PIN ASSEMBLY, PIN POSITIONING BODY, COUPLING SYSTEM FOR EARTH MOVING MACHINES, AND ASSEMBLY METHOD

Abstract

 The invention relates to a pin assembly, a pin positioning body, a coupling system for earth moving machines, and an assembly method, mainly to a pin assembly formed by a positioning body coupled to a pin used for coupling between a tooth and an adapter of earth moving machines, the pin being of the type having an elongated body of revolution about an axis and being inserted between the tooth and the adapter to ensure coupling between the two.

Description

Object of the invention

[0001] The present invention, i.e., a pin assembly, a pin positioning body, and a coupling system for earth moving machines, relates mainly to a pin assembly formed by a positioning body coupled to a pin used for coupling between a tooth and an adapter of earth moving machines, the pin being of the type having an elongated body of revolution about an axis and being inserted between the tooth and the adapter to ensure coupling between the two. The tooth is usually a female body, although the adapter can also be a female body, said female body having a hollow body with at least two opposite side or upper and lower walls, where at least one of said walls is provided with an opening, such that there is introduced in said hollow body the nose of a male body, usually an adapter, although it can also be a tooth, which is provided with a through channel. Said through channel is aligned with the hole or holes of the female body when said female body is mounted on the male body. The pin is inserted through the hole or one of the two holes in the female body, thus passing through the system for earth moving machines, said system being formed by the male body, the female body, retaining means for retaining the pin, the pin itself, and the positioning body, this system also being the object of the present invention.

[0002] Likewise, to guarantee the coupling of the elements of the system, the system also usually comprises retaining means to ensure the position of the pin between the female body and the male body in order to thereby retain it in said position.

[0003] The pin positioning body object of the present invention guarantees a correct insertion and retention of the pin in its housing. Likewise, additionally, it can prevent unwanted fines from entering a cavity at one end of the pin intended for receiving a tool that acts on said pin, mainly to cause its rotation in order to remove it. Alternatively, the pin may have a relief or protuberance, instead of a cavity, which also interacts with a tool. The assembly method for assembling a positioning body on a pin is also an object of the invention.

[0004] The present invention is particularly applicable in the public works sector, such as in excavations, mining and dredging.

Background of the invention

[0005] Excavator machines and the like, such as those used in public works, quarries, dredging and mining works, are used to pull out, move and load earth and stones. These machines are usually provided with a bucket attached to a mechanical arm. The bucket is provided with a blade or bevelled lip on a front edge intended for cutting into and penetrating the mass of earth and stones. To prevent excessive wear of the blade and to help penetrate the earth, it is common to assemble wear elements associated with the blade which project from the front edge thereof. Said wear elements are usually female elements, bodies, or teeth, which receive a male body or element, which acts as an adapter to couple the tooth to the blade of the bucket, or male bodies or elements which receive a female body or element, which also acts as an adapter. Other wear elements can be protectors which are arranged between the tooth and the adapter to protect the contact area between them. Said teeth are also subjected to wear and breakage, so they must be replaced often, and additionally, depending on the work to be performed by the machine, it may be desirable to change the type or the shape of the teeth.

[0006] This replacement is facilitated by using an adapter, which is fixed to the blade of the bucket in a more or less permanent manner, and teeth, such that each tooth is releasably assembled on the adapter by means of a pin. Typically, said pin traverses holes of the tooth and a channel traversing the adapter in order to fix the tooth to the adapter, thus guaranteeing the connection between both using retention device or means to fix said pin in its assembly position and thus preventing the pin from coming out of its position when the machine is working which is when the tooth/adapter/pin system receives the greatest stresses. The holes in the tooth are positioned on opposite walls, and said walls can be arranged on side surfaces of the tooth, such that the pin is inserted horizontally, or on the upper and lower surfaces, such that the pin is inserted vertically. The inlet hole of the pin is typically located in a cavity made in the wall of the tooth. Said cavity can have a ramp adjacent to the hole to facilitate pin removal. A projection arranged on the surface of the pin can slide on said ramp.

[0007] When the tooth is assembled on the adapter and the pin located in its assembly position, i.e., in a locking position locking the tooth onto the adapter, the ends of the pin are located in the holes of the tooth and the central part of the pin is located in the channel of the adapter.

[0008] As mentioned, inverted systems typically used in dredging operations are also known, wherein the adapter incorporates the hollow space where the tooth is inserted, such that it is the adapter that incorporates opposite walls with holes and the tooth incorporates the nose with the channel for inserting the pin. In these inverted systems, the tooth is a male element or body that is inserted into an adapter which is a female element or body.

[0009] Another example of a known system is the three-part systems in which the wear system can be formed by a first body, provided with a first nose, welded or formed, on the blade of the bucket, which can be a first adapter, coupled to an intermediate adapter to which a wear element or tip is coupled, this being the one that has the function of scraping and penetrating the ground. In these three-part systems it is necessary to use a pin between the first nose or first adapter and the intermediate adapter, and a second pin between the intermediate adapter and the wear element or tip. The pin assembly, as well as the positioning body object of the present invention, can be used in both pins.

[0010] The pin typically interacts with retention means or device to ensure the position of the pin in the housing between the adapter and the tooth after its insertion into the hole and channel, and at the same time guaranteeing the correct coupling between said adapter and tooth. Said retaining means or device usually have elastic characteristics so that the pin can be fixed and released without having to break it, while allowing at the same time its insertion in and removal from the system in a simple, preferably hammerless manner, that is, without the need for a hammer. Specifically, the pin has an elongated body of revolution with preferably at least one notch or slit in at least one of its two ends. Said notch must interact with the retaining means or device, which is typically formed by at least one elongated element that is inserted into the mentioned notch of the pin to ensure the positioning of the pin and the coupling between the tooth and the adapter.

[0011] Said retaining device is typically formed by two metallic elongated bodies which determine a space between them in which an end of the pin is housed during assembly, namely, said elongated bodies are inserted into one or two diametrically opposite notches or slits arranged on the body of the pin. Said retaining device can be secured to the tooth or the adapter. To disassemble the pin, there is usually a need for a tool that causes the pin to turn or rotate inside its housing between the tooth and the adapter so that, with the rotation of the pin, the retaining means or device come out of the notches or slits of the pin, thereby enabling the removal of the pin from its housing. Said tool can be inserted into a cavity arranged at one end of the pin or it can be coupled to a protuberance or relief, also located at said end of the pin. To facilitate the removal of the pin from its position, the pin preferably has a projection at the end opposite that of the notch or notches such that, when rotated, the projection of the pin can slide along a ramp adjacent to the inlet hole of the pin, said ramp contributing to the exit of the pin. Examples of said retaining systems are described, for example, in patent applications WO201304858A1 and WO2017137619A1.

[0012] In the solutions in the state of the art, the situation in which the pin is not inserted correctly into the housing formed by the tooth and adapter may arise. The correct positioning of the pin is only guaranteed when the retaining element has been inserted into the notch of the pin and this is only achieved in the state of the art with the skill and experience of the user since the pin should only be inserted in a specific position. Due to the geometry of the pin, it can be inserted in different orientations in the housing, delaying the correct insertion of the pin in its correct position or inserting the pin incorrectly and thinking that it is correctly positioned. Either option is undesirable because one is time-consuming to assemble and the other may cause the pin to lose its position and cause the tooth and the adapter to separate.

[0013] In addition, as mentioned, to remove the pin, it is necessary to rotate it inside the housing in order to force the retaining element out of the notch of the pin, and to enable said rotation, the pin has a cavity which receives the tool that allows its removal. The cavity is usually filled with fines while working with the tooth and the adapter, making it difficult to subsequently insert the tool into the cavity for removing the pin and then replacing the worn tooth.

[0014] The present invention solves the preceding problems, first, it ensures a correct insertion of the pin until it reaches its position inside the housing between the tooth and the adapter to guarantee the coupling with the retaining element and, also, depending on the structure of the positioning body, it can prevent fines from entering the cavity arranged in the pin to receive the tool which aids in disassembling the pin.

Description of the invention

[0015] In order to overcome the mentioned drawbacks so as to facilitate the insertion and ensure the retention of a pin in a system formed by a tooth and an adapter, a first object of the present invention relates to a pin assembly according to claim 1.

[0016] Specifically, the pin assembly for coupling between a female body and a male body in an earth moving machine is formed by a pin and a positioning body coupled to the pin. The pin has an elongated body with respect to an axis of revolution, with two ends, with at least one projection arranged close to a first end, perpendicular to the axis of revolution, and with a free end, said projection having a first upper surface close to the first end of the pin and a second lower surface at a specific distance from the first surface and towards the second end of the pin, with said distance determining the height of the projection. Likewise, the pin assembly comprises the positioning body coupled at least to the projection of the pin, said body extending beyond the projection, specifically beyond the free end thereof, thereby extending the length of the first surface of the projection. Additionally, the positioning body preferably has a first protrusion extending below the lower surface of the projection of the pin, increasing the height of said projection.

[0017] In this way, and with the coupling of the positioning body to the projection of the pin, the dimensions of said projection are increased, specifically the length thereof is increased, with length being understood as the distance between the body of the pin and the free end of the projection, and additionally, the height of said projection is preferably increased, with height being understood as the distance between the first surface and the second surface of the projection.

[0018] Therefore, the pin assembly preferably comprises:

• A pin with an elongated body with respect to an axis of revolution, with a first end and a second end opposite the first end.
• At least one projection in said pin, the projection being approximately perpendicular to the axis of revolution, and being arranged close to the first end of the pin, and the projection having a free end and two sides. Therefore, said projection has a first upper surface close to the first end of the pin, with a specific length between the body of the pin and the free end, a width between the two sides, and a height of the projection determined by the distance between said first surface and a second lower surface separated from said first surface towards the second end of the pin.
• A positioning body coupled to the projection, said body extending beyond the free end of the projection, thereby extending the length of the first surface of said projection.

[0019] Regarding the positioning body, it comprises a first upper part, with two ends and two lateral sides, arranged on the first upper surface of the projection of the pin. The body has, after said first part, a first protrusion projecting from the lower portion of said first upper part, and said first protrusion comprising a second intermediate part and a third lower part extending below the second surface of the projection of the pin, determining a space between the first part and the third part in which said projection is housed, preferably under pressure. Therefore, said first protrusion of the positioning body preferably has an L shape with the horizontal segment thereof, corresponding to the third lower part, arranged below the second surface of the projection of the pin. In this way, the projection of the pin is located between the first part of the positioning body and the third part thereof, enabling the coupling and self-fixing of the positioning body to said projection. Said first protrusion is preferably approximately perpendicular or perpendicular to the first part of the positioning body, that is, the vertical segment of the L is approximately perpendicular to said first part of the body.

[0020] The material of the positioning body is a deformable rubber-type material, preferably an elastomer such as polyurethane or rubber, among other materials with properties similar to the foregoing, which allows, as a result of its elasticity, the positioning body to be coupled and self-fixed to the projection of the pin, with the latter being inserted under pressure between the first upper part, the third lower part, and the second intermediate part making up the positioning body.

[0021] The pin preferably comprises at its first end a cavity intended for receiving a tool that facilitates the removal of the pin from the housing formed between the male body and the female body making up the earth moving system. Instead of said cavity, the pin may comprise a relief or protuberance in which a tool is coupled.

[0022] In addition, the positioning body can also have a second protrusion in the first upper part of the body, extending in the same direction as the first protrusion, that is, from the lower portion, and inserted under pressure into the cavity for receiving the tool arranged in the pin. Said second protrusion preferably has a shape complementary to that of the cavity of the pin to thus facilitate coupling of the positioning body to the pin. The insertion of the second protrusion into the cavity of the pin is achieved under pressure due to the material of the positioning body which, as mentioned above, is an elastomer. By means of this second protrusion, in addition to strengthening the coupling between the positioning body and the pin, the cavity of the tool in the pin is covered and fines are thus prevented from entering said cavity, which will facilitate the insertion of the tool into the cavity after removing the positioning element when it is necessary to remove the pin to replace the wear element.

[0023] It is also possible for the first upper part of the positioning body not to have a second protrusion but to extend over the cavity of the pin in order to reduce the entry of fines into said cavity. If the pin does not have a cavity but rather a relief or protuberance, it is possible for the first part of the positioning body to have a hole that adapts to the shape of the relief or protuberance, thus improving the fastening of the positioning body to the pin.

[0024] Alternatively, the positioning body may have at least a third U-shaped protrusion emerging from the first part of the positioning body and partially surrounding the projection on at least one of its two sides, preferably on both, increasing the width of the projection. Therefore, it preferably comprises two third U-shaped protrusions, one surrounding each side of the projection. Said third U-shaped protrusions emerge from the first part of the body, specifically from the two lateral sides, such that they generate a fourth part of the positioning body spanning the height of the projection. This third protrusion may be complementary to the first protrusion of the positioning body, such that the joint actuation of the third protrusion on the projection of the pin guarantees the position of the element of the pin on said projection.

[0025] The different configurations described above can be combined with one another, such that in addition to the first protrusion, the positioning body can have: said second protrusion; or said third protrusion or protrusions; or the second protrusion and the third protrusion; and the third protrusion or protrusions can be combined with the extension of the first part of the body. By way of example, in another alternative, the positioning body can have a third protrusion according to the preceding descriptions, and include a first protrusion without the third part that is inserted below the lower surface of the projection, such that the positioning body is coupled to the projection of the pin only through the third U-shaped protrusion. In this example, the first protrusion would extend beyond the height of the projection, that is, the distance between the upper and lower surfaces of said projection.

[0026] According to claim 7, a second object of the invention relates to a pin positioning body. Specifically, a pin positioning body intended for being coupled to a projection close to one end of said pin and comprising a first upper part and a first protrusion in said first upper part, such that the upper part has a height (a), a length (b), and a width (c), and the first protrusion in said first part has:

• A second intermediate part after the first part with a height (d), a length (e), and a width (f), and
• A third lower part, after the second part and connected through it with the first part, with a height (g), a length (h), and a width (i),

wherein the length (e) of the second part is smaller than the length (h) of the third part and also the length (e) of the second part is smaller than the length (b) of the first part, determining a first space between the first part and the third part.

[0027] The first protrusion of the positioning body has a section approximately similar to an L attached on its vertical side to one of the ends of the first upper part, such that the horizontal side of the L, representing the third lower part of the body, and therefore the lower end of said perpendicular protrusion, is arranged below the first upper part and approximately parallel to said first part. Said first protrusion is preferably perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the first part of the positioning body.

[0028] This configuration of the positioning body object of the invention is intended for making it easier for the user to couple and uncouple said positioning body with respect to the pin, and specifically the projection of said pin. In particular, as mentioned, the pin in which the positioning element is coupled has an elongated body, with an axis of revolution, and with two ends, having a projection arranged close to a first end of the two ends of the pin, and said projection being perpendicular to the axis of revolution. Likewise, the positioning body allows increasing the length of the projection of the pin and also increasing the height thereof. Said pin also has a cavity at said first end to receive a tool, or a protuberance to be coupled to a tool, which will allow the pin to turn or rotate when it is located in the housing formed by the tooth and the adapter, and which allows the pin to be released from the fastening with the retaining element and to be removed from said housing. The projection, arranged outside the body of revolution, has an approximately rectangular configuration with two lateral sides and a front side opposite the attachment with the end of the pin, and with an approximately flat upper surface arranged after or close to the upper surface of the first end of the body of revolution and a lower surface separated a specific distance from the upper surface. Said lower surface connects with the body of revolution of the pin, preferably generating a curve. Due to the shape of the pin and the protrusion, the upper surface of said protrusion is preferably slightly larger than the lower surface thereof.

[0029] Therefore, according to the configuration of a pin such as the one which has been described, the positioning body is arranged on said first part and partially surrounding said projection, such that the first upper part of the positioning body is arranged on the upper surface of the projection, the third lower part of the positioning body is arranged under the lower surface of the projection, and the second intermediate part of the positioning body is arranged facing the front side of the projection, with the positioning body being thereby coupled to the pin, specifically to the projection thereof. To achieve said coupling, the length of the third lower part (h) is greater than the length of the second intermediate part (e), thereby partially surrounding the projection of the pin.

[0030] Likewise, to achieve a better coupling between the two, the first upper part of the positioning body has a length (b) greater than the length (h) of the third lower part. Likewise, to increase the contact surface between the two, the width (c) of the first part is greater than the width (f) of the second intermediate part and also greater than the width (i) of the third lower part, these two preferably being the same. Therefore, the surface of the first part is larger than the upper surface of the projection of the pin.

[0031] Preferably, the second and third parts of the positioning body define on their contact surfaces with the projection of the pin a shape complementary to the shape described by said projection of the body of the pin. In this way, the contact surface between the two is enlarged, improving the coupling and positioning of the positioning element in the pin, and more specifically in the projection thereof.

[0032] In an alternative construction, as mentioned, the first upper part of the positioning body extends over the cavity which the pin has to receive the rotation tool, thereby covering said cavity to prevent fines from entering same when the tooth and the adapter are used to work the ground. Said fines must be removed if the cavity is not covered in order to be able to insert the tool and remove the pin. Covering the cavity with the positioning body prevents fines from entering, and simply removing the positioning element from the pin, and subsequently inserting the tool into the fine-free cavity thereof, are sufficient to remove the pin from its housing. In this construction, the surface defined by the first part of the pin positioning body preferably has a shape which is the same as the surface defined by the upper end of the pin and its projection, although as mentioned above, the surface of the positioning body will be larger given that it extends a little beyond in the direction of the projection in order to extend the length of the projection.

[0033] Alternatively, as mentioned, the first upper part of the positioning body, in addition to covering the cavity of the pin for receiving the tool, incorporates coupling means for coupling to said pin, specifically a second protrusion, preferably a ribbed protrusion complementary to the shape of the cavity of the pin, for insertion thereof into said cavity and for achieving a better coupling between the positioning body and the pin. In addition, fines are still prevented from entering the cavity of the pin with greater guarantees. Said second protrusion is separated from, and close to, the opposite end of the first upper part of the positioning element, in which the second intermediate part and the third lower part of the positioning body are located.

[0034] In another already mentioned alternative, the positioning body can have at least a third U-shaped protrusion emerging from the first part of said positioning body, increasing the width of the projection. Therefore, it preferably comprises two third U-shaped protrusions, one intended for surrounding each side of the projection of the pin. Said third U-shaped protrusions emerge from the first part of the body, specifically from the two lateral sides, such that they generate a fourth part of the positioning body spanning the height of the projection. This third protrusion may be complementary to the first protrusion of the positioning body, such that the joint actuation of the third protrusion on the projection of the pin guarantees the position of the positioning body on said projection.

[0035] Therefore, the different constructions of the positioning body described up to this point for coupling to a pin can be combined, provided that the positioning body is self-coupled to the pin, and more specifically to the projection of the pin, and that it also extends the length and height of said projection of the pin.

[0036] According to claim 12, a third object of the invention relates to a coupling system for earth moving machines, comprising a female body with a housing and at least two side walls with a through hole in a cavity of at least one of said walls; a male body with a nose inserted into the housing of the female body and with a through channel arranged between said at least two walls, the channel being aligned with the at least one hole; and retaining means for retaining a pin in the assembly formed by the female body and the male body. Said system further comprises a pin assembly such as the one described above, formed by a pin and a positioning body, wherein the third part of the positioning body is inserted in a single position in the cavity with the through hole of the female body, in order to thereby guarantee the correct positioning of the pin between the male body and the female body. The cavity in the wall of the female body, in which the inlet hole for the pin is located, can also have a ramp adjacent to said hole so that the projection of the pin slides thereon in the pin removal operation.

[0037] In addition, the hole, with an approximately circular section, and suitable for inserting the pin with a body of revolution, preferably has an opening which opens into an adjacent hollow space, thus enlarging the surface of the hole. Said hollow space adjacent to the hole, or the orientation space, receives the pin assembly, such that the projection of the pin together with the positioning body, which extends along the length and height thereof, are inserted therein, guaranteeing the correct orientation, positioning, and insertion of the pin in the system.

[0038] According to claim 13, a fourth object of the invention relates to an assembly method for assembling a positioning element, such as the one described above, in a pin, such as the one also described above, such that the positioning body deforms so as to be adapted to the geometry of the projection of the pin and to be coupled thereto, thereby achieving the self-fixing of said positioning body in the projection of the pin without any additional fixing means other than the positioning body itself.

[0039] By means of the present invention, problems in the insertion of the pin in the system formed by the female body and male body are avoided, since the positioning body guarantees the correct positioning of the pin prior to its insertion to ensure that it is inserted in the only correct position, given that if an attempt is made to insert the pin in an incorrect position, the positioning element coupled to the pin will contact some of the outer surfaces of the male body or female body, preventing the pin from being completely inserted into its housing. This is so because the positioning body increases the length of the projection of the pin, and also the height thereof, such that only one way of inserting the pin will be perceived.

[0040] In addition, by means of the orientation space arranged in the pin insertion hole in the female body or tooth, the correct positioning of the pin assembly for its insertion is ensured. In this way, even if the positioning assembly is inserted incorrectly into the hole even partially, and contact between the positioning body and the outer surface of the male or female body is prevented, for example by applying pressure with the subsequent deformation of the positioning body, it will not be possible to continue inserting the pin because the positioning body will not coincide with the orientation space of the hole.

[0041] In any case, after the correct installation or insertion of the pin in the system, and subsequent use thereof, when it is necessary to remove the pin to exchange the wear element, be it the male body or the female body, the positioning body must be removed by means of deforming it when uncoupling it from the projection of the pin. According to the above, the present invention allows ensuring the correct position of the pin, and therefore the correct coupling of the male body and female body, as a result of the configuration of the positioning body.

Description of the figures

[0042] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, the following figures are attached:

Figure 1 shows two perspective views of a first embodiment of a positioning body according to the present invention.

Figure 2 shows a plan view, an elevational view, and a side view of the positioning body of Figure 1.

Figure 3 shows an elevational plan view of a pin assembly formed by a pin and the positioning body of the preceding figures.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a positioning body according to the present invention.

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a pin assembly formed by a pin and the positioning body of Figure 4.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of a positioning body according to the present invention.

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a pin assembly formed by a pin and the positioning body of Figure 6.

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a positioning body according to the present invention.

Figure 9 shows a plan view, an elevational view, and two side views of the positioning body of Figure 8.

Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a pin assembly formed by a pin and the positioning body of Figures 8 and 9.

Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a pin without any positioning body.

Figure 12 shows an elevational view, a plan view, and a side view of the assembly of Figure 10.

Figure 13 shows a longitudinal section of a wear system formed by a female body or tooth and a male body or adapter coupled to one another, showing the inlet holes in the walls of the tooth and the through channel in the adapter.

Figure 14 shows a detail of the preceding figure in depicting the cavity in which the hole for inserting the pin into the wall of the tooth is located.

Figure 15 shows an elevational view of a wear system and a longitudinal section view thereof, with the pin assembly located in a correct position to ensure coupling between the tooth and the adapter, in which it is observed how the positioning body is inserted into the cavity in which the hole in the wall of the tooth is located.

Figure 16 shows an elevational view of a wear system and a cross-section view thereof, with the pin assembly located in a correct position to ensure coupling between the tooth and the adapter, in which it is observed how the positioning body is inserted into the cavity in which the hole in the wall of the tooth is located, as well as into the orientation space of said hole.

Figure 17 shows an elevational view of a wear system and a longitudinal section view thereof, with the pin assembly located in a first incorrect position that prevents ensuring the coupling between the tooth and the adapter, in which it is observed how the positioning body contacts the wall of the tooth close to the hole, preventing the pin from entering until it reaches the correct position, in this example up to the opposite wall of the tooth.

Figure 18 shows an elevational view of a wear system and a cross-section view thereof, with the pin assembly located in a second incorrect position that prevents ensuring the coupling between the tooth and the adapter, in which it is observed how the positioning body contacts the wall of the tooth close to the hole, preventing the pin from entering until it reaches the correct position, in this example up to the opposite wall of the tooth.

Figure 19 shows an elevational view of a wear system and a cross-section view thereof, with the pin assembly located in a third incorrect position that prevents ensuring the coupling between the tooth and the adapter, in which it is observed how the positioning body contacts the wall of the tooth close to the hole, preventing the pin from entering until it reaches the correct position, in this example up to the opposite wall of the tooth.

Preferred embodiment

[0043] The present invention will be described below in reference to the attached figures.

[0044] Figures 1 and 2 show a first example of a positioning body (10) of a pin (20) of a system for an earth moving machine object of the invention. Said positioning body (10) is made of a deformable elastic material, preferably polyurethane, or a rubber-type material. It is formed by a single body (10) with a first part (11) with a height (a), length (b), and width (c) and a first protrusion (17), approximately perpendicular to said first part (11) having said first protrusion (17):

• A second intermediate part (12) after the first upper part (11), with a height (d), a length (e), and a width (f), and
• A third lower part (13) after the second intermediate part (12), defining the lower end of the body (10), and with a height (g), a length (h), and a width (i), the length (e) of the second part (12) being smaller than the length (h) of the third part (13) and also smaller than the length (b) of the first part, determining a first space between the first part (11) and the third part (13).

[0045] The first protrusion (17) of the positioning body (10) is arranged at one end of the first upper part (11) of the body (10) of said positioning body (10). Said protrusion (17) is oriented, placing the positioning body (10) like in Figures 1 and 2, that is, downwards or towards the lower part of the positioning body (10).

[0046] As seen in Figure 3, this first example of positioning body (10) is arranged on a pin (20) with an elongated body with respect to an axis of revolution (x), with a first end (21) and a second end (22) opposite the first end (21), and with at least one projection (23) perpendicular to the axis of revolution (x), arranged close to the first end (21) with a free end and two sides. Said projection (23) has a first surface close to the first end (21) of the pin (20) and has a length, between the body of the pin (20) and the free end, a width between the two sides, and a height of the projection (23) determined by said first surface and a second surface separated from said first surface a specific distance towards the second end (22) of the pin (20) and corresponding to said height of the projection (23). With the coupling of the body (10) of the positioning body (10) to the projection (23), the positioning body (10) extends beyond the free end of the projection (23), thereby extending the length of the first surface of said projection (23). By means of coupling the pin (20) and the first example of the positioning body (10), a first pin assembly according to the present invention is formed, to prevent an incorrect assembly of the mentioned pin assembly in a wear system formed by a wear body, as will be described in detail below.

[0047] To couple the positioning body (10) to the pin (10), and more specifically to the projection (23) of the pin (20), it is necessary to slightly deform the positioning body (10), separating the first part (11) from the third part (13) to insert the projection (23) of the pin (20) between them, such that the body of the pin (10) is self-fixed to the projection (23).

[0048] Figure 4 shows a second embodiment of a positioning body (10') with the same features as the example of the positioning body of the preceding figures. The positioning body (10') of this second example differs from the positioning body (10) of the first example in that the surface of the first part (11) has an extension (15) at the end opposite that in which the first protrusion (17) is located. The purpose of this extension of the first part (11) of the positioning body (10') is to allow covering a housing (24) for receiving a tool which is arranged in a pin (20), as can be seen in Figure 12. By means of inserting the tool into the housing (24), the rotation of the pin (20) and the removal thereof from the system formed by the wear body and the adapter is facilitated in order to replace the wear body. The entry of fines into the housing, which subsequently hinder the insertion of the tool into the mentioned cavity (24), is reduced, minimized, and even prevented by covering said housing (24). Figure 5 shows the second embodiment of the positioning body (10') arranged on a pin (20) and thereby forming a second pin assembly according to the present invention.

[0049] The coupling between this second example of pin assembly is the same as the coupling of the first pin assembly.

[0050] Figure 6 shows a third embodiment of a positioning body (10") according to the present invention in which the body of the positioning body (10") has, in addition to the first upper part (11), a second intermediate part (12), and a third lower part (13) with the same properties as the positioning body (10) of the first embodiment, two third U-shaped protrusions (18) emerging from the sides of the first part (11) of the body (10") of the positioning body (10"). These protrusions (18), which could also be a single protrusion (18), laterally surround the projection (23) of the pin (20) when it is coupled to the projection (23) of a pin (20), thereby forming a third example of a pin assembly according to Figure 7, in which the positioning body (10") is seen coupled to a pin (20), specifically to the projection (23) of a pin (20).

[0051] Although not shown in the figures, a positioning body like the one in Figure 4 could be combined with third protrusions (18) like those described and shown in Figures 6 and 7.

[0052] Figures 8 to 9 show a fourth embodiment of a positioning body (10"') which, like the positioning body (10) of the first example, comprises an upper side (11) with a protrusion (17), perpendicular to said side, said protrusion (17) also comprising a second intermediate part (12) and a third lower part (13), this protrusion (17) having the same features as the preceding positioning bodies (10, 10', and 10"). In addition, this fourth example of positioning body (10‴) has a second protrusion (16) which, like the first protrusion (17), also protrudes downwardly, as can be seen in the examples of said Figures 8 and 9. The purpose of the first protrusion (17) of the body (10, 10, 10", 10‴) of the positioning body (10, 10, 10", 10‴) is to surround the projection (23) of the pin (20), whereas the purpose of the second protrusion (16) is for coupling thereof in the housing (24) arranged in the pin (20) to receive a tool, as described above.

[0053] Unlike what happens in the positioning body (10") of the second embodiment (Figure 4), this fourth example of positioning body (10") has, in addition to the extension (15) to cover the mentioned cavity (24) in the pin (20), the mentioned protrusion (16) which is inserted into the cavity (24). Therefore, in addition to covering the cavity (24) to prevent fines from entering same, the hollow space of said cavity (24) is occupied by the second protrusion (16) to thereby guarantee that fines do not enter while the second protrusion (16) is coupled to the cavity (24) at the same time as the first protrusion (17) of the positioning body is coupled to the projection (23) of the pin (20). This fourth pin assembly can be seen in Figures 10 and 11.

[0054] This second protrusion (16) has fins on the perimeter of the second protrusion (16) in order to facilitate its insertion and ensure the tightest possible coupling in the cavity (24) of the pin (20).

[0055] All the positioning bodies (10, 10', 10", 10‴) have a single body made of a deformable, rubber-type elastic material, preferably an elastomer such as polyurethane or rubber, among other materials with properties similar to the foregoing, which allows, as a result of its elasticity, the positioning body (10, 10', 10", 10‴) to be coupled and self-fixed to the projection of the pin (20), with the latter being inserted under pressure between the first upper part (11), the third lower part (13), and the second intermediate part (12) making up the body of the positioning body (10, 10', 10", 10‴). In addition, in the third embodiment, the body of the pin (10") has third protrusions (18) on the sides of the first part (11) which, in order to surround the projection (23), increasing the width of said projection (23), must also be slightly deformed before the third protrusions (18) are coupled to the mentioned projection (23).

[0056] As mentioned, the positioning body (10, 10', 10", 10‴) is coupled to a pin (20). As is known in the sector, said pin (20) is used to ensure the coupling between a female body (30) and a male body (40) used in an earth moving machine. Said female body (30) is preferably a wear tooth and the male body (40) is preferably an adapter with a nose (41) which is inserted into a cavity between the walls (31) of the female body (30) (as shown in Figures 13 to 18). Alternatively, the female body could be an adapter and the male body a tooth. The female body (30) has two side walls (31) between which the nose (41) of the male body (40) is inserted. There is located in at least one of said walls (31) a hole (32, 33) which is aligned with a through channel (42) arranged in the nose (41) when the male body (30) and the female body (40) are coupled. The pin (20) is inserted through the inlet hole (32) to then cross the through channel (42) until it is retained in a retaining device (60) to fix said pin (20) in its assembly position and to thereby prevent the pin (20) from coming out of this position when the machine is working and the female body (30)/male body (40)/pin (20) system receives high stresses. The female body (30) preferably has two holes (32, 33), each in an opposite wall (31), where said walls can be arranged on the side surfaces of the tooth, such that the pin (20) is inserted horizontally into the system, or on the upper and lower surfaces, such that the pin (20) is inserted vertically into the system.

[0057] As described above, the pin (20) has an elongated body (20) of revolution with respect to an axis (x), with two ends (21, 22) and with at least one projection (23) arranged at or close to the first end (21), said projection (23) being perpendicular to the axis of revolution (x). The projection can have its first surface at the level of the first end (21) of the pin and its second surface at a specific distance from the first surface. The pin (20) also preferably has, close to the second end (22), at least one notch (25) to interact with the retaining means or retaining device (60) which guarantee the position and retention of the pin (20) in the system formed by the female body (30) and the male body (40).

[0058] The female body (30), male body (40), and retaining element (60) system can also have a protector (50) for the contact area between the female body (20) and the male body (40).

[0059] Therefore, the pin (20) is inserted through one of the inlet holes (32) in the female body (30), and after crossing the through channel (42) in the male body (40), the notch or notches (25) interact with the retaining means (60) preferably arranged inside the wall (31) of the female body (30) opposite the wall (31) for inserting the pin (20) into the system. Said retaining means (60) preferably comprise two elongated elements, with elastic characteristics, which are inserted into the notches (25) of the pin (20), guaranteeing the position of the pin (20), and therefore of all the components of the female body and male body system.

[0060] Due to the configuration of the pin (20) with its second conical or wedged end (22), if its positioning in the inlet hole (32) is correct, simply pushing it into the through channel (42) is sufficient, such that when the second end (22) reaches the retaining means, said second end (22) separates the elastic elongated elements of said retaining means until the notches (25) reach said elongated elements. At that moment, the elongated elements are inserted into the notches (25) guaranteeing the position of the pin (20).

[0061] To remove the pin (20) in order to replace the tooth or wear element, typically the female body (30), it is necessary to rotate the pin (20) 90° degrees within its location inside the system so that said pin, upon rotation, causes the elongated elements of the retaining means to come out of the notches (25) and the pin (20) is therefore no longer retained in the system. To facilitate said rotation, the pin (20) comprises the housing (25) at its first end (21). Likewise, upon rotating the pin (20), the projection (23) of the pin (20) preferably slides on a ramp provided to that end in the cavity of the wall (31) of the female body (30) in which the inlet hole (32) of the pin (20) is arranged.

[0062] By means of the positioning body (10, 10', 10", 10"') of the present invention, as well as the pin assembly of the present invention, it is guaranteed that the pin (20) is coupled to the retaining elements (60) of the system, preventing incorrect assemblies which may cause the pin (20) to come out of its incorrect position with the subsequent risk that the female body (30) and the male body (40) become uncoupled.

[0063] Figure 15 shows a correctly coupled pin assembly in the system, since the first protrusion (17) of the positioning body (10, 10', 10", 10"') has been inserted into the cavity (33) of the female body (30) in which the inlet hole (32) for the pin (20) is arranged. The figure shows how the pin (20) traverses the two holes (32) of the female body (30) and the channel (42) of the male body (40), such that the notch or notches (25) of the second end (22) of the pin (20) interact with the retaining element (60).

[0064] Figure 16 again shows an elevational view of a wear system with the pin assembly correctly coupled, and in which it is observed how the positioning body (10, 10', 10", 10"') is inserted into the cavity (33) in which the hole (32) with an orientation space (34) is located. Said orientation space (34) receives the pin assembly, such that the positioning body (10, 10', 10"), extending along the length and height of the projection (23), and specifically the third lower part (13) of the first protrusion (17) of said positioning body (10, 10', 10", 10‴), are inserted therein, guaranteeing the correct orientation, positioning, and insertion of the pin (20) in the system. In this way, even if the positioning assembly is inserted incorrectly into the cavity (33) and partially into the hole (32), it will not be possible to continue inserting the pin (20) because the positioning body (10, 10', 10", 10‴) will not be inserted into the orientation space (34) of the hole (32), specifically the first protrusion (17) of the positioning body (10, 10', 10", 10‴) will not be inserted into said space (34).

[0065] In contrast, Figures 17 to 19 show positions in which the pin assembly has been inserted incorrectly, so the first protrusion (17) of the positioning body (10, 10', 10", 10‴) contacts the outer surface of the female body (30), surface outside the cavity on which the inlet hole (32) for the pin (20) is located, thereby preventing the pin assembly from being inserted completely, and therefore preventing said pin assembly from being incorrectly assembled in the system.

Claims

1. A pin assembly for coupling between a female body (30) and a male body (40) of an earth moving machine, comprising a pin (20) with an elongated body with respect to an axis of revolution (x), with a first end (21) and a second end (22) opposite the first end (21), and with at least one projection (23) perpendicular to the axis of revolution (x), arranged close to the first end (21) with a free end and two sides, said projection (23) having a first surface close to the first end (21) of the pin (20), with a length between the body of the pin (20) and the free end, a width between the two sides, and a height of the projection (23) determined by said first surface and a second surface separated from said first surface a specific distance towards the second end (22) of the pin (20), characterized in that it further comprises a positioning body (10, 10', 10", 10"') coupled to the projection (23) and extending beyond the free end of the projection (23), extending the length of the first surface of said projection (23).

2. The assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the positioning body (10, 10', 10", 10‴) has a first protrusion (17) extending below the lower surface of the projection (23) increasing the height of said projection (23).

3. The assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the positioning body (10, 10', 10", 10‴) comprises a first upper part (11) arranged on the first surface of the projection (23) of the pin (20) and has, after said first part (11), a first protrusion (17) with a second intermediate part (12) and a third lower part (13) extending below the second surface of the projection (23) of the pin (20), determining a space between the first part (11) and the third part (13) in which said projection (23) is housed.

4. The assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that the first protrusion (17) of the positioning body (10, 10', 10", 10‴) has an L shape with the horizontal segment of said L arranged below the second surface of the projection (23) of the pin (20).

5. The assembly according to any of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the positioning body (10") comprises at least one U-shaped protrusion (18) emerging from the first part (11) of the positioning body (10") and partially surrounding the projection (23) on one of its sides, increasing the width of the projection.

6. The assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pin (20) comprises at its first end (21) a housing (24) intended for receiving a tool and in that the positioning body (10") comprises a second protrusion (16) in the first part (11), in the same direction as the first protrusion (17), and inserted into the housing (24) of the pin (20).

7. A positioning body (10, 10', 10", 10‴) for the pin (20), of an earth moving machine, characterized in that it comprises a first upper part (11) having a height (a), a length (b), and a width (c), and a first protrusion (17) in said first part (11) of the body (10) comprising:

- A second intermediate part (12), with a height (d), length (e), and width (f),

- A third lower part (13), with a height (g), length (h), and width (i), connected to the first part (11) through the second part (12),

the length (e) of the second part (12) being smaller than the length (h) of the third part (13) and also smaller than the length (b) of the first part, determining a first space between the first part (11) and the third part (13).

8. The positioning body (10, 10', 10", 10"') according to claim 7, characterized in that the first protrusion (17) is arranged at a first end along the length of the first part (11).

9. The positioning body (10, 10', 10", 10‴) according to claim 7, characterized in that the second lower part (13) is located entirely below the first part (11).

10. The positioning body (10‴) according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises a second protrusion (16) in the first part (11) extending in the same direction as the first protrusion (17) and separated from said first protrusion (17) in length, the distance between said second protrusion (16) and the second part (12) being greater than the distance between said second protrusion (16) and the third part (13).

11. The positioning body (10") according to any of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that it comprises at least one U-shaped protrusion (18) emerging from the first part (11) of the body (10"), increasing the width of the positioning body (10").

12. A coupling system for earth moving machines, comprising:

- a female body (30) with a housing and at least two opposite walls (31) with a through hole in a cavity (32) of at least one of said walls (31),

- a male body (40) with a nose (41) inserted into the housing of the female body (30) and with a through channel (42) arranged between said at least two walls (31) of the female body (30), said channel (42) being aligned with the at least one through hole of the female body (30),

- retaining means (60) coupled to the female body (30) or to the male body (40) to receive a pin (20),

characterized in that it comprises a pin assembly according to any of claims 1 to 6, with the second part (12) of the positioning body (10, 10', 10", 10"') inserted into the cavity (32) of the body female (30) to guarantee the correct positioning of the pin (20) between the male body (40) and the female body (30).

13. An assembly method for assembling a positioning body (10, 10', 10", 10‴), according to any of claims 7 to 11, in a pin (20), having an elongated body with respect to an axis of revolution (x), with a first end (21) and a second end (22) opposite the first end (21), and with at least one projection (23) perpendicular to the axis of revolution (x), arranged close to the first end (22) with a free end and two sides, said projection (23) having a first surface close to the first end (21) of the pin (20), with a length between the body of the pin (20) and the free end, a width between the two sides, and a height of the projection (3) determined by said first surface and a second surface separated from said first surface a specific distance towards the second end (22) of the pin (20), characterized in that the positioning body (10, 10', 10", 10‴) is deformed for coupling thereof to the projection (23), achieving the self-fixing of said positioning body (10, 10', 10", 10‴) to the projection (23) of the pin (20).

Drawing