Tooth and Adaptor Assembly

Abstract

Abstract A tooth and adaptor assembly (11) for use on earthmoving machinery, the assembly comprising an adaptor (21) adapted to be secured to a bucket or like component on the earthmoving machinery. The adaptor (21) comprising a nose (27) having an at least one sidewall (35) incorporating a first channel (37) and a second channel (39) angled relative to each other. The assembly (11) also a tooth (41) adapted to be received on the adaptor (41) and releasably secured thereto. The tooth comprises a socket (43) having sidewalls (53). At least one sidewall (53) incorporates a third channel (55) at an angle complementary to the second channel (39), such that when assembled the two channels (39, 55) co-operate to define an enclosure (91). An upper wall (49 of the socket (43) has at least one aperture (57) therethrough, and which is aligned with the third channel (55). The assembly (11) further comprises at least one locking mechanism (71) for locking the tooth (41) to the adaptor (21). The locking mechanism (71) having at least one projection (77) and adapted to be received through the aperture (57). During assembly the projection (77) moves inwardly with respect to the locking mechanism (71) as it enters the enclosure, the locking mechanism (71) moving towards its normal extended position when the projection (77) aligns with the first channel (37) wherein the assembly (11) is in its locked condition.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001]This invention relates particularly to the mining and construction industries and the use of earthmoving and similar machinery used in those industries. More particularly this invention relates to the wear components, namely the replaceable wear teeth on the excavator and the mode in which they are secured thereto.BACKGROUND ART [0002]Within the mining and construction industries machinery such as excavators and front end loaders are used to move debris for various purposes. This machinery is often used in an extremely abrasive environment resulting in extreme wear on components.[0003]The machinery often has a bucket having several teeth extending from its leading edge. These teeth experience substantial wear and may need to be replaced daily in some environments.[0004]To reduce downtime in replacing the teeth, various configurations have been developed which use an adaptor secured to the bucket of the machine, a tooth releasably retained on the adaptor ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a tooth and adaptor assembly for use on earthmoving machinery. The assembly includes an adaptor with a nose and two channels, and a tooth with a socket and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is fully enclosed and protected from damage, and the tooth is used as a wear protection element for the adaptor. The design of the tooth and adaptor reduces stress and allows for easy replacement. The technical effects of the invention include improved wear protection, reduced stress, and easy replacement of the tooth and adaptor."

Problems solved by technology

This machinery is often used in an extremely abrasive environment resulting in extreme wear on components.

These teeth experience substantial wear and may need to be replaced daily in some environments.

However, the configurations put forward to date are not without disadvantages.

Furthermore, the pins exposure to the environment can result in damage to the pin rendering it even more difficult to dislodge.

Other configurations are complex in shape, often having large areas of metal extending beyond the main body of the tooth.

These shapes can be difficult to cast and may result in the build up of stresses within the adaptor or tooth during casting, creating weak points within the components.

Also, the extra metal does not always contribute to extending the wear life of the tooth and hence adds unnecessary weight to the assembly.

The cross section of the adaptor must therefore change significantly to accommodate these complimentary shapes, resulting in concentrations of stress during manufacture and service of the component.

This obviously weakens the structure and induces areas of stress within the component.

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