Wear assembly for an earth moving machine and corresponding machine

Abstract

Wear assembly (1) for an earth moving machine comprising a support (2), a wear part (3), and a locking device (4) arranged inside said support (2) and comprising: - an anchor point (41), for receiving an actuating tip (43) for rotating said anchor point (41) around a central axis (42); - a shaft (44), arranged in a direction not parallel and preferably perpendicular to said central axis (42); - a geared transmission (45) between said anchor point (41) and said shaft (44); - at least one latch (46) attached to said shaft (44), movable between a withdrawn position and a locking position; wherein, in said locking position, each latch (46) protrudes from said support (2) in an extension enough to engage with said wear part (3), thereby locking said wear part (3) to said support (2); and wherein, in said withdrawn position, each latch (46) does not protrude from said support (2) in an extension enough to lock said wear part (3) to said support (2).

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The invention lies in the field of the earth moving machines, for example excavators, loaders, dredging machines, or the like.

[0002] In particular, the invention relates to a wear assembly for an earth moving machine comprising a support; a wear part, configured to be assembled to said support in an assembled position; and a locking device, configured for locking said wear part to said support.

[0003] The invention also relates to an earth moving machine comprising at least one of said wear assemblies.Prior art

[0004] The earth moving machines have replaceable elements that are subject to wear, typically by engaging with the ground, which is why they are often named ground engaging tools, GET or simply wear parts. Earth moving machines, due to their different nature and complexity, may have different types of wear parts. A common example is the tooth of an excavator. Each tooth is attached to the bucket, in a direct way or by means of one or more intermediate elements, for example, a tooth adapter, an adapter and an intermediate adapter, etc. It is important to notice that the element that acts as a support for the tooth may also be a wear part because it may also be subject to wear. In other exemplary configurations the excavator may be provided with a cast lip, which is a protector for the lip of the bucket that is attached to said bucket. In these cases, each tooth is attached to the cast lip, for example, directly or by means of one or more intermediate elements such are tooth adapters. The assembly may also comprise front and side guards, and different types of adapters. These are only non-limiting examples as a great diversity of wear elements are known in the field of earth moving machines.

[0005] In general, there is the need to securely lock the wear element into position with the support in order to minimize the possibility that the wear element falls off during machine operations. Besides the associated cost and maintenance of losing a wear element, it may also create a potential security risk as it is well known in the art. In brief, it is extremely important that the wear elements are secure during normal operation and to be able to react as soon as possible to the fall of a wear element. One strategy to secure the wear elements is by means of a lock, for example, a pin passing through a hole formed between the wear element and the support.

[0006] However, when the wear part has to be replaced, the maintenance operation may be difficult due to the weight and size of the wear element, the lock, the support and the machine itself. The operator must remove the lock without causing the wear part to fall to fall off in a non-controlled way, remove the old wear part, installing the new one also avoiding undesired falling off of the new wear part, and then installing the lock so that the wear assembly is locked into position. Moreover, removing the lock may not be an easy task given the presence of compacted fine particles that are generated during working of the machine and that may block the lock. Likewise, installing the lock may require a time in which the machine is not operational thereby reducing productivity, besides it is also be a tedious task because it is an element that must secure the wear assembly, so that the insertion of the lock may require great force in order to put it into the appropriate position.

[0007] Different types of locks known in the art try to deal with the aforementioned problems, for example, a frustoconical pin that may be driven into position by rotation. However, many of them still require the complete removal and insertion of the lock in order to replace the wear element, which slows the operation and may lead to losing the lock. They may also be affected by the compacted fine particles. Moreover, the manufacturer of the wear assembly parts has to rely on the work and experience of the operators to grant that the replacement has been properly secured.Summary of the invention

[0008] The invention is aimed to provide a wear assembly of the type stated at the beginning, being able to avoid the problems that have been identified above.

[0009] This purpose is achieved by a wear assembly of the type indicated at the beginning, characterized in that said locking device is arranged inside said support and it comprises: an anchor point, having a central axis arranged in a first direction, and configured for receiving and engaging with an actuating tip for rotating said anchor point around said central axis; a shaft, arranged in a direction not parallel and preferably perpendicular to said first direction; a geared transmission between said anchor point and said shaft, such that rotating said anchor point drives said shaft to rotate by means of said geared transmission; and at least one latch, each latch attached to an end of said shaft, and arranged movable between a withdrawn position and a locking position and vice-versa by rotating said second shaft; wherein, in said locking position, said latches protrude from said support in an extension enough that, in said assembled position, each latch engages with said wear part, thereby locking said wear part to said support; and wherein, in said withdrawn position, said latches do not protrude from said support in an extension enough to lock said wear part to said support, that is, the latch protrudes enough to engage with the wear part thereby locking the wear part together with the support when the assembly is in the engaged position. As a non-limiting example, each latch may engage with the wear part by being inserted in a hole provided in said wear part.

[0010] The locking assembly described above has several advantageous effects. The locking device is located inside the support, therefore, there is no need for inserting or replacing it when mounting or replacing the wear part. The latches and the anchor point are not parallel, which allows to place them in a convenient position, adapted to the geometry of the assembly, for example, the shaft (and the latches) may be arranged perpendicular to the anchor point, such that the latches protrude from the sides of the support while the anchor point is located in an accessible place therein. The geared transmission provides a robust solution as well as flexibility regarding to the torque, depending on the characteristics of the elements of the assembly. Besides, since each latch engages with the wear part from inside the interface between said wear part and the support, it is less prone to be affected by compacted fine particles that surround the wear assembly due to work operations. Finally, the fact that the locking device is provided with an anchor point facilitates using the same basic structure for multiple configurations as it will be seen in this document, in turn, this facilitates the manufacturing and design of the device and assembly because it can share the basic components.

[0011] Prefreably, said geared transmission comprises: a first gear, integral with said anchor point and mounted rotatable around said central axis; a second gear, arranged in a central section of said shaft, and engaging said first gear.

[0012] Therefore, the first gear can be rotated around the central axis using the anchor point and, in turn, it drives the second gear to rotate, therefore driving the shaft to rotate.

[0013] Preferably, the number of teeth of the first gear is higher than the number of teeth of the second gear, such that the second gear may be smaller and may be more easily incorporated inside the locking device. In an alternative embodiment, the number of teeth of the second gear is higher than the number of teeth of the first gear, such that the shaft may be moved more precisely and with less tensions.

[0014] Preferably, said first gear and said second gear are conical gears, which provides a robust connection by maximizing the connection surfaces between said gears.

[0015] Preferably, said first gear and said second gear are both part of a worm gear. This configuration allows incorporating a frontal element in the assembly, for example it may be used for incorporating a further latch that protrudes frontally while the other latches protrude from the sides, or it may be used for incorporating an extractor device configured for pushing out the wear part from the support when the latches are retracted and not engaged.

[0016] Preferably, said anchor point is accessible from the outside of said support, and said actuating tip is the tip of an external tool, thereby giving the possibility to operate the locking device from outside of the wear assembly, by means of a manual tool or, more preferably, by using a power tool. Non-limiting examples of externa tools are a wrench or a drill. Different options may be envisaged for the external access, as a non-limiting example, a hollow straight tube, however, the skilled person will understand particular form will depend on the geometry of the wear assembly and the type of tool to be used.

[0017] Preferably, said assembly comprises a further shaft, arranged inside said support, said further shaft having a first end with said actuating tip and a second end opposite said first end, such that, rotating said further shaft drives said anchor point to rotate. The further shaft tip engages with the anchor point so that a rotation of said further shaft is transmitted to the locking device. The addition of the further shaft allows using an actuation point that may be located further away from the locking device, for example, the further shaft may be installed inside the support and accessible from the end opposite to its actuating tip.

[0018] Preferably, said further shaft is movable between a position wherein said actuating tip engages said anchoring point, and a position wherein said actuating tip does not engage said anchoring point. This embodiment is particularly advantageous since it comprises a position wherein the further shaft is not engaged with the locking device and, therefore, the locking device can be removed from the support. When the further shaft is engaged, it contributes to the positioning and fastening of the locking device inside the support.

[0019] Preferably, said further shaft is arranged in a direction between 0 and 45° regarding said central axis, which allows accommodating the shaft to the geometry of the support and the wear assembly. More preferably, said angle is 0°, so that the direction of the shaft coincides with the central axis. As a non-limiting example, the further shaft may be arranged longitudinally regarding the support.

[0020] Preferably, said further shaft has further anchor point in said second end, said further anchor point being accessible from the outside of said support, and configured for anchoring an external tool, preferably, a power tool, such that said further shaft can be rotated from said further anchor point. In this particular embodiment, the further shaft acts as an extension for the anchor point, which may be an advantageous arrangement depending on the characteristics of the wear assembly.

[0021] Preferably, said second end of said further shaft is connected to a rotating means, said rotating means comprising a motor arranged inside said support. In this embodiment, the rotating means and, in particular, the motor is arranged inside the support, so that the locking device may be remotely operated. Different types of motors may be envisaged, as non-limiting examples, an electric motor powered by electric wires, or a hydraulic motor.

[0022] Preferably, said rotating means further comprise a gear reducer between said motor and said second end of said further shaft, so that the torque may be controlled and adapted to the different elements.

[0023] Preferably, said locking device is provided inside a protective housing and each latch of said at least one latch has a threaded portion that engages with a threaded hole in said housing. The housing protects the locking device, and it is also provided with a thread wherein each latch may be screwed or unscrewed, in particular, when the shaft of the locking device is rotated it drives each latch to rotate, the latch is provided with an external thread which engages with the threaded part in the housing, such that, a rotation of the shaft in one direction drives the latch outwards from the housing, and the rotation of the shaft in another direction drives the latch inwards.

[0024] In an alternative embodiment, said shaft has a threaded portion in each end wherein a latch of said at least one latch is attached, and said latch has a threaded insert arranged therein so that the threaded portion of the shaft engages with the threaded insert of the latch; said latch further provided with anti-rotation means configured to avoid the rotation of said latch with respect to said shaft. This alternative option also allows that the rotational movement of the shaft is converted to a linear movement of the latch back and forwards depending on the direction of rotation of the shaft. Moreover, his conversion is done in a zone that it is protected from the outside and, in particular, from the accumulation a compacting of fine particles due to the machine operations.

[0025] Preferably, said anti-rotation means comprises a pin attached to said latch that engages with a wall of said locking device or said support. Therefore, the pin is blocked with a wall of the locking device, for example, a slot provided in the wall of a protective housing or provided in the support itself. Since the pin is attached to the latch, blocking the rotational movement of the pin in turn blocks the rotation of the latch, thereby converting the rotational movement of the shaft in a linear movement of the latch.

[0026] Preferably, an external access is provided associated to each latch, and is configured for alternating said anti-rotation means between an engaging position in which the anti-rotation means block the rotation of said latch, and an unengaging position in which the anti-rotation means do not block the rotation of said latch; and wherein said latch further comprises a latch anchor point, that may be envisaged arranged at the tip of said latch, accessible from the outside of said support, and configured for receiving a manual tool for rotating said latch when said anti-rotation means is in said unengaging position. This option is particularly advantageous for providing a mechanism for manually unlocking the locking device: an operator acts over said external access and disengages the anti-rotation means, for example, the pin. Then, the operator uses a manual tool attached to the anchor point for rotating the latch itself. Since the anti-ration means are not engaged, the latch can be then rotated and inserted into the support. The option also has the advantage of providing a backup method for engaging and disengaging the latches of the locking device, for example, if they are normally driven by a motor and the motor stops functioning. Moreover, it also provides the possibility of replacing the latches themselves, that may be extracted from the locking device without replacing the whole locking device.

[0027] Preferably, said threaded insert is integral with said latch, thereby simplifying the manufacture thereof.

[0028] Preferably, said threaded insert is integral with a threaded element provided inside said latch. The presence of the threaded insert in an element different from the latch instead of integral thereof provides a degree of tolerance regarding lateral forces, which can accommodate stresses that may otherwise affect the functioning of the locking device. All these technical advantages increase the overall reliability of the locking device.

[0029] Preferably, said wear assembly further comprises an additional wear part configured to be assembled to said support and, preferably, also to said wear element, in said assembled position, wherein each latch of said at least one latch is also movable to an intermediate locking position, between said locking position and said withdrawn position, wherein, in said intermediate locking position, said latch protrudes from said support in an extension enough to engage with said additional wear part, thereby locking said additional wear part to said support, but not enough to lock said wear part to said support; and wherein, in said locking position, said latch further locks said additional wear part to said support. The wear assemblies may have more parts than simply a wear part and a support, for example, a support, an intermediate adaptor, and a wear part. This type of embodiments allow using a single locking device for securely locking more than two elements together, by using a further intermediate locking position. Therefore, the locking and unlocking process comprises more than one step of phase, one in with only one of the wear parts is locked and a second one wherein both wear parts are locked. The skilled person will understand that, when using more than one latch, some of them may be arranged in different directions.

[0030] Preferably, said locking device is provided inside a protective housing, which improves the protection and durability of the locking device.

[0031] Preferably, a sealing element, preferably comprising an O-ring is provided for sealing each latch of said at least one latch, thereby minimizing the number of particles that can enter the locking device due to machine operations.

[0032] Preferably, the wear assembly further comprises control means provided outside of said locking device and communication means between said locking device and said control means, so that the locking device can be operated by said control means and data may be transmitted between locking device and said control means. Said data may include, for example, the position of the latches or information provided by sensors provided in the locking device. The particular case of presence sensor are particularly advantageous. For example, an integrated presence sensor may be provided for detecting when the wear part is engaged with the support, and automatically activating the locking device for locking the wear assembly. In addition, if the wear part is not detected, the latches of the locking device may be automatically driven backwards so that they do not protrude from the support and are not damaged if the operation of the machine continues.

[0033] Preferably, said communication means comprise a wireless connection, thereby avoiding the use of communication wires which may be problematic due to the rotating elements, in particular, the anchor point. In a preferred embodiment, said wireless connection comprises inductive coupling means proximate to said anchor point, which constitutes a robust solution for the low bandwidth that is typically needed for this type of applications. Advantageously, said communication means may also be used as a power source for the locking device, for example, by means of electromagnetic induction. This allows to completely avoid the use of cables (power or signal) between the locking device and outside itself, thereby simplifying the replacement process of said locking device, avoiding using connectors that occupy space and are sensible to vibrations and the presence of water. At the same time, since the powering may be external, there is no restriction imposed by internal batteries.

[0034] Preferably, said locking device further comprises one end-of-journey element for each latch of said at least one latch, each end-of-journey element configured to detect when said latch is said locking position, and to send said detection to said control means using said communication means. The end-of-journey detection facilitates the detection of the relevant position of the laches, so that it may be used by the control means.

[0035] Preferably, said end-of-journey element comprises a magnet and a magnetic sensor, preferably a Hall-effect sensor, wherein said magnet is attached to the corresponding latch, and said magnetic sensor is arranged in a fixed position that faces said magnet when said latch is in said locking position. Alternatively, the magnetic sensor may be attached to the corresponding latch and the magnet to the fixed position. These preferred embodiments constitute robust solutions which have a low manufacturing cost. In particular, the technical effect is improving the control position of the latches regarding to other possible solutions, for example, those based on the power consumption needed for moving the latches to position and which detect the end-of-journey when there is a peak of power due to the fact that the latch has reached the final position and cannot be moved further.

[0036] Preferably, said control means are configured for controlling the position of said at least one latch through said anchor point, said control means further configured to perform a dislodging procedure wherein said at least one latch is drove forward and backwards following a pre-defined pattern. The control means drive the locking device to perform a series of movements to the latches, this sequence of movements may be able to dislodge the fine particles that may have been accumulated in the gaps and recesses. This solves the problem of minimizing the possibility that the latches are blocked by said particles and also facilitates the extraction of the locking device if it has to be substituted.

[0037] Preferably, said wear assembly further comprises one or more presence detectors configured to detect the presence or absence of said wear part and to send the information about the presence or absence of the wear part to said control means, which takes advantage of the locking de control means and integrates the presence detection of the wear part.

[0038] The invention also refers to a locking device of the type that is used in the wear assembly according to any of the embodiments discussed above.

[0039] The invention also refers to an earth moving machine comprising at least one wear assembly according to any of the embodiments discussed above.

[0040] The invention also includes other detail features illustrated in the detailed description of some embodiments of the invention and in the accompanying figures.Brief description of the figures

[0041] Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which, without any limiting character, preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed, in reference to the accompanying figures: Fig. 1 is a perspective detail view of a locking device. Fig. 2 is another perspective detail view of the locking device of Fig. 1 from a different viewpoint. Fig. 3 is a perspective detail view of a locking device of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 where one of the latches have been hidden. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a complete locking device according to one embodiment of the invention. Fig. 5 is a perspective detail view of the locking device of Fig. 4, wherein part of the elements have been eliminated in order to display some internal features. Fig. 6 is a perspective detail view of the motor and other auxiliary elements related to one embodiment of the locking device of the invention. Fig. 7 is a perspective detail view of the locking device of Fig. 4, wherein the housing and other elements have been eliminated in order to display internal components. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a wear assembly, including a support, a wear element, a locking device, and some auxiliary covers. Fig. 9 is another perspective view of the support of Fig. 8 having the locking device incorporated therein. Fig. 10, Fig. 11, and Fig. 12 are exemplary embodiments of the locking device of the invention. Fig. 13, Fig. 14, and Fig. 15 are detail perspective views of another embodiment of the locking device according to the invention having only one latch. Fig. 16, Fig. 17, and Fig. 18 are perspective views of an example of a complete wear assembly, including a support (a castlip), and different wear elements such as teeth, wearcaps, etc. Between the support and some of the wear elements the exemplary embodiment shows different types of locking devices according to the invention. Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

[0042] Fig. 8 and 9 show a first exemplary embodiment of the wear assembly 1 for an earth moving machine according to a first embodiment of the invention. The wear assembly 1 comprises a support 2 and a wear part 3, in this case, an excavator tooth, which is configured to be assembled to the support 2 in an assembled position shown in Fig. 8. The wear assembly 1 further comprises a locking device 4, which is configured for locking the wear part 3 to the support 2. Fig. 9 shows the wear assembly 1 without the wear part 3, so that it can be seen that the locking device 4 is arranged inside said support 2.

[0043] Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show the basic elements of the locking device 4. In particular, Fig. 2 shows that the locking device 4 has an anchor point 41, having a central axis 42 arranged in a first direction, which is represented with a dashed line in the figures. The anchor point 41 is configured for receiving and engaging with an actuating tip 43 for rotating said anchor point 41 around the central axis 42.

[0044] The locking device 4 is provided with a shaft 44, which is arranged in a direction not parallel to the first direction, in this case, being perpendicular to the central axis 42. A geared transmission 45 is arranged between the anchor point 41 and the shaft 44, such that rotating said anchor point 41 drives the shaft 44 to rotate by means of said geared transmission 45. The geared transmission 45 has a first gear 451 which is integral with the anchor point 41 and mounted rotatable around the central axis 42, and a second gear 452, arranged in a central section of the shaft 44, and engaging said first gear 451. Both the first gear 451 and the second gear 452 are conical gears. In this particular embodiment, the number of teeth of the first gear 451 is the same that the number of teeth of the second gear 452, however, other embodiments may be envisaged wherein the number of teeth is different.

[0045] The locking device 4 is also provided with two latches 46 at the respective ends of the shaft 44. Each latch 46 is attached to an end of the shaft 44 and arranged movable between a withdrawn position and a locking position and vice-versa by rotating said shaft 44. In the locking position, each latch 46 protrudes from the support 2 in an extension enough that, in the assembled position shown in Fig. 8, each latch 46 engages with the wear part 3, thereby locking said wear part 3 to the support 2. In the withdrawn position, each latch 46 does not protrude from the support 2 in an extension enough to lock the wear part 3 to the support 2, so that the wear part 3 is no longer locked to the support and can be removed.

[0046] The shaft 44 has two threaded portions 441, one in each end wherein each latch 46 is attached. Each latch 46 has a threaded insert 461 arranged therein so that the threaded portion 441 of the shaft 44 engages with the threaded insert 461 of the latch 46. In the first embodiment, the threaded insert 461 is integral with a threaded element 462 provided inside the latch 46 as shown in Fig. 3.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 4 the locking device 4 used in the first exemplary embodiment is provided inside a protective housing 48 made of metal. A sealing element 467 which comprises an O-ring is provided for sealing each latch 46 inside said protective housing 48. Fig. 7 shows an example of said sealing elements 467.

[0048] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the locking device 4 of the first exemplary embodiment, including the further actuators that allow to move the latches 46 between the locking and unlocking positions. In particular, the wear assembly 1 comprises a further shaft 47 arranged inside said support 2, having a first end with the actuating tip 43 that engages with the anchor point 41, and a second end opposite said first end. The further shaft 47 is arranged, such that, rotating said further shaft 47 drives the anchor point 41 to rotate, which rotation is transmitted to the shaft 44 by means of the geared transmission 45, and from the shaft 44 to the latches 46. Fig.6 shows the actuating tip 43 of the further shaft 47 which, in the first embodiment, is movable between a position wherein said actuating tip 43 engages said anchoring point, and a position wherein said actuating tip 43 does not engage said anchoring point. When the actuating tip 43 is not engaged, the locking device 4 can be removed from the support 2 if the wear part 3 is not attached thereto. In other embodiments, the actuating tip 43 is not moveable, for example, if there is no need for removing the locking device 4. As it can be seen in the figures, the further shaft 47 is arranged in a longitudinal direction, parallel to the central axis 42. However, in other embodiments this direction may have an angle between 0 and 45° regarding said central axis 42.

[0049] In the first exemplary embodiment, the second end of said further shaft 47 is connected to a rotating means 472 that comprise an electrical motor arranged inside the support 2, and a gear reducer between said motor and the second end of the further shaft 47. Both the motor and the gear reducer are provided inside a protective housing. Another anchor point is arranged at the end of the block containing the motor, and it is arranged so that it can be accessed from outside the support 2, as shown in Fig. 9. This particular anchor point is configured to move forth and back the block containing the motor, thereby engaging or disengaging the actuator tip 43 of the further shaft 47. A cover attachable to the support 2 may be used to protect this access from the working conditions, as shown in Fig. 8.

[0050] Control means (not shown in the figures) are further provided outside of said the locking device 4, as well as communication means 5 between the locking device 4 and the control means. The communication means 5 comprise the cables shown in the figures as well as a wireless connection 51 based on inductive coupling means that are arranged proximate to the anchor point 41. Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 show the wireless connection 51. Two presence detectors 49 are also arranged inside the support 2 and are configured to detect the presence or absence of the wear part 3 and to send the information about the presence or absence of the wear part 3 to the control means.

[0051] Fig. 7 shows some internal details of the locking device 4 according to the first exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, each latch 46 is further provided with anti-rotation means 463 that are configured to avoid the rotation of said latch 46 relative to the shaft 44, so as to convert the rotational movement of the shaft 44 into a linear displacement of each latch 46. Each anti-rotation means 463 comprises a pin 464 which attaches to the corresponding latch 46 and that engages with a wall of the housing 48 of the locking device 4. In embodiments wherein there is no housing, the pin 464 may engage with the support 2. An external access 465 is provided associated to each latch 46 and arranged near the tip of the corresponding latch 46. Each external access is configured for, by means of an external tool, alternating the anti-rotation means 463 between an engaging position in which the anti-rotation means 463, in particular, the pin 464, block the rotation of said latch 46, and an unengaging position in which the anti-rotation means 463 do not block the rotation of the latch 46. Each latch 46 further has a latch anchor point 466 arranged at its tip, so that it is accessible from the outside of the support 2. The latch anchor point 466 is configured for receiving a manual tool for rotating the latch 46 when the anti-rotation means 463 is in the unengaging position, so that the latch can be manually moved along the shaft 44.

[0052] Other embodiments of the wear assembly 1 according to the invention are disclosed hereinafter. These embodiments share most of the features disclosed in the first embodiment above. Therefore, only the differentiating features will be described in detail.

[0053] For the sake of brevity, common features shared with the first embodiment disclosed above will not be described again hereinbelow.

[0054] In a second embodiment, the locking device 4 further comprises one end-of-journey element for each latch 46. Each end-of-journey element comprises a magnet and a Hall-effect magnetic sensor. The magnet is attached to the corresponding latch 46, and the magnetic sensor is arranged in a fixed position that faces said magnet when the latch 46 is in the locking position. This way, the end-of-journey element is configured to detect when the latch 46 is said locking position, and to send said detection to the control means using the communication means 5.

[0055] In a third embodiment, the control means are configured for controlling the position of each latch 46 through the anchor point 41 and are further configured to perform a dislodging procedure wherein each latch 46 is drove forward and backwards following a pre-defined pattern. This embodiment may be compatible with all the embodiments comprising the control means and controllable rotating means.

[0056] In a fourth embodiment not shown in the figures, the first gear 451 and the second gear 452 are both part of a worm gear. Some embodiments derived from this embodiment further comprise an extractor mechanism configured for pushing the wear part 3 from the support 2 by means of the worm gear.

[0057] In a fifth embodiment shown in Fig. 10, the further shaft 47 is arranged in a direction in an angle between 0 and 45° regarding said central axis 42.

[0058] In a sixth embodiment not shown in the figures, no motor block is provided, and the anchor point 41 is directly accessible from the outside of the support 2, and the actuating tip 43 is the tip of an external tool, for example, a power tool like a wrench or a drill.

[0059] In a seventh embodiment shown in Fig. 11, the motor block is not provided, but it comprises the further shaft 47 which is accessible from outside of the support 2. Said further shaft 47 has further anchor point 471 in its second end. Said further anchor point 471 is accessible from the outside of said support 2, and configured for anchoring an external tool, for example, a power tool, such that said further shaft 47 can be rotated from said further anchor point 471.

[0060] In an eight embodiment, shown in Fig. 12 and similar to the seventh embodiment, the anchor point 41 and further shaft 47 are arranged vertically, which allows some applications as shown in Figs. 16-18.

[0061] In a ninth embodiment not shown in the figures, the threaded insert 461 of each latch is not arranged in a 462 threaded element but is formed integral inside said latch 46.

[0062] In a tenth embodiment not shown in the figures, the locking device 4 is provided inside a protective housing 48 and each latch 46 has a threaded portion in its external surface that engages with a threaded hole in said housing 48.

[0063] In an eleventh embodiment not shown in the figures, the wear assembly 1 further comprises an additional wear part configured to be assembled to the support 2 and the wear element in the assembled position. Each latch 46 is also movable to an intermediate locking position, between the locking position and the withdrawn position. In said intermediate locking position, each latch 46 protrudes from the support 2 in an extension enough to engage with the additional wear part, thereby locking the additional wear part to the support 2, but not enough to lock the wear part 3 to the support 2. In said locking position, each latch 46 further locks the additional wear part to the support 2.

[0064] In a twelfth embodiment shown in Fig. 13, Fig. 14 and Fig. 15, the locking device 4 is equivalent to that of the first embodiment but it only has one latch 46.

[0065] Fig. 16, 17 and 18 show different types of locking devices 4 according to embodiments described above and used in combination with different types of wear elements 3.

Claims

1. Wear assembly (1) for an earth moving machine comprising: - a support (2); - a wear part (3); configured to be assembled to said support (2) in an assembled position; and - a locking device (4), configured for locking said wear part (3) to said support (2); characterized in that said locking device (4) is arranged inside said support (2) and it comprises: - an anchor point (41), having a central axis (42) arranged in a first direction, and configured for receiving and engaging with an actuating tip (43) for rotating said anchor point (41) around said central axis (42); - a shaft (44), arranged in a direction not parallel and preferably perpendicular to said first direction; - a geared transmission (45) between said anchor point (41) and said shaft (44), such that rotating said anchor point (41) drives said shaft (44) to rotate by means of said geared transmission (45); and - at least one latch (46), each latch (46) attached to an end of said shaft (44), and arranged movable between a withdrawn position and a locking position and vice-versa by rotating said shaft (44); wherein, in said locking position, each latch (46) of said at least one latch (46) protrudes from said support (2) in an extension enough that, in said assembled position, each latch (46) engages with said wear part (3), thereby locking said wear part (3) to said support (2); and wherein, in said withdrawn position, each latch (46) of said at least one latch (46) does not protrude from said support (2) in an extension enough to lock said wear part (3) to said support (2).

2. Wear assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein said geared transmission (45) comprises: - a first gear (451), integral with said anchor point (41) and mounted rotatable around said central axis (42); - a second gear (452), arranged in a central section of said shaft (44), and engaging said first gear (451).

3. Wear assembly (1) according to any of claim 2, wherein said first gear (451) and said second gear (452) are conical gears or are both part of a worm gear.

4. Wear assembly (1) according to any of the claims 1 to 3, wherein said anchor point (41) is accessible from the outside of said support (2), and wherein said actuating tip (43) is the tip of an external tool, preferably, a power tool.

5. Wear assembly (1) according to any of the claims 1 to 3, wherein said assembly comprises a further shaft (47), arranged inside said support (2), said further shaft (47) having a first end with said actuating tip (43) and a second end opposite said first end, such that, rotating said further shaft (47) drives said anchor point (41) to rotate; preferably wherein said further shaft (47) is movable between a position wherein said actuating tip (43) engages said anchoring point, and a position wherein said actuating tip (43) does not engage said anchoring point.

6. Wear assembly (1) according to claim 5, wherein said further shaft (47) has further anchor point (471) in said second end, said further anchor point (471) being accessible from the outside of said support (2), and configured for anchoring an external tool, preferably, a power tool, such that said further shaft (47) can be rotated from said further anchor point (471).

7. Wear assembly (1) according to claim 5, wherein said second end of said further shaft (47) is connected to a rotating means (472), said rotating means (472) comprising a motor arranged inside said support (2); preferably, wherein said rotating means (472) further comprise a gear reducer between said motor and said second end of said further shaft (47).

8. Wear assembly (1) according to any of the claims 1 to 7, wherein said shaft (44) has a threaded portion (441) in each end wherein a latch (46) of said at least one latch (46) is attached, and wherein said latch (46) has a threaded insert (461) arranged therein so that the threaded portion (441) of the shaft (44) engages with the threaded insert (461) of the latch (46), preferably wherein said threaded insert (461) is integral with a threaded element (462) provided inside said latch (46); said latch (46) further provided with anti-rotation means (463) configured to avoid the rotation of said latch (46) relative to said shaft (44); preferably, wherein said anti-rotation means (463) comprises a pin (464) attached to said latch (46) that engages with a wall of said locking device (4) or said support (2).

9. Wear assembly (1) according to claim 8, wherein an external access (465) is provided associated to each latch (46), and configured for alternating said anti-rotation means (463) between an engaging position in which the anti-rotation means (463) block the rotation of said latch (46), and an unengaging position in which the anti-rotation means (463) do not block the rotation of said latch (46); and wherein said latch (46) further comprises a latch anchor point (466), preferably arranged at the tip of said latch (46), accessible from the outside of said support (2), and configured for receiving a manual tool for rotating said latch (46) when said anti-rotation means (463) is in said unengaging position.

10. Wear assembly (1) according to any of the claims 1 to 9, wherein said wear assembly (1) further comprises an additional wear part configured to be assembled to said support (2) and, preferably, also to said wear element, in said assembled position, wherein each latch (46) of said at least one latch (46) is also movable to an intermediate locking position, between said locking position and said withdrawn position, wherein, in said intermediate locking position, said latch (46) protrudes from said support (2) in an extension enough to engage with said additional wear part, thereby locking said additional wear part to said support (2), but not enough to lock said wear part (3) to said support (2); and wherein, in said locking position, said latch (46) further locks said additional wear part to said support (2).

11. Wear assembly (1) according to any of the claims 1 to 10, wherein said locking device (4) is provided inside a protective housing (48).

12. Wear assembly (1) according to any of the claims 1 to 11, further comprising control means provided outside of said locking device (4) and communication means (5) between said locking device (4) and said control means; preferably, wherein said communication means (5) comprise a wireless connection (51), preferably comprising inductive coupling means proximate to said anchor point (41); more preferably wherein said wear assembly (1) further comprises at least one presence detector (49) configured to detect the presence or absence of said wear part (3) and to send the information about the presence or absence of the wear part (3) to said control means13. Wear assembly (1) according to claim 12, wherein said locking device (4) further comprises one end-of-journey element for each latch (46) of said at least one latch (46), each end-of-journey element configured to detect when said latch (46) is said locking position, and to send said detection to said control means using said communication means (5); preferably, wherein each of said end-of-journey element comprises a magnet and a magnetic sensor, preferably a Hall-effect sensor, wherein said magnet is attached to the corresponding latch (46), and said magnetic sensor is arranged in a fixed position that faces said magnet when said latch (46) is in said locking position.

14. Wear assembly (1) according to claim 13, wherein said control means are configured for controlling the position of said at least one latch (46) through said anchor point (41), said control means further configured to perform a dislodging procedure wherein said at least one latch (46) is drove forward and backwards following a pre-defined pattern.

15. Earth moving machine comprising at least one wear assembly (1) according to any of the claims 1 to 14.

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