Tip and Adapter Lock Assembly

Abstract

Tip and Adapter Lock Assembly The retaining mechanism (400a) includes a retainer (404a) having a skirt (416) with a rotating surface (474) having a rotation axis (230). The skirt (416) extends 180.0 degrees or less about the rotation axis (230) to form a through slot (422). The drive part (423) extends axially from the skirt (416).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a holding mechanism for attaching a tip to an adapter of a working tool assembly, such as a bucket assembly used by civil engineering, mining, construction machinery, etc. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a holding mechanism that uses a spring to hold a retainer of the holding mechanism in a locked or unlocked configuration.

Background Art

[0002] Machines such as wheel loaders and excavators employ working tool assemblies including bucket assemblies, rakes, shears, etc. with teeth or tips attached to assist in working on materials such as soil, rock, sand, etc. For example, attaching teeth or tips to a bucket assembly can help the bucket assembly penetrate the ground and facilitate scooping up soil into the bucket or the like. An adapter is often attached to a working end (e.g., bottom edge, side edge, etc.) of a bucket or other working tool so that different types of teeth or tips can be attached to the working tool. Also, by providing a holding mechanism used to selectively hold a tip on the adapter or remove the tip from the adapter, the tip or teeth can be easily replaced when worn.

[0003] U.S. Patent No. 11,142,894 B2 discloses a tip and adapter assembly including a spring-type retainer having a lug receiving portion defining a first maximum outer dimension and a lug receiving slot that partially penetrates the lug receiving portion to form a first side wall, a second side wall, and a catch surface connecting the first side wall to the second side wall. The drive portion of the retainer defines a second maximum outer dimension, and the first maximum outer dimension is disposed outside the lug receiving portion proximate to the first side wall or the second side wall.

[0004] However, the spring clip of Patent 894 is more complex to manufacture than desired and requires the presence of lugs on the adapter, increasing costs.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] The holding mechanism according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cage including a rotating surface having a rotation axis and a skirt defining a circumferential direction. The skirt (such as the lower part of the skirt) may extend 180.0 degrees or less around the rotation axis and form a through slot. The drive part may extend axially from the skirt (such as from the upper part of the skirt).

[0006] The holding mechanism according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cage spring including a folding body having a flat lock engagement part, a first side undulation part, and a second side undulation part.

[0007] The holding mechanism according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cage spring having a folding body including a top flat part, a first side wavy part extending from the top flat part, and a second side wavy part extending from the top flat part. The folding body may define two different symmetry planes.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Figure 19

Figure 20

Figure 21

Figure 22

Figure 23

Figure 24

Figure 25

Figure 26

Figure 27

Figure 28

Figure 29

Figure 30

Figure 31

Figure 32

Figure 33

Figure 34

Figure 35

Figure 36

Figure 37

Figure 38

Figure 39

Figure 40

Figure 41

Figure 42

Figure 43

Figure 44

Figure 45

Figure 46

Figure 47

Figure 48

Figure 49

Figure 50

Figure 51

Figure 52

Figure 53

Figure 54

Figure 55

Figure 56

Figure 57

Figure 58

Figure 59

Figure 60

Figure 61

Figure 62

Figure 63

Figure 64

Figure 65

Figure 66

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Next, embodiments of the present disclosure will be referred to in detail, and examples thereof will be shown in the accompanying drawings. As much as possible, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. In some cases, the reference numbers are shown in this specification, and the drawings show the reference numbers in a form such that an English letter follows, for example, 100a, 100b, or in a form such that a prime symbol follows, for example, 100’, 100’’. It should be understood that using a letter or a prime immediately after a reference number indicates that these features have similar shapes and similar functions, as is often seen when a geometric shape surrounds a plane mirror image. For the sake of facilitating the description in this specification, letters or primes are often not included in this specification, but may be shown in the drawings to indicate the duplication of features described in this specification. For example, multiple functions or mirror versions including a locking assembly may be provided on either side of an adapter, a base, a tip, or a wear member. These features may be connected by, for example, a laterally extending through hole.

[0010] Hereinafter, a working tool assembly using a tip, a wear member, an adapter, a base, a holding mechanism, a lock, a spring clip, etc. according to various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

[0011] Starting from FIG. 1, the working tool assembly 100 may take the form of a bucket assembly 100' that is used by a wheel loader and includes a housing 101 that defines an opening 102 communicating with a substantially closed interior. As shown in FIG. 1, starting from the rear of the bucket assembly 100, the bucket assembly 100 includes a curved shell contour 104 attached to the rear wall 106 at the upper end of the shell 104. The other end of the shell is attached to the bottom plate 108 of the assembly 100. A top plate 110 is attached to the upper end of the rear wall 106. The top plate 110 transitions to an outflow guard 112 that is designed to pour material into the interior of the bucket and prevent the material from spilling out of the bucket. Reinforcing ribs 119 are provided that are attached to the top plate 110 and the outflow guard 112 to reinforce the strength. Two substantially flat end plates 114 are attached to the side edges of the outflow guard 112, the top plate 110, the rear wall 106, the bottom plate 108, and the shell 104.

[0012] The side edge assembly 115 is attached to each end plate 114, and the front edge assembly 116 is attached to the front edge of the bottom plate 108 of the bucket assembly 100. The front edge assembly 116 includes a bottom edge 117 attached to the bottom plate 108, a plurality of central adapters 300, 300a attached to the bottom edge 117, and a plurality of tips 200, 200a (which may also be referred to as tools, wear members, teeth, etc.) each of which is attached to one of the plurality of center adapters 119. Also, two corner adapters 120 are connected to the bottom edge and side edge 122 of the bucket assembly 100'. The tips 200, 200a may also be attached to the corner adapters 120, and the corner adapters 120 can also be configured to have functions to be described later.

[0013] Furthermore, a plurality of bottom edge protectors 124 are also provided, and each of the bottom edge protectors 124 is located between the center adapters 120 and between the center adapter 120 and the corner adapter 120. Side edge protectors 126 are also provided that are attached adjacent to the side edges 122 of the corner adapter 120.

[0014] It should be understood that the work tool assembly may take other forms other than a bucket assembly including a rake assembly, a shear assembly, etc. In addition, buckets of different configurations intended for use with an excavator may use various embodiments such as the tips, retaining mechanisms, adapters, springs, spring retainers, tip assemblies, and tip and adapter assemblies as described herein.

[0015] Referring to FIGS. 5, 9, 11, 17, 19, 20, and 23, the tips 200, 200a configured according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include rear attachment portions 202, 202a having open ends 204, 204a, outer surfaces 206, 206a, and inner surfaces 208, 208a extending from the open ends 204, 204a. The rear attachment portions 202, 202a may define lock receiving openings 210, 210a and first spring clip receiving openings 212, 212a that communicate with the lock receiving openings 210, 210a. The first spring clip receiving openings 212, 212a may include first cavities 214, 214a with first ribs 216 (see FIGS. 11 and 14). As best seen in FIGS. 11 and 14, the first rib 216 can separate the first cavity 214 into an inner portion 218 and an outer portion 220. In some embodiments, the rib may be at the end of the first cavity.

[0016] Next, referring to FIGS. 5, 10, 19, and 23, the first spring clip receiving openings 212, 212a may include second cavities 222, 222a that are spaced from the first cavities and include planar surfaces 224, 224a (for support) that open facing the lock receiving openings 210, 210a.

[0017] In FIG. 9, the first spring clip receiving opening 212 includes a third cavity 226 that includes a second rib 228 that separates the third cavity 226 into an inner portion and an outer portion similar to the first rib 216. As shown, the second cavity 222 may be interposed between the first cavity 214 and the third cavity 226. The function of the first and second cavities may be to hold the spring clip in place, while the second cavity provides support for a spring arm that engages a lock or a detent and holds it in place against unintended rotation about the axis of rotation 230 of the lock receiving opening.

[0018] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the lock receiving opening 210 can include a tab receiving portion 232 disposed adjacent to the outer surface 206 and a skirt receiving portion 234 disposed (e.g., axially) between the tab receiving portion 232 and the inner surface 208.

[0019] More specifically, the tab receiving portion 232 and the skirt receiving portion 234 may overlap circumferentially (see the circumferential direction 236 around the axis of rotation 230). Also, the first cavity 214a, the second cavity 222, and the third cavity 226 do not overlap circumferentially with the tab receiving portion 232 or the skirt receiving portion 234 (e.g., they may be on the circumferentially opposite side). In other embodiments of the present disclosure, this is not the case.

[0020] Referring to FIG. 5, the inner surface 208 can further define a skirt inlet slot 238 and a skirt retaining slot 240 that communicates with the skirt inlet slot 238. More specifically, the skirt retaining slot 240 can extend mainly in the circumferential direction from the skirt inlet slot 238 that mainly extends in the axial direction. As a result of this structure, the lock can be axially arranged so that the skirt is aligned with the skirt inlet slot until the lock contacts an annular shelf surface 241 that is axially disposed between the tab receiving portion of the lock receiving opening and the skirt retaining slot. Next, the lock can be rotated so that the skirt is axially caught under the skirt retaining slot, and the lock can be axially held within the lock receiving opening.

[0021] Accordingly, the tip 200 can be part of a tip assembly described below with reference to FIG. 5. The rear attachment portion 200 of the tip may have a lock receiving opening 210 that defines a rotation axis 230 extending axially from the inner surface 208 to the outer surface 206. The lock receiving opening may include an inner axial skirt receiving slot (e.g., refer to the skirt inlet slot 238), an intermediate axial skirt retaining slot (e.g., refer to the skirt retaining slot 240) extending from the inner axial skirt receiving slot about the rotation axis 230, a first stop portion 242, and an outer axial tab receiving slot (e.g., refer to the tab receiving portion 234) that defines a second stop portion 244 spaced from the first stop portion 242 about the rotation axis 230.

[0022] As seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, the inner surface 208 may further include a spring retaining opening (e.g., refer to 212). A spring 402, which is part of the retaining mechanism 400, may be disposed within the spring retaining opening, while the lock 404 may be disposed within the lock receiving opening 210.

[0023] When viewing FIGS. 5, 10, and 11 together, the intermediate axis direction skirt retaining slot (for example, refer to skirt retaining slot 240) can define a conical surface 248 centered on the rotation axis 230. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, other surfaces such as cylindrical surfaces may be employed. Also, the intermediate axis direction skirt receiving slot can define a shelf surface 250 that faces axially outward toward the tip 200. Thereby, an undercut is formed that axially holds the lock at the tip.

[0024] Furthermore, in FIGS. 5 and 16, the rear open ends 204, 204a may define a stepped outer periphery 252 with a shelf 253. This shelf 253 may face vertically downward so as to fit with corresponding features of the adapter and resist the upward load applied to the tip.

[0025] The tips 200, 200a may more generally be characterized as wear members, such as when the pointed tip is omitted.

[0026] Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 29, the rear attachment portions 202, 202a of these wear members can define lock receiving openings 210, 210a and first spring clip receiving openings 212, 212a that communicate with the lock receiving openings 210, 210a. Also, a skirt receiving opening (for example, refer to 234), and a skirt retaining slot 240 extending from the skirt receiving opening may be provided.

[0027] More specifically, in FIG. 5, the lock receiving opening 210 can define a rotation axis 230 and a circumferential direction 236. The first spring clip receiving opening 212 may be circumferentially spaced from the skirt receiving opening (for example, refer to 234) and the skirt retaining slot 240.

[0028] Furthermore, the skirt retaining slot 240 may be defined by a circumferentially extending shelf portion 254, and the skirt receiving opening may be defined by an axially extending surface 256 and a circumferentially extending surface 258. As previously mentioned, the skirt retaining slot 240 may include a conical side surface (see, e.g., the conical surface 248).

[0029] The lock receiving opening 210 may further include a tab receiving slot (see, e.g., the tab receiving portion 232) defined by a first circumferential stop (see, e.g., the first stop 242) and a second circumferential stop (see, e.g., the second stop 244). As shown in FIG. 5, the first circumferential stop (see 242) may be axially disposed under the circumferentially extending shelf portion 254 of the skirt retaining slot 240, while the second circumferential stop (see 244) is axially disposed under the skirt receiving opening (see 234). As a result of this structure, the lock can rotate between a captured position within the tip (but in an unlocked configuration) and a non-captured position within the tip (but in a locked configuration), allowing the lock to be attached and removed with little risk of the lock falling off the tip prior to attachment to the adapter.

[0030] Here, an adapter that may be used with the tip / wear member described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 21. Such an adapter 300, 300a may include a nose portion (e.g., male portions 302, 302a) including a crescent-shaped opening 304, 304a. The crescent-shaped opening 304 may define an arcuate surface 306 (e.g., a concave conical surface or a concave cylindrical surface) having a rotation axis 308 (see FIG. 6), and the arcuate surface 306 extends about 180.0 degrees about the rotation axis 308, but not necessarily so. The crescent-shaped opening 306 of FIG. 6 is disposed near the top of the adapter 300. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, this is not the case.

[0031] Referring further to FIG. 6, the nose portion (e.g., male portion 302) can include an octagonal outer periphery 310. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, this is not the case. Also, the lower step 312 may be disposed behind the nose portion (e.g., male portion 302). This lower step 312 may include an upward shelf surface 314 that conforms to the shape of the tip / wear member to support the upward load applied to the tip / wear member, as described hereinabove. Similarly, an upper step 313 may be provided that is consistent with similar features of the tip / wear member.

[0032] In FIG. 10, the crescent-shaped opening 304 can define an undercut 314 along a conical axis 316 (which may have the same spread as the rotation axis 230). In other embodiments of the present disclosure, such an undercut can be omitted. Also, as shown in FIGS. 10, 11, and 13, a void filler 406 having a shape complementary to the crescent-shaped opening and configured to be rotatably attached to the adapter may be provided. In that case, as the lock rotates, the void filler also rotates. If the void filler is instead attached to the lock, the void filler may be manufactured from a rubber or elastomer that allows it to be compressed when the tip or wear member is inserted onto the adapter or base member.

[0033] Next, referring to FIG. 17, a base or adapter 300a that can be provided as a replacement part or as a field retrofit will be described. The base or adapter may include a male portion 302a that includes a partially polygonal opening 318. The partially polygonal opening 318 may face upward in some embodiments of the present disclosure. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 17, the partially polygonal opening has a partially square or partially rectangular shape. A void filler 406a configured to be attached to the partially polygonal opening may be provided. The void filler 406a may have an opening that includes a side arc-shaped surface 408, a bottom flat surface 410, and a side flat surface 412. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, other configurations are possible.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 22, a retainer may be provided that includes a conical skirt 416a and a contoured or angled discharge surface 414 extending from the conical skirt 416a. This function may help to discharge dirt, mud, and other substances that may enter the retention mechanism during use.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, the adapter 300a may include a lower step 312 having an upwardly facing shelf surface 320, both of which are disposed behind the nose portion 302a. The nose portion may also define a retainer skirt receiving opening 322. In some embodiments, the retainer skirt receiving opening 322 includes a crescent shape. In other embodiments, the retainer skirt receiving opening includes a polygonal shape 324 for receiving the void filler 406a. An undercut 326 may be provided to assist in retaining the void filler 406a. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the void filler may be completely omitted.

[0036] Next, a retention mechanism and related components that may be supplied as replacement parts or as field retrofits will be described.

[0037] Beginning with FIGS. 7 and 8, such a retention mechanism 400 may include a retainer 416a having a skirt 404 with a conical surface 418 having a conical axis 420 (which may be the same as the axis of rotation as shown, or other rotational surfaces such as a cylindrical surface may also be provided). The skirt 416 (e.g., the lower portion of the skirt) may extend less than 180.0 degrees about the conical axis and may form a through slot 422. A drive portion 423 may extend from the skirt 416.

[0038] More specifically, the through slot 422 of the retainer may include a linear surface 424 (which may extend from the back of the retainer) and an inclined surface 426 extending from the linear surface 424 to the bottom surface of the through slot 422. In FIG. 22, the skirt 416a may further include an outer circumferential angled or contoured material discharge surface 428 that forms at least a portion of the boundary of the through slot.

[0039] In FIGS. 7 and 18, it can be seen that the outer peripheries of the skirts 416, 416a can define a first detent opening 430 and a second detent opening 432 spaced from the first detent opening 430 about a rotation axis (e.g., conical axis 420). These detents are designed to mate with male detent features 434 such as the spring arms 434a of the springs 402, 402a, and hold the retainer in a locked or unlocked configuration unless intentionally rotated. For example, the first detent opening can be disposed at a 90.0° interval from the second detent opening about the rotation axis. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, other angular ranges are possible.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 7, the void filler 406 may be disposed within the through slot and may be made from metal, rubber, or elastomer, etc. The void filler 406 may rotate within the cavity 306. When the tip, lock, and spring come off together, the void filler may remain within the cavity 306. Looking at 304, there is a slight taper to axially position the void filler in place. This is simply held in place vertically by gravity.

[0041] Typically, the user first installs the void filler 406 within the cavity 306. Next, the user can slide the tip / lock / spring assembly over the adapter. Next, the user can rotate the lock 90 degrees, and the void filler can rotate with the lock while being pushed by the lock. When the user rotates it 90 degrees to release the lock, the void filler returns to its initial installed position. Then, when the tip / lock / spring slides off the adapter, the void filler remains in a predetermined position within the cavity 306.

[0042] The void filler 406 is shown as extending more than 180.0° about the rotation axis, but it is envisioned that its circumferential extent may be smaller and the circumferential extent of the skirt may be larger.

[0043] Continuing to refer to FIG. 7, the void filler 406 can include a straight surface 438 and an inclined surface 440 that are complementarily shaped with respect to the straight surface 424 and the inclined surface 426 of the through slot (see FIG. 8).

[0044] In FIG. 21, the void filler 406a includes an outer inclined surface 442 (e.g., an outer conical surface) configured to fit against a corresponding surface of the adapter. In FIG. 22, a polygonal outer periphery of the opening (e.g., see 318) is provided within the adapter to receive the void filler 406a. The void filler 406a may be composed of an inner arcuate surface 444 and an inner planar surface 446. Other configurations are also possible.

[0045] Returning to FIG. 7, the drive portion 423 may include a circular outer periphery 448, a drive opening 450 including a polygonal inner periphery 452, and a tab 454 extending from the circular outer periphery 448. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, other configurations of the drive portion are possible.

[0046] Next, with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, various embodiments of the retainer spring of the holding mechanism will be described.

[0047] The retainer spring (e.g., see 402) can include a folded body (manufacturable using a progressive press die process, a brake press, etc.), a male return stop portion (e.g., see 434) extending from a first window 456 of the folded body, and a first holding portion 458. More specifically, the male return stop portion may include a convex arc flange 435 extending from an edge of the first window (see also FIG. 9).

[0048] In FIGS. 7 and 8, the first holding portion 458 may include a second window 460 including a U-shaped portion 462 extending from an edge of the second window 460 and an angled flange portion 462 extending from another edge of the second window 460. A second holding portion 466 configured identically to the first holding portion 458 may be provided, and the male return stop portion (e.g., 434) is disposed between the first holding portion and the second holding portion.

[0049] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 18, the first holding portion 458a may include an angled flange portion 464a extending from the edge of a window without a U-shaped portion. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, other configurations of the first holding portion are possible.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 7, 8, and 17, the holding mechanism may include a retainer 400 defining skirts 416, 416a (which may take the form of through slots 422, for example), and at least two detent openings 430, 432. Also, void fillers 406, 406a configured to fill the voids of the skirts, and retainer springs 402, 402a (see also FIG. 18) including at least one male detent (e.g., refer to 434, 434a) configured to engage the two detent openings either simultaneously or separately may be provided.

[0051] In some embodiments, the void filler 406 may be configured to be attached to or fitted into the through slots of the skirt 416 (see FIGS. 7 and 8).

[0052] In other embodiments, the adapter 300a may define a cavity (e.g., refer to 318), and the void filler 406a may be configured to be attached to the adapter 300a (see FIGS. 21 and 22). In such a case, the cavity defines an undercut 326, and the void filler 406a can have a complementary shape to fill the undercut 326. As best shown in FIG. 22, the cavity may include a linear side edge portion 328 and a linear bottom edge portion 330. The void filler 406 may be configured to fit into the cavity and include a pry slot 468 on its bottom side.

[0053] In any case, the gap fillers 406, 406a can be made of plastic, elastomer, rubber material, or any material having appropriate elasticity and durability. The spring may be made of metal (e.g., spring steel), and the metal is bent from a flat pattern to a desired final shape through progressive die stamping, brake press, or similar manufacturing techniques.

[0054] Referring now to FIGS. 28 and 29, another lock 404a configured similarly or identically to the previous embodiments discussed herein can be described as having the following additional or different features.

[0055] The skirt 416b may extend 180.0 degrees or less about its axis of rotation 470 to form a through slot 472. The rotating surface 474 is a conical surface or a cylindrical surface (which may be described as cylindrical if the draft for casting is ignored), and the through slot 472 of the lock / retainer is defined by a linear surface 476 (or flat surface) extending from the floor 478 of the through slot 472. This surface 476 may extend from the first circumferential end 480 of the skirt 416b to the second circumferential end 482 of the skirt.

[0056] The first detent 484 may be disposed at an interval of 80.0 degrees to 100.0 degrees (refer to angle 488) from the second detent opening 486 about the axis of rotation 470. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, other angular ranges are also possible.

[0057] Also, these detent openings are shown to be through slots 490 having an arcuate profile or a rectangular profile 491 (such as shown in FIG. 23). In other embodiments of the present disclosure, other profile shapes are also possible.

[0058] As best seen in FIGS. 29 and 36, the gusset 492 (or angled rib) can extend from the floor 478 to the straight surface 476. This gusset can help reduce the stress between the surfaces 478 and 476. This may not apply in other embodiments of the present disclosure. This feature may be omitted in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0059] Next, a cage spring configured similarly or identically to the previous embodiments described herein (see, for example, FIGS. 7 - 10) may be described as having the following additional or different features.

[0060] Referring to FIGS. 28 - 33, the cage spring 500 can have a retaining (or locking) engagement flange 502 that extends from the folded body below the second window 504 and has an angled flange 506 extending on the opposite side of the folded body (see FIG. 33). More specifically, the angled flange 506 extends in a first direction 508, and the retaining engagement flange 502 extends in a second direction 510 that is oblique to the first direction 508.

[0061] The retaining engagement flange 502 may include a straight portion 512 configured to engage a corresponding surface of the lock / cage 200a (see FIGS. 29 and 33) to hold the lock in a predetermined position at the tip 404b. The angled flange 506 can push against the surface of the tip 200b (see FIGS. 34 and 40) to provide a spring force that pushes against the male detent 514 of the spring and engages with the female detent of the lock (see 484).

[0062] Next, referring to FIGS. 43 - 47, another embodiment of the cage spring 600 can include a folded body having a central male detent 602 formed by the undulations 604 of the folded body, a first retaining portion 606 including a first angled flange 608 extending from the upper edge 610 of the folded body on one side of the central detent 602, and a second retaining portion 612 including a second angled flange 614 extending from the upper edge 610 of the folded body on the other side of the central male detent 602.

[0063] Further, the first side flange 616 may extend from the first side of the folding body, and the second side flange 618 may extend from the second side of the folding body. These flanges can provide a circumferential contact surface with the tip (see FIG. 48), while the angled flange provides a preload of the spring as already described herein. The first side flange extends from the folding body at a first angle 621 (see FIG. 46) in the range of 45.0 degrees to 135.0 degrees (or more specifically, in some embodiments, in the range of 70.0 degrees to 80.0 degrees), and the second side flange extends in a similar angle range as the first angle.

[0064] As best shown in FIGS. 47 and 50, the first side flange 616 includes a first bottom beveled edge 620, and the second side flange 618 includes a second bottom beveled edge 622.

[0065] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 43 to 47, a first retainer engagement flange 624 extends from the folding body from a bottom edge 626 on one side of the central male detent 602, and a second retainer engagement flange 628 extends from the folding body from a bottom edge 626 on the other side of the central male detent 602.

[0066] As best shown in FIGS. 45 and 46, the first retainer engagement flange 624 may include a first outer beveled edge 630, and the second retainer engagement flange 628 may include a second outer beveled edge 632. These features may be omitted in other embodiments of the present disclosure. The folding body defines a symmetry plane 634 passing through the midpoint or the center of gravity of the folding body (see FIG. 46).

[0067] Still another embodiment of the retainer spring is shown in FIGS. 51-56. The spring 700 includes a folding body having a central male detent portion 702 formed by the undulations 704 of the folding body, a first U-shaped portion 706 disposed on one side of the folding body, and a second U-shaped portion 708 disposed on the other side of the folding body.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 54, the first U-shaped portion 706 includes a first straight portion 710 that defines a first free end 712 of the retainer spring. The second straight portion 714 extends from the undulation 704 and forms both sides of the U-shaped portion. The first straight portion forms an angle 716 in the range of -45.0 to 45.0 degrees (0 to 15.0 degrees in some embodiments) of the present disclosure with the second straight portion 714. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, other ranges are also possible.

[0069] Also, the folding body defines a vertical symmetry plane 718 passing through the center of gravity 720 of the folding body and a horizontal symmetry plane 722 passing through the center of gravity of the folding body (see also FIG. 54). This may not apply in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0070] Next, referring to FIGS. 24, 25, and 27, an adapter 800 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure can be configured as described above, but may further define an angled slot 802 having an angled floor 804 that extends from the crescent-shaped opening 806 toward the rear of the adapter 800.

[0071] Next, referring to FIG. 26, a tip 900 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a rear attachment portion 902 having an open end 904, an outer surface 906, and an inner surface 908 extending from the open end 904. A lock receiving opening 910 including a lock drive receiving portion 912 and a skirt receiving portion 914 may be disposed in the rear attachment portion 902. An annular ridge 916 defining a rotation axis 918 and a circumferential direction 920 may be provided. The annular ridge 916 can divide the lock drive receiving portion 912 and the skirt receiving portion 914.

[0072] Also, a first spring clip receiving opening 922 communicating with the lock receiving opening 910 may be provided. The first spring clip receiving opening 922 (see, for example, FIG. 42) may include a first pocket 924 and a second pocket 926 separated by a rib 928.

[0073] As can be understood with reference to FIGS. 2, 5, and 26, the annular ridge 916 may define a circumferentially extending stop tab receiving slot 930 that extends less than or equal to 180.0 degrees about the axis of rotation 918. More specifically, the circumferentially extending stop tab receiving slot extends between 45.0 degrees and 135.0 degrees (80.0 degrees to 110.0 degrees in some embodiments) about the axis of rotation 918 and can match the angle between the female detents of the lock as previously described herein.

[0074] As also shown in FIG. 26, a raised portion 932 may be provided near the top of the tip 900 between the lock receiving opening 910 and the open end 904.

[0075] In FIGS. 42 and 57, the tip may have ribs 928, 928a within the first spring clip receiving opening 922, and these ribs define the circumferential extent 936, 936a of the ribs and the overall circumferential extent 938, 938a. In certain embodiments, the ratio of the overall circumferential length 938, 938a to the circumferential length 936, 936a of the ribs may be in the range of 2.0 to 10.0 (3.85 to 7.15 in some embodiments of the present disclosure).

[0076] In FIG. 42, a pair of clearance openings 940 are circumferentially disposed adjacent to the rib 928 that communicates with the first pocket 924 and the second pocket 926. Also, the first pocket 924 and the second pocket 926 have an inclined floor 942 such that the depth of the first pocket and the second pocket decreases near the outer surface 906 (see FIG. 48).

[0077] As can be understood with reference to FIGS. 2, 26, and 27, the tip and adapter assembly can have an adapter 800 including a nose portion that, when assembled, includes a crescent-shaped opening 806 as described above in this specification, and defines an angled slot 802 with an angled floor 804 extending from the crescent-shaped opening 806 toward the rear of the adapter 800. The angled slot 802 may be configured to receive a ridge 932 of the tip 900, and the crescent-shaped opening 806 may be aligned and in communication with a skirt receiving portion 914 of the lock receiving opening 910. A spring and lock may also be incorporated into the tip.

[0078] Although various embodiments of the adapter have been shown as being a central adapter, the embodiments discussed herein may be configured as corner adapters or may be considered to have a rear attachment portion lacking legs or the like.

[0079] It should be reiterated that the dimensions, angles, surface areas, and / or configurations of various features, including those not specifically mentioned herein, can be changed as desired or necessary. Although not specifically described, blends such as fillets are shown connecting various surfaces. It should be understood that these may be omitted in other embodiments and their presence may be ignored when reading this specification unless specifically noted.

Industrial Applicability

[0080] In practice, the machine, work tool assembly, tip, wear member, adapter, base member, adapter assembly, tip and adapter assembly, retention mechanism, and / or any combination of these various assemblies and components can be manufactured, purchased, or sold for on-site modification of the machine or work tool assembly in an aftermarket environment, or alternatively obtained in an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) environment by manufacturing, purchasing, selling, or other means.

[0081] Any of the above components may be manufactured from any suitable material, including iron, cast iron, spring steel, plastic, rubber, foam, etc.

[0082] The embodiments of FIGS. 3 to 15 can be assembled as follows. First, the void filler is attached to the adapter / base in the manner previously described herein. For example, the void filler may be attached to the adapter / base in a rotatable manner. Second, the spring is held on the tip / wear member via its angled flange or the like, and the spring arm faces the lock receptacle opening. Third, the retainer is inserted into the lock receptacle opening of the tip / wear member, and as a result, its skirt passes through the skirt inlet slot and forms a bottom on the annular shelf surface as previously described herein, and then the skirt is rotated so as to reach under the shelf of the skirt retaining slot. Substantially simultaneously, the spring arm engages the detent of the retainer and holds the retainer in a state where it is unlocked but captured. Then, the tip / wear member can be slid onto the adapter / base until properly secured. Next, when the retainer is rotated, the retainer is placed in the locked position, and since the spring arm engages the other detent of the retainer, it is held there against unintentional rotation. During this rotation, the void filler rotates with the retainer. Disassembly can be achieved by reversing one or more of these steps.

[0083] The embodiments of FIGS. 16 to 24 can be assembled as follows. When a void filler is used, the void filler is first attached to the adapter / base in a fixed manner as shown in the drawings or in a rotatable manner as described elsewhere herein. When the void filler is fixed in place, the void filler can have an opening for receiving the skirt of the retainer when the retainer is rotated to the locked position. Also, the spring and retainer are attached to the tip / wear member as already described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 15. Rotating the retainer achieves an unlocked state of the locking end. Disassembly is achieved by reversing one or more of these steps.

[0084] The embodiments of FIGS. 24 to 57 can be assembled by first inserting the lock into the lock receiving opening at the tip, and then inserting the spring to hold the lock in place. Next, the tip can be inserted onto the adapter and the lock can be turned to the locked position. Disassembly can be achieved by reversing one or more of these steps. In some embodiments, the spring may be inserted before the lock. In other embodiments, the spring may be inserted after the lock (for example, if the spring has a lock retaining flange).

[0085] Further embodiments that may be configured similarly or identically to those disclosed in FIGS. 1 to 57, except for the following differences or variations, are disclosed in FIGS. 58 to 66. Generally, the tip and the adapter of the tip and adapter assembly 150 can be configured as described above in this specification.

[0086] However, the retaining mechanism 400a has a lock 1000 having a skirt 1002 that lacks a peripheral angled or contoured material ejection surface that at least partially bounds the through slot 1004. Also, the detent openings are configured differently from those shown in the previous figures. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 63, the first detent opening 1006 and the second detent opening 1006a define a radial detent depth 1008 in the range of 0.0 millimeters (mm) to 5.0 millimeters (mm), and a detent width 1010 in the range of 5.0 millimeters (mm) to 35.0 millimeters (mm).

[0087] Also, as best seen in FIGS. 64 to 66, the retainer spring 2000 can have a folded body having a flat lock engaging portion 2002, a first side undulation 2004, and a second side undulation 2004a.

[0088] Looking at FIG. 66, the first side undulation 2004 (which may also be referred to as the first side wave) can include a first peak 2006 adjacent to the flat lock engagement portion 2002 (which may also be referred to as the top flat portion), and a first valley 2008 adjacent to the first end 2010 of the folding body.

[0089] Similarly, the second side undulation portion 2004a (which may also be referred to as the second side waveform portion) can include a second peak 2006a adjacent to the flat lock engagement portion 2002 and a second valley 2008a adjacent to the second end 2010a of the folding body. These undulated or wavy sides allow the spring to compress when the lock is rotated.

[0090] The ends 2010, 2010a are shown to be formed by the bottom angled portions 2012, 2012a. However, in other embodiments, it is envisioned that the ends may be formed by mounting flanges parallel to the flat lock engagement portion. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, other configurations are possible.

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 65 and 66, the folding body can define two different symmetry planes 2014, 2014a that can be perpendicular to each other. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, there may be only one symmetry plane or no symmetry plane at all.

[0092] The first side wave (refer to 2004) can include a first upper angled portion 2016 from the upper flat portion (refer to 2002) to the first peak 2006 and a second central angled portion 2020 from the first peak 2006 to the first valley 2008. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a first acute angle 2022 in the range of 30.0 degrees to 60.0 degrees is formed therebetween.

[0093] Also, the first bottom angled portion 2012 (which may also be referred to as the third angled portion) can form a second acute angle 2024 with the second central angled portion 2020, which is also in the range of 30.0° to 60.0° in some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0094] In addition, as shown in FIG. 66, the first end portion 2010 may be spaced inwardly by a predetermined distance 2029 from a first tangent line 2026 to a first peak 2006 that is perpendicular to the upper flat portion (this distance may range from 0.25 mm to 2.00 mm in some embodiments). This may not be the case in other embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the first end portion may coincide with this tangent line.

[0095] Furthermore, the first side corrugation and the second side corrugation may be separated by a minimum distance 2028 in the range of 0.0 mm to 10.0 mm, or 1.0 mm to 25.0 mm in various embodiments of the present disclosure. The first peak may define a first radius of curvature 2030, and the first valley 2008 may define a second radius of curvature 2032 that is larger than the first radius of curvature 2030. The first upper angled portion 2016 defines a first length 2034, and the second central angled portion 2020 defines a second length 2036 that is larger than the first length 2034. Also, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the folding body may define a thickness 2038 in the range of 0.0 mm to 10.0 mm. The folding body may define a maximum height 2039, measured perpendicular from the upper flat portion of the folding body to the first end portion, in the range of 5.0 mm to 50.0 mm in some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0096] The dimensional ranges may vary depending on the scale of the design. In such cases, the ratio of any one dimension to the other dimensions may fall within 20% of the median value of the dimensional range.

[0097] As can be seen from the figures, the detents of these embodiments resemble flat portions that are shallower than deep rounded or hexagonal notches. A smaller stress concentration can be provided by the shallower flat portions.

[0098] Also, the spring is easy to manufacture and may increase stability when attached. In this design, a small opening is provided in the center, and the material packed therein may gather, which may inhibit the function of the spring. Also, by increasing the flexibility of the spring, it may be easier to attach, and the labor of locking and unlocking may be reduced.

[0099] It is understood that the foregoing description provides examples of the disclosed assemblies and techniques. However, it is envisioned that other implementations of the disclosure may differ in detail from the foregoing examples. All references to the disclosure or its examples are intended to refer to the specific examples being described at that time and are not intended to imply a more general limitation with respect to the scope of the disclosure. All distinctions and expressions of disparagement regarding specific features are intended to indicate a lack of preference for those features and are not intended to completely exclude those features from the scope of the disclosure unless otherwise specified.

[0100] Unless otherwise indicated herein, descriptions of ranges of values herein are intended solely as a concise way to refer individually to each value falling within the range, and each individual value is incorporated herein as if it were individually recited herein.

[0101] As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various modifications and changes can be made to the embodiments of the apparatus and assembly method described herein without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. Considering the specifications and practices of the various embodiments disclosed herein, other embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, a part of a device with a configuration and function different from those described herein may omit a step of any method, be executed in an order different from that specifically described, and in some cases, be executed simultaneously or in sub-steps. Further, variations or modifications can be made to specific aspects or features of the various embodiments to create additional embodiments, and the features and aspects of the various embodiments can be added to or replaced with other features or aspects of other embodiments to provide additional embodiments.

[0102] Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Further, unless otherwise specified herein or clearly inconsistent with the context, all possible combinations of any variations of the above elements are included in this disclosure.

Claims

1. A holding mechanism (400a) including a retainer (404a), wherein the retainer (404a) is a skirt (416) including a rotating surface (474) having a rotation axis (230) and defining a circumferential direction (236), the skirt (416) extending by 180.0 degrees or less around the rotation axis (230) and forming a through slot (422), and a drive part (423) axially extending from the skirt (416). The holding mechanism (400a).

2. The rotating surface (474) is a conical surface (418) or a cylindrical surface, and the through slot (422) of the retainer (404a) includes a linear surface (424) extending from the floor (478) of the through slot (422) to a first circumferential end (480) of the skirt (416) and a second circumferential end (482) of the skirt (416). The holding mechanism (404a) according to claim 1.

3. The skirt (416) further lacks a peripheral angled or contoured material ejection surface (428) at least partially adjacent to the through slot (422). The holding mechanism (400a) according to claim 1.

4. The skirt (416) defines a first detent opening (430) and a second detent opening (432) spaced from the first detent opening (430) around the rotation axis (230). The holding mechanism (400a) according to claim 1.

5. The first detent opening (430) is spaced 45.0 degrees to 135.0 degrees from the second detent opening (432) around the rotation axis (230), and the first detent opening (430) is a through slot (422) having an arcuate or rectangular contour (491). The holding mechanism (400a) according to claim 4.

6. The first detent opening (430) defines a radial detent depth in the range of 0.0 mm to 5.0 mm and a detent width in the range of 5.0 mm to 35.0 mm. The holding mechanism (400a) according to claim 5.

7. The holding mechanism (400a) according to claim 2 further includes a gusset (492) extending from the floor (478) to the linear surface (424).

8. A holding mechanism (400a) including a retainer spring (2000), wherein the retainer spring (2000) has a folded body with a flat lock engagement part (2002), a first side undulation part (2004), A holding mechanism (400a) including a second side undulating portion (2004a). **Claim 9** The holding mechanism (400a) according to claim 8, wherein the first side undulating portion (2004) includes a first peak (2006) adjacent to the flat lock engaging portion (2002) and a first valley (2008) adjacent to a first end portion (2010) of the folding body. **Claim 10** The holding mechanism (400a) according to claim 9, wherein the second side undulating portion (2004a) includes a second peak (2006a) adjacent to the flat lock engaging portion (2002) and a second valley (2008a) adjacent to a second end portion (2010a) of the folding body.

Images