly for excavating equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

The wearable member for the drilling device includes a base fixed to the drilling device, an wearable member fitted over the base, and a lock for releasably retaining the wearable member at the base. The wearable member includes a side relief to reduce drag on the system. The wearable member and base each comprise a hemispherical front end and a generally trapezoidal back. The base includes a nose and a stop, the stop protruding from the nose to cooperate with the lock without the opening needed to receive the lock in the nose. The lock is an elongate lock that is generally axially positioned and holds the wearable member at the base under compressive load.

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. In view of heavy loads and harsh environments, the tip and base 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, dredge tips 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 with the ground during cutting operations in the mounting section of the tip. 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 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 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 a lock with a nose (a tip 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 to facilitate description. 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 the tip (Figs. 1 to 10). The tip 14 is rotated by the cutter head to engage the ground in substantially the same direction as each excavation path. As a result, the tip 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 tip 14), and at least partially the mounting section ( 23) (FIG. 4), the width is 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 tip 14 (FIGS. 4, 5 and 7).

Preferably, the bit 21 of the tip 14 has a generally trapezoidal transverse shape with a tip surface 25 that is wider than the rear 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 tip, 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 tip 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 tip, 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 a tip that (i) penetrates the ground along a plane parallel to the direction of travel 34 at the central point of the excavation path through the ground and (ii) laterally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis ( 14) is used to mean the cross-sectional shape of the part. The excavation profile is a good index for representing the drag applied to the tip during use, rather than the actual transverse cross section. 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 tip 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 tip 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 the thicker portion behind the tip 14 is forced through the ground with each excavation cycle. Therefore, greater power is required to drive the cutter head as the tip wears. In fact, once the bit is worn out, the mounting section 23 of the tip 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 has a bit to accommodate the nose 18 in the socket 20 and provide sufficient strength for the interconnection between the tip 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 tip and the transverse slope of the side wall.

In a typical tip 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 side walls 29a and 31a that converge towards the rear end face 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 relief of the tip 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 tip to the point where the mounting section penetrates the ground. In a typical tip 14a, the mounting section 23a does not have a trapezoidal transverse shape with sidewalls 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 tip 14 of the present invention, the lack of side relief in the excavation profile imposes a large drag on the tip 14a as the tip 14a penetrates the ground. In this state, since a large drag is generated by the tip 14a, many workers will replace the tip when the mounting section 23a begins to penetrate the ground, even when the bit 21a is not sufficiently worn. Using the present invention, the tip 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 tip 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.

The tip 14 with 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 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 each substantially hemispherical, reducing the rattle between the tip 14 and the base 12 and countering the load from all directions more efficiently. The front support surface 64 of the socket 20 is preferably slightly wider (ie, not engaged) at its ends and centers in order to facilitate secure mounting of the tip 14 to other bases. Or not touching the floor), in this situation the conventional load or consequent wear 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 tip 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 tip 14a moves around on the nose so that the front of the socket 20a rattles about the front end of the nose with respect to the front end of the nose, and the rear end of the socket moves around the rear end of the nose And rattle against the rear end of the nose. This movement and rattle cause wear of the tip and 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 anterior support surface, the tip rotates 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 tip 14 is exposed to the base 12 during operation by thickening the corners 67 and 77. Provides increased resistance to rotation around. In addition, the grooves and protrusions will reduce the rotational rattle of the tip 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 facilitates assembling the tip 14 on the nose 18. That is, the groove 84 and the projection 86 cooperatively guide the tip 14 to the proper assembly position on the nose 18 during assembly. For example, if the tip 14 is first mounted on the nose 18, away from proper alignment with the nose when the tip 14 fits on the nose, the engagement of the protrusion 86 received within the groove 84 may result in the tip being The projections will rotate into proper alignment when fed back on the nose 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 tip on the nose and reduce stress on the component. 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 tip on the nose and reduces other stress concentrations that exist when there are corners. As disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,709,043, which is incorporated herein by reference, the rear stabilizer surfaces 85, 95 reduce the rattle at the rear of the tip and provide a stable resistance at the rear of the tip, thereby providing an anterior support surface 60,64. 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 tip 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 within the tip 14 and facilitates the manufacture of the tip 14 in a casting process. To improve the ratio of strength to weight.

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 nose 18 and tip 14 allows the use of axial locks. 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 (32)

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 an excavation device, and an opening in communication with the socket for receiving a lock in a generally axial direction to releasably retain the wearable member in the excavation device,
The opening has a front wall and a rear wall,
And the rear wall includes a hole in which the lock extends obliquely from the opening to the longitudinal axis so that an operator can easily access the outside of the opening to tighten the lock. The method of claim 1,
And the rear wall is generally perpendicular to the extension of the lock. The method of claim 1,
And the rear wall forms a support surface for the lock. The method of claim 1,
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 1,
And the socket comprises a rear stable surface extending axially substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and positioned rearward of the aperture. Wearable assembly for an excavation device,
A base secured to said drilling device and including a first surface,
A wearable member comprising a working section and a mounting section generally aligned along a longitudinal axis, the mounting section having an opening having a socket and a second surface for receiving a base;
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 wearable member at the base,
The lock comprises a first face on the base that contacts the first surface and a second face that contacts the second surface on the wearable member, the first surface and the second surface being aligned facing in opposite directions, The lock is a wearable assembly that is adjustable such that the first and second sides can be moved separately to securely lock the components between the components when the first and second surfaces are in contact and to securely fit the wearable member at the base. . The method according to claim 6,
Wherein the first and second sides of the lock are moved separately along an axis inclined to the longitudinal axis. Wearable assembly for an excavation device,
A base secured to the excavation device and including a first surface,
A wearable member comprising a working section and a mounting section generally aligned along a longitudinal axis, the mounting section having an opening having a socket and a second surface for receiving a base;
An elongate lock oriented generally in the same direction as the longitudinal axis to fit between the first and second surfaces in a compressed state to releasably retain the wearable member at the base,
And the lock comprises a threaded shaft supporting against the first surface, a nut screwed to the shaft, and a spring positioned about the shaft and compressed between the second surface and the nut. 9. The method of claim 8,
The elongate lock is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis in the first plane and inclined to the longitudinal axis in the second transverse plane. Is 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 elongate lock in the opening of the wearable member such that the first support surface of the lock fits into the support surface of the nose and the second support surface of the lock fits into the support surface of the wearable member;
Adjusting the lock such that the first support surface fits into the nose and the second support surface fits into the wearable member to securely fit the wearable member into the nose such that the lock is in compression to hold the wearable member at the base. and,
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 10,
The extended lock is inclined to the longitudinal axis of the wearable member. Is a method of mounting a wearable member on an excavation device,
Inserting the wearable member with the socket over the nose fixed to the excavating device so that the nose is received into the socket,
Positioning the elongate lock in the opening of the wearable member such that the first support surface of the lock fits the support surface of the nose and the second support surface of the lock fits 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;
The longitudinal axis of the lock is generally oriented in the direction in which the wearable member fits over the nose,
And the lock comprises a threaded shaft supporting against the first support surface, a nut screwed to the shaft, and a spring positioned about the shaft and compressed between the second support surface and the nut. The method of claim 12,
The elongate lock is positioned obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the wearable member. Is 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 so that an opening extending through the wearable member is disposed generally axially aligned with the stop at the rear of the stop;
Insert the lock into the opening and into the hole in the wearable member to extend out of the opening and outwardly of the nose and along the outer side of the nose to abut against the wall and stop of the opening to releasably retain the wearable member to the nose. Mounting method. 15. The method of claim 14,
And the lock is tightened to be compressed between the wall of the opening and the stop. Is to attach the tip to the adapter secured to the rig,
Inserting a tip with a socket formed by a top wall, a bottom wall and a side wall over a front projecting nose fixed to an excavation device such that the nose is received in the socket;
Positioning an elongate lock having a threaded shank and a nut screwed into the shank in the opening of the protrusion such that the lock extends generally axially through the opening such that the front end of the lock fits into the stop of the nose;
Adjusting the lock to move the nut along the length of the shank backward with respect to the nose such that the nut contacts the rear wall of the opening and the front support surface of the socket of the tip is tightened with respect to the front-facing support surface of the nose. How to install. 17. The method of claim 16,
Positioning the lock comprises positioning the lock inclined to a longitudinal axis of the wearable member. 17. The method of claim 16,
And the tip is tightened to the nose until the visual indicator of the lock is approximately aligned with the marker on the tip. 17. The method of claim 16,
Said nut contacting a spring about a shaft and said spring contacting a rear wall of the opening. Wearable assembly for an excavation device,
A base fixed to the excavation device and including a stop;
An abrasive member comprising a work section and a mounting section generally aligned along a longitudinal axis,
Including locks,
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 being in front of the front wall and the rear. Has a barrier, the rear wall has a hole,
And the lock abuts the stop and extends through the hole at an angle to the longitudinal axis so that the operator can easily access to tighten the lock. Wearable assembly for an excavation device,
The base fixed to the excavation device,
An abrasive member received over a portion of the base,
A lock extending rearward and inclined to the longitudinal axis,
A portion of the base received in the wearable member includes a stop that projects laterally outward and is substantially completely solid,
The wearable member comprises an opening having a rear wall,
And the lock includes a threaded shank having a front end in contact with the stop and a nut for biasing the rear wall of the opening to releasably retain the wearable member at the base. Wearable assembly,
An abrasive member having a front working portion, a rear socket, and an opening;
A base having a front support surface and configured to receive a socket of the wearable member aligned along the longitudinal axis;
A lock comprising a front end and a rear end for engaging the front and rear support surfaces,
An opening of the wearable member is in communication with a socket having a front edge and a rear support surface,
When the lock is located in the opening and in compression, the lock front end is biased against the front support surface of the base and the lock rear end is biased against the rear support surface of the wear member to secure the wear member to the base. The method of claim 22,
And the rear support surface of the opening is spaced away from the longitudinal axis than the front edge of the opening. The method of claim 22,
And the lock rear end is spaced apart from the longitudinal axis from the longitudinal axis when the lock is engaged with the front and rear support surfaces. The method of claim 22,
And the front support surface includes a recess for receiving at least a portion of the lock front end. The method of claim 22,
The locking bias between the front support surface and the rear support surface presses the wear member back to the base to occupy the gap between the wear member and the base. The method of claim 22,
And wherein the base is free of holes therethrough. The method of claim 22,
And the anterior support surface is accessible through the opening of the wearable member when the wearable member is assembled to the base. 23. The wearable assembly of claim 22, wherein the lock comprises a spring piece member. The method of claim 22,
The lock of the opening receives a tool for tightening the lock, the tool rotating at least a portion of the lock to tighten the lock. 31. The method of claim 30,
And the lock includes a visual indicator of lock rotation. 32. The method of claim 31,
And the visual indicator determines the pressure exerted by the lock.

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