US20140186105A1 - Lock - Google Patents
Lock Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20140186105A1 US20140186105A1 US14/094,421 US201314094421A US2014186105A1 US 20140186105 A1 US20140186105 A1 US 20140186105A1 US 201314094421 A US201314094421 A US 201314094421A US 2014186105 A1 US2014186105 A1 US 2014186105A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- locking
- lock assembly
- tab
- axis
- locking element
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000013519 translation Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 11
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 11
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 8
- 238000009412 basement excavation Methods 0.000 description 7
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000011800 void material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- CNQCVBJFEGMYDW-UHFFFAOYSA-N lawrencium atom Chemical compound [Lr] CNQCVBJFEGMYDW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000005299 abrasion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007797 corrosion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052500 inorganic mineral Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000002452 interceptive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011707 mineral Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005065 mining Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
- E02F9/00—Component parts of dredgers or soil-shifting machines, not restricted to one of the kinds covered by groups E02F3/00 - E02F7/00
- E02F9/28—Small metalwork for digging elements, e.g. teeth scraper bits
- E02F9/2883—Wear elements for buckets or implements in general
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
- E02F3/00—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines
- E02F3/04—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven
- E02F3/46—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with reciprocating digging or scraping elements moved by cables or hoisting ropes ; Drives or control devices therefor
- E02F3/58—Component parts
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
- E02F9/00—Component parts of dredgers or soil-shifting machines, not restricted to one of the kinds covered by groups E02F3/00 - E02F7/00
- E02F9/28—Small metalwork for digging elements, e.g. teeth scraper bits
- E02F9/2808—Teeth
- E02F9/2816—Mountings therefor
- E02F9/2833—Retaining means, e.g. pins
- E02F9/2841—Retaining means, e.g. pins resilient
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16G—BELTS, CABLES, OR ROPES, PREDOMINANTLY USED FOR DRIVING PURPOSES; CHAINS; FITTINGS PREDOMINANTLY USED THEREFOR
- F16G15/00—Chain couplings, Shackles; Chain joints; Chain links; Chain bushes
- F16G15/04—Quickly-detachable chain couplings; Shackles chain links with rapid junction means are classified according to the corresponding kind of chain
- F16G15/06—Shackles designed for attachment by joint pins to chain elements, e.g. D-shackles so called harp links; the D-chain links are classified according to the corresponding kind of chain
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B2200/00—Constructional details of connections not covered for in other groups of this subclass
- F16B2200/69—Redundant disconnection blocking means
- F16B2200/73—Cam locks or thread locks
Definitions
- the present disclosure generally relates to lock assemblies, components for lock assemblies and lock systems which include a lock assembly and/or lock components.
- the locks of the disclosure have particular application for use in land based excavating equipment to retain a member such as a wear member or rigging to excavating equipment and the disclosure is herein disclosed in that context .
- the locks of the disclosure have broader application, for example for waterborne excavators, such as dredgers, or securing liners to mineral processing equipment and accordingly it is to be appreciated that the disclosure is not limited to that application.
- Excavating buckets or other digging devices or equipment are typically subject to harsh conditions. Excavating buckets are generally used in various digging and excavation operations. Digging devices typically experience large forces during digging and excavation operations.
- Excavation teeth may be provided on the digging edge of the digging devices.
- Each excavation tooth is formed of a number of parts, commonly a point, an adapter and a lock.
- the adapter is typically fitted to the digging device and the point fits over the adapter and is retained in place by the lock.
- one or more intermediate parts may be also included between the point and the adapter.
- the reason that the excavation tooth is formed of a number of parts is to avoid having to discard the entire tooth when only parts of the tooth, in particular the ground engaging part of the tooth (i.e. the point) is worn or broken.
- shrouds are also attached to the digging lip of the device to protect the digging lip edge from wear. Once worn, the shrouds can be removed and discarded and a new replacement shroud attached. This reduces the need to replace the whole device if the lip edge became worn, which would be much more costly than replacing just the shrouds.
- the shrouds typically comprise a base member that fits around a portion of the lip edge, a wear member that fits over the base member and lock for locking the wear member to the base member and thus to lip, but which also allows the wear member to be removed once worn.
- the shrouds may be disposed along the entire length of the lip edge or be disposed between excavation teeth that are attached to the lip.
- rigging is required to interconnect the dragline buckets to a crane to operate the buckets.
- this rigging which includes various components such as chains, ropes, links and spreader bars, need to be connected together and connected to the dragline bucket.
- coupling elements such as shackles which include locking arrangements such as locking pins and the like which are retained in place by locks.
- these components are subject to very harsh operational conditions and accordingly the components need to be designed to operate in such harsh conditions.
- a lock assembly comprising: a locking element having; a body having a first locking axis; at least one tab movable relative to the body between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the first locking axis; and a locking surface having at least one retaining element; wherein the lock assembly is operative to adopt a locked condition where the at least one tab engages with a respective one of the at least one retaining element to prevent relative movement between the locking element and the locking surface in at least one direction of the first locking axis.
- a locking element having a body having a first locking axis, at least one tab movable relative to the body between a retracted and an extended position relative to the first locking axis.
- the tab is arranged to translate relative to the body along a movement axis and that movement axis may be offset from the first locking axis. In another form, it may be radial relative to the first locking axis so that the movement axis intersects the first locking axis.
- the tabs may pivot relative to the body between its extended and retracted configurations.
- a component that incorporates a locking surface arranged to receive a locking member of any one of the above forms.
- the locking surface may be integrally formed with the component or may be formed on a retaining member which is fitted to the component.
- the component is part of an excavating machine such as a wear member such as a point or shroud, an adaptor, bucket lip, or part of rigging such as a shackle or link, or part of a retaining system such as a locking pin.
- a locking system comprises a component having a passage; a retaining member receivable in the passage of the component in a locking position; and a lock assembly according to any form disclosed herein disposed in at least part of the passage; wherein in use, the locking element of the lock assembly retains the retaining member in the passage of the housing.
- Embodiments of the locking assemblies, elements, and systems have particular application for use in excavating equipment and allow for hammerless installation and removal of the locking elements and good retention performance in the operation of the equipment.
- FIGS. 1A and 1B are exploded perspective views of a lock assembly according to the first embodiment.
- FIGS. 2A to 2H illustrate a locking and unlocking sequence of the lock assembly according to the first embodiment.
- FIG. 2A illustrates the locking ring and locking element before assembly according to the first embodiment.
- FIG. 2B illustrates the locking assembly of FIG. 2A , with the locking element inside the cavity of the locking ring, and with the tabs of the locking element disposed in the channels of the locking ring.
- FIG. 2C illustrates the locking assembly of FIG. 2B , with the locking element rotated slightly so that the tabs are slightly retracted.
- FIG. 2D illustrates the locking assembly of FIG. 2C , with the locking element rotated so that the tabs are retracted and located between the channels and the retaining elements.
- FIG. 2E illustrates the locking assembly of FIG. 2D , with the locking assembly in the locked condition, with the tabs extended and engaging with respective retaining elements.
- FIG. 2F illustrates the locking assembly of FIG. 2E , with the locking element rotated slightly so the tabs are slightly retracted.
- FIG. 2G illustrates the locking assembly of FIG. 2F , with the locking element rotated so that the tabs are retracted and located between the retaining elements and the channels.
- FIG. 2H illustrates the locking assembly of FIG. 2G with the locking element rotated so that the tabs are disposed in the channels of the locking ring.
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a locking element according to the second embodiment with a locking ring.
- FIGS. 4A and 4B are exploded top and bottom perspective views of the locking element in FIG. 3 .
- FIGS. 5A to 5C illustrate sectioned top views of the locking element of FIG. 3 with the tabs in various positions.
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a locking element according to the third embodiment with a locking ring.
- FIGS. 7A and 7B are exploded top and bottom perspective views of the locking element in FIG. 6 .
- FIGS. 8A to 8B illustrate sectioned top views of the locking element of FIG. 6 with the tabs in various positions.
- FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a lock system comprising two lock assemblies and a lock pin.
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an assembled lock system in FIG. 9 .
- FIG. 11 is a sectioned side view of the assembled lock system in FIG. 10 .
- FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a shackle assembly having a locking system.
- FIG. 13 is a top view of the shackle assembly of FIG. 12 .
- FIG. 14 is a side view of the shackle assembly of FIG. 12 .
- FIG. 15 is a sectioned top view along P-P in FIG. 14 .
- FIG. 16 is a sectioned side view along R-R in FIG. 13 .
- FIG. 17 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a shroud assembly having a locking system.
- This disclosure is directed generally to locks for excavating equipment and large scale mining operations.
- heavy duty shackles are secured with a shackle pin to connect components, for example, in a dragline. It is important that the shackle is securely locked in position and remains so during a period of robust service and when exposed to harsh conditions including vibration , impact, corrosion and abrasion. After a period of service, components must be replaced, and in a mine location there is a need to make such replacement with minimum downtime of the expensive equipment, and with ease, speed and safety. There is a need to have lock assemblies which can retain the locking pins in position and operate effectively under these harsh conditions.
- a lock assembly comprising: a locking element having; a body having a first locking axis; at least one tab movable relative to the body, the tab movable between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the first locking axis; a locking surface having at least one retaining element; wherein the lock assembly is operative to adopt a locked condition where the at least one tab engages with a respective one of the at least one retaining element to prevent relative movement between the locking element and the locking surface in at least one direction of the first locking axis.
- the at least one tab is biased towards its extended position when in the locked condition.
- the locking surface is formed on an interior surface defining a cavity, and wherein the locking element is disposed within the cavity when the lock assembly is in the locked condition.
- the lock assembly is operative to change from the locked condition to an unlocked condition by a first relative movement between the locking element and the locking surface, the first relative movement causing the at least one tab to move towards its retracted position.
- At least one of the at least one tab and locking surface may include a camming surface arranged to cause movement of the at least one tab towards its retracted position during the first relative movement.
- the first relative movement includes relative rotation between the locking element and the locking surface about the first locking axis.
- the lock assembly is operative to adopt the locked condition from an unlocked condition by a second relative movement between the locking element and the locking surface.
- the at least one locking tab is caused to move towards the retracted position during said second relative movement.
- a camming surface is provided and arranged to cause movement of the at least one tab towards its retracted position during the second relative movement.
- the second relative movement includes relative rotation between the locking element and the locking surface about the first locking axis. In some forms, the second relative movement includes relative translation between the locking element and the locking surface along the first locking axis.
- the locking surface includes one or more channels that permit location and/or removal of the locking element in the cavity while the at least one tab is in a substantially extended position. In some arrangements, these channels extend generally axially.
- the at least one locking tab is biased towards the extended position.
- an elastomeric member is disposed within the lock body and is operative to bias the locking tab into the extended position.
- the locking surface is disposed on a retaining member which in turn, in use is arranged to be fixed to a component, such as a component of excavating equipment.
- the locking surface is integrally formed in a surface of the component.
- the locking surface may define a cavity that forms part of a cast, or otherwise formed, component of the excavating equipment.
- a locking element for a locking assembly in any form disclosed above.
- a component which incorporates a locking surface arranged to receive a locking member of the above form.
- the locking surface may be integrally formed with the component or may be formed on a retaining member which is fitted to the component.
- the component is part of an excavating machine such as a wear member such as a point or shroud, an adaptor, bucket lip, or part of the rigging such as a shackle or link, or part of a retaining system such as a locking pin.
- a locking system comprising: a housing having a passage; a retaining member received in the passage of the housing; and a lock assembly according to any form disclosed above, disposed in at least part of the passage; wherein in use, the locking element of the lock assembly retains a retaining member in the passage of the housing.
- some illustrative embodiments of locking assemblies for excavation equipment allow for easy installation and release and reliable operation.
- FIGS. 1A and 1B are exploded perspective views of a lock assembly according to a first embodiment.
- FIG. 1B illustrates a lock assembly 1 comprising the locking element 3 of FIG. 1A and a retaining member which in the illustrative form is a locking ring 7 of FIG. 1B .
- the locking ring 7 incorporates a cavity 23 having an interior locking surface 5 and the locking element is received in the cavity and engagable with the locking surface as will be described in more detail below.
- the locking element 3 has a body 4 which is generally cylindrical having an axis CL which forms a first locking axis of the body 4 and about which the locking element is arranged to rotate in use.
- the locking element 3 as illustrated, also has three tabs 9 movable between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the first locking axis.
- the locking surface 5 has three retaining elements 11 , which when engaged with the respective tabs 9 , prevent relative movement between the locking element 3 and the locking surface 5 in at least one direction of the first locking axis. While the illustrative form shows three tabs, it will be appreciated that the locking assembly may include more or fewer tabs depending on requirements and space constraints.
- the locking element 3 is comprised of a flat cylindrical, “puck” like body 4 , advantageously made of metal.
- the top surface 13 is provided with a drive portion in the form socket 15 for engagement with a wrench or other drive tool.
- the illustrated socket is of a substantially square shape, it is to be appreciated that other socket shapes or configurations of drive portions (such as spigots) may be used.
- a bottom surface 14 of the element 3 provides a bearing surface for the element and retains other components of the locking element 3 .
- the tabs 9 are biased to project in an extended position as generally shown in FIG. 1A .
- the tabs 9 are movable to a retracted position, wherein the tabs 9 are displaced inwardly towards or into the peripheral side 17 .
- the tabs 9 translate between the extended position and the retracted position along a movement axis that is generally perpendicular to the first locking axis, but chordal (i.e. it does not intersect the movement axis but rather forms a chord to the cylindrical body).
- the direction of the movement axis disposed in this chordal arrangement may advantageously be geometrically related with the camming surfaces as described later.
- the tabs 9 are provided with a first cammed surface 19 .
- the first cammed surface 19 is provided such that when the locking element 3 is rotated clockwise (as seen looking down at top surface 13 ), the first cammed surface 19 will be the leading surface of the tabs 9 .
- the first cammed surface 19 on rotation of the locking element 3 in the clockwise direction, advantageously cooperates with the locking surface 5 , to move the tab 9 towards the retracted position. This will be described later.
- the locking element 3 includes one or more biasing members within the body which are arranged to bias the tabs into their extended position.
- the biasing members are in the form of an elastomeric block 21 which is secured behind the back surface tabs 9 . Compression of the elastomeric block allows the tabs to move towards their retracted position while imparting a biasing force on to the tabs to return to their extended position as the block tends to move back to its natural uncompressed state.
- An advantage of this arrangement is that the surface interface between the tabs and the block is effectively sealed thereby reducing the susceptibility of fines building up in the locking element that would prevent movement of the tabs to their retracted position.
- other forms of biasing may be used, including leaf or helical springs.
- the locking surface 5 in FIG. 1B will now be described in detail.
- the locking surface 5 is provided within a cylindrical cavity 23 of the locking ring 7 .
- the locking surface 5 is not limited to being disposed on a locking ring 7 , and may be disposed inside other shaped members.
- An opening 24 is provided at the base of the cavity 23 to provide passage for other members to bear against the bottom surface 14 of the locking element 3 , when the locking assembly is in the locked condition.
- the cylindrical cavity 23 is sized to snugly fit the cylindrical body 4 of the locking element 3 to reduce the build up of dirt, fines and other loose material in the locking assembly 1 .
- the locking surface 5 is provided with three evenly spaced recesses 25 , to match the respective tabs 9 of the locking element 3 .
- the geometry of the tabs 9 matching the recesses 25 would reduce space for the build up of foreign matter.
- the retaining element 11 forms at least one wall of the recess 25 , which when engaged with tabs 9 , prevent relative movement of the locking element and the locking surface along the first axis.
- these retaining elements are the upper under surfaces defining the recesses 25 which are in facing relation with the tabs when located in those recesses.
- Each recess 25 also includes a second cammed surface 27 .
- the second cammed surface 27 cooperates with the first cammed surface 19 to move the tabs 9 towards the retracted position. It is to be appreciated however, that such a camming action does not require both the first and second cammed surface, and that one cammed surface on one component may cooperate with a respective opposing portion to facilitate camming action for movement of the tabs 9 .
- the locking surface 5 is also provided with three channels 29 extending longitudinally along the cavity 23 .
- the channels 29 permit the location of the locking element 3 into the cavity 23 while the tabs 9 are in an extended position. This allows easy insertion of the locking element 3 into the cavity 23 , without tabs 9 interfering or providing undue friction.
- the channels 29 extend down the cavity 23 sufficiently to allow uninhibited insertion of the locking element 3 into the cavity along the first locking axis to a position, such that the tabs 9 are axially aligned to the recesses 25 . From this position, the tabs 9 can enter the recesses 25 and engage the locking elements by relative rotation of the locking element 3 and the locking surface 5 without further relative movement along the first locking axis.
- the channels 29 are also provided with a third cammed surface 31 . This surface facilitates movement of the tabs 9 towards a retracted position in the same manner as the second cammed surface 27 .
- FIG. 2A illustrates the locking ring 7 having a locking surface 5 before assembly with the locking element 3 .
- the tabs 9 of the locking element 3 are aligned with respective channels 29 , and the cylindrical body 4 inserted into the cavity 23 of the locking ring 7 .
- the channels 29 provide clearance for the tabs 9 while the locking element 3 is being inserted.
- the locking element 3 is positioned into the cavity 23 to a position such that the tabs 9 and the recesses 25 are on the same perpendicular plane to the first locking axis with the tabs 9 in the channels 29 , and the recesses 25 angularly displaced from the channels 29 in the cylindrical cavity 23 .
- the relative rotation of the locking element 3 with the locking surface 5 is described in terms of clockwise rotation around the first locking axis when seen from a top view (as illustrated).
- the angular position of the locking element 3 relative to the locking surface as shown in FIG. 2B is assigned a zero position.
- the relative angular displacement described is for ease of reference for this described embodiment, and it will be appreciated that other embodiments will not be limited to specific angular displacements described below.
- the locking element 3 of the illustrative form is rotated such that the tabs 9 engage the retaining elements 11 .
- a wrench, or other suitable drive tool is engaged with the socket 15 to drive the locking element 3 clockwise.
- FIG. 2C illustrates that as the body 3 rotates from its zero position, the first cammed surface 19 of the tab cooperates with the third cammed surface 31 of the channels 29 to provide a camming action to move the tabs 9 towards the retracted position.
- FIG. 2D This camming action moves the tabs into a position as illustrated in FIG. 2D where the tabs are retracted substantially fully to be at least almost flush with the lock element body.
- the locking element 3 and the locking surface are angularly displaced by approximately 30 degrees clockwise, with the tabs 9 retracted and angularly located between the channels 29 and the recesses 25 .
- the locking element 3 is further rotated until the tabs 9 are angularly located with the recesses 25 , whereby the tabs 9 are free to move under the biasing force of the elastomeric block towards the extended position and engage with the retaining elements 11 .
- This is the locked condition and is best illustrated in FIG. 2E where the locking element 3 and locking surface 5 are displaced by 60 degrees.
- the tabs 9 engage with the retaining elements 11 to prevent the locking element 3 from moving relative to the locking surface 5 along the first locking axis.
- the tabs 9 substantially occupy the recesses 25 , thereby reducing void space where foreign material may build up.
- the locking element 3 is further rotated relative to the locking surface 5 . This movement is shown in FIGS. 2F-2H .
- FIG. 2F illustrates the locking element 3 displaced by 75 degrees from the locking surface 5 , whereby the tabs 9 a slightly moved towards the retracted position.
- the body 4 of the locking element 3 can be rotated further, as illustrated in FIG. 2H where the locking element 3 is displaced by 120 degrees from the locking surface 5 .
- the locking element 3 is positioned so that the tabs 9 are now positioned within the channels 29 .
- the tabs 9 have clearance to move towards the extended position, as well as being provided uninhibited movement along the channels 29 . This allows for easier removal of the locking element 3 from the cavity 23 as there is reduced friction between the tabs 9 and the cavity 23 .
- the lock assembly 1 does not require the application of axial forces or bias along the first locking axis when locking or unlocking the lock assembly.
- a consequence of this is the requirement to provide a void or clearance to allow for axial movement, thereby providing a space for foreign material to collect and jam the locking assembly.
- the locking element 103 has tabs 109 , that has a movement axis extending radially from the first locking axis of the body 104 of the locking element 103 .
- FIGS. 5A to 5C illustrate various positions of the tabs 109 as they move radially between their extended and retracted positions.
- the locking element 203 has tabs 209 , that are pivotally attached by pivots 210 to the body 204 .
- the pivots 210 allow the tabs to swing outwardly between an extended position and a retracted position.
- a resilient element 221 is provided for each tab 209 to bias the tabs to the extended position.
- FIGS. 8A to 8C illustrate various positions of the tabs 209 from an extended position to a retracted position.
- a further embodiment of the locking element may have tabs with additional camming surfaces on the tabs.
- the additional camming surfaces may allow the lock assembly to be locked and unlocked in both directions (i.e. clockwise and anti-clockwise when viewed from the top view).
- a further alternative is to have camming surfaces on the underside of the tabs (i.e. the face when viewing towards the bottom surface 14 of the body), thereby allowing the lock element 3 to be push fit into the cavity 23 of the lock ring 7 . This allows locking of the lock element 3 to the lock surface 5 without relative rotation of the lock element 3 and the lock surface 5 .
- the lock element 3 may be rotated to move the tabs towards the retracted position as described in the above embodiments.
- the lock system 302 comprises two lock assemblies 1 as previously described, and a retaining member in the form of a lock pin 306 .
- the lock pin 308 has opposing end surfaces 308 for abutment with the bottom surface 14 of the locking element 3 , thereby retaining the lock pin 308 in position when the lock assembly is in a locked condition.
- FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate the lock system 302 assembled, with the lock assemblies 1 in a locked condition to retain the lock pin 306 .
- the system 302 is oriented such that end surfaces 308 are in abutment with bottom surface 14 , thereby preventing the lock pin 306 from axial movement without imparting movement of one or the other of the locking element along their respective first locking axis.
- the end surface 308 and bottom surface 14 are in contact without providing any significant void or space for foreign material to collect. Also rotation of the locking element 3 during locking and unlocking, the end surface 308 and bottom surface 14 maintain this contact without producing voids. This reduces the chance of foreign material to jam the lock assembly and lock system.
- FIG. 12 illustrates an exploded view of a shackle assembly 412 , comprising a shackle 414 , a pin 416 , and a lock system 302 described above.
- the shackle 414 has pin apertures 418 for receiving the pin 416 , and two lock assembly apertures 420 for receiving respective lock assemblies 1 .
- a first lock pin groove 422 is provided between the two lock assembly apertures 420 .
- the pin 416 has a second lock pin groove 424 transverse to the main axis of the pin 416 .
- the pin 416 is located to pass through the pin apertures 418 .
- the first lock pin groove 422 of the shackle 414 and the second lock pin groove 424 of the pin 416 are aligned to form a passage for the lock pin 306 to pass through, as best illustrated in FIG. 15 .
- the lock pin 306 prevents the pin 416 from moving out of the pin apertures 418 , thereby retaining the pin 416 relative to the shackle 414 .
- the lock pin 306 is retained in the passageway formed by grooves 422 and 424 , by the lock assemblies 1 disposed at the lock assembly apertures 420 .
- the locking ring 7 is fixed to the lock assembly apertures 420 , by welding, press fit, adhesives or any other suitable method of fixing.
- the lock pin 306 once in place in the passageway formed by the grooves 422 and 424 is then retained in the passageway by locking the lock elements 3 with respective locking surfaces 5 . This is best illustrated in FIG. 16 . As illustrated, the bottom surfaces 14 of the locking elements 3 abut the end surfaces 308 of the lock pin 306 , thereby preventing axial movement of the lock pin 306 along the first lock axis.
- the locking ring 7 has been described as a separate element fixed to the shackle, it is to be appreciated that other alternatives for providing a locking surface 5 are possible.
- the locking surface 5 may be machined, cast, forged or hammered directly onto the surfaces of the two lock assembly apertures.
- the lock assembly 1 may have broader application.
- the lock assembly 1 may be used to retain the pin.
- the lock assembly may be used as part of a retention mechanism for a shroud, tooth, adaptors including, but not limited to ground engagement tools, and drag line buckets.
- FIG. 17 A further such application of the lock assembly 1 used in a lock system 500 for connecting a shroud 502 to a bucket lip 504 is shown in FIG. 17 .
- the lock assembly 1 (comprising the rotatable locking element 3 and locking surface) is arranged to retain a retaining member (in the form of locking staple 506 ) in locked position within passage 508 that is formed by aligned through holes formed in the shroud 502 and lip 504 . Insertion of the staple into passage 508 prevents the release of the shroud from the lip.
- the lock assembly is arranged to locate over the bridge 510 of the staple and is disposed within a recess of the passage.
- the locking surface 5 is formed on a ring fixed to the shroud 502 (but could be otherwise made integral with the shroud) and locking of the locking element 3 to the locking surface 5 prevents release of the staple from components.
Abstract
A lock assembly comprising a locking element having; a body having a first locking axis; at least one tab movable relative to the body, the tab movable between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the first locking axis; a locking surface having at least one retaining element; wherein the lock assembly is operative to adopt a locked condition where the at least one tab engages with a respective one of the at least one retaining element to prevent relative movement between the locking element and the locking surface in at least one direction of the first locking axis.
Description
- This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/AU2012/000618, filed Jun. 1, 2012, which claims the priority of Australian Application No. 2011902169, filed Jun. 2, 2011, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- The present disclosure generally relates to lock assemblies, components for lock assemblies and lock systems which include a lock assembly and/or lock components. The locks of the disclosure have particular application for use in land based excavating equipment to retain a member such as a wear member or rigging to excavating equipment and the disclosure is herein disclosed in that context . However, the locks of the disclosure have broader application, for example for waterborne excavators, such as dredgers, or securing liners to mineral processing equipment and accordingly it is to be appreciated that the disclosure is not limited to that application.
- Excavating buckets or other digging devices or equipment are typically subject to harsh conditions. Excavating buckets are generally used in various digging and excavation operations. Digging devices typically experience large forces during digging and excavation operations.
- Excavation teeth may be provided on the digging edge of the digging devices. Each excavation tooth is formed of a number of parts, commonly a point, an adapter and a lock. The adapter is typically fitted to the digging device and the point fits over the adapter and is retained in place by the lock. In some instances one or more intermediate parts may be also included between the point and the adapter.
- The reason that the excavation tooth is formed of a number of parts is to avoid having to discard the entire tooth when only parts of the tooth, in particular the ground engaging part of the tooth (i.e. the point) is worn or broken.
- On some digging devices, shrouds are also attached to the digging lip of the device to protect the digging lip edge from wear. Once worn, the shrouds can be removed and discarded and a new replacement shroud attached. This reduces the need to replace the whole device if the lip edge became worn, which would be much more costly than replacing just the shrouds. The shrouds typically comprise a base member that fits around a portion of the lip edge, a wear member that fits over the base member and lock for locking the wear member to the base member and thus to lip, but which also allows the wear member to be removed once worn. The shrouds may be disposed along the entire length of the lip edge or be disposed between excavation teeth that are attached to the lip.
- In other digging applications, such as dragline excavating systems, rigging is required to interconnect the dragline buckets to a crane to operate the buckets. Again this rigging which includes various components such as chains, ropes, links and spreader bars, need to be connected together and connected to the dragline bucket. This requires the use of coupling elements such as shackles which include locking arrangements such as locking pins and the like which are retained in place by locks. Again these components are subject to very harsh operational conditions and accordingly the components need to be designed to operate in such harsh conditions.
- In heavy engineering applications, such as those discussed above, the components are often subjected to large impact forces. They are also subjected to the ingress of dirt, fines, mud, water and other intrusive materials that can affect mechanical devices. Accordingly, an ongoing problem associated with such equipment is in the operation of the mechanical locks and in particular with their ease of installation, reliability, and ability to unlock after heavy use, wear, and intrusion by foreign materials.
- In some embodiments, there is disclosed a lock assembly comprising: a locking element having; a body having a first locking axis; at least one tab movable relative to the body between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the first locking axis; and a locking surface having at least one retaining element; wherein the lock assembly is operative to adopt a locked condition where the at least one tab engages with a respective one of the at least one retaining element to prevent relative movement between the locking element and the locking surface in at least one direction of the first locking axis.
- In some embodiments, a locking element is disclosed having a body having a first locking axis, at least one tab movable relative to the body between a retracted and an extended position relative to the first locking axis. In one form, the tab is arranged to translate relative to the body along a movement axis and that movement axis may be offset from the first locking axis. In another form, it may be radial relative to the first locking axis so that the movement axis intersects the first locking axis. In one form, the tabs may pivot relative to the body between its extended and retracted configurations.
- In some embodiments, also disclosed is a component that incorporates a locking surface arranged to receive a locking member of any one of the above forms. The locking surface may be integrally formed with the component or may be formed on a retaining member which is fitted to the component. In some embodiments, the component is part of an excavating machine such as a wear member such as a point or shroud, an adaptor, bucket lip, or part of rigging such as a shackle or link, or part of a retaining system such as a locking pin.
- In some embodiments, a locking system is disclosed that comprises a component having a passage; a retaining member receivable in the passage of the component in a locking position; and a lock assembly according to any form disclosed herein disposed in at least part of the passage; wherein in use, the locking element of the lock assembly retains the retaining member in the passage of the housing.
- Embodiments of the locking assemblies, elements, and systems have particular application for use in excavating equipment and allow for hammerless installation and removal of the locking elements and good retention performance in the operation of the equipment.
- The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
-
FIGS. 1A and 1B are exploded perspective views of a lock assembly according to the first embodiment. -
FIGS. 2A to 2H illustrate a locking and unlocking sequence of the lock assembly according to the first embodiment. -
FIG. 2A illustrates the locking ring and locking element before assembly according to the first embodiment. -
FIG. 2B illustrates the locking assembly ofFIG. 2A , with the locking element inside the cavity of the locking ring, and with the tabs of the locking element disposed in the channels of the locking ring. -
FIG. 2C illustrates the locking assembly ofFIG. 2B , with the locking element rotated slightly so that the tabs are slightly retracted. -
FIG. 2D illustrates the locking assembly ofFIG. 2C , with the locking element rotated so that the tabs are retracted and located between the channels and the retaining elements. -
FIG. 2E illustrates the locking assembly ofFIG. 2D , with the locking assembly in the locked condition, with the tabs extended and engaging with respective retaining elements. -
FIG. 2F illustrates the locking assembly ofFIG. 2E , with the locking element rotated slightly so the tabs are slightly retracted. -
FIG. 2G illustrates the locking assembly ofFIG. 2F , with the locking element rotated so that the tabs are retracted and located between the retaining elements and the channels. -
FIG. 2H illustrates the locking assembly ofFIG. 2G with the locking element rotated so that the tabs are disposed in the channels of the locking ring. -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a locking element according to the second embodiment with a locking ring. -
FIGS. 4A and 4B are exploded top and bottom perspective views of the locking element inFIG. 3 . -
FIGS. 5A to 5C illustrate sectioned top views of the locking element ofFIG. 3 with the tabs in various positions. -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a locking element according to the third embodiment with a locking ring. -
FIGS. 7A and 7B are exploded top and bottom perspective views of the locking element inFIG. 6 . -
FIGS. 8A to 8B illustrate sectioned top views of the locking element ofFIG. 6 with the tabs in various positions. -
FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a lock system comprising two lock assemblies and a lock pin. -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an assembled lock system inFIG. 9 . -
FIG. 11 is a sectioned side view of the assembled lock system inFIG. 10 . -
FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a shackle assembly having a locking system. -
FIG. 13 is a top view of the shackle assembly ofFIG. 12 . -
FIG. 14 is a side view of the shackle assembly ofFIG. 12 . -
FIG. 15 is a sectioned top view along P-P inFIG. 14 . -
FIG. 16 is a sectioned side view along R-R inFIG. 13 . -
FIG. 17 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a shroud assembly having a locking system. - In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein.
- This disclosure is directed generally to locks for excavating equipment and large scale mining operations. In some embodiments of such equipment, heavy duty shackles are secured with a shackle pin to connect components, for example, in a dragline. It is important that the shackle is securely locked in position and remains so during a period of robust service and when exposed to harsh conditions including vibration , impact, corrosion and abrasion. After a period of service, components must be replaced, and in a mine location there is a need to make such replacement with minimum downtime of the expensive equipment, and with ease, speed and safety. There is a need to have lock assemblies which can retain the locking pins in position and operate effectively under these harsh conditions.
- Disclosed in some embodiments is a lock assembly comprising: a locking element having; a body having a first locking axis; at least one tab movable relative to the body, the tab movable between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the first locking axis; a locking surface having at least one retaining element; wherein the lock assembly is operative to adopt a locked condition where the at least one tab engages with a respective one of the at least one retaining element to prevent relative movement between the locking element and the locking surface in at least one direction of the first locking axis.
- In some forms of the lock assembly, the at least one tab is biased towards its extended position when in the locked condition.
- In some embodiments, the locking surface is formed on an interior surface defining a cavity, and wherein the locking element is disposed within the cavity when the lock assembly is in the locked condition.
- Disclosed in some embodiments, the lock assembly is operative to change from the locked condition to an unlocked condition by a first relative movement between the locking element and the locking surface, the first relative movement causing the at least one tab to move towards its retracted position. At least one of the at least one tab and locking surface may include a camming surface arranged to cause movement of the at least one tab towards its retracted position during the first relative movement.
- In some embodiments, the first relative movement includes relative rotation between the locking element and the locking surface about the first locking axis.
- In some forms, the lock assembly is operative to adopt the locked condition from an unlocked condition by a second relative movement between the locking element and the locking surface. In some forms, the at least one locking tab is caused to move towards the retracted position during said second relative movement. In at least one form, a camming surface is provided and arranged to cause movement of the at least one tab towards its retracted position during the second relative movement.
- In at least some forms, the second relative movement includes relative rotation between the locking element and the locking surface about the first locking axis. In some forms, the second relative movement includes relative translation between the locking element and the locking surface along the first locking axis.
- In some forms, the locking surface includes one or more channels that permit location and/or removal of the locking element in the cavity while the at least one tab is in a substantially extended position. In some arrangements, these channels extend generally axially.
- In some embodiments, the at least one locking tab is biased towards the extended position. In one form, an elastomeric member is disposed within the lock body and is operative to bias the locking tab into the extended position.
- In some embodiments, the locking surface is disposed on a retaining member which in turn, in use is arranged to be fixed to a component, such as a component of excavating equipment. In another form, the locking surface is integrally formed in a surface of the component. For example, the locking surface may define a cavity that forms part of a cast, or otherwise formed, component of the excavating equipment.
- In some embodiments, also disclosed is a locking element for a locking assembly in any form disclosed above. Also disclosed is a component which incorporates a locking surface arranged to receive a locking member of the above form. The locking surface may be integrally formed with the component or may be formed on a retaining member which is fitted to the component. In some embodiments, the component is part of an excavating machine such as a wear member such as a point or shroud, an adaptor, bucket lip, or part of the rigging such as a shackle or link, or part of a retaining system such as a locking pin.
- Also disclosed in some embodiments is a locking system comprising: a housing having a passage; a retaining member received in the passage of the housing; and a lock assembly according to any form disclosed above, disposed in at least part of the passage; wherein in use, the locking element of the lock assembly retains a retaining member in the passage of the housing.
- As illustrated in the figures, some illustrative embodiments of locking assemblies for excavation equipment allow for easy installation and release and reliable operation.
-
FIGS. 1A and 1B are exploded perspective views of a lock assembly according to a first embodiment. -
FIG. 1B illustrates a lock assembly 1 comprising thelocking element 3 ofFIG. 1A and a retaining member which in the illustrative form is alocking ring 7 ofFIG. 1B . Thelocking ring 7 incorporates acavity 23 having aninterior locking surface 5 and the locking element is received in the cavity and engagable with the locking surface as will be described in more detail below. - In the illustrative form, the locking
element 3 has abody 4 which is generally cylindrical having an axis CL which forms a first locking axis of thebody 4 and about which the locking element is arranged to rotate in use. The lockingelement 3, as illustrated, also has threetabs 9 movable between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the first locking axis. The lockingsurface 5 has three retainingelements 11, which when engaged with therespective tabs 9, prevent relative movement between the lockingelement 3 and the lockingsurface 5 in at least one direction of the first locking axis. While the illustrative form shows three tabs, it will be appreciated that the locking assembly may include more or fewer tabs depending on requirements and space constraints. - The locking
element 3, as illustrated, will now be described in detail. The lockingelement 3 is comprised of a flat cylindrical, “puck” likebody 4, advantageously made of metal. Thetop surface 13 is provided with a drive portion in theform socket 15 for engagement with a wrench or other drive tool. Although the illustrated socket is of a substantially square shape, it is to be appreciated that other socket shapes or configurations of drive portions (such as spigots) may be used. Abottom surface 14 of theelement 3 provides a bearing surface for the element and retains other components of thelocking element 3. - Along the
peripheral side 17 of thebody 4, thetabs 9, which typically are also made of metal, are biased to project in an extended position as generally shown inFIG. 1A . Thetabs 9 are movable to a retracted position, wherein thetabs 9 are displaced inwardly towards or into theperipheral side 17. In thelocking element 3 ofFIG. 1A , thetabs 9 translate between the extended position and the retracted position along a movement axis that is generally perpendicular to the first locking axis, but chordal (i.e. it does not intersect the movement axis but rather forms a chord to the cylindrical body). The direction of the movement axis disposed in this chordal arrangement may advantageously be geometrically related with the camming surfaces as described later. - The
tabs 9 are provided with a firstcammed surface 19. The firstcammed surface 19 is provided such that when the lockingelement 3 is rotated clockwise (as seen looking down at top surface 13), the firstcammed surface 19 will be the leading surface of thetabs 9. The firstcammed surface 19, on rotation of thelocking element 3 in the clockwise direction, advantageously cooperates with the lockingsurface 5, to move thetab 9 towards the retracted position. This will be described later. - The locking
element 3 includes one or more biasing members within the body which are arranged to bias the tabs into their extended position. In the illustrative form, the biasing members are in the form of anelastomeric block 21 which is secured behind theback surface tabs 9. Compression of the elastomeric block allows the tabs to move towards their retracted position while imparting a biasing force on to the tabs to return to their extended position as the block tends to move back to its natural uncompressed state. An advantage of this arrangement is that the surface interface between the tabs and the block is effectively sealed thereby reducing the susceptibility of fines building up in the locking element that would prevent movement of the tabs to their retracted position. However, it is to be appreciated that other forms of biasing may be used, including leaf or helical springs. - The locking
surface 5 inFIG. 1B will now be described in detail. In the illustrated embodiment showingFIG. 1 B, the lockingsurface 5 is provided within acylindrical cavity 23 of thelocking ring 7. It is to be appreciated the lockingsurface 5 is not limited to being disposed on alocking ring 7, and may be disposed inside other shaped members. An opening 24 is provided at the base of thecavity 23 to provide passage for other members to bear against thebottom surface 14 of thelocking element 3, when the locking assembly is in the locked condition. - The
cylindrical cavity 23 is sized to snugly fit thecylindrical body 4 of thelocking element 3 to reduce the build up of dirt, fines and other loose material in the locking assembly 1. The lockingsurface 5 is provided with three evenly spaced recesses 25, to match therespective tabs 9 of thelocking element 3. Advantageously, the geometry of thetabs 9 matching therecesses 25 would reduce space for the build up of foreign matter. - The retaining
element 11 forms at least one wall of therecess 25, which when engaged withtabs 9, prevent relative movement of the locking element and the locking surface along the first axis. In the illustrative form, these retaining elements are the upper under surfaces defining therecesses 25 which are in facing relation with the tabs when located in those recesses. - Each
recess 25 also includes a secondcammed surface 27. When the lockingelement 3 is rotated clockwise relative to the locking surface, the secondcammed surface 27 cooperates with the firstcammed surface 19 to move thetabs 9 towards the retracted position. It is to be appreciated however, that such a camming action does not require both the first and second cammed surface, and that one cammed surface on one component may cooperate with a respective opposing portion to facilitate camming action for movement of thetabs 9. - The locking
surface 5 is also provided with threechannels 29 extending longitudinally along thecavity 23. Thechannels 29 permit the location of thelocking element 3 into thecavity 23 while thetabs 9 are in an extended position. This allows easy insertion of thelocking element 3 into thecavity 23, withouttabs 9 interfering or providing undue friction. Thechannels 29 extend down thecavity 23 sufficiently to allow uninhibited insertion of thelocking element 3 into the cavity along the first locking axis to a position, such that thetabs 9 are axially aligned to therecesses 25. From this position, thetabs 9 can enter therecesses 25 and engage the locking elements by relative rotation of thelocking element 3 and the lockingsurface 5 without further relative movement along the first locking axis. - The
channels 29 are also provided with a thirdcammed surface 31. This surface facilitates movement of thetabs 9 towards a retracted position in the same manner as the secondcammed surface 27. - The locking and unlocking sequence of the lock assembly according to the first embodiment will now be described with reference to
FIGS. 2A to 2H . -
FIG. 2A illustrates thelocking ring 7 having a lockingsurface 5 before assembly with the lockingelement 3. To assemble lock assembly 1, thetabs 9 of thelocking element 3 are aligned withrespective channels 29, and thecylindrical body 4 inserted into thecavity 23 of thelocking ring 7. - As illustrated in
FIG. 2B , thechannels 29 provide clearance for thetabs 9 while thelocking element 3 is being inserted. The lockingelement 3 is positioned into thecavity 23 to a position such that thetabs 9 and therecesses 25 are on the same perpendicular plane to the first locking axis with thetabs 9 in thechannels 29, and therecesses 25 angularly displaced from thechannels 29 in thecylindrical cavity 23. - For ease of reference, the relative rotation of the
locking element 3 with the lockingsurface 5 is described in terms of clockwise rotation around the first locking axis when seen from a top view (as illustrated). As a reference, the angular position of thelocking element 3 relative to the locking surface as shown inFIG. 2B is assigned a zero position. The relative angular displacement described is for ease of reference for this described embodiment, and it will be appreciated that other embodiments will not be limited to specific angular displacements described below. - To lock the locking assembly from the position shown in
FIG. 2B , the lockingelement 3 of the illustrative form is rotated such that thetabs 9 engage the retainingelements 11. To achieve this, a wrench, or other suitable drive tool is engaged with thesocket 15 to drive the lockingelement 3 clockwise. -
FIG. 2C illustrates that as thebody 3 rotates from its zero position, the firstcammed surface 19 of the tab cooperates with the thirdcammed surface 31 of thechannels 29 to provide a camming action to move thetabs 9 towards the retracted position. - This camming action moves the tabs into a position as illustrated in
FIG. 2D where the tabs are retracted substantially fully to be at least almost flush with the lock element body. InFIG. 2D , the lockingelement 3 and the locking surface are angularly displaced by approximately 30 degrees clockwise, with thetabs 9 retracted and angularly located between thechannels 29 and therecesses 25. - The locking
element 3 is further rotated until thetabs 9 are angularly located with therecesses 25, whereby thetabs 9 are free to move under the biasing force of the elastomeric block towards the extended position and engage with the retainingelements 11. This is the locked condition and is best illustrated inFIG. 2E where the lockingelement 3 and lockingsurface 5 are displaced by 60 degrees. Thetabs 9 engage with the retainingelements 11 to prevent thelocking element 3 from moving relative to the lockingsurface 5 along the first locking axis. In this locked condition, thetabs 9 substantially occupy therecesses 25, thereby reducing void space where foreign material may build up. - To unlock the
locking element 3 from the locking surface, the lockingelement 3 is further rotated relative to the lockingsurface 5. This movement is shown inFIGS. 2F-2H . - As the
body 3 is rotated, the firstcammed surface 19 of the tab cooperates with the secondcammed surface 27 of therecess 25 to provide a camming action to movetabs 9 towards the retracted position.FIG. 2F illustrates the lockingelement 3 displaced by 75 degrees from the lockingsurface 5, whereby the tabs 9 a slightly moved towards the retracted position. - Throughout the movement of the
tabs 9 between the extended and retracted positions, their respective movement axes are chordal to the axis of rotation of thelocking element 3. This is advantageous as the movement axes are substantially coaxial to a normal axis of the first and/or second cammed surfaces. This reduces friction and off axis forces between thetabs 9 and thebody 4 of the locking element, thereby preventing binding and wear. - Further rotation causes the
tabs 9 to further retract as illustrated inFIG. 2G , whereby thelocking element 3 is displaced by 90 degrees, and thetabs 9 are angularly displaced between therecesses 25 and thechannels 29. It is possible in this unlocked condition to extract thebody 4 of the locking element from thecavity 23. This may be achieved by pulling, pushing or levering the body from the lockingsurface 4. - Alternatively the
body 4 of thelocking element 3 can be rotated further, as illustrated inFIG. 2H where the lockingelement 3 is displaced by 120 degrees from the lockingsurface 5. The lockingelement 3 is positioned so that thetabs 9 are now positioned within thechannels 29. Advantageously, thetabs 9 have clearance to move towards the extended position, as well as being provided uninhibited movement along thechannels 29. This allows for easier removal of thelocking element 3 from thecavity 23 as there is reduced friction between thetabs 9 and thecavity 23. - Advantageously, the lock assembly 1 does not require the application of axial forces or bias along the first locking axis when locking or unlocking the lock assembly. In known prior art locks, it was necessary to apply axial force and/or axially move the locking element when locking or unlocking. A consequence of this is the requirement to provide a void or clearance to allow for axial movement, thereby providing a space for foreign material to collect and jam the locking assembly. By providing a lock assembly 1 with self occupying components, and with minimal voids, it reduces the chance of foreign material intruding and jamming the assembly.
- A second embodiment of the locking element will now be described with reference to
FIGS. 3 to 5C . The lockingelement 103 hastabs 109, that has a movement axis extending radially from the first locking axis of thebody 104 of thelocking element 103.FIGS. 5A to 5C illustrate various positions of thetabs 109 as they move radially between their extended and retracted positions. - A third embodiment of the locking element will now be described with reference to
FIGS. 6 to 8C . The locking element 203 has tabs 209, that are pivotally attached by pivots 210 to the body 204. The pivots 210 allow the tabs to swing outwardly between an extended position and a retracted position. A resilient element 221 is provided for each tab 209 to bias the tabs to the extended position.FIGS. 8A to 8C illustrate various positions of the tabs 209 from an extended position to a retracted position. - A further embodiment of the locking element (not shown) may have tabs with additional camming surfaces on the tabs. In one form, the additional camming surfaces may allow the lock assembly to be locked and unlocked in both directions (i.e. clockwise and anti-clockwise when viewed from the top view). A further alternative is to have camming surfaces on the underside of the tabs (i.e. the face when viewing towards the
bottom surface 14 of the body), thereby allowing thelock element 3 to be push fit into thecavity 23 of thelock ring 7. This allows locking of thelock element 3 to thelock surface 5 without relative rotation of thelock element 3 and thelock surface 5. To unlock, thelock element 3 may be rotated to move the tabs towards the retracted position as described in the above embodiments. - A lock system will now be described with reference to
FIGS. 9 to 11 . Referring toFIG. 9 , thelock system 302 comprises two lock assemblies 1 as previously described, and a retaining member in the form of alock pin 306. Thelock pin 308 has opposing end surfaces 308 for abutment with thebottom surface 14 of thelocking element 3, thereby retaining thelock pin 308 in position when the lock assembly is in a locked condition. -
FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate thelock system 302 assembled, with the lock assemblies 1 in a locked condition to retain thelock pin 306. As best illustrated inFIG. 11 , thesystem 302 is oriented such that end surfaces 308 are in abutment withbottom surface 14, thereby preventing thelock pin 306 from axial movement without imparting movement of one or the other of the locking element along their respective first locking axis. Further when in the locked condition as shown, theend surface 308 andbottom surface 14 are in contact without providing any significant void or space for foreign material to collect. Also rotation of thelocking element 3 during locking and unlocking, theend surface 308 andbottom surface 14 maintain this contact without producing voids. This reduces the chance of foreign material to jam the lock assembly and lock system. - An application of the lock assembly 1 and
lock system 302 to ashackle assembly 412 will now be described with reference toFIGS. 12 to 16 .FIG. 12 illustrates an exploded view of ashackle assembly 412, comprising ashackle 414, apin 416, and alock system 302 described above. - The
shackle 414, haspin apertures 418 for receiving thepin 416, and twolock assembly apertures 420 for receiving respective lock assemblies 1. A firstlock pin groove 422 is provided between the twolock assembly apertures 420. - The
pin 416 has a secondlock pin groove 424 transverse to the main axis of thepin 416. When theshackle assembly 412 is assembled, as shown inFIGS. 13 to 16 , thepin 416 is located to pass through thepin apertures 418. The firstlock pin groove 422 of theshackle 414 and the secondlock pin groove 424 of thepin 416 are aligned to form a passage for thelock pin 306 to pass through, as best illustrated inFIG. 15 . Thelock pin 306 prevents thepin 416 from moving out of thepin apertures 418, thereby retaining thepin 416 relative to theshackle 414. - The
lock pin 306, in turn is retained in the passageway formed bygrooves lock assembly apertures 420. Thelocking ring 7 is fixed to thelock assembly apertures 420, by welding, press fit, adhesives or any other suitable method of fixing. Thelock pin 306, once in place in the passageway formed by thegrooves lock elements 3 with respective locking surfaces 5. This is best illustrated inFIG. 16 . As illustrated, the bottom surfaces 14 of thelocking elements 3 abut the end surfaces 308 of thelock pin 306, thereby preventing axial movement of thelock pin 306 along the first lock axis. - To remove the
pin 416 from theshackle 414, either one, or both of thelock elements 3 are unlocked and removed from the respective lock assemblies 1. Thelock pin 306 is then removed through either one of the twolock assembly aperture 420. Thepin 416 may then be removed frompin apertures 418. - Although the
locking ring 7 has been described as a separate element fixed to the shackle, it is to be appreciated that other alternatives for providing alocking surface 5 are possible. For example, the lockingsurface 5 may be machined, cast, forged or hammered directly onto the surfaces of the two lock assembly apertures. - Furthermore, although the above application has been described in relation to retaining a lock pin for a pin of a shackle assembly, the lock assembly 1 may have broader application. For example, the lock assembly 1 may be used to retain the pin. The lock assembly may be used as part of a retention mechanism for a shroud, tooth, adaptors including, but not limited to ground engagement tools, and drag line buckets.
- A further such application of the lock assembly 1 used in a
lock system 500 for connecting ashroud 502 to abucket lip 504 is shown inFIG. 17 . Similar to the earlier embodiment, the lock assembly 1 (comprising therotatable locking element 3 and locking surface) is arranged to retain a retaining member (in the form of locking staple 506) in locked position withinpassage 508 that is formed by aligned through holes formed in theshroud 502 andlip 504. Insertion of the staple intopassage 508 prevents the release of the shroud from the lip. The lock assembly is arranged to locate over thebridge 510 of the staple and is disposed within a recess of the passage. The lockingsurface 5 is formed on a ring fixed to the shroud 502 (but could be otherwise made integral with the shroud) and locking of thelocking element 3 to the lockingsurface 5 prevents release of the staple from components. - It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.
- The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particular embodiments described in this application, which are intended as illustrations of various aspects. Many modifications and variations can be made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Functionally equivalent methods and apparatuses within the scope of the disclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing descriptions. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. The present disclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particular methods which can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting.
- From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described herein for purposes of illustration, and that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the various embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
Claims (16)
1. A lock assembly comprising:
a locking element having;
a body having a first locking axis;
at least one tab movable relative to the body, the tab movable between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the first locking axis;
a locking surface having at least one retaining element;
wherein the lock assembly is operative to adopt a locked condition where the at least one tab engages with a respective one of the at least one retaining element to prevent relative movement between the locking element and the locking surface in at least one direction of the first locking axis; and
wherein the lock assembly is operative to change from the locked condition to an unlocked condition by a first relative movement between the locking element and the locking surface, said first relative movement causing said at least one tab to move towards its retracted position.
2. The lock assembly according to claim 1 , wherein in the locked condition, the at least one tab is biased towards its extended position.
3. The lock assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the locking surface is formed on an interior surface defining a cavity, and wherein the locking element is disposed within the cavity when the lock assembly is in the locked condition.
4. The lock assembly according to claim 3 , wherein at least one of the at least one tab and locking surface includes a camming surface arranged to cause movement of the at least one tab towards its retracted position during said first relative movement.
5. The lock assembly according to claim 3 , wherein the first relative movement includes relative rotation between the locking element and the locking surface about the first locking axis.
6. The lock assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the lock assembly is operative to adopt the locked condition from an unlocked condition by a second relative movement between the locking element and the locking surface.
7. The lock assembly according to claim 6 , wherein the at least one locking tab is caused to move towards the retracted position during said second relative movement.
8. The lock assembly according to claim 7 , wherein at least one of the at least one tab and locking surface includes a camming surface arranged to cause movement of the at least one tab towards its retracted position during said second relative movement.
9. The lock assembly according to claim 7 , wherein the wherein the second relative movement includes relative rotation between the locking element and the locking surface about the first locking axis.
10. The lock assembly according to claim 7 , wherein the second relative movement includes relative translation between the locking element and the locking surface along the first locking axis.
11. The lock assembly according to claim 2 , wherein the locking surface includes one or more channels that permit location and/or removal of the locking element in the cavity whilst the at least one tab is in a substantially extended position.
12. The lock assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one tab is arranged to move relative to the lock element body along a movement axis between the extended and retracted positions, the movement axis being generally perpendicular to the first axis and offset from the first axis.
13. The lock assembly according to claim 2 , further comprising at least one biasing member engagable with the at least one tab to bias the or each tab into the extended position, wherein the at least one biasing member is one or more elastomeric members which are engagable with a rear surface of the respective tabs and which are arranged to compress on movement of the at least one tab from its extended position towards its retracted position.
14. The lock assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the locking surface is formed on a retaining member.
15. A locking system comprising:
a housing having a passage;
a retaining member received in the passage of the housing; and
at least one lock assembly comprising
a locking element having;
a body having a first locking axis;
at least one tab movable relative to the body, the tab movable between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the first locking axis;
a locking surface having at least one retaining element;
wherein the lock assembly is operative to adopt a locked condition where the at least one tab engages with a respective one of the at least one retaining element to prevent relative movement between the locking element and the locking surface in at least one direction of the first locking axis; and
herein the lock assembly is operative to change from the locked condition to an unlocked condition by a first relative movement between the locking element and the locking surface, said first relative movement causing said at least one tab to move towards its retracted position, the lock assembly being disposed in at least part of the passage;
wherein in use, the locking element of the lock assembly retains the retaining member in the passage of the housing.
16. The locking system according to claim 15 , wherein the retaining member retains a component wherein the component is any one of a shroud, tooth, adaptor or coupling for a ground engaging tool.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2011902169 | 2011-06-02 | ||
AU2011902169A AU2011902169A0 (en) | 2011-06-02 | Lock | |
PCT/AU2012/000618 WO2012162749A1 (en) | 2011-06-02 | 2012-06-01 | Lock |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/AU2012/000618 Continuation WO2012162749A1 (en) | 2011-06-02 | 2012-06-01 | Lock |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20140186105A1 true US20140186105A1 (en) | 2014-07-03 |
Family
ID=47258169
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/094,421 Abandoned US20140186105A1 (en) | 2011-06-02 | 2013-12-02 | Lock |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20140186105A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN103842592A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2012262670A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2012162749A1 (en) |
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2017062315A1 (en) * | 2015-10-06 | 2017-04-13 | Hensley Industries, Inc. | Excavating tooth assembly with locking pin assembly |
US10036412B2 (en) | 2016-09-13 | 2018-07-31 | Caterpillar Inc. | Counterbore plug |
US20180274630A1 (en) * | 2015-09-29 | 2018-09-27 | Rud Ketten Rieger & Dietz Gmbh U. Co. Kg | Rapidly releasable latching arrangement for a component from lifting, lashing or fastening technology |
US10106961B2 (en) * | 2011-07-05 | 2018-10-23 | Metalogenia Patentes, S.L. | Retention device for male and female components in excavator machines |
US10196799B2 (en) * | 2014-12-19 | 2019-02-05 | Caterpillar Inc. | Ground engaging tool |
US10577778B2 (en) | 2015-06-26 | 2020-03-03 | Combi Wear Parts Ab | Wearing part system and method for locking a wearing part |
US11035103B2 (en) | 2014-12-19 | 2021-06-15 | Caterpillar Inc. | Lock for ground engaging tool |
US20220403629A1 (en) * | 2021-06-18 | 2022-12-22 | Black Cat Wear Parts, Ltd. | Wear component securement |
US11585069B2 (en) | 2018-06-06 | 2023-02-21 | Caterpillar Inc. | Pin and retainer locking system |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2960381A1 (en) * | 2014-06-27 | 2015-12-30 | Caterpillar Work Tools B. V. | Catch plate of a link assembly for decoupling a cylinder from a jaw in a demolition tool |
CA3233320A1 (en) * | 2021-10-21 | 2023-04-27 | Cqms Pty Ltd | "an excavator wear assembly" |
Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3679244A (en) * | 1970-09-21 | 1972-07-25 | Robert R Reddy | Releasable shaft lock |
US5577858A (en) * | 1995-04-27 | 1996-11-26 | Harnischfeger Corporation | Pin-retaining structure and method for retaining a pin |
US5913605A (en) * | 1997-09-17 | 1999-06-22 | G. H. Hensley Industries, Inc. | Rotary lock system for wear runner assembly |
US5956874A (en) * | 1998-05-07 | 1999-09-28 | Columbia Steel Casting Co., Inc. | Tooth assembly and lock system |
US8104988B2 (en) * | 2006-05-29 | 2012-01-31 | Bradken Resources Pty Limited | Locking connector system |
US8469622B2 (en) * | 2007-11-26 | 2013-06-25 | Esco Corporation | Pinned connections |
US9163378B2 (en) * | 2011-11-30 | 2015-10-20 | Columbia Steel Casting Co., Inc. | Pin retainer for dragline pins |
US9187881B2 (en) * | 2013-09-20 | 2015-11-17 | Berkeley Forge & Tool, Inc. | Reliable connection system and assemblies and methods for using the reliable connections |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4102124A (en) * | 1976-07-12 | 1978-07-25 | Swager William E | Locking clevis or the like |
BRPI0418595B1 (en) * | 2004-03-30 | 2015-07-07 | Metalogenia Sa | Removable device for fixing two mechanical parts, female part to be joined to a male part and containing at least one hole for inserting a pin and male part to be coupled to a female part and having a housing inside to receive a pin |
ATE518993T1 (en) * | 2005-11-25 | 2011-08-15 | Esti S R L | TOP ARRANGEMENT FOR LAND MOVING MACHINES |
WO2009149503A1 (en) * | 2008-06-11 | 2009-12-17 | Cqms Pty Ltd | A locking pin system |
US8127476B2 (en) * | 2008-12-19 | 2012-03-06 | Berkeley Forge & Tool, Inc. | Quick release screw connector for earth-moving equipment |
-
2012
- 2012-06-01 AU AU2012262670A patent/AU2012262670A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2012-06-01 WO PCT/AU2012/000618 patent/WO2012162749A1/en active Application Filing
- 2012-06-01 CN CN201280038288.0A patent/CN103842592A/en active Pending
-
2013
- 2013-12-02 US US14/094,421 patent/US20140186105A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3679244A (en) * | 1970-09-21 | 1972-07-25 | Robert R Reddy | Releasable shaft lock |
US5577858A (en) * | 1995-04-27 | 1996-11-26 | Harnischfeger Corporation | Pin-retaining structure and method for retaining a pin |
US5913605A (en) * | 1997-09-17 | 1999-06-22 | G. H. Hensley Industries, Inc. | Rotary lock system for wear runner assembly |
US5956874A (en) * | 1998-05-07 | 1999-09-28 | Columbia Steel Casting Co., Inc. | Tooth assembly and lock system |
US8104988B2 (en) * | 2006-05-29 | 2012-01-31 | Bradken Resources Pty Limited | Locking connector system |
US8469622B2 (en) * | 2007-11-26 | 2013-06-25 | Esco Corporation | Pinned connections |
US9163378B2 (en) * | 2011-11-30 | 2015-10-20 | Columbia Steel Casting Co., Inc. | Pin retainer for dragline pins |
US9187881B2 (en) * | 2013-09-20 | 2015-11-17 | Berkeley Forge & Tool, Inc. | Reliable connection system and assemblies and methods for using the reliable connections |
Cited By (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10106961B2 (en) * | 2011-07-05 | 2018-10-23 | Metalogenia Patentes, S.L. | Retention device for male and female components in excavator machines |
US11035103B2 (en) | 2014-12-19 | 2021-06-15 | Caterpillar Inc. | Lock for ground engaging tool |
US10196799B2 (en) * | 2014-12-19 | 2019-02-05 | Caterpillar Inc. | Ground engaging tool |
US10577778B2 (en) | 2015-06-26 | 2020-03-03 | Combi Wear Parts Ab | Wearing part system and method for locking a wearing part |
US10781886B2 (en) * | 2015-09-29 | 2020-09-22 | Rud Ketten Rieger & Dietz Gmbh U. Co., Kg | Rapidly releasable latching arrangement for a component from lifting, lashing or fastening technology |
US20180274630A1 (en) * | 2015-09-29 | 2018-09-27 | Rud Ketten Rieger & Dietz Gmbh U. Co. Kg | Rapidly releasable latching arrangement for a component from lifting, lashing or fastening technology |
RU2683464C1 (en) * | 2015-10-06 | 2019-03-28 | Хенсли Индастриз, Инк. | Knot of tooth excavator with node locking pin |
US10287753B2 (en) | 2015-10-06 | 2019-05-14 | Hensley Industries, Inc. | Excavating tooth assembly with locking pin assembly |
WO2017062315A1 (en) * | 2015-10-06 | 2017-04-13 | Hensley Industries, Inc. | Excavating tooth assembly with locking pin assembly |
US10030368B2 (en) | 2015-10-06 | 2018-07-24 | Hensley Industries, Inc. | Excavating tooth assembly with locking pin assembly |
US11136746B2 (en) | 2015-10-06 | 2021-10-05 | Hensley Industries, Inc. | Excavating tooth assembly with locking pin assembly |
EA039259B1 (en) * | 2015-10-06 | 2021-12-23 | Хенсли Индастриз, Инк. | Locking pin assembly for securing a wear tooth of an excavating bucket |
US10036412B2 (en) | 2016-09-13 | 2018-07-31 | Caterpillar Inc. | Counterbore plug |
US11585069B2 (en) | 2018-06-06 | 2023-02-21 | Caterpillar Inc. | Pin and retainer locking system |
US20220403629A1 (en) * | 2021-06-18 | 2022-12-22 | Black Cat Wear Parts, Ltd. | Wear component securement |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2012162749A1 (en) | 2012-12-06 |
AU2012262670A1 (en) | 2013-12-19 |
CN103842592A (en) | 2014-06-04 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20140186105A1 (en) | Lock | |
US10724559B2 (en) | Hammerless pin assembly | |
AU2003265731B2 (en) | Component interlocking | |
US9115742B2 (en) | Pinned connections | |
US20080000114A1 (en) | Tooth and adaptor assembly | |
US20130133175A1 (en) | Pin retainer for dragline pins | |
US20210246935A1 (en) | Pin lock assembly | |
CN113557336B (en) | Coupling device | |
CA2936434C (en) | Wear member retention system for an implement | |
WO2013090996A1 (en) | Retainer systems | |
US11585069B2 (en) | Pin and retainer locking system | |
US20150013134A1 (en) | Connector To Facilitate Lifting Of Wear Parts | |
US11441296B2 (en) | Lock for securing a wear member | |
AU2017332153B2 (en) | Pin assembly | |
OA17559A (en) | Hammerless pin assembly. | |
WO2023166090A1 (en) | Pinless shrouds for earth moving machines | |
CN117888596A (en) | Wear assembly |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BRADKEN RESOURCES PTY LIMITED, AUSTRALIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:MARTINELLI, JOEL NELIO;LIZDENIS, CHAD;LUNN, JASON;SIGNING DATES FROM 20140203 TO 20140207;REEL/FRAME:032462/0944 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |