Fixing system of wear elements in support elements of earth-moving machines by means of pins and retainers

Abstract

The invention relates to a fixing system for fixing a wear element (16) in a nose (19) of a support element of an earthmoving machine by means of a pin (7) which is accommodated in an opening of the wear element and in an opening (25) in the nose which is coaxial with the opening of the wear element. The system comprises a retaining piece (1) which is a sheet of material which has a flexible flange (3) which extends towards the path of the pin when it is introduced into the opening, blocking said path. The retaining piece is fixed to the wear element or to the nose. The flange is bent towards the direction of the pin when it is introduced into the opening. The pin has a blocking section (13) which has a step which is oriented such that the flange abuts against the step when the pin is attempted to be removed. In order to remove the pin, the pin must be rotated about its axis until the flange leaves the step and is arranged in a section in which the side surface of the pin extends continuously up to the terminal end (10) of the pin.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a retainer suitable for a retaining pin adapted to secure a wear element in a support element of an earthmoving machine. The wear element includes a cavity, wherein, in an assembled position where the wear element is assembled on the support element, a nose portion present in the support element is received in the cavity, wherein the cavity is defined by a plurality of sidewalls, one of which has at least one through opening, wherein the nose portion has a nose opening that aligns with the through opening of the wear element in the assembled position, wherein, in the assembled position, the pin is received in the through opening and the nose opening, wherein the through opening defines a longitudinal axis whose direction corresponds to the insertion direction in which the pin is introduced into the through opening to reach the assembled position.

[0002] The invention also relates to a pin suitable for securing a wear element in a support element of an earthmoving machine. The wear element includes a cavity, wherein, in an assembly position where the wear element is assembled on the support element, a nose portion present in the support element is received in the cavity, wherein the cavity is defined by a plurality of sidewalls, one of which has at least one through opening, wherein the nose portion has a nose opening that aligns with the through opening of the wear element in the assembly position, wherein, in the assembly position, the pin is received in the through opening and the nose opening, wherein the through opening defines a longitudinal axis whose direction corresponds to the insertion direction in which the pin is introduced into the through opening to achieve the assembly position, wherein the pin defines the longitudinal axis of the pin, and the pin has: a first end having an actuating portion suitable for rotating the pin about its longitudinal axis; and a second end opposite to the first end.

[0003] The present invention also relates to a wear element for an earthmoving machine, the wear element comprising a cavity, wherein, in an assembly position where the wear element is assembled on a support element, a nose portion present in the support element is received in the cavity, wherein the cavity is defined by a plurality of sidewalls, two openings being provided in two opposing sidewalls of these sidewalls, the openings being aligned with each other and, in the assembly position, aligned with a through nose opening provided in the nose portion, wherein a pin is adapted to be received in these openings and the nose opening, the pin being adapted to secure the wear element in the nose portion in the assembly position, wherein the openings define a longitudinal axis, wherein the direction of the longitudinal axis corresponds to the insertion direction in which the pin is introduced into the openings to achieve the assembly position, wherein the pin defines a longitudinal axis of the pin, and the pin has: a first end having an actuating portion adapted to rotate the pin about its longitudinal axis; and a second end opposite to the first end, wherein, in the assembly position, the first end is received in one of the openings, referred to as an inlet opening, which is a through opening, and the second end is received in another of the openings, referred to as an outlet opening.

[0004] The present invention also relates to a wear assembly for an earthmoving machine, the wear assembly comprising a wear element and a pin, the wear element comprising a cavity wherein, in an assembled position where the wear element is assembled on a support element, a nose portion present in the support element is received in the cavity, wherein the cavity is defined by a plurality of sidewalls, two openings being provided in two opposing sidewalls of these sidewalls, the openings being aligned with each other and, in the assembled position, aligned with a through nose opening provided in the nose portion, wherein a pin is adapted to be received in these openings and the nose opening, the pin securing the wear element in the nose portion in the assembled position, wherein the openings define a longitudinal axis, wherein the direction of the longitudinal axis corresponds to the insertion direction in which the pin is introduced into the openings to achieve the assembled position, wherein the pin defines a longitudinal axis of the pin, and the pin having: a first end having an actuating portion adapted to rotate the pin about its longitudinal axis; and a second end opposite to the first end, wherein, in the assembled position, the first end is received in one of the openings, referred to as an inlet opening, which is a through opening, and the second end is received in another of the through openings, referred to as an outlet opening.

[0005] The present invention also relates to an earthmoving machine comprising a support element having a nose adapted to assemble a wear element onto the support element by means of a pin. The wear element includes a cavity, wherein, in an assembly position where the wear element is assembled onto the support element, the nose is received within the cavity, wherein the cavity is defined by a plurality of sidewalls, one of which has at least one through opening, wherein the nose has a nose opening aligned with the through opening of the wear element in the assembly position, wherein, in the assembly position, a pin is received in the through opening and the nose opening, wherein the nose opening defines a longitudinal axis whose direction corresponds to the insertion direction in which the pin is introduced into the through opening to achieve the assembly position.

[0006] The present invention also relates to a wear element for an earthmoving machine, the wear element comprising a cavity, wherein, in an assembly position where the wear element is assembled on a support element, a nose portion existing in the support element is received in the cavity, wherein the cavity is defined by a plurality of sidewalls, one of which has a through opening, the through opening being aligned in the assembly position with a nose opening provided in the nose portion, wherein the through opening and the nose opening are adapted to receive a pin, the pin being adapted to secure the wear element in the nose portion in the assembly position, wherein the through opening defines a longitudinal axis, wherein the direction of the longitudinal axis corresponds to the insertion direction in which the pin is introduced into the through opening to achieve the assembly position, wherein the pin defines a longitudinal axis, and the pin has: a first end having an actuating portion adapted to rotate the pin about its longitudinal axis; and a second end opposite to the first end, wherein, in the assembly position, the first end is received in the through opening, the through opening being referred to as an inlet opening, and the second end is received within the nose opening.

[0007] Finally, the present invention also relates to a wear assembly for an earthmoving machine, the wear assembly comprising a wear element and a pin, the wear element comprising a cavity, wherein, in an assembly position where the wear element is assembled on a support element, a nose portion present in the support element is received in the cavity, wherein the cavity is defined by a plurality of sidewalls, one of which has a through opening, the through opening being aligned in the assembly position with a nose opening provided in the nose portion, wherein the through opening and the nose opening are adapted to receive a pin, the pin securing the wear element in the nose portion in the assembly position, wherein the through opening defines a longitudinal axis, wherein the direction of the longitudinal axis corresponds to the insertion direction in which the pin is introduced into the through opening to achieve the assembly position, wherein the pin defines a longitudinal axis, and the pin has: a first end having an actuating portion adapted to rotate the pin about its longitudinal axis; and a second end opposite to the first end, wherein, in the assembly position, the first end is received in the through opening, referred to as an inlet opening, and the second end is received within the nose opening.

[0008] This specification and claims describe a set of parts (retainers, pins, wear elements, support elements) that, while independent, exhibit interconnected functions. Assuming each of these elements is intended to be part of an assembly, the characteristics (particularly its physical dimensions) of one element influence the remaining elements, and to some extent they constitute the starting data for designing the rest. Typically, in patents, particularly in independent claims, if two elements are related to each other in use, the dimensions and / or shape of the first element can be defined by a general reference to the dimensions or corresponding shape of the second element, which is not part of the product protected by the independent claim. Designers of these assemblies will have a defined set of elements, particularly heights, that must be considered when designing each component of the assembly, regardless of whether these heights are the heights of existing components, the heights of other elements in the assembly, or even the general height of the assembly itself.

[0009] Typically, it must be considered that, in use, wear elements, support elements, pins, and retainers form an assembly used in this way. However, wear elements suffer more wear during use, and therefore their average service life is less than that of support elements or pins. Thus, for example, the average service life of an adapter (which is a common support element) is typically 3 to 5 times (or even longer) longer than the average service life of the teeth of an earthmoving machine's bucket (which is a common wear element). Therefore, wear elements are commonly attached to adapters in a manner that makes them easy to disassemble (usually by pins), and these three elements (wear element, adapter, and pin) are sold not only as an assembly formed by these three parts (or by adapter-wear element pair) but also separately, and the operation of replacing a used wear element with a new one must be as quick, simple, and trouble-free as possible (this includes the pin not undergoing significant deformation and being easily removable). Therefore, it is necessary to provide separate claims for support elements, wear elements, and pins, as this is typically how these elements are found on the market. Furthermore, as will be seen below, retainers are obtained based on a manufacturing technology (metal or polymer sheet material) that is very different from the manufacturing technology of wear elements and support elements (usually metal casting parts). Therefore, the retainer may be manufactured from a different entity than the entity that manufactures the wear element and the support element. Furthermore, although the retainer will be sold pre-assembled as an assembly with the wear element, there is also the possibility in some cases that the retainer may be sold separately, for example, for assembly onto the support element. Therefore, it is necessary to have independent claims related to the retainer. Although the foregoing claims several independent claims, these independent claims present the necessary unity of the invention because they all share the same inventive concept. Background Technology

[0010] Earthmoving machinery is used for excavation, demolition, construction, mining, dredging, loading, and similar activities. Typically, earthmoving machinery has a bucket or shovel in which material is collected. The bucket or shovel is subjected to high stress and significant erosion, particularly in the lip area (also known as the blade). Therefore, the bucket or shovel usually has multiple wear elements, such as teeth, supports, or shanks (also known as adapters), and / or (front and side) guards, which protect the bucket or shovel from wear and impact and / or improve ground penetration.

[0011] All these wear components or protective elements (especially the teeth) are subjected to high mechanical stress, plastic deformation, and excessive wear. Therefore, when these wear components or protective elements fail or wear out, they typically require frequent replacement. Because these components have a limited lifespan, there is ongoing focus on reducing manufacturing costs and making these components as easy to replace as possible. Furthermore, these machines can operate in a wide range of applications, where it may be necessary to modify the design of the teeth to improve bucket performance.

[0012] These wear elements may be attached to other wear elements (such as teeth attached to an adapter) and / or may be attached to the lip or blade of a bucket or excavator (such as teeth attached to the lip or an adapter attached to the lip). In this specification and claims, the term "support element" is used to refer to any of these alternatives; for example, when referring to a pair of "adapter + wear element," "support element" refers to the adapter, but when referring to a pair of "lip + wear element" or "lip + adapter," "support element" refers to the lip of the bucket.

[0013] Depending on the degree of ground wear and the size of the machine, wear components or protective elements can be fixed mechanically (easier and faster to replace) or by welding (more cost-effective but difficult to replace and carries the risk of damaging the welded blades). It must also be considered that large earthmoving machines (especially those operating in quarries and mines) are essential for production at such sites. Therefore, downtime for these machines significantly impacts their productivity, and it is of great concern to be able to replace wear components quickly and safely on-site without having to bring the machine or bucket to the workshop to use specialized equipment. Therefore, it is generally advantageous to mechanically fix wear components, and for this purpose, reversible stops or fixing devices (e.g., pins) are used.

[0014] Wear elements typically have a cavity in which a nose disposed in a support element (e.g., an adapter) is mounted. This invention relates to this type of geometry. However, various alternative methods exist for securing the wear element in the support element:

[0015] 1. The support element has a through-nose opening in its nose, and the wear element has two openings (an inlet opening and an outlet opening) in the sidewall of its cavity. A single pin for securing the wear element to the nose of the support element is received in these three openings. The outlet opening may be a through opening, such that the end of the pin (referred to in this specification and claims as the "second end") is visible from the outside.

[0016] 2. The support element has a nose opening (typically a blind hole) in its nose, and the wear element has an opening (inlet opening) in one of the multiple sidewalls of its cavity. A pin for securing the wear element to the nose of the support element is accommodated in these openings. In this case, the second end of the pin is within the nose opening.

[0017] 3. A variation of the aforementioned situation exists, wherein the nose has two nose openings (although it can be a through opening), and the wear element has two inlet openings in the sidewall of its cavity. In this case, it is secured by two pins, wherein the second ends of the two pins are located within the corresponding nose opening (or through nose opening). The two pins (and corresponding openings) can be aligned with each other or can be arranged along two non-coincident axes.

[0018] This invention can be applied to any of these three situations.

[0019] In some cases, the cavity and the nose are interchangeable, i.e., the nose is in the wear element and the cavity is in the support element. Apart from this, all the above observations are valid and, in fact, fully applicable to the present invention. Therefore, it must be understood that this opposite situation is also an object of the present invention, and the claims also include this opposite situation or at least relate to a situation completely equivalent to that indicated in the claims.

[0020] In some cases, the pin is received within the nose opening before the wear element is positioned on the nose. The pin then extends (or moves) until it is received in an opening present in the sidewall of the cavity. In other cases, the wear element is first positioned on the nose, and then one or more pins are inserted through an inlet opening present in the sidewall of the cavity, such that the pin penetrates the nose opening (either exiting through the opposite side or not according to the three alternative methods mentioned above). This invention relates to a second set of cases among these. Summary of the Invention

[0021] The purpose of this invention is to provide a novel fixing system for securing wear elements to support elements of earthmoving machinery using pins and retainers. This novel system comprises several elements and sub-assemblies.

[0022] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a retainer of the above type, characterized in that:

[0023] The retainer is made of a sheet material and includes: a peripheral section adapted to be secured to a peripheral region of a through opening or a nose opening; and a flexible flange engaged at one end with the peripheral section and adapted to extend toward the through opening or nose opening, wherein the free end of the flexible flange is adapted to remain forward offset relative to the peripheral section along the insertion direction.

[0024] Another object of the present invention is to provide a pin of the above type, characterized in that:

[0025] The pin has a fixing region, wherein, in the assembled position, the fixing region coincides with the starting point of the through opening or the nose opening in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The fixing region has a blocking section with a stepped portion, wherein the stepped portion elevation is oriented towards the first end and adapted to accommodate the free end of the flexible flange of the retainer. When the retainer is made of a sheet material including a peripheral section and a flexible flange joined to the peripheral section at one end, the peripheral section is fixed to the peripheral region of the through opening or the peripheral region of the nose opening, and the flexible flange is oriented towards the through opening or the nose opening. The opening extends, wherein the free end of the flexible flange remains forward offset relative to the peripheral section along the insertion direction, thereby preventing the pin from moving axially in the opposite direction to the insertion direction. The fixed area also includes a non-blocking section, which is positioned at the same distance from the first end as the blocking section in the direction of the pin's longitudinal axis. The non-blocking section is displaced relative to the blocking section at an angle formed by rotation about the pin's longitudinal axis. The non-blocking section does not have a stepped portion but has a smooth section in which the side surface of the pin extends continuously to the end of the second end.

[0026] In practice, the new system anchors the pin in its final position with a significant axial holding force. Once assembled, the pin abuts against the flexible flange. Because the free end of the flexible flange remains offset forward along the insertion direction, the pin can allow the flange to bend elastically and continue forward movement of the pin without applying a large force. When the pin reaches its final assembled position, the flange coincides with the stepped portion and can return to its initial position, where the free end is in the lower edge of the stepped portion. Furthermore, a "click" sound is produced to help the operator know that the pin has reached its final position and that it has been blocked by the flange. Conversely, the pin cannot move backward without plastically deforming the flange (which would require a very large force). This achieves a highly reliable fixation of the pin. However, if the pin is to be removed, the action of the actuating part is sufficient to rotate the pin about its longitudinal axis until the flange emerges from the blocking section of the fixed area (i.e., no longer facing the stepped portion) and is located in the non-blocking section of the fixed area. The non-blocking section does not have a stepped section with the facade facing the first end, but instead has a smooth section in which the side surface of the pin extends continuously (i.e., without bulges, steps, or obstructions) to the end of the second end (i.e., in the non-blocking section, the pin has a surface that is continuous / flush with the rest of the side surface of the pin all the way to the second end), which allows the free end of the flange to slide on the surface of the pin without providing high resistance.

[0027] A retainer made of sheet material means that the retainer has a substantially sheet-like geometry (its thickness is much smaller than other dimensions of the retainer). This should not be construed as the retainer being a substantially metallic element, although a metallic retainer is preferred because it will better withstand high temperatures and high stresses. However, another preferred option is a retainer made of a polymer material, which can constitute a particularly cost-effective alternative in systems with low mechanical and thermal requirements. When the retainer is metallic (a particularly advantageous choice is austenitic stainless steel), it can withstand high temperatures without loss of mechanical properties. An example could be spring steel according to European standard EN 10132-4:2000C67S.

[0028] The fact that the peripheral section of the retainer is fixed to the peripheral area of ​​the through opening or the nasal opening must be understood as the peripheral section being fixed near the through opening or the nasal opening (i.e., in a place that can be considered the peripheral area of ​​these openings). The exact distance between the peripheral section and the through opening (or nasal opening) is irrelevant to this invention, and those skilled in the art will be able to determine the distance most suitable for each case based on other requirements unrelated to this invention.

[0029] The new system has several additional advantages:

[0030] The retainer has a very simple geometry, and when the retainer is metal, it can be obtained by punching from a sheet of metal material. Therefore, the cost is very low.

[0031] The pin can be assembled and disassembled without the need for special tools. Preferably, the actuating part includes an opening coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the pin and located at a first end, wherein the opening has a non-circular cross-section (preferably polygonal, and very preferably square). Therefore, the operator only needs to use a wrench with a head shape corresponding to the opening to rotate the pin. The process of disassembling the pin can be performed without the use of a hammer.

[0032] - This solution does not adversely affect the geometry, wear elements, or nose. Other current alternatives are always bulkier, necessitating the sacrifice of material for the wear elements and / or nose to make room for the pin and corresponding retaining parts, or requiring protection of the pin and / or retaining elements, which also adversely affects the design of the wear elements and / or nose.

[0033] Preferably, the peripheral section of the retainer extends to form a closed peripheral frame, wherein the flange extends toward the interior of the frame. In this case, in the assembled position, the peripheral frame surrounds the through opening or nose opening. The flange extends toward the interior of the frame, but also, as already noted, extends forward (or is offset) along the insertion direction. In other words, the flange moves toward the so-called longitudinal axis of the through opening, but away from the frame in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The closed peripheral frame is preferably rectangular or square. However, any geometry (non-circular or even circular geometry) is possible, especially where the peripheral section has a snap-fit ​​engagement portion (see below), as this snap-fit ​​engagement portion will be responsible for ensuring that the retainer remains in place.

[0034] When the peripheral section forms a closed peripheral frame, it is advantageous to have two flanges positioned in opposite regions of the closed peripheral frame. These flanges engage with the closed peripheral frame and extend toward its interior. The free ends of the two flexible flanges are adapted to remain forward-offset relative to the closed peripheral frame along the insertion direction. This achieves double fixation and a symmetrical distribution of stress on the pin without any additional cost.

[0035] Preferably, the peripheral section has a first snap-fit ​​portion adapted to be assembled onto a second snap-fit ​​portion present in the peripheral region of the opening, thereby securing the retainer to the peripheral region. In practice, as will be seen in the examples below, these snap-fit ​​portions can be easily engaged and are very easy to assemble. Preferably, the snap-fit ​​portions secure the retainer not only in the direction of the longitudinal axis but also in two transverse directions, thereby achieving complete retention of the retainer. This solution is particularly advantageous when the peripheral section is a closed peripheral frame. Alternatively, the snap-fit ​​portions secure the retainer in the direction of the longitudinal axis and also in only one transverse direction (specifically in the flange direction), defined as follows: the flange defines a flange axis extending from the flange through its engagement with the end of the peripheral section to the free end, and the projection of this flange axis in the plane including the peripheral section defines the flange direction. As will be seen later, this alternative is also part of the preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0036] Preferably, the flange has a reinforcing portion. Advantageously, this reinforcing portion is a reinforced area manufactured by deep drawing.

[0037] Typically, as previously described, a flange defines a flange axis extending from the end of the flange that engages with the peripheral section to the free end. In a preferred embodiment, in any plane having a flange axis parallel to and perpendicular to the plane including the peripheral section, a portion of the flange has: a first region near the end of the flange that engages with the peripheral section, which, when viewed from the plane including the peripheral section, has a convex curved surface; and a second region near the free end, which, when viewed from the plane including the peripheral section, has a concave curved surface.

[0038] Furthermore, the pin preferably has a fixing region having two blocking sections disposed at the same distance from the first end in the direction of the pin's longitudinal axis and on opposite sides in the circumferential direction. Each blocking section has a stepped portion, wherein the stepped portion elevation of each stepped portion is oriented toward the first end and adapted to accommodate the free end of one of the flexible flanges of the retainer. When the retainer has a peripheral section extending to form a closed peripheral frame and two flanges disposed in opposite regions of the closed peripheral frame, these flanges engage with the closed peripheral frame and extend toward the interior of the closed peripheral frame, which is fixed to the through-hole. The peripheral region of the opening, or the peripheral region of the nose opening, wherein the free ends of the two flexible flanges are adapted to remain forward offset relative to the closed peripheral frame along the insertion direction, thereby preventing axial movement of the second end in the opposite direction to the insertion direction. The fixing region also includes two non-blocking sections arranged at the same distance from the first end as the blocking section in the direction of the pin's longitudinal axis. The non-blocking sections are displaced relative to the blocking section at an angle formed by rotation about the pin's longitudinal axis. These non-blocking sections do not have stepped portions but rather smooth sections in which the side surface of the pin extends continuously to the end of the second end. This pin is of particular interest when the retainer has a closed peripheral frame and two flanges, as each flange will interact with one of the blocking and non-blocking sections. However, this pin can also be used when two separate retainers are used, each retainer having a flange, with the two retainers positioned on opposite sides of the corresponding opening.

[0039] Preferably, the stepped section facade is inclined toward the insertion direction at an angle greater than 0 degrees, such that the upper end of the stepped section facade is further separated from the longitudinal axis of the pin than the lower end of the stepped section facade and is closer to the first end of the pin than the lower end. This angle is preferably greater than 2 degrees, and more preferably, greater than 4 degrees.

[0040] Preferably, the stepped facade has an upper end that is further separated from the longitudinal axis of the pin than the lower end of the stepped facade, and the blocking section has: a ramp opposite the stepped facade; and a lower portion extending from the lower end of the stepped facade to the lower end of the ramp. Advantageously, the lower portion is inclined toward the longitudinal axis of the pin, such that the lower portion is closer to the longitudinal axis of the pin at the lower end of the stepped facade than at the lower end of the ramp. Alternatively or additionally, preferably the lower portion has a recessed portion that is closer to the stepped facade than the ramp, the recessed portion serving to accommodate the free end of the flange.

[0041] As will be described in detail below, according to the three alternative methods for securing the wear element in the support element used in this invention, the pin consists of two preferred embodiments:

[0042] - Pin, with a fixed area near the second end.

[0043] - Pin, with a fixed area near the first end.

[0044] The fact that the fixed area is closer to the second end means that the fixed area is closer to the second end (along the longitudinal axis of the pin) than it is closer to the first end, and vice versa.

[0045] Preferably, the pin has a stop at its first end. This stop prevents the pin from being introduced too far. The stop can also be used to guide the position of the pin during its introduction, so that the pin is properly oriented.

[0046] A particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention is when it is applied to a first alternative method of securing a wear element in a support element, i.e., when the support element has a through-nose opening in its nose and the wear element has two openings (an inlet opening and an outlet opening) in the sidewall of its cavity, wherein a single pin received in these three openings secures the wear element to the nose of the support element. In this context, the object of the present invention is to provide a wear element for an earthmoving machine, the wear element comprising a cavity, wherein, in an assembled position where the wear element is assembled on a support element, a nose portion existing in the support element is received within the cavity, wherein the cavity is defined by a plurality of sidewalls, two openings being provided in two opposing sidewalls of these sidewalls, these openings being aligned with each other and, in the assembled position, aligned with a through nose opening provided in the nose portion, wherein a pin is adapted to be received in these openings and the nose opening, the pin being adapted to secure the wear element in the nose portion in the assembled position, wherein the openings define a longitudinal axis, wherein the direction of the longitudinal axis corresponds to the insertion direction in which the pin is introduced into the openings to achieve the assembled position, wherein the pin defines a longitudinal axis of the pin, and the pin has: a first end having an actuating portion adapted to rotate the pin about its longitudinal axis; and a second end opposite to the first end, wherein, in the assembled position, the first end is received in one of the openings, referred to as an inlet opening, which is a through opening, and the second end is received in another of the openings, referred to as an outlet opening.

[0047] The wear element is characterized by:

[0048] The wear element includes a retainer fixed to an inner surface of a sidewall including an outlet opening. The retainer is made of a sheet material and includes: a peripheral section fixed to the inner surface in a peripheral region of the outlet opening; and a flexible flange engaged at one end with the peripheral section and extending toward the outlet opening, wherein the free end of the flexible flange is located within the outlet opening.

[0049] In addition to the advantages already mentioned above, supplying wear components together with the retainer has the following advantages:

[0050] - The position of the retainer in the exit opening refers to the pin being able to be almost completely introduced before being subjected to friction from the flexible flange.

[0051] - The service life of the retainer is preferably the same as that of the wear element. Supplying both elements as a unit simplifies logistics management. Furthermore, the unit can be provided to the user already assembled, saving labor costs.

[0052] - In cases where the outlet opening is a through opening, a very simple vision control system is provided to check that the pins have been correctly assembled.

[0053] - In various solutions of the prior art, the retaining part is located in the head of the pin. Due to the presence of the actuating part, the head of the pin is already a weakened area. Regarding this solution, the retaining part (or fixing area, especially the blocking section) is located near the second end.

[0054] Since the retainer is a separate element (specifically in this given case), this preferred solution is compatible with the preferred solutions already indicated above (alone or in combination). In particular:

[0055] - The peripheral section of the retainer extends to form a closed peripheral frame that completely surrounds the boundary of the outlet opening.

[0056] - The retainer has two flexible flanges disposed in two opposite regions of the closed peripheral frame, engaging the closed peripheral frame and extending toward the outlet opening, wherein the free ends of the two flexible flanges are located within the outlet opening.

[0057] - The retainer is metallic and preferably made of austenitic stainless steel.

[0058] - The retainer is attached to the wear element by welding.

[0059] - The retainer is made of plastic.

[0060] The peripheral section has a first snap-fit ​​engagement portion, and the inner surface of the sidewall has a corresponding second snap-fit ​​engagement portion, wherein the first snap-fit ​​engagement portion is adapted to be assembled onto the second snap-fit ​​engagement portion, thereby securing the retainer to the inner surface. This applies to cases where the retainer is not attached to the wear element by welding.

[0061] Another advantageous solution is when the inner surface of the sidewall has a recess adapted to accommodate the peripheral section. This prevents the thickness of the retainer from interfering with the nose entering the cavity. It also provides better protection for the retainer against lateral stresses applied to the assembly, particularly preventing impacts between the wear element and the support element when they are in lateral contact with each other.

[0062] Another advantageous solution is when there is a recess extending to the inlet opening on the outer surface of the sidewall with the inlet opening, in which a stop portion provided at the first end of the pin is adapted to accommodate.

[0063] Typically, a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a wear element for an earthmoving machine, the wear element comprising a cavity, wherein, in an assembled position where the wear element is assembled on a support element, a nose portion present in the support element is received within the cavity, wherein the cavity is defined by a plurality of sidewalls, two openings being provided in two opposing sidewalls of these sidewalls, these openings being aligned with each other and, in the assembled position, aligned with a through nose opening provided in the nose portion, wherein a pin is adapted to be received in these openings and the nose opening, the pin being adapted to secure the wear element in the nose portion in the assembled position, wherein the openings define a longitudinal axis, wherein the direction of the longitudinal axis corresponds to the insertion direction in which the pin is introduced into the through opening to achieve the assembled position, wherein the pin defines a longitudinal axis of the pin, and the pin has: a first end having an actuating portion adapted to rotate the pin about its longitudinal axis; and a second end, wherein, in the assembled position, the first end is received in one of the openings, referred to as an inlet opening, which is a through opening, and the second end is received in another of the openings, referred to as an outlet opening.

[0064] The wear element is characterized by:

[0065] The wear element includes a retainer according to the invention, wherein a peripheral section is fixed to an inner surface of a sidewall including the outlet opening in the peripheral region of the outlet opening, and wherein a flexible flange extends toward the outlet opening, wherein the free end of the flexible flange is located within the outlet opening.

[0066] Another preferred embodiment of the invention is when the wear element, incorporating a retainer, and the corresponding pin are combined together. In this sense, another object of the invention is a wear assembly for an earthmoving machine, comprising a wear element and a pin. The wear element includes a cavity in which, in an assembled position where the wear element is assembled on a support element, a nose portion present in the support element is received within the cavity. The cavity is defined by a plurality of sidewalls, two openings being provided in two opposing sidewalls of these sidewalls. These openings are aligned with each other and, in the assembled position, aligned with a through nose opening provided in the nose portion. A pin is adapted to be received within these openings and the nose opening, the pin in the assembled position holding the wear element... The component is fixed in the nose, wherein these openings define a longitudinal axis, the direction of which corresponds to the insertion direction in which the pin is introduced into the through opening to reach the assembled position, wherein the pin defines the longitudinal axis of the pin, and the pin has: a first end having an actuating portion adapted to rotate the pin about its longitudinal axis; and a second end opposite to the first end, wherein, in the assembled position, the first end is received in one of these openings, referred to as an inlet opening, which is a through opening, and the second end is received in another through opening, referred to as an outlet opening, within these through openings.

[0067] The wear component is characterized by:

[0068] The wear element includes a retainer fixed to an inner surface of a sidewall including an outlet opening. The retainer is made of a sheet material and includes: a peripheral section fixed to the inner surface in a peripheral region of the outlet opening; and a flexible flange engaged at one end with the peripheral section and extending toward the outlet opening, wherein the free end of the flexible flange is located within the outlet opening.

[0069] And the characteristic is

[0070] The pin has a fixing region that coincides with the outlet opening in the longitudinal direction in the assembled position. The fixing region has a blocking section with a stepped portion. The stepped portion's elevation is oriented towards the first end and accommodates the free end of the flexible flange, thereby preventing axial movement of the pin in a direction opposite to the insertion direction.

[0071] The fixed area also includes a non-blocking section, which is positioned at the same distance from the first end as the blocking section in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the pin. The non-blocking section is displaced relative to the blocking section at an angle formed by rotation about the longitudinal axis of the pin. The non-blocking section does not have a stepped portion but has a smooth section in which the side surface of the pin extends continuously to the end of the second end.

[0072] Since the retainer and pin (in this particular case) are separate components, and since the wear element is incorporated into the retainer, this preferred solution is again compatible with the preferred solutions (alone or in combination) already indicated above. Specifically:

[0073] - The peripheral section of the retainer extends to form a closed peripheral frame that completely surrounds the boundary of the outlet opening.

[0074] The retainer has two flexible flanges disposed in opposite regions of a closed peripheral frame, engaging the closed peripheral frame and extending toward an outlet opening, wherein the free ends of the two flexible flanges are located within the outlet opening, and wherein the pin fixing region has two blocking sections disposed at the same distance from the first end in the direction of the pin's longitudinal axis and on opposite sides in the circumferential direction, wherein each blocking section has a stepped portion, wherein the stepped portion elevation of each step is oriented toward the first end and adapted to receive the free end of one of the flexible flanges of the retainer, thereby preventing the second end from axially moving in a direction opposite to the insertion direction. The fixing region also includes two non-blocking sections disposed at the same distance from the first end in the direction of the pin's longitudinal axis, the non-blocking sections being displaced relative to the blocking sections at an angle formed by rotation about the pin's longitudinal axis, wherein the non-blocking sections do not have stepped portions but have smooth sections in which the side surface of the pin extends continuously to the end of the second end.

[0075] - The retainer is metallic and preferably made of austenitic stainless steel.

[0076] - The retainer is attached to the wear element by welding.

[0077] - The retainer is made of plastic.

[0078] The peripheral section has a first snap-fit ​​engagement portion, and the inner surface of the sidewall has a corresponding second snap-fit ​​engagement portion, wherein the first snap-fit ​​engagement portion is adapted to be assembled onto the second snap-fit ​​engagement portion, thereby securing the retainer to the inner surface. This applies to cases where the retainer is not attached to the wear element by welding.

[0079] - The inner surface of the sidewall has a recess, and the peripheral section is accommodated in the recess.

[0080] - The outer surface of the sidewall with the inlet opening has a recess extending to the inlet opening, in which a stop portion provided at the first end of the pin is adapted to accommodate.

[0081] Typically, another preferred embodiment includes a wear assembly for an earthmoving machine, which includes a wear element according to the invention and a pin according to the invention, wherein the fixing region in the assembled position coincides with the outlet opening in the direction of the longitudinal axis, and wherein the stepped face of the stepped portion accommodates the free end of the flexible flange, thereby preventing axial movement of the pin in the direction opposite to the insertion direction.

[0082] Another particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention is when applied to a second or third alternative method of securing a wear element in a support element, i.e., typically when the second end of the pin is located within the nose opening. In these cases, in the assembled position, the retainer will not be located in the region near the second end of the pin (as in the solution of the invention for securing a wear element in a support element), but rather in the region near the first end of the pin. In these cases, the solution provided by the invention can be divided into two main parts depending on whether the retainer is secured to the nose of the support element or to the wear element.

[0083] In the first part, the object of the present invention is to provide an earthmoving machine comprising a support element having a nose adapted for assembling a wear element onto the support element by a pin. The wear element includes a cavity, wherein, in an assembled position where the wear element is assembled onto the support element, the nose is received within the cavity, wherein the cavity is defined by a plurality of sidewalls, one of which has at least one through opening, wherein the nose has a nose opening aligned with the through opening of the wear element in the assembled position, wherein, in the assembled position, a pin is received in the through opening and the nose opening, wherein the nose opening defines a longitudinal axis whose direction corresponds to the insertion direction in which the pin is introduced into the through opening to achieve the assembled position.

[0084] The earthmoving machine is characterized by:

[0085] The earthmoving machine includes a retainer made of sheet material, the retainer comprising: a peripheral section fixed to a peripheral area of ​​the nose opening; and a flexible flange engaging the peripheral section at one end and extending toward the interior of the nose opening.

[0086] Similar to the aforementioned cases, since the retainer and pin are independent components (specifically in this given case), this preferred solution is compatible with the preferred solutions (alone or in combination) already indicated above. In particular:

[0087] - The peripheral section of the retainer extends to form a closed peripheral frame that completely surrounds the boundary of the nasal opening.

[0088] - The retainer has two flexible flanges disposed in two opposite regions of the closed peripheral frame. These flanges engage with the closed peripheral frame and both extend toward the nasal opening, wherein the free ends of the two flexible flanges are located within the nasal opening.

[0089] - The retainer is metallic and preferably made of austenitic stainless steel.

[0090] - The retainer is made of plastic.

[0091] - The peripheral section of the retainer has a first snap-fit ​​portion adapted to be assembled onto a second snap-fit ​​portion present in the peripheral region of the nose opening, thereby securing the retainer to the peripheral region.

[0092] - The periphery of the nasal opening has a recess, and the periphery section is accommodated in the recess.

[0093] - The nose has two nose openings (which may or may not be aligned) or a through nose opening, the wear element has two inlet openings and two retainers, each retainer corresponding to each nose opening (or corresponding to each end of the through nose opening). In other words, this concept is exactly the same as the case with one opening, but replicated, so that the wear element can be secured to the nose using two pins.

[0094] The earthmoving machine includes a pin defining a longitudinal axis, and the pin having: a first end having an actuating portion adapted to rotate the pin about its longitudinal axis; and a second end opposite the first end, wherein, in an assembled position, the first end is received in a through opening and the second end is received in a nose opening, wherein the pin has a fixing region, wherein, in the assembled position, the fixing region coincides with the starting point of the nose opening in the direction of the longitudinal axis, wherein the fixing region has a blocking section having a stepped portion, wherein the stepped portion elevation faces... The free end of the flexible flange of the retainer is oriented toward the first end and accommodates it, thereby preventing the pin from moving axially in a direction opposite to the insertion direction. The fixing region also includes a non-blocking section, which is set at the same distance from the first end as the blocking section in the direction of the pin's longitudinal axis. The non-blocking section is displaced relative to the blocking section at an angle formed by rotation about the pin's longitudinal axis. The non-blocking section does not have any steps but has a smooth section in which the side surface of the pin extends continuously to the end of the second end.

[0095] - As an additional improvement to the foregoing points, the retainer has two flexible flanges disposed in opposite regions of the closed peripheral frame, engaging the closed peripheral frame and extending toward the nose opening, wherein the free ends of the two flexible flanges are located within the nose opening, and wherein the pin fixing region has two blocking sections disposed at the same distance from the first end in the direction of the pin's longitudinal axis and on opposite sides in the circumferential direction, wherein each blocking section has a stepped portion, wherein the stepped portion facade of each stepped portion is oriented toward the first end and The retaining region includes two non-blocking sections positioned at the same distance from the first end as the blocking section in the direction of the pin's longitudinal axis. The non-blocking sections are displaced relative to the blocking section at an angle formed by rotation about the longitudinal axis of the pin. Instead of having stepped sections, the non-blocking sections have smooth sections in which the side surface of the pin extends continuously to the end of the second end.

[0096] Typically, when the inner surface of the sidewall of the wear element or the peripheral region of the nose opening has a recess for receiving a peripheral section of the retainer, a preferred solution includes the following: considering that: [a] the flange defines a flange axis extending from the end of the flange through its engagement with the peripheral section to the free end, [b] the projection of the flange axis in the plane including the peripheral section defines the flange direction, [c] the peripheral section has an outer peripheral section edge, and [d] the recess has a recess edge, it is advantageous that there is a gap between the outer peripheral section edge and the recess edge in the flange direction, allowing the flange to move within the recess along the flange direction. It is particularly advantageous that when this preferred solution is combined with a preferred alternative (as described above), the snap-fit ​​device secures the retainer in the direction of the longitudinal axis and also only in one transverse direction (specifically in the flange direction).

[0097] Typically, another preferred embodiment is an earthmoving machine including a support element having a nose adapted for assembling a wear element onto the support element by a pin. The wear element includes a cavity, wherein, in an assembled position where the wear element is assembled onto the support element, the nose is received within the cavity, wherein the cavity is defined by a plurality of sidewalls, one of which has at least one through opening, wherein the nose has a nose opening that aligns with the through opening of the wear element in the assembled position, wherein, in the assembled position, a pin is received in the through opening and the nose opening, wherein the nose opening defines a longitudinal axis whose direction corresponds to the insertion direction in which the pin is introduced into the through opening to achieve the assembled position.

[0098] The earthmoving machine is characterized by:

[0099] The earthmoving machine includes a retainer according to the invention, wherein a peripheral section is secured to a peripheral region of the nose opening, and a flexible flange extends toward the interior of the nose opening. Preferably, the machine includes a pin according to the invention, wherein the securing region in the assembled position coincides with the starting point of the nose opening in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

[0100] In the second part (where the retainer is fixed to the wear element), another object of the invention is to provide a wear element for an earthmoving machine, the wear element comprising a cavity, wherein, in an assembled position where the wear element is assembled on a support element, a nose portion present in the support element is received in the cavity, wherein the cavity is defined by a plurality of sidewalls, one of which has a through opening, the through opening being aligned in the assembled position with a nose opening provided in the nose portion, wherein the through opening and the nose opening are adapted to receive a pin, the pin being adapted to secure the wear element in the nose portion in the assembled position, wherein the through opening defines a longitudinal axis, wherein the direction of the longitudinal axis corresponds to the insertion direction in which the pin is introduced into the through opening to achieve the assembled position, wherein the pin defines a longitudinal axis of the pin, and the pin has: a first end having an actuating portion adapted to rotate the pin about its longitudinal axis; and a second end opposite to the first end, wherein, in the assembled position, the first end is received in the through opening, referred to as an inlet opening, and the second end is received within the nose opening.

[0101] The wear element is characterized by:

[0102] The wear element includes a retainer fixed to an inner surface of a sidewall including an inlet opening. The retainer is made of a sheet material and includes: a peripheral section fixed to the inner surface in a peripheral region of the inlet opening; and a flexible flange engaged at one end with the peripheral section and extending toward the nose opening, wherein the free end of the flexible flange remains forward offset relative to the peripheral section along the insertion direction.

[0103] Similar to the aforementioned cases, since the retainer is a separate element (specifically in this given case), this preferred solution is compatible with the preferred solutions (alone or in combination) already indicated above. In particular:

[0104] - The peripheral section of the retainer extends to form a closed peripheral frame that completely surrounds the boundary of the inlet opening.

[0105] - The retainer has two flexible flanges disposed in two opposite regions of the closed peripheral frame, engaging the closed peripheral frame and extending toward the nose opening, wherein the free ends of the two flexible flanges remain forward offset relative to the peripheral section along the insertion direction.

[0106] - The retainer is metallic and preferably made of austenitic stainless steel.

[0107] - The retainer is attached to the wear element by welding.

[0108] - The retainer is made of plastic.

[0109] The peripheral section has a first snap-fit ​​engagement portion, and the inner surface of the sidewall has a corresponding second snap-fit ​​engagement portion, wherein the first snap-fit ​​engagement portion is adapted to be assembled onto the second snap-fit ​​engagement portion, thereby securing the retainer to the inner surface. This applies to cases where the retainer is not attached to the wear element by welding.

[0110] - The inner surface of the sidewall has a recess that is adapted to accommodate the surrounding section.

[0111] - The outer surface of the sidewall with the inlet opening has a recess extending into the inlet opening, in which a stop portion provided at the first end of the pin is adapted to accommodate.

[0112] - The wear element has two inlet openings and two retainers, each retainer corresponding to each inlet opening, so that the wear element can be secured to a nose having two nose openings (which may or may not be aligned) or through nose openings using two pins. In other words, this concept is exactly the same as the case with one inlet opening, but is replicated, allowing the wear element to be secured to the nose using two pins.

[0113] Another preferred embodiment is a wear element for an earthmoving machine, the wear element comprising a cavity, wherein, in an assembled position where the wear element is assembled on a support element, a nose portion existing in the support element is received within the cavity, wherein the cavity is defined by a plurality of sidewalls, one of which has a through opening, the through opening being aligned in the assembled position with a nose opening provided in the nose portion, wherein the through opening and the nose opening are adapted to receive a pin, the pin being adapted to secure the wear element in the nose portion in the assembled position, wherein the through opening defines a longitudinal axis, the direction of which corresponds to the insertion direction in which the pin is introduced into the through opening to achieve the assembled position, wherein the pin defines a longitudinal axis, and the pin has: a first end having an actuating portion adapted to rotate the pin about its longitudinal axis; and a second end, wherein, in the assembled position, the first end is received in the through opening, referred to as an inlet opening, and the second end is received within the nose opening.

[0114] The wear element is characterized by:

[0115] The wear element includes a retainer according to the invention, wherein a peripheral section is fixed to an inner surface of a sidewall including the inlet opening in the peripheral region of the inlet opening, and wherein a flexible flange extends toward the nose opening, wherein the free end of the flexible flange remains forward offset relative to the peripheral section along the insertion direction.

[0116] Similarly, as already completed above, the assembly formed by the wear element and the corresponding pin can be confined within the second part. In this sense, another object of the present invention is to provide a wear assembly for an earthmoving machine, the wear assembly comprising a wear element and a pin, the wear element comprising a cavity, wherein, in an assembled position where the wear element is assembled on a support element, a nose portion present in the support element is received in the cavity, wherein the cavity is defined by a plurality of sidewalls, one of which has a through opening, the through opening being aligned in the assembled position with a nose opening provided in the nose portion, wherein the through opening and the nose opening are adapted to receive a pin, the pin securing the wear element in the nose portion in the assembled position, wherein the through opening defines a longitudinal axis, wherein the direction of the longitudinal axis corresponds to the insertion direction in which the pin is introduced into the through opening to achieve the assembled position, wherein the pin defines a longitudinal axis, and the pin has: a first end having an actuating portion adapted to rotate the pin about its longitudinal axis; and a second end opposite to the first end, wherein, in the assembled position, the first end is received in the through opening, referred to as an inlet opening, and the second end is received within the nose opening.

[0117] The wear component is characterized by:

[0118] The wear element includes a retainer secured to an inner surface of a sidewall including an inlet opening. The retainer is made of a sheet material and includes: a peripheral segment secured to the inner surface in a peripheral region of the inlet opening; and a flexible flange engaged at one end with the peripheral segment and extending toward the nose opening, wherein the free end of the flexible flange remains forward-offset relative to the peripheral segment along the insertion direction.

[0119] And the characteristic is

[0120] The pin has a fixed region, which in the assembled position coincides with the inlet opening in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The fixed region has a blocking section with a stepped portion, wherein the stepped portion elevation is oriented toward the first end and accommodates the free end of the flexible flange, thereby preventing axial movement of the pin in the direction opposite to the insertion direction. The fixed region also includes a non-blocking section, which is positioned at the same distance from the first end as the blocking section in the direction of the pin's longitudinal axis. The non-blocking section is displaced relative to the blocking section at an angle formed by rotation about the pin's longitudinal axis. The non-blocking section does not have any stepped portion but has a smooth section in which the side surface of the pin extends continuously to the end of the second end.

[0121] Once again, since the retainer and pin are separate elements (specifically in this given case), this preferred solution is compatible with the preferred solutions (alone or in combination) already indicated above. In particular:

[0122] - The peripheral section of the retainer extends to form a closed peripheral frame that completely surrounds the boundary of the outlet opening.

[0123] The retainer has two flexible flanges disposed in opposite regions of a closed peripheral frame, engaging the closed peripheral frame and extending toward the outlet opening. The free ends of the two flexible flanges are forward-biased relative to the peripheral sections along the insertion direction. The pin's fixing region has two blocking sections disposed at the same distance from the first end in the direction of the pin's longitudinal axis and on opposite sides in the circumferential direction. Each blocking section has a stepped portion, the stepped portion elevation of which is oriented toward the first end and adapted to receive the free end of one of the flexible flanges of the retainer, thereby preventing axial movement of the second end in the direction opposite to the insertion direction. The fixing region also includes two non-blocking sections disposed at the same distance from the first end as the blocking sections in the direction of the pin's longitudinal axis. The non-blocking sections are displaced relative to the blocking sections at an angle formed by rotation about the pin's longitudinal axis. The non-blocking sections do not have stepped portions but have smooth sections in which the side surface of the pin extends continuously to the end of the second end.

[0124] - The retainer is metallic and preferably made of austenitic stainless steel.

[0125] - The retainer is attached to the wear element by welding.

[0126] - The retainer is made of plastic.

[0127] The peripheral section has a first snap-fit ​​engagement portion, and the inner surface of the sidewall has a corresponding second snap-fit ​​engagement portion, wherein the first snap-fit ​​engagement portion is adapted to be assembled onto the second snap-fit ​​engagement portion, thereby securing the retainer to the inner surface. This applies to cases where the retainer is not attached to the wear element by welding.

[0128] - The inner surface of the sidewall has a recess, and the peripheral section is accommodated in the recess.

[0129] - The outer surface of the sidewall with the inlet opening has a recess extending into the inlet opening, in which a stop portion provided at the first end of the pin is adapted to accommodate.

[0130] Another object of the present invention is to provide a wear assembly for an earthmoving machine, the wear assembly comprising a wear element according to the invention (particularly referring to the solution in the second part above) and a pin according to the invention, wherein the fixing region in the assembled position coincides with the inlet opening in the direction of the longitudinal axis, wherein the stepped face of the stepped portion accommodates the free end of the flexible flange, thereby preventing axial movement of the pin in the direction opposite to the insertion direction.

[0131] Typically, it is advantageous to assemble multiple (preferably two) retainers stacked on top of each other. This achieves greater mechanical resistance to prevent the retainers from coming out (as if they were twice as thick), without sacrificing the flexibility of the assembly and the elastic properties required to allow pin insertion.

[0132] Typically, it is advantageous that the retainer includes a sheet of elastic material (preferably an elastic polymer material) disposed on a surface oriented toward the interior of the cavity. This elastic sheet allows for lateral stabilization of the fit between the wear element and the nose, eliminating (or at least reducing) the play between them.

[0133] Another object of the present invention is to provide a wear assembly comprising a pin according to the invention and a retainer according to the invention. Either of the two components (pin and retainer) may comprise any of the embodiments described in the preferred embodiments above. Another preferred embodiment is that, taking into account that the flange defines a flange axis as described above, and the projection of the flange axis in a plane including the peripheral section defines the flange direction, in the assembled position, the distance between the free end and the pin in the flange direction is greater than the distance between the pin and the contact point present in the peripheral section in the flange direction, such that in relative movement between the pin and the retainer along the flange direction, the pin contacts the free end after contacting the contact point. Preferably, in the assembled position, the peripheral section and the pin contact through at least two pairs of blocking points, wherein one pair of blocking points blocks relative movement between the retainer and the pin in one orientation along a direction located in the plane including the peripheral section and perpendicular to the flange direction, and another pair of blocking points blocks relative movement between the retainer and the pin in an orientation opposite to the aforementioned orientation.

[0134] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of using a retainer for blocking a pin that secures a wear element in a support element of an earthmoving machine. The wear element includes a cavity in which a nose portion present in the support element is received in an assembled position where the wear element is assembled on the support element. The cavity is defined by a plurality of sidewalls, one of which has at least one through opening. The nose portion has a nose opening that aligns with the through opening of the wear element in the assembled position. In the assembled position, the pin is received in the through opening and the nose opening. The through opening defines a longitudinal axis whose direction corresponds to the insertion direction in which the pin is introduced into the through opening to achieve the assembled position. The retainer is made of a sheet material and includes: a peripheral section fixed to a peripheral region of the through opening or the nose opening; and a flexible flange engaged at one end of the peripheral section and extending toward the through opening or the nose opening, wherein the free end of the flexible flange is forward offset relative to the peripheral section along the insertion direction. Preferably, the retainer is a retainer according to the invention.

[0135] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of using a pin according to the invention for securing a wear element in a support element of an earthmoving machine. The wear element includes a cavity, wherein, in an assembly position where the wear element is assembled on the support element, a nose portion present in the support element is received in the cavity, wherein the cavity is defined by a plurality of sidewalls, one of which has at least one through opening, wherein the nose portion has a nose opening that aligns with the through opening of the wear element in the assembly position, wherein, in the assembly position, the pin is received in the through opening and the nose opening, wherein the through opening defines a longitudinal axis whose direction corresponds to the insertion direction in which the pin is introduced into the through opening to achieve the assembly position.

[0136] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of using a wear assembly comprising a pin according to the invention and a retainer adapted to block the pin, wherein the retainer is made of a sheet material and comprises: a peripheral section adapted to be fixed to a peripheral region of a through opening or a nose opening; and a flexible flange engaged at one end with the peripheral section and adapted to extend toward the through opening or nose opening, wherein the free end of the flexible flange is adapted to remain forward offset relative to the peripheral section along the insertion direction, the pin being used to secure the wear element in a support element of an earthmoving machine, the wear element... The component includes a cavity in which, in an assembly position where the wear element is assembled on a support element, a nose present in the support element is received within the cavity. The cavity is defined by a plurality of sidewalls, one of which has at least one through opening. The nose has a nose opening that aligns with the through opening of the wear element in the assembly position. In the assembly position, a pin is received in the through opening and the nose opening. The through opening defines a longitudinal axis whose direction corresponds to the insertion direction in which the pin is introduced into the through opening to achieve the assembly position.

[0137] Finally, another object of the present invention is to provide a method for disassembling a wear element of a support element of an earthmoving machine, the wear element comprising a cavity, wherein, in an assembly position where the wear element is assembled on a support element, a nose portion existing in the support element is received in the cavity, wherein the cavity is defined by a plurality of sidewalls, two openings being provided in two opposing sidewalls of these sidewalls, these openings being aligned with each other and, in the assembly position, aligned with a through nose opening provided in the nose portion, wherein a pin according to the invention is received in these openings and the nose opening, the pin securing the wear element in the nose portion in the assembly position, wherein the openings define a longitudinal axis, wherein the direction of the longitudinal axis corresponds to the insertion direction in which the pin is introduced into the opening to achieve the assembly position, wherein the pin defines the longitudinal axis of the pin, and the pin has: a first end having an actuating portion adapted to rotate the pin about its longitudinal axis; and a second end opposite to the first end, wherein, in the assembly position, the first end is received in one of the openings, referred to as an inlet opening, which is a through opening, and the second end is received in another of the openings, referred to as an outlet opening, wherein:

[0138] [a] The wear element includes a retainer fixed to an inner surface of a sidewall including an outlet opening. The retainer is made of a sheet material and includes: a peripheral section fixed to the inner surface in a peripheral region of the outlet opening; and a flexible flange engaged at one end with the peripheral section and extending toward the outlet opening, wherein the free end of the flexible flange is located within the outlet opening.

[0139] or

[0140] [b] The wear element includes a retainer fixed to an inner surface of a sidewall including an inlet opening. The retainer is made of a sheet material and includes: a peripheral section fixed to the inner surface in a peripheral region of an outlet opening; and a flexible flange engaged at one end of the peripheral section and extending toward a nose opening, wherein the free end of the flexible flange remains forward-offset relative to the peripheral section along the insertion direction.

[0141] or

[0142] [c] The nose includes a retainer made of sheet material, the retainer comprising: a peripheral segment secured to a peripheral region of the nose opening; and a flexible flange engaged at one end with the peripheral segment and extending toward the interior of the nose opening.

[0143] The method is characterized by including:

[0144] [i] The step of rotating the pin about its longitudinal axis by means of an actuating part present in the first end until the flange faces the non-blocking section.

[0145] [ii] The steps of removing the pin from the through opening and the nose opening, and

[0146] [iii] The step of removing the worn element from the support.

[0147] In this method, preferably, the peripheral section extends to form a closed peripheral frame, wherein the flanges extend toward the interior of the frame. Advantageously, the retainer has two flanges disposed in opposite regions of the closed peripheral frame, these flanges engaging the closed peripheral frame and extending toward the interior of the closed peripheral frame, wherein the free ends of the two flexible flanges are adapted to remain forward offset relative to the closed peripheral frame along the insertion direction. Preferably, the retainer is a retainer according to the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0148] Other advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, presented in a non-limiting manner with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0149] Figure 1 A perspective view of a first embodiment of the retainer according to the present invention is shown.

[0150] Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 A perspective view, a top view, and an elevation view of a second embodiment of the retainer according to the present invention are shown respectively.

[0151] Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 A perspective view, a front elevation view, a side elevation view, and a top view of a first embodiment of the pin according to the present invention are shown.

[0152] Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 A front perspective view, a rear perspective view, an elevation view, and a top view of a third embodiment of the retainer according to the present invention are shown.

[0153] Figure 13 A perspective view of the wear components and retainers before assembly is shown.

[0154] Figure 14 It shows Figure 13 A three-dimensional view of the assembled wear components and retainers.

[0155] Figure 15 , Figure 16 , Figure 17 and Figure 18The diagram shows a wear element with a retainer assembled on the nose of a support element, with the pin in the pin insertion step. Figures 15 to 17 At three moments, and during the pin extraction step for removing the wear element used to disassemble the support element, after the pin has rotated 90° around its longitudinal axis ( Figure 18 Cross-sectional view of ).

[0156] Figure 19 An exploded perspective view of the wear element, support element, pin, and retainer is shown.

[0157] Figure 20 It shows Figure 19 A rear-view 3D view of the assembled components.

[0158] Figure 21 A detailed view of the area of ​​the outlet opening of the wear element is shown.

[0159] Figure 22 A perspective view of the nose of the support element is shown, wherein the retainer is assembled and the pin is received in the nose opening of the support element.

[0160] Figure 23 A rear perspective view of the wear element is shown, with two retainers assembled and two pins accommodated in two inlet openings.

[0161] Figure 24 A cross-sectional view is shown of a wear element and two corresponding pins assembled on the nose of a support element using two retainers.

[0162] Figure 25 An exploded perspective view of the retainer, including a sheet of elastic material, is shown.

[0163] Figure 26 It shows the relationship with Figure 18 Equivalent but with Figure 25 The view of the retainer in the image.

[0164] Figure 27 It shows Figure 26 A detailed view of the area containing the retainer.

[0165] Figure 28 A rear perspective view of another wear element according to the present invention is shown.

[0166] Figure 29 Another embodiment of the retainer assembled on the pin according to the present invention is shown.

[0167] Figure 30 It shows Figure 29 A top view of the implementation method.

[0168] Figure 31Another embodiment of the retainer assembled on the pin according to the present invention is shown.

[0169] Figure 32 It shows Figure 31 A top view of the implementation method.

[0170] Figure 33 It shows Figures 29 to 32 A partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the components.

[0171] Figure 34 , Figure 35 and Figure 36 Three perspective views of another retainer according to the invention are shown.

[0172] Figure 37 A rear perspective view of yet another retainer according to the invention is shown.

[0173] Figure 38 It shows Figure 37 A partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the retainer assembly on the pin.

[0174] Figure 39 A partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the pin according to the invention is shown.

[0175] Figure 40 A partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of another pin according to the invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0176] Figure 1 A retainer 1 according to the invention is shown. The retainer is made of a sheet material (in particular a die-cut and bent sheet of metal material) such that the retainer includes a peripheral section 2 and a flexible flange 3 extending from the peripheral section 2, and such that the free end 4 of the flexible flange is movable relative to the peripheral section 2.

[0177] Figures 2 to 4 Another embodiment of the retainer 1 according to the invention is shown. In this case, the peripheral section 2 forms a closed peripheral frame 5 and has two flexible flanges 3 disposed in two opposite regions of the closed peripheral frame 5. Both flexible flanges extend toward the interior of the closed peripheral frame 5 and allow the free ends 4 of the flexible flanges to move relative to the closed peripheral frame 5. The peripheral section also has a first snap-fit ​​portion 6 located in the closed peripheral frame 5.

[0178] Figures 5 to 8A first embodiment of the pin 7 according to the invention is shown. The pin 7 is essentially a slightly tapered elongated cylinder having a first end 8 and a second end 10, the first end having a stop 9. The pin also has an actuating portion 11 at the first end 8, which is formed by an opening coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the pin 7, the opening having a square cross-section. The pin 7 has a fixing region 12 near the second end 10. The fixing region 12 has two blocking sections 13 and two non-blocking sections 14. Each blocking section 13 has a stepped portion, the stepped portion facade 15 of which is oriented such that the outer surface of the stepped portion facade 15 faces the first end 8. The two non-blocking sections 14 have surfaces flush with the rest of the outer surface of the pin 7, specifically, with the stepped portion facade oriented towards the first end 8, there are no discontinuities or stepped portions that could prevent the free end 4 of the retainer 1 from sliding to the second end 10 of the pin 7 or make it difficult for the free end of the retainer to slide to the second end of the pin.

[0179] Figures 9 to 12 Another retainer 1 is shown, specifically designed for assembly in Figure 13 and Figure 14 The wear element 16 (specifically, the tooth) shown is a retainer. The wear element 16 includes a cavity 17 defined by a sidewall 18. The wear element 16 is designed to be secured to the nose 19 by a single through pin 7 (alternative 1 described above). Thus, there are two openings aligned with each other in the sidewall 18: an inlet opening 20 and an outlet opening 21, and in this case, both the inlet and outlet openings are through openings. On the inner surface of the sidewall 18 having the outlet opening 21, there is a second snap-fit ​​portion 22 corresponding to the first snap-fit ​​portion 6 of the retainer 1. This inner surface also has a recess 23 in which the closed peripheral frame 5 of the retainer 1 is received.

[0180] The sidewalls 18 are generally neither parallel to each other nor perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pin 7. Therefore, the peripheral section 2 of the retainer 1 will also not be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pin 7. However, it is preferable that the free end 4 of the flexible flange 3 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pin 7. Therefore, the fact that the bend line 24 of the flexible flange 3 is not parallel to the free end 4 of the flexible flange 3 provides the advantage of compensating for the non-perpendicularity between the peripheral section 2 and the longitudinal axis of the pin 7.

[0181] Figures 15 to 18 It shows in Figure 13 and Figure 14 The assembly sequence of the wear element 16 in the case of [the component]. The wear element 16 has a retainer 1 fixed to the inner surface of the sidewall 18 having an outlet opening 21. The wear element 16 is assembled onto the nose 19 of the support element. Figure 15In the insertion step, pin 7 is oriented at an angle so that the stepped portion faces the flexible flange 3. Given that retainer 1 is close to outlet opening 21, pin 7 can be inserted into nose opening 25 without any force. Figure 16 In the middle, pin 7 has been almost completely inserted, and the second end 10 abuts against the flexible flange 3. From this moment on, a certain force must be applied to cause the flexible flange 3 to bend elastically. Figure 17 In the middle, pin 7 has reached its assembly position, and the free end 4 of the flexible flange 3 has reached the stepped portion of the corresponding blocking section 13. From this moment on, pin 7 can no longer move backward because the free end 4 abuts against the stepped portion facade 15. In order to remove pin 7, it is sufficient to rotate the pin 90° around its longitudinal axis. Figure 18 Thus, the free end 4 disengages from the corresponding stepped portion and is positioned in the non-blocking section 14, in which the surface of the pin 7 extends continuously (specifically, without any such stepped portion having a stepped facade oriented towards the first end 8). Therefore, nothing can prevent the pin 7 from being pulled out.

[0182] Figure 19 It shows Figures 13 to 18 Wear component 16 in the middle Figures 9 to 12 An exploded perspective view of the retainer 1 and the support element (in this specific case, the adapter). Figure 20 The assembled Figure 19 The components include an outlet opening 21, in which the second end 10 of the pin 7 and the free end 4 of the flexible flange 3 are accommodated in a blocking section 13 (specifically adjacent to the stepped facade 15 of the stepped section).

[0183] Figure 22 An embodiment corresponding to the case where a non-through pin 7 is used to secure the wear element 16 in the nose 19 (and specifically, where the retainer 1 is secured to the nose 19) is shown. To allow observation of the positioning of the retainer 1, Figure 22 Excluding wear element 16. In this example, the fixing region 12 of pin 7 is close to the first end 8 and located in the area within the entrance of the nose opening 25 in the assembled position. The retainer 1 has a first snap-fit ​​portion 6 that is assembled onto a second snap-fit ​​portion 22 disposed around the nose opening 25.

[0184] Figure 23 and Figure 24An example is shown in which the wear element 16 is secured to the nose 19 using two pins 7. In this case, the wear element 16 is an intermediate adapter that is assembled onto the nose 19 of a support element, which may, for example, be welded to the lip of the bucket. In this case, the retainer 1 is secured to the wear element 16. Figure 23 The assembled components are shown, but the nose 19 is missing, so that the positioning of the retainer 1 on the inner surface of the sidewall 18 of the wear element 16 can be observed. Figure 24 All components are shown (wear element 16, nose 19, two retainers 1 and two pins 7).

[0185] Figures 25 to 27 An example is shown in which the retainer 1 includes a sheet of elastic material 26. In this example, the retainer 1 is fixed near the outlet opening 21 of the wear element 16, and the sheet of elastic material 26 is located between the retainer 1 and the nose 19.

[0186] Figure 28 A wear element 16 with an assembled retainer 1 is shown. The inner surface of the sidewall has a recess 23 in which a peripheral section 2 is received. Specifically, a flange 3 defines a flange axis extending from the end of the flange 3 that engages with the peripheral section 2 to the free end 4. The projection of the flange axis into a plane including the peripheral section 2 defines the flange direction. Additionally, the peripheral section 2 has an outer peripheral section edge, and the recess 23 has a recess edge. A gap exists between the outer peripheral section edge and the recess edge in the flange direction, allowing the flange 3 to move within the recess 23 along the flange direction. Therefore, if the free end 4 is compressed during operation (due to direct contact with the pin 7 or due to the accumulation of stones or fine particles therebetween), the entire retainer 1 can move, thereby preventing damage to the flange 3.

[0187] Figure 29 and Figure 30 The retainer 1 assembled to the pin is shown. As previously described, flange 3 defines a flange axis extending from the end of flange 3 through its engagement with peripheral section 2 to the free end 4. The projection of the flange axis into a plane including peripheral section 2 defines the flange direction. In the assembled position, the distance in the flange direction between free end 4 and pin 7 is greater than the distance in the flange direction between pin 7 and contact point 27 present in peripheral section 2 (see also...). Figure 33 This arrangement ensures that during the relative movement of pin 7 and retainer 1 along the flange direction, pin 7 contacts the free end 4 after contacting contact point 27. Therefore, impact on the free end 4 by pin 7 during operation can be avoided because pin 7 has already contacted contact point 27. This preferred solution is compared with... Figure 28 The combination of the improvements shown is particularly advantageous.

[0188] Furthermore, the peripheral section 2 and the pin 7 are in contact by at least two pairs of blocking points 28. One pair of blocking points 28 blocks relative movement between the retainer 1 and the pin 7 in one orientation, which is along a direction located in the plane including the peripheral section 2 and perpendicular to the flange direction. The other pair of blocking points 28 blocks relative movement between the retainer 1 and the pin 7 in an orientation opposite to the aforementioned orientation. Therefore, relative movement between the free end 4 and the pin 7 in this direction is avoided. Thus, the flange 3 is protected from damage that could be caused by such relative movement.

[0189] Figure 31 and Figure 32 It shows the relationship with Figure 29 and Figure 30 This is a similar implementation to the one described above. The explanations given above can be applied to this implementation.

[0190] Figures 34 to 36 An embodiment of the retainer 1 having a reinforcing portion 29 in the flange 3 is shown. In the specific examples shown in these figures, the reinforcing portion 29 is a reinforcing region manufactured by deep drawing.

[0191] exist Figure 37 and Figure 38 In this embodiment, as explained in the previous section, flange 3 defines a flange axis extending from the end of flange 3 that engages with peripheral section 2 to the free end 4. In this embodiment, in any plane parallel to the flange axis and perpendicular to the plane including peripheral section 2, a portion of flange 3 (as in...) Figure 38 The configuration shown has: a first region near the end of the flange 3 where it engages with the peripheral section 2, which has a convex curved surface when viewed from a plane including the peripheral section 2; and a second region near the free end 4, which has a concave curved surface when viewed from a plane including the peripheral section 2. This geometry prevents the flange from bending "upward" (i.e., "disengaging" from the step) when in contact with the pin 7. Instead, the flange bends inward toward the interior of the blocking section 13.

[0192] Figure 39 A preferred embodiment of the pin according to the invention is shown. Typically, the stepped facade 15 has an upper end that is further separated from the longitudinal axis of the pin 7 than its lower end. The blocking section in this embodiment has: a ramp 30 opposite the stepped facade 15 (i.e., closer to the first end 8 of the pin 7 than the stepped facade 15); and a lower portion 31 extending from the lower end of the stepped facade 15 to the lower end of the ramp 30. In this case, the lower portion 31 is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pin 7.

[0193] Figure 40Two different preferred embodiments are actually shown: one in the upper part of the figure and the other in the lower part. In the upper part of the figure, pin 7, in which the lower portion 31 is inclined toward the longitudinal axis of pin 7, can be seen, such that the lower portion 31 is closer to the longitudinal axis of pin 7 at the lower end of the stepped facade 15 than at the lower end of the ramp 30. In the lower part of the figure, pin with a recessed portion 32 in which the lower portion 31 is closer to the stepped facade 15 than the ramp 30 can be seen, and this recessed portion is used to accommodate the free end 4 of flange 3. Both alternatives reduce the risk of flange “bending upward” (i.e., “detaching” from the stepped portion). In fact, Figure 33 and Figure 38 These two alternative methods are also shown.

[0194] Figure 40 An alternative improvement, practically independent of the aforementioned improvements, is shown; however, this improvement also reduces the risk of the flange bending "upward" (i.e., "detaching" from the step). The step face 15 of the step portion is inclined in the insertion direction at an angle α greater than 0 degrees, such that the upper end of the step face 15 is closer to the first end 8 of the pin than the lower end, wherein the upper end of the step face 15 is further separated from the longitudinal axis of the pin (7) than the lower end of the step face 15. Preferably, the angle α is greater than 2 degrees, and more preferably, the angle is greater than 4 degrees.

Claims

1. An earthmoving machine, comprising a support element having a nose (19) adapted to assemble a wear element (16) onto the support element via a pin (7), the wear element (16) comprising a cavity (17), wherein, In the assembly position where the wear element (16) is assembled on the support element, the nose (19) is received in the cavity (17), wherein the cavity (17) is defined by a plurality of sidewalls (18), one of which has at least one through opening, wherein the nose (19) has a nose opening (25) aligned with the through opening of the wear element (16) in the assembly position, wherein in the assembly position, the pin (7) is received in the through opening and the nose opening (25), wherein the nose opening (25) defines a longitudinal axis, the direction of which corresponds to the insertion direction in which the pin (7) is introduced into the through opening to achieve the assembly position. Its features are: The earthmoving machine includes a retainer (1) made of sheet material, the retainer comprising: a peripheral section (2) fixed to the peripheral area of ​​the nose opening (25); and a flexible flange (3) engaged at one end with the peripheral section (2) and extending toward the interior of the nose opening (25). The pin (7) defines the longitudinal axis of the pin (7), and the pin has: a first end (8) having an actuating portion (11) adapted to rotate the pin (7) about the longitudinal axis of the pin; and a second end (10) opposite to the first end (8), wherein, in the assembled position, the first end (8) is received in the through opening and the second end (10) is received in the nose opening (25), wherein the pin (7) has a fixing region (12), wherein the fixing region (12) in the assembled position coincides with the starting point of the nose opening (25) in the direction of the longitudinal axis, wherein the fixing region (12) has a blocking section (13) having a stepped portion, wherein the stepped portion elevation (15) of the stepped portion has a step portion elevation (15) The retaining region (12) is oriented toward the first end (8) and accommodates the free end (4) of the flexible flange (3) of the retainer (1), thereby preventing the pin (7) from moving axially in a direction opposite to the insertion direction. The retaining region (12) also includes non-blocking sections (14) arranged at the same distance from the first end (8) as the blocking section (13) in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the pin (7). The non-blocking sections (14) are displaced relative to the blocking section (13) at an angle formed by rotation about the longitudinal axis of the pin (7). The non-blocking sections (14) do not have the stepped portion but have smooth sections in which the side surface of the pin (7) extends continuously to the end of the second end (10). Furthermore, the retainer (1) has two flexible flanges (3) disposed in opposite regions of the closed peripheral frame (5), engaging the closed peripheral frame (5) and extending toward the nose opening (25), wherein the free ends (4) of the two flexible flanges (3) are located within the nose opening (25), and wherein the fixing region (12) of the pin (7) has two blocking sections (13) disposed at the same distance from the first end (8) in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the pin (7) and disposed on opposite sides in the circumferential direction, wherein each blocking section (13) has a stepped portion, wherein the stepped portion facade (15) of each stepped portion is oriented toward the first end (8) and adapted to accommodate the The free end (4) of one of the flexible flanges (3) of the retainer (1) prevents the second end (10) from moving axially in a direction opposite to the insertion direction. The fixed area (12) also includes two non-blocking sections (14) located at the same distance from the first end (8) in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the pin (7) as the blocking section (13). The non-blocking section (14) is displaced relative to the blocking section (13) at an angle formed by rotation about the longitudinal axis of the pin (7). The non-blocking section (14) does not have the stepped portion but has a smooth section in which the side surface of the pin (7) extends continuously to the end of the second end (10).

2. The machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The peripheral section (2) of the retainer (1) extends to form the closed peripheral frame (5), which completely surrounds the boundary of the nasal opening (25), and wherein the retainer (1) has two flexible flanges (3) disposed in two opposite regions of the closed peripheral frame (5), the flanges engaging the closed peripheral frame (5) and both flanges extending toward the nasal opening (25), wherein the free ends (4) of the two flexible flanges (3) are located within the nasal opening (25).

3. The machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The peripheral section (2) of the retainer (1) has a first snap-fit ​​portion (6) adapted to be assembled on a second snap-fit ​​portion (22) present in the peripheral region of the nose opening (25), thereby securing the retainer (1) to the peripheral region.

4. The machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The peripheral region of the nasal opening (25) has a recess (23), and the peripheral section (2) is accommodated in the recess.

5. The machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The flange (3) defines a flange axis extending from the end to the free end (4), wherein the flange (3) is engaged to the peripheral section (2) through the end, the projection of the flange axis in a plane including the peripheral section (2) defines the flange direction, the peripheral section (2) has an outer peripheral section edge, the recess (23) has a recess edge, and wherein there is a gap between the outer peripheral section edge and the recess edge in the flange direction, such that the flange (3) can move within the recess (23) along the flange direction.

6. The machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flange (3) defines a flange axis extending from the end to the free end (4), wherein the flange (3) engages the peripheral section (2) through the end, and the projection of the flange axis in a plane including the peripheral section (2) defines the flange direction, wherein, in the assembled position, the distance between the free end (4) and the pin (7) in the flange direction is greater than the distance between the pin (7) and the contact point (27) present in the peripheral section (2) in the flange direction, such that during relative movement between the pin (7) and the retainer (1) along the flange direction, the pin (7) contacts the free end (4) after contacting the contact point (27).

7. The machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, In the assembled position, the peripheral section (2) and the pin (7) are in contact by at least two pairs of blocking points (28), wherein one pair of blocking points (28) blocks relative movement between the retainer (1) and the pin (7) in one orientation along a direction located in the plane including the peripheral section (2) and perpendicular to the flange direction, and another pair of blocking points (28) blocks relative movement between the retainer (1) and the pin (7) in an orientation opposite to the orientation.

8. A wear element (16) for an earthmoving machine, said wear element (16) comprising a cavity (17), wherein, In the assembly position where the wear element (16) is assembled on the support element, a nose (19) present in the support element is received in the cavity (17), wherein the cavity (17) is defined by a plurality of sidewalls (18), one of which has a through opening, which in the assembly position is aligned with a nose opening (25) in the nose (19), wherein a pin (7) is adapted to be received in the through opening and the nose opening (25), the pin being adapted to secure the wear element (16) in the nose (19) in the assembly position, wherein the through opening... The through opening defines a longitudinal axis, wherein the direction of the longitudinal axis corresponds to the insertion direction in which the pin (7) is introduced into the through opening to reach the assembly position, wherein the pin (7) defines the longitudinal axis of the pin (7), and the pin has: a first end (8) having an actuating portion (11) adapted to rotate the pin (7) about the longitudinal axis of the pin; and a second end (10) opposite to the first end (8), wherein, in the assembly position, the first end (8) is received in the through opening, referred to as the inlet opening (20), and the second end (10) is received within the nose opening (25). Its features are: The wear element (16) includes a retainer (1) fixed to the inner surface of the sidewall including the inlet opening (20), the retainer (1) being made of sheet material, the retainer including: a peripheral section (2) fixed to the inner surface in the peripheral region of the inlet opening (20); and a flexible flange (3) engaged at one end of the peripheral section (2) and extending toward the nose opening (25), wherein the free end (4) of the flexible flange (3) remains forward offset relative to the peripheral section (2) along the insertion direction. The peripheral section (2) has a first snap-fit ​​part (6), and the inner surface of the side wall has a corresponding second snap-fit ​​part (22). The first snap-fit ​​part (6) is adapted to be assembled on the second snap-fit ​​part (22) to fix the retainer (1) to the inner surface.

9. The wear element (16) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The peripheral section (2) of the retainer (1) extends to form a closed peripheral frame (5) that completely surrounds the boundary of the inlet opening (20), and wherein the retainer (1) has two flexible flanges (3) disposed in opposite regions of the closed peripheral frame (5), engaging the closed peripheral frame (5) and extending toward the nose opening (25), wherein the free ends of the two flexible flanges (3) remain forward offset relative to the peripheral section (2) along the insertion direction.

10. The wear element (16) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The inner surface of the sidewall has a recess (23) in which the peripheral section (2) is adapted to be received.

11. The wear element according to claim 10, characterized in that, The flange (3) defines a flange axis extending from the end to the free end (4), wherein the flange (3) is engaged to the peripheral section (2) through the end, the projection of the flange axis in a plane including the peripheral section (2) defines the flange direction, the peripheral section (2) has an outer peripheral section edge, the recess (23) has a recess edge, and wherein there is a gap between the outer peripheral section edge and the recess edge in the flange direction, such that the flange (3) can move within the recess (23) along the flange direction.

12. The wear element (16) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The outer surface of the sidewall having the inlet opening (20) has a recess extending to the inlet opening (20), in which a stop (9) is adapted to accommodate a stop portion (9) disposed at the first end (8) of the pin (7).

13. A retainer (1) suitable for a blocking pin (7), said pin (7) being adapted to secure a wear element (16) in a support element of an earthmoving machine, said wear element (16) comprising a cavity (17), wherein, In the assembly position where the wear element (16) is assembled on the support element, a nose (19) present in the support element is received in the cavity (17), wherein the cavity (17) is defined by a plurality of sidewalls (18), one of which is provided with at least one through opening, wherein the nose (19) has a nose opening (25), the nose opening being aligned with the through opening of the wear element (16) in the assembly position, wherein in the assembly position, the pin (7) is received in the through opening and the nose opening (25), wherein the through opening defines a longitudinal axis, the direction of which is the same as that into which the pin (7) is introduced. The insertion direction in the through opening corresponds to the assembly position, wherein the retainer (1) is made of sheet material and includes: a peripheral section (2) extending to form a closed peripheral frame (5) and adapted to be fixed to the peripheral area of ​​the through opening or the peripheral area of ​​the nose opening (25); and a flexible flange (3) engaging the peripheral section (2) at one end, wherein the flexible flange (3) extends toward the interior of the frame (5) and is adapted to extend toward the through opening or the nose opening (25), wherein the free end (4) of the flexible flange (3) is adapted to remain forward offset relative to the peripheral section (2) along the insertion direction. Its features The peripheral section (2) has a first snap-fit ​​portion (6) adapted to be assembled on a second snap-fit ​​portion (22) present in the peripheral region of the opening, thereby fixing the retainer (1) to the peripheral region in the direction of the longitudinal axis, and wherein the retainer (1) has two flanges disposed in opposite regions of the closed peripheral frame (5), the flanges engaging the closed peripheral frame (5) and extending toward the interior of the closed peripheral frame (5), wherein the free ends (4) of the two flexible flanges (3) are adapted to remain forward offset relative to the closed peripheral frame (5) along the insertion direction.

14. The retainer (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The flange (3) has a reinforcing portion (29).

15. The retainer according to claim 14, characterized in that, The reinforced part (29) is a reinforced area manufactured by deep drawing.

16. The retainer (1) according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that, The flange (3) defines a flange axis extending from the end to the free end (4), wherein the flange (3) is engaged to the peripheral section (2) through the end, and wherein, in any plane parallel to the flange axis and perpendicular to the plane including the peripheral section (2), a portion of the flange (3) has: a first region, near the end, through which the flange (3) is engaged to the peripheral section (2), having a convex surface when viewed from the plane including the peripheral section (2); and a second region, near the free end (4), having a concave surface when viewed from the plane including the peripheral section (2).

17. A pin (7) adapted to secure a wear element (16) in a support element of an earthmoving machine, said wear element (16) comprising a cavity (17), wherein, In the assembly position where the wear element (16) is assembled on the support element, a nose (19) present in the support element is received in the cavity (17), wherein the cavity (17) is defined by a plurality of sidewalls (18), one of the sidewalls (18) having at least one through opening, wherein the nose (19) has a nose opening (25), the nose opening being aligned with the through opening of the wear element (16) in the assembly position, wherein in the assembly position, The pin (7) is received in the through opening and the nose opening (25), wherein the through opening defines a longitudinal axis, the direction of which corresponds to the insertion direction in which the pin (7) is introduced into the through opening to achieve the assembly position, wherein the pin (7) defines the longitudinal axis of the pin (7), and the pin has: a first end (8) having an actuating portion (11) adapted to rotate the pin (7) about the longitudinal axis of the pin; and a second end (10) opposite to the first end (8). Its features are: The pin (7) has a fixing region (12), wherein the fixing region (12) in the assembled position coincides with the through opening or the starting point of the nose opening (25) in the direction of the longitudinal axis, wherein the fixing region (12) includes a blocking section having a stepped portion, wherein the stepped portion facade (15) of the stepped portion is oriented toward the first end (8) and adapted to receive the free end (4) of the flexible flange (3) of the retainer (1), wherein when the retainer (1) made of sheet material includes a peripheral section (2) and the flexible flange (3) joined to the peripheral section (2) at one end, the peripheral section (2) is fixed to the peripheral region of the through opening or the peripheral region of the nose opening (25), and the flexible flange (3) extends toward the through opening or the nose opening (25), wherein the free end (4) of the flexible flange (3) is fixed to the peripheral region of the through opening or the nose opening (25). The pin (7) is kept forward offset relative to the peripheral section (2) along the insertion direction, thereby preventing the pin (7) from moving axially in the opposite direction to the insertion direction. The fixed area (12) also includes a non-blocking section (14) which is positioned at the same distance from the first end (8) as the blocking section in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the pin (7). The non-blocking section (14) is displaced relative to the blocking section at an angle formed by rotation about the longitudinal axis of the pin (7). The non-blocking section (14) does not have the stepped portion but has a smooth section. The side surface of the pin (7) extends continuously in the smooth section to the end of the second end (10). The actuating portion includes an opening coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the pin and located at the first end, wherein the opening has a non-circular cross-section.

18. The pin (7) according to claim 17, characterized in that, The fixed area (12) has two blocking sections (13) arranged at the same distance from the first end (8) in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the pin (7) and on opposite sides in the circumferential direction. Each blocking section (13) has a stepped portion, wherein the stepped portion facade (15) of each stepped portion is oriented toward the first end (8) and adapted to receive the free end (4) of one of the flexible flanges (3) of the retainer (1). When the retainer (1) has a peripheral section (2) extending to form a closed peripheral frame (5) and two flanges arranged in opposite regions of the closed peripheral frame (5), these flanges engage with the closed peripheral frame (5) and extend toward the interior of the closed peripheral frame (5), which is fixed to the peripheral area of ​​the through opening or the nose. The peripheral region of the opening (25), wherein the free ends (4) of the two flexible flanges (3) are adapted to remain forward offset relative to the closed peripheral frame (5) along the insertion direction, thereby preventing the second end (10) from axially moving in a direction opposite to the insertion direction, the fixed region (12) also includes two non-blocking sections (14) arranged at the same distance from the first end (8) as the blocking section (13) in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the pin (7), the non-blocking sections (14) being displaced relative to the blocking section (13) at an angle formed by rotation about the longitudinal axis of the pin (7), wherein the non-blocking sections (14) do not have the stepped portion but have smooth sections, the side surface of the pin (7) extending continuously in the smooth sections to the end of the second end (10).

19. The pin (7) according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The fixed area (12) is close to the second end (10).

20. The pin (7) according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The stepped section facade (15) of the stepped section is inclined toward the insertion direction at an angle greater than 0 degrees, such that the upper end of the stepped section facade (15) is further separated from the longitudinal axis of the pin (7) than the lower end of the stepped section facade (15) and is closer to the first end (8) of the pin than the lower end.

21. The pin (7) according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The stepped facade (15) has an upper end that is further separated from the longitudinal axis of the pin (7) than the lower end of the stepped facade (15), and the blocking section has: a ramp (30) opposite to the stepped facade (15); and a lower portion (31) extending from the lower end of the stepped facade (15) to the lower end of the ramp (30).

22. The pin according to claim 21, characterized in that, The lower portion (31) is inclined toward the longitudinal axis of the pin (7) such that the lower portion (31) is closer to the longitudinal axis of the pin (7) at the lower end of the stepped facade (15) than at the lower end of the ramp (30).

23. The pin (7) according to claim 21, characterized in that, The lower portion (31) has a recessed portion (32) that is closer to the stepped facade (15) than the ramp (30), and the recessed portion is used to accommodate the free end (4) of the flange (3).

24. A wear element (16) for an earthmoving machine, said wear element (16) comprising a cavity (17), wherein, In the assembly position where the wear element (16) is assembled on the support element, a nose (19) present in the support element is received in the cavity (17), wherein the cavity (17) is defined by a plurality of sidewalls (18), and two openings are provided in two opposing sidewalls of the plurality of sidewalls (18), these openings being aligned with each other and aligned in the assembly position with a through nose opening (25) provided in the nose (19), wherein a pin (7) is adapted to be received in the openings and the nose opening (25), the pin being adapted to secure the wear element (16) in the nose (19) in the assembly position, wherein the openings define a longitudinal axis, which In this assembly, the direction of the longitudinal axis corresponds to the insertion direction in which the pin (7) is introduced into the opening to achieve the assembly position, wherein the pin (7) defines the longitudinal axis of the pin (7), and the pin has: a first end (8) having an actuating portion (11) adapted to rotate the pin (7) about the longitudinal axis of the pin; and a second end (10) opposite to the first end (8), wherein, in the assembly position, the first end (8) is received in one opening in the opening, referred to as an inlet opening (20), which is a through opening, and the second end (10) is received in another opening in the opening, referred to as an outlet opening (21). Its features are: The wear element (16) includes a retainer (1) fixed to an inner surface of the sidewall including the outlet opening (21), the retainer (1) being made of sheet material, the retainer including: a peripheral section (2) fixed to the inner surface in the peripheral region of the outlet opening (21); and a flexible flange (3) engaged at one end of the peripheral section (2) and extending toward the outlet opening (21), wherein the free end (4) of the flexible flange (3) is located within the outlet opening (21). The peripheral section (2) has a first snap-fit ​​part (6), and the inner surface of the side wall has a corresponding second snap-fit ​​part (22). The first snap-fit ​​part (6) is adapted to be assembled on the second snap-fit ​​part (22) to fix the retainer (1) to the inner surface.

25. The wear element (16) according to claim 24, characterized in that, The peripheral section (2) of the retainer (1) extends to form a closed peripheral frame (5) that completely surrounds the boundary of the outlet opening (21), and wherein the retainer (1) has two flexible flanges (3) disposed in two opposite regions of the closed peripheral frame (5), engaging the closed peripheral frame (5) and extending toward the outlet opening (21), wherein the free ends (4) of the two flexible flanges (3) are located within the outlet opening (21).

26. The wear element (16) according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that, The inner surface of the sidewall has a recess (23) in which the peripheral section (2) is adapted to be received.

27. The wear element according to claim 26, characterized in that, The flange (3) defines a flange axis extending from the end to the free end (4), wherein the flange (3) is engaged to the peripheral section (2) through the end, the projection of the flange axis in a plane including the peripheral section (2) defines the flange direction, the peripheral section (2) has an outer peripheral section edge, the recess (23) has a recess edge, and wherein there is a gap between the outer peripheral section edge and the recess edge in the flange direction, such that the flange (3) can move within the recess (23) along the flange direction.

28. The wear element (16) according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that, The outer surface of the sidewall having the inlet opening (20) has a recess extending to the inlet opening (20), in which a stop (9) is adapted to accommodate a stop portion (9) disposed at the first end (8) of the pin (7).

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