Retainer for pin for supporting shaft under chassis of working machine

Abstract

A retainer (216) for retaining a pin (212) with a section (176) of a working machine (100). The retainer (216) includes a body (264) that is reversed between a first state (332) and a second state (336) to secure the pin (212) with the section (176) together in each of the first state (332) and the second state (336). The body (264) defines a retaining portion (272) and a securing portion (268). The fixing portion (268) is fixedly coupled to the holding portion (272) and defines a through hole (300). In the first state (332), the through hole (300) is aligned with the aperture (204) of the section (176) to couple the body (264) to the section (176) such that the retaining portion (272) obtains a first orientation relative to the section (176) to engage the pin (212) according to the first orientation. In a second state (336), the through hole (300) is aligned with the aperture (204) to couple the body (264) to the section (176) such that the retaining portion (272) obtains a second orientation relative to the section (176) to engage the pin (212) according to the second orientation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an axle assembly of a work machine (e.g., a mining truck and an off-highway truck). More specifically, the present invention relates to a retainer for holding a pin that is used to couple a dogbone connection in an axle assembly of a work machine. Background Art

[0002] Work machines such as mining trucks, off-highway trucks, etc. are typically used to transport materials such as ore, pebbles, sand, dirt, gravel, etc. from one location in a mine to another location. Such work machines typically include one or more axles to movably support one or more traction devices under the chassis of the mining machine. For example, a front axle may support a set of forward traction devices under the chassis of the mining machine, and a rear axle may support a set of rearward traction devices under the chassis of the mining machine. Such an axle (e.g., a front axle) is typically coupled to the chassis via one or more linkages (e.g., dogbones, suspension struts, etc.). Through such a coupling, the axle can interact and move relative to the chassis during machine movement.

[0003] When assembling a linkage (e.g., a dogbone) with an axle or chassis, the linkage can be inserted into a yoke of the axle or chassis, and a pin can be passed through each of the yoke and the linkage to fix the linkage to the yoke. Such a pin may include an eccentric portion to receive the linkage and accommodate manufacturing tolerances in one or more of the linkage, the yoke, and / or one or more other parts of the work machine. Thus, during the assembly process, since the pin can be manipulated or changed (e.g., rotated) between multiple positions, and once the proper position of the pin (where the manufacturing tolerances are accommodated) is achieved, it is necessary to reliably hold the pin in place so that its rotation and / or axial movement can be prevented.

[0004] U.S. Patent No. 9,416,518 relates to a ball joint for a work vehicle. The ball joint includes a ball stud and a ball socket, the ball stud including a ball at one end that is located in the ball socket for relative movement between the ball and the ball socket. The joint can be used to interconnect a first and a second component, e.g., for interconnecting a blade and a blade lifting mechanism. A retainer ring is configured to distribute the load applied to the first component. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a retainer for holding a pin together with a section of a work machine. The pin rotatably couples a dog bone connector to the section of the work machine. The retainer includes a body configured to reverse between a first state and a second state to fix the pin to the section in each of the first state and the second state. The body defines a retaining portion and a fixing portion. The fixing portion is fixedly coupled to the retaining portion and defines a plurality of through holes. In the first state, the through holes are correspondingly aligned with the orifices of the section to receive fasteners therethrough for coupling the body to the section such that the retaining portion obtains one or more first orientations relative to the section to engage the pin according to the first orientation. In the second state, the through holes are correspondingly aligned with the orifices to accommodate fasteners therethrough for coupling the body to the section such that the retaining portion obtains one or more second orientations relative to the section to engage the pin according to the second orientation. The second orientation is different from the first orientation.

[0006] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a work machine. The work machine includes a dog bone connector, a section defining a plurality of orifices, a pin rotatably coupling the dog bone connector to the section, and a retainer. The retainer holds the pin together with the section and includes a body configured to reverse between a first state and a second state to fix the pin to the section in each of the first state and the second state. The body defines a retaining portion and a fixing section. The fixing portion is fixedly coupled to the retaining portion and defines a plurality of through holes. In the first state, the through holes are correspondingly aligned with the orifices to receive fasteners therethrough for coupling the body to the section such that the retaining portion obtains one or more first orientations relative to the section to engage the pin according to the first orientation. In the second state, the through holes are correspondingly aligned with the orifices to accommodate fasteners therethrough for coupling the body to the section such that the retaining portion obtains one or more second orientations relative to the section to engage the pin according to the second orientation. The second orientation is different from the first orientation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary work machine in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention;

[0008] Figure 2 is an internal layout of the work machine in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention, showing portions of the chassis and the shaft assembly of the work machine;

[0009] Figure 3 is an enlarged view showing the connection arrangement between the shaft and the dog bone connector extending from the chassis in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention;

[0010] Figure 4is an exploded view of a connection arrangement according to one or more aspects of the present invention;

[0011] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a connection arrangement according to one or more aspects of the present invention;

[0012] Figure 6 is a view of a pin of a connection arrangement according to one or more aspects of the present invention; and

[0013] Figure 7 and Figure 8 are various views showing the state of a retainer of a connection arrangement according to one or more aspects of the present invention. Detailed Description

[0014] Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Generally, corresponding reference numerals may be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts, e.g., 1, 1`, 1``, 101, and 201 may refer to one or more equivalent components used in the same and / or different depicted embodiments.

[0015] Referring to Figure 1 , the work machine 100 is illustratively shown. The work machine 100 can be a mining machine and can illustratively be embodied as a dump truck 104 operable at a work site 108. The work site 108 can include various locations, such as a loading location and a dumping location (not shown). The loading location can be a location on the work site 108 from which the work machine 100 can receive a payload (e.g., ore, pebbles, sand, dirt, gravel, etc.), while the dumping location can be a location on the work site 108 to which the work machine 100 can travel laterally to discharge the payload. Effectively, as part of a work cycle, the work machine 100 can repeatedly move back and forth between these locations at the work site 108. According to an exemplary work cycle, the work machine 100 can receive a payload from the loading location, traverse from the loading location to the dumping location in a forward direction (see direction A), discharge and / or dump the payload at the dumping location, and traverse back to the loading location to receive an additional payload, and in this way, the work cycle can be repeated for the desired number of instances.

[0016] Although reference is made to the dump truck 104, aspects of the present invention can also be applicable to other work machines, such as underground mining machines, articulated dump trucks, haul trucks, loaders, wheeled machines, etc., and the reference to the dump truck 104 in the present invention should be considered purely exemplary. Additionally, examples of the work site 108 can include, but are not limited to, mines, underground mines, construction sites, landfills, quarries, etc.

[0017] The work machine 100 may define a front end 112 and a rear end 116. The rear end 116 may be arranged opposite the front end 112. When the work machine 100 travels in the forward direction (i.e., direction A), the front end 112 may guide the rear end 116. The left side 120 and the right side 124 of the work machine 100 may also be defined. Each of the left side 120 and the right side 124 may be defined on laterally opposite sides of the work machine 100 and may be relevant and understandable when viewing the work machine 100 from the rear end 116 of the work machine 100 towards the front end 112 of the work machine 100.

[0018] The work machine 100 may include a main frame or chassis 128 and a plurality of traction devices (see traction device 132). The traction device 132 may include a front traction device 136 positioned towards the front end 112 of the work machine 100 and a rear traction device 140 positioned towards the rear end 116 of the work machine 100. The work machine 100 may also include a propulsion system, such as an internal combustion engine (not shown), to provide power to the traction device 132 such that the traction device 132 (and thus the work machine 100) may move relative to the ground of the work site 108. Additionally, the work machine 100 may include a tiltable dump body 144 to receive and release payloads. Further, the work machine 100 may include an operator cab 148 to position one or more operators on the work machine 100 to control various functional / operational aspects of the work machine 100. In some cases, the operator cab 148 may be a remote operator cab and may be positioned remotely from or away from the remainder of the work machine 100 such that the work machine 100 may be controlled remotely from the remote operator cab.

[0019] The traction device 132 of the work machine 100 (i.e., each of the front traction device 136 and the rear traction device 140) may support the chassis 128 on the ground of the work site 108. The front traction device 136 may include a set of front wheels 152, and the rear traction device 140 may include a set of rear wheels 156. As shown, the set of front wheels 152 may support the front portion of the chassis 128 on the ground, and the set of rear wheels 156 may support the rear portion of the chassis 128 on the ground.

[0020] Additionally, the set of front wheels 152 can be arranged along the width of the work machine 100 such that at least one front wheel in the set of front wheels 152 (e.g., see the left front wheel 152`) can occupy or be oriented towards a position at the left hand side 120 of the work machine 100, and at least one other front wheel in the set of front wheels 152 (e.g., see the right front wheel 152``) can occupy or be oriented towards a position at the right hand side 124 of the work machine 100. Similarly, the set of rear wheels 156 can also be arranged along the width of the work machine 100 such that at least one rear wheel of the set of rear wheels 156 (not shown) can occupy or be oriented towards a position at the left hand side 120 of the work machine 100, and at least one other rear wheel of the set of rear wheels 156 (e.g., see the right rear wheel 156``) can occupy or be oriented towards a position at the right hand side 124 of the work machine 100. In some embodiments, the traction device 132 can include a separate track or a combination of tracks and one or more of the set of front wheels 152 and / or the set of rear wheels 156.

[0021] Additionally, the work machine 100 can include one or more axle assemblies. The axle assemblies can be configured to support the traction device 132 together with the chassis 128 of the work machine 100. The axle assemblies can include or correspond to a front axle assembly 160 and a rear axle assembly (not shown). As shown, the front axle assembly 160 can support the set of front wheels 152 with the front portion of the chassis 128, and the rear axle assembly (not shown) can support the set of rear wheels 156 with the rear portion of the chassis 128. The following further discussion mainly focuses on the front axle assembly 160, but similar discussions can also apply to the rear axle assembly, and these discussions can be envisioned by those skilled in the art based on the present disclosure. The front axle assembly 160 includes an axle 164 and a plurality of links (see the links 168), which movably couple the axle 164 to the chassis 128.

[0022] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the links 168 can be configured to movably couple the axle 164 to the front portion of the chassis 128. The links 168 can include dog bone connectors 172 (e.g., see the first dog bone connector 172` and the second dog bone connector 172`` in Figure 2 ). It can be noted that only the dog bone connectors 172 of the front axle assembly 160 arranged towards the right hand side 124 of the work machine 100 are shown. Similar dog bone connectors of the front axle assembly 160 can also exist towards the left hand side 120 of the work machine 100, and the description of the dog bone connectors 172 in the present invention can also be appropriately applied to the dog bone connectors arranged towards the left hand side 120. The front axle assembly 160 can also include various other links, such as disc hard links and suspension struts, but these links are well known and understood by those of ordinary skill in the art and are therefore not discussed.

[0023] For the purposes of the present invention, the shaft 164 and the chassis 128 may each be referred to as a section 176 of the work machine 100. The dog bone connector 172 may be movably (e.g., rotatably) coupled between these sections 176. The movable (or rotatable) coupling of the dog bone connector 172 between the sections 176 allows the sections (i.e., the shaft 164 and the chassis 128) to move and articulate relative to each other such that the shaft 164 can interact and move relative to the chassis 128 of the work machine 100 during machine movement.

[0024] More specifically, each section 176 (i.e., each of the shaft 164 and the chassis 128) may include a yoke. For example, the shaft 164 includes two main yokes, and the chassis 128 includes two sub-yokes. As shown, the first dog bone connector 172' may be movable (e.g., rotatably) and correspondingly coupled between the first main yoke 184 of the shaft 164 and the first sub-yoke 188 of the chassis 128, while the second dog bone connector 172'' may be movable (e.g., rotatably) and correspondingly coupled between the second main yoke 192 of the shaft 164 and the second sub-yoke 196 of the chassis 128. With this configuration, the first dog bone connector 172' and the second dog bone connector 172'', along with a similar configuration present on the left hand side 120 of the work machine 100, may limit the movement of the shaft 164 relative to the chassis 128 of the work machine 100 in the forward direction (i.e., the direction defined parallel to the travel direction of the work machine) (e.g., direction A).

[0025] According to one aspect of the present invention, the first dog bone connector 172' may rotate relative to the first main yoke 184 of the shaft 164 about a link axis 200. Additionally, the section 176 of the shaft 164 or the first main yoke 184 may include an opening 348 that defines an opening axis 202. The section 176 of the shaft 164 or the first main yoke 184 further includes a plurality of apertures 204 constructed and arranged about the opening axis 202 (see Figure 4 and 5 ). The layout of the apertures 204 may be circular, and the apertures 204 may be arranged rotationally and equidistantly about the opening axis 202. Additionally, it may be noted that when the first dog bone connector 172' is assembled with the first main yoke 184 of the shaft 164, the link axis and the opening axis 202 may not be in a straight line with each other, but rather they may be offset from each other, and details related to this arrangement can be understood from the following description.

[0026] The following further discussion focuses primarily on the first dogbone connector 172` and its movable connection to the first main yoke portion 184. Equivalent descriptions can also be applied to the connection between the first dogbone connector 172` and the first secondary yoke portion 188. Additionally, such descriptions can also be applied to the connection of the second dogbone connector 172`` to each of the second main yoke portion 192 and the second secondary yoke portion 196. Further, similar descriptions can also be applied to the dogbone connectors and yokes disposed on the left-hand side 120 of the work machine 100. In some embodiments, such descriptions can be suitably applied to the arrangement of one or more connectors at or around the rear axle assembly.

[0027] See Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the first dogbone connector 172` and its movable connection to the first main yoke portion 184 can be achieved through the connection arrangement 208 of the front axle assembly 160. The connection arrangement 208 can include a pin 212 and a retainer 216. The connection arrangement 208 can also include various other parts or components, but aspects of the present invention focus primarily on the pin 212 and the retainer 216.

[0028] The pin 212 includes a generally elongate cylindrical structure having a first cylindrical lobe 220, a second cylindrical lobe 224, and an intermediate cylindrical lobe 228. The first cylindrical lobe 220 defines a first axial end 232 of the pin 212, while the second cylindrical lobe 224 defines a second axial end 236 of the pin. The first cylindrical lobe 220 can be coaxially disposed relative to the second cylindrical lobe 224. Moreover, the first cylindrical lobe 220 can be relatively disposed (e.g., axially opposite) relative to the second cylindrical lobe 224, as shown. Both the first cylindrical lobe 220 and the second cylindrical lobe 224 can define a pin axis 240 (e.g., the pin axis can be common to each of the first cylindrical lobe 220 and the second cylindrical lobe 224). As shown, the first cylindrical lobe 220 and the second cylindrical lobe 224 can be correspondingly received in the spaced-apart yoke arms 244 of the first main yoke portion 184 (i.e., the shaft 164) of the section 176.

[0029] The intermediate cylindrical lobe 228 can be configured and disposed between the first cylindrical lobe 220 and the second cylindrical lobe 224, as shown. Additionally, the intermediate cylindrical lobe 228 can be eccentrically disposed relative to each of the first cylindrical lobe 220 and the second cylindrical lobe 224. In this manner, an intermediate axis 248 defined by the intermediate cylindrical lobe 228 (see Figure 6 ) is disposed at a distance or offset D from the pin axis 240. Further, the intermediate cylindrical lobe 228 can receive (e.g., rotatably) the first dogbone connector 172` around it. AsFigure 5 As shown in the cross-sectional view of the connection arrangement 208 in, the interface between the first dogbone connector 172` and the intermediate cylindrical lobe 228 may include a bearing unit 252, and through the bearing unit 252, the pin 212 may rotatably couple the first dogbone connector 172` to the section 176 (i.e., the shaft 164) of the work machine 100, thereby allowing the first dogbone connector 172` to move or rotate relative to the section 176 (i.e., the shaft 164) and about the link axis 200 or the intermediate axis 248 defined by the intermediate cylindrical lobe 228 of the pin 212 (see Figure 6 ).

[0030] Additionally, it can be noted that the cross-sectional areas of the first cylindrical lobe 220, the second cylindrical lobe 224, and the intermediate cylindrical lobe 228 may be different from each other. Exemplarily, the first cylindrical lobe 220 may define the maximum cross-sectional area of the pin 212, the second cylindrical lobe 224 may define the minimum cross-sectional area of the pin 212, and the intermediate cylindrical lobe 228 may define a cross-sectional area intermediate between the cross-sectional areas defined by the first cylindrical lobe 220 and the second cylindrical lobe 224 of the pin 212. Additionally, the pin 212 may define an engagement portion 256 (see Figure 4 ).

[0031] The retainer 216 of the connection arrangement 208 can be used to hold the pin 212 and the section 176 (i.e., the shaft 164) together (e.g., hold fixedly). The retainer 216 may include a body 264 having a fixing portion 268 and a holding portion 272. Details related to each of the fixing portion 268 and the holding portion 272 are provided below.

[0032] Referring to Figure 7 and Figure 8, the stationary portion 268 is configured to be coupled to a section 176 of the work machine 100 (e.g., to the first main yoke 184 of the shaft 164). The stationary portion 268 may include a generally annular profile and may correspond to the annular structure 276, as shown. The annular structure 276 may define a central annular axis 280 and may further define an outer circumferential surface 284 and an inner circumferential surface 288. Both the outer circumferential surface 284 and the inner circumferential surface 288 may be concentrically defined about the central annular axis 280. The annular structure 276 may also define a first annular axial end surface 292 and a second annular axial end surface 296. The second annular axial end surface 296 may be defined as being opposite (e.g., axially opposite) the first annular axial end surface 292.

[0033] In addition, the stationary portion 268 may define a plurality of through-holes 300 (only a few of the through-holes 300 are labeled) in the annular structure 276. The through-holes 300 may extend from the first annular axial end surface 292 (e.g., along the central annular axis 280) to the second annular axial end surface 296. The through-holes 300 may be rotationally and equidistantly arranged about the central annular axis 280 on the annular structure 276 and may be defined along an annular path P defined by the annular structure 276. In some embodiments, each through-hole 300 may define a hole axis 304 and the central annular axis 280 may be equidistant from each hole axis 304 (e.g., see distance R), thereby imparting a circular profile to the layout of the through-holes 300 on the annular structure 276. Although not limited, the number of through-holes 300 may be equal to the number of orifices 204 and the through-holes 300 may be arranged or disposed on the annular structure 276 in the same form or configuration as the orifices 204 are arranged and disposed on the section 176 (or shaft 164). Optionally, the number of orifices 204 may be less than or greater than the number of through-holes 300.

[0034] The retaining portion 272 may be fixedly coupled to and / or integrally formed with the stationary portion 268 and may be configured to engage the pin 212. For example, the retaining portion 272 may include an arm 308 that extends in a straight line and radially across the annular structure 276, as shown. In this way, the arm 308 symmetrically divides the inner circumferential surface 288 into a first inner circumferential surface 288' and a second inner circumferential surface 288''. With respect to the engagement of the retaining portion 272 with the pin 212, the arm 308 may be received in the keyway 260 defined by the pin 212 to engage the pin 212.

[0035] In addition, the arm 308 defines a first side edge surface 312 and a second side edge surface 316. The first side edge surface 312 faces the first inner circumferential surface 288` and meets the first inner circumferential surface 288` at a radial end defined by the arm 308. Similarly, the second side edge surface 316 faces the second inner circumferential surface 288`` and meets the second inner circumferential surface 288`` at a radial end defined by the arm 308. The body 264 of the retainer 216 can define corresponding first stress relief regions 320`, 320`` at corresponding interfaces defined between the first side edge surface 312 and the first inner circumferential surface 288`, and similarly, can define corresponding second stress relief regions 324`, 324`` at corresponding interfaces defined between the second side edge surface 316 and the second inner circumferential surface 288``.

[0036] In some embodiments, the arm 308 can define a thickness T1 that is equal to the thickness T2 defined by the annular structure 276 spanning between the first annular axial end surface 292 and the second annular axial end surface 296. In this way, the opposing surfaces of the arm 308 can be flush and adjacent to the first annular axial end surface 292 and the second annular axial end surface 296, respectively, such that all of the said surfaces can extend along the same plane. The arm 308 and the annular structure 276 of the retainer 216 itself can extend along a common plane 328.

[0037] See Figure 8 , it can be noted that when observing the body 264 from the first annular axial end surface 292 towards the second annular axial end surface 296, the position presented or acquired by the through hole 300 relative to the retaining portion 272 can be different from the position presented or acquired by the through hole 300 relative to the retaining portion 272 when observing the body 264 from the second annular axial end surface 296 towards the first annular axial end surface 292.

[0038] In this regard, the body 264 can reverse or flip about a flip axis 262 between a first state 332 and a second state 336, and in each of the first state 332 and the second state 336, the body 264 of the retainer 216 is capable of fixing the pin 212 to the section 176 (or the shaft 164). It is worth noting that when the second annular axial end surface 296 faces the section 176 and the first annular axial end surface 292 faces away from the section 176, for example, during the assembly of the retainer 216 with the section 176, the state achieved by the body 264 of the retainer 216 can correspond to the first state 332. Conversely, when the first annular axial end surface 292 faces the section 176 and the second annular axial end surface 296 faces away from the section 176, for example, during the assembly of the retainer 216 with the section 176, the state achieved by the body 264 of the retainer 216 can correspond to the second state 336.

[0039] More specifically, in the first state 332, the through hole 300 can correspondingly be aligned with the orifice 204 of the section 176 to receive the fastener 322 passing therethrough, thereby coupling the body 264 to the section 176 (or the shaft 164), such that the retaining portion 272 obtains one or more first orientations relative to the section, and engages the pin 212 according to the one or more first orientations. In the second state, the through hole 300 can correspondingly be aligned with the orifice 204 of the section 176 (or the shaft 164) to receive the fastener 322 passing therethrough, thereby coupling the body 264 to the section 176 (or the shaft 164), such that the retaining portion 272 obtains one or more second orientations relative to the section 176 (or the shaft 164), so as to engage the pin 212 according to the one or more second orientations. The second orientation can be different from the first orientation.

[0040] Details related to each of the first state 332 and the second state 336, as well as the intermediate state 340 achieved during the switching or reversal from one of the first state 332 and the second state 336 to the other of the first state 332 and the second state 336, will be further discussed below along with some examples.

[0041] Industrial Applicability

[0042] During an exemplary assembly process of the first dog-bone connector 172` and the first main yoke portion 184, an operator can insert the first dog-bone connector 172` into the space defined between the spaced-apart yoke arms 244. Then, the operator can align the openings 344, 348 correspondingly provided in the first dog-bone connector 172` and the spaced-apart yoke arms 244, and insert the pin 212 into the openings 344, 348, wherein the second axial end 236 of the pin 212 first enters the openings 344, 348. When the pin 212 is properly inserted into the openings 344, 348, the link axis 200 and the intermediate axis 248 can both be aligned with each other, and the pin axis 240 can also be aligned with the opening axis 202.

[0043] Since the cross-sectional area of the first cylindrical lobe 220 is larger than each of the second cylindrical lobe 224 and the intermediate cylindrical lobe 228, excessive entry of the pin 212 into the openings 344, 348 is prevented. In doing so, and as described above, the first cylindrical lobe 220 and the second cylindrical lobe 224 of the pin 212 can correspondingly be received in the openings 348 of the spaced-apart yoke arms 244 of the first main yoke portion 184, while the intermediate cylindrical lobe 228 of the pin 212 can be received in the opening 344 of the first dog-bone connector 172`. Similarly, once the pin 212 is correctly inserted into the openings 344, 348, the first axial end 232 can face outward, thereby exposing the keyway 260 to the operator.

[0044] It can be noted that, as part of the assembly of the pin 212 with the spaced-apart yoke arms 244 and the first dog-bone connector 172`, the operator can also manipulate or vary (e.g., rotate) the pin 212 about the pin axis 240 or about the opening axis 202. By doing so, the intermediate cylindrical lobe 228 can rotate eccentrically about the pin axis 240 and reach a position where the manufacturing tolerances in one or more of the first dog-bone connector 172`, the first main yoke portion 184, and / or one or more other parts of the work machine 100 can all be properly accommodated.

[0045] However, at this stage, or just after the pin 212 is inserted into the openings 344, 348, the pin 212 can exit the openings 344, 348 in a direction opposite to the entry direction (i.e., in a direction opposite to the direction in which the pin 212 is inserted into the openings 344, 348). To prevent such exiting of the pin 212, the operator can present the retainer 216 to immovably couple the pin 212 to the section 176 (or the shaft 164). As part of the coupling process between the retainer 216 and the section 176 (or the shaft 164), the operator can insert the retaining portion 272 (e.g., the arm 308) of the retainer 216 into the keyway 260 and align the through-hole 300 with the orifice 204.

[0046] Effectively, once the pin 212 is properly inserted and the tolerances are properly accommodated, the operator attempts to obtain the best possible alignment between the through-hole 300 and the orifice 204 such that even when the retainer 216 is coupled (e.g., immovably coupled) to the section 176 and the movement (axial or rotational) of the pin 212 is locked due to the engagement of the pin 212 with the retaining portion 272, the manufacturing tolerances can remain optimally accommodated. Once the best possible alignment is obtained and the through-hole 300 is aligned with the orifice 204, the operator can drive the fastener 322 through the through-hole 300 and the orifice 204 in order to immovably couple the retainer 216 to the section 176 (or the shaft 164) and immovably hold the pin 212 together with the section 176 (or the shaft 164).

[0047] The flexibility provided by the plurality of through-holes 300 and the plurality of orifices 204 helps the operator obtain the best possible alignment between the through-hole 300 and the orifice 204, the plurality of through-holes 300 can be greater than two (e.g., eight (i.e., 8) in the present invention), and the plurality of orifices 204 can be greater than two (e.g., four (i.e., 4) in the present invention). When the body 264 of the retainer 216 rotates about the flipping axis 262 (see Figure 8) when reversed or flipped 180 degrees, the flexibility is enhanced and typically doubled because when the body 264 is flipped, the through hole 300 can still be aligned with the orifice 204, but a change in the orientation of the retaining portion 272 or arm 308 is provided compared to the orientation of the retaining portion 272 or arm 308 when the body 264 is not flipped.

[0048] In more detail, considering that during assembly of the retainer 216 with the pin 212, the second annular axial end surface 296 faces the segment 176 (or shaft 164) and the first annular axial end surface 292 faces away from the segment 176 (or shaft 164), the operator is free to dial (e.g., rotationally dial about the central annular axis 280) between a plurality of positions of the retainer 216 against the segment 176 (or shaft) so that the best possible alignment between the through holes 300 and the orifice 204 is achieved in the first state 332 of the body 264. The plurality of positions may be equal to the number of through holes 300 arranged on the fixed portion 268 or the annular structure 276 of the retainer 216. For example, if eight (i.e., 8) through holes 300 are arranged on the fixed portion 268 (also as exemplarily shown in these figures), eight (i.e., 8) different positions of the retainer 216 against the section 176 (or shaft 164) can be achieved (together with eight (i.e., 8) corresponding positions of the pin 212).

[0049] However, if the operator is unable to obtain the best possible alignment between the throughbore 300 and the orifice 204 in the above-described configuration of the body 264, the operator may reverse or flip the body 264 of the retainer 216 (e.g., flip 180 degrees about the flip axis 262) such that the first annular axial end surface 292 faces the segment 176 (or shaft 164) and the second annular axial end surface 296 faces away from the segment 176 (or shaft 164). Because the position presented or acquired by the through hole 300 relative to the retaining portion 272 when the body 264 is observed from the first annular axial end surface 292 toward the second annular axial end surface 296 can be different from the position presented or acquired by the through hole 300 relative to the retaining portion 272 when the body 264 is observed from the second annular axial end surface 296 toward the first annular axial end surface 292, the operator can additionally switch between an equivalent but different number of positions of the retainer 216 against the segment 176 (or shaft 164) (for example, rotating about the center annular axis 280) so that the best possible alignment between the through hole 300 and the orifice 204 can be achieved in the second state 336 of the body 264.

[0050] As an example, if eight (i.e., 8) through-holes 300 are provided, the operator can obtain eight (i.e., 8) different positions of the retainer 216 against the section 176 or the shaft 164 (and thus the corresponding positions of the pins 212 to accommodate manufacturing tolerances), where the second annular axial end surface 296 faces the section 176 and the first annular axial end surface 292 faces away from the section 176 (first state 332), and then further obtain eight (i.e., 8) additional different positions of the retainer 216 against the section 176 or the shaft 164 (and thus the corresponding additional positions of the pins 212 to accommodate manufacturing tolerances), where the first annular axial end surface 292 faces the section 176 and the second annular axial end surface 296 faces away from the section 176 (second state 336). Thus, for an exemplary eight (i.e., 8) through-hole retainer, such as the retainer 216 (exemplarily provided in the present invention), the operator can switch between sixteen (i.e., 16) different positions of the pins 212 (obtained by adding eight (i.e., 8) to eight (i.e., 8)) to accommodate manufacturing tolerances.

[0051] Continuing with the same example of the eight (i.e., 8) through-holes in the retainer 216, if a similar retainer is provided to effect the connection between the first dogbone connector 172` and the first sub-yoke 188, the operator is free to choose between two hundred and fifty-six (i.e., 256) different position options to effect the best alignment of the first dogbone connector 172` such that the first dogbone connector 172` can be suitably received between the two sections 176 (i.e., the shaft 164 and the chassis 128). The number "256" is obtained by multiplying the sixteen (i.e., 16) positions obtainable by the retainer 216 by the other sixteen (i.e., 16) positions obtainable by a similar retainer for the connection between the first dogbone connector 172` and the first sub-yoke 188 of the chassis 128. Further, it can be noted that if similar eight through-hole retainers are provided at either end of the first dogbone connector 172`, there is a possibility of accommodating the first dogbone connector 172` having eighty-one (81) different lengths between the shaft 164 and the chassis 128. Thus, the configuration of the retainer 216 facilitates the assembly between the shaft 164 and the chassis 128 while also saving time and effort and eliminating the need to use methods such as welding to obtain the connection between the retainer 216 and the section 176. Of course, the numbers or examples above are provided for illustrative purposes and they can vary in actual applications.

[0052] Effectively, the retainer 216 is configured to switch or reverse between a first state 332 and a second state 336. More specifically, it can be noted that in the first state 332 of the body 264 of the retainer 216, the through-hole 300 can be correspondingly aligned with the orifice 204 to receive the fastener 322 passing therethrough for coupling the annular structure 276 (and correspondingly the retaining portion 272 and the body 264 of the retainer 216) to the section 176, such that the retaining portion 272 obtains one or more first orientations relative to the section 176 (see Figure 8 , the orientation of the retaining portion 272 relative to the through-hole 300 of the fixed portion 268 in the first state 332) to engage the pin 212 according to the one or more first orientations. Conversely, it can be noted that in the second state 336 of the body 264 of the retainer 216, the through-hole 300 can be correspondingly aligned with the orifice 204 to receive the fastener 322 passing therethrough for coupling the annular structure 276 (and correspondingly the retaining portion 272 and the body 264 of the retainer 216) to the same section 176, such that the retaining portion 272 obtains one or more second orientations relative to the section 176 (see Figure 8 , the orientation of the retaining portion 272 relative to the through-hole 300 of the fixed portion 268 in the second state 336) to engage the pin 212 according to the one or more second orientations. It can be noted that the second orientation can be different from the first orientation.

[0053] In each of the first state 332 and the second state 336, the retainer 216 is applied to fix and hold the pin 212 together with the section 176 or the shaft 164, such that the pin 212 becomes immovable (axially and rotationally) relative to the section 176 or the shaft 164. Although not limited, the body 264 can be flipped 180 degrees about the flip axis 262 from one of the first state 332 and the second state 336 to switch to the other of the first state 332 and the second state 336 and reach the other of the first state 332 and the second state 336. In addition, the flip axis 262 about which the body 264 can be switched or reversed to move between the first state 332 and the second state 336 can be defined and / or can extend in a common plane 328. In addition, the flip axis 262 can be perpendicular to the central annular axis 280.

[0054] When the number of orifices 204 is not equal to the number of through - holes 300, it is possible that only some of the through - holes 300 are aligned with the orifices 204, or only some of the orifices 204 are aligned with the through - holes 300. Irrespective of the first state 332 or the second state 336, the body 264 can be appropriately manipulated (e.g., rotationally about the central annular axis 280) in each of the first state 332 and the second state 336 such that at least some of the through - holes 300 are complementary and aligned with at least some of the orifices 204.

[0055] Continuing to refer Figure 8 , it should be understood that the process of switching or reversing the body 264 from one of the first state 332 and the second state 336 to the other of the first state 332 and the second state 336 also requires the body 264 to reach an intermediate state 340. In other words, when the body is switched or reversed from one of the first state 332 and the second state 336 to the other of the first state 332 and the second state 336, the intermediate state 340 can be reached and can correspond to the state of the body 264 that is reached before reaching the other of the first state 332 and the second state 336.

[0056] As an exemplary process involving switching or reversing the body 264 from the first state 332 to the second state 336, at the beginning, when the body 264 is in the first state 332, when observing the body 264 from the first annular axial end surface 292 towards the second annular axial end surface 296, the body 264 can define a first layout of the through - holes 300 relative to the holding portion 272. Further, in the first state 332, the holding portion 272 can obtain one or more first orientations (or a plurality of first orientations) relative to the section 176 to engage the pin 212 according to the first orientation, since the retainer 216 can switch back and forth between a plurality of positions about the central annular axis 280.

[0057] When the operator flips the body 180 degrees about the flip axis 262, the intermediate state 340 is achieved. In the intermediate state 340, the operator can generally observe the body 264 from the second annular axial end surface 296 towards the first annular axial end surface 292. Thus, in the intermediate state 340, the body 264 can define a second layout of the through - holes 300 relative to the holding portion 272. The second layout can be different from the first layout. In other words, in the intermediate state 340, the layout obtained by the through - holes 300 relative to the holding portion 272 is different from the layout obtained by the through - holes 300 relative to the holding portion 272 in the first state 332.

[0058] However, in the intermediate state, the through hole 300 may not be aligned with the orifice 204, so the body 264 should be rotated or turned from the intermediate state 340 to the second state 336 such that the through hole 300 can be aligned with the orifice 204. To obtain the second state 336 from the intermediate state 340 and enable the through hole 300 to achieve alignment with the orifice 204, the operator can rotate or turn the body 264 about the central annular axis 280 such that the through hole 300 can be aligned with the orifice 204. In this way, the second state 336 is achieved, maintaining and / or continuing the same layout (i.e., the second layout) of the through hole 300 achieved in the intermediate state 340. Additionally, in the second state 336, the retaining portion 272 can obtain one or more second orientations (or a plurality of second orientations) relative to the section 176 to engage the pin 212 according to the second orientation, since the retainer 216 can switch back and forth between multiple positions about the central annular axis 280.

[0059] Effectively, in the first state 332 and the second state 336 of the body 264 of the retainer 216, different and multiple positions of the retainer 216 against the section 176 or the shaft 164 (and thus the corresponding positions of the pin 212 to accommodate manufacturing tolerances) can be used, thus facilitating the assembly process of the shaft 164 to the chassis 128. A similar process can be envisioned when switching or reversing the body 264 from the second state 336 to the first state 332.

[0060] Unless explicitly excluded, the use of the singular to describe a component, structure, or operation does not exclude the use of a plural number of such components, structures, or operations or their equivalents. In the context of describing the present invention (especially in the context of the appended claims), the use of the terms "a", "an", "the", "at least one", or the terms "one or more" and similar indicators should be construed to cover the singular and the plural, unless otherwise stated herein or clearly contradicted by the context. The use of the term "at least one" after a list of one or more items (e.g., "at least one of A and B" or "one or more of A and B") should be construed to mean one item selected from the listed items (A or B) or any combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B; A, A and B; A, B and B), unless otherwise stated herein or clearly contradicted by the context. Similarly, the word "or" as used herein refers to any possible arrangement of a set of items. For example, the phrase "A, B, or C" refers to at least one of A, B, C or any combination thereof, such as any one of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B, and C; or any multiple of an item such as A and A; B, B and C; A, A, B, C, and C; and so on.

[0061] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the methods and / or systems of the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. By considering the specification and practice of the methods and / or systems disclosed herein, other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The specification and examples are intended to be considered only exemplary, and the true scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A retainer (216) for holding a pin (212) to a section (176) of a work machine (100), the pin (212) rotatably coupling a dog bone connector (172) to the section (176) of the work machine (100), the retainer (216) comprising: A body (264) configured to reverse between a first state (332) and a second state (336) to fix the pin (212) to the section (176) in each of the first state (332) and the second state (336), the body (264) defining: A holding portion (272); and A fixing portion (268) fixedly coupled to the holding portion (272) and defining a plurality of through holes (300), wherein In the first state (332), the plurality of through holes (300) are correspondingly aligned with a plurality of orifices (204) of the section (176) to receive a fastener (322) therethrough, thereby coupling the body (264) to the section (176), such that the holding portion (272) obtains one or more first orientations relative to the section (176) to engage the pin (212) according to the one or more first orientations, In the second state (336), the plurality of through holes (300) are correspondingly aligned with the plurality of orifices (204) of the section (176) to receive the fastener (322) therethrough, thereby coupling the body (264) to the section (176), such that the holding portion (272) obtains one or more second orientations relative to the section (176) to engage the pin (212) according to the one or more second orientations, and The one or more second orientations are different from the one or more first orientations.

2. The retainer (216) according to claim 1, wherein the fixing portion (268) includes an annular structure (276) defining an inner circumferential surface (288), and the holding portion (272) includes an arm (308) extending diametrically through the annular structure (276), symmetrically dividing the inner circumferential surface (288) into a first inner circumferential surface (288`) and a second inner circumferential surface (288``).

3. The retainer (216) according to claim 2, wherein the arm (308) defines a first side edge surface (312) and a second side edge surface (316), and the body (264) defines: Corresponding first stress relief regions (320`, 320``) at one or more interfaces defined between the first side edge surface (312) and the first inner circumferential surface (288`), and Corresponding second stress relief regions (324`, 324``) at one or more interfaces defined between the second side edge surface (316) and the second inner circumferential surface (288``).

4. The retainer (216) according to claim 2, wherein both the arm (308) and the annular structure (276) are defined along a common plane (328).

5. The retainer (216) according to claim 4, wherein the body (264) flips 180 degrees about a flip axis (262) from one of the first state (332) and the second state (336) to be opposite to the other of the first state (332) and the second state (336), wherein the flip axis (262) extends in the common plane (328).

6. The retainer (216) according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of through holes (300) are arranged rotationally and equidistantly on the annular structure (276) along an annular path P defined by the annular structure (276).

7. The retainer (216) according to claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of through holes (300) defines a hole axis (304), and the annular structure (276) defines a central annular axis (280), wherein the central annular axis (280) is equidistant from each hole axis (304).

8. The retainer (216) according to claim 2, wherein the arm (308) is configured to be received in a keyway (260) defined by the pin (212) to engage the pin (212).

9. The retainer (216) according to claim 1, wherein the pin (212) comprises: a first cylindrical lobe (220) and a second cylindrical lobe (224) which are coaxially and oppositely arranged relative to each other, and the first cylindrical lobe (220) and the second cylindrical lobe (224) are respectively received in a yoke (184) of the section (176); and an intermediate cylindrical lobe (228) which is arranged between the first cylindrical lobe (220) and the second cylindrical lobe (224) and is used to receive the dogbone connector (172) therearound, wherein the intermediate cylindrical lobe (228) is eccentrically arranged relative to each of the first cylindrical lobe (220) and the second cylindrical lobe (224).

10. An operating machine (100) comprising: a dogbone connector (172); a section (176) which defines a plurality of orifices (204); a pin (212) which rotatably couples the dogbone connector (172) to the section (176); a retainer (216) for holding the pin (212) and the section (176) together, the retainer (216) comprising: a body (264) which is configured to be reversed between a first state (332) and a second state (336) so as to fix the pin (212) and the section (176) together in each of the first state (332) and the second state (336), the body (264) defining: a holding portion (272); and A fixed part (268) that is fixedly coupled to the holding part (272) and defines a plurality of through holes (300), wherein in the first state (332), the plurality of through holes (300) are correspondingly aligned with the plurality of orifices (204) to receive fasteners (322) passing therethrough, thereby coupling the body (264) to the section (176), such that the holding part (272) obtains one or more first orientations relative to the section (176) to engage the pin (212) according to the one or more first orientations, in the second state (336), the plurality of through holes (300) are correspondingly aligned with the plurality of orifices (204) to receive the fasteners (322) passing therethrough, thereby coupling the body (264) to the section (176), such that the holding part (272) obtains one or more second orientations relative to the section (176) to engage the pin (212) according to the one or more second orientations, and the one or more second orientations are different from the one or more first orientations.

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