Liner lock key for tumbler liner segments

Abstract

A tumbling unit such as a casting shake-out unit, rotary media drum, sand reclaimer or the like, is provided. The tumbling unit includes a cylindrical outer shell and a cylindrical inner shell. The inner liner is formed of a series of interfitting segments. The segments each have an inner surface, an outer surface, side edges, a front edge, a back edge, and a vane extending from the outer surface. The side edges of the segments have a groove formed therein which extends the length of said the edges. The grooves of neighboring segments define channel between the segments. A pin or liner lock key is received in the channel to urge the neighboring segments apart to form a tight interfit among the segments in a row of the liner. The retaining pin has a body having side surfaces, a top surface, and a bottom surface. A hole extends through the pin body and receives a dowel, which is sized to extend from opposite sides of said pin body. The dowel is shaped and sized to be received in the grooves of the neighboring segments. An arm extends upwardly from the pin body top surface. The pin arm conforms in shape and size to the side profile of the vane, and is positioned on the pin body to be in alignment with the vane of the adjacent segments, to form a continuous vane on the outer surface of the liner. In another embodiment of the liner segments, the segments are secured to each other and to the outer cylinder of the tumbler.