Spring steel sleeve design

Abstract

To provide a retention mechanism that uses a spring steel sleeve design to retain a retainer of the retention mechanism in a locked or unlocked configuration.SOLUTION: A spring (400) comprises a first spring arm (428) extending from a first side edge (418) of a flat base (406'), wherein the first spring arm (428) includes a first arcuate portion (430) extending from the flat base (406'), a first straight portion (432) extending from the first arcuate portion (430) and disposed proximate a rear surface (416), wherein the first straight portion (432) defines a first obtuse angle (434) with the rear surface (416), and length (436) of the first straight portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a retention mechanism for use with a work implement assembly, such as a bucket assembly used by earthmoving, mining, construction machines, etc. to mount an end tool to an adapter of the work implement assembly. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a retention mechanism that uses a spring steel sleeve design to hold a retainer of the retention mechanism in a locked or unlocked configuration. [Background technology]

[0002] Machines such as wheel loaders, excavators, and the like employ work implement assemblies including bucket assemblies, rakes, shears, and the like, that are fitted with tines or tips to aid in working with materials such as dirt, rock, sand, and the like. For example, tines or tips may be attached to the bucket assembly to aid in the bucket assembly penetrating the ground and to facilitate scooping of soil into the bucket. Adapters are often attached to the working end (e.g., base end, side edge, etc.) of a bucket or other work implement so that different styles of tines or tips may be attached to the work implement. Also, by providing a retention mechanism that is used to selectively retain the tip on the adapter or to allow the tip to be removed from the adapter, the tip or tines may be easily replaced as it wears.

[0003] U.S. Patent No. 9,222,243 B2 discloses a wear assembly for use with various types of earth moving machines that includes a base with a support portion, a wear member with a cavity in which the support portion is received, and a lock for releasably securing the wear member to the base. The support portion is formed with upper and lower recesses that receive complementary protrusions on the wear member. The recesses and protrusions include aligned holes adapted to receive and position the lock centrally within the wear assembly and away from the wear face. The lock includes a mounting component that defines a threaded opening for receiving a threaded pin that is used to releasably hold the wear member to the base. A retaining clip is provided to prevent rotation of the mounting component.

[0004] However, the retaining clip of the '243 patent does not solve all of the problems associated with the retention mechanism, such as preventing the loading of dirt or other materials into the retention mechanism, which may impede its performance. Additionally, the retaining clip of '243 may undesirably increase the force required to unlock the retention mechanism. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A spring according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a flat base defining a front surface, a back surface, a first side edge, a second side edge, an upper edge, a lower edge, and a thickness of the flat base measured from the front surface to the back surface; a first spring arm extending from the first side edge of the flat base, the first spring arm including a first arcuate portion extending rearwardly from the flat base; a first straight portion extending from the first arcuate portion and positioned proximate the rear surface, the first straight portion defining a first outer obtuse angle with the rear surface; and a folded body including a first straight portion length.

[0006] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a spring includes a folded body including a flat base defining a front side, a back side, a first side edge, a second side edge, a top edge, and a bottom edge; and a first spring arm extending from the first side edge of the flat base, the first spring arm including a first arcuate portion extending rearwardly from the flat base, a first straight portion extending from the first arcuate portion and positioned proximate to the back side, a second arcuate portion extending rearwardly from the first straight portion, and a second straight portion extending from the second arcuate portion and positioned proximate to the first straight portion such that the first spring arm forms a first serpentine path.

[0007] A spring-loaded retainer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a lug receiving portion defining a first maximum outer dimension, the lug receiving portion defining a lug receiving slot extending partially therethrough and forming a first sidewall, a second sidewall and a catch surface connecting the first sidewall to the second sidewall, a drive portion defining a second maximum outer dimension, and a first flat portion disposed outboard of the lug receiving portion proximate the first sidewall or the second sidewall. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a work implement assembly, such as a bucket assembly, that uses tips, adapters, and retention mechanisms with components constructed in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 2 is a perspective view of the tip and adapter subassembly of FIG. 1, shown separated from the work tool assembly of FIG. [Diagram 3] 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the tip of FIG. 2, showing a retention mechanism and its components according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in a locked configuration, without the adapter. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a rear cross-sectional view of the tip of FIG. 3 without any retention features shown, but more clearly showing the retention feature-receiving apertures of the tip. [Diagram 5] 5 is an enlarged detail view of the tip of FIG. 4 illustrating the retention mechanism and its components assembled into the retention mechanism-receiving aperture of the tip. The spring-loaded retainer is shown in an unlocked configuration. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the retention mechanism of Figure 5 fully assembled into the retention mechanism-receiving aperture of the tip tool. The spring-loaded retainer is shown in an unlocked configuration. [Figure 7] 7 is a side view of the tip and spring-loaded retainer of FIG. 6 with the spring-loaded retainer rotated to a locked configuration. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a rear cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 6, except with the spring-loaded retainer in an unlocked configuration and with a second spring inserted into the retention mechanism receiving aperture with the spring-loaded retainer in the unlocked configuration. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the spring-mounted retainer of Figures 5 to 8 shown in isolation. This embodiment of the spring-mounted retainer employs two flats. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flat pattern of the spring of FIGS. 5-8 before being bent into a desired shape. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the spring of FIGS. 5-8 after it has been bent into a desired shape. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a front view of the spring of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an enlarged top view of a portion of the spring of FIG. 11, more clearly illustrating the configuration of the spring arms extending from the base of the spring. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 shows two springs configured identically to those of FIG. 11 used to hold a spring-loaded retainer at only one flat in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 shows the spring tangentially contacting the spring-mounted retainer as shown on the right side of FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 shows the upward movement of the spring against the flats of the spring-loaded retainer as shown on the left side of FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 shows an insert being inserted into the spring of FIG. 11 between the spring arms and the base of the spring. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 shows the fully assembled spring with the insert of FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the adapter of FIG. 2 shown in isolation, clearly showing a rail located aft of a lug on the nose of the adapter according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20]FIG. 20 is an enlarged side detail view of the lug and rail on the adapter nose of FIG. 19, more clearly showing the arcuate contour of the front portion of the rail showing the spring-loaded retainer attached to the lug on the adapter nose. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 shows the spring-loaded retainer mounted on the nose lugs of the adapter of FIG. 20 and illustrates how the arcuate contour of the front portion of the rail allows the spring-loaded retainer to pivot while helping to prevent dirt or other debris from entering the tip from the rear of the tip. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a rear cross-sectional view of the tip and adapter of FIG. 2, providing a better understanding of how the perimeter of the nose and the presence of the adapter rails help prevent dirt and other debris from entering the adapter nose receiving pocket of the tip without interfering with the assembly of the tip to the nose. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. In some cases, where reference numbers are shown herein, the drawings may show the reference numbers followed by a letter, e.g., 100a, 100b, or a reference number followed by a prime designation, 100', 100", etc. The use of a letter or prime following a reference number should be understood to mean that these features are similarly shaped and sometimes have similar functions, such as when geometric structures are mirrored relative to a plane of symmetry. For convenience of explanation herein, sometimes letters or primes are not included herein, but may be shown in the drawings to indicate redundancy of features described within the described specification.

[0010] A working device assembly using an end tool according to various embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described.

[0011] Beginning with FIG. 1, a work implement assembly 100 may be used with a wheel loader and may generally take the form of a bucket assembly 100' that includes an enclosure 101 that defines an opening 102 that communicates with an enclosed interior. As shown in FIG. 1, beginning at the rear of the bucket assembly 100, the bucket assembly 100 includes a curved shell profile 104 attached to a rear wall 106 at an upper edge of the shell 104. The other end of the shell is attached to a bottom plate 108 of the assembly 100. A top plate 110 is attached to the upper edge of the rear wall 106. The top plate 110 transitions to a spill guard 112 designed to funnel material into the interior of the bucket and prevent material from spilling out of the bucket. Reinforcing ribs 118 attached to the top plate 110 and the spill guard 112 are provided to provide reinforcement for strength. Two substantially flat end plates 114 are attached to the spill guard 112 , the top plate 110 , the rear wall 106 , the bottom plate 108 and the side edges of the shell 104 .

[0012] A side edge assembly 115 is attached to each end plate 114, and a leading edge assembly 116 is attached to a leading edge of a bottom plate 108 of the bucket assembly 100. The leading edge assembly 116 includes a base end 117 attached to the bottom plate 108, a plurality of center adapters 118 attached to the base end 117, and a plurality of tip tools 200 (which may also be referred to as tools, teeth, etc.), each of the plurality of tip tools 200 attached to one of the plurality of center adapters 118. Two corner adapters 120 are also attached to the base end and side edges 122 of the bucket assembly 100'. The tip tools 200 may also be attached to the corner adapters 120.

[0013] Additionally, the plurality of proximal end protectors 124 also includes respective proximal end protectors 124 positioned between the center adaptors 120 and between the center adaptors 120 and the corner adaptors 120. Side edge protectors 126 are also provided that are attached to the side edges 122 adjacent the corner adaptors 120.

[0014] It should be understood that the work implement assembly may take other forms other than a bucket assembly, including a rake assembly, a shear assembly, etc. Additionally, buckets of different configurations intended for use by an excavator may also use various embodiments of the tips, retention mechanisms, adapters, springs, spring-loaded retainers, tip assemblies, and tip-adapter assemblies, etc., described herein.

[0015] A tip tool 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to Figures 2-8, 15, and 16. It may be used with a spring-loaded retainer 300 and a spring 400 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] Beginning with Figures 2-6, the tip 200 may include a body 202 defining a longitudinal axis 204, a vertical axis 206 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 204, and a transverse axis 208 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 204. The body 202 may include a forward working portion 210 disposed along the longitudinal axis 204 including a closed end 212, and a rear mounting portion 214 disposed along the longitudinal axis 204 including an open end 216. As best seen in Figure 4, the body 202 may define a vertical plane of symmetry 228, although this may not be the case in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] 3-6, rear mounting portion 214 defines an exterior surface 218, an adapter nose receiving pocket 220 extending longitudinally from open end 216, and a retention mechanism receiving aperture 222 in communication with adapter nose receiving pocket 220 and exterior surface 218. An adapter nose lug receiving groove 224 may extend longitudinally from open end 216 to retention mechanism receiving aperture 222. At least one spring receiving slot 226 may be in communication with retention mechanism receiving aperture 222 and adapter nose receiving pocket 220.

[0018] 5, the at least one spring receiving slot 226 includes a spring base receiving portion 228 that extends laterally from the adapter nose receiving pocket 220 and terminates at a vertical surface 230. A spring arm receiving portion 232 may also extend vertically from the spring base receiving portion 228 and terminate laterally at a first vertical surface 234 that is disposed laterally between the adapter nose receiving pocket 220 and the vertical surface 230. The spring arm receiving portion 232 may also terminate laterally at a second vertical surface 236 that is disposed laterally between the first vertical surface 234 and the vertical surface 230 of the adapter nose receiving pocket 220.

[0019] The body 202 can define an upper vertical end 238 of the retention feature receiving aperture 222 and a lower vertical end 240 of the retention feature receiving aperture 222. At least one spring receiving slot 226 can be located proximate the upper vertical end 238 or the lower vertical end 240. In some embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 1, two such slots are provided, one at the upper vertical end and one at the lower vertical end, as shown in FIG.

[0020] In some embodiments, the at least one spring receiving slot 226 can be disposed proximate the lower vertical end 240. The body 202 can include a lead-in surface 242 (e.g., a fillet, chamfer, etc.) that extends from the adapter nose receiving pocket 220 to the spring base receiving portion 228 of the at least one spring receiving slot 226.

[0021] With continued reference to Figure 5, retention feature receiving aperture 222 includes a first cylindrical portion 244 extending from exterior surface 218 and a second cylindrical portion 246 extending from adapter nose receiving pocket 222 to first cylindrical portion 244. Thus, adapter nose receiving pocket 220 is in communication with the exterior of tip 220 through retention feature receiving aperture 222. For the embodiment shown in Figure 1, first cylindrical portion 244 defines a first cylindrical portion radius 248 and second cylindrical portion 246 defines a second cylindrical portion radius 250 that is greater than first cylindrical portion radius 248 and forms vertical surface 230, as shown in Figure 5. Other configurations are possible in other disclosed embodiments.

[0022] A tip tool assembly 500 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to Figures 2, 3, 5 and 6. The tip tool assembly 500 may include a tip tool 200 configured similarly to that previously described herein. Further, looking at Figures 3, 5 and 6, the tip tool assembly 500 may include a spring-loaded retainer 300 disposed within the retention mechanism receiving aperture 222. The spring-loaded retainer 300 may be configured to be accessible from the exterior surface 218 such that a user may use a tool to drive or rotate the spring-loaded retainer from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration or vice versa. A spring 400 may be disposed in at least one spring receiving slot 226 such that the spring 400 is inserted vertically between the body 202 of the tip tool 200 and the spring-loaded retainer 300.

[0023] 5 and 6, the spring 400 may also include a flange portion 402 disposed laterally between the spring mounted retainer 300 and the adapter nose receiving pocket 220 to help retain the spring mounted retainer 300 properly on the tip 200. The spring 400 may also include at least one spring arm 404 disposed perpendicular to the spring arm receiving portion 232 of the at least one spring receiving slot 226 and laterally adjacent the first vertical surface 234. Thus, the spring 400 is biased to be held in place while holding the spring mounted retainer 300 in place. The base 406 may be disposed in the spring base receiving portion 228 of the at least one spring receiving slot 226. The base 406 may contact the spring-loaded retainer 300 and helps accommodate stack-up tolerances between the spring-loaded retainer 300 and the tip 200 to provide resistance from unintentional rotation of the spring-loaded retainer 300, etc. The spring arm receiving portion 232 also terminates laterally at a second vertical surface 236 disposed laterally between the first vertical surface 234 and the vertical surface 230 of the adapter nose receiving pocket 220, with the at least one spring arm 404 disposed laterally proximate the second vertical surface 236 to help prevent the spring 400 from moving toward the outside of the tip 200.

[0024] 6, the base 406 of the spring 400 may be laterally spaced from the vertical surface 230 a predetermined distance 502 ranging from 0 mm to 6.5 mm. This distance may vary differently in other embodiments of the present disclosure, or the base 406 may contact the vertical surface 230 in other embodiments of the present disclosure, such as when the second vertical surface 236 is coextensive with the vertical surface 230.

[0025] The at least one spring receiving slot 226 may take the form of a first spring receiving slot 226' disposed proximate the lower vertical end 240 of the retention mechanism receiving aperture 222. The at least one spring 400 may include a first spring 400' disposed in the first spring receiving slot 226' disposed proximate the lower vertical end 240. The body 202 of the tip 200 may include a lead-in surface 242 extending from the adapter nose receiving pocket 220 to the spring base receiving portion 228 of the at least one spring receiving slot 226.

[0026] The second spring receiving slot 226 ″ may be located proximate the upper vertical end 238 , and the second spring 400 ″ may be located in the second spring receiving slot 226 ″ that also contacts the spring mounted retainer 300 .

[0027] The first spring 400' may, but is not necessarily, identical to the second spring 400''. Similarly, the first spring receiving slot 226' may be configured similarly to the second spring receiving slot 226'. That is, the slots are substantially identical except that they are bounded by an angled surface 252 that forms the nose receiving pocket of the adapter such that the second spring receiving slot appears slightly different from the first spring receiving slot. This may not be the case in other embodiments, and the configuration of the various springs and their associated slots may be customized as needed to be different than that shown in FIG. 6, such as for other applications.

[0028] For example, in Figures 5 and 6, the spring mounted retainer 300 includes a first flat 302, and the base 406 of the spring 400 contacts the first flat 302 of the spring mounted retainer 300. Additionally, the spring mounted retainer 300 may include a second flat 304, and the second spring 400'' may contact the second flat 304. In such an embodiment, Figure 5 illustrates how the spring 400', 400'' is assembled to the tip 200 by rotating the spring mounted retainer 300 so that its flats 302, 304 are positioned in an upper and lower position. Thus, interference between the spring 400', 400'' and the spring mounted retainer 300 is minimized, reducing the amount of assembly force required.

[0029] 8 and 14 show that when two springs 400', 400'' are used with a spring-mounted retainer 300 having only one flat 302, it is easier to assemble one spring 400' after the flat 302 is aligned with the slot into which the spring is to be inserted. Once the first spring 400' is properly assembled, the spring-mounted retainer 300 can then be rotated so that the flat 302 is oriented with the opposite slot, facilitating the assembly of the second spring 400'' into that slot.

[0030] Figures 15 and 16 show an embodiment where only a single spring 400 and flat 302 is used on the spring mounted retainer 300. Specifically, Figure 15 shows the spring 400 tangentially contacting the spring mounted retainer 300 as shown on the right side of Figure 14, while Figure 16 shows the movement of the spring 400 while contacting the flat 302 of the spring mounted retainer 300 as shown on the left side of Figure 14. When assembling the embodiment shown in Figures 15 and 16. It is easiest to orient the flat 302 as shown in Figure 16. Arrow 504 indicates that the movement of the spring arm traps the spring 400 in the slot 226'.

[0031] 3 and 9, various features of a spring-loaded retainer 300 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described. The spring-loaded retainer 300 may include a lug receiving portion 306 defining a first maximum outer dimension 308 and a lug receiving slot 310 extending partially through the lug receiving portion 306, forming a first sidewall 312, a second sidewall 312', and a catch surface 314 (so called because it contacts or nearly contacts a lug of an adapter in use) connecting the first sidewall 312 to the second sidewall 312'. The spring-loaded retainer 300 may also include a drive portion 316 defining a second maximum outer dimension 318. The first flat portion 302 may be disposed outboard of the lug receiving portion 306 adjacent the first sidewall 312 or the second sidewall 312'.

[0032] More specifically, when viewing FIG. 9, the lug receiving portion 306 may include a lug receiving cylindrical portion 320 including an outer cylindrical surface 322 that defines a radial direction 324, a circumferential direction 326, and a cylindrical axis 328. In such an embodiment, the first maximum outer dimension 308 may take the form of an outer cylindrical surface diameter 330 (see also FIG. 8). Additionally, the drive portion 316 may include a drive cylindrical portion 332 and the second maximum outer dimension 318 may take the form of a drive cylindrical portion diameter 334 that is smaller than the outer cylindrical surface diameter 330 of the lug receiving cylindrical portion 320. The configuration of these features may be other than cylindrical in other embodiments, such as conical.

[0033] 9, the first flat 302 may be disposed on the outer cylindrical surface 322 and may be circumferentially aligned with the first sidewall 312 as shown. Optionally, the spring loaded retainer 300 may further include a second flat 304 disposed on the outer cylindrical surface 322 that is circumferentially aligned with the second sidewall 312'. The stop protrusion 336 may extend axially away from the drive portion 316 that is circumferentially aligned with the first flat 302. Other configurations are possible.

[0034] 10-13, a spring 400 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0035] 10 illustrates that the manufacture of spring 400 may begin with a flat pattern 408 made from metal (e.g., spring steel) that is bent into the desired final shape via a progressive stamping die process or similar processing technique. Flat pattern 408 is shown with bent regions 410 that are indicated to be transformed into the various arcuate portions of spring 400 by a folding and bending process, as described herein.

[0036] 11-13, the spring 400 can be transformed into a folded body 412 including a flat base 406' that defines a front surface 414, a back surface 416, a first side edge 418, a second side edge 420, an upper edge 422, a lower edge 424, and a flat base thickness 426 (minimum dimension, see FIG. 13) measured from the front surface 414 to the back surface 416 in the range of 0.25 mm to 1.5 mm.

[0037] The first spring arm 428 may extend from a first side edge 418 of the flat base 406'. As best seen in FIG. 13, the first spring arm 428 may include a first arcuate portion 430 extending rearwardly from the flat base 406' and a first straight portion 432 extending from the first arcuate portion 430 disposed proximate the back surface 416. That is, the first spring arm 428 is initially folded toward the flat base 406'. The first straight portion 432 may define a first outer obtuse angle 434 with respect to the back surface 416 ranging from 120 degrees to 170 degrees and a first straight portion length 436 ranging from 4.0 mm to 7.0 mm. Other configurations and dimensions are possible for any of these features in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] 13, the spring 400 may further include a second arcuate portion 438 extending rearwardly from the first straight portion 432 and a second straight portion 440 extending from the second arcuate portion 438 disposed proximate the first straight portion 432. The second straight portion 440 may define a second outer obtuse angle 442 that includes the first straight portion 432 in the range of 110 degrees to 160 degrees and a second straight portion length 444 in the range of 4.0 mm to 7.0 mm. Thus, the first spring arm 428 extends from the flat base 406' along a first serpentine path. Other configurations are possible.

[0039] The spring 400 may further include a third arcuate portion 446 extending forward from the second linear portion 440 and a third linear portion 448 extending from the third arcuate portion 446 disposed proximate the first arcuate portion 430. The third linear portion 448 may define a first outer acute angle 450 with respect to the second linear portion 440 ranging from 20 degrees to 60 degrees and a third linear portion length 452 ranging from 0.75 mm to 3.0 mm. Thus, an angled downward taper may be formed toward the outside of the spring to aid in loading the spring 400 into a tip.

[0040] 13 illustrates that the flat base 406' can define a mid-plane 454 disposed between the first side edge 418 and the second side edge 420. The spring 400 can be symmetrical about the mid-plane 454 such that a second spring arm extends from the second side edge of the flat base and forms a second serpentine path. This may not be true in other embodiments, such as where only one spring arm is provided or where different configurations of spring arms are provided.

[0041] As alluded to earlier herein, Figures 11-13 show that the spring 400 can have a flange portion 402 extending from a lower edge 424 of a flat base 406'. The flange portion 402 includes a flange arcuate portion 456 extending from the lower edge 424 and a flange straight portion 458 extending from the flange arcuate portion 456. The flange straight portion 458 can define a right angle 460 with the flat base 406'. The flange straight portion 458 can define a flange straight portion length 462 ranging from 2.0 mm to 5.0 mm. Other configurations and dimensions are possible in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0042] 11, the fold 412 may also define a first bend relief notch 464 disposed along the first side edge 418 between the first spring arm 428 and the bottom edge 424. A second bend relief notch 466 may also be disposed along the second side edge 420 between the second spring arm 468 and the bottom edge 424.

[0043] 12, the flat base 406' may define a flat base vertical length 470 measured from the upper edge 422 to the lower edge 424 in a range of 14.0 mm to 20.5 mm, and a flat base horizontal width 472 measured from the first side edge 418 to the second side edge 420 in a range of 10.0 mm to 14.0 mm.

[0044] 17 and 18, an insert 474 can be placed between the first and second spring arms 428, 468 such that the flat base 406 is pressed against the back surface 416 of the flat base 406' by the first and second spring arms 428, 468. The insert 474 can include at least one of the following materials: Cellasto®, rubber, and foam. If foam is used, it may be glued to the flat base 406'. The insert 474 can help prevent dirt or other debris from getting into the spring 400, which can hinder its performance.

[0045] 2 and 19-22 show an adapter 600 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure having features that can aid in preventing mud packing or other debris from entering the adapter nose receiving pocket of the tip after the tip is assembled onto the adapter. While the version of the adapter shown in these figures is a center adapter, it should be understood that the adapter may have other configurations, such as a corner adapter. Also, the adapter may define a midplane of symmetry as shown in the figures, but this is not necessarily the case in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0046] 2 and 19, the adapter 600 may include a body 602 including a nose portion 604 including a lug 606 extending from the nose portion 604. The body 602 may also include a first leg 608, a second leg 610, and a throat portion 612 connecting the legs 608, 610 and the nose portion 604 together. The first and second legs 608, 610 and the throat portion 612 define a slot 614 including a closed end 616 and an open end 618. The slot 614 thus defines an orientation of the assembly 620 relative to the working device, a lateral direction 622 perpendicular to the orientation of the assembly 620, and a vertical direction 624 perpendicular to the orientation of the assembly 620 and the lateral direction 622.

[0047] 19 and 20, nose portion 604 may further include a rail 626 disposed rearward of lug 606 along the direction of assembly 620. Rail 626 may include a forward arcuate surface 628 that defines a forward arcuate surface radius of curvature 630 ranging from 21.0 mm to 25.0 mm. Forward arcuate surface 628 may be spaced from lug 606 by a first minimum distance 632 ranging from 7.0 mm to 12.0 mm.

[0048] As best seen in FIG. 22, the rail 626 defines a lateral height 634 ranging from 10.0 mm to 16.0 mm and a vertical width 636 ranging from 25.0 mm to 32.0 mm.

[0049] As best seen in FIG. 20 , the rail 626 defines a rail length 638 along the direction of the assembly 620 ranging from 38.0 mm to 48.0 mm and includes a rear portion 640 with a rear blend 642 connecting the lug 606 to the throat portion 612.

[0050] It should be understood that the configurations and dimensions associated with these features may be varied differently in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0051] 22, a tip tool and adapter assembly 700 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be characterized as follows: The tip tool and adapter assembly 700 may include a tip tool 200 and an adapter 600 having a similar or identical configuration as previously described herein. The tip tool and adapter assembly 700 may further include a spring-loaded retainer 300, 300' mounted on the lug (see FIGS. 2 and 21).

[0052] 21, the rail 626 may be spaced from the spring-mounted retainer 300, 300' by a first minimum clearance distance 702 ranging from 1.0 mm to 8.0 mm. This can help ensure that the spring-mounted retainer can freely pivot if desired.

[0053] 22, the rail 626 may be spaced from the tip 200 at the adapter nose lug receiving groove 220 of the tip 200 by a second minimum clearance distance 704 ranging from 1.0 mm to 6.0 mm. This can help limit mud packing and other debris from entering the adapter nose receiving pocket of the tip while ensuring that the tip can be attached to the adapter without interference.

[0054] Again, it should be noted that any of the dimensions, angles, surface areas, and / or configurations of the various features, including those not specifically mentioned herein, may be varied as desired or necessary. Although not specifically described, blends such as fillets are shown connecting the various surfaces. It should be understood that these may be omitted in other embodiments, and that their presence may at times be disregarded when reading this specification, unless specifically mentioned. [Industrial Applicability]

[0055] Indeed, the machines, work implement assemblies, tip tools, adapters, tip tool assemblies, tip tool-adapter assemblies, springs, spring-loaded retainers, and / or any combination of these various assemblies and components may be manufactured, purchased, sold or otherwise acquired for field retrofitting of machines or work implement assemblies in an aftermarket situation, or may be manufactured, purchased, sold or otherwise acquired in an OEM situation.

[0056] Any of the aforementioned components may be made from any suitable material, including iron, gray iron, steel, spring steel, plastic, rubber, foam, and the like.

[0057] It will be understood that the above description provides an illustration of the disclosed assemblies and techniques. However, it is contemplated that other implementations of the present invention may differ in detail from the above-described examples. All references to the present invention or these examples are intended to refer to the specific examples described at that time, and are not intended to imply any limitations on the scope of the present invention more generally. All language of distinction and disparagement regarding a particular feature is intended to indicate a lack of preference for that feature, but is not intended to completely exclude such from the scope of the present invention unless specifically stated.

[0058] Recitation of ranges of values ​​herein, unless otherwise expressly stated herein, is intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each individual value falling within that range, and each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.

[0059] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments of the apparatus and methods of assembly described herein without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention(s). Other embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and various implementations disclosed herein. For example, parts of the equipment may be configured and function differently than described herein, and certain steps of any method may be omitted or performed in a different order than specifically mentioned, or may be performed simultaneously or at a sub-step, in some cases. It is noted that variations and modifications to specific aspects or features of the various embodiments may also be made to produce other embodiments, and features and aspects of the various embodiments may be added to or substituted for other features or aspects of the other embodiments to provide still further embodiments.

[0060] Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by this disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.

Claims

1. A spring-loaded retainer (300), a lug receiving portion (306) defining a first maximum outer dimension (308), the lug receiving portion (306) also defining a lug receiving slot (310) extending partially through said lug receiving portion (306) and forming a first side wall (312), a second side wall (312'), and a catch surface (314) connecting said first side wall (312) to said second side wall (312'); a drive portion (316) defining a second maximum outer dimension (318); a first flat portion (302) disposed outside the lug receiving portion (306) adjacent the first side wall (312) or the second side wall (312'); the lug receiving portion (306) includes a lug receiving cylindrical portion (320) including an outer cylindrical surface (322) defining a radial direction (324), a circumferential direction (326), and a cylindrical axis (328); The first flat portion (302) is disposed on the outer cylindrical surface (322) and is circumferentially aligned with the first sidewall (312).

2. A spring-mounted retainer (300) as described in claim 1, wherein the first maximum outer dimension (308) is a cylindrical surface outer diameter (330), the drive portion (316) includes a drive cylindrical portion (332), and the second maximum outer dimension (318) is a drive cylindrical portion diameter (334) that is smaller than the cylindrical surface outer diameter (330) of the lug receiving cylindrical portion (320).

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