U.S. patent application number 11/471246 was filed with the patent office on 2006-10-26 for insert for locking mechanism for ground engaging tools.
This patent application is currently assigned to QSF Acquisitions Inc.. Invention is credited to Dwight L. Adamic.
Application Number | 20060236567 11/471246 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33315276 |
Filed Date | 2006-10-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060236567 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Adamic; Dwight L. |
October 26, 2006 |
Insert for locking mechanism for ground engaging tools
Abstract
The present invention is directed to an insert for use with
ground engaging tools. It allows newer-type locking mechanisms to
be used to lock wear members to older-styled support structures.
The insert is comprised of an elongated body for insertion into a
passage in the support structure. At one end is a faceplate for
engaging the inner surface of the wear member. At the other end is
preferably an attachment means for connecting to corresponding
attachments on the inner surface of the opposing leg of the wear
member. The faceplate has a recess for receiving the end of a lock
pin used to lock the wear member or adapter to the support
structure. Alternatively, a lock pin may abut against the rear end
of the faceplate.
Inventors: |
Adamic; Dwight L.;
(Edmonton, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ESCO CORPORATION
2141 NW 25TH AVENUE
P.O. BOX 10123
PORTLAND
OR
97210
US
|
Assignee: |
QSF Acquisitions Inc.
Portland
OR
97210
|
Family ID: |
33315276 |
Appl. No.: |
11/471246 |
Filed: |
June 20, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10760378 |
Jan 21, 2004 |
|
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11471246 |
Jun 20, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
37/452 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02F 9/2833
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
037/452 |
International
Class: |
E02F 9/28 20060101
E02F009/28 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 26, 2003 |
CA |
2,443,168 |
Claims
1-12. (canceled)
13. A wear member for an excavating bucket or the like comprising a
front end, an outer surface, and a rear end having a rearwardly
opening cavity for receiving a base fixed to the excavating bucket,
the cavity being defined by converging walls converging toward the
front end and sidewalls interconnecting the converging walls, and
each of the sidewalls including an axially extending
dovetail-shaped groove that opens in the rear end of the
cavity.
14. A wear member in accordance with claim 1 further including a
passage extending from the outer surface to the cavity for
receiving a pin for holding the wear member to the base.
15. A wear member in accordance with claim 2 wherein the passage
opens in one of the grooves.
16. A wear member in accordance with claim 3 wherein the front end
includes a nose for mounting a point.
17. A wear member in accordance with claim 3 wherein the front end
is wearable bit for penetrating the ground.
18. A wear member in accordance with claim 1 wherein the grooves
are in alignment with each other across the cavity.
19. A wear member in accordance with claim 1 wherein the front end
includes a nose for mounting a point.
20. A wear member in accordance with claim 1 wherein the front end
is wearable bit for penetrating the ground.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to the field of locking and coupling
mechanisms for retaining wear members on support structures and,
preferably, for use with ground-engaging tools.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Buckets on digging machines are generally equipped with
replaceable ground-engaging teeth. These teeth attach to adapters
or adapter bases, which indirectly attach the teeth to the bucket
lip. The teeth, as well as the adapters, wear over time and
therefore need to be replaced frequently during operation. As well,
lock mechanisms that couple these together and/or to the base must
be easy to use to minimize downtime of the equipment.
[0003] Worker safety is also an important issue. Adapter locking
mechanisms are often the older type commonly called
wedge-and-spool. These locks are comprised of two pieces that are
hammered into an opening in the wear member and the support
structure on which the wear member is placed. Once hammered into
place, they are often spot-welded to ensure they do not come loose
during use of the tool. As a result, wedge-and-spool locks are
difficult to remove and sometimes shatter during installation or
removal, endangering the safety of nearby workers.
[0004] Other locking mechanisms have been designed to overcome
these disadvantages. However, many of these systems require
specific features in the wear members or support structures.
Ground-engaging buckets are used for many years before they are
replaced. Adapter bases are attached to the bucket lips. Adapters
are welded or locked onto the bases. Most of these adapters have
openings that correspond to openings in opposing walls of the
adapter bases or bucket lips and are designed to work with
older-type locking mechanisms rather than newer locking mechanisms
that are more efficient and safer to use.
[0005] There is therefore a need for a means of attaching wear
members, such as teeth or adapters, having a newer design to
support structures, such as adapters or adapter bases, designed to
be used with older-type locking mechanisms using a modern coupling
system without the need for retrofit. There is also a need for such
an assembly that is safe and easy for workers to use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] One aspect of the present invention is directed to an insert
for use, in combination with a locking assembly, for attaching a
work piece to a support structure. The work piece and support
structure respectively have a first and second passage which are in
communication when the work piece is operatively coupled to the
support structure. The insert comprises an elongated body for
insertion into the second passage in the support structure. The
body has two opposing ends and a longitudinal axis. It also
preferably has attachment means at at least one of the opposing
ends for engaging the work piece or the lock assembly when the work
piece is operatively coupled to the support structure.
[0007] In a further aspect of the present invention, the insert has
attachment means at one end that comprises a faceplate generally
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body. When the insert
is inserted in the second passage, the faceplate is positioned
between the work piece and the support structure when they are
operatively coupled. The faceplate preferably engages corresponding
slots or other attachments means on the inner surface of the work
piece. Also, the faceplate preferably has a recess in its outer
surface for receiving one end of a lock pin or other locking
assembly inserted into the first passage for locking the work piece
to the support structure.
[0008] In a further aspect of the present invention, the work piece
will have a first passage extending through its upper surface as
well as a third passage extending forward from its rear end in a
generally longitudinal direction, wherein the passage of the
support structure and those of the work piece are in communication.
When the insert is positioned in the second passage in the support
structure, the faceplate of the insert will extend from the second
passage to engage attachment means, such as a slot, in the third
passage in the work piece. A locking assembly would engage the
rearward end of the faceplate, by having a lock pin extend through
the first passage and abut against the rearward end of the
faceplate, for maintaining the work piece on the support structure.
Alternatively, a pin carrier may be inserted into the third passage
to abut against the rearward end of the faceplate, and the lock pin
would extend through the first passage to engage the pin carrier
for maintaining the work piece on the support structure.
[0009] In a further aspect of the present invention, the insert
extends only partially through the second passage or alternatively,
is comprised of two inserted pieces of which one or both may be
used. When two inserts are used, they may interconnect at their
inner ends. This is preferred since the inserts are thereby
retained in the second passageway until the work piece is placed on
the support structure.
[0010] A further aspect of the present invention is directed to a
method for locking a work piece to a support structure wherein the
work piece and support structure respectively have a first and
second passage that are in communication when the work piece is
operatively coupled to the support structure. The method includes
the steps of inserting the insert into the second passage in the
support structure; positioning the work piece on to the support
structure in an operative position; engaging the insert with the
work piece; and using a locking assembly to lock the work piece to
the support structure. Preferably, a lock pin extends through the
first passage and into a recess in the end of the insert.
[0011] Other aspects and features of the present invention will
become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review
of the following description of specific embodiments of the
invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described,
by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures,
wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a top-side elevated view of one embodiment of the
insert of the present invention for use with an adapter base;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a bottom-side elevated view of the insert shown in
FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 3 is front view of the insert shown in FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the insert taken along
line 4-4 in FIG. 3.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a side view of the insert shown in FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a front view of a second embodiment of the insert
of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a top view of the insert shown in FIG. 6;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the insert shown in FIG. 6;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a side view of the insert shown in FIG. 6;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in
FIG. 7;
[0023] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an adapter positioned
on an adapter base and having an insert of FIG. 6 positioned
therein, where the adapter is locked to the adapter base with a
lock pin and lock retainer;
[0024] FIG. 12 is a front cross-sectional view taken along line C-C
of FIG. 11;
[0025] FIG. 13A is a perspective schematic view of the insert of
FIG. 1 illustrating the faceplate on the upper surface of the
adapter base;
[0026] FIG. 13 B is a perspective schematic view of the insert of
FIG. 1 illustrating the bottom end of the insert extending from the
passage of the adapter base;
[0027] FIG. 14 is a bottom elevational view of a ground-engaging
tooth and lock retainer;
[0028] FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of an adapter and
passage opening;
[0029] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a ground-engaging tooth on
an adapter with a lock pin to be inserted into the opening in the
tooth;
[0030] FIG. 17 is a side view of a further embodiment of the insert
of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 18 is a further embodiment of the insert of the present
invention; and
[0032] FIG. 19 is a side, perspective view of the inserts shown in
FIGS. 17 and 18 coupled together in a passage in an adapter
base.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] Generally, the present invention provides for an insert that
can be used in a passageway extending through a support structure
to provide for a meansto lock a wear member to the support
structure using a modern locking system. It is used with locking
systems that lock the wear member to the support structure but
which do not require special attachments in the support structure
passageway. The insert is preferably used with older designed
support structures having a passage extending through the support
structure to generally align with at least one passage in matching
old-style wear members. The insert may also be used with these
older designed support structures and with newer-style wear members
having a passage in communication or contiguous with the passage in
the support structure or having two passages in the wear member,
one extending through the upper leg of the wear member and one
extending from the rearward end of the wear member in a generally
longitudinal direction of the wear member, both of which are in
communication or contiguous with the passage in the support
structure.
[0034] Embodiments of the insert of the present invention are
described and shown in FIGS. 1 to 13 and 17 to 19 with reference to
the locking of an adapter to an adapter base. FIGS. 14 to 16 show
the locking of a tooth to an adapter. The present invention is not
limited to such embodiments as will be described in more detail.
"Wear members" is meant to refer to both adapters as well as
ground-engaging teeth. Support structures may include adapters,
adapter bases, or bucket lips. These terms may also be interpreted
in accordance with broader definitions, and industries other than
ground-engaging tools, that requiring the locking and removal of
work pieces to and from a support structure.
[0035] The present insert may be used with a support structure
having a passageway which extends through the support structure in
a vertical or horizontal direction, i.e. extending from top to
bottom or from side to side of the support structure. Preferably,
the insert will be tipped at each end with some attachment points
that engage corresponding shaped slots on the inside wall of the
wear member at one or both of its ends. Alternatively, it will not
engage any slots on the wear member but will be held in place
simply by the positioning of the wear member over the support
structure.
[0036] With reference to the figures, the insert of one embodiment
of the present invention is shown in more detail in FIGS. 1-5 and
13. It is generally designated as 1 and has an elongated body 3
extending along the longitudinal axis L. During use, it is placed
in a passageway in the adapter base and therefore the shape and
length of the main body 3 will correspond to the shape and length
of the passageway in the adapter base. At one end of the main body
is a generally flat faceplate 5 that has an outer surface generally
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the insert. The
faceplate has an increased thickness 6 on its forward face. As a
result, the lower surface of the flat face may be at an angle,
rather than generally perpendicular, to the longitudinal axis L of
the main body. The faceplate 5 preferably has a larger area than
the opening of the passage in the adapter base. When the main body
of the adapter base insert is placed in the adapter base passage,
the faceplate will prevent the insert from passing through the
passageway. This is shown in FIGS. 12 and 13A. The angle of the
faceplate to the main body will vary according to the angle of the
adapter base surface and the base passage. The outer surface of the
faceplate has a recess 9 that generally aligns with a lock pin
opening Q (shown for one embodiment in FIG. 16) in the adapter when
the adapter is placed over the adapter base.
[0037] The bottom end 11 of the adapter base insert opposite to the
faceplate 5 has grooves 13 extending across the main body of the
insert generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. These
grooves may be straight or curved as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The
grooves 13 preferably engage corresponding slots on the inside
surface of the adapter when the adapter is placed over the adapter
base. As shown in FIG. 13B, the end of the adapter base insert
preferably extends through the passage in the adapter base. The
grooves on the bottom end of the adapter base insert slide into
engagement with the corresponding attachment means on the inner
surface of the adapter. Accordingly, this bottom end of the adapter
base insert may incorporate any attachment means that corresponds
to attachment means on the inner surface of the adapter. In a
less-preferred alternative, the end 11 of the adapter base insert
does not engage the inner surface of the adapter.
[0038] During use, the faceplate is positioned on the outer surface
of the adapter base as shown in FIG. 13A and may engage attachment
means on the inner surface of the adapter. In one example, two of
the faceplate opposing edges engage corresponding slots on the
inner surface of the adapter. Alternatively, when the adapter is
positioned over the adapter base, the faceplate is positioned
between the inner surface of the adapter and the adapter base. In
this position, the adapter base insert cannot be removed from the
passage.
[0039] An alternate embodiment of the insert is shown in FIGS. 6 to
12. The insert is shown generally as 21. Its main body is
designated 23 with longitudinal axis L. The faceplate 25 has a
configuration similar to that shown in FIG. 1 with edges 27. It
also has a recess 29 that generally aligns with a lock pin opening
in the adapter when the adapter, adapter base, and adapter base
insert are operatively assembled. The bottom end 31 of the insert
has two grooves 33 extending around the longitudinal axis of the
main body. The end 31 of the insert preferably engages
corresponding slots on the inner wall of the adapter when
assembled. This engagement helps to retain the adapter tightly in
place on the adapter base. It is, however, contemplated that, in
less preferred embodiments, the end of the adapter base insert
would not engage the adapter.
[0040] A further embodiment is shown in FIGS. 17-19. In this
embodiment, the elongated body does not extend all the way through
the passage in the adapter base but instead only extends through a
portion of it. The insert consists of two elongated bodies. Each
body has a faceplate at one end for engaging slots or other
attachment means on the work piece. The faceplate is generally
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body and is
preferable larger than the passage in the adapter base. The
opposing ends of the elongated bodies interconnect through mating
attachments. One example is shown in FIG. 19 although others may be
used. Alternatively, the bodies may simply extend part of the way
through the passage and not interconnect to each other or only one
of these inserts may be used.
[0041] The insert may be used with a variety of locking means that
use a lock pin to engage the adapter and the adapter base. FIGS. 11
and 12 show the adapter base insert assembled with an adapter T,
adapter base A, and locking assembly. The locking assembly is
described in more detail in Canadian Application No. 2,312,550. The
adapter base insert is positioned in the passage in the adapter
base. A lock retainer I is placed in a recess R in the inner
surface of the adapter and the adapter is placed over the end of
the adapter base in an operative manner. The faceplate 25 of the
insert engages a corresponding slot on the inner surface of the
adapter and the faceplate's lower surface contacts the outer
surface of the adapter base. The bottom end 31 of the insert
extends through the passage and engages corresponding slots on the
inner surface of the adapter. The recess 29 in the faceplate of the
adapter base insert aligns with the lock pin opening in the
adapter. A lock pin P is inserted into the opening and tightened
into the lock retainer. The end of the lock pin will extend into
the recess 29 of the adapter base insert but the adapter base
insert will not prevent the pin from being fully tightened into the
lock retainer. A cross-section of this assembly is shown in FIG.
12. During use of the adapter, the end of the lock pin would
contact the adapter base insert. The adapter base insert would
therefore bear some of the wear member-removal forces from the pin
and transfer them to the support structure. Depending on the
particular locking assembly used, the adapter base insert may
contact the locking pin, lock retainer, or other parts of the
locking assembly during use of the wear member and bear forces from
them.
[0042] In a further alternative embodiment, the insert may be used
with an adapter having a first passage extending through its upper
leg and a second passage extending from its rear end along its
longitudinal axis. The adapter base will have a passage extending
through it that communicates with the passages of the adapter. The
faceplate of the insert will preferably have a flat surface at its
rearward-facing end. When the insert is positioned in the passage
in the adapter base, the faceplate of the insert will extend above
the surface of the adapter base. As the adapter is positioned on
the nose of the adapter base, the faceplate will engage a slot on
the inner surface of the longitudinally-extending passage of the
adapter. When the adapter is operatively positioned on the adapter
base, the opening of the upper passage in the adapter will be
positioned near the back edge of the faceplate so that a lock
mechanism, such as a pin, inserted into this opening will be
positioned between the back edge of the faceplate and the rear edge
of the opening of the upper passage for locking the adapter to the
adapter base. Alternatively, a pin carrier may be inserted into the
slot on the inner surface of the longitudinally-extending passage
of the adapter to be in abutment against the back edge of the
faceplate. The pin, upon being inserted into the opening in the
adapter upper passage, would be received in the pin carrier for
locking the adapter to the adapter base. An example of a wear
member and locking mechanism for use with the insert in this manner
is described in more detail in Canadian patent application no.
2,274,236 and U.S. pending application 10/223,889 both entitled
"Assembly for Fastening a Ground Engaging Tool to a Support
Structure".
[0043] The present invention is discussed by reference to the
coupling of adapters to adapter bases on ground-engaging bucket
lips. However, its use is not limited to only these embodiments and
it may be used for coupling any first work piece to a second work
piece. With ground-engaging tools, it may, for example, also be
used to couple a tooth to an adapter, an adapter base to a bucket
lip or an adapter directly to a bucket lip without the use of an
adapter base. As an example, FIGS. 14 to 16 show a ground-engaging
tooth and adapter assembly with the same lock assembly as is shown
in FIGS. 11 and 12. The insert may be positioned in passage O in
the adapter S. The pin retainer I is placed in recess R in the
ground-engaging tooth W that is then positioned on the working end
of the adapter S as shown in FIG. 16. The pin is then inserted into
the passage Q in the tooth W.
[0044] The above-described embodiments of the present invention are
intended to be examples only. Alterations, modifications and
variations may be effected to the particular embodiments by those
of skill in the art without departing from the scope of the
invention, which is defined solely by the claims appended
hereto.
* * * * *