Wear and support elements for earthmoving machines

Abstract

A wear element (1) is assembled on a support element (2), said wear element (1) or said support element (2) comprising a cavity (4), wherein in the assembled position a nose (6) present in the other of said wear element (1) and said support element (2) is accommodated in said cavity (4). The wear element or the support element comprises a retaining device (18) which in turn comprises a retainer (20) and fixing means (22). The retainer (20) is U-shaped and retains in the assembled position a pin (14) in the nose opening (12) and the through opening (10), and the fixing means (22) are adapted to fix the retainer (20) to the respective wear element (1) or support element (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention is applicable to the field of earthmoving machinery.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a wear element for earthmoving machinery, wherein in an assembly position of the wear element in the earthmoving machinery, the wear element is assembled on a support element, the wear element or the support element includes a cavity, wherein in the assembly position, a nose present in the other of the wear element and the support element is received in the cavity, wherein the cavity is defined by a plurality of sidewalls, wherein at least one through opening is arranged in one of these sidewalls, wherein the nose has a nose opening, the nose opening being aligned with the through opening of the sidewall in the assembly position, the nose opening and the through opening being adapted to receive a pin, wherein in the assembly position the pin secures the wear element to an adapter and the pin defines a longitudinal axis.

[0003] The present invention also relates to a support element for a wear element of earthmoving machinery, wherein, in an assembly position of the wear element in the earthmoving machinery, the wear element is assembled in the support element, the wear element or the support element includes a cavity, wherein, in the assembly position, a nose present in the other of the wear element and the support element is received in the cavity, wherein the cavity is defined by a plurality of sidewalls, wherein one of these sidewalls is provided with at least one through opening, wherein the nose has a nose opening, the nose opening being aligned with the through opening of the sidewall in the assembly position, the nose opening and the through opening being adapted to receive a pin, the pin securing the wear element to an adapter in the assembly position and the pin defining a longitudinal axis. Background Technology

[0004] Earthmoving machinery is used for excavation, loading, demolition, construction, mining, dredging, and similar activities. In some cases, these machines have excavation attachments, such as shovels or buckets, that withstand high stress and significant wear. These shovels or buckets have wear elements designed to protect the shovel and mitigate wear as it penetrates the ground. Typically, these wear elements can be of various types, depending on the activity or application the earthmoving machinery is intended for.

[0005] Wear components are subjected to high mechanical stress, plastic deformation, and wear. Therefore, they are designed as replaceable components. That is, when a wear component breaks or wears out, it is replaced with a new wear component. Wear components can be assembled onto other wear components, support components, or directly onto the lip of the shovel or bucket. They can be assembled by welding or by mechanical components, which are more cost-effective but also more difficult to replace, while mechanical components are easier and faster to assemble and replace. It is important to be able to replace wear components quickly, easily, safely, and on-site when using earthmoving machinery, without requiring complex tools. Therefore, preferably, wear components are mechanically secured in a removable manner by blocking elements or locking devices such as pins.

[0006] Wear elements typically have a cavity into which the nose of a support element is inserted, although in some cases it can be otherwise. Both the cavity and the nose have openings that align with each other in the assembled position, allowing the insertion of a pin. To prevent the pin from moving or dislodging (which could lead to loss or breakage of the wear element), a retainer is used to hold the pin in place.

[0007] Document EP 2730705, which also belongs to the applicant of this invention, discloses a pin with a retaining element, the retaining element including at least one fastening element to allow automatic fixation by direct pressing on two opposing surfaces of a support element or a wear element.

[0008] Typically, there is a ongoing need to develop reliable retaining devices that allow for safe and simple assembly and disassembly at a low cost. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The object of this invention is to provide a system that allows for the removable attachment of wear components of earthmoving machinery to support elements, thereby maintaining the system's compactness and light weight. This system features robust pins with minimal bending under working loads, and retaining devices that hold the pins in their working position and allow for easy and safe removal of the pins. Furthermore, in this type of machine, the pins prevent movement between the wear components and the support elements. Therefore, it is important that the retaining device, as an element holding the pin, has a certain degree of movement accompanying the movement of the pin. This prevents deformation or breakage of the retaining device.

[0010] This objective is achieved by means of a wear element of the type described above, characterized in that the wear element includes a retaining device, which further includes: a retainer adapted to retain a pin in the nose opening and the through opening in an assembled position; and a retaining device adapted to secure the retainer to the wear element, wherein the retainer is U-shaped, defining a retainer axis, having an open end, a closed end, and two arms extending between the open end and the closed end, wherein the retaining device secures the retainer to the wear element at the closed end, and the retaining device secures the retainer to the wear element such that it prevents movement of the retainer, but allows the retainer to rotate about a rotational axis passing through the interior of the closed end. This geometry of the retainer is more flexible, thereby achieving low plastic deformation. Therefore, the retaining device secures the retainer to prevent displacement of the retainer, but allows a certain degree of rotation about the closed end. During use, the pin can move laterally to the longitudinal axis within the through opening and the nose opening, and the retainer mates with the pin.

[0011] Based on the invention as defined in the main claims, several preferred embodiments have been provided, the features of which are described in the dependent claims.

[0012] In some cases, the nose opening is a through opening, and the cavity has two through openings in two opposing sidewalls. In the assembled position, the nose opening and the two through openings in these sidewalls are aligned with each other, and a pin is received in the nose opening and the two through openings in these sidewalls. The longitudinal axis has an insertion direction corresponding to the direction in which the pin is inserted into the through opening to achieve the assembled position, thereby defining an inlet region and an outlet region. In these cases, preferably, the support element includes only one retaining device in either the inlet or outlet region. Alternatively, the wear element may include two retaining devices, one in the inlet region and one in the outlet region. In the latter case, because there are two retainers assembled, the pin is better retained.

[0013] Preferably, the nose or sidewall includes a recess adapted to receive at least a portion of the retainer in the assembled position. This makes the wear element and support element assembly more compact and therefore more robust. Furthermore, the recess formed in the wear element ensures that the retainer is positioned parallel to the Z-axis (i.e., parallel to the YZ plane). More preferably, the retainer is fixed to the wear element, and the recess is located within the wear element.

[0014] The present invention also relates to a support element for a wear element of the above type, characterized in that the support element includes a retaining device, which further includes: a retainer adapted to retain a pin in an assembled position within a nose opening and a through opening; and a fixing device adapted to fix the retainer to the support element, wherein the retainer is U-shaped, defining a retainer axis, having an open end, a closed end, and two arms extending between the open end and the closed end, wherein the fixing device fixes the retainer to the wear element at the closed end, and the fixing device fixes the retainer to the support element such that the fixing device prevents movement of the retainer, but allows the retainer to rotate about a rotation axis passing through the interior of the closed end. As described above, the fixing device fixes the retainer, thereby preventing displacement of the retainer, but it allows a certain degree of rotation about the closed end. During use, the pin can move laterally to the longitudinal axis within the through opening and the nose opening, and the retainer mates with the pin. In fact, the retaining device according to the invention can be fixed to both the wear element and the support element.

[0015] In some cases, the nasal opening is a through opening, and the cavity has two through openings in two opposing sidewalls. In the assembled position, the nasal opening and the two through openings in these sidewalls are aligned with each other, and a pin is received in the nasal opening and the two through openings in these sidewalls. The longitudinal axis has an insertion direction corresponding to the direction in which the pin is inserted into the through opening to achieve the assembled position, thereby defining an inlet region and an outlet region. In these cases, preferably, the support element includes only one retaining device in the inlet region or one in the outlet region. Alternatively, the support element may include two retaining devices, one in the inlet region and one in the outlet region. In the latter case, the pin is better retained because there are two retainers in the assembly.

[0016] Preferably, the nose or sidewall includes a recess adapted to receive at least a portion of the retainer in the assembled position. This makes the wear element and support element assembly more compact, and therefore, more robust. Furthermore, the recess formed in the wear element ensures that the retainer is positioned parallel to the Z-axis (i.e., parallel to the YZ plane). More preferably, the retainer is secured to the support element, and the recess is located within the support element.

[0017] Preferably, each of the arms of the retainer has an inner edge close to the axis of the retainer. Preferably, these inner edges are parallel to each other and parallel to the axis of the retainer.

[0018] Preferably, the retainer has an elongated shape, meaning that the length of its inner edge, measured along the retainer's axis, is greater than the inner diameter of the retainer's closed end. In fact, preferably, a retaining device secures the retainer to its closed end, while the retainer's arm holds a pin. To perform both functions, a gap (in the direction of the retainer's axis) achieved by making the retainer elongated is necessary.

[0019] Preferred embodiments for support elements and wear elements are also provided, the features of which are described in the dependent claims and discussed below.

[0020] Preferably, the longitudinal axis and the rotation axis form an angle of less than 5°, and more preferably, they are parallel, so that the system works more efficiently.

[0021] Preferably, the retaining device includes a rotation limiting device that limits the angle by which the retainer can rotate about the axis of rotation. The retainer is thus held in its optimal operating position and ensures that the pin can be inserted.

[0022] Preferably, the cross-sectional area of ​​one wall in the arm is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the closed end. The retainer's cross-section is designed based on the rotational stress of the pin and the resistance to axial pin removal. In this sense, the retainer has optimal bending stiffness when the cross-section of the closed end is larger than that of one wall in the arm.

[0023] Preferably, the cross-sectional area of ​​the retainer gradually decreases between the closed and open ends. The bending moment that generates the opening force through the contact pin when the pin rotates increases linearly with the contact distance. Therefore, the gradual change in cross-section helps the retainer support better withstand the stresses experienced by the retainer support.

[0024] Preferably, the end of the arm at the open end is adapted to move freely in an opening direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal axis and the retainer axis, thereby allowing the insertion and removal of the pin. Advantageously, this ability to move freely is maintained in the assembled position. That is, the geometry of these elements around the end of the arm (specifically, the wear element and the support element) has a free clearance in the assembled position that allows the end to move a sufficient amount to allow the pin to be blocked and released.

[0025] Preferably, the arm at the open end bends toward the retainer axis, thereby partially closing the open end. Therefore, when the retainer is positioned and must be opened to insert the pin, the end does not contact the wear element or support element.

[0026] Preferably, the retainer is made of a plate with a constant thickness, which facilitates its manufacturing process because it allows the retainer to be adapted to different geometries depending on the load it will be subjected to.

[0027] Preferably, a protrusion exists in the engagement area between the closed end and each arm, the protrusion facing the retainer axis and partially closing the closed end. Thus, the angular position of the retaining device is fixed when the pin is not yet assembled.

[0028] Preferably, in the engagement region between the closed end and each arm, there is a recess on the side opposite the protrusion. The cross-section of the arm thus remains constant.

[0029] Preferably, the retaining device comprises a plug made of a polymer material, preferably an elastomer material, having a head and a body, wherein the body is adapted to be received inside the closed end of the U-shaped portion of the retainer, and the nose or sidewall has a fixing opening adapted to receive the body, wherein in the assembled position, the body passes through the interior of the closed end and is received within the interior of the fixing opening, and the head holds the retainer, thereby preventing the retainer from moving in a longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. The head of the plug thus prevents the retainer from moving in the longitudinal direction.

[0030] Preferably, the body includes at least one flange extending radially from the body, wherein the flange extends radially by a distance greater than the radius of the fixing opening. Because the flange is made of an elastic material, it is flexible and deforms when the body of the plug is inserted into the fixing opening, thereby generating a retaining force that prevents the plug from exiting the fixing opening. The fixing flange is used to secure the retaining device to a wear element or support element to which the retainer is assembled. That is, the flange is used to secure the retainer by pressure. This is particularly important before the assembly is in its assembled position. In the assembled position, the plug is typically “surrounded” between the nose and the sidewall of the cavity, but before assembly, the plug will be secured to the nose or sidewall but not “surrounded” (e.g., when a spare part is supplied). In this case, it is particularly important that the plug does not exit from the fixing opening.

[0031] Preferably, the fixing device includes a rotation limiting device that limits the angle by which the retainer can rotate about a rotation axis. More preferably, the rotation limiting device includes a protrusion disposed in the engagement region between the body and the head. The rotation limiting device limits the rotation of the retainer. That is, the protrusion limits excessive rotation of the retainer.

[0032] Preferably, the fixing device includes a bent plate, the bent plate comprising: a first end, bent into a U-shape, a section of which is housed within the first end; and a second end, also U-shaped, a section surrounding a through opening in the sidewall in the assembled position. In this embodiment, preferably, the fixing device includes a rotation limiting device that limits the angle by which the retainer can rotate about a rotation axis, characterized in that the rotation limiting device is formed by an intermediate section of the plate arranged between the first and second ends, the intermediate section being arranged between the arms in the assembled position. The rotation limiting device limits the rotation of the retainer and ensures that the pin can be inserted.

[0033] The invention also includes other detailed features shown in the detailed description of embodiments of the invention and in the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0034] The advantages and features of the invention will become clear from the following description, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the accompanying drawings in a non-limiting manner relative to the scope of the main claims.

[0035] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of a wear element assembled on a support element by means of a pin, a retainer, and a fixing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, the pin, the retainer, and the fixing device including the plug.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the retainer and plug according to the first embodiment, wherein the plug is not inserted into the retainer.

[0037] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the retainer and plug according to the first embodiment, wherein the plug is inserted into the retainer.

[0038] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the retainer and plug according to the first embodiment, in which the rotation limiting device of the plug can be seen.

[0039] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a wear element according to a first embodiment, wherein the plug and retainer are not housed in the wear element.

[0040] Figure 6 It is similar to Figure 5 A three-dimensional view, but in the case where the plug and retainer are housed within the wear element.

[0041] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view, in which the adapter, teeth, plug and retainer can be better seen in the assembly position.

[0042] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a support element according to a second embodiment, having a retainer and fixing devices housed within the support element. In this case, the fixing devices are spigot plugs inserted into the nose opening of the support element, rather than... Figures 1 to 7 The plug in.

[0043] Figure 9 It is similar to Figure 8 The three-dimensional diagram shows that the retainer and plug are not housed in the support element.

[0044] Figure 10 yes Figure 8 The enlarged cross-section provides a better view of how the pin-plug and retainer are housed within the support element.

[0045] Figure 11 It is a cross-section of the assembly position of the wear element in the support element according to the first embodiment, wherein the wear element is assembled in the support element by means of a single retainer housed in the support element.

[0046] Figure 12 It is a cross-section of the assembly position of the wear element in the support element according to the third embodiment, wherein the wear element is assembled in the support element by two retainers that are received in the support element opposite to each other.

[0047] Figure 13 It is a cross-section of the wear element in the support element according to the fourth embodiment, wherein the wear element is assembled in the support element by two separate pins and two retaining devices, each of the two retaining devices being used to retain one pin.

[0048] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of a retainer with a fixing device according to the fifth embodiment, wherein the fixing device is a curved plate.

[0049] Figure 15 This is a perspective view according to the fifth embodiment, wherein the retainer and the bending plate are housed in the wear element.

[0050] Figure 16 It is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view, in which the adapter, teeth, pins, bend plates, and retainers can be seen better at the assembly location.

[0051] Figure 17 This is a perspective view according to the fifth embodiment, in which a pin is inserted into a retainer.

[0052] Figure 18 This is a perspective view of another plug body according to the present invention.

[0053] Figure 19 It is based on Figure 18 A perspective view of the retainer and plug, wherein the plug is not inserted into the retainer.

[0054] Figure 20 It is based on Figure 18 A three-dimensional view of the retainer and the plug, wherein the plug is inserted into the retainer. Detailed Implementation

[0055] Figures 1 to 7 and Figure 11 A wear element 1 of an earthmoving machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein, in the assembly position of the wear element 1 in the earthmoving machine, the wear element 1 is assembled on a support element 2.

[0056] The support element 2 has a nose 6 with a nose opening 12, which in this case is a through opening, and the wear element 1 includes a cavity 4 defined by sidewalls 8. Two through openings 10 are arranged in two opposing sidewalls 8, each through opening in one sidewall 8. Furthermore, one of the sidewalls 8 of the wear element 1 has a fixing opening 48 for the plug and also has a recess 36, and one of the outer sidewalls of the nose 12 has another recess 36, such that the retainer 20 will be at least partially received in the recess 36.

[0057] In the assembled position, the nose 6 of the support element 2 is received within the cavity 4 of the wear element 1, such that the nose opening 12 is aligned with the two through openings 10 of the sidewall 8 of the wear element 1. The nose opening 12 and the through openings 10 are adapted to receive a pin 14, which secures the wear element 1 to the support element 2 in the assembled position. The pin 14 defines a longitudinal axis 16. The pin prevents the wear element from... Figure 1It moves in the Z direction. However, the wear element is rotatably movable (the pin is the point of rotation). Therefore, when describing the pin as "fixing" the wear element to the adapter, it should be understood that it fixes the wear element in a broad sense, since the wear element does indeed have a certain degree of movement.

[0058] In a first embodiment, the nose opening 12 is a through opening, and the cavity 4 of the wear element 1 includes two through openings in two opposing sidewalls 8, wherein in the assembled position, the nose opening 12 and the two through openings of the sidewalls 8 are aligned with each other and the pin 14 is received in the nose opening 12 and the two through openings of the sidewalls 8, wherein the longitudinal axis 16 has an insertion direction corresponding to the direction in which the pin 14 is inserted into the through opening 10 to achieve the assembled position, thereby defining the inlet region 32 and the outlet region 34, and wherein the wear element 1 includes a retaining device 18. However, other alternatives exist. For example, two retaining devices may be present, one in the inlet region 32 and one in the outlet region 34, or the nose may have a single blind nose opening 12, and thus the pin 14 is received in the through opening 10 of the wear element 1 and the nose opening 12. The nose may also have two blind nose openings 12, each for receiving one pin 14.

[0059] The wear element 1 includes a retaining device 18, which in turn includes a retainer 20 and a fixing device 22. Figures 2 to 4 A retaining device 18 is shown. The retainer 20 is made of a plate and has a constant thickness, and is adapted to retain the pin 14 in the nose opening 12 and the two through openings 10 in the assembled position. A fixing device 22 is adapted to secure the retainer 20 to the wear element 1.

[0060] On one hand, the retainer 20 is U-shaped, defining a retainer axis 24, and has an open end 26, a closed end 28, and two arms 30 extending between the open end 26 and the closed end 28. In the engagement region between the closed end 28 and each of the arms 30, there is a protrusion 40 that projects toward the retainer axis 24 and partially closes the closed end 28, and a sinkage 62 located on the side opposite to the protrusion 40. The end 38 of the arm 30 at the open end 26 bends toward the retainer axis 24 to partially close the open end 26, and is adapted to move freely in an opening direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 16 of the pin 14 and perpendicular to the retainer axis 24. Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the arm 30 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the closed end 28. That is, the cross-sectional area of ​​the retainer 20 gradually decreases between the closed end 28 and the open end 26.

[0061] On the other hand, the retainer 20's fixing device 22 includes a plug 42 made of an elastic material (e.g., PU as a non-limiting example). The plug 42 includes a head 44, a body 46, and a protrusion 52 disposed in an engagement region between the body 46 and the head 44. The body 46 includes a plurality of flanges 50 that extend radially from the body 46 and extend radially by a distance greater than the radius of the fixing opening 48.

[0062] Figures 5 to 7 The assembly of the retaining device 18 in the wear element 1 is shown. The retainer 20 is at least partially received in a recess 36 of the sidewall 8 of the wear element and is secured to the recess by a plug 42. In this case, the recess 36 of the nose of the adapter completely receives the retainer. That is, the body 46 of the plug 42 is received inside the closed end 28 of the retainer 20, such that in the assembled position, the body 46 passes through the interior of the closed end 28 and is received inside the fixed opening 48 of the wear element 1, and the head 44 of the plug 42 holds the retainer 20. The plug 42 secures the retainer 20 to the wear element 1 such that it prevents movement of the retainer 20, but allows the retainer 20 to rotate about a rotation axis passing through the interior of the closed end 28.

[0063] To limit rotation, the plug 42 has a protrusion 52 and a head 44. The protrusion limits the angle at which the retainer 20 can rotate about the axis of rotation, and the head prevents the retainer 20 from moving in a longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 16. The axis of rotation and the longitudinal axis 16 are parallel to each other.

[0064] The wear element 1 is delivered to the user with the retaining device 18 assembled, so that the user only needs to assemble the pin 14. To do this, firstly, the cavity 4 of the wear element 1 is inserted into the nose 6 of the support element 2, with the through opening of the wear element 1 aligned with the nose opening 12 of the support element 2. Then, the user must insert the pin 14 through the through opening 10 of the side wall 8 of the wear element 1, which is opposite to the side wall 8 of the retaining device 18. When the pin 14 is inserted, it contacts the arm 30 of the retainer 20, which opens and allows the pin 14 to pass through. Finally, the pin 14 is retained when the arm 30 of the retainer 20 engages with a groove present in the pin 14. These grooves of the pin 14 are visible in… Figure 1 and Figure 17 In order to remove pin 14, the user must rotate the pin 90 degrees so that the arm 30 of retainer 20 comes out of the slot of pin 14. When pin 14 is assembled, the assembly of pin 14 and retainer 20 is very tight and secure. In fact, if plug 42 were to break or fall out, retainer 20 would remain in place.

[0065] In this first embodiment, only one retaining device 18 is used. However, two retaining devices can also be used to retain the same pin 14, as in... Figure 12As can be seen, or two retaining devices can be used to retain two separate pins 14, as in Figure 13 As can be seen in the text.

[0066] Similarly, the recess 36, in which at least a portion of the retainer 20 is received, may be disposed in the lateral wall of the nose (see example). Figure 8 and Figure 9 ), arranged in the sidewall 8 of the wear element (see example Figure 5 and Figure 6 Alternatively, a recess may be present in both the outer wall of the nose and the sidewall of the wear element. Furthermore, a recess may also be present on each side of the nose and / or the wear element. Regardless of whether the retainer is fully or partially accommodated, when the recess is located in the outer wall of the nose, it facilitates a tighter fit, and when the recess is located in the wear element, it also ensures that the retainer is positioned parallel to the Z-axis (i.e., parallel to the YZ plane).

[0067] Furthermore, in this first embodiment, the wear element 1 includes a retaining device 18. Similarly, it is conceivable that the cavity 4 is arranged in the support element 2 and the nose 6 inserted into the cavity 4 is arranged in the wear element 1.

[0068] Other embodiments of the invention that share most of the features described in the preceding paragraphs are described below. Therefore, only those elements that are different will be described below, while for common elements, reference will be made to the description of the first embodiment.

[0069] Figures 8 to 10 A second embodiment according to the invention is shown, wherein the retaining device 18 is assembled in the nose 6 of the support element 2, rather than in the wear element 1 as in the first embodiment. A recess 36 for receiving the retainer 20 is arranged in the outer side wall of the nose 6, a fixing opening 48 is a through opening 10 arranged in the nose 6, and a fixing device 22 is a pin extending along the fixing opening 48. The pin has a notch at the end opposite to the end where the retainer 20 is held, which snaps into the fixing opening 48 (see...). Figure 10 However, it is also possible to use things like... Figures 2 to 4 The plugs in the middle, and the fixed opening 48 can be a blind opening.

[0070] Figure 12 and Figure 13 The third and fourth embodiments according to the present invention are shown respectively, wherein the nose has two recesses 36 for receiving two retainers 20 in two opposing sidewalls 8.

[0071] Figures 14 to 17A fifth embodiment of the invention is shown, differing from the first embodiment in that the retaining device 18 has a fixing element 22. In this case, instead of a plug, the fixing element 22 includes a bent plate 54. The bent plate 54 includes a first end 56 bent into a U-shape and a second end 58 also having a U-shape, a section of the closed end 28 of the retainer 20 being housed within the first end, and a section of the second end surrounding the periphery of the through opening 10 in the sidewall of the wear element in the assembled position. In this fifth embodiment, the plate 54 includes a rotation limiting device formed by an intermediate section 60 of the plate 54 arranged between the first end 56 and the second end 58, the intermediate section being arranged between the arms 30 in the assembled position. These rotation limiting devices limit the angle by which the retainer 20 can rotate about a rotation axis.

[0072] Figures 18 to 20 The fixing device 22 shown includes a plug 42 made of an elastic material (e.g., polyurethane PU as a non-limiting example). The plug 42 includes a head 44, a body 46, and a protrusion 52 disposed in an engagement region between the body 46 and the head 44. The body 46 includes a plurality of flanges 50 extending radially from the body 46 and extending radially by a distance greater than the radius of the fixing opening 48. Figures 2 to 4 In the embodiment shown, the flange 50 extends approximately half of the lateral periphery of the body 44, while... Figures 18 to 20 In the illustrated embodiment, the flange 50 extends along the entire lateral periphery of the body 44. This feature (extending along the entire lateral periphery of the body 44) independent of the rest of the technical features of the plug 42 is actually the preferred embodiment. The plug 42 is more flexible. This allows the body 46 to be more easily introduced into the fixed opening 48 and also allows for less stringent manufacturing tolerances.

Claims

1. A wear element (1) for earthmoving machinery, wherein in an assembly position of the wear element (1) in the earthmoving machinery, the wear element (1) is assembled on a support element (2), the wear element (1) or the support element (2) comprising a cavity (4), wherein in the assembly position, a nose (6) present in the other of the wear element (1) and the support element (2) is received in the cavity (4), wherein the cavity (4) is defined by a plurality of sidewalls (8), wherein at least one through opening (10) is arranged in one of the sidewalls (8), wherein the nose (6) has a nose opening (12), in the assembly position the nose opening is aligned with the through opening (10) of the sidewall (8), the nose opening (12) and the through opening (10) being adapted to receive a pin (14), in the assembly position the pin securing the wear element (1) to the support element (2), and the pin defining a longitudinal axis (16). Its features The wear element (1) includes a retaining device (18), which further includes: a retainer (20) adapted to retain the pin (14) in the nose opening (12) and the through opening (10) in the assembled position; and a fixing device (22) adapted to fix the retainer (20) to the wear element (1), wherein The retainer (20) is U-shaped, defining a retainer axis (24), and the retainer has an open end (26), a closed end (28), and two arms (30) extending between the open end (26) and the closed end (28). The fixing device (22) secures the retainer (20) to the wear element (1) at the closed end (28). Furthermore, the retaining device (22) secures the retainer (20) to the wear element (1) such that the retaining device prevents the retainer (20) from moving, but allows the retainer (20) to rotate about a rotation axis passing through the interior of the closed end (28).

2. The wear element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The nasal opening (12) is a through opening, and the cavity (4) has two through openings (10) in two opposing sidewalls (8), wherein in the assembled position, the two through openings (10) of the nasal opening (12) and the sidewalls (8) are aligned with each other and the pin (14) is received in the two through openings (10) of the nasal opening (12) and the sidewalls (8), wherein the longitudinal axis (16) has an insertion direction corresponding to the direction in which the pin (14) is inserted into the through opening (10) to achieve the assembled position, thereby defining an inlet region (32) and an outlet region (34), and wherein the wear element (1) is included only in one of the holding devices (18) in the inlet region (32) or the outlet region (34).

3. A support element (2) for a wear element (1) of an earthmoving machine, wherein, in an assembly position of the wear element (1) in the earthmoving machine, the wear element (1) is assembled in the support element (2), the wear element (1) or the support element (2) includes a cavity (4), wherein, in the assembly position, a nose (6) present in the other of the wear element (1) and the support element (2) is received in the cavity (4), wherein the cavity (4) is defined by a plurality of sidewalls (8), wherein at least one through opening (10) is arranged in one of the sidewalls (8), wherein the nose (6) has a nose opening (12), in the assembly position the nose opening is aligned with the through opening (10) of the sidewall (8), the nose opening (12) and the through opening (10) are adapted to receive a pin (14), in the assembly position the pin secures the wear element (1) to the support element (2), and the pin defines a longitudinal axis (16). Its features The support element (1) includes a retaining device (18), which further includes: a retainer (20) adapted to retain the pin (14) in the assembled position within the nose opening (12) and the through opening (10); and a fixing device (22) adapted to fix the retainer (20) to the support element (1), wherein The retainer (20) is U-shaped, defining a retainer axis (24), and the retainer has an open end (26), a closed end (28), and two arms (30) extending between the open end (26) and the closed end (28). The fixing device (22) secures the retainer (20) to the support element (2) at the closed end (28). Furthermore, the fixing device (22) secures the retainer (20) to the support element (2), such that the fixing device prevents the retainer (20) from moving, but allows the retainer (20) to rotate about a rotation axis passing through the interior of the closed end (28).

4. The support element (2) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The nasal opening (12) is a through opening (10), and the cavity (4) has two through openings (10) in two opposing sidewalls (8), wherein in the assembled position, the two through openings (10) of the nasal opening (12) and the sidewalls (8) are aligned with each other and the pin (14) is received in the two through openings (10) of the nasal opening (12) and the sidewalls (8), wherein the longitudinal axis (16) has an insertion direction corresponding to the direction in which the pin (14) is inserted into the through opening (10) to achieve the assembled position, thereby defining an inlet region (32) and an outlet region (34), and wherein the support element (2) includes only one retaining device (18) in the inlet region (32) or the outlet region (34).

5. The wear element (1) or support element (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The fixing device (22) includes a rotation limiting device that limits the angle by which the retainer (20) can rotate about the rotation axis.

6. The wear element (1) or support element (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The cross-sectional area of ​​one of the arms (30) is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the closed end (28), and preferably, the cross-sectional area of ​​the retainer (20) gradually decreases between the closed end (28) and the open end (26).

7. The wear element (1) or support element (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The nose (6) or the sidewall (8) includes a recess (36) adapted to receive at least a portion of the retainer (20) in the assembled position.

8. The wear element (1) according to claims 1 and 7, characterized in that, The retainer (20) is fixed to the wear element (1), and the recess (36) is located in the wear element (1).

9. The support element (2) according to claims 3 and 8, characterized in that, The retainer (20) is fixed to the support element (2), and the recess (36) is located in the support element (2).

10. The wear element (1) or support element (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The end (38) of the arm (30) at the open end (26) is adapted to move freely in an opening direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (16) and perpendicular to the retainer axis (24).

11. The wear element (1) or support element (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The arm (30) bends at its end (38) at the open end (26) toward the retainer axis (24) to partially close the open end (26).

12. The wear element (1) or support element (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The retainer (20) is made of a plate and has a constant thickness.

13. The wear element (1) or support element (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, In the engagement region between the closed end (28) and each of the arms (30), there is a protrusion (40) that protrudes toward the retainer axis (24) and partially closes the closed end (28), and preferably, in the engagement region between the closed end (28) and each of the arms (30), there is a recess (62) on the side opposite to the protrusion (40).

14. The wear element (1) or support element (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, The fixing device (22) includes a plug (42) made of a polymer material, preferably made of an elastomeric material, having a head (44) and a body (46), wherein the body (46) is adapted to be received inside the closed end (28) of the U-shaped portion of the retainer, and the nose (6) or the sidewall (8) has a fixing opening (48) adapted to receive the body (46), wherein in the assembled position, the body (46) passes through the interior of the closed end (28) and is received inside the fixing opening (48), and the head (44) holds the retainer (20) to prevent the retainer from moving in a longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, and preferably, the body (46) includes at least one flange (50) extending radially from the body (46), wherein the flange (50) extends radially by a distance greater than the radius of the fixing opening (48).

15. The wear element (1) or support element (2) according to claim 14, wherein the fixing device (22) includes a rotation limiting device that limits the angle by which the retainer (20) can rotate about the rotation axis, characterized in that, The rotation limiting device includes a protrusion (52) disposed in the engagement area between the body (46) and the head (44).

16. The wear element (1) or support element (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, The fixing device (22) includes a bending plate (54) comprising: a first end (56) bent into a U-shape, a section of the closed end (28) being accommodated within the first end; and a second end (58) also having a U-shape, in the assembled position surrounding a section of the periphery of the through opening (10) in the sidewall (8), and preferably, the fixing device (22) includes a rotation limiting device that limits the angle by which the retainer (20) can rotate about the rotation axis, characterized in that the rotation limiting device is formed by an intermediate section (60) of the plate (54) arranged between the first end (56) and the second end (58), in the assembled position being arranged between the arms (30).

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