Shock absorbing bit retaining ring

摘要

A percussion tool assembly, such as a rock drill assembly, with a new and useful split retaining ring for maintaining the drill bit in the drill assembly. The split retaining ring has a Belleville spring-like profile to enable the split retaining ring to deflect resiliently when the drill bit is driven into engagement with the split retaining ring. The split retaining ring functions as a conventional retaining ring and also as a shock absorber to absorb surplus energy not completely used in the drilling of rock or other strata.