Patent Description:
Machines 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, etc. 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. Such a machine is disclosed in document <CIT>.

These retaining mechanisms may include a plastic retainer sleeve that holds the retainer in the tip. The retainer sleeve may also have features that hold the retainer in a locked or unlocked position to allow replacement of the tips. The retainer sleeve operates in various conditions and operating methods. In extreme operating conditions and methods, a more robust sleeve may be required.

Accordingly, while current retainer sleeves work well in certain applications, continuous improvement is warranted to provide retainer sleeves suitable for other applications.

A retainer sleeve according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise a body including an at least partially annular configuration defining an axis of rotation, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction. The body may also comprise a radially inner annular surface defining a radially inner aperture; and a first anti-rotation feature extending radially inwardly from the radially inner annular surface including a sloping ledge having a locking surface that faces at least partially in the circumferential direction and along a direction that is parallel to the axis of rotation, forming an oblique angle with the direction that is parallel to the axis of rotation in a plane perpendicular to the radial direction.

A retainer sleeve according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise a body including an at least partially annular configuration defining an axis of rotation, a radial direction, a circumferential direction, a first axial end disposed along the axis of rotation, and a second axial end disposed along the axis of rotation. The body may also comprise a radially inner annular surface defining a radially inner aperture, a detent feature including a rib extending radially inwardly from the radially inner annular surface, defining a rib radial height, and a lip disposed at the first axial end extending radially and circumferentially past the rib.

A retainer and retainer sleeve assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise a retainer including a drive portion, and a lug receiving portion defining a lug receiving slot that extends partially through the lug receiving portion, forming a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a catch surface connecting the first sidewall to the second sidewall. The lug receiving portion may also include a skirt that at least partially defines the first sidewall, second sidewall, and catch surface. The skirt may terminate at a sloped face that intersects with the first sidewall. The assembly may also comprise a retainer sleeve including a body including an at least partially annular configuration defining an axis of rotation, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction. The body of the retainer sleeve may also include a radially inner annular surface defining a radially inner aperture, and a first anti-rotation feature extending radially inwardly from the radially inner annular surface including a sloping ledge having a locking surface is at least partially complimentarily shaped to engage the sloped face of the skirt of the retainer.

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 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 <NUM>', <NUM>" 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 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure will now be discussed.

Starting with <FIG>, the work implement assembly <NUM> may take the form of a bucket assembly <NUM>' that may be used by a wheel loader and that includes an enclosure <NUM> that defines an opening <NUM> that communicates with a generally enclosed interior. Starting from the rear of the bucket assembly <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, the bucket assembly <NUM> includes a curved shell profile <NUM>, which is attached to a rear wall <NUM> at the top end of the shell <NUM>. The other end of the shell is attached to the bottom plate <NUM> of the assembly <NUM>. A top plate <NUM> is attached to the top end of the rear wall <NUM>. The top plate <NUM> transitions to a spill guard <NUM> that is designed to funnel material into the interior of the bucket and prevent material from spilling out of the bucket. Reinforcing ribs <NUM> are provided that are attached to the top plate <NUM> and the spill guard <NUM>, providing reinforcement for strength. Two substantially flat end plates <NUM> are attached to the side edges of the spill guard <NUM>, top plate <NUM>, rear wall <NUM>, bottom plate <NUM> and shell <NUM>.

A side edge assembly <NUM> is attached to each end plate <NUM> while a front edge assembly <NUM> is attached to the front edge of the bottom plate <NUM> of the bucket assembly <NUM>. The front edge assembly <NUM> includes a base edge <NUM> that is attached to the bottom plate <NUM>, a plurality of center adapters <NUM> attached to the base edge <NUM>, and a plurality of tips <NUM> (may also be referred to as tools, teeth, etc.) with each one of the plurality of tips <NUM> being attached to one of the plurality of center adapters <NUM>. Also, two corner adapters <NUM> are also attached to the base edge and the side edges <NUM> of the bucket assembly <NUM>'. Tip <NUM> may also be attached to the corner adapters <NUM>.

Moreover, a plurality of base edge protectors <NUM> are also provided with each one of the base edge protectors <NUM> positioned between center adapters <NUM> and between a center adapter <NUM> and a corner adapter <NUM>. A side edge protector <NUM> is also provided that is attached to the side edge <NUM> proximate to a corner adapter <NUM>.

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, retaining mechanism, adapter, spring, spring loaded retainer, tip assembly, and tip and adapter assembly, etc. as will be discussed herein.

In <FIG>, the tip <NUM> may comprise a body <NUM> that defines a longitudinal axis <NUM>, a vertical axis <NUM> that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis <NUM>, and a lateral axis <NUM> that is perpendicular to the vertical axis <NUM>, and the longitudinal axis <NUM>. The body <NUM> may include a forward working portion <NUM> disposed along the longitudinal axis <NUM> including a closed end <NUM>, and a rear attachment portion <NUM> disposed along the longitudinal axis <NUM> including an open end <NUM>.

The rear attachment portion <NUM> defines an exterior surface <NUM>, an adapter nose receiving pocket <NUM> extending longitudinally from the open end <NUM>, and a retaining mechanism receiving aperture <NUM> in communication with the adapter nose receiving pocket <NUM> and the exterior surface <NUM>. An adapter nose lug receiving groove <NUM> may extend longitudinally from the open end <NUM> to the retaining mechanism receiving aperture <NUM>. At least retainer sleeve receiving slot <NUM> may be in communication with the retaining mechanism receiving aperture <NUM> and the adapter nose receiving pocket <NUM>.

Looking now at <FIG>, a retainer and retainer sleeve assembly <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will now be discussed. The assembly <NUM> may comprise a retainer <NUM> including a drive portion <NUM>, and a lug receiving portion <NUM> defining a lug receiving slot <NUM> that extends partially through the lug receiving portion <NUM>, forming a first sidewall <NUM>, a second sidewall <NUM>, and a catch surface <NUM> connecting the first sidewall <NUM> to the second sidewall <NUM>. A skirt <NUM> at least partially defines the first sidewall <NUM>, second sidewall <NUM>, and catch surface <NUM> that terminates at a sloped face <NUM> that intersects with the first sidewall <NUM> (best seen in <FIG> and <FIG>). Another sloped face may be provided proximate to the second sidewall <NUM> in other embodiments of the present disclosure, but not necessarily so.

In <FIG>, the outline of a lug <NUM> that is captured by the retainer and retainer sleeve assembly <NUM> is shown. It is to be understood that the retainer <NUM> is oriented as shown in <FIG> when the tip <NUM> is inserted over the nose of the adapter. The lug <NUM> passes first through the adapter nose lug receiving groove <NUM> and then into lug receiving slot <NUM> until is surrounded on three sides by the first sidewall <NUM>, the second sidewall <NUM>, and the catch surface <NUM>. Then, the retainer <NUM> is rotated <NUM> degrees until the lug <NUM> is captured on all sides by the retainer <NUM> and the retainer sleeve <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. Now, the tip is retained on the adapter. This process may be reversed to remove the tip from the adapter.

With continued reference to <FIG>, a retainer sleeve <NUM> according to various embodiments of the present disclosure will now be discussed in the further detail. The retainer sleeve <NUM> may include a body <NUM> including an at least partially annular configuration (e.g. at least partially cylindrical, at least partially conical, etc.) defining an axis of rotation <NUM>, a radial direction <NUM>, and a circumferential direction <NUM> (best seen in <FIG>). The axis of rotation <NUM> is so called for either or both of two reasons. First, at least some of the geometry of the retainer sleeve <NUM> (and by implication the retainer <NUM>), may be modeled by rotating cross-sectional geometry about the axis of rotation <NUM>. Second, the retainer <NUM> may be configured to be rotated about this axis of rotation <NUM>. Other configurations are possible in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

As best seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, a radially inner annular surface <NUM> may define a radially inner aperture <NUM>, and may include a first anti-rotation feature <NUM> extending radially inwardly from the radially inner annular surface <NUM>. The first anti-rotation feature <NUM> may include a sloping ledge <NUM> having a locking surface <NUM> (see also <FIG>) is at least partially complimentarily shaped to engage the sloped face <NUM> of the skirt <NUM> of the retainer <NUM>. This locking surface <NUM> may be planar, slightly arcuate, etc..

Focusing on <FIG>, the retainer sleeve <NUM> may further comprise a detent feature including a rib <NUM> extending radially inwardly from the radially inner annular surface <NUM>. The rib <NUM> may be spaced circumferentially away a predetermined distance <NUM> from the first anti-rotation feature <NUM>. The predetermined distance <NUM> is measured as an arc length from the rib <NUM> to the first anti-rotation feature <NUM> (e.g. to the locking surface) at the intersection of the lip <NUM> and the radially inner annular surface <NUM>. The rib <NUM> may have a cylindrical, conical, or other arcuate configuration in various embodiments. In other embodiments, it may have a pointed shape, polygonal shape, etc. in a plane parallel with the radial direction <NUM>.

The body <NUM> may be formed by molding a polyurethane material (e.g. thermoplastic injection molded, cast, cured, etc.). When molded, voids <NUM> may be provided in the design (see <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>) that provide a more uniform wall thickness to help prevent the formation of voids, sinks, porosity, etc. in the body <NUM> resulting from the manufacturing process. The material, structure, or both of the body <NUM> may contribute to the resiliency of the body <NUM> so that the body <NUM> may deform and rebound. This is desirable when locking and unlocking the retainer <NUM> and when inserting the retainer sleeve <NUM> into the retainer sleeve receiving slot <NUM> of the tip <NUM> (see <FIG>).

To that end, a pair of radially outer angled surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>' that form different draft angles <NUM>, <NUM>' with a direction parallel to the axis of rotation <NUM> in a plane containing the radial direction <NUM>, and the axis of rotation <NUM> (see <FIG>). These draft angles <NUM>, <NUM>' may be tailored so that it is easier to insert the retainer sleeve <NUM> into the slot <NUM> than to remove it. This helps to hold the retainer sleeve <NUM> in the slot <NUM>, which in turn, helps hold the retainer <NUM> in the tip <NUM>.

In <FIG> and <FIG>, the retainer sleeve <NUM> defines a first circumferential end <NUM> disposed along the circumferential direction <NUM>, a second circumferential end <NUM>' disposed along the circumferential direction <NUM>. The rib <NUM> may be disposed proximate to the first circumferential end <NUM>. A second rib <NUM>' may be disposed proximate the second circumferential end <NUM>' but not necessarily so (see <FIG> and <FIG>). The second rib <NUM>' may be similarly, identically, or dissimilarly configured as the other rib <NUM> in various embodiments of the present disclosure. It should also be noted that only one anti-rotation feature is shown that is proximate to the first circumferential end, but is contemplated that another anti-rotation feature may be provided near the second circumferential end that is similarly, identically, or dissimilarly configured as the first anti-rotation feature in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

Still referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the lip <NUM> extends radially and circumferentially past the rib <NUM>, and the first anti-rotation feature <NUM>, entirely overhanging the rib <NUM> and the first anti-rotation feature <NUM>. This may not be the case in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

More particularly, the lip <NUM> extends from the first circumferential end <NUM> to the second circumferential end <NUM>', defining an lip arc length <NUM> measured from the first circumferential end <NUM> to the second circumferential end <NUM>' at the intersection of the radially inner annular surface <NUM> and the lip <NUM>.

In certain embodiments a ratio of the lip arc length <NUM> to the predetermined distance <NUM> may range from <NUM> to <NUM>, and the predetermined distance <NUM> may range from <NUM> to <NUM>.

Likewise, the first anti-rotation feature <NUM> may define a maximum circumferential dimension <NUM> measured as an arc length at the intersection of the radially inner annular surface <NUM>, and the lip <NUM>. A ratio of the lip arc length <NUM> to the maximum circumferential dimension <NUM> may range from <NUM> to <NUM>, and the maximum circumferential dimension may range from <NUM> to <NUM>.

Any of these ranges of ratios or dimensions may be different than what has been specifically mentioned in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

Next, a retainer sleeve <NUM> according to various embodiments of the present disclosure that may be supplied as a replacement part will be discussed.

Looking at <FIG>, the retainer sleeve may have a body <NUM> including an at least partially annular configuration (as previously described herein) defining an axis of rotation <NUM>, a radial direction <NUM>, and a circumferential direction <NUM>. A radially inner annular surface <NUM> may defining a radially inner aperture <NUM>. The first anti-rotation feature <NUM> may extend radially inwardly from the radially inner annular surface <NUM> including a sloping ledge <NUM> having a locking surface <NUM> that faces at least partially in the circumferential direction <NUM> and along a direction that is parallel to the axis of rotation <NUM>, forming an oblique angle <NUM> with the direction that is parallel to the axis of rotation <NUM> in a plane perpendicular to the radial direction <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, the oblique angle <NUM> may range from <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees and may at least partially match the angle of the sloped face <NUM> of the retainer <NUM> (see <FIG>) as alluded to earlier herein. Also, the body <NUM> may comprise at least one of the following: a plastic, a rubber, an elastomer, a mesh structure (e.g. has voids), and a foam. This may help to make the body <NUM> resilient so that it can deform and rebound during the assembly, the locking, and the unlocking processes as discussed earlier herein.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the first anti-rotation feature <NUM> may further include a cam surface <NUM> (may also be referred to as a first transitional surface) extending radially inwardly and circumferentially from the locking surface <NUM>. A ramp <NUM> may also be provided that extends circumferentially from the cam surface <NUM> to the radially inner annular surface <NUM>. As a result of the configuration of the locking surface <NUM>, the cam surface <NUM>, and the ramp <NUM>, the cam surface <NUM> may have a triangular shape (e.g. a triangular perimeter 438a), and the ramp <NUM> may include an arcuate surface <NUM>. Other configurations of these features are possible in other embodiments of the present disclosure. A discussion of the functions of these various features of the first anti-rotation feature <NUM> will be discussed later herein.

Looking at <FIG> and <FIG>, the at least partially annular configuration of the body <NUM> defines an angular extent <NUM> about the axis of rotation <NUM>, a first axial end <NUM> that is disposed along the axis of rotation <NUM>, and a second axial end <NUM> that is disposed along the axis of rotation <NUM>. The body <NUM> may have a lip <NUM> that is disposed at the first axial end <NUM> extending along the entirety of the angular extent <NUM>. This may not be the case in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

As alluded to earlier herein, the lip <NUM> may extend radially past the first anti-rotation feature <NUM>. Also, the first anti-rotation feature <NUM> may extend axially away from the lip <NUM> toward the second axial end <NUM> defining a maximum axial dimension <NUM> of the first anti-rotation feature <NUM>. Similarly, the first anti-rotation feature <NUM> also defines a maximum radial dimension <NUM> measured radially from the radially inner annular surface <NUM> to the radial extremity of the first anti-rotation feature <NUM>. Moreover, the radially inner aperture <NUM> may define an inner diameter <NUM> (see <FIG>), and a radially inner aperture axial depth <NUM> (see <FIG>) measured axially from the lip <NUM> to the second axial end <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, a ratio of the radially inner aperture axial depth <NUM> of the radially inner aperture <NUM> to the maximum axial dimension <NUM> of the first anti-rotation feature <NUM> may range from <NUM> to <NUM>, and a ratio of the inner diameter <NUM> of the radially inner aperture <NUM> to the maximum radial dimension <NUM> of the first anti-rotation feature may range from <NUM> to <NUM>. In such embodiments, the maximum axial dimension <NUM> may range from <NUM> to <NUM>, and the maximum radial dimension <NUM> may range from <NUM> to <NUM>.

Another retainer sleeve <NUM> according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may be described as follows with reference to <FIG>.

The retainer sleeve <NUM> may include a body <NUM> including an at least partially annular configuration defining an axis of rotation <NUM>, a radial direction <NUM>, a circumferential direction <NUM>, a first axial end disposed <NUM> along the axis of rotation <NUM>, and a second axial end <NUM> disposed along the axis of rotation <NUM>.

A radially inner annular surface <NUM> may define a radially inner aperture <NUM>, a detent feature including a rib <NUM> extending radially inwardly from the radially inner annular surface <NUM>. The rib <NUM> may define a rib radial height <NUM> (see also <FIG>), and a lip <NUM> disposed at the first axial end <NUM> extending radially and circumferential past the rib <NUM>. The rib <NUM> may extend axially from the lip <NUM> toward the second axial end <NUM>, defining a rib axial length <NUM>. Also, the radially inner annular surface <NUM> may define an inner diameter <NUM>' (see <FIG>), and a radially inner aperture axial depth <NUM> as mentioned just above herein.

In certain embodiments, a ratio of the radially inner aperture axial depth <NUM> to the rib axial length <NUM> may range from <NUM> to <NUM>, and a ratio of the inner diameter <NUM>' to the rib radial height <NUM> may range from <NUM> to <NUM>. In such embodiments, the rib axial length <NUM> may range from <NUM> to <NUM>, and the rib radial height <NUM> may range from <NUM> to <NUM>.

Again, the body <NUM> may comprise at least one of the following: a plastic, a rubber, an elastomer, a mesh structure (e.g. a honeycomb like structure), and a foam, making the body <NUM> a resilient body.

Again, it should be noted that any of the ranges of ratios, 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 otherwise specifically mentioned.

In practice, a machine, a work implement assembly, a tip assembly, a tip and adapter assembly, a retainer sleeve, a retainer and retainer sleeve assembly 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, plastic, rubber, foam, etc..

The features of the retainer sleeve and retainer as previously described herein may operate as follows to facilitate a robust locked configuration and a less robust unlocked configuration.

First, (best understood with reference to <FIG>) the retainer <NUM> and the retainer sleeve <NUM> are snapped into the retainer sleeve receiving slot <NUM>, and the retaining mechanism receiving aperture <NUM>. The construction of the retainer sleeve <NUM> is such that it is resilient enough to deform locally and/or as a whole so that it can be snapped into the retainer sleeve receiving slot <NUM> and rigid enough to remain therein. The lip <NUM> of the retainer sleeve <NUM> holds the retainer <NUM> axially in place. The lip <NUM> extends completely around the perimeter of the retainer sleeve <NUM> to provide robust axial retention of the retainer <NUM> in the retaining mechanism receiving aperture <NUM>.

As can be appreciated by <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the rib <NUM> of the detent feature provides a slight retaining force to hold the retainer <NUM> in the locked and/or unlocked position. This slight retaining force may be easily overcome by inserting a tool into the drive portion <NUM> of the retainer <NUM>. The first anti-rotation feature <NUM> provides a more robust retaining force than the detent feature. Hence, one skilled in the art might refer to the first anti-rotation feature <NUM> as a primary device for preventing rotation of the retainer <NUM> while the detent feature might be referred to as a secondary device for preventing rotation of the retainer <NUM> from the locked to unlocked configuration.

As best understood with reference to <FIG>, the first anti-rotation feature <NUM> includes a ramp <NUM> with a greater circumferential extent than that the cam surface <NUM>, and the locking surface <NUM>. Accordingly, the force required to rotate the retainer <NUM> from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration is less than what is required to unlock the retainer <NUM>.

More specifically, the wedge or cam effect provided by ramp <NUM> as it contacts the skirt <NUM> of the retainer <NUM> spreads apart the retainer sleeve <NUM> into the clearance (part of <NUM>) found between the tip <NUM> and the retainer sleeve <NUM> (as well as providing local deformation) more easily than when the process is reversed to achieve an unlocked configuration.

When the retainer <NUM> is rotated from the locked position to the unlocked position, the oblique angle <NUM> of the locking surface <NUM> provides less of a wedge or cam effect to spread the retainer sleeve <NUM> open. If enough force is exerted, the skirt <NUM> of the retainer <NUM> eventually contacts the cam surface <NUM>, which primarily deflects the first anti-rotation feature <NUM> radially outwardly into a void <NUM>. The retainer <NUM> may then be more easily rotated to achieve the unlocked configuration. Hence, the likelihood of the undesired rotation of the retainer <NUM> from the locked to unlocked configuration is lessened.

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.

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.

Claim 1:
A retainer sleeve (<NUM>) comprising:
a body (<NUM>) including
an at least partially annular configuration defining an axis of rotation (<NUM>), a radial direction (<NUM>), a circumferential direction (<NUM>), a first axial end (<NUM>) disposed along the axis of rotation (<NUM>), and a second axial end (<NUM>) disposed along the axis of rotation (<NUM>);
a radially inner annular surface (<NUM>) defining a radially inner aperture (<NUM>);
a detent feature including a rib (<NUM>) extending radially inwardly from the radially inner annular surface (<NUM>), defining a rib radial height (<NUM>); and characterised in that it further includes
a lip (<NUM>) disposed at the first axial end (<NUM>) extending radially and circumferentially past the rib (<NUM>).