TIP AND ADAPTER COUPLING SYSTEM
A lock assembly for attaching a wear member to a base includes a retaining block with a spring attached to the retaining block that fits into an aperture of the base. A lock pin fits into the aperture of the wear member, and the aperture of the retaining block, retaining the wear member onto the base. The lock pin engages the spring that prevents unintentional rotation of the lock pin so that the lock pin is trapped in the aperture of the wear member, preventing its unintentional removal.
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This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/359,229, filed on Jul. 8, 2022, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELDThe present disclosure relates to retaining mechanisms employed on work implement assemblies such as bucket assemblies used by earth moving, mining, construction equipment and the like for attaching a tip to an adapter of the work implement assembly. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a retaining mechanism that uses a spring attached to a retaining block that interacts with a lock pin to hold a tip onto an adapter.
BACKGROUNDMachines such as wheel loaders, excavators, and the like employ work implement assemblies including bucket assemblies, rakes, shears, etc. that have teeth or tips attached to them to help perform work on a material such as dirt, rock, sand, etc. For example, teeth or tips may be attached to a bucket assembly to help the bucket assembly to penetrate the ground, facilitating the scooping of the dirt into a bucket. Adapters are often attached to the work edges (e.g. the base edge, the side edge, etc.) of the bucket or other work implement so that different styles of teeth or tips may be attached to the work implement. Also, the tips or teeth may be replaced easily when worn by providing a retaining mechanism that is used to selectively hold the tip onto the adapter or to allow the tip be removed from the adapter.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,435,084 discloses wear members a digging tooth assembly that has a base nose, a replaceable tooth tip mounted on the base nose, and a pin securing the tip to the nose. The pin includes a locking head eccentric to the pin, and a pad-like resilient member that is placed between the head and the tooth tip. The locking head is rotated so that the resilient member is compressed to urge the tooth tip in a direction such that the tip is maintained in a nose-contacting position.
As can be seen, the '084 patent does not provide resistance of rotation for the locking pin. Accordingly, there exists a need to develop a retaining mechanism that is less prone to unintentional rotation of the locking pin that may lead to undesired unlocking of the retaining mechanism, increasing the risk of loss of the tip.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSUREA tip and adapter assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise a tip that includes a body that defines a direction of assembly, a vertical axis that is perpendicular to the direction of assembly, and a lateral axis that is perpendicular to the vertical axis and the direction of assembly. The body of the tip may include a forward working portion disposed along the direction of assembly including a closed end, and a rear attachment portion disposed along the direction of assembly including an open end. The rear attachment portion may define an exterior surface, an adapter nose receiving pocket extending longitudinally from the open end, a retaining mechanism receiving aperture in communication with the adapter nose receiving pocket and the exterior surface, and a first ledge defining a first lateral undercut in the retaining mechanism receiving aperture. The assembly may also include an adapter that includes a body comprising a nose portion that is configured to fit within the adapter nose receiving pocket of the tip. The body of the adapter may include an outer surface defining a polygonal retaining block receiving aperture.
A wear member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise a body that defines a longitudinal axis, a vertical axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a lateral axis that is perpendicular to the vertical axis and the longitudinal axis. The body of the wear member may also include a forward wear portion disposed along the longitudinal axis, and a rear attachment portion disposed along the longitudinal axis including an open end. The rear attachment portion may define an exterior surface, an adapter nose receiving pocket extending longitudinally from the open end, a retaining mechanism receiving aperture extending from the exterior surface through the body to the adapter nose receiving pocket, and a first ledge defining a first lateral undercut in the retaining mechanism receiving aperture.
An adapter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise a body including a nose portion having an external surface defining a polygonal retaining block receiving aperture with a bottom seat surface, and a round pin receiving aperture that extends from the bottom seat surface.
A base according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise a body including a nose portion having an external surface defining an at least partially non-circular retaining block receiving aperture at the external surface with a bottom seat surface that is spaced away from the external surface, and a circular pin receiving aperture that extends from the bottom seat surface.
A retaining mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise a pin including a drive portion and a spring engaging portion, wherein the drive portion includes a polygonal aperture, and includes a surface of revolution that defines an axis of rotation, a radial direction, a circumferential direction, and the spring engaging portion includes a circumferential surface with at least one depression disposed on the circumferential surface.
A retaining mechanism according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise a retaining block that includes an outer perimeter that has a surface of non-revolution, a pin receiving aperture defining an inner surface that is inwardly offset from the surface of non-revolution, and a spring receiving aperture extending from the surface of non-revolution to the inner surface.
A lock assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise a spring including an apex plateau member, a first undulating side member extending from the apex plateau member, a second undulating side member extending from the apex plateau member, a first attachment flange extending from the first undulating side member, and a second plateau member extending from the second undulating side member.
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 such 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.
A work implement assembly using tips or any type of wear member that may employ lock assemblies constructed according to various embodiments of the present disclosure will now be discussed. In general terms, a lock assembly is provided for attaching a wear member such a tip to a base such as an adapter that includes a retaining block with a spring attached to the retaining block that fits into an aperture of the base. A lock pin is also provided that fits into the aperture of the wear member, and the aperture of the retaining block, retaining the wear member onto the base. The lock pin engages the spring that prevents unintentional rotation of the lock pin so that the lock pin is trapped in the aperture of the wear member, preventing its unintentional removal.
Starting with
A side edge assembly 115 is attached to each end plate 114 while a front edge assembly 116 is attached to the front edge of the bottom plate 108 of the bucket assembly 100. The front edge assembly 116 includes a base edge 117 that is attached to the bottom plate 108, a plurality of center adapters 118 attached to the base edge 117, and a plurality of tips 200 (may also be referred to as tools, teeth, wear members, etc.) with each one of the plurality of tips 200 being attached to one of the plurality of center adapters 118. Also, two corner adapters 120 are also attached to the base edge and the side edges 122 of the bucket assembly 100′. Tip 200 may also be attached to the corner adapters 120.
Moreover, a plurality of base edge protectors 124 are also provided with each one of the base edge protectors 124 positioned between center adapters 120 and between a center adapter 120 and a corner adapter 120. A side edge protector 126 is also provided that is attached to the side edge 122 proximate to a corner adapter 120.
It is to be understood that the work implement assembly may take other forms other than a bucket assembly including rake assemblies, shear assemblies, etc. In addition, a differently configured bucket that is meant to be used by an excavator may also use various embodiments of a tip, a retaining mechanism, an adapter, a spring, a spring retaining block, a retaining block with a spring subassembly, an adapter subassembly, and a tip and adapter assembly, etc. as will be discussed herein.
A tip and adapter assembly constructed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to
Starting with
The body of the tip 200 may include a forward working portion 208 disposed along the direction of assembly 202 including a closed end 210, as well as a rear attachment portion 212 that is disposed along the direction of assembly 202 including an open end 214.
The rear attachment portion 212 may define an exterior surface 216, and an adapter nose receiving pocket 218 extending along the direction of assembly 202 from the open end 214. A retaining mechanism receiving aperture 220 is in communication with the adapter nose receiving pocket 218, and the exterior surface 216. A first ledge 222 may be disposed in this aperture defining a first lateral undercut(s) 224 (see also
Referring now to
More specifically as shown best in
Focusing on
Also, a first angled surface 315 that is oblique to the first side 312, a second angled surface 316, that is oblique to the second side 312a, a third angled surface 316a that is oblique to the third side 314, and a fourth angled surface 316b that is oblique to the fourth side 314a. As shown in
Referring to both
These surfaces mate or contact their counterparts for at least two reasons. First, this contact may help to provide a slight press fit between the retaining block and the adapter to help hold the retaining block in the aperture of the adapter in order to ease assembly. To that end, both sets of surfaces (for both the retaining block and those of the aperture of the adapter) are drafted or tapered by 0.5 degrees (see
In addition as understood by looking at
Looking at
In
Looking at
As best seen in
During assembly, the lock pin 500 may be inserted into the retaining mechanism receiving aperture 220 of the tip 200 as shown in
As the rotation occurs, the ramp surface 512 (see also
Now a wear member 200a that may be provided as a replacement or retrofit in the field will now be discussed with reference to
The wear member 200a may have a body that defines a longitudinal axis (e.g., may be the same as the direction of assembly 202), a vertical axis 204 that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a lateral axis 206 that is perpendicular to the vertical axis 204 and the longitudinal axis.
The body may include a forward wear portion 208a that is disposed along the longitudinal axis (see direction of assembly 202), and a rear attachment portion 212 disposed along the longitudinal axis including an open end 214.
The rear attachment portion 212 may have an exterior surface 216 with an adapter nose receiving pocket 218 extending longitudinally from the open end 214, and a retaining mechanism receiving aperture 220 extending from the exterior surface 216 through the body to the adapter nose receiving pocket 218. A first ledge 222 (may also be referred to as a rib) may define a first lateral undercut 224 in the retaining mechanism receiving aperture 220 in a manner previously described herein.
In
In
Then, the lock pin 500 can then be removed from the assembly, allowing the tip or other wear member to be removed from the adapter or base since the first tab 504 is no longer caught in the undercut formed by the first ledge, but is disposed circumferentially in the first tab receiving slot 228 axially adjacent the second ledge 22a. This ejector ramp feature may be omitted in other embodiments of the present disclosure.
As alluded to earlier herein with reference to
As best seen in
On the other hand, the lock pin 500 may also include a conical surface 510 (i.e., this surface has 2.0 degrees of draft or more) that defines the notch 502. This may aid in the dislodgement and removal of the lock pin from the assembly. As seen in
Unlike some prior designs, the interior surface of the adapter nose receiving pocket lacks grooves for receiving retention nubs or the like of an adapter or base. Likewise, its exterior surface may lack ears for housing the apertures and the retaining mechanism that may be disposed therein. This may not be the case for other embodiments of the present disclosure.
Now an adapter 300 (may also be referred to as a base 300a) that may be used as replacement part or a retrofit in the field will be described with continued reference to
The adapter 300 may comprise a body including a nose portion 302 having an external surface (e.g., see outer surface 304 in
As mentioned previously herein the body may lack a nub or any projection extending from the external surface or outer surface or at least not one that is close to or immediately adjacent the aperture (not forming a boundary of the aperture). More specifically, the body may lack a nub or any projection extending from the external surface adjacent to the round retaining mechanism receiving aperture 306, making the design easier to manufacture and less complicated.
As also alluded to earlier herein, and best seen in
In some embodiments of the present disclosure as seen in
Looking at
Referring back to
Put in other terms, a base 300a according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise a body including a nose portion 302 having an external surface (e.g., outer surface 304) defining an at least partially non-circular retaining block receiving aperture (e.g., see 306 in
Next, various embodiments of a retaining mechanism 160 or lock assembly will be discussed that may include a lock pin, a retaining block, and a spring.
Starting with
The polygonal aperture 520 may be separated from the depression by a predetermined axial distance 530 (see
In addition as illustrated in
The lock pin 500 may also include a ramp surface 512 (may be on the diametrically opposite side of the notch 502) that extends circumferentially and axially from the first side tab 504 to the second side tab 506 to aid in seating the pin during use as previously described herein. Also, the lock pin 500 may define a second axial end 542 as best seen in
As mentioned earlier herein, the circumferential surface 528 is drafted (may be less than the draft of the bevel portion), and a chisel notch 546 as depicted in
In
Also, a spring receiving aperture 404 may extend from the surface of non-revolution to the inner surface. The spring receiving aperture 404 may include a T-shape. Other shapes are possible for the spring receiving aperture in other embodiments of the present disclosure.
In addition as seen in
As best seen in
Focusing now on
The first attachment flange 602 may include a first attachment surface 608 with a first protrusion 610 (e.g., a shelled out or hollow dome), as well as a second attachment flange 602a with a second attachment surface 608a with a second protrusion 610a. It should be noted that these protrusions look like dimples when viewed from the back side as seen in
In
Again, it should be noted that any of the dimensions, angles, surface areas and/or configurations of various features may be varied as desired or needed including those not specifically mentioned herein. Although not specifically discussed, blends such as fillets are shown to connect the various surfaces. These may be omitted in other embodiments and it is to be understood that their presence may be ignored sometimes when reading the present specification unless specifically mentioned.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITYIn practice, a machine, a work implement assembly, a tip, a wear member, an adapter, a base, an adapter assembly, a tip and adapter assembly, a spring, a lock pin, a retaining block, a retaining mechanism, and/or any combination of these various assemblies and components may be manufactured, bought, or sold to retrofit a machine or a work implement assembly in the field in an aftermarket context, or alternatively, may be manufactured, bought, sold or otherwise obtained in an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) context.
Any of the aforementioned components may be made from any suitable material including iron, grey-cast iron, steel, spring steel, plastic, rubber, foam, etc.
A retainer assembly for a tip of a ground engaging tool (GET) or other wear member has been disclosed. The retainer assembly may include a tapered pin and a retention block including a spring disposed therein. The retention block may be disposed inside an adapter pocket, and may include a flat contact surface configured to be engaged with the adapter pocket, thereby maximizing contact area, and reducing adapter wear. In operation, the tip slides on to the adapter and the tapered pin is inserted into a slots or openings of the tip and the retention block. Next, the tapered pin is rotated clockwise, thereby locking the tip and the adapter. Further, the tapered pin is configured to interact with the spring of the retention block, thereby providing an anti-rotation feature. Then, the pin is rotated in opposite direction such that a ramp feature of the tip engages with the pin (or vice versa), thereby ejecting the pin from the tip of the GET. Once the pin is removed, the tip may be removed from the adapter.
The spring may have formed punches that allow capillary action for a stronger joint when brazed to the block. The symmetrical bend in the side legs such as in their rear may help provide for a linear motion during the compression of the spring. The flat front surface of the spring interacts with the pin to create a resistance to rotation of the pin.
The pin may have a square drive hole used to rotated the pin from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration, or vice versa. A flat surface (may be inset in a notch) may interact with the spring to help create a resistance to rotation of the pin. The round at the bottom of the pin may help reduce stresses, while the taper of the bottom of the pin may help the pin be ejected upon rotation of the pin.
When the pin is rotated into a locked position, the user may have tactile, visual, and/or audible feedback that the tip or other wear member is locked onto the adapter or base. The tactile feedback may be the feeling of the spring snapping into place in the notch of the pin and/or the first tap hitting the stop of the tip. The visual feedback may be the fact that the first tab is no longer seen. The audible feedback may be the “clicking” sound when the spring snaps into the notch.
In some embodiments, the block and spring will be provided with the spring already attached to the block. Also, the threaded or ramp features of the pin and the tip are near or at the exterior of the assembly, allowing easier cleaning or removal of packed material that could impede the function of the retaining mechanism for some embodiments of the present disclosure.
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.
For example, the embodiments of the tip and adapter assembly 150a, and the retaining mechanism 160a that are disclosed in
As shown in
As best seen in
Unlike what has been previously described herein, the retaining block 400a shown in
A C-spring 700 may be disposed in the threaded pin receiving aperture 426, and the spring receiving notch 434. Also, a threaded lock pin 800 may be disposed in the threaded pin receiving aperture 426, defining a spring receiving groove 802 that receives the C-spring 700 as shown in
Looking at
Moreover, the spring receiving notch 434 may define a C-shape with a first circumferential end surface 436, and a second circumferential end surface 436a that are spaced away from each other and slightly from the circumferential ends of the C-spring, create slight clearance 439. Also, an outer circumferential surface 438 of the C-shape of the notch is spaced radially away from the C-spring 700, providing clearance 440 therebetween. These clearances 439, 440 may allow the C-spring to flex outwardly as the pin passes thru the C-spring, and the retaining block as illustrated in
Turning now to
In particular embodiments of the present disclosure, the threaded portion 808 includes a male thread 820 such as a lead screw thread, or other type of thread that extends 180 degrees about the axis of rotation 818, or less. This may allow the thread to work properly, but ease in the manufacture of the thread via a casting process.
Also, the drive portion may define a polygonal surface 821 (may be an internal flat surface) that is configured to be driven by a wrench or the like. The drive portion 806 may define a drive portion diameter 822, while the spring engaging portion 810 defines a spring engaging portion diameter 824 that is less than the drive portion diameter 822. For example, the diameter of the pin may flare (see 826) outwardly somewhere axially between the ends of the pin. The flare and the difference in diameter may be omitted in other embodiments of the present disclosure.
More specifically, the drive portion 806 may be disposed at a first axial end 830 of the pin, while the spring engaging portion 810 may be disposed at a second axial end 832 the pin. As a result, the threaded portion 808 may be disposed axially between the drive portion, and the spring engaging portion.
In addition, the spring engaging portion 810 may include a circumferential surface 828 that extends axially from the spring engaging portion 810 to the drive portion 806. Also, the circumferential surface 828 may be drafted as explained earlier herein to aid in release between the retaining block and the pin during disassembly or not.
As alluded to earlier herein, the spring engaging portion 810 defines may define a spring receiving groove 802 or notch that is spaced axially away from the first axial end 830. A first lead-in surface 834 may extend from the first axial end 830 to the spring receiving groove 802, while a second lead-in surface 836 may extend from the first lead-in surface 838 to the spring receiving groove 802. The first lead-in surface 834 may be configured to aid in spreading the C-spring 700 during rotation and insertion, while the second lead-in surface 836 may be configured to aid in the reverse process of pin extraction. These lead-in surfaces may be configured such that inserting the pin is easier than extracting the pin from the C-spring. This may not be the case for other embodiments of the present disclosure.
Looking at
The threaded pin receiving aperture 426 may define a female thread 444 such as a lead screw thread as shown or some other type of thread. More particularly as best seen in
This embodiment of the threaded retaining block lacks a flared portion since the C-spring 700 is disposed in the interior of the block, protecting it naturally.
Focusing now on
Also, the C-spring 700 may define a first axial end 718, and a second axial end 720. The first axial lead-in surface 714 may be disposed at the first axial end 718, whereas a sharp corner 722 (i.e., there is no lead-in surface) is disposed at the second axial end 720 between the pin engaging inner circumferential surface 704, and an annular axial end surface 724.
The C-spring 700 may also define a spring circumferential extent 726 measured from the first circumferential end surface 712 to the second circumferential end surface 712a that is less than 360.0 degrees, but greater than 180.0 degrees. More specifically, the spring circumferential extent 726 may range from less than 270.0 degrees but greater than 180.0 degrees (e.g., about 260.0 degrees). Also, the C-spring 700 may define an axial thickness 728 measured from the first axial end 718 to the second axial end 720 that ranges from 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm in some embodiments of the present disclosure. These dimensions may provide the requisite size, strength, spring constant, and flexibility for certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Ratios of any of these dimensions may range 20% from the median values of the dimensional ranges. These ratios may allow the design to be scaled up or down depending on the application.
One of the differences between the embodiments of
While the embodiments discussed herein show a single sided locking arrangement, double sided locking arrangements are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
The circumferential spring clip as mentioned herein might be under slight tension even when in the locking groove to minimize “loose” feeling to the system.
The locking pin(s) described herein may be flush to recessed with respect to the tip, or wear member in some embodiments of the present disclosure to help protect the pin(s) from wear. This might not be the case for other embodiments of the present disclosure.
Spring clip(s) of any of the embodiments discussed herein may be installed in the retaining block at factory similar to a snap ring. Snap ring plier may be used to retract the clip inward radially to shrink its outer diameter, placed in a groove in the retaining block, then the plier is released and the spring clip expands into its receiving groove in the block. The end user may only need to insert block & spring/clip as a complete assembly into the adapter.
The lock pin for the later embodiments may bottom out on the adapter to provide a sense to the user that the system is locked. There may also be a hear a click and vibration as the spring clip falls into the groove of the lock pin.
For various embodiments of the present disclosure, the assembly process may comprise creating the retaining block/spring assembly step at the supplier or at the factory. The clip/spring will be compressed inward using a snap ring tool, and then positioned in line with the appropriate corresponding groove on the block. When the snap ring tool is released, the spring clip will expand radially outward into the groove in the block. The clip/spring and block are now a self-contained assembly.
The adapter, base or work tool may have a simple octagonal hole with a minor draft for casting. The second step of assembly, but first step for the end user, may be to insert the block and clip/spring assembly into the hole on the adapter. Then, the GET may be fully slid over the adapter nose or work tool and block & clip spring assembly. Next, the retaining pin may be inserted in the hole in the GET until the threading on the retaining pin engages with the threading on the block. Then, a standard tool can be inserted into the square drive to rotate the pin anywhere from 45 to 360 degrees (depending on design/application). As the pin rotates, it threads deeper into the block. As the pin moves inward, it will eventually engage with the spring clip and expand it radially outward. After the required rotation, the thread of the pin or the bottom of the pin will reach a physical stop. Simultaneously, the spring clip will “snap” into a retaining groove on the retainer pin. The user may hear and feel the click and feel the physical stop to know the system is locked. Once locked, the GET is ready for use. Uninstallation is simply the reverse of installation. The block and spring/clip are intended to be re-used. But if needed, there is a pry out feature on the block and/or the adapter to facilitate removal.
As used herein, the articles “a” and “an” are intended to include one or more items, and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Where only one item is intended, the term “one” or similar language is used. Also, as used herein, the terms “has”, “have”, “having”, “with” or the like are intended to be open-ended terms. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise.
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.
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. 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.
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.
Claims
1. A tip and adapter assembly comprising:
- a tip that includes a body that defines a direction of assembly, a vertical axis that is perpendicular to the direction of assembly, and a lateral axis that is perpendicular to the vertical axis and the direction of assembly, the body including: a forward working portion disposed along the direction of assembly including a closed end; and a rear attachment portion disposed along the direction of assembly including an open end; wherein the rear attachment portion defines an exterior surface; an adapter nose receiving pocket extending longitudinally from the open end; a retaining mechanism receiving aperture in communication with the adapter nose receiving pocket and the exterior surface; and a first ledge defining a first lateral undercut in the retaining mechanism receiving aperture; and
- an adapter that includes a body comprising a nose portion that is configured to fit within the adapter nose receiving pocket of the tip, the body including an outer surface defining a polygonal retaining block receiving aperture.
2. The tip and adapter assembly of claim 1, wherein the polygonal retaining block receiving aperture at least partially forms a counterbore with a bottom pin receiving aperture.
3. The tip and adapter assembly of claim 2, wherein the bottom pin receiving aperture is blind, and at least partially round.
4. The tip and adapter assembly of claim 1, wherein the polygonal retaining block receiving aperture defines a perimeter having an octagonal configuration.
5. The tip and adapter assembly of claim 4, wherein the octagonal configuration includes a first side, a second side that is parallel to the first side, a third side that is perpendicular to the first side, and a fourth side that is perpendicular to the second side.
6. The tip and adapter assembly of claim 5, wherein the octagonal configuration includes a first angled surface that is oblique to the first side, a second angled surface that is oblique to the second side, a third angled surface that is oblique to the third side, and a fourth angled surface that is oblique to the fourth side.
7. The tip and adapter assembly of claim 6, wherein the first angled surface is differently configured than the second angled surface, the third angled surface, and the fourth angled surface.
8. The tip and adapter assembly of claim 7, further comprising a retaining block that is disposed in the polygonal retaining block receiving aperture such that the retaining block contacts the first side, the second side, the third side, and the fourth side, but does not contact the first angled surface, the second angled surface, the third angled surface, and the fourth angled surface.
9. The tip and adapter assembly of claim 8, wherein the retaining block defines a central pin receiving aperture, and a spring receiving aperture that extends from the central pin receiving aperture toward an exterior of the retaining block.
10. The tip and adapter assembly of claim 9, further comprising a spring that is disposed in the central pin receiving aperture, and the spring receiving aperture, and a pin disposed in the central pin receiving aperture, defining a notch that receives the spring.
11. A wear member comprising:
- a body that defines a longitudinal axis, a vertical axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a lateral axis that is perpendicular to the vertical axis and the longitudinal axis, the body including:
- a forward wear portion disposed along the longitudinal axis; and
- a rear attachment portion disposed along the longitudinal axis including an open end;
- wherein the rear attachment portion defines an exterior surface; an adapter nose receiving pocket extending longitudinally from the open end; a retaining mechanism receiving aperture extending from the exterior surface through the body to the adapter nose receiving pocket; and
- a first ledge defining a first lateral undercut in the retaining mechanism receiving aperture.
12. The wear member of claim 11, wherein the retaining mechanism receiving aperture defines an axis of rotation, a surface of revolution, and a circumferential direction, and the first ledge extends circumferentially from a first stop to a first tab receiving slot that is spaced circumferentially away the first stop, that is exposed to an exterior of the wear member, and which is defined by a second ledge that is spaced axially inwardly from the first ledge toward the adapter nose receiving pocket.
13. The wear member of claim 12, further comprising a first ejector ramp extending circumferentially away from the first tab receiving slot to an exterior of the first ledge.
14. A wear member assembly comprising the wear member of claim 13, and a pin including a first tab that is disposed circumferentially adjacent the first stop and laterally in the first lateral undercut, and a second tab that is spaced circumferentially away from the first tab being disposed axially adjacent the second ledge in the first tab receiving slot.
15. A wear assembly comprising the wear member of claim 13, further comprising a pin including a first tab this is disposed circumferentially in the first tab receiving slot axially adjacent the second ledge, and a second tab that is spaced circumferentially way from the first tab contacting the first ejector ramp.
16. The wear assembly of claim 14, wherein the pin defines a notch spaced axially away from the first tab and the second tab toward the adapter nose receiving pocket.
17. The wear assembly of claim 14, wherein the pin includes a cylindrical surface from which the first tab and the second tab radially extend.
18. The wear assembly of claim 14, wherein the pin includes a conical surface that defines the notch.
19. A wear member assembly comprising:
- a wear member including a body that defines a longitudinal axis, a vertical axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a lateral axis that is perpendicular to the vertical axis and the longitudinal axis, the body including: a forward wear portion disposed along the longitudinal axis; and a rear attachment portion disposed along the longitudinal axis including an open end; wherein the rear attachment portion defines an exterior surface; an adapter nose receiving pocket extending longitudinally from the open end; a retaining mechanism receiving aperture extending from the exterior surface through the body to the adapter nose receiving pocket; and a first ledge defining a first lateral undercut in the retaining mechanism receiving aperture;
- a pin including a first tab that is disposed circumferentially adjacent the first stop and laterally in the first lateral undercut, and a second tab that is spaced circumferentially away from the first tab being disposed axially adjacent the second ledge in the first tab receiving slot; and
- a retaining block configured to be received in an adapter, the retaining block including a central pin receiving aperture.
20. The wear member assembly according to claim 19, wherein the retaining block is polygonal.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 20, 2023
Publication Date: Jan 11, 2024
Applicant: Caterpillar Inc. (Peoria, IL)
Inventors: Corey Michael Wells (East Peoria, IL), Eric T. Sinn (Tremont, IL), Brandon Hammig McCaffrey (St. Louis, MO), William Jay Ulrich, IV (East Peoria, IL), David Bruno Parzynski, JR. (Peoria, IL)
Application Number: 18/338,239