U.S. patent application number 13/812119 was filed with the patent office on 2013-07-18 for excavation tooth assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to Bradken Resources Pty Limited. The applicant listed for this patent is Reece Attwood, Mark Hurley. Invention is credited to Reece Attwood, Mark Hurley.
Application Number | 20130180137 13/812119 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45529273 |
Filed Date | 2013-07-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130180137 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hurley; Mark ; et
al. |
July 18, 2013 |
EXCAVATION TOOTH ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A tooth member of an excavation tooth assembly, the tooth member
comprising a body having opposite first and second ends, and a
projecting portion extending in a longitudinal direction towards
said first end, the projecting portion having a top surface and a
bottom surface; and opposite sides extending between said top and
bottom surfaces, the projecting portion being configured with
spaced apart side regions extending in the longitudinal direction
and being defined by portions of the top and bottom surfaces and
respective ones of the sides; and a mid region disposed between
said side regions, wherein the mid region is recessed relative to
the side regions along at least a portion of at least one of the
top and bottom surfaces.
Inventors: |
Hurley; Mark; (Mount
Gravatt, AU) ; Attwood; Reece; (Mayfield West,
AU) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hurley; Mark
Attwood; Reece |
Mount Gravatt
Mayfield West |
|
AU
AU |
|
|
Assignee: |
Bradken Resources Pty
Limited
Mayfield West
AU
|
Family ID: |
45529273 |
Appl. No.: |
13/812119 |
Filed: |
July 28, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
July 28, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU11/00942 |
371 Date: |
April 5, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
37/455 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02F 9/2816 20130101;
E02F 9/2858 20130101; E02F 9/2825 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
37/455 |
International
Class: |
E02F 9/28 20060101
E02F009/28 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 29, 2010 |
AU |
2010903405 |
Claims
1. A tooth member of an excavation tooth assembly, the tooth member
comprising a body having opposite first and second ends, and a
projecting portion configured to be received in a socket of another
tooth member, the projecting portion extending in a longitudinal
direction towards said first end, the projecting portion having a
top surface and a bottom surface; and opposite sides extending
between said top and bottom surfaces, the projecting portion being
configured with spaced apart side regions extending in the
longitudinal direction and being defined by portions of the top and
bottom surfaces and respective ones of the sides; and a mid region
disposed between said side regions, wherein the mid region is
recessed relative to the side regions along at least a portion of
at least one of the top and bottom surfaces, the recess defined by
the mid region extending from the first end of the body towards the
second end of the body.
2. (canceled)
3. The tooth member of claim 1, wherein the mid region extends
parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body.
4. (canceled)
5. The tooth member of claim 1, wherein the first side region
defines a broad arcuate surface portion in at least one of the top
and bottom surfaces of the projecting portion and the second side
region defines a broad arcuate surface portion in at least one of
the top and bottom surfaces.
6. The tooth member of claim 5, wherein the broad arcuate surface
portions are convexly curved surfaces.
7. The tooth member of claim 1, wherein the recess defined by the
mid region is a concave trough between the first and second side
regions.
8. The tooth member of claim 1, wherein the first end of the body
finishes in a front face, wherein the front face is shaped with a
convex curve between the first and second sides of the projecting
portion.
9. (canceled)
10. The tooth member of claim 1, wherein at the first side of the
body is a first side surface extending between the top surface and
the bottom surface and at the second side of the body is a second
side surface extending between the top surface and the bottom
surface.
11. (canceled)
12. The tooth member of claim 10, wherein the tooth member has a
recess formed in at least one of the first and second side surfaces
of the body and wherein each recess extends in the longitudinal
direction of the body.
13. (canceled)
14. The tooth member of claim 10, wherein the first and/or second
side surfaces are concave between the top and bottom surfaces of
the body.
15. The tooth member of claim 10, wherein the side surfaces are
planar and orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the body.
16. The tooth member of claim 10, wherein the body of the tooth
member also incorporates a cavity for receiving a lock to lock the
tooth member to a further tooth member, the cavity extending
between the first and second sides of the body and opening in the
first and second side surfaces and wherein the tooth member has
curved transition segments at the openings of the cavity, the
transition segments curving from the side surfaces of the
projecting portion to an internal surface defining the cavity.
17. (canceled)
18. The tooth member of claim 1, wherein the projecting portion
tapers between the top and bottom surfaces, wherein the projecting
portion is wider at the top surface than at the bottom surface.
19. (canceled)
20. A tooth member of an excavation tooth assembly, the tooth
member comprising a body having opposite first and second ends, and
a socket extending in a longitudinal direction towards said first
end from an opening in the second end, the socket defined by a top
inner surface and a bottom inner surface of the body; and opposite
sides extending between said top and bottom inner surfaces and
wherein the socket finishes towards the first end of the body in an
inner end face, the socket being configured with spaced apart side
regions extending in the longitudinal direction and being defined
by portions of the top and bottom inner surfaces and respective
ones of the sides; and a mid region disposed between said side
regions, wherein the mid region is reduced in height relative to
the side regions by a projection along at least a portion of at
least one of the top and bottom inner surfaces, wherein the
projection defining the mid region extends from the inner end face
of the socket towards the second end of the body.
21. The tooth member of claim 20, wherein the mid region extends
parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body.
22. The tooth member of claim 20, wherein the projection defining
the mid region comprises a ridge on at least one of the top and
bottom inner surfaces.
23-24. (canceled)
25. The tooth member of claim 20, wherein the first side region
defines a broad arcuate surface portion in at least one of the top
and bottom inner surfaces of the socket and the second side region
defines a broad arcuate surface portion in at least one of the top
and bottom inner surfaces of the socket.
26. The tooth member of claim 25, wherein the broad arcuate surface
portions are concavely curved surfaces and curve from one of the
sides of the socket to the mid region of the socket.
27. The tooth member of claim 22, wherein each ridge is a convexly
curved ridge located between the first and second side regions.
28. The tooth member of claim 20, wherein the inner end face is
shaped with a concave curve between the first and second sides of
the socket.
29. The tooth member of claim 20, wherein at the first side of the
socket is a first inner side surface extending between the top
inner surface and the bottom inner surface and at the second side
of the socket is a second inner side surface extending between the
top inner surface and the bottom inner surface.
30. (canceled)
31. The tooth member of claim 29, wherein the first and/or second
inner side surfaces are convex between the top and bottom inner
surfaces of the socket.
32. The tooth member of claim 29, wherein the inner side surfaces
are planar and orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the body.
33. The tooth member of claim 20, wherein the socket tapers between
the top and bottom inner surfaces, wherein the socket is wider at
the bottom inner surface than at the top inner surface.
34-40. (canceled)
41. A tooth member of an excavation tooth assembly, the tooth
member comprising a body having opposite first and second ends, and
a projecting portion extending in a longitudinal direction towards
said first end, the projecting portion having a top surface and a
bottom surface, and opposite sides extending between said top and
bottom surfaces, wherein the tooth member has a recess formed in at
least one of the first and second side surfaces of the body.
42. (canceled)
43. The tooth member of claim 41, wherein each recess extends in
the longitudinal direction of the body.
44. The tooth member of claim 41, wherein the first and/or second
side surfaces are concave between the top and bottom surfaces of
the body.
45-47. (canceled)
48. The tooth member of claim 1, wherein the recessed mid region is
narrower in width than each of the side regions.
49. The tooth member of claim 20, wherein the mid region of the
socket defined by the projection(s) is narrower in width than each
of the side regions.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to excavation tooth
assemblies including shrouds and other types of wear assemblies.
The present disclosure also relates to a digging assembly
comprising more than one excavation tooth assembly. The present
disclosure also relates to parts of the excavation tooth assemblies
including tooth members and shroud wear members. The disclosure has
application in land based digging equipment and is herein described
in that context. However, it is to be appreciated that the
disclosure has broader application for example in waterborne
excavation equipment such as dredgers, and is therefore not limited
to that application.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Excavation teeth are provided on the digging edge of various
pieces of digging equipment such as the buckets of front end
loaders and the cutting bit of dredgers. The excavation teeth may
include digging teeth that act as the main ground engaging parts of
the digging equipment and shrouds disposed between the digging
teeth which provide wear protection for the digging edge lip. Each
excavation tooth is formed of a number of parts; for example, the
digging teeth may comprise a point and an adapter (or nose) and in
some arrangements an intermediate member between the point and the
adapter. A shroud may comprise a shroud wear member and a base
member. Each excavation tooth typically also comprises a lock or
locks to lock the various parts together. The reason why excavation
teeth are formed of a number of parts is to avoid having to discard
the entire tooth when the only a part of the tooth is worn or
broken.
[0003] Various types of locks, points, adapters, shroud wear
members, base members, noses and intermediate members are known.
However, it is always desirable to design new excavation tooth
assemblies and parts thereof.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is
provided a tooth member of an excavation tooth assembly, the tooth
member comprising a body having opposite first and second ends, and
a projecting portion extending in a longitudinal direction towards
said first end, the projecting portion having a top surface and a
bottom surface; and opposite sides extending between said top and
bottom surfaces, the projecting portion being configured with
spaced apart side regions extending in the longitudinal direction
and being defined by portions of the top and bottom surfaces and
respective ones of the sides; and a mid region disposed between
said side regions, wherein the mid region is recessed relative to
the side regions along at least a portion of at least one of the
top and bottom surfaces.
[0005] The tooth member may be a nose which has a coupling portion
at the nose's second end which is welded into a recess formed in
the digging edge of a bucket or dredger cutting bit or other
digging equipment. In another embodiment, the tooth member may be
an adapter, which may have arms extending from the second end of
the body, the arms for fixing to the digging edge of a bucket or
dredger cutting bit or other digging equipment. The adapter may
alternatively incorporate some other mechanism for fastening the
adapter to the digging edge of such digging equipment. In a further
embodiment, the tooth member may be an intermediate member between
a point and an adapter (or nose) in an excavation tooth assembly.
In this embodiment, the body of the tooth member also incorporates
a socket opening at the second end of the body and configured to
receive a projecting portion of the adapter (or nose). In another
embodiment, the tooth member may be a shroud wear member that is
disposed between the digging teeth that comprise an adaptor and a
point. The shroud wear member may be attached directly to the
digging edge of the digging equipment or is connected to a base
member that is mounted to the digging edge.
[0006] The mid region may be recessed in both the top and bottom
surfaces of the body.
[0007] The recess defined by the mid region may extend from the
first end of the body towards the second end of the body,
preferably parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body.
[0008] In the embodiment where the mid region is recessed in both
the top and bottom surfaces, the recesses are axially aligned in
their longitudinal direction.
[0009] The top surface and the bottom surface may converge towards
the first end of the body.
[0010] The first side region may define broad arcuate surface
portions in the top and/or bottom surfaces of the projecting
portion.
[0011] The second side region may define broad arcuate surface
portions in the top and/or bottom surfaces of the projecting
portion.
[0012] The broad arcuate surface portions may be convexly curved
surfaces and may curve from one of the sides of the projecting
portion to the mid region of the projecting portion.
[0013] The recess defined by the mid region may be a concavely
curved surface, preferably forming a concave trough between the
first and second side regions.
[0014] The first end of the body may finish in a front face. The
top and bottom surfaces of the projecting portion may converge
towards this front face. The front face may also extend between the
first and second sides of the projecting portion.
[0015] In one embodiment, the front face is shaped with a convex
curve between the first and second sides of the projecting
portion.
[0016] At the first side of the body is a first side surface
extending between the top surface and the bottom surface.
[0017] At the second side of the body is a second side surface
extending between the top surface and the bottom surface.
[0018] The first and second side surfaces may converge towards the
first end of the body.
[0019] The first and/or second side surfaces may be concave between
the top and bottom surfaces of the body.
[0020] The body of the tooth member may also incorporate a cavity
for receiving a lock to lock the tooth member to a further tooth
member.
[0021] The cavity may be located in the projecting portion of the
tooth member is configured to be received.
[0022] The cavity may extend between the first and second sides of
the body, in which embodiment the cavity opens in the first and
second side surfaces.
[0023] The tooth member may have curved transition segments at the
openings of the cavity, the transition segments curving from the
side surfaces of the projecting portion to an internal surface
defining the cavity.
[0024] The projecting portion may taper between the top and bottom
surfaces. In one form, the projecting portion is wider at the top
surface than at the bottom surface, but in another embodiment may
be wider at the bottom surface than at the top surface.
[0025] In other embodiments, the side surfaces are planar and may
or may not be orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the body.
[0026] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there
is provided a tooth member of an excavation tooth assembly, the
tooth member comprising a body having opposite first and second
ends, and a socket extending in a longitudinal direction towards
said first end from an opening in the second end, the socket
defined by a top inner surface and a bottom inner surface of the
body; and opposite sides extending between said top and bottom
inner surfaces, the socket being configured with spaced apart side
regions extending in the longitudinal direction and being defined
by portions of the top and bottom inner surfaces and respective
ones of the sides; and a mid region disposed between said side
regions, wherein the mid region is reduced in height relative to
the side regions by a projection along at least a portion of at
least one of the top and bottom inner surfaces.
[0027] The socket of the tooth member of this second aspect of the
invention is correspondingly shaped to the projecting portion of
the tooth member of the first aspect of the present invention so as
to receive the projecting portion therein.
[0028] The tooth member of this second aspect of the present
invention may be a point in which the body of the tooth member
incorporates a digging edge at the first end. In another
embodiment, the tooth member may be an intermediate member between
a point and a nose of the excavation tooth assembly. The body of
the intermediate tooth member also incorporates a projecting
portion at the first end which is configured to be received in the
socket of the point.
[0029] The projection defining the mid region may extend from the
second end of the body towards the first end of the body,
preferably parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body.
[0030] The projection defining the mid region may comprise a ridge
on each of the top and bottom inner surfaces. In this embodiment,
the ridges may be axially aligned in their longitudinal
direction.
[0031] The mid region may be reduced in height relative to the side
regions by ridges on each of the top and bottom inner surfaces.
[0032] The top inner surface and the bottom inner surface may
converge towards the first end of the body.
[0033] The first side region may define broad arcuate surface
portions in the top and/or bottom inner surfaces of the socket.
[0034] The second side region may define broad arcuate surface
portions in the top and/or bottom inner surfaces of the socket.
[0035] The broad arcuate surface portions may be concavely curved
surfaces and may curve from one of the sides of the socket to the
mid region of the socket.
[0036] The ridge may be a convexly curved ridge located between the
first and second side regions.
[0037] The socket may finish towards the first end of the body in
an inner end face. The top and bottom inner surfaces of the socket
may converge towards this inner end face. The inner end face may
also extend between the first and second sides of the socket.
[0038] In one embodiment, the inner end face is shaped with a
concave curve between the first and second sides of the socket.
[0039] At the first side of the socket is a first inner side
surface extending between the top inner surface and the bottom
inner surface.
[0040] At the second side of the socket is a second inner side
surface extending between the top inner surface and the bottom
inner surface.
[0041] The first and second inner side surfaces may converge
towards the first end of the body.
[0042] The tooth member may have a recess formed in at least one of
the first and second side surfaces of the body.
[0043] Each recess may extend in the longitudinal direction of the
body.
[0044] The first and/or second inner side surfaces may be convex
between the top and bottom inner surfaces of the socket.
[0045] The socket may taper between the top and bottom inner
surfaces. In one form, the socket is wider at the bottom inner
surface than at the top inner surface, but in another embodiment
may be wider at the top inner surface than at the bottom inner
surface.
[0046] In other embodiments, the inner side surfaces are planar and
may or may not be orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the
body.
[0047] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure,
there is provided a tooth member of an excavation tooth assembly,
the tooth member comprising a body having opposite first and second
ends, and a projecting portion extending in a longitudinal
direction towards said first end, the projecting portion having a
top surface and a bottom surface; and opposite sides extending
between said top and bottom surfaces, wherein the first end of the
body finishes in a front face, which is shaped with a convex curve
between the first and second sides of the projecting portion.
[0048] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure,
there is provided a tooth member of an excavation tooth assembly,
the tooth member comprising a body having opposite first and second
ends, and a socket extending in a longitudinal direction towards
said first end from an opening in the second end, the socket
defined by a top inner surface and a bottom inner surface of the
body; and opposite sides extending between said top and bottom
inner surfaces, wherein the socket finishes towards the first end
of the body in an inner end face which is shaped with a concave
curve between the first and second sides of the socket.
[0049] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure,
there is provided a tooth member of an excavation tooth assembly,
the tooth member comprising a body having opposite first and second
ends, and a projecting portion extending in a longitudinal
direction towards said first end, the projecting portion having a
top surface and a bottom surface; and opposite sides extending
between said top and bottom surfaces, wherein the projecting
portion tapers between the top and bottom surfaces.
[0050] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure,
there is provided a tooth member of an excavation tooth assembly,
the tooth member comprising a body having opposite first and second
ends, and a socket extending in a longitudinal direction towards
said first end from an opening in the second end, the socket
defined by a top inner surface and a bottom inner surface of the
body; and opposite sides extending between said top and bottom
inner surfaces, wherein the socket tapers between the top and
bottom inner surfaces.
[0051] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure,
there is provided a tooth member of an excavation tooth assembly,
the tooth member comprising a body having opposite first and second
ends, and a projecting portion extending in a longitudinal
direction towards said first end, the projecting portion having a
top surface and a bottom surface; and opposite sides extending
between said top and bottom surfaces, the sides defined by first
and second side surfaces extending between the top surface and the
bottom surface, the side surfaces being planar and substantially
orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the body.
[0052] According to an further aspect of the present disclosure,
there is provided a tooth member of an excavation tooth assembly,
the tooth member comprising a body having opposite first and second
ends, and a socket extending in a longitudinal direction towards
said first end from an opening in the second end, the socket
defined by a top inner surface and a bottom inner surface of the
body; and opposite sides extending between said top and bottom
inner surfaces, the sides defined by first and second inner side
surfaces extending between the top inner surface and the bottom
inner surface, the inner side surfaces being planar and
substantially parallel and substantially orthogonal to the
longitudinal axis of the body.
[0053] According to an further aspect of the present disclosure,
there is provided a tooth member of an excavation tooth assembly,
the tooth member comprising a body having opposite first and second
ends, and a projecting portion extending in a longitudinal
direction towards said first end, the projecting portion having a
top surface and a bottom surface, and opposite sides extending
between said top and bottom surfaces, wherein the tooth member has
a recess formed in at least one of the first and second side
surfaces of the body.
[0054] The tooth member may have a recess in each of the first and
second side surfaces of the body.
[0055] Each recess may extend in the longitudinal direction of the
body.
[0056] The first and/or second side surfaces may be concave between
the top and bottom surfaces of the body.
[0057] Each recess may be shaped to enable the tooth member to fit
in abutment against an adjacent tooth member when installed on
digging equipment.
[0058] According to an further aspect of the present disclosure,
there is provided a digging assembly for attachment to digging
equipment, the digging assembly comprising at least first and
second excavation tooth assemblies, each excavation tooth assembly
comprising a tooth member configured to be attached to the digging
equipment adjacent to the tooth member of another excavation tooth
assembly, the tooth member of each excavation tooth assembly having
at least one side surface that is shaped to enable the tooth member
to be attached to the digging equipment with at least one of its
side surfaces in fitment with the side surface of an adjacent tooth
member.
[0059] The side surface of one of the adjacent tooth members may be
recessed, in which embodiment the side surface of the other
adjacent tooth member that is configured to be in fitment with the
side surface of the first mentioned tooth member is projected.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0060] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described
by way of example only, in which:
[0061] FIG. 1 is a top view of an intermediate member coupled to a
nose in an excavation tooth assembly according to an embodiment of
the present disclosure;
[0062] FIG. 2 is a side view of the intermediate member and nose of
FIG. 1;
[0063] FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views of the intermediate
member and nose of FIG. 1;
[0064] FIG. 5 is an end view of the intermediate member of FIG.
1;
[0065] FIG. 6 is a perspective end view of the intermediate member
of FIG. 1;
[0066] FIGS. 7 and 8 are upper and lower perspective views of the
nose of FIG. 1;
[0067] FIGS. 9(A) and 9(B) are upper and lower perspective views of
the projecting portion of a nose according to another embodiment of
the present disclosure in isolation;
[0068] FIG. 10 is a side view of the projecting portion of FIG.
9;
[0069] FIG. 11 is a top view of the projecting portion of FIG.
9;
[0070] FIG. 12 is a front end view of the projecting portion of
FIG. 9;
[0071] FIGS. 13A.-13F. is a perspective, top, bottom, rear, side
and front views of a shroud wear member of an excavation tooth
assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0072] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the digging edge of
excavator bucket with a plurality of the shroud wear members of
FIG. 13 attached to the digging edge, each shroud wear member
having adjacent on either side an excavation tooth assembly
according to the embodiment in FIG. 1; and
[0073] FIG. 15 is front view of the digging edge of FIG. 14.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0074] Referring to the FIGS. 1-8, there is shown a nose or adaptor
and an intermediate member of an excavation tooth assembly, being a
digging tooth assembly 1, according to embodiments of the present
disclosure. The nose 10 may be mounted to the digging edge of
digging equipment (such as the buckets of front end loaders or the
cutting bit of dredgers) by welding a rear portion of the nose into
a recess formed in the digging edge. In another form, the nose may
be integrally cast with a lip member that forms the digging edge of
the digging equipment. The intermediate member 11 couples to the
nose 10. Not shown in these Figures, but also forming a part of the
excavation tooth assembly is a point which couples to the
intermediate member 11 and comprises a digging edge which engages
the ground in use. Also not shown but which forms a part of the
excavation tooth assembly are locks for locking the intermediate
member to the nose and the point to the intermediate member.
[0075] To couple the intermediate member to the nose, the nose 10
comprises a body having opposite first and second ends and a
projecting portion 15 extending in the longitudinal direction
towards the first end and the intermediate member 11 comprises a
body having opposite first and second ends and a socket 16 which
opens at the second end and extends in the longitudinal direction
towards the first end, the projecting portion and socket configured
to be coupled together with the projecting portion received in the
socket. The socket 16 of the intermediate member 11 is therefore
provided with a shape which generally corresponds to the shape of
the projecting portion 15 of the nose 10. A cavity 14 is provided
through the projecting portion 15 of the nose which aligns with
openings 38, 39 through walls of the socket 16. A lock (not shown)
is positioned relative to the cavity 14 and the openings 38, 39 to
lock the intermediate member to the nose so as to retain the
projecting portion 15 in the socket 16.
[0076] The body of the intermediate member also incorporates a
projecting portion 17 which is configured to be received in a
socket of the point of the excavation tooth assembly. A cavity 18
is provided in the projecting portion 17 for receipt therein of a
lock (not shown) for locking the point to the intermediate member.
The projecting portion 17 of the intermediate member could be
designed to have features similar to the projecting portion 15 of
the nose, which would mean that the socket of the point would have
similar features to the socket 16 of the intermediate member 11.
However, in the embodiments shown in the Figures, the projecting
portion 17 of the intermediate member is of a different design to
the projecting portion 15 of the nose.
[0077] Referring now specifically to FIGS. 7 and 8, the projecting
portion 15 of the nose 10 is shown in isolation. The projecting
portion 15 has a top surface 20, a bottom surface 21 and opposite
side surfaces 22, 23 extending between the top and bottom surfaces.
The projecting portion 15 also has spaced apart side regions 24, 25
and a mid region 26 disposed between and spacing apart the side
regions. The mid region 26 is recessed relative to the side regions
24, 25 along the top and bottom surfaces 20, 21. This structure,
which is based on an I-beam profile, provides both increased
stability for the tooth members joined via this projecting portion
structure as well as increased strength for the projecting portion
in torsion. It is noted that although in the illustrated embodiment
the mid region 26 is recessed along the length of the projecting
portion 15, in other embodiments, the mid region may be recessed
only part of the length of the projecting portion.
[0078] The side regions 24, 25 are defined by broad arcuate surface
portions of the top and bottom surfaces 20, 21 which are convexly
curved and extend the length of the projecting portion 15 from the
first end of the nose body towards the second end of the nose body.
Each broad arcuate surface portion curves between the top or bottom
of one of the side surfaces to the mid region of the projecting
portion. These broad arcuate surface portions reduce the contact
pressure between the projecting portion 15 and the socket in which
the projecting portion is received in use. The mid region 26 is
defined by a concavely curved trough in each of the top and bottom
surfaces 20, 21 which extend the length of the projecting portion
15. Each trough curves between the first and second side regions.
The mid region 26 is located centrally in the projecting portion 15
with the troughs axially aligned such that a longitudinal axis of
the mid region defines an axis of symmetry of the projecting
portion 15.
[0079] The top and bottom surfaces 20, 21 of the projecting portion
15 converge towards the first end of the nose body, with the
projecting portion ending in a front face 27 extending between the
top and bottom surfaces as well as side surfaces 22, 23. In the
embodiment shown in the Figures, this front face 27 is convex
between the side surfaces 22, 23 of the projecting portion 15 so as
to reduce contact pressure between the projecting portion 15 and
the socket in which he projecting portion is received. However, in
other embodiments, the front face may be substantially planar
between the side surfaces.
[0080] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the top and bottom
surfaces 20, 21 are of approximately equal width along the length
of the projecting portion 15. However, FIGS. 9-12 show another
embodiment, in which the projecting portion tapers between the top
and bottom surfaces with the bottom surface being wider than the
top surface. Although, the projecting portion may be formed with
the top surface wider than the bottom surface.
[0081] The opposite side surfaces 22, 23 also converge towards the
first end of the nose body. The side surfaces 22, 23 are also each
concavely shaped between the top and bottom surfaces 20, 21. This
shaping reduces the contact pressure between the projecting portion
15 and the socket in which it is received when the excavation tooth
is twisted. The concave side surfaces 22, 23 also provides a
smoother geometric transition into the cavity 14 (ie. there are no
sharp corners), which reduces the stresses around the cavity 14
both during manufacture and use of the nose. These stresses are
also reduced by curved transition segments 28 at the openings of
the cavity 14. The transition segments 28 curve from the side
surfaces 22, 23 of the projecting portion 15 to an internal surface
29 defining the cavity.
[0082] It is noted that in other embodiments, the side surfaces are
planar. In these embodiments, the side surfaces may or may not be
orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the body.
[0083] Referring now more specifically to FIGS. 5 and 6, the
intermediate member 11 and in particular the socket 16 of the
intermediate member is shown. The inner surface of the socket 16 is
shaped to match and fit with the outer surface of the projecting
portion 15 of the nose 10 as described above. The body of the
intermediate member 11 comprises top, bottom and opposite side
walls 30, 31, 32, 33 having top, bottom and opposite inner side
surfaces 34, 35, 36, 37 respectively which define the socket 16.
Openings 38, 39 are provided through the side walls 32, 33 of the
intermediate member body to the socket 16, so as to provide access
to (and for engagement by if so designed) the lock which locks the
intermediate member 11 to the nose 10.
[0084] When the excavation tooth assembly is assembled, clearance
is provided between respective top and bottom surfaces of the
projecting portion 15 and the socket 16 (although the
apexes/antapexes of the side and mid regions may be in contact),
with respective side surfaces substantially contacting one another.
However, in other variations, the respective side surfaces may have
clearance with the respective top and bottom surfaces are in
substantial contact or all of the respective top, bottom and side
surfaces may be in substantial contact.
[0085] The socket 16 also has spaced apart side regions 40, 41 and
a mid region 42 disposed between and spacing apart the side
regions. The mid region 42 is reduced in height relative to the
side regions 40, 41 by projections in the form of ridges 50, 51
along the top and bottom inner surfaces 34, 35.
[0086] The side regions 40, 41 are defined by broad arcuate surface
portions of the top and bottom inner surfaces 34, 35 which are
concavely curved and extend the length of the socket 16 from the
second end of the intermediate member body towards the first end of
the intermediate member body. Each broad arcuate surface portion
curves between the top or bottom of one of the inner side surfaces
to the mid region of the socket.
[0087] The mid region 42 is defined by the convexly curved ridges
50, 51 on each of the top and bottom inner surfaces 34, 35 which
extend the length of the socket 16. Each ridge 50, 51 curves
between the first and second side regions. The mid region 42 is
located centrally in the socket 16 with the ridges axially aligned
such that a longitudinal axis of the mid region defines an axis of
symmetry of the socket 16.
[0088] The top and bottom surfaces 34, 35 of the socket 16 converge
towards the first end of the intermediate member body, with the
socket ending in an inner end face 43 extending between the top and
bottom inner surfaces as well as inner side surfaces 36, 37. In the
embodiment shown in the Figures, this inner end face 42 is concave
between the inner side surfaces 36, 37 of the socket 16 so as to
reduce contact pressure between the socket 16 and the projecting
portion received therein. However, in other embodiments, the inner
end face may be substantially planar between the inner side
surfaces.
[0089] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-8, the socket has top and
bottom inner surfaces 34, 35 which are of approximately equal width
along the length of the socket. However, in other embodiments, the
socket may taper between the top and bottom inner surfaces 34, 35,
with the top or bottom inner surface being wider than the
other.
[0090] The opposite inner side surfaces 36, 37 also converge
towards the first end of the intermediate member body. The inner
side surfaces 36, 37 are also each convexly shaped between the top
and bottom inner surfaces 34, 35. However, in other embodiments,
the inner side surfaces are planar. In these embodiments, the inner
side surfaces may or may not be orthogonal to the longitudinal axis
of the body.
[0091] In another variation to the embodiments shown in the
Figures, the projecting portion of the nose may be formed with
planar portions at the apexes of the side regions and/or the
antapexes of the recessed mid region. Similarly, the socket of the
intermediate member may be formed with planar portions at the
antapexes of the recessed side regions and/or the apexes of the
projection mid regions. The planar portions formed at the side
regions of the projecting portion may be parallel to or slanted
transverse to the longitudinal direction of the nose with respect
to each other. The planar portions formed at the side regions of
the socket may be similarly shaped. During use of the excavation
tooth assembly, the top and bottom surfaces of the nose and the
socket of the intermediate member undergo the greatest amount of
wear. To extend the operational life of the nose and the
intermediate member, repairs can be made in which weld is added to
the worn surfaces to return them generally to their original shape.
The planar portions at the apexes/antapexes provide a shape which
is easier to gauge when conducting such repairs.
[0092] Referring now to FIGS. 13-15, an excavation tooth assembly,
in the form of a shroud assembly 60, is shown. The shroud assembly
60 is particularly configured to protect the lip edge 61 of the
digging equipment to which it is attached. In the embodiment shown
in FIGS. 13-15 each shroud assembly 60 is disposed between and thus
protects the lip edge 61 between digging teeth assemblies 1
according to the embodiment shown and described in respect of FIGS.
1-12. However, in other embodiments, there are no digging teeth
assemblies provided on the digging equipment and the shroud
assemblies 60 are disposed along the length of the lip of the
digging equipment adjacent one another.
[0093] Each shroud assembly 60 comprises a shroud wear member 62
which is shown in detail in FIG. 13. The shroud wear member 62 may
be attached directly to the digging equipment about the lip edge
61. Alternatively, each shroud assembly may comprise a base member
that is attached to the digging equipment and to which its
respective shroud wear member 62 is mounted. Each shroud assembly
also comprises a lock (not shown) which the locks the shroud wear
member 62 in its attachment to the digging equipment.
[0094] The shroud wear member 62 has a first end and a second and
comprises a projecting portion 65 extending in a longitudinal
direction towards the first end and first and second legs 66, 67
extending away from the projecting portion and towards the second
end. The first and second legs 66, 67 are spaced apart and
configured to fit over and engage opposed surfaces of the digging
equipment. A locking cavity 68 is provided in the first leg 66 for
receiving the lock to lock the shroud wear member 62 to the digging
equipment. The projecting portion 65 has a top surface 70, a bottom
surface 71 and opposite side surfaces 72, 73 extending between the
top and bottom surfaces. The top and bottom surfaces 70, 71
converge towards the first end of the shroud wear member 62. The
top surface 70 is also provided with self-sharpening pockets 74.
These pockets 74 help maintain a pointed profile for the shroud
wear member 62 is it wears so that it can still effectively
penetrate into soil. The pockets 74 also have the additional
benefit of lightening the shroud wear member 62. The top surface of
the shroud wear member 62 may also be provided with a wear
indicator in the form of a shallow recess which provides a quick
visual indication of how much the shroud wear member 62 has worn
during use and whether it might require replacement.
[0095] Each of the side surfaces 72, 73 of the projecting portion
65 are recessed. Each recess 75, 76 in the side surfaces extend in
the longitudinal direction of the projecting portion 65 and have
curved portions so that the side surfaces 72, 73 are somewhat
concave between the top and bottom surfaces 70, 71 of the
projecting portion. A particular advantage of the recesses 75, 76
in the side surfaces 72, 73 of the shroud wear member 62 is that
enables the wear member 62 to be in close fitment with the side of
adjacent tooth members attached to the digging equipment that
projects of bulges. This is shown, for example, in FIGS. 14 and 15.
As a result, the entire length of the lip edge of the digging edge
is protected from wear.
[0096] It is to be understood that, unless indicated otherwise by
express language or necessary implication, the tooth members
including noses (adaptors), intermediate members, points and shroud
wear members according to any embodiment of one aspect of the
present disclosure may further encompasses any one or combination
of features described above in relation to embodiments of other
aspects of the present invention.
[0097] It is also to be understood that whilst certain passages of
the above description have been made in respect of a three part
digging tooth assembly comprising a nose, an intermediate member
and a point, these embodiments of the present disclosure described
above may be incorporated into a two part excavation tooth assembly
comprising an adaptor and a point with no intermediate member
disposed between the adaptor and the point.
[0098] It is to be further understood that features described above
in respect of a digging tooth assembly may be incorporated into a
shroud assembly and vice versa. That is, features described above
in respect of a shroud assembly may be incorporated into a digging
tooth assembly.
[0099] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description
of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due
to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise"
or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an
inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated
features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further
features in various embodiments of the invention.
* * * * *