Fastening structure of a spare part in a work machine and locking element for the fastening structure

Abstract

The fastening structure comprises an attachment section, a pin element, and a locking element. A replacement part is attached to the attachment section. The attachment section has a pin hole. The pin element is positioned in the pin hole. The locking element engages the pin element to prevent it from dislodging. The locking element has an opening, a groove section, a retaining section, and a resistance section. The groove section extends from the opening and engages the pin element. The retaining section is located within the groove section and holds the pin element in place to prevent it from dislodging. The resistance section is located between the opening and the retaining section within the groove section. The resistance section comes into contact with the pin element when it engages it, generating a response.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to a fastening structure for a spare part in a machine and a locking element for the fastening structure. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] A fastening structure for attaching a spare part to a machine is conventionally known. For example, patent document 1 discloses the fastening structure for attaching a blade tooth to a tooth adapter. The fastening structure comprises a pin element and a locking element. The tooth and the tooth adapter are each provided with a pin hole, and the pin element is inserted into the pin holes of the tooth and the tooth adapter. The locking element engages the pin element to prevent it from coming loose.

[0003] The locking element has a U-shaped groove section that engages the pin element. A retaining section is provided on an inner surface of the groove section to hold the pin element. The retaining section has a pair of projections located on opposite sides within the groove section. When the locking element engages with the pin element, the pin element moves over the retaining section and deforms the locking element, pressing against and stretching the groove section and thus engaging it. Accordingly, the operator can determine that the locking element has engaged with the pin element by feeling a response when the pin element is moved over the retaining section. After the locking element engages with the pin element, it returns to its original shape.Thus, the locking element is held by the retaining section in a state in which it is engaged with the pin element. List of oppositions patent literature

[0004] Patent Document 1: JP 2021-042633 A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Technical Problem

[0005] In the fastening structure described above, the holding section can wear down due to the use of the machine. If the holding section is worn, after the locking element is pulled off the pin element, it is not possible to achieve the same response when the locking element is re-engaged with the pin element as during the first engagement. Therefore, it is difficult for the operator to determine whether the locking element is engaged with the pin element or not. Consequently, the locking element detached from the pin element cannot be reused, and a new locking element is required each time the part is replaced.One object of the present invention is to provide a fastening structure for a spare part in a machine and a locking element that allows for the reuse of the locking element and a simple determination of the engagement of the locking element. Solution to the problem

[0006] A fastening structure according to one aspect of the present invention is a fastening structure for the detachable fastening of a spare part in a machine tool. The fastening structure comprises an attachment section, a pin element, and a locking element. The spare part is attached to the attachment section. The attachment section has a pin hole. The pin element is arranged in the pin hole. The locking element engages the pin element and prevents it from detaching. The locking element has an opening, a groove section, a retaining section, and a resistance section. The groove section extends from the opening and engages the pin element. The retaining section is provided in the groove section and holds the pin element so that it does not detach. The resistance section is provided between the opening and the retaining section in the groove section.The resistor section comes into contact with the pin element when it engages the pin element, and causes a reaction.

[0007] A locking element according to a further aspect of the present invention engages a pin element, with which a spare part is detachably fastened in a machine tool, to prevent the pin element from disengaging. The locking element has an opening, a groove section, a retaining section, and a resistance section. The groove section extends from the opening and engages the pin element. The retaining section is provided within the groove section and holds the pin element so that it does not disengage. The resistance section is provided between the opening and the retaining section within the groove section. The resistance section comes into contact with the pin element when it engages it and elicits a response. ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] According to the present invention, the resistance section, which provides resistance to the operator at the time of engagement, is provided separately from the holding section, which holds the pin element so that the pin element does not disengage. Accordingly, even if the holding section is worn when the locking element is reused, the operator can still receive a response that is essentially the same as that of a new locking element. This makes it easy to detect the engagement of the locking element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating the fastening structure according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective, expanded view of the fastening structure. Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective view of a tooth when viewed from a base end face. Fig. Figure 4 is a view illustrating a locking element. Fig. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the fastening structure along line VV in Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 6A is a view illustrating the process of attaching the tooth to a tooth adapter. Fig. 6B is a view illustrating the process of attaching the tooth to the tooth adapter. Fig. Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the locking element. Fig. Figure 8 is an enlarged view of an intervention section. Fig. Figure 9 is a view of the locking element according to a first modified example. Fig. Figure 10 is a view of the locking element according to a second modified example. Fig. Figure 11 is a view of the locking element according to a third modified example. DESCRIPTION OF EXECUTION FORMS

[0009] The following describes, with reference to the drawings, the fastening structure of a spare part in a machine according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a fastening structure 1 according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective, expanded view of the fastening structure in Figure 1. As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As illustrated in Figure 2, the fastening structure 1 comprises a tooth adapter 3, a tooth 4, a pin element 5, and a locking element 6. In the present embodiment, the fastening structure 1 is a structure for attaching the tooth 4 to a bucket 2 of a hydraulic excavator. That is, in the present embodiment, the tooth 4 corresponds to a spare part.

[0010] Tooth adapter 3 is attached to the bucket 2. Tooth 4 is attached to tooth adapter 3. Tooth 4 is attached to bucket 2 via tooth adapter 3. Tooth 4 has worn down due to use of bucket 2. The worn tooth 4 is removed from bucket 2 and replaced with a new tooth 4.

[0011] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 2, the tooth adapter 3 has a mounting section 11 and an attachment section 12. The mounting section 11 is attached to the blade 2. For example, the mounting section 11 is attached to the blade 2 by welding. The mounting section 11 has a first mounting section 13 and a second mounting section 14. The first mounting section 13 and the second mounting section 14 are spaced apart. The blade 2 is positioned between the first mounting section 13 and the second mounting section 14.

[0012] The attachment section 12 has a tapered shape. The first attachment section 13 and the second attachment section 14 project from the attachment section 12 towards a proximal end face. The attachment section 12 has a first pin hole 15. The first pin hole 15 extends through the attachment section 12 in a left-right direction. The tooth 4 has a tapered shape. The tooth 4 has a tip end section 16 and a base end section 17. The term "tip end" means a direction from the base end section 17 to the tip end section 16 of tooth 4. The term "base end" means a direction from the tip end section 16 to the base end section 17 of tooth 4. The term "left-right direction" means a direction orthogonal to a direction from the base end section 17 to the tip end section 16 of tooth 4 and corresponds to the left-right direction of the blade 2.

[0013] Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective view of tooth 4 as viewed from the base end. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the base end section 17 of the tooth 4 has a recess section 18. The recess section 18 has a shape that is recessed towards the tip end. The mounting section 12 of the tooth adapter 3 is positioned in the recess section 18. The recess section 18 has a first inner side surface 21 and a second inner side surface 22. The first inner side surface 21 is provided with a first guide groove 23. The first guide groove 23 extends from the base end section 17 towards the tip end of the tooth 4. The second inner side surface 22 is provided with a second guide groove 24. The second guide groove 24 extends from the base end section 17 towards the tip end of the tooth 4. The tooth 4 has two pin holes 25, 26. The second pin holes 25, 26 pass through tooth 4. The second pin hole 25 is provided in the first guide groove 23.The second pin hole 26 is provided in the second guide groove 24.

[0014] The pin element 5 is positioned in the first pin hole 15 and the second pin holes 25, 26. The pin element 5 engages with the tooth 4 and the tooth adapter 3, thereby fastening the tooth 4 and the tooth adapter 3 together. The pin element 5 has an annular pin groove 27. The pin groove 27 has a shape that is recessed by an outer circumferential surface 28 of the pin element 5.

[0015] The locking element 6 engages the pin element 5, thereby preventing the pin element 5, positioned in the first pin hole 15 and the second pin holes 25, 26, from being released. The locking element 6 engages the pin groove 27 of the pin element 5. The locking element 6 is made of a steel material such as manganese steel. The locking element 6 has the shape of a curved plate. Fig. Figure 4 is a view illustrating the locking element 6. As shown in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 4, the locking element 6 has an engagement section 31, a pressing section 32, and a connecting section 33. The engagement section 31 engages the pin element 5. The engagement section 31 has a U-shaped groove 34 and an opening 35. The pin groove 27 of the pin element 5 is arranged in the groove section 34 such that the engagement section 31 engages the pin element 5. The groove section 34 is connected to the opening 35.

[0016] The pressing section 32 has a shape that is bent relative to the connecting section 33. The pressing section 32 is a section that is pressed by a clamping device when the locking element 6 engages the pin element 5. The connecting section 33 is arranged between the engaging section 31 and the pressing section 32. The connecting section 33 joins the engaging section 31 and the pressing section 32. The locking element 6 has a tapered shape at the connecting section 33. The engaging section 31 and the connecting section 33 have a flush plate shape.

[0017] Fig. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the fastening structure 1 along line VV in Fig. 1. As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 5, the locking element 6 is inserted into a gap between the mounting section 12 of the tooth adapter 3 and the first inner surface 21 of the tooth 4 and engages the pin element 5 in the tooth 4. The pressing section 32 is located behind the base end section 17 of the tooth 4 and is exposed to the outside.

[0018] Next, the process of attaching tooth 4 to tooth adapter 3 is described. First, as shown in Fig. Figure 6A illustrates how tooth 4 is placed over the mounting section 12 of the tooth adapter 3, with the mounting section 12 of the tooth adapter 3 positioned in the recess section 18 of tooth 4. The pin element 5 is then inserted into the first pin hole 15 of the tooth adapter 3 and the second pin holes 25, 26 of tooth 4. Next, as shown in Fig. Figure 6B illustrates the locking element 6 being inserted into the first guide groove 23. An operator then presses the pressing section 32 of the locking element 6 towards the tip end using a clamping device. This causes the locking element 6 to slide along the first guide groove 23, and the engagement section 31 engages, as shown in Figure 6B. Fig. Figure 5 illustrates the pen element 5 in engagement.

[0019] The preceding description described the case in which the locking element 6 is inserted into the first guide groove 23. However, the locking element 6 can also be inserted into the second guide groove 24. That is, the locking element 6 can be inserted into a gap between the mounting section 12 of the tooth adapter 3 and the second inner surface 22 of the tooth 4.

[0020] Next, the structure of the locking element 6 is described in detail. In the following description, a direction from the pressing section 32 to the engagement section 31 is referred to as the front, and the opposite direction is referred to as the back. Furthermore, a direction orthogonal to the front-back direction in each drawing is referred to as the left-right direction. Fig. Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the locking element 6. As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 7, the groove 34 is open towards the front. The groove section 34 has a curved section 41, a first convex section 42, a second convex section 43, a first inner section 44, and a second inner section 45. The curved section 41, the first convex section 42, and the second convex section 43 engage the pin element 5.

[0021] The curved section 41 has an arc shape. The curved section 41 has a larger inner diameter than the pin groove 27. The first arched section 42 and the second arched section 43 are spaced apart in the left-right direction. The first arched section 42 and the second arched section 43 arch towards the inside of the curved section 41. The first arched section 42 is located between the first inner section 44 and the curved section 41. The second arched section 43 is located between the second inner section 45 and the curved section 41.

[0022] In Fig. Figure 7 shows the double-dashed line indicating the pin element 5, which is in an engaged position. In the engaged position, the pin element 5 engages with the groove section 34. Fig. Section 7 is hatched, indicating where the pin element 5 and the locking element 6 overlap in the axial direction of the pin element 5. As shown in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 7, the first curved section 42 and the second curved section 43 increase the area of ​​the section in which the pin element 5 and the locking element 6 overlap. This reliably prevents the pin element 5 from falling out in the axial direction.

[0023] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 7, the first inner section 44 and the second inner section 45 are spaced apart in the left-right direction. The first inner section 44 is located on the right side of the groove section 34, and the second inner section 45 is located on the left side of the groove section 34. The first inner section 44 extends from the first curved section 42 to the front. The first inner section 44 is inclined towards the front in the front-back direction and towards the outside in the left-right direction. The second inner section 45 extends from the second curved section 43 to the front. The second inner section 45 is inclined towards the front in the front-back direction and towards the outside in the left-right direction. The distance between the first inner section 44 and the second inner section 45 increases towards the front.

[0024] The engagement section 31 has a retaining section 46 and a resisting section 47. The retaining section 46 and the resisting section 47 are located on the inner surface of the groove section 34. The retaining section 46 holds the pin element 5 to prevent it from falling out. The retaining section 46 has a pair of first projections 48, 49 arranged on opposite sides of the groove section 34 in the left-right direction. The pair of first projections 48, 49 projects toward the inside of the groove section 34. Specifically, the first projection 48 is located on the first curved section 42. The first projection 49 is located on the second curved section 43.

[0025] Fig. Figure 8 is an enlarged view of intervention section 31. As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 8, the retaining section 46 holds the pin element 5 by contacting the pin element 5 in the pin groove 27 in such a way that the pin element 5 does not fall out of the engagement position. Fig. Figure 8 shows the position of the pin groove 27 of the pin element 5, which is marked by the double dashed line.

[0026] The resistive section 47 is arranged between the retaining section 46 and the opening 35. When the resistive section 47 engages the pin element 5, it comes into contact with the pin element 5 and triggers a reaction. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the resistive section 47 has a pair of second projections 51, 52 arranged on opposite sides of the groove section 34 in the left-right direction. The pair of second projections 51, 52 projects towards the inside of the groove section 34. The second projection 51 is located on the first inner section 44. The second projection 52 is located on the second inner section 45. The width between the pair of second projections 51, 52 is narrower than the width between the pair of first projections 48, 49. The width between the pair of second projections 51, 52 is narrower than the outer diameter of the pin groove 27.

[0027] In Fig. Figure 8 shows the position of the pin element 5 before engagement, indicated by the single dashed line 5'. The resistance section 47 is designed to generate a resistance force by contacting the pin element 5 before it reaches the engagement position, when the locking element 6 is brought into engagement with it. That is, the pin element 5 enters the groove section 34 from the opening 35. When the pin element 5 then passes through the resistance section 47, it presses on and stretches it. This elastically deforms the locking element 6, and its reaction force generates a resistance force. Thus, the resistance section 47 produces a perceptible reaction when the locking element 6 engages with the pin element 5. Furthermore, the resistance section 47 does not touch the pin element 5 when the pin element 5 is in the engagement position.

[0028] According to the fastening structure 1 of the present embodiment described above, the resistance section 47, which provides resistance at the time of engagement, is provided separately from the retaining section 46 that holds the pin element 5 to prevent it from disengaging. Accordingly, even if the retaining section 46 is worn when the locking element 6 is reused, it is possible to obtain a response that is essentially the same as that of a new locking element 6. This makes it easy to detect the engagement of the locking element 6.

[0029] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0030] The machine used is not limited to a hydraulic excavator and can also be another machine, such as a bulldozer, wheel loader, or grader. The replacement part is not limited to tooth 4 and can also be another component, such as a beveling plate, a side cover, or a ripper tip.

[0031] The structure of the locking element 6 is not limited to that of the embodiment described above and can be modified. For example, Fig. 9 An enlarged view of the locking element 6 according to a first modified example. As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 9, the curved section can be omitted. The retaining section 46 and the resisting section 47 are not limited to the projections and can be part of a rounded shape 61 provided in the groove section 34. That is, the retaining section 46 and the resisting section 47 can be arranged separately from each other by the rounded shape 61 provided in the groove section 34.

[0032] Fig. Figure 10 is an enlarged view of the locking element 6 according to a second modified example. As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 10, a straight section 62 can be provided between the holding section 46 and the resistance section 47. That is, the holding section 46 and the resistance section 47 can be separated from each other by the straight section 62, which is provided in the groove section 34.

[0033] Fig. Figure 11 is an enlarged view of the locking element 6 according to a third modified example. As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 11, the first inner section 44 and the second inner section 45 are not restricted to a straight shape and can have a curved shape. That is, the first inner section 44 can have a first inclined surface 63 and a second inclined surface 64. The second inclined surface 64 can extend from the first inclined surface 63 to the front. The angle of inclination of the second inclined surface 64 with respect to the front-back direction can be greater than the angle of inclination of the first inclined surface 63. Although not illustrated, the second inner section 45 can have a shape symmetrical to the first inner section 44. Fig. Figures 9 to 11 illustrate only the right section of the locking element 6; however, the left section of the locking element 6 in each modified example has a shape that is symmetrical to the one shown in Figure 9. Fig. The right-hand section is illustrated in sections 9 to 11. Commercial applicability

[0034] According to the present invention, a fastening structure for a spare part in a machine and a locking element are provided, which allow for the reuse of the locking element and a simple determination of the engagement of the locking element. Reference symbol list 1 Mounting structure 4 tooth (spare part) 5 pen element 6 Locking element 12. Installation section 15 First pinhole 34 Groove section 35 Opening 41 Curved section 42 First arched section 44 First inner section 45 Second inner section 46 Stop section 47 Resistance section 48, 49 First lead 51, 52 Second lead QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2021-042633 A

[0004]

Claims

[1] Fastening structure for detachably fastening a spare part in a machine, wherein the fastening structure comprises: a mounting section which has a pin hole to which the replacement part is attached; a pin element that is arranged in the pin hole; and a locking element that engages the pin element and prevents the pin element from disengaging; wherein the locking element has the following features: an opening; a groove section that engages the pin element, the groove section extending from the opening; a retaining section that holds the pin element in such a way that the pin element does not come loose, wherein the retaining section is provided in the groove section; and a resistance section which comes into contact with the pin element in such a way that a noticeable reaction is caused when it engages with the pin element, wherein the resistance section is provided between the opening and the retaining section in the groove section. [2] Fastening structure according to claim 1, wherein the groove section further comprises: a curved section that engages the pin element; an inner section extending from the opening towards the curved section; and a curved section that is positioned between the curved section and the inner section and protrudes to an inside of the curved section. [3] Fastening structure according to claim 2, wherein the retaining section is provided on the curved section. [4] Fastening structure according to claim 1, wherein the retaining section has a pair of first projections arranged on opposite sides in the groove section, and The resistance section has a pair of second projections arranged on opposite sides in the groove section. [5] Fastening structure according to claim 4, wherein a width between the pair of second projections is narrower than a width between the pair of first projections. [6] Fastening structure according to claim 4, wherein the pin element has a pin groove which engages with the locking element and the width between the pair of second projections is smaller than the outer diameter of the pin groove. [7] Locking element engaging a pin element that detachably secures a spare part in a machine tool to prevent the pin element from coming loose, the locking element comprising: an opening; a groove section that engages the pin element, the groove section extending from the opening; a retaining section that holds the pin element in such a way that the pin element does not come loose, wherein the retaining section is provided in the groove section; and a resistance section which comes into contact with the pin element in such a way that a noticeable reaction is generated when it engages with the pin element, wherein the resistance section is provided between the opening and the holding section in the groove section. [8] Locking element according to claim 7, wherein the groove section comprises: a curved section that engages the pin element; an inner section extending from the opening towards the curved section; and a curved section that is positioned between the curved section and the inner section and curves towards an inside of the curved section. [9] Locking element according to claim 8, wherein the retaining section is provided on the curved section. [10] Locking element according to claim 7, wherein the retaining section has a pair of first projections arranged on opposite sides in the groove section, and The resistance section has a pair of second projections arranged on opposite sides in the groove section. [11] Locking element according to claim 10, wherein a width between the pair of second projections is narrower than a width between the pair of first projections. [12] Locking element according to claim 10, wherein the pin element has a pin groove which engages with the locking element and the width between the pair of second projections is smaller than the outer diameter of the pin groove.

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