RETENTION COMPONENT ASSEMBLY FOR WORK TOOL

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to retention component assemblies and, more particularly, to retention component assemblies for securing one or more work tools to an earth-working machine.

BACKGROUND

Earth-working machines, such as excavators, shovels, wheel loaders, hydraulic mining shovels, cable shovels, bucket wheels, bulldozers, and draglines are generally used for digging or ripping into earthen materials and/or moving loosened work material from one place to another. These machines include various earth-working implements, such as buckets and blades, for excavating or moving the work materials. These implements can be subjected to extreme wear from the abrasion and impacts experienced during earth-working applications. To prolong the useful life of an earth-working implement, a plurality of ground-engaging tools can be connected to the implement at areas which experience wear. Once installed, these tools may serve as a first point of contact and penetration with work material, thereby reducing the amount of wear on the implement.

Ground-engaging tools require periodic replacement when they become too abraded or damaged. In some cases, ground-engaging tools are welded onto the implement. But while welding can provide a secure attachment for the tools, it also makes the tools more difficult to install and remove. As a result, replacing a set of welded-on tools is often time-consuming and difficult. In other cases, ground-engaging tools can be attached to an implement by an assembly of hardware components. However, the presence of hardware components can reduce the amount of usable wear material on each tool, thereby causing the tool to fail sooner and require replacement. Additionally, the hardware components themselves experience wear and commonly have sharp edges at end-of-life, making them difficult and dangerous to remove.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,770,310 (“the '310 patent”) of Gareth A. Keech issued on Aug. 10, 2010 and discloses a fastening assembly for releasably securing first and second components. The '310 patent discloses that the first component includes a slot which is of complementary shape to the outer surface of a nut, such that the slot is adapted to receive and retain the nut. The slot also includes an opening into which the nut is inserted. A channel having side walls of complementary shape to the side walls of the nut extends from the slot to allow the nut to slide into the channel. The second component includes an orifice shaped to receive the threaded shaft of the bolt. Rotation of the bolt helps to attach the second component to the first component.

The '310 patent may provide a fastening assembly for attaching two components. However, the '310 patent requires a slot including an opening and a channel extending from the opening in the first component. Presence of the slot in the first component requires removal of material from the first component, which in turn may decrease the ability of the first component to withstand the stresses generated during earth-working operations. For example, due to the significant stresses imposed on the components during earth-working operations, the presence of the slot in the first component of the '310 patent may lead to undesirably faster wear and/or breakage of the first component. Thus, it may be desirable to provide a fastening assembly that does not unduly weaken the components being attached to each other.

The present disclosure solves one or more of the problems set forth above and other problems in the prior art.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a retention component assembly for securing a work tool to a base. The work tool may include a base-engaging surface with an opening formed therein. The retention component assembly may include a retention nut configured to be inserted into a cavity in the work tool through the opening in the base-engaging surface. The retention nut may include a cylindrical body having an inner surface delimiting at least one thru-hole in the retention nut. The retention nut may also include a plurality of wings extending laterally from the cylindrical body. Each of the wings may include an angled outer surface configured to engage with a corresponding surface of the work tool. The retention component assembly may include a shim configured to secure the retention nut within the cavity of the work tool. The retention component assembly may also include a fastener configured to engage with the inner surface of the retention nut to secure the work tool to the base.

In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a ground-engaging system. The ground-engaging system may include a work tool having a ground-engaging leading edge, a top surface, and a cavity with an opening along the top surface. The ground-engaging system may additionally include a base and a retention component assembly for securing the work tool to the base. The retention component assembly may include a retention nut configured to be inserted into the cavity in the work tool through the opening in the top surface. The retention nut may include a cylindrical body having an inner surface delimiting at least one thru-hole in the retention nut. The retention nut may also include a plurality of wings extending laterally from the cylindrical body. Each of the wings may be configured to engage with a surface within the cavity in the work tool. The retention component assembly may include a shim configured to secure the retention nut within the cavity in the work tool. The retention component assembly may also include a fastener configured to be inserted into the cavity in the work tool through the opening in the top surface and to engage with the inner surface of the retention nut to securely arrange the top surface of the work tool in contact with a surface of the base.

In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method of securing a work tool to a base. The method may include providing a work tool having a base-engaging surface with an opening formed therein. The method may further include inserting a retention nut through the opening in the base-engaging surface and into a cavity in the work tool, the retention nut having a thru-hole. The method may additionally include rotating the retention nut within the cavity to provide at least one gap between an outer surface of the retention nut and an inner surface of the work tool. The method may include placing a shim within the at least one gap to secure the retention nut within the cavity of the work tool. The method may also include providing a base and engaging a fastener with a receiving structure of the base. The method may include engaging the fastener with the retention nut until the base-engaging surface of the work tool abuts on a surface of the base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary earth-working machine with an earth-working implement;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an exemplary earth-working implement of the earth-working machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B is a partial top plan view of the earth-working implement of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is an exploded view of an exemplary ground-engaging system including a retention component assembly for attaching the earth-working implement of FIGS. 2A and 2B to a base of the earth-working machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the ground-engaging system of FIG. 3A in an assembled configuration;

FIG. 3C is an exemplary vertical cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of the assembled ground-engaging system of FIG. 3B;

FIG. 3D is another exemplary vertical cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of the assembled ground-engaging system of FIG. 3B;

FIGS. 4A-4C depict an exemplary retention nut of the retention component assembly of FIGS. 3A and 3B;

FIGS. 5A-5C depict an exemplary shim of the retention component assembly of FIGS. 3A and 3B;

FIG. 5D depicts another exemplary shim of the retention component assembly of FIGS. 3A and 3B;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an exemplary work tool of the earth-working machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6B is a magnified perspective view of a cavity of the work tool of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C is a magnified top-plan view of the of the cavity depicted in FIG. 6B;

FIG. 6D is a perspective, cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of the work tool of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A depicts the retention nut of FIGS. 4A-4C in an unlocked state;

FIG. 7B is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the unlocked retention nut taken along line D-D of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7C depicts the retention nut of FIGS. 4A-4C in a locked state;

FIG. 7D is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the locked retention nut taken along line E-E of FIG. 7C;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method of securing a work tool to a base to form the ground-engaging system of FIGS. 3A and 3B;

FIG. 9A depicts the insertion of the retention nut of FIGS. 4A-4C into a cavity in the work tool of FIG. 6A;

FIGS. 9B and 9C depict the retention nut of FIGS. 4A-4C in an unlocked state and in a locked state, respectively;

FIG. 9D depicts the placement of the shim of FIGS. 5A-5C within a gap in the cavity in the work tool of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 9E depicts the arrangement of the work tool of FIG. 6A relative to a base of the earth-working implement of FIGS. 2A and 2B;

FIG. 9F depicts a fastener engaging with the base of the earth-working implement of FIGS. 2A and 2B and the retention nut of FIGS. 4A-4C;

FIG. 9G is an exemplary partial vertical cross-sectional view taken along line F-F of FIG. 9F;

FIG. 9H depicts the placement of the shim of FIG. 5D within a gap in the cavity in the work tool of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method of removing the work tool of FIG. 6A from a base of the earth-working implement of FIGS. 2A and 2B;

FIG. 11A is a top, interior view of an earth-working implement of FIGS. 2A and 2B with a plurality of work tools of FIG. 6A; and

FIG. 11B is a top plan view of three work tools of FIG. 6A of the earth-working implement of FIG. 11A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary earth-working implement 100 for earth-working machine 105, such as an excavator, shovel, wheel loader, motor grader, or other earth-working equipment. Implement 100 may be configured as a material-handling device, such as a bucket or scoop. However, implement 100 may additionally or alternatively be configured as a blade, a shovel, a crusher, a grapple, a ripper, or any other ground-engaging or material-moving device known in the art.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an exemplary earth-working implement 100. While implement 100 is illustrated in FIG. 2A and described as a bucket, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments may be employed in connection with earth-working implements other than a bucket. In various embodiments, implement 100 may include a bucket of the type employed in various machines, which may be shaped somewhat differently depending on the type of machine in which it is employed. In the example shown, implement 100 may include primary wall member 202, serving as a bottom and back wall, and two side wall members 204 and 206. The leading end of implement 100 may include a base 210 configured to engage the ground for digging, cutting, and/or other earth-working operations. Base 210 may extend between side wall members 204, 206 and may be detachably secured to implement 100 or, alternatively, it may be a fixed or constituent component of implement 100. Accordingly, base 210 may be secured to an earth-working machine (e.g., machine 105 in FIG. 1) via the connection of base 210 to implement 100.

Leading edge 212 of base 210 may include a plurality of work tools 220 configured to engage with the ground during operation of implement 100. Some or all of work tools 220 may be ground-engaging tools, for example, tip assemblies, edge protector assemblies, or any other type of tools secured to leading edge 212. For example, each work tool 220 may be configured to protect base 210 (and thus, implement 100) from abrasion and wear by reducing or preventing contact of leading edge 212 with earthen materials. Additionally, or alternatively, work tools 220 may be configured to dig or cut into the ground during operation of implement 100. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, implement 100 includes nine work tools 220 secured along base leading edge 212. However, any number of work tools may be employed with implement 100. As discussed below with respect to FIG. 3A, some or all of work tools 220 may be secured to base leading edge 212 by an assembly of retention components.

FIG. 2B is a partial top plan view of implement 100. In the example shown in FIG. 2B, implement 100 may include center segment work tool 220a, transition segment work tool 220b, and angled work tools 220c and 220d. Angled work tool 220c may be a wide tool secured to base 210 with three fasteners 262c, while angled work tool 220d may be narrower and secured to base 210 with two fasteners 262d. In the example shown, implement 100 may also include corner work tool 220e configured to protect the structural corner of implement 100. It should be understood that implement 100 may be used with some or all of center segments 220a, transition segments 220b, angled segments 220c, angled segments 220d, and/or corner segments 220e, in any combination, based upon the size and use of implement 100.

FIG. 3A depicts an exploded view of ground-engaging system 300 including retention component assembly 360 for securing work tool 220 to base 210. Ground-engaging system 300 may also be referred to as a bolt-on work assembly. Work tool 220 may include at least one cavity 330 that is configured to receive components of retention component assembly 360. Additionally, base 210 may include at least one thru-hole 314 through which some components of retention component assembly 360 may be passed. Retention component assembly 360 may include fastener 362, washer 366, shim 370, and retention nut 380. Fastener 362 may be a hardware device for mechanically joining base 210 and work tool 220. For example, fastener 362 may be a bolt or screw with head portion 363 and shank 364. At least a portion of shank 364 may have helical threading thereon that is configured to engage with matching threading on retention nut 380. In some embodiments, multiple retention component assemblies 360 may be used to secure work tool 220 to base 210. For example, FIG. 3A depicts an example in which retention component assembly 360a and retention component assembly 360b are provided to secure work tool 220 to base 210.

In some embodiments, retention component assembly 360 may be a top-down assembly. As used herein, the expression “top-down” indicates that each component in retention component assembly 360 is introduced to work tool 220 from the top or upper side of the tool (i.e., the side of work tool 220 that faces towards base 210). For example, retention nut 380 and shim 370 may each be inserted into a cavity 330 in work tool 220 from a top side of work tool 220. Similarly, shank 364 of fastener 362 may be passed through thru-hole 314 in base 210 and into cavity 330 from the top side of work tool 220. Details of a method of securing a work tool to a base with a retention component assembly are discussed below with respect to FIG. 8. In some embodiments, the components of top-down retention component assembly 360 may also be removed from work tool 220 from the top side of work tool 220 (e.g., through an opening in the top side of work tool 220).

FIGS. 3B-3D depict various view of ground-engaging system 300 of FIG. 3A in a fully-assembled state, in which work tool 220 is secured to base 210 with retention component assembly 360. For example, FIG. 3B illustrates a perspective view of ground-engaging system 300, while FIGS. 3C and 3D illustrate vertical cross-sectional views taken along lines A-A and B-B, respectively, of FIG. 3B. In the fully-assembled state, and as shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D, retention nut 380 and shim 370 may be situated within work tool 220 (specifically, within cavity 330, see FIG. 3A). Additionally, at least a portion of fastener 362 may extend through a thru-hole 314 in base 210 and into work tool 220, thereby securing base 210 and work tool 220 together. For example, and as shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D, head portion 363 of fastener 362 may be situated at least partially within thru-hole 314, while shank 364 of the fastener may extend into work tool 220 (specifically, into cavity 330) to engage with retention nut 380. In some embodiments, base 210 may include receiving structure 316 (e.g., a protrusion or shelf) along thru-hole 314; receiving structure 316 may be configured to hold head portion 363 and washer 366 while shank 364 extends into cavity 330.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C depict a perspective view, top plan view, and side view, respectively, of retention nut 380 of retention component assembly 360. As discussed in detail below with respect to FIGS. 7 and 8, retention nut 380 may be configured to be inserted into a cavity 330 (see FIG. 3A) in work tool 220 (see FIG. 3A) and to matingly engage with a fastener (e.g., fastener 362, see FIG. 3A) to secure work tool 220 to base 210 (see FIG. 3A). Retention nut 380 may include cylindrical body 481 having thru-hole 484 extending from top end 485 (see FIG. 4C) to bottom end 486 (see FIG. 4C) of the retention nut. Thru-hole 484 includes an inner surface 482 with threading thereon; the threading may cover a portion of inner surface 482 or an entirety of inner surface 482. In some embodiments, top end 485 of retention nut 380 may include one or more indents 487, which may be engaged by a tool and/or by a user's hand to rotate retention nut 380 relative to work tool 220.

Retention nut 380 may additionally include a plurality of wings 490 extending laterally outward from outer surface 483 of cylindrical body 481. In some embodiments, wings 490 may be identical or substantially similar in shape and size. Wings 490 may be evenly spaced about the circumference of cylindrical body 481, with breaks 494 (see FIG. 4B) provided in between wings 490. In the example shown, retention nut 380 includes two wings 490 evenly arranged on opposite sides of cylindrical body 481. However, in alternative embodiments, retention nut 380 may include three wings, four wings, or any other suitable number of wings, which may be evenly or unevenly spaced along the circumference of cylindrical body 481. As shown in FIG. 4C, each wing 490 may include outer surface 492 extending between top end 485 and bottom end 486 of retention nut 380. Outer surface 492 may be arranged at an oblique angle relative to outer surface 483 of cylindrical body 481, with lower end of outer surface 492 being further radially outward than upper end of outer surface 492. As a result, bottom end 486 of the retention nut may be wider (i.e., may have a larger width or diameter) than top end 485 of retention nut 380.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C depict a perspective view, side view, and top plan view, respectively, of an exemplary shim 370 of retention component assembly 360 (see FIG. 3A). As discussed in detail below with respect to FIGS. 7 and 8, shim 370 may be received within the cavity 330 (see FIG. 3A) of work tool 220 to fill the space between retention nut 380 (see FIG. 4A) and the wall of the cavity 330, thereby securing retention nut 380 within cavity 330. As shown in FIG. 5A, shim 370 may include bridge 572 with opening 574, which may be configured to receive at least a portion of fastener 362 (e.g., shank 364, see FIG. 3A). Shim 370 may also include a plurality of legs 576 extending from bridge 572. In the example shown, shim 370 includes two legs 576 evenly arranged on opposite sides of bridge 572. However, in alternative embodiments, shim 370 may include three legs, four legs, or any other suitable number of legs. In some embodiments, one or both of inner surface 577 and outer surface 578 of each leg may be perpendicular to, or substantially perpendicular to, bridge 572. In some embodiments, shim 370 may be manufactured as a single, unitary piece to minimize the parts count of the retention component assembly. In some embodiments, shim 370 may be constructed from a strong material such as a metal, hard plastic, or thermoplastic (e.g., Hytrel). As used in this disclosure, the terms generally, substantially, or about should be interpreted as encompassing commonly understood design and/or manufacturing tolerances. For example, the term substantially perpendicular may encompass angles ranging between 90°±1°. As another example, the term substantially parallel may encompass angles ranging between 0°±1°.

FIG. 5D depicts a perspective view of another exemplary shim 390 of retention component assembly 360 (see FIG. 3A). As shown in FIG. 5D, shim 390 may include one or more legs 586. For example, the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5D shows 2 legs 586. It is contemplated, however, that shim 390 may include any number of legs 586 such that the number of legs 586 correspond to a number of breaks 494 between wings 490 of retention nut 380. However, unlike shim 370 of FIGS. 5A-5C, shim 390 of FIG. 5D does not include bridge 572. As illustrated in FIG. 5D, legs 586 may be similar to legs 386 of shim 370 of FIGS. 5A-5C. Each leg 586 of shim 390 may have inner surface 587 and outer surface 588 similar to inner and outer surfaces 577 and 578 of legs 386. Inner surface 587 may have a radius that may be about equal to a radius of outer surface 483 of retention nut 380.

FIG. 6A depicts a perspective view of an exemplary work tool 220 configured to be secured to a base (e.g., base 210, see FIG. 3A) by retention component assembly 360 (see FIG. 3A), and FIG. 6D depicts a perspective, cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of FIG. 6A. As mentioned previously, work tool 220 may be a ground-engaging tool configured to be secured to an earth-working implement via base 210 and to dig or cut into the ground (or another material) during operation of the implement. As shown in FIG. 6A, work tool 220 may include working segment 621 and connection segment 627. Working segment 621 may include a portion of working tool 220 configured to engage with the ground or work material during operation of the earth-working implement, while connection segment 627 may be configured to be secured to base 210 by retention component assembly 360 (see FIG. 3A). In some embodiments, work tool 220 may be manufactured as a unitary structure, such that the working segment 621 and connection segment 627 are firmly secured together.

Working segment 621 of the work tool may include ground-engaging leading edge 622 and beveled block 623 with a low profile designed to maximize the tool's penetration into the ground or work material. In some embodiments, working segment 621 may include one or more wear indicators 626 allowing for easy inspection of the remaining useful life of the work tool. Wear indicators 626 may be formed directly into beveled block 623 or may be affixed to working segment 621 as a marking or symbol. Additionally, or alternatively, working segment 621 may include integrated lift eye 625 allowing easy hoisting of work tool 220, e.g., by rigging equipment.

Connection segment 627 of work tool 220 includes work tool body 628 having top surface 629 and bottom surface 632 (see also FIG. 6D) opposite from top surface 629. As also shown in FIG. 6A, ground-engaging leading edge 622 may be fixed with respect to work tool body 628. In the example shown in FIG. 6A, work tool body 628 may be substantially rectangular in profile, with rounded corners and flat top surface 629 and flat bottom surface 632. Alternatively, the body of the work tool may have a different shape. For example, FIG. 11B depicts work tool 1120b with a body that is V-shaped in profile. In some embodiments, top surface 629 and/or bottom surface 632 may include surface features such as raised ridges or depressions. In some embodiments, such as the example shown in FIG. 6A, top surface 629 and bottom surface 632 of the body may be parallel (or substantially parallel) to each other. In alternative embodiments, at least a portion of the bottom surface 632 may extend at an oblique angle relative to the top surface 629, such that some or all of work tool body 628 is tapered (i.e., becomes gradually thinner towards one end).

In some embodiments, top surface 629 of work tool body 628 may be configured as a base-engaging surface. That is, when connection segment 627 of the work tool is secured to base 210 (see FIG. 3A), top surface 629 may abut on, or lie in contact with, a corresponding surface of the base. In some embodiments, and as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6D, working segment 621 may include rear receiving surface 624 facing towards work tool body 628. Rear receiving surface 624 may be perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, to top surface 629 and may be configured to abut on a leading surface of base 210 (e.g., leading edge 212, see FIG. 3A) when connection segment 627 of work tool 220 is secured to base 210. This arrangement may help to secure work tool 220 from movement relative to base 210.

As shown in FIG. 6A, work tool body 628 may include at least one cavity 330 configured to receive components of retention component assembly 360. Although the example shown in FIG. 6A includes two cavities 330, work tool body 628 may alternatively include one cavity, three cavities (see, e.g., work tool 1120c in FIG. 11A), four cavities, five cavities, six cavities, or any other suitable number of cavities. Each cavity 330 may have upper opening 631 (see FIG. 6D) along top surface 629 of work tool body 628 (i.e., along the base-engaging surface). That is, top surface 629 (i.e., the base-engaging surface) may have at least one opening 631 formed therein, each opening 631 leading into a cavity 330.

FIGS. 6B and 6C are magnified perspective and top-plan views, respectively, of a cavity 330 of work tool 220. As shown, cavity 330 includes opening 631 (see FIG. 6D) along top surface 629 of connection segment 627 and is delimited on the sides by inner surface 634 of connection segment 627. In some embodiments, connection segment 627 also includes an annular shelf 637 forming a lower end or boundary of cavity 330. Shelf 637 may be substantially parallel with top surface 629 of work tool body 628 and may be configured to receive and hold retention nut 380 (see FIGS. 4A-4C) when retention nut 380 is inserted into cavity 330. In some embodiments, shelf 637 may have an opening leading to cylindrical passageway 638 (see FIG. 6D) extending from cavity 330 towards bottom surface 632 of the body. In some embodiments, passageway 638 may have an opening along the bottom surface of the body. For example, FIG. 6D shows an embodiment of work tool 220 in which passageway 638 extends all the way through work tool body 628 and has opening 633 along bottom surface 632 of work tool body 628. In alternative embodiments, passageway 638 may not extend to bottom surface 632 (such that bottom surface 632 does not include opening 633 in these embodiments).

Work tool body 628 may include multiple protrusions 640 (see FIGS. 6B-6D) extending into cavity 330. As shown in FIG. 6D, each protrusion 640 may include a top surface 641 that is flush with top surface 629 of connection segment 627 (see FIG. 6A); for example, top surface 641 of protrusion 640 may be continuous with, and parallel to, top surface 629 of connection segment 627. Additionally, each protrusion 640 may also include angled inner surface 642 forming an oblique angle with top surface 641 of protrusion 640 (and thus, with top surface 629 of connection segment 627). Angled inner surface 642 may be arranged such that its bottom end is further outward (i.e., further from the center of cavity 330) than its top end. In some embodiments, protrusions 640 of a given cavity 330 may be evenly distributed along a circumference of cavity 330 and may be identical in size and shape (e.g., the protrusions of a single cavity may have equal arc lengths). In the example shown, work tool body 628 includes two protrusions 640 extending into a single cavity 330. However, in alternative embodiments, work tool body 628 may include three protrusions, four protrusions, or any other suitable number of protrusions extending into cavity 330.

In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 6C, cavity 330 may include receiving portions 636 that are devoid of protrusions 640. For example, cavity 330 may include equal numbers of protrusions 640 and receiving portions 636, with receiving portions 636 arranged in between the parts of the cavity circumference with protrusions 640. Within receiving portions 636, inner surface 634 of connection segment 627 (see FIG. 6A) may be substantially perpendicular to top surface 629 (see FIG. 6A) of work tool body 628 (see FIG. 6A) and/or to shelf 637 (as compared to angled inner surface 642 along each protrusion, which is arranged at an oblique angle relative to shelf 637). As a result, a diameter of cavity 330 within the receiving portions 636 (“a” in FIG. 6C) may be larger than the horizontal distance between the top ends of two protrusions 640 (“b” in FIG. 6C). Further, cavity 330 may also be configured such that the horizontal distance “b” between protrusions 640 may be larger than the diameter of cylindrical passageway 638 (“c” in FIG. 6C). In some embodiments, an arc spanned by an angle θ_R of portion 636 (see FIG. 6C) may be equal, or substantially equal, to an arc spanned by angle θ_W of a wing 490 of retention nut 380 (see FIG. 4B). In alternative embodiments, angle θ_R of receiving portion 636 may be larger than angle θ_W of wing 490 of retention nut 380.

Retention nut 380 (see FIGS. 4A-4C) may be rotatable within cavity 330 (see FIG. 6A) of work tool 220 between an unlocked state and a locked state. For example, FIG. 7A depicts retention nut 380 arranged in an unlocked state within cavity 330 of work tool 220 (see FIG. 6A) and FIG. 7B depicts an exemplary partial cross-sectional view of unlocked retention nut 380 taken along line D-D of FIG. 7A. In the unlocked state, retention nut 380 may be seated on shelf 637 (see FIGS. 6C and 7B), with wings 490 situated within receiving portions 636 of the cavity. As a result, retention nut 380 can be removed from cavity 330 via opening 631 (see FIG. 6D) when in the unlocked state, since in this state, retention nut 380 is not blocked or held within cavity 330 by any part of the work tool (including protrusions 640).

FIG. 7C depicts retention nut 380 arranged in a locked state within cavity 330, and FIG. 7D depicts an exemplary partial cross-sectional view of the locked retention nut taken along line E-E of FIG. 7C. In some embodiments, retention nut 380 may be moved from the unlocked state to the locked state by being rotated by approximately 90° relative to cavity 330, e.g., by a user's hand or by a tool. For example, a tool may engage indents 487 (see FIGS. 7A, 7B) on the top of retention nut 380 to rotate retention nut 380 within cavity 330. In the locked state, at least a portion of each wing 490 of the retention nut may be aligned with (i.e., situated beneath) protrusion 640 such that retention nut 380 is held within cavity 330 (see FIG. 6A). In some embodiments as depicted in FIG. 7C, at least one gap 744 may be formed between outer surface 483 (see FIG. 4A) of retention nut 380 and inner surface 634 (see FIG. 6C) of connection segment 627 (see FIG. 6A) when retention nut 380 is in the locked state. Each gap 744 may be configured to receive a portion of shim 370, as discussed in detail below with respect to FIG. 8.

Referring to FIGS. 7B and 7D, outer surface 492 of wing 490 of retention nut 380 may be configured to engage with angled inner surface 642 of protrusion 640 when retention nut 380 is in the locked state. For example, retention nut 380 and cavity 330 may each be configured so that when retention nut 380 is received within cavity 330, outer surface 492 of the retention nut is parallel, or substantially parallel, with inner surface 642 of protrusion 640. As a result, when outer surface 492 and angled inner surface 642 are placed in contact with each other, some or all of the outer surface 492 may be flush with the angled inner surface 642, thereby minimizing or eliminating relative movement between retention nut 380 and cavity 330.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The disclosed retention component assembly for attaching ground-engaging work tools may be applicable to various earth-working machines, such as, for example, excavators, wheel loaders, hydraulic mining shovels, cable shovels, bucket wheels, bulldozers, and draglines. When installed, the disclosed configurations of an exemplary ground-engaging system and retention component assemblies may provide secure and reliable attachment and detachment of work tools to and from various earth-working implements. In particular, the disclosed ground-engaging system and retention component assemblies may provide for ease of assembly and removal of the work tools to and from the earth-working implements. Methods of assembly and dis-assembly of work tools to/from a base of the earth-working implements are discussed below.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method 800 of securing a work tool (e.g., 220, see FIG. 3A) to a base (e.g., 210, see FIG. 3A) to form grounand d-engaging system (e.g., 360, see FIG. 3A). Steps of method 800 may be performed by a user and/or by a machine constructed and/or programmed specifically for performing functions associated with the disclosed method steps. In step 802, method 800 may include providing a work tool having a base-engaging surface with an opening formed therein; and inserting a retention nut of the retention component assembly through the opening in the base-engaging surface and into a cavity in the work tool. For example, FIG. 9A depicts insertion of an exemplary retention nut 380 into cavity 330 of and an exemplary work tool 220 having work tool body 628 with top surface 629. Top surface 629 may be configured as a base-engaging surface (as discussed above with respect to FIGS. 6A-6D) and may include at least one opening 631 leading to a cavity 330. As shown in FIG. 9A, retention nut 380 may be inserted through opening 631 and into cavity 330, and bottom end 486 of retention nut 380 may be seated on shelf 637 at the bottom of cavity 330. Top end 485 of retention nut 380, as well as thru-hole 484, may remain accessible via opening 631 when retention nut 380 is within cavity 330.

In step 804, method 800 may include rotating the retention nut within the cavity to provide at least one gap between an outer surface of the retention nut and an inner surface of the work tool. In some embodiments, step 804 may include rotating the retention nut from the unlocked state, in which the retention nut is removable from the cavity through the opening in the base-engaging surface, to the locked state in which the wings of the retention nut are aligned with the protrusions within the cavity. For example, FIG. 9B depicts retention nut 380 in the unlocked state and FIG. 9C depicts retention nut 380 after it is rotated into the locked state. In some embodiments, the user may engage indents 487 on the top of body 481 of retention nut 380 with a tool and may actuate the tool to rotate retention nut 380 from the unlocked state to the locked state. In the unlocked state, retention nut 380 may freely pass through opening 631 in work tool 220 without wings 490 of retention nut 380 contacting protrusions 640 in cavity 330. But when retention nut 380 is in the locked state, wings 490 of retention nut 380 may be aligned with protrusions 640, such that retention nut 380 is blocked from exiting cavity 330. When retention nut 380 is in the locked state, at least one gap 744 may be provided between outer surface 483 (see FIG. 4A) of retention nut 380 and inner surface 634 (see FIG. 6C) of work tool body 628.

In step 806, method 800 may include placing a shim within the at least one gap in the cavity to secure the retention nut within the cavity. For example, FIG. 9D shows placement of shim 370 through opening 631 and into cavity 330. Shim legs 576 may be placed within gaps 744 (see FIGS. 7C and 9C) between retention nut 380 and the inner surface 634 (see FIG. 6C) of work tool body 628. In some embodiments, shim 370 may be shaped and configured such that when it is placed into cavity 330, shim legs 576 abut on outer surface 483 (see FIGS. 4A-4C) of retention nut 380 and inner surface 634 of work tool 220, thereby filling the space of gaps 744. The placement of shim legs 576 within gaps 744 may block retention nut 380 from rotating relative to cavity 330, thereby securing retention nut 380 within cavity 330. In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 9D, bridge 572 of shim 370 may align with cylindrical body 481 of retention nut 380. As a result, thru-hole 484 (see FIGS. 4A-4C) of retention nut 380 may axially align with, and be accessible through, opening 574 in shim 370.

When shim 390 (see FIG. 5D) is used instead of shim 370 (see FIGS. 5A-5C), each of legs 586 (see FIG. 5D) of shim 390 may be placed within gaps 744 (see FIGS. 7C and 9C) between retention nut 380 and the inner surface 634 (see FIG. 6C) of work tool body 628. FIG. 9H illustrates the placement of shim 390 within gaps 744. As seen in FIG. 9H, threaded through hole 484 of retention nut 380 is disposed between legs 586 of shim 390. In some embodiments, shim 390 may be shaped and configured such that when it is placed into cavity 330, shim legs 586 abut on outer surface 483 (see FIGS. 4A-4C) of retention nut 380 and inner surface 634 of work tool 220, thereby filling the space of gaps 744. Like legs 386 of shim 370, placement of shim legs 586 within gaps 744 may block retention nut 380 from rotating relative to cavity 330, thereby securing retention nut 380 within cavity 330.

In step 808, method 800 may include providing a base and engaging a fastener with a receiving structure of the base. In some embodiments, step 808 may include advancing a shank of the fastener through an opening in the base and engaging a head portion of the fastener with a receiving structure of the base. For example, FIG. 9E depicts work tool 220 (which holds retention nut 380 and shim 370 within cavity 330), base 210, and fastener 362 of retention component assembly 360. In step 808, shank 364 of fastener 362 may be advanced through thru-hole 314 in base 210.

FIG. 9F depicts fastener 362 engaging with base 210 of earth-working implement 100 and FIG. 9G depicts an exemplary partial vertical cross-sectional view taken along line F-F of FIG. 9F. In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 9G, thru-hole 314 in base 210 may include a receiving structure 316 (see FIGS. 3C and 3D) configured to engage and hold the head portion 363 of fastener 362. Accordingly, method 800 may include advancing fastener 362 relative to base 210 until head portion 363 engages with receiving structure 316, thereby securing fastener 362 relative to base 210.

As shown in FIGS. 9E and 9G, the retention component assembly may include an annular washer 366 configured to receive shank 364 of fastener 362. In some embodiments, step 808 may include advancing shank 364 through washer 366 to arrange washer 366 in between head portion 363 of fastener 362 and receiving structure 316 of base 210. Advantageously, washer 366 may distribute the load of fastener 362, thereby preventing damage to base 210 and minimizing relative movement between base 210 and fastener 362.

In step 810, method 800 may include advancing the fastener into the cavity in the work tool. For example, and as shown in FIGS. 9F and 9G, shank 364 of fastener 362—having already been advanced through thru-hole 314 in base 210—may be inserted through opening 631 in the base-engaging surface (i.e., top surface 629) into cavity 330. Shank 364 of fastener 362 may be advanced through opening 574 in shim 370 and into thru-hole 484 of retention nut 380, which may be in the locked state within cavity 330. In disclosed embodiments, step 810 includes matingly engaging fastener 362 with retention nut 380 within cavity 330. For example, fastener 362 may be rotated relative to retention nut 380 (e.g., by a torquing tool) to engage the threading on shank 364 with corresponding threading on inner surface 482 of retention nut 380. Since retention nut 380 is locked within cavity 330 by shim 370, rotation of fastener 362 relative to retention nut 380 may draw shank 364 of fastener 362 through thru-hole 484 (See FIGS. 4A-4C) of retention nut 380 (See FIGS. 4A-4C) and deeper into the work tool 220, thereby securing work tool 220 to base 210. For example, when work tool 220 is secured to base 210, head portion 363 of fastener 362 may engage receiving structure 316 of base 210 while shank 364 of fastener 362 matingly engages with retention nut 380 locked within cavity 330. In some embodiments, the end of shank 364 of fastener 362 may pass through the entire length of thru-hole 484 and into passageway 638 of work tool 220.

In step 810, the rotation of fastener 362 relative to the locked retention nut 380 may draw various components of the ground-engaging system together, thereby securing work tool 220 against movement relative to base 210. For example, work tool 220 may be drawn towards base 210 until the base-engaging surface of work tool 220 (i.e., top surface 629) abuts on bottom surface 918 of base 210. In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 9F, the rear receiving surface 624 of work tool 220 may also be drawn into contact with the leading edge 912 of base 210. As another example, rotation of fastener 362 relative to retention nut 380 may draw the angled outer surface 492 of retention nut 380 into contact with the angled inner surfaces 642 of protrusions 640. As discussed above with respect to FIGS. 7C and 7D, retention nut 380 and cavity 330 may be shaped and configured so that substantially all of the angled outer surface 492 of retention nut 380 may be drawn into contact with angled inner surfaces 642 of protrusions 640. This flush arrangement of outer surface 492 and inner surface 642 may advantageously help to prevent rotation of retention nut 380 relative to cavity 330.

In some embodiments, method 800 may include securing work tool 220 to base 210 with multiple retention component assemblies 360 (with each retention component assembly 360 including fastener 362, washer 366, shim 370, and retention nut 380, see FIG. 3A). For example, work tool 220 may include at least a second cavity 330 with a second plurality of protrusions 640 (e.g., work tool 220 in FIGS. 9A-9G includes two cavities 330). Steps 802-810 of method 800 may be performed with a second retention component assembly 360 to engage a second thru-hole 314 in base 210 and the second cavity 330 in work tool 320, thereby providing a second secure connection between work tool 320 and base 210. Additionally, or alternatively, steps 802-810 of method 800 may be performed to secure an additional work tool to the base with one or more additional retention component assemblies 360. For example, FIG. 2B depicts multiple work tools 220a-220d connected to base 210. Each of work tools 220a, 220b, 220c, and 220d may be secured to base 210 by one or more retention component assemblies 360. Accordingly, the steps of method 800 may be performed as many times as desired to provide a desired number of secure connections between a base and one or more work tools.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method 1000 of removing a work tool from a base of a ground-engaging system, consistent with disclosed embodiments. Steps of method 1000 may be performed by a user and/or by a machine constructed and/or programmed specifically for performing functions associated with the disclosed method steps. In step 1002, method 1000 may include counter-rotating fastener 362 and removing it from cavity 330 via upper opening 631. Step 1002 may also include removing fastener 362 from thru-hole 314. In step 1004, method 1000 may include removing shim 370 from cavity 330 via upper opening 631. In step 1006, method 1000 may include rotating retention nut 380 from the locked state to the unlocked state, such that wings 490 of retention nut 380 align with the at least one gap 744 in cavity 330 (i.e., are placed within the receiving portions of cavity 330). In step 1008, method 1000 may include removing retention nut 380 from cavity 330 via upper opening 631.

The disclosed retention component assembly provides several advantages over prior techniques for securing work tools to machinery. As discussed above with respect to FIG. 3A, the retention component assembly disclosed herein is a top-down assembly, meaning that each component is both introduced to, and removed from, work tool 220 from the upper or top side of work tool 220. For example, and as shown in FIGS. 9A, 9D, and 9E, retention nut 380, shim 370, and shank 364 of fastener 362 of retention component assembly 360 are each introduced into cavity 330 of work tool 220 through opening 631 in the top surface 629 of work tool 220. Also, washer 366 of retention component assembly 360 is introduced into thru-hole 314 through an opening in the top surface 917 of base 210. Additionally, and as discussed above with respect to FIG. 10, retention nut 380, shim 370, and shank 364 of fastener 362 may each be removed from work tool 220 via the upper opening 631 (for example, when work tool 220 is being detached from base 210). This “top-down” technique for securing work tools 220 may help improve user safety by eliminating the need for the user to place his or her hands beneath work tool 220, in proximity to the tool's work surface. For example, features on or near the work surface of a tool can become sharp over time due to wear or damage, thereby posing a risk of injury to users who contact the work surface while servicing or replacing the tool. Furthermore, work tools 220 are typically heavy. Thus, by eliminating the need for the user to place his or her hands beneath work tool 220, the disclosed ground-engaging system and retention component assembly may help prevent injury caused due to the heavy weight of work tool 220. Thus, the disclosed retention component assembly 360 improves user safety because its “top-down” configuration eliminates the need for users to touch or interact with the work surface of the tool.

In addition, the disclosed retention component assembly and work tool also provide an improvement over prior techniques by increasing the useful life of the work tool. Specifically, the configuration of the retention component assembly and work tool maximizes the proportion of the work tool that is useable for earth-working operations. For example, and with respect to FIGS. 9F and 9G, the useful life of work tool 220 (i.e., the proportion of work tool 220 that is useable for earth-working operations) is increased by maximizing the distance between retention nut 380 and the bottom surface 632 of work tool 220. Here, the configuration of the angled outer surface 492 of retention nut 380 and the angled inner surface 642 of protrusion 640 allows retention nut 380 to be seated along the top surface 629 of work tool 220, thereby maximizing the distance between retention nut 380 and bottom surface 632 (and thus, maximizing the useful portion of the work tool 220). Further, the fact that the head portion 363 of fastener 362 is seated within the base 210 (rather than within work tool 220) eliminates the need to use part of the work tool as a receiving structure for the fastener (which would not be useable for earth-working operations). In some exemplary embodiments, due to these improvements, the disclosed retention component assembly increases the useful life of the work tool by as much as 20 to 30% compared to previous techniques for attaching work tools 220. In some exemplary embodiments, the disclosed work tool 220, together with the disclosed retention component assembly 360, may provide up to 400 to 500 useful hours of earth-working operations before a replacement is needed.

FIGS. 11A and 11B depict an exemplary earth-working implement 1100 with a plurality of work tools 1120a-1120d secured to a base 1110. Work tools 1120a-1120d and base 1110 may have structural and functional characteristics similar to those discussed above with respect to work tool 220 an base 210, respectively. In the example shown, implement 1100 may include center segment work tool 1120a having a leading edge 1122a that may serve as the leading edge of implement 1100 (i.e., the forward-most edge of implement 1100) when work tool 1120a is secured to base 1110. Implement 1100 may also include angled work tools 1120c and 1120d having leading edges 1122c and 1122d, respectively, arranged at an oblique angle relative to center segment leading edge 1122a when work tools 1120c and 1120d are secured to base 1110. Implement 1100 may also include transition segment work tool 1120 b having a first leading edge segment 1122b1 and second leading edge segment 1122b2 (see FIG. 11B). First leading edge segment 1122b1 may be parallel to center segment leading edge 1122a when work tool 1120b is secured to base 1110. Further, second leading edge segment 1122b2 may be arranged at an oblique angle relative to center segment leading edge 1122a when work tool 1120b is secured to base 1110.

FIG. 11A includes close-up views of a retention nut 1180a of center segment work tool 1120a and of a retention nut 1180d of angled work tool 1120d. Retention nuts 1180a and 1180d may have structural and functional characteristics similar to retention nut 380 described above. In the examples shown, retention nuts 1180a and 1180d may each be arranged in the locked state, such that their wings (i.e., wings 490 shown in FIGS. 4A-4C) are situated beneath the protrusions 640 of their respective cavities 1130a and 1130d, respectively.

In some embodiments, implement 1100 may include at least one work tool configured such that its cavity has an orientation perpendicular to its leading edge. For example, center segment work tool 1120a may be configured such that its cavity 1130a has an orientation perpendicular to its leading edge 1122a. That is, cavity 1130a depicted in FIG. 11A may have an axis “c” extending through a midpoint (or center) of its first protrusion 1140a1 and through a midpoint of its second protrusion 1140a2. Cavity 1130a may be oriented within work tool 1120a such that the axis “c” is perpendicular to the work tool's leading edge 1122a. Advantageously, this perpendicular orientation of work tool 1120a aligns cavity 1130a with the direction of force application when implement 1100 is used in earth-working operations, thereby minimizing the risk of inadvertently dislodging a retention nut 1180a received within the cavity 1130a. As another example, FIG. 11B depicts a work tool 1120 b having first leading edge segment 1122b1 and second leading edge segment 1122b2, as well as first cavity 1130b1 containing first retention nut 1180b1 and second cavity 1130b 2 containing a second retention nut 1180b2. First cavity 1130b1 may have an orientation perpendicular to first leading edge segment 1122b1, while second cavity 1130b2 may have an orientation perpendicular to second leading edge segment 1122b2.

Additionally, or alternatively, implement 1100 may include at least one work tool configured such that its cavity has an orientation oblique to its leading edge. For example, angled work tool 1120d may be configured such that its cavity 1130d has an orientation oblique to its leading edge 1122d. That is, cavity 1130d depicted in FIG. 11A may have an axis “d” extending through a midpoint (or center) of its first protrusion 1140d1 and through a midpoint of its second protrusion 1140d2. Cavity 1130d may be oriented within work tool 1120d such that the axis “d” is oblique to the work tool's leading edge 1122d. However, the axis “d” of cavity 1130d may, in some embodiments, be parallel to the axis “c” of cavity 1130a and may be perpendicular to the center segment leading edge 1122a. As a result, cavity 1130d may also be aligned with the direction of force application when implement 1100 is used in earth-working operations, thereby minimizing the risk of inadvertently dislodging retention nut 1180d from within cavity 1130d.

It will be apparent that various modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed ground-engaging system and retention component assembly. Other embodiments will be apparent from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosed method and apparatus. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope being indicated by the following claims and their equivalents