U.S. patent application number 16/142469 was filed with the patent office on 2020-03-26 for shroud insert assembly using a resilient member and a shield.
This patent application is currently assigned to Caterpillar Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Caterpillar Inc.. Invention is credited to Jonathan Stuart Borden, Patrick Simon Campomanes, Pradeep Chapagain, Brandon H. McCaffrey, Daniel Joshua Smith.
Application Number | 20200095752 16/142469 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 68073257 |
Filed Date | 2020-03-26 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200095752 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Campomanes; Patrick Simon ;
et al. |
March 26, 2020 |
SHROUD INSERT ASSEMBLY USING A RESILIENT MEMBER AND A SHIELD
Abstract
A shield subassembly includes a support member, a resilient
member, and a shield member defining an annular perimeter that
surrounds the resilient member.
Inventors: |
Campomanes; Patrick Simon;
(Washington, IL) ; Borden; Jonathan Stuart;
(Peoria, IL) ; McCaffrey; Brandon H.; (Peoria,
IL) ; Chapagain; Pradeep; (Normal, IL) ;
Smith; Daniel Joshua; (Pekin, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Caterpillar Inc. |
Deerfield |
IL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Caterpillar Inc.
Deerfield
IL
|
Family ID: |
68073257 |
Appl. No.: |
16/142469 |
Filed: |
September 26, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02F 9/2858 20130101;
E02F 9/2883 20130101; E02F 9/2833 20130101; E02F 9/2825
20130101 |
International
Class: |
E02F 9/28 20060101
E02F009/28 |
Claims
1. A shroud insert assembly for use with a support assembly for
ground engaging tools, the shroud insert assembly comprising: a
shroud insert comprising: a throat portion that defines a recess
that defines a longitudinal axis and a direction of assembly for
the shroud insert that are coextensive; a first upper leg; a first
lower leg; and a first support portion that includes a support
surface that defines a surface normal pointing toward the front of
the shroud insert along the direction of assembly that forms an
oblique angle with the direction of assembly; and a shield
subassembly including a support member that is attached to the
support surface, the shield subassembly further comprising: a
resilient member and a shield surrounding the resilient member.
2. A shroud insert assembly for use with a support assembly for
ground engaging tools, the shroud insert assembly comprising: a
shroud insert including a throat portion that defines a recess that
defines a longitudinal axis and a direction of assembly for the
shroud insert that are coextensive; a first upper leg; a first
lower leg; a first support portion that includes a support surface
that defines a surface normal pointing toward the front of the
shroud insert along the direction of assembly that forms an oblique
angle with the direction of assembly; and a shield subassembly
including a support member, a resilient member and a shield.
3. The shroud insert assembly of claim 2, wherein at least a
portion of the support surface is positioned forward of the throat
portion along the direction of assembly and the legs extend from
the throat portion in a rearward direction along the direction of
assembly and the shield is a separate shield member from the
support member.
4. The shroud insert assembly of claim 3, wherein the oblique angle
ranges from 110-160 degrees and the support member and the shield
member include metallic materials and the shield member is bonded
to support member.
5. The shroud insert assembly of claim 4, wherein the throat
portion includes a curved configuration that defines a lateral
direction and the shield member defines an annular perimeter
configured to surround the resilient member and a shield height
measured along the surface normal that varies along the annular
perimeter.
6. The shroud insert assembly of claim 5, wherein the recess is an
inner recess that is centered laterally along the lateral direction
and the throat portion further defines an outer recess that is
positioned between the support portion and the center recess along
the lateral direction and the annular perimeter of the shield
member includes at least one shield pry slot.
7. The shroud insert assembly of claim 6 further comprising: a
second upper leg; and a second lower leg; wherein the first upper
leg and second upper leg define a pathway for the insertion of a
portion of a shroud protector and the first lower leg and second
lower leg define another pathway for the insertion of a portion of
a shroud protector and the shield member defines a shield front
surface and a shield rear surface along the surface normal and the
at least one shield pry slot is disposed on the shield rear
surface.
8. The shroud insert assembly of claim 7, wherein the legs each
include a curved surface that is configured to match the contour of
a working edge of a work implement and the front surface of the
shield member includes a first front surface and a second front
surface that form a front surface obtuse angle with each other.
9. The shroud insert assembly of claim 8, wherein the legs each
further includes an angled surface that is adjacent the curved
surface that is configured to provide clearance for the steps of
adjacent segments of a working edge of a work implement and the
front surface obtuse angle ranges from 130 degrees to 180
degrees.
10. The shroud insert assembly of claim 5 further comprising a
second support portion that includes a support surface that defines
a surface normal pointing toward the front of the shroud insert
along the direction of assembly that forms an oblique angle with
the direction of assembly and wherein the resilient member defines
a resilient member height measured along the surface normal and the
ratio of the difference in the shield height and the resilient
member height to the resilient member height ranges from 20% to
50%.
11. The shroud insert assembly of claim 10, wherein the first
support portion is more forward of the throat portion along the
direction of assembly than the second support portion and the
shield rear surface defines a rear shield pocket configured to
receive the support member.
12. The shroud insert assembly of claim 5, wherein the support
surface defines at least one pocket.
13. The shroud insert assembly of claim 12, wherein the pocket is
completely bound by the support surface and includes a trapezoidal
configuration.
14. The shroud insert assembly of claim 12, wherein the pocket is
adjacent an edge of the support surface and includes a rectangular
configuration.
15. The shroud insert assembly of claim 14, wherein the pocket
defines a pry slot adjacent the pocket.
16. A shield subassembly for use with a support assembly for ground
engaging tools, the shield subassembly comprising: a support
member; a resilient member that includes a base, and a contact
surface; and a shield member defining an annular perimeter; wherein
the support member defines a direction of assembly, a front and a
rear along the direction of assembly, and the resilient member
defines a length and a width that are perpendicular to each other
and to the direction of assembly, wherein the length exceeds the
width and the base defines a centerline that is parallel to the
length, and the contact surface defines a centerline that is
parallel to the length and the annular perimeter of the shield
member is configured to surround the resilient member.
17. The shield subassembly of claim 16 further comprising a
plurality of curved surfaces that join the base to the contact
surface and the shield member is separate from the support
member.
18. The shield subassembly of claim 17, wherein the contact surface
is substantially flat and the support member and the shield member
each include a metallic material and the support member is attached
to the shield member.
19. The shield subassembly of claim 16, wherein the centerline of
the contact face is offset from the centerline of the base and the
annular perimeter of the shield member surrounds the resilient
member, the annular perimeter defining a shield height measured
along the direction of assembly and the resilient member defining a
resilient member height measured along the direction of assembly
that is greater than the shield height.
20. The shield subassembly of claim 19 further comprising a pair of
projections that extend from the rear of the support member and
wherein the ratio of the difference in the resilient member height
and the shield height ranges to the resilient member height from
20% to 50%.
21. The shield subassembly of claim 20 further comprising at least
one magnet and wherein the shield height is variably defined by at
least two angled front surfaces.
22. The shield subassembly of claim 21, wherein the shield member
defines a support member receiving pocket disposed toward the
interior of the annular perimeter and at least one shield pry slot
disposed toward the exterior of the annular perimeter.
23. The shield subassembly of claim 21, wherein the contact surface
of the resilient member forms an oblique angle with the support
member.
24. The shield subassembly of claim 18 further comprising a forward
projection.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of machines that
perform work on a material using work implements such as earth
moving machines and the like. Specifically, the present disclosure
relates to support systems having shroud insert assemblies using a
resilient member that are attached to work implements used on such
machines.
BACKGROUND
[0002] During normal use on machines such as mining machines
including electric rope shovels, the resilient member extending
from a shroud insert assembly may deteriorate due to exposure to
abrasive working materials such as rock, dirt, or the deterioration
may occur due to over compression of the resilient member, etc.
Over time, this may necessitate the replacement of the resilient
member and/or shroud insert assembly. This can lead to undesirable
maintenance for the machine while these parts are replaced.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] A shroud insert assembly for use with a support assembly for
ground engaging tools is provided. The shroud insert assembly
comprises a shroud insert comprising: a throat portion that defines
a recess that defines a longitudinal axis and a direction of
assembly for the shroud insert that are coextensive; a first upper
leg; a first lower leg; and a first support portion that includes a
support surface that defines a surface normal pointing toward the
front of the shroud insert along the direction of assembly that
forms an oblique angle with the direction of assembly; and a shield
subassembly including a support member that is attached to the
support surface, the shield subassembly further comprising: a
resilient member and a shield surrounding the resilient member.
[0004] A shroud insert assembly for use with a support assembly for
ground engaging tools is provided. The shroud insert assembly
comprises a shroud insert including a throat portion that defines a
recess that defines a longitudinal axis and a direction of assembly
for the shroud insert that are coextensive; a first upper leg; a
first lower leg; a first support portion that includes a support
surface that defines a surface normal pointing toward the front of
the shroud insert along the direction of assembly that forms an
oblique angle with the direction of assembly; and a shield
subassembly including a support member, a resilient member and a
shield.
[0005] A shield subassembly for use with a support assembly for
ground engaging tools is provided. The shield subassembly comprises
a support member; and a resilient member that includes a base, and
a contact surface, and a shield member defining an annular
perimeter, wherein the support member defines a direction of
assembly, a front and a rear along the direction of assembly, and
the resilient member defines a length and a width that are
perpendicular to each other and to the direction of assembly,
wherein the length exceeds the width and the base defines a
centerline that is parallel to the length, and the contact face
defines a centerline that is parallel to the length, and the
annular perimeter of the shield member is configured to surround
the resilient member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a work implement in the form
of a bucket that has a front lip with shroud or lip protectors,
tool adapters and teeth attached to the lip that provide support
one for another according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a top view of the front lip of the bucket of FIG.
1 shown in isolation showing its curvature in a horizontal or X-Y
plane.
[0008] FIG. 3 is front view of the lip of FIG. 2 showing its
curvature in a vertical or X-Z plane.
[0009] FIG. 4 is an enlarged top view of the lip of FIG. 2 showing
segments that compensate for the curvatures of the front lip and
also showing mounting apertures and lip protrusions.
[0010] FIG. 5 is an enlarged top view of the bucket of FIG. 1
showing the shroud protectors, shroud inserts, tool and tool
adapters in cross-section, more clearly showing the structural
support that the shroud inserts provide to the tool adapters and
vice versa.
[0011] FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the shroud inserts
of FIG. 5 shown placed onto the front lip before the shroud
protector, tool adapters, or tools have been attached to the front
lip.
[0012] FIG. 7 illustrates the assembly of the shroud protector onto
the front lip while mating and aligning with the shroud insert.
[0013] FIG. 8 illustrates the assembly of a tooth adapter onto the
front lip using a retaining wedge.
[0014] FIG. 9 is an enlarged bottom cross-sectional view showing
more clearly how the shroud insert supports the tooth adapter and
how the tooth is retained on the tooth adapter using a rotating
locking member.
[0015] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a shroud insert and support
members that are assembled together according to one embodiment of
the present disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 11 is a front view of the shroud insert of FIG. 10.
[0017] FIG. 12 is a side view of the shroud insert of FIG. 10.
[0018] FIG. 13 is a top view of the shroud insert of FIG. 10.
[0019] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a shroud insert and support
members that are assembled together according to another embodiment
of the present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of two support members
attached to a shroud insert shown in phantom lines according to one
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 16 is a front view of the support member of FIG. 15
showing its structural member and its resilient member more
clearly.
[0022] FIG. 17 is a side view of the support member of FIG. 15.
[0023] FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the support member of FIG.
15.
[0024] FIG. 19 is a rear view of the support member of FIG. 15.
[0025] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a support member according
to another embodiment of the present disclosure showing its
structural member and resilient member more clearly.
[0026] FIG. 21 is a front oriented perspective view of a shroud
protector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure that
includes protective features for the support members of a shroud
insert.
[0027] FIG. 22 is a rear oriented perspective view of the shroud
protector of FIG. 21.
[0028] FIG. 23 is a side view of the shroud protector of FIG.
21.
[0029] FIG. 24 is a top view of the shroud protector of FIG.
21.
[0030] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a tool adapter that
includes a projection with a reinforcement surface that is
configured to contact the support member according to one
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 26 is a top view of the tool adapter of FIG. 25.
[0032] FIG. 27 is a rear view of the tool adapter of FIG. 25.
[0033] FIG. 28 is a top view of an embodiment of the shroud insert,
support member and resilient member of the present disclosure while
FIG. 29 depicts another embodiment of these components, showing
their differences.
[0034] FIG. 30 is perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 28
with the support member and the resilient member removed, revealing
the pocket that receives the structural member of the support
member.
[0035] FIG. 31 is perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 29
with the support member and the resilient member removed, revealing
the pockets that receive the structural members of the support
member.
[0036] FIG. 32 is an exploded assembly view of the support member
and magnets of the alternate embodiment of FIG. 29.
[0037] FIG. 33 is a front view of the support member and resilient
member of FIG. 28 while FIG. 34 is a front view of the support
member and resilient member of FIG. 29.
[0038] FIG. 35 is a top view of the support member and resilient
member of FIG. 34 while FIG. 36 is a top view of the support member
and resilient member of FIG. 33.
[0039] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a center shroud insert
assembly having a support member, a resilient member, and a shield
protecting the resilient member according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0040] FIG. 38 is an exploded assembly view of the support member,
resilient member, and the shield of FIG. 37 shown in isolation from
the center shroud insert assembly.
[0041] FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the components of FIG. 38,
depicting the shield assembled onto the support member, yielding a
shield subassembly.
[0042] FIG. 40 is a top view of the shield subassembly of FIG. 39
illustrating how the shield may protect the resilient member in
some applications.
[0043] FIG. 41 is a side view of the shield subassembly of FIG. 39
illustrating how the shield may protect the resilient member in
certain applications.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0044] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the
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 like parts. In
some cases, a reference number will be indicated in this
specification and the drawings will show the reference number
followed by a letter for example, 100a, 100b or a prime indicator
such as 100', 100'' etc. It is to be understood that the use of
letters or primes immediately after a reference number indicates
that these features are similarly shaped and have similar function
as is often the case when geometry is mirrored about a plane of
symmetry. For ease of explanation in this specification, letters or
primes will often not be included herein but may be shown in the
drawings to indicate duplications of features discussed within this
written specification.
[0045] Looking at FIG. 1, a work implement 100 in the form of an
excavating bucket 101 is shown that has a series of alternating lip
shroud protectors 102 and tool adapters 104 with tools 106 attached
to the front lip 108. Although it cannot be clearly seen in this
figure, the tool adapters 104 and the shroud protectors 102 are
operatively connected to each other to provide support to each
other along the sweep direction S of the front lip 108, which is
curved in the horizontal and vertical planes as will be discussed
shortly. Consequently, the sweep direction will be designated with
"S" to represent the curvature of the sweep axis in a horizontal
plane (see FIG. 2), while the sweep direction will be designated
"S'" to represent the curvature of the sweep axis in a vertical
plane (see FIG. 3).
[0046] For this embodiment, the shroud protector 102 is coupled to
the front lip 108 using a method and device well known-in-the-art
and sold under the TRADENAME of CAPSURE by the assignee of the
present application. This same device and method is used to secure
the tools 106 to the tool adapters 104 as will be more clearly
explained later herein. The tool adapters 104 are attached to the
front lip 108 using a wedge and spool retaining system as will also
be better described later herein. The methods of any attachment may
be varied as needed or desired. The interior 110 of the bucket 101
is configured to receive a work material such as dirt, rock and the
like that is broken up by the tools 106 attached to the bucket 101.
The shroud protectors 102 help protect the front lip 108 from
damage during the shoveling process.
[0047] FIG. 2 is a top view of the front lip 108 shown in isolation
from the bucket assembly showing the curvature that is represented
by the sweep direction S, which is a curve offset from the
theoretical shape of the front edge 116. For this embodiment, the
front lip 108 is an integrally cast member that includes wings 112
on either side but the configuration, material and method of
manufacture for the front lip may be varied as needed or desired. A
Cartesian coordinate system is provided where the X-Y plane
represents a horizontal plane relative to the ground and the X-Z
plane and Y-Z plane represent vertical planes relative to the
ground. Of course, the relative positions of the ground to the
Cartesian coordinate system, which is fixed relative to the bucket,
may change depending on the orientation of the bucket in use.
[0048] The origin and Y axis are aligned on the centerline plane C
of the lip 108 and the Y-Z plane represents a plane of symmetry for
the front lip 108. As can be seen, the sweep direction S is curved
in the X-Y plane. A plurality of lip protrusions 114 extend from
the front edge 116 of the lip 108 in a generally perpendicular
direction to the sweep direction S that are used to center the
shroud protectors 102 in a manner that will be more fully described
later herein. An alternating pattern of long and short elongated
locking apertures 118, 120 (which correspond to alternating
positions for the shroud protector 102 and the tools 106 not shown
in this figure) are provided along the sweep direction S that
extend completely through the front lip 108. The short elongated
locking apertures 120 are used to attached the shroud protectors
102 while the long elongated locking apertures 116 are used to
attached the tool adapters 104 by providing a locking post (not
shown) disposed therein. As just mentioned, different mechanisms
are used for these attachments but the type of attachments may be
varied as needed or desired. Any of these features discussed with
respect to FIG. 2 may be changed or omitted in other embodiments of
the present disclosure.
[0049] FIG. 3 is a front view of the lip 108 that shows the lip
protrusions 114, wings 112, short elongated locking apertures 120,
and long elongated locking apertures 118 of the lip 108. It also
shows that the sweep direction S of the front lip 108 is curved in
the vertical X-Z plane as shown. As shown by FIG. 4, due to the
three dimensional curvature of the sweep direction S, S' of the
front lip 108, discrete segments 122 are provided along the sweep
direction S, S' of the front lip 108 with transition regions or
steps 124 that help to maintain areas of substantially similar
configuration to each other, which facilitates the repeated use of
similarly configured components along the sweep direction S of the
front lip 108. More specifically, each segment has a straight front
edge 125 and consistent configurations for the top and bottom
surfaces for each adjacent segment.
[0050] Focusing now on FIG. 5, it is an enlarged top view of the
bucket 101 of FIG. 1 showing the shroud protectors 102, shroud
inserts 126, tool 106 and tool adapters 104 in cross-section, also
more clearly showing the structural support that the shroud inserts
126 provide to the tool adapters 104 and vice versa. Exemplary load
paths 128 are shown that extend from a tool 106 to an adjacent
shroud insert 126 or a shroud protector 102 through a tool adapter
104. These load paths 128 may continue from one adjacent tool or
tool adapter to another adjacent member that is attached to the
front lip or other working edge 116 of a bucket 101 or other work
implement 100 such as a rake, shears, etc. along the sweep
direction S of the front edge 116.
[0051] For the embodiment specifically shown in FIG. 5, there is an
alternating series of shroud protectors 102 that are attached to
the front lip 108 and tools 106 that are attached to the front lip
108 along the sweep direction S of the front lip 108. The shroud
protectors 102 may interface with the shroud insert 126 that may be
separately attached to the front lip 108 or the shroud insert 126
may be held onto the front lip 108 using solely the retaining
mechanism 130 (not shown in FIG. 5 but shown in FIG. 7) of the
shroud protector 102. In this embodiment, the shroud insert 126 may
also be held onto the front lip 108 by a tool adapter 104 that is
directly attached to the front lip 108 without needed the shroud
protector. The tools 106 may be attached directly to the front lip
108 or it could be attached to a tool adapter 104 using a mechanism
132 as previously described while the tool adapter 104 may be
attached to the front lip using a retaining mechanism 172 as
previously described and best seen in FIG. 8. In particular, a boss
133 may be provided on the tool adapter 104 that is used with a
retaining mechanism 132 housed in the tool 106 itself for retaining
the tool 106 onto the tool adapter 104.
[0052] The shroud insert 126 is shown to include a support member
134 that is configured to contact or abut a reinforcement surface
136 of the tool, or as is the case with this embodiment, the tool
adapter 104. This provides a load path 128 such that forces that
are exerted on the tool 106 will be transferred through the support
member 134 and to the shroud insert 126. This load path 128 may
then pass through the shroud insert 126 to the other support member
134' that contacts the other adjacent tool adapter 104 along the
sweep direction S of the front lip 108. The load path 128 may
extend all the way from one end of the bucket 101 or other work
implement 100 to the other end along the sweep direction S of the
lip 108 or other edge of the work implement or only partially along
the sweep axis S depending on the configuration and number of
components that are employed.
[0053] Similarly, this same load path 128 may work in the opposite
direction such that forces exerted on the shroud protector 102 are
transferred through the shroud insert 126 and the support member
134 to an adjacent member such as a tool adapter 104 or tool
106.
[0054] As shown via hidden lines, each shroud insert 126 and tool
adapter 104 may have inner recesses 138, 140 respectively that are
at least partially complimentary configured to the lip protrusions
114, helping to lock and center the tool adapter 104 and shroud
insert 126 with respect to the lip protrusions 114 and the
corresponding locking aperture 118, 120 (not clearly shown in FIG.
5 but shown in FIGS. 2 thru 4). These inner recesses may engage the
lip protrusion, allowing loads exerted on the shroud insert or tool
adapter to be transferred to the lip and limit movement.
[0055] For this embodiment, the support member 134 is a separate
member from the shroud insert 126 and the shroud protector 102 and
includes a resilient member 142 that contacts or abuts the
reinforcement surface 136 of the tool adapter 104. In other
embodiments, these components may be integral with each other. More
specifically, the resilient member 142 extends a predetermined
distance 144 away from the front edge 116 of the front lip 108 and
at a non-parallel angle .alpha. to the assembly direction 146 of
the tool adapter 106. The reinforcement surface 136 is
substantially perpendicular to this angle .alpha.. This angle may
range as needed or desired but may be in the range of 50 to 75
degrees, and more particularly, from 55 to 65 degrees. The distance
144 may be any suitable distance greater than zero. However, it is
contemplated that the resilient member may not extend in front of
the front lip but may be substantially above or below this lip, or
may even be located further toward the interior of the bucket or
other work implement for other embodiments.
[0056] The amount the resilient member 142 extends from the shroud
insert 126 toward the tool adapter 104 may exceed the physical gap
between the shroud insert and the tool adapter once the tool
adapter and shroud insert have been fully attached to the lip,
forming an interference 148. The preload may be expressed as a
dimensional interference that may vary as desired but may be 3 to 9
mm in some embodiments. The reinforcement surface 136 may be
switched from the tool adapter 104 to the shroud insert 126 and the
support member 134 may be switched from the shroud insert 126 to
the tool adapter 104. The resilient member 142 may be made of
rubber, polyurethane or another suitable material such as
closed-cell foam. The resilient member could also be a spring.
[0057] The shroud protector 102 also includes a protective feature
150 that shields the resilient member 142 from contact with work
material, helping to increase its longevity. Also as best shown in
FIG. 9, the shroud protector 102 includes mating features 152 in
the form of two projections with outer surfaces 154 that contact
the outer surfaces 155 of the outer locating recess 156 of the
shroud insert 126. Conversely or in addition to this, the inner
surfaces 158 of the projections may contact the inner surfaces 160
of the outer recess 156 of the shroud insert 126. This allows the
shroud protector to engage the shroud insert to transfer loads
exerted on the shroud protector to the shroud insert.
[0058] FIG. 5 also shows how the nose 162 of the tool adapter 104
fits into a complimentary shaped recess 164 of the tool 106,
thereby providing support to the tool as it encounters various
forces in use, effectively allowing the transfer of loads exerted
on the tool to the adapter.
[0059] In general, any of the features described with reference to
FIG. 5 may be switched from one component to another. In such a
case, the corresponding feature on one component would also be
switched to the other component.
[0060] Referring again to FIG. 5 in more general terms, the bucket
101 represents one example of a work implement 100 that includes a
working edge 116, which may be located anywhere on the work
implement and extend in any direction that defines a sweep
direction S. A tool 106 is operatively connected to the working
edge 116, meaning that it may be directly attached to the work
implement or it may be connected via another component such as the
tool adapter 104, etc. A support member 134 which may be the shroud
insert 126 itself or a separate member that is attached to the
shroud insert 126 or the shroud protector 102, etc., is operatively
connected to the working edge 116 separately from the tool 106.
[0061] In other words, the support member 134 may be attached or
detached independently from the tool 106. The support member 134
may be connected to the working edge 116 a predetermined distance
164 away from the tool 106 along the sweep direction S. The support
member 134 may include a resilient member 142 and the tool 106 and
the support member 134 may be operatively associated with each
other and configured to provide a load path 128 through the
resilient member between the tool and the support member. This load
path may extend at least a portion of the sweep direction and may
extend substantially along the entire sweep direction when an
alternating pattern of properly configured support members and
tools are placed along the entire working edge of the work
implement. Distance 164 may be any suitable distance greater than
zero.
[0062] In some embodiments, another dampener other than a resilient
member such as a spring or another mechanical dampener may be
employed. The dampener may be part of the support member and may be
configured to absorb or dampen force. In other embodiments, no
resilient member or other dampener may be used and the support
member may have a solid or rigid interface with the tool or other
component placed between the tool and the support member such as
the tool adapter.
[0063] Taking a side force of on the adapter 104 will result in the
adapter moving in the same direction. As the adapter moves, the
insert 126 moves in the same directions via the resilient member
142 on the insert 126. The movement is stopped by the lip casting
protrusion 114 in the lip shroud or shroud protector position and
the opposite resilient member 142' pushing against the next adapter
104. Once this insert movement is stopped, the additional movement
of the adapter will be applied to the resilient member and applying
an opposing force back onto the adapter. The adapter movement is
either stopped by the resilient member force, supplied by the
interference 148, or contact of the adapter 104 on the lip casting
protrusion 114 in the adapter position. The purpose of the
resilient member 142 is also to absorb the shock load (impact) and
dampen the force transferred from the adapter 104 to the lip
108.
[0064] During installation as indicated by FIGS. 6 and 7, the
insert casting 126 is installed (step 166 of FIG. 6) onto the lip
shroud or shroud protector positions of the lip casting until the
protrusions 114 are in the inner recess 138 of the insert 126 prior
to installing the adapters 104. The lip shrouds or shroud
protectors 102 are then installed and secured into place (step 168
of FIG. 7).
[0065] Next as shown by FIG. 8, the adapters 104 are seated into
the adapter positions until the adapter 104 makes contact with one
of the resilient members 142 of the insert 126 (step 170). The
adapter retention system 172 will then be installed and tightened
(step 174). This tightening will compress the resilient members on
the inserts and center the location of the adapter onto the adapter
lip position using the protrusions 114. The adapter will stop
moving when it makes contact with the lip casting radius or front
edge 116.
[0066] As depicted by FIG. 9, when all the adapters 104 are
installed, the resilient members 142 on the insert 126 are all
compressed thus tying all the adapter and inserts together, forming
the load path 128 (step 176).
[0067] Focusing now on the support member 134 and the shroud insert
126, FIGS. 10 thru 13 show various views of one embodiment of the
support member 134 and shroud insert 126 of the present disclosure
shown as a shroud insert assembly 178. As shown, the support member
134 and shroud insert 126 are separate components that may be
loosely connected to each other, that may be fastened to each
other, or that may be combined into a single component in other
embodiments. For example, the support member 134 may include a
resilient member 142 that may include a rubber material that is
directly vulcanized to the shroud insert 126.
[0068] The shroud insert 126 includes a throat portion 200 that
defines an inner recess 202, so-called as it is located toward the
center of the shroud insert 126, that is at least partially
complimentary to a lip protrusion 114 with which it mates. The
throat portion 200 has a curved configuration with a curved outer
surface 204 and a curved inner surface 206 that is configured to
match the curvature of the front edge 116 of the lip 108 and that
defines a lateral direction L. The inner recess 202 is shown to be
centered laterally with respect to the body of the shroud insert
126 along the lateral direction L. The shroud insert 126 further
comprises at least one upper leg 208 and at least one lower leg 210
that are configured to straddle the front lip 108 once the shroud
insert 126 is installed on the front lip 108. These legs 208, 210
extend toward the rear of the shroud insert 126 along the direction
of assembly 211, defined by the inner recess 202 and that is
coextensive with the longitudinal axis 212 of the inner recess. The
legs extend at a ninety degree angle to the throat portion 200 of
the shroud insert 126 and are connected at the opposite ends of the
throat portion 200.
[0069] As best seen in FIGS. 10 and 13, a first support portion 214
extends forward or toward the front of the throat portion 200 along
the direction of assembly 211 approximately from the intersection
of the upper leg 208 with the throat portion 200 to approximately
the intersection of the lower leg 210 with the throat portion 200.
As best seen in FIG. 13, the support portion 214 includes a support
surface 216 that is configured to define a surface normal 218 that
makes an oblique angle .beta. with the direction of assembly 211 of
the shroud insert 126. The inner recess 202, which for this
embodiment is a thru-hole, may be a blind hole in other
embodiments.
[0070] For some embodiments, the angle .beta. may range from 110 to
160 degrees but may vary as needed or desired. The support surface
216 may extend to a lateral extremity 220 of the shroud insert 126
measured in lateral direction L. For this embodiment as best seen
in FIG. 12, the upper leg 208 has a curved surface 222 adjacent its
lower surface 224 that is configured to match the contour of the
front lip 108 and an angled surface 226 that is adjacent the curved
surface 222 and joins the curved surface 222 to the side surface
228 of the leg 208 with the addition of some blends and provides
clearance for the steps 124 of adjacent segments 122 of the lip
108. Similarly, the lower leg 210 has a curved surface 222'
adjacent its top surface 230 that is configured to match the
contour of the front lip and an angled surface 226' that is
adjacent the curved surface 222' that joins the curved surface 222'
to the side surface 228' of the leg 210 with the addition of some
blends and provides clearance for the steps of the adjacent
segments of the lip.
[0071] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 13, the shroud insert 126 further
comprises a second upper leg 208' and a second lower leg 210' that
are similarly configured as just described with respect to the
first upper leg and first lower leg. Likewise, a second support
portion 214' extends toward the front of the throat portion 200
approximately from the intersection of the second upper leg 208'
with the throat portion 200 to approximately the intersection of
the second lower leg 210' with the throat portion 200. As best seen
in FIG. 13, the support portion 214' includes a support surface
216' that is configured to define a surface normal 218' that makes
an an oblique angle .beta.' with the direction of assembly 211 of
the shroud insert 126. At least a portion of either support surface
is positioned forward of the throat portion along the direction of
assembly.
[0072] Although not shown clearly in FIGS. 10 thru 13, the support
member 134 includes a projection 300 (see FIG. 17) that fits
lightly into a complimentary shaped pocket (not shown) on the
support surface 216 of the shroud insert 126. As a result, the
support member is lightly held by the shroud insert without being
fastened thereto. In some embodiments, fastening the support member
to the shroud insert may be avoided, allowing the support member to
be more easily removed and replaced once a tool adapter, tool, or
other structural member that traps the support member in place has
been removed. In other embodiments, the support member could be
fastened or otherwise be attached to the shroud insert. More
discussion on how the support member may be held onto the shroud
insert will be provided later herein with respect to FIGS. 28 thru
30.
[0073] The shroud insert 126 further defines a first mating feature
in the form of an outer groove 232 or recess that is configured to
accept a corresponding and complimentary shaped first mating
feature or first projection of the shroud protector, discussed
later herein. The shroud insert also defines a second mating
feature in the form of a second outer groove 232' that is
configured to accept a corresponding and complimentary shaped
mating feature or second projection of the shroud protector, also
discussed later herein. These groves are defined by thinned out
regions of the throat portion 200 and are positioned between the
first upper leg 208, first lower leg 210, and first support portion
214 and the inner recess 202 of the shroud insert along a lateral
direction L of the shroud insert on one side, and the second upper
leg 208', second lower leg 210', and second support portion 214'
and the inner recess 202' of the shroud insert on the other
side.
[0074] Clearance pockets 234 are found on the support portions 214
that face in the opposite direction of the support surface 216 that
are configured to allow the insertion of a tool for tightening a
nut 236 on a threaded shaft of a bolt 238 that extends through a
clearance hole (not shown) of the support portion. The support
members 134 have fastener grooves 302 with sidewalls 304 that
prevent the rotation of the head of the bolt 238 from the front of
the support member 134. Consequently, rotation of the nut is not
imparted to the rotation of the bolt, allowing tightening of the
bolt. This process may be performed twice with upper and lower
fasteners to secure the support member 134 to the shroud insert
126.
[0075] The legs 208, 210 and support portions 214 also define inner
guide surfaces 240 that are spaced apart a predetermined distance
242 (see FIG. 11) to provide a pathway that allows a portion of the
shroud protector 102 to be inserted past the shroud insert 126 so
that the shroud protector 102 may be fastened onto the lip 108. For
this embodiment, little clearance is provided between these
surfaces and corresponding surfaces of the legs and sides of the
shroud protector, allowing load from the shroud protector to be
transferred to the shroud insert and vice versa. As best seen in
FIG. 13, the outside and inside surfaces 244, 246 of the legs 208,
210 also include transition regions 248 that jog, decreasing the
width of the legs measured in the lateral direction L.
[0076] The first top leg 208 may be marked "inside" and the second
top leg 208' may be marked "outside", indicating how the shroud
insert 126 is to be inserted onto a work implement 100. The
"inside" leg is meant to be closest to the centerline C of the work
implement. In FIG. 11, a single plane of symmetry 250 is shown for
the shroud insert 126 of FIGS. 10 thru 13, meaning that it can be
used on either side of the centerline of the work implement
provided that the "inside" leg is closest to the centerline. There
is a lack of symmetry with respect to the first support portion 214
and second support portion 214' of the shroud insert 126 as the
first support portion 214 extends slightly further in front of the
throat portion 200 than the second support portion 214' along the
direction of assembly 211 as indicated by distance 252 in FIG. 13
to compensate for the curvature of the lip 108. A chamfered surface
254 is also located near each intersection of the leg 208, 210 and
throat portion 200.
[0077] It is further contemplated that in other embodiments there
could be two planes of symmetry for a shroud insert that straddles
the centerline of the work implement. Additionally, some work
implements do not have a sweep axis that is curved but is straight,
defining a purely lateral direction. With such embodiments, all of
the shroud inserts may have two or more planes of symmetry used on
that particular work implement and their configuration may be
identical.
[0078] For the embodiments shown in FIGS. 10 thru 13, the support
members 134 on the left and right sides of the shroud insert
assembly 178 are identical but this may not be the case for other
embodiments. Also, different support members with different
resilient members may be provided for different applications so
that different preloads may be created, etc.
[0079] FIG. 14 discloses another embodiment of a shroud insert
assembly 178'. This assembly is similarly configured to what has
just been described with reference to FIGS. 10 thru 13 except for
the following differences. The holes that were clearance holes that
receive the fasteners are now threaded holes (not shown) and a cap
screw 256 is provided to tighten the support member 134'' onto the
support surface 216 from the front of the support portion 214
instead of the rear. Hence, no nut 236 is needed in the clearance
pockets 234' and no fastener grooves 302 or associated projections
300 are needed on the support member 134'.
[0080] FIGS. 15 thru 19, show an embodiment of the support member
134 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As
mentioned previously, FIG. 15 shows that two instances of the same
support member 134 may be attached to the shroud insert 126. The
support member 134 includes a structural member 306 and a resilient
member 142. The resilient member 142 may be adhered to the
structural member 306 such as by vulcanizing it directly to the
structural member. It may be snapped onto the structural member or
loosely held thereto using some sort of slight interference fit
between a pocket located in the structural member and a
complimentary shaped projection of the resilient member or vice
versa.
[0081] The structural member 306 is shown in FIGS. 15 thru 19 and
includes the following features as best seen in FIGS. 16 thru 19.
It includes a base portion 308 that defines a substantially
trapezoidal perimeter as best seen in FIG. 16. The chamfered ends
310 are configured to match the shape of the chamfered surfaces 254
of the shroud insert 126 as previously described herein. Proximate
each chamfered end 310, the base portion 308 defines clearance
holes 312 for receiving a fastener as also previously described
herein. These clearance holes 312 as well as the rearward
projection 300 define a direction of assembly 314 onto a shroud
insert 126. Two projections 316 are positioned immediately adjacent
either side of the clearance hole 312 that define a fastener groove
302 with sidewalls 304 that are parallel to each other that are
configured to abut the faceted perimeter of a bolt, preventing the
bolt from turning when tightening a nut in the clearance pockets of
the shroud insert as previously described herein. These projections
316 may also limit the deflection of the resilient member 142 in
use.
[0082] As shown best in FIGS. 17 thru 19, a rectangular projection
300 is provided on the rear surface of the structural member 306
that may mate with a complimentary shaped pocket located on the
support surface 216 of the shroud insert 126 as previously
described herein. This may prevent lateral movement of the
resilient member 142 relative to the shroud insert 126 in use. As
shown, the projection 300 includes a length L300 and width W300
that are parallel with the length L142 and width W142 of the base
of the resilient member 142 respectively. In both cases, the length
exceeds the width. Also, these lengths and widths are perpendicular
to each other and the direction of assembly 314. The sides of the
projection 300 may be angled (see dotted lines 301 in FIG. 19) so
that the profile of the projection 300 is trapezoidal instead of
rectangular. Other asymmetrical features may be used that mate with
a similarly configured pocket of the shroud insert to ensure proper
assembly.
[0083] Focusing now on the resilient member 142 shown in FIGS. 16
thru 20, it has the following notable features. As already
mentioned, the resilient member may be bonded to a steel plate or
other structural member which may be bolted to the shroud insert.
As best seen in FIG. 16, the resilient member 142 may have a
non-symmetrical design. More specifically, the centerline C318
through the midpoint of the flat contact surface 318 of the
resilient member 142 is offset relative to the centerline C306 of
the structural member 306 of the support member 134 or base 308 of
the resilient member. As a result, the flat contact surface 318 is
further forward on the shroud insert 126 than the centerline of its
base which is coextensive with the centerline C306 (see FIG. 15 as
well), creating a natural bias of the resilient member 142 that
resists the installation of the tool adapter 104 once the tool
adapter 104 contacts the resilient member 142. Once enough preload
force is exerted on the resilient member 142, the centerline C318
of the contact face may approach the centerline C306 of the of the
structural member 306 of the support member 134. The structural
member 306 includes a sloped surface 320 that runs parallel to
these centerlines and that is positioned closer to the centerline
C306 of the base than the centerline C318 of the flat contact face
318.
[0084] Also, the top of the resilient member that includes the flat
contact surface 318 is not as wide as the base 322 as a
predetermined radius to withstand large deformation loads narrows
the resilient member 142 near the contact surface 318 as compared
to its base 322. Accordingly, any side surface that connects the
base to the flat contact surface may be curved as shown in FIGS. 15
thru 20. Similarly, radii 326 may be used to blend the flat contact
surface 318 to the side curved surfaces 324 to minimize the
presence of any straight surfaces or sharp corner. In summary, the
resilient member 142 may include a base 322, a contact surface 318
that may or may not be flat, and a plurality of curved surfaces
324, 326 having various radii of curvature that join the base 322
to the contact surface 318, forming a predominantly curved set of
side surfaces that are configured to avoid stress risers.
[0085] The resilient member serves two main purposes. First, it
provides constant pressure between the adapters to prevent side
movement of the adapter component. Without the resiliency of this
component, it would be difficult to ensure constant contact between
the adapter and the insert due to component tolerances. Second, the
resilient member provides dampening of shock loads transferred from
the adapter to the insert during side loads applied to the
adapter.
[0086] The support member 134'' of FIG. 20 lacks support
protrusions and fastener grooves as this embodiment of the support
member is intended to be used with a fastener 256 that engages
threaded holes located on the shroud insert 126' of FIG. 14. It may
also lack a rear projection 300.
[0087] Different support members with different resilient members
may be provided depending on the application. For example, the
material and/or configurations of the resilient member may be
changed depending on how much preload force is needed. The
durometer or other material property may also be adjusted for
similar reasons. As can be seen due to the easy access to the
support member, it may be easily removed and replaced with another
support member as desired, lending versatility to the embodiments
of the present disclosure.
[0088] Indeed, FIGS. 28-36 show yet other embodiments of the shroud
insert 126', support member 134''' and the resilient member 142'
that show the various options available in the present disclosure.
Focusing on FIG. 28, this figure illustrates that the contact face
318 of the previous version of the resilient member 142 is parallel
to the support surface 216 of the shroud insert 126 (denoted by
dotted lines 330) while FIG. 29 shows that the contact face 318' of
the revised resilient member 142 forms an oblique angle .THETA.
with the support surface 216' of the shroud insert 126'. In some
embodiments, this angle may range from 0 to 10.degree..
Furthermore, the revised shroud insert 216' does not have a pocket
234 for receiving a nut as the revised support member 134''' does
not use a fastener to be adhered to the shroud insert 126'.
[0089] Instead as depicted by FIGS. 29, 31 and 32, magnets 258 are
used that are inserted into the structural members 306' of the
support member 134''' to hold the support member 134''' onto the
shroud insert 126'. Pry slots 260 adjacent pocket 262' may be
provided to facilitate removal of the support member 134''' from
the shroud insert 126'. As best seen in FIGS. 30, 21 and 32, the
various pockets 262, 262' of the shroud insert 126, 126' may be
complimentary configured to receive the structural members 306,
306' of the support member 134, 134'''. For the embodiment in FIG.
30, the pocket 262 is completely bound or surrounded by the support
surface 216 and includes a trapezoidal configuration. For the
revised embodiment in FIG. 31, two pockets 262' are positioned at
the top and bottom of the support surface 216' of the shroud insert
126' adjacent an edge of the support surface 216'. As mentioned
earlier, asymmetrical features such as asymmetrical pockets may be
used to foolproof the assembly of the support member to the shroud
insert. Alternatively, as best seen in FIG. 29, a forward
protrusion 328 may be provided that protects the front portion of
the casting of the shroud insert 126' and will interfere with the
support surface 216' of the shroud insert 126' if improperly
reversed, fool proofing the assembly of the support member 134'''
onto the shroud insert 126'.
[0090] Referring to FIGS. 33 thru 36, it can be seen that the
revised support member 134''' and revised resilient member 142'
have the following differences when compared to the previous
support member 134 and resilient member 142. The revised support
member 134''' and revised resilient member 142' are wider and
longer than the embodiments previously discussed and the contact
face 318' is enlarged. As a result, part of the clearance surface
266 that is on the shroud insert 126' is also on the revised
support member 134'''. Also as mentioned earlier, there is an
oblique angle .THETA. formed by the contact surface 318' and the
base 308' of the support member 134''' for the revised embodiments.
Both embodiments of the resilient member 142, 142' have an
asymmetrical profile as shown in FIGS. 35 and 36, it is
contemplated that this might not be the case for other
embodiments.
[0091] It is to be understood that other than the differences just
discussed with respect to the revised embodiments of the shroud
insert, support member and resilient member of FIGS. 28 thru 36,
that the revised embodiments are similarly configured as those
shown and described in FIGS. 10 thru 20.
[0092] Referring now to FIGS. 37 thru 41, a shroud insert assembly
800 according to various embodiment of the present disclosure is
disclosed that are similar or identical to those disclosed in FIGS.
10 thru 20, and FIGS. 28 thru 36 except for some differences with
reference to a shield subassembly 802 as will now be described. The
shroud insert assembly 800 may comprise a shield subassembly 802
including a support member 804 that is attached to the support
surface 806. The shield subassembly 806 further comprises a
resilient member 808 and a shield 810 surrounding the resilient
member 808. The shroud insert assembly 800 may further comprise a
shroud insert 812 including features as previously described herein
with reference to FIGS. 10 thru 10, and FIGS. 28 thru 36.
[0093] The shield subassembly 802 may include a support member 804,
a resilient member 808 and a shield 810 that may be assembled prior
to being attached to the shroud insert 812 or the shield 810 may be
added to a support member already in the field, etc. The shield 810
may be a separate shield member 814 from the support member 804.
That is to say, the shield member 814 may be a different member as
compared to the support member 804. In some embodiments, the
support member 804 and the shield member 814 may include metallic
material(s) such as steel, iron, etc. In some embodiments, the
shield member 814 is bonded to the support member 804 via welding,
adhesives, etc.
[0094] The shield member 814 may define an annular perimeter 816
that is configured to surround the resilient member 808. The shield
member 814 may further define a shield height 818 measured along
the surface normal 820 of the support surface 806 of the shroud
insert 812. The shield height 818 may vary along the annular
perimeter 816. More particularly, the front surface 822 of the
shield member 814 may include a first front surface 824 and a
second front surface 826 that form a front surface obtuse angle 828
with each other that may range from 130 degrees to 180 degrees.
[0095] As best seen in FIGS. 40 and 41, the resilient member 808
may define a resilient member height 830 measured along the surface
normal 820 and the ratio of the difference 832 in the shield height
818 and the resilient member height 830 to the resilient member
height 830 ranges from 20% to 50%. In some embodiments, this
difference 832 in height is equal to or slightly greater than the
preload desired to be created by the resilient member 808 and
exerted on the shroud protector.
[0096] The annular perimeter 816 of the shield member 814 may
include at least one shield pry slot 834. More specifically, the
shield member 814 may define a shield front surface 836 and a
shield rear surface 838 along the surface normal 820 and the at
least one shield pry slot may 834 be disposed on the shield rear
surface 838. Likewise, the shield rear surface 838 may define a
rear shield pocket 840 configured to receive the support member
804.
[0097] Looking at FIGS. 38 thru 41, a shield subassembly 802
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise a
support member 804, a resilient member 808 that includes a base
842, and a contact surface 844, and a shield member 814 defining an
annular perimeter 816. The support member 804 defines a direction
of assembly 846, a front and a rear along the direction of assembly
846, and the resilient member 808 defines a length L808 and a width
W808 that are perpendicular to each other and to the direction of
assembly 846. The length L808 exceeds the width W808 and the base
defines 842 a centerline 850 that is parallel to the length L808.
The contact surface 844 defines a centerline 852 that is parallel
to the length L808 and the annular perimeter 816 of the shield
member 814 is configured to surround the resilient member 808.
[0098] As alluded to earlier, the shield member 814 may be a
separate from the support member 804 or may be made integral with
the support member 804 such as when both are cast together.
[0099] The annular perimeter 816 of the shield member 814 may
surround the resilient member 808. The annular perimeter 816 may
define a shield height 818 measured along the direction of assembly
846 and the resilient member 808 may define a resilient member
height 830 measured along the direction of assembly 846 that is
greater than the shield height 818. The ratio of the difference 832
in the resilient member height 830 and the shield height 818 to the
resilient member height may range from 20% to 50% in various
embodiments. In some but not all embodiments, the shield height 818
is variably defined by at least two angled front surfaces 854,
854'. The shield member 814 defines a support member receiving
pocket 856 disposed toward the interior of the annular perimeter
816 and at least one shield pry slot 834 disposed toward the
exterior of the annular perimeter 816.
[0100] Looking now at FIGS. 21 thru 24, a shroud protector 102 is
disclosed for use with a support assembly for ground engaging tools
and that is configured to be attached to a work implement using a
retaining mechanism. This shroud protector 102 may be used with the
other components described herein thus far. The shroud protector
102 comprises a nose portion 400, a first leg 402, a second leg
404, a throat portion 406 that connects the legs 402, 404 and nose
portion 400 together, and at least one leg that defines an aperture
408 that is configured to receive a retaining mechanism. The first
and second legs 402, 404 define a slot 410 that may include a
closed end 412 and an open end 414 (best seen in FIG. 23), the slot
410 defining a direction 416 of assembly onto a work implement. In
addition as best seen in FIG. 22, the shroud protector 102 may
comprise at least one projection 418 that is configured to be a
mating feature and that partially defines a clearance pocket
420.
[0101] Similarly, the shroud protector 102 may further comprise a
second projection 418' that is configured to be a mating feature
and that partially defines the clearance pocket 420. The first and
second the projections 418, 418' may comprise outside abutment
surfaces 422, 422' that are configured to contact mating features
of another component of the support assembly such as the shroud
insert. The projections 418, 418' may comprise inside clearance
surfaces 424, 424' adjacent the clearance pocket 420 that do not
contact the lip protrusion 114 or mating features of the shroud
insert 126 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 9 and described earlier
herein.
[0102] FIGS. 21 thru 23 also show that the first leg 402 may be
longer than the second leg 404 in the direction of assembly 416. In
this embodiment, the first leg is the top leg 402 that includes a
rear surface 426 that defines a slot 428 that is configured to
receive a locking member (not shown) that protrudes from the top
surface of the front lip. Also, the top leg 402 includes a top
surface 430 that defines the aperture 408 for receiving the
retaining mechanism 130 as previously described with reference to
FIG. 7.
[0103] As shown in FIGS. 21 thru 24, the slot 410 also defines a
lateral direction L that is perpendicular to the direction of
assembly 416. As best seen in FIG. 24, the shroud protector 102
defines a width measured in the lateral direction L, wherein the
width W400 of the nose portion 400 increases until this width
reaches a maximum W434 at a positioned disposed forward of the slot
410 along the direction of assembly 416. The width narrows rearward
of the maximum width W434 along the direction of assembly 416 and
this change in width creates protrusions 434 that are configured to
shield a component of the support assembly. For example as shown in
FIGS. 5 and 9, the protrusions 434 may act as a protective feature
for the resilient member 142. The width W400 of the front portion
of the nose 400 may be substantially the same as the width W402 of
the rear portion of the upper leg 402, which may match that of the
lower leg 404.
[0104] FIGS. 21 thru 23 best show that the entire protrusion 434 is
positioned forward of the slot 410 along the direction of assembly
416. This may not be the case for other embodiments. Other features
of the shroud protector 102 include chamfered surfaces 436 that
connect the top and side surfaces 430, 438 of the top leg 402.
Also, the clearance pocket 420 is shown to narrow as it transitions
(pointed out by reference numeral 440) into the lower leg 404.
Similar geometry may be present with respect to how the clearance
pocket transitions to the upper leg (not shown). The nose portion
400 may include convexly curved upper and lower surfaces 442 and
concavely curved side surfaces 444 as best seen in FIGS. 23 and 24
respectively. A plane of symmetry 446 for the shroud protector 102
is shown in FIG. 24.
[0105] Turning now to FIGS. 25 thru 27, a tool adapter 104 for
attaching a tool to a work implement using a retaining mechanism
and for use with a support assembly for ground engaging tools is
illustrated. The tool adapter 104 comprises a nose portion 500 that
is configured to facilitate the attachment of a tool, a first leg
502, a second leg 504, a throat portion 506 that connects the legs
502, 504 and nose portion 500 together and that includes a side
surface 508, and at least one leg that defines an aperture 510 that
is configured to receive a retaining mechanism (see 172 in FIG.
8).
[0106] The first and second legs 502, 504 and throat portion 506
may define a slot 512 that includes a closed end 514 and an open
end 516 as best seen in FIG. 25, the slot 512 defining a direction
of assembly 518 onto a work implement, and at least one projection
520 that includes a reinforcement surface 136 positioned in front
of the slot 512 along the direction of assembly 518 that extends
from the side surface 508 of the throat portion 506. The throat
portion 506 may further include a second side surface 508' and the
tool adapter 104 may further comprise a second projection 520' that
extends from the second side surface 508' and that is opposite the
first projection 520 and is similarly configured. In fact as best
seen in FIG. 26, the tool adapter 104 is symmetrical about a plane
524 through the direction of assembly 518.
[0107] The reinforcement surface 136 forms an oblique included
angle .phi. with the direction of assembly 518. The slot 512
further defines a lateral direction L and the tool adapter 104
defines Cartesian coordinates where the Y axis is aligned with the
direction of assembly 518 and the X direction is parallel with the
lateral direction L. The oblique angle .phi. may be in the X-Y
plane and may range from 20 to 40 degrees as best seen in FIG. 26.
More particularly, the angle .phi. may range from 25 to 35 degrees.
Alternatively or in addition to this, an oblique angle .gamma. may
exist between the surface 136 and the Z direction in the X-Z plane
and ranges from 0 to 10 degrees as best seen in FIG. 27. More
particularly, this angle .gamma. may range from 0 to 5 degrees.
This angle .gamma. compensates for the curvature of the sweep axis
S of the front lip 108 as shown in FIG. 3.
[0108] Furthermore, the projection 520 may include top and bottom
chamfered surfaces 526, 528 and a front chamfered surface 530. The
side surfaces 532, 534 of the legs 502, 504 may jog or transition
536, 538 to narrow the legs toward the rear of the slot 512 along
the direction of assembly 518. Other angles are possible and the
jogging of the legs may be omitted in other embodiments. The nose
portion 500 also includes a boss 133 used to attach a tool 106 as
previously described with reference to FIG. 5. Recess 140 is also
shown in FIG. 27 that receives the lip protrusion 114 in a manner
previously described with reference to FIG. 5.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0109] In practice, a work implement such as a bucket may be sold
with a support assembly for ground engaging tools according to any
of the embodiments discussed herein. In other situations, a kit
that includes components for retrofitting an existing work
implement or a newly bought work implement with a support assembly
may be provided. With reference to FIGS. 5 and 9, the support
assembly 600 may include the working edge 108, shroud insert 126,
shroud protector 102 and tool adapter 104. Fewer components may be
necessary when one or more components are combined with each other.
For example, one component that includes both the tool 106 and a
tool adapter 104 in the form of a tool attachment portion that is
integral with the tool and another component that includes the
shroud protector 102, shroud insert 126 and the support member 134
integrated into a single component may be all that is needed in
other embodiments. Accordingly, the term tool adapter should be
interpreted broadly to include an attachment portion of a tool that
is directly connected to a working edge and the term support member
should include any member that provides a support function to an
adjacent component, regardless of what other functions it
provides.
[0110] A kit 602 for supplying components for a support assembly
for ground engaging tools may be sold or otherwise be made
available to the end user as illustrated by FIG. 9. The kit 602 may
comprise a shroud protector 102 for use with a support assembly 600
for ground engaging tools and that is configured to be attached to
a work implement 100 using a retaining mechanism. The shroud
protector 102 may include at least one projection 152 that is
configured to be a mating feature and that partially defines a
clearance pocket 138, both of which have been previously discussed.
The kit 602 may further comprise a tool adapter 104 for attaching a
tool 106 to a work implement using a retaining mechanism and for
use with a support assembly 600 for ground engaging tools that
includes (as best seen in FIG. 26) at least one projection 520 that
includes a reinforcement surface 136 and (as best seen in FIG. 10)
a shroud insert 126 that includes a resilient member 142 that is
configured to engage the reinforcement surface 136 of the tool
adapter 104.
[0111] This shroud insert 126 may include a separate support member
134 that is configured to be attached and detached from the shroud
insert 126 and that includes the resilient member 142. The kit 602
may further comprise a second support member 134'. The first and
second support members may have the same or different
configurations. The shroud insert may include a mating feature that
is configured to engage a mating feature of the shroud
protector.
[0112] Mating features discussed herein may take any form known or
that will be devised in the art. A female mating feature on one
component may have a corresponding male feature on another
component. These features may be swapped relative to each other and
their associated components.
[0113] Once the necessary components of the kit 602 have been
obtained, the support assembly 600 may be created or assembled per
the following method 700 as illustrated by FIGS. 6 thru 9. During
installation as indicated by FIGS. 6 and 7, the insert casting 126
is installed (step 166 of FIG. 6) onto the lip shroud positions of
the lip casting until the protrusions 114 are in the inner recess
138 of the insert 126 prior to installing the adapters 104. The lip
shrouds or shroud protectors 102 are then installed and secured
into place (step 168 of FIG. 7).
[0114] Next as shown by FIG. 8, the adapters 104 are seated into
the adapter positions until the adapter 104 makes contact with one
of the resilient members 142 of the insert 126 (step 170). The
adapter retention system or retaining mechanism 172 will then be
installed and tightened (step 174). This tightening will compress
the resilient members on the inserts and center the location of the
adapter onto the adapter lip position using the protrusions 114.
The adapter will stop moving when it makes contact with the lip
casting radius or front edge 116. Step 174 may be performed before
step 168 in certain embodiments, trapping the shroud insert onto
the working edge without needing the shroud protector.
[0115] As depicted by FIG. 9, when all the adapters 104 are
installed, the resilient members 142 on the insert 126 are all
compressed thus tying all the adapter and inserts together, forming
the load path 128 (step 176). As evidenced by FIGS. 37-41, by
placing a shield around the rubber portion or resilient member of
this assembly, the resilient portion such as the rubber may be
protected from material flowing over it. The shield may also stop
the rubber from being over compressed by providing a stop to the
component acting on the rubber by limiting its movement. The
protective shield may either be bonded onto the assembly containing
the rubber or cast into the steel structure which is bonded to the
rubber, etc. A shield member, a shield subassembly, and/or a shroud
insert assembly may be provided according to any embodiment
disclosed herein in the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) or
after-market context.
[0116] It will be appreciated that the foregoing description
provides examples of the disclosed assembly and technique. However,
it is contemplated that other implementations of the disclosure may
differ in detail from the foregoing examples. All references to the
disclosure or examples thereof are intended to reference the
particular example being discussed at that point and are not
intended to imply any limitation as to the scope of the disclosure
more generally. All language of distinction and disparagement with
respect to certain features is intended to indicate a lack of
preference for those features, but not to exclude such from the
scope of the disclosure entirely unless otherwise indicated.
[0117] Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to
serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each
separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated
herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the
specification as if it were individually recited herein. Also, the
numbers recited are also part of the range.
[0118] 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 as discussed herein without
departing from the scope or spirit of the invention(s). Other
embodiments of this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in
the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the
various embodiments disclosed herein. For example, some of the
equipment may be constructed and function differently than what has
been described herein and certain steps of any method may be
omitted, performed in an order that is different than what has been
specifically mentioned or in some cases performed simultaneously or
in sub-steps or combined. Furthermore, variations or modifications
to certain aspects or features of various embodiments may be made
to create further embodiments and features and aspects of various
embodiments may be added to or substituted for other features or
aspects of other embodiments in order to provide still further
embodiments.
[0119] 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 the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or
otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
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