AU2019391600A1

AU2019391600A1 - Wear part and lock assembly

Info

Publication number: AU2019391600A1
Application number: AU2019391600A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Luke Daniel Giudice; Balamurali Manjil HEBBAR
Original assignee: Derwent Ind Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Derwent Industries Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2018-12-07
Filing date: 2019-11-28
Publication date: 2021-07-22
Also published as: WO2020113261A1

Abstract

Disclosed is a lock assembly adapted to releasably secure a first member to a second member. The lock assembly includes a body, a protruding member adapted to selectively protrude from the body, an operating mechanism to effect movement of the protruding member between a protruded position and a withdrawn position, and a biasing element adapted to normally bias the protruding member towards the protruded position wherein the protruding member extends outwards of the body. The lock assembly is adapted to be inserted within a retaining aperture of the first member and the retaining aperture cooperates with the body and the protruding member to hold the lock assembly in a loaded position whereby the first member can be fitted to the second member. When the first member is fitted to the second member and a retaining cavity of the second member is aligned with the retaining aperture of the first member, the lock assembly is adapted to be moved from the loaded position to a locked position, such that in the locked position the body at least partially extends into the retaining cavity.

Description

WEAR PART AND LOCK ASSEMBLY

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a wear part and lock assembly that can be used for releasably securing two components together, such as, but not limited to, securing a wear tooth to a nose of an excavator.

BACKGROUND

[0002] A large number of different mechanisms are known for securing wear teeth to the nose of an excavator.

[0003] Traditionally, wear teeth were welded to the nose of an excavator. As the wear teeth wore out, it was a laborious and time consuming, and therefore costly, exercise to unweld the wear teeth, and then replace them with new wear teeth.

[0004] Various mechanisms have since been designed to allow wear teeth to be releasably secured to the nose of an excavator, without the need for welding. One such arrangement is described in the Applicant's earlier Patents/Patent Applications, including International Patent Application Numbers PCT/AU2002/000790 and PCT/AU2014/000165, the disclosures of which should be considered to be entirely incorporated herein by this reference thereto.

[0005] In the Applicant's earlier above-referenced Patent documents, there is described a locking arrangement for releasably locking a wear tooth to a tooth adaptor. The wear tooth is provided with a slot which, when inserted over the nose of the excavator, substantially aligns with a cavity. The locking device is then inserted into the aligned slot and cavity to thereby secure the components together.

[0006] The locking arrangement of the aforementioned Patent Application includes a pair of engaging retaining pieces which are adapted to fit in end-abutting relationship to securely lock the two components together. An arcuate force may be applied to one of the pieces to release the pieces from the locked position. [0007] Whilst the aforementioned Application provides significant advantages in reducing the time and labour and therefore cost involved in replacing wear teeth over the prior art devices thereto, the Applicant has now invented a lock assembly which provides significant improvements, or at least an alternative to this earlier device.

[0008] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as, an

acknowledgement or admission or any form of suggestion that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

SUMMARY

[0009] The present invention seeks to provide a lock assembly which has a different and/or improved operating mechanism to prior art locking devices.

[0010] In one broad form, the present invention provides a lock assembly adapted to releasably secure a first member to a second member, the lock assembly including: a body; a protruding member, adapted to selectively protrude from the body; an operating mechanism, to effect movement of the protruding member between a protruded position and a withdrawn position; and a biasing element, adapted to normally bias the protruding member towards the protruded position wherein the protruding member extends outwards of the body, wherein the lock assembly is adapted to be inserted within a retaining aperture of the first member and the retaining aperture cooperates with the body and the protruding member to hold the lock assembly in a loaded position whereby the first member can be fitted to the second member, and wherein when the first member is fitted to the second member and a retaining cavity of the second member is aligned with the retaining aperture of the first member, the lock assembly is adapted to be moved from the loaded position to a locked position, such that in the locked position the body at least partially extends into the retaining cavity.

[0011] In an embodiment, the body includes a base portion, a retaining portion and a pivoting portion, wherein when in the locked position the base portion is adapted to be inserted within the retaining cavity of the second member, and the retaining portion and the pivoting portion are adapted to at least partially extend into the retaining aperture of the first member.

[0012] In an embodiment, at least part of the pivoting portion of the body is adapted to bear against at least part of the retaining aperture, and at least part of the base portion is adapted to bear against at least part of the retaining cavity, to thereby secure the first member to the second member.

[0013] In an embodiment, a convex surface of the retaining aperture bears against a concave surface of the pivoting portion of the body.

[0014] In an embodiment, the protruding member extends from the retaining portion at a substantially opposite end of the body to the pivoting portion, wherein the body is retained in the retaining aperture by the protruding member at one end and the pivoting portion at the other end.

[0015] In an embodiment, the convex surface and the concave surface remain in contact while the body is rotated about the pivoting portion from the loaded position to the locked position.

[0016] In an embodiment, to move the lock assembly from the loaded position to the locked position, the body is pushed, by hand or otherwise.

[0017] In an embodiment, the first member is an excavator wear tooth and the second member is a nose of an excavator.

[0018] In an embodiment, the protruding member, when in the protruded position, abuts the retaining aperture of the first member to retain the lock assembly in either the loaded or locked positions.

[0019] In an embodiment, the protruding member includes a gear, a slot, or other cooperating mechanism which cooperates with a crank, such that when the crank is turned or rotated, the end of the crank moves the protruding member between the protruded position and the withdrawn position. [0020] In an embodiment, the operating mechanism includes a slot formed in the protruding member which is adapted to be operated by a crank to effect engagement of a finger of the crank into the slot in the protruding member, such that when the crank is rotated about a longitudinal axis, the protruding member moves in a lineal manner in a direction substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis against the bias of the biasing element between the protruded position and the withdrawn position.

[0021] In an embodiment, the crank is retained in the body in a rotatable manner in engagement with the protruding member.

[0022] In an embodiment, the operating mechanism has an over-centre arrangement that can lock the protruding member in the protruded position.

[0023] In an embodiment, the operating mechanism is operated by a tool which is rotated or otherwise moved to effect movement of the protruding member.

[0024] In an embodiment, the tool is used as a lever to move the lock assembly in an arcuate manner to rotate the assembly out from the retaining cavity and retaining aperture.

[0025] In an embodiment, the retaining aperture is shaped to cooperate with a bevel of the protruding member to force the protruding member inwardly against the biasing element as it is being moved from the loaded position to the locked position.

[0026] In an embodiment, the body is adapted to receive a dirt plug therein that covers the operating mechanism.

[0027] In another broad form, there is provided a locking system, including: a first member, including a retaining aperture; a second member, including a retaining cavity; and a lock assembly substantially as herein defined.

[0028] In an embodiment, the first member is a wear tooth of an excavator, and the second member is a nose of an excavator to which the wear tooth is removably attached.

[0029] In another broad form, there is provided a method of securing a wear tooth to a nose of an excavator, the method including the steps of: providing the wear tooth with a lock assembly fitted in a loaded position, the lock assembly being defined according to any one of claims 1 to 17; positioning the wear tooth about the nose of the excavator, so as to substantially align a retaining aperture of the tooth with a retaining cavity of the nose; and moving the lock assembly from the loaded position to a locked position where it extends partially into the retaining cavity.

[0030] In an embodiment, the lock assembly is moved to the locked position by a user pressing the body into the aperture/cavity by hand without the need for a key or other tool.

[0031] In another broad form, there is provided a wear part assembly, comprising a wear member and a lock assembly, the wear member being adapted to be releasably secured to an adapter by the lock assembly, the lock assembly including: a body; a protruding member, adapted to selectively protrude from the body; an operating mechanism, to effect movement of the protruding member between a protruded position and a withdrawn position; and a biasing element, adapted to normally bias the protruding member towards the protruded position wherein the protruding member extends outwards of the body, wherein the wear part assembly is provided with the lock assembly in a loaded position in which the wear member can be fitted to the adapter and in which the lock assembly is inserted within a retaining aperture of the wear member and the retaining aperture cooperates with the body and the protruding member to hold the lock assembly in the loaded position.

[0032] In an embodiment, when the first wear member is fitted to the adapter and a retaining cavity of the adapter is aligned with the retaining aperture of the first wear member, the lock assembly is adapted to be moved from the loaded position to a locked position, such that in the locked position the body at least partially extends into the retaining cavity.

[0033] In an embodiment, the lock assembly is substantially as herein defined.

[0034] In an embodiment, a wear cap is configured to be fitted to the adapter prior to the wear member being fitted.

[0035] In an embodiment, the wear cap is held in place by the wear member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0036] Example embodiments should become apparent from the following description, which is given by way of example only, of at least one preferred but non-limiting embodiment, described in connection with the accompanying figures, wherein:

[0037] Figure 1 A illustrates a perspective view of a wear tooth supplied on the nose of an excavator, where part of the wear tooth is hidden to show the various components of a lock assembly in accordance with the present invention;

[0038] Figure IB illustrates an enlarged view of the lock assembly shown in Figure 1 A;

[0039] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a wear member for use on the edge of a bucket, including the lock assembly from Figures 1 A and IB, where part of the wear member is hidden;

[0040] Figure 3 A illustrates a perspective view of the lock assembly and a hex key for operating the lock assembly;

[0041] Figure 3B illustrates a perspective view of the lock assembly and a socket for operating the lock assembly;

[0042] Figure 4A illustrates an exploded view of the lock assembly (and hex key) shown in Figure 3 A;

[0043] Figure 4B illustrates an exploded view of the lock assembly (and socket) shown in Figure 3B;

[0044] Figure 5 A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the lock assembly of Figure 3 A, where the protruding member is in the protruded or locked position;

[0045] Figure 5B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the lock assembly and socket of Figure 3B, where the protruding member is in the protruded or locked position;

[0046] Figure 6A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the lock assembly of Figure 3 A, where the protruding member is in the retracted or unlocked position; [0047] Figure 6B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the lock assembly and socket of Figure 3B, where the protruding member is in the retracted or unlocked position;

[0048] Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of the protruding member removed from the lock assembly;

[0049] Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of a crank removed from the lock assembly;

[0050] Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of the lock assembly;

[0051] Figure 10A illustrates a cross sectional side view of a wear tooth fitted on the nose of an excavator prior to the lock assembly being moved to an installed position;

[0052] Figure 10B illustrates an enlarged view of the lock assembly from Figure 10A, as identified by Detail N;

[0053] Figure IOC illustrates a cross sectional side view of a wear member fitted to a retaining portion of an edge of a bucket prior to the lock assembly being moved to the installed position;

[0054] Figure 10D illustrates an enlarged view of the lock assembly from Figure IOC, as identified by Detail W;

[0055] Figure 11 A illustrates a cross sectional side view of a wear tooth fitted on the nose of an excavator with the lock assembly in an installed position;

[0056] Figure 1 IB illustrates an enlarged view of the lock assembly from Figure 11 A, as identified by Detail R;

[0057] Figure 11C illustrates a cross sectional side view of a wear member fitted to a retaining portion of an edge of a bucket with the lock assembly in the installed position;

[0058] Figure 1 ID illustrates an enlarged view of the lock assembly from Figure 11C, as identified by Detail U; [0059] Figure 12 illustrates a perspective view of the nose of the excavator with the wear tooth removed;

[0060] Figure 13 illustrates a side view of the wear tooth removed from the nose and with the lock assembly also removed;

[0061] Figure 14 illustrates a cross sectional bottom view of the wear tooth from Figure 13 taken through Section T-T; and

[0062] Figure 15 illustrates a perspective view of a wear cap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] The following modes, given by way of example only, are described in order to provide a more precise understanding of the subject matter of a preferred embodiment or embodiments.

[0064] In the Figures, incorporated to illustrate features of an example embodiment, like reference numerals are used to identify like parts throughout the Figures.

[0065] With reference to the Figures 1 A and IB, a wear part assembly according to an embodiment of the invention is shown, which includes a wear member in the form of a wear tooth 2 and a lock assembly 1. The wear tooth 2 is adapted to be releasably secured to an adapter 3 by the lock assembly 1. In these figures, part of the wear tooth 2 is hidden to show the various components and operation of the lock assembly 1.

[0066] Referring to Figure 2, an alternative wear member is shown in the form of a wearable edge 2a suitable for fitting to an edge of a bucket or other similar equipment. The edge of the bucket includes a retaining portion 3 a to which the wearable edge 2a can be secured using a lock assembly 1.

[0067] The lock assembly 1 can be the same as that shown in Figures 1 A and IB, but fits within the top of the wearable edge 2a, as opposed to the sides of the wear tooth 2. In general, throughout the remainder of the description, it will be appreciated that references to the wear tooth 2 and adapter 3 can equally apply to the wear member 2a and retaining portion 3a.

[0068] Referring to Figures 3 A and 3B, the lock assembly 1 includes a body 4 and a protruding member 5 that is adapted to selectively protrude from the body 4. An operating mechanism can effect movement of the protruding member 5 between a protruded or locked position and a withdrawn or unlocked position.

[0069] A biasing element 14 is adapted to normally bias the protruding member 5 towards the locked position, as shown in Figures 5A and 5B, wherein the protruding member 5 extends outwards of the body 4. The operating mechanism can move the protruding member 5 against the force of the biasing element 14 to the unlocked position, as shown in Figures 6 A and 6B.

[0070] The wear part assembly 1, 2 is preferably provided with the lock assembly 1 in a loaded position, as shown in Figures 10A and 10B. In this position, the wear tooth 2 can be fitted to the adapter 3. To achieve this position, the lock assembly 1 is inserted within a retaining aperture 15 of the wear tooth 2 and the retaining aperture 15 cooperates with the body 4 and the protruding member 5 to hold the lock assembly 1 in the loaded position.

[0071] This embodiment of the invention is advantageous because the ability to provide the wear tooth with lock assembly already in a loaded position greatly reduces the complexity and time required for locking the components together. The wear tooth can simply be fitted to the nose as it is provided, with the lock assembly being moved into a locked position being then greatly simplified.

[0072] In some embodiments, this movement of the lock assembly may be possible by hand, without any required tools at all. In other embodiments, however, a slightly different design of the lock assembly may require the operation to be performed using a tool. These variations will be described in more detail below, as each embodiment has its own advantages and disadvantages.

[0073] Wear components such as these are often changed on a regular basis, sometimes multiple times per day. Any time spent replacing wear components reduces the time the machine can be in use. Therefore, any reduction in time spent changing out wear components will result in production benefits. As such, this simplification of fitting the new wear components, whether requiring tools or not, is very advantageous.

[0074] A number of other example features will now be described, which are included in the embodiment shown in the Figures, but may not be provided in some alternative embodiments or may be provided in a different form in various other alternative embodiments.

[0075] A lock assembly, a first embodiment of which is shown in Figures 1 A and IB, and which is generally designated by the numeral 1, may typically be used to secure an excavator wear tooth 2 to the nose 3 of an excavator.

[0076] It should be appreciated, however, that the lock assembly 1 in accordance with the present invention is not necessarily limited to locking these two particular types of components together. For example, Figure 2 shows use with an alternative wear member 2a, but yet other types of components will also be possible. That is, the lock assembly 1 of the present invention may be used to attach or lock any two components to each other in a secure manner, so that they may also be easily released from being locked together. That is, the lock assembly 1 may be used to secure a first member to a second member.

[0077] The lock assembly 1, and as also shown in Figures 3 to 6, includes a main body 4, a protruding member 5, and, an operating mechanism (to be described hereinafter). The protruding member 5 is adapted to selectively protrude from within the body 4. The protruding member 5 interacts with one or more cavities in the first member 2 and/or the second member 3 to thereby retain the body 4, as will be described in detail below.

[0078] A variety of operating mechanisms may be embodied to effect movement of the protruding member 5 between a protruded or locked position, wherein an end of the protruding member 5 is biased or otherwise positioned to extend outwards from the body 4, and, a withdrawn or unlocked position, wherein the end of the protruding member 5 is substantially withdrawn into the body 4. In the withdrawn position (as shown in Figures 6A and 6B), the end face of the protruding member 5 is substantially aligned with or behind the face of the body 4. [0079] In a preferred but non-limiting form, as illustrated in the figures, the operating mechanism is operated by a crank 9 which is rotated to effect movement of the protruding member 5. The protruding member 5 is translated between the protruded or locked position as shown in Figures 5 A and 5B, and, the withdrawn or unlocked position as shown in Figures 6 A and 6B.

[0080] Persons skilled in the art will recognise a variety of cooperating mechanisms by which this function may be achieved in alternative embodiments. For example, each of the crank and the protruding member may have cooperating gears thereon which engage, such that rotation of the crank 9 effects lineal outward/inward movement of the protruding member 5 from the body 4.

[0081] Referring to the preferred embodiment as shown in the figures, in particular to Figures 7 and 8, an end 10 of the crank 9 is provided with a finger 11 that is received within a cooperating slot 12 of the protruding member 5. In this way, rotational movement of the crank 9 means the protruding member 5 is linearly moved between the protruded and withdrawn positions. That is, rotation of the crank 9 causes the finger 11 to slide along the slot 12, while simultaneously causing the slot 12 to move laterally, or in other words, causing the protruding member 5 to move in a longitudinal direction.

[0082] In the embodiment shown, the slot 12 is sufficiently long that an“over-centre” arrangement is created. This means that the crank 9 can be moved beyond a point where the protruding member 5 is moved a maximum amount in a particular direction. For example, the crank 9 can be rotated to move the protruding member 5 to the protruded position, but then the finger 11 has not yet reached the end of the slot 12, so the crank 9 can be rotated further. Once in this position slightly beyond the completely protruded position, attempts to force the protruded member 5 inwardly will simply force the finger 11 into the end of the slot 12, so that the protruded member 5 is effectively locked in this position. Similarly, the protruded member 5 can be held in the withdrawn position against the force of the biasing element 14.

[0083] In this embodiment, it will typically be necessary for a tool to be used to move the protruding member in both an inward and outward manner. That is, a tool will be required for both installation and removal of the lock assembly. Such an arrangement may also not require any biasing means to bias the protruding member in any particular direction, however this will typically still be used.

[0084] In an alternative embodiment, the slot 12 may also be a different shape, to further assist with the locking of the protruding member 5 in a particular position. In any event, however, the over-centre arrangement may be desirable as a safety feature, to make certain that the protruding member cannot be withdrawn accidentally during use of the wear assembly.

[0085] In yet other alternative embodiments, however, the slot 12 may be shorter, so that the over-centre arrangement is not created. This allows the protruding member 5 to be withdrawn by simply applying a force inwardly. This may be advantageous as it allows the lock assembly 1 to be installed by hand, but requires an overall design that ensures the protruding member 5 cannot be withdrawn accidentally after installation.

[0086] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the crank 9 is retained within the body 4. The crank 9 includes a hex opening 13 in a top surface for receiving an appropriate tool, such as a hex key 30 as shown in Figures 3 A and 4A, or a socket 31 as shown in Figures 3B and 4B. It will be appreciated that alternative embodiments may have a crank with a different top surface to be operated by other appropriate tools as may be desired.

[0087] The lock assembly 1 also incorporates a biasing means to bias the protruding member 5 into the protruded or locked position such that it is normally forced into the outward position such as shown in Figures 3A and 3B, and Figures 5A and 5B. The biasing means includes a biasing element 14 that is embodied in the form of a resiliently deformable material such as rubber or the like.

[0088] The material chosen for the biasing element 14 may have predetermined characteristics to enable an appropriate amount of resiliency such that the lock assembly may be inserted by hand into position once the first members and second members are aligned and ready to receive the lock. The biasing means may, for example, be formed of a rubber or like material which provides an appropriate amount of springiness. Being of rubber or like non-metal material also eliminates the need for lubricants. It also then fills the cavity to prevent the ingress of dirt or other foreign materials.

[0089] Specialised rubber material to suit operation in various temperatures may be chosen. For example, in extremely cold environments, rubbers able to sustain extremely cold temperatures whilst still retaining their rubberiness/springiness are best used.

Preferably, the rubber material is adapted to operate at a wide temperature range, such as, but not limited to -45°C to +150°C.

[0090] Likewise, the components of the lock assembly 1, including either or both of the main body 4 and the protruding member 5 are preferably chosen to minimise corrosion which could then result in difficulty in the sliding operation of the components. As such, corrosion resistant materials, to minimise pitting type corrosion, are preferably used.

[0091] As shown in the figures, particularly Figures 5A and 5B for example, the body 4 of the lock mechanism 1 may be described to include a pivoting portion 6, a base portion 7, and a retaining portion 8.

[0092] Referring to Figures 10A and 10B, the first member or wear tooth 2 may be provided with the locking mechanism in a first position or loaded position. In this position, the base portion 7 is substantially inserted within a retaining aperture 15 of the wear tooth 2, so that a lower surface of the base portion 7 is substantially aligned with an inner surface of the wear tooth 2. That is, when in the loaded position the base portion 7 does not protrude from the inside of the retaining aperture 15 of the wear tooth 2.

[0093] An equivalent loaded position can also be used for the wear member 2a and the retaining portion 3a, as shown in Figures IOC and 10D. Once again, the base portion 7 is substantially inserted within a retaining aperture 15 of the wear member 2a, so that a lower surface of the base portion 7 is substantially aligned with an inner surface of the wear member 2a.

[0094] When in the loaded position, the protruding member 5 extends into a first cavity 16 formed within the retaining aperture 15 of the wear tooth 2 (or wear member 2a). A concave surface 18 of the pivoting portion 6 of the body 4 abuts a convex surface 19 on an opposing side of the retaining aperture 15. The locking mechanism 1 is thereby locked from being removed from the wear tooth 2 by the protruding member 5 and concave surface 18 at respective ends of the body 4 interacting with various parts of the retaining aperture 15 in the wear tooth 2.

[0095] To place the lock assembly 1 in the loaded position, which would typically but not necessarily occur prior to the wear tooth 2 being fitted to the nose 3, the pivoting end 6 of the body 4 is first inserted into the retaining aperture 15 so that the concave surface 18 abuts the convex surface 19 of the retaining aperture 15. The body 4 is then rotated about the pivoting end 6 so that the base portion 7 enters the retaining aperture 15.

[0096] The concave surface 18 and convex surface 19 have cooperating shapes to allow this rotation to occur in a smooth manner while also retaining the pivoting end 6 of the body 4 in the retaining aperture 15. In the embodiment in the figures the convex surface 19 has a smaller radius than the concave surface 18, however it will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments this may not be the case.

[0097] As the body 4 is rotated further into the retaining aperture 15, a bevel 20 of the protruding member 5 will contact the wear tooth 2, forcing the protruding member 5 into the body 4, against the force of the biasing element 14. Once the protruding member 5 reaches the first cavity 16, it is again forced outwardly by the biasing means into the cavity 16, preventing the body 4 from being moved back in the opposite direction.

[0098] This placing of the lock assembly 1 into the loaded position as described can be achieved by hand when the protruding member 5 and crank 9 are designed without the over-centre arrangement described previously. However, if they do have an over-centre design, the bevel 20 contacting the wear tooth 2 may not be able to force the protruding member 5 into the body, instead requiring a tool for this to occur.

[0099] With the lock assembly 1 in the loaded position, the wear tooth 2 is then placed onto the nose 3. When the wear tooth 2 is in position, the retaining aperture 15

substantially aligns with a retaining cavity 22 of the nose 3. [0100] The lock assembly 1 can then be moved from the loaded position to a locked position. This is achieved by rotating the lock assembly 1 about the pivoting end 6 so that the base portion 7 enters the retaining cavity 22 of the nose 3. This is shown in Figures 11 A and 1 IB. The same also applies to the wear member 2a and retaining portion 3a, as shown in Figures 11C and 1 ID.

[0101] Movement of the lock assembly 1 towards the locked position causes the wear tooth 2 (or wear member 2a) to force the protruding member 5 inwardly due to the bevel 20. Again, this is possible when there is no over-centre arrangement of the protruding member 5 and the crank 9, but in embodiments with an over-centre arrangement a tool may be required. In some particular embodiments, however, the first cavity 16 may not be deep enough for the protruding member 5 to completely extend out to the protruded position, thereby allowing the bevel 20 against the wear tooth 2 to force the protruding member 5 inwardly even if an over-centre arrangement is used.

[0102] Once in the locked position, the protruding member 5 then extends out into an inner cavity 23 provided in the wear tooth 2. In some alternative embodiments, however, the inner cavity may be provided in the nose or in both the nose and wear tooth. If the over centre arrangement of the protruding member 5 and crank 9 is used, a tool may be used to rotate the crank 9 beyond the protruded position, locking the protruding member 5 in the protruded position.

[0103] The body 4 is thereby adapted to snugly fit within the aligned retaining cavity 22 of the nose 3 and the retaining aperture 15 of the tooth 2, so that, when inserted in this position, it effectively abuts the walls of the aligned aperture/cavity to effectively impede any movement of the tooth relative to the nose, thereby effectively securing the

components together.

[0104] The base portion 7 of the body 4 is adapted to abut the inside of the retaining cavity 22 of the second member or nose 3 of the excavator. At least part of the pivoting portion 6 of the body 4 is adapted to bear against at least part of the retaining aperture 15 of the first member or wear tooth 2 to thereby secure the first member 2 to the second member 3. [0105] It will be appreciated that an operator may preferably, by hand, push the body 4 from the loaded position to the locked position against the bias of the biasing means 14. In doing so, the protruding member 5 is forced backwardly into the body 4 whilst the body 4 is being rotated into position. Then, once the protruding member 5 passes the inner cavity 23 formed in the wear tooth 2, the protruding member 5 then, under the force of the biasing means 14, be biased outwards to engage under the cavity 23 to thereby secure the first member to the second member.

[0106] It will therefore be understood by persons skilled in the art that the tooth is thereby securely fastened to the nose of the excavator, ready for use. That is, the shoulder about the retaining aperture of the wear tooth 2 then impedes the body 4 from being removed from the aligned cavity/aperture.

[0107] In some embodiments, such as that shown in Figure 1 A, a second wear component or wear cap 25 is provided in addition to the wear tooth 2. The wear cap 25 is also fitted to the nose 3 and is held in place by the wear tooth 2. That is, the wear cap 25 is fitted to the nose 3 prior to fitting the wear tooth 2. The wear cap 25, however, preferably does not require any additional locking or retaining devices, other than the fitting of the wear tooth 2

[0108] To fit the wear cap 25, it is slid onto the nose 3 so that hook portions 26 engage channels 27 of the nose 3. Similarly, corresponding upper projections 28 of the nose 3 fit within channels 29 of the wear cap 25, forming a coupling arrangement to secure the wear cap 25 in place on the nose 3.

[0109] Therefore, to secure the wear tooth to the nose of the excavator, the following steps are performed. Firstly, lock assembly 1 is inserted into the retaining aperture 15 of the wear tooth 2, preferably by hand. This is achieved by first inserting the pivoting end 6 of the body 4 so that the concave surface 18 abuts the convex surface 19 of the retaining aperture 15, then rotating the body 4 so that the opposite end enters the retaining aperture 15 until the protruding member 5 locks into the first cavity 16.

[0110] When it is desired to install the wear tooth on the nose, the wear cap is first fitted about the nose by sliding such that the inner protrusion engages with the channel on the nose. Next, the wear tooth is positioned about the nose of the excavator to substantially align the retaining aperture of the tooth with the retaining cavity of the nose. The lock assembly 1 is then further rotated so that it is inserted via the aperture into the cavity. This may be preferably done by hand, that is, without the need for any tools, etc.

[0111] With the locking mechanism having a protruding member biased to protrude from the body, the base portion of the body, the protruding member and the pivoting portion of the body together abut the retaining cavity and/or retaining aperture to thereby captively retain the lock assembly therein and thereby secure the wear tooth to the nose of the excavator.

[0112] In order to release the wear tooth from the nose of the excavator, the following steps may be performed. Firstly an appropriate tool such as a hex key 30, socket 31 or any other readily available and compatible tool may be inserted into a keyhole of the lock assembly 1 to access the crank 9. The tool may then be turned like a corkscrew, to operate the crank 9 of the operating mechanism to thereby effect withdrawal of the protruding member 5 into the body 4 against the bias of the biasing means 14. The tool may then be moved, by hand, in an arcuate manner to thereby rotate the lock assembly 1 out from the retaining cavity 22 and the retaining aperture 15.

[0113] Once the lock assembly is removed, the wear tooth may then be removed from the nose of the excavator. If desired, the wear cap can then also be removed.

[0114] While the preferred embodiment is described as including a second wear component, this is an optional feature that may not be included in some alternative embodiments.

[0115] It will therefore be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention provides a unique lock assembly which is quick and easy to use and which requires no specialised tooling. That is, no tooling is required for insertion of the lock assembly to thereby secure the tooth to the nose of the excavator and only a commonly available tool as would already exist in most workshops is required to remove the lock assembly to thereby effect removal of the wear tooth from the nose of the excavator. In some embodiments, however, such a commonly available tool may also be required for insertion of the lock assembly.

[0116] Further, the ability to provide the first component or wear tooth already in a loaded position greatly reduces the complexity and time required for locking the components together.

[0117] The lock assembly itself may be provided with a plug or other covering over the operating mechanism to avoid the ingress of dirt and other material into the lock assembly. This covering may however be relatively easily perforated by a tool when removal of the locking device body is required. This would ensure that no dirt or other material falls into the hole where the operating mechanism is located whilst the excavator is in use.

[0118] In the foregoing description of preferred embodiments, specific terminology has been resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as“front” and“rear”,“inner” and“outer”,“above” and “below” and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

[0119] Whilst the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it will be understood that many modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All such variations and modifications should be considered to fall within the scope of the invention as broadly described and as claimed below.

[0120] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word“comprise”, and variations such as“comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. [0121] List of parts:

1 Lock assembly 14 Biasing element

2 Wear tooth (first member) 15 Retaining aperture

2a Wear member (first member) 16 First cavity

3 Nose (second member) 18 Concave surface

3a Retaining portion (second 19 Convex surface

member) 20 Bevel

4 Body (of lock assembly) 22 Retaining cavity

5 Protruding member 23 Inner cavity

6 Pivoting portion 25 Wear cap

7 Base portion 26 Hook portion

8 Retaining portion 27 Channel (of nose)

9 Crank 28 Upper projection

10 End (of crank) 29 Channel (of wear cap)

11 Finger (of crank) 30 Hex key

12 Slot (of protruding member) 31 Socket

13 Hex opening

Claims

The claims defining the present invention are as follows:

1. A lock assembly adapted to releasably secure a first member to a second member, the lock assembly comprising:

a body;

a protruding member, adapted to selectively protrude from the body;

an operating mechanism, to effect movement of the protruding member between a protruded position and a withdrawn position; and

a biasing element, adapted to normally bias the protruding member towards the protruded position wherein the protruding member extends outwards of the body,

wherein the lock assembly is adapted to be inserted within a retaining aperture of the first member and the retaining aperture cooperates with the body and the protruding member to hold the lock assembly in a loaded position whereby the first member can be fitted to the second member, and

wherein when the first member is fitted to the second member and a retaining cavity of the second member is aligned with the retaining aperture of the first member, the lock assembly is adapted to be moved from the loaded position to a locked position, such that in the locked position the body at least partially extends into the retaining cavity.

2. The lock assembly according to claim 1, wherein the body comprises a base portion, a retaining portion and a pivoting portion, wherein when in the locked position the base portion is adapted to be inserted within the retaining cavity of the second member, and the retaining portion and the pivoting portion are adapted to at least partially extend into the retaining aperture of the first member.

3. The lock assembly according to claim 2, wherein at least part of the pivoting portion of the body is adapted to bear against at least part of the retaining aperture, and at least part of the base portion is adapted to bear against at least part of the retaining cavity, to thereby secure the first member to the second member.

4. The lock assembly according to claim 3, wherein a convex surface of the retaining aperture bears against a concave surface of the pivoting portion of the body.

5. The lock assembly according to claim 4, wherein the protruding member extends from the retaining portion at a substantially opposite end of the body to the pivoting portion, wherein the body is retained in the retaining aperture by the protruding member at one end and the pivoting portion at the other end.

6. The lock assembly according to any one of claims 4 or 5, wherein the convex surface and the concave surface remain in contact while the body is rotated about the pivoting portion from the loaded position to the locked position.

7. The lock assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein to move the lock assembly from the loaded position to the locked position, the body is pushed, by hand or otherwise.

8. The lock assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first member is an excavator wear tooth and the second member is a nose of an excavator.

9. The lock assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protruding member, when in the protruded position, abuts the retaining aperture of the first member to retain the lock assembly in either the loaded or locked positions.

10. The lock assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protruding member comprises a gear, a slot, or other cooperating mechanism which cooperates with a crank, such that when the crank is turned or rotated, the end of the crank moves the protruding member between the protruded position and the withdrawn position.

11. The lock assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating mechanism comprises a slot formed in the protruding member which is adapted to be operated by a crank to effect engagement of a finger of the crank into the slot in the protruding member, such that when the crank is rotated about a longitudinal axis, the protruding member moves in a lineal manner in a direction substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis against the bias of the biasing element between the protruded position and the withdrawn position.

12. The lock assembly according to claim 11, wherein the crank is retained in the body in a rotatable manner in engagement with the protruding member.

13. The lock assembly according to claim 12, wherein the operating mechanism has an over-centre arrangement that can lock the protruding member in the protruded position.

14. The lock assembly according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the operating mechanism is operated by a tool which is rotated or otherwise moved to effect movement of the protruding member.

15. The lock assembly according to claim 14, whereby the tool is used as a lever to move the lock assembly in an arcuate manner to rotate the assembly out from the retaining cavity and retaining aperture.

16. The lock assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining aperture is shaped to cooperate with a bevel of the protruding member to force the protruding member inwardly against the biasing element as it is being moved from the loaded position to the locked position.

17. The lock assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body is adapted to receive a dirt plug therein that covers the operating mechanism.

18. A locking system, comprising:

a first member, comprising a retaining aperture;

a second member, comprising a retaining cavity; and

a lock assembly defined according to any one of the preceding claims.

19. The locking system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the first member is a wear tooth of an excavator, and the second member is a nose of an excavator to which the wear tooth is removably attached.

20. A method of securing a wear tooth to a nose of an excavator, the method comprising the steps of:

providing the wear tooth with a lock assembly fitted in a loaded position, the lock assembly being defined according to any one of claims 1 to 17;

positioning the wear tooth about the nose of the excavator, so as to substantially align a retaining aperture of the tooth with a retaining cavity of the nose; and moving the lock assembly from the loaded position to a locked position where it extends partially into the retaining cavity.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the lock assembly is moved to the locked position by a user pressing the body into the aperture/cavity by hand without the need for a key or other tool.

22. A wear part assembly, comprising a wear member and a lock assembly, the wear member being adapted to be releasably secured to an adapter by the lock assembly, the lock assembly comprising:

a body;

a protruding member, adapted to selectively protrude from the body;

wherein the wear part assembly is provided with the lock assembly in a loaded position in which the wear member can be fitted to the adapter and in which the lock assembly is inserted within a retaining aperture of the wear member and the retaining aperture cooperates with the body and the protruding member to hold the lock assembly in the loaded position.

23. The wear part assembly according to claim 22, wherein when the first wear member is fitted to the adapter and a retaining cavity of the adapter is aligned with the retaining aperture of the first wear member, the lock assembly is adapted to be moved from the loaded position to a locked position, such that in the locked position the body at least partially extends into the retaining cavity.

24. The wear part assembly according to claim 23, wherein the lock assembly is defined according to any one of claims 2 to 17.

25. The wear part assembly according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein a wear cap is configured to be fitted to the adapter prior to the wear member being fitted.

26. The wear part assembly according to claim 25, wherein the wear cap is held in place by the wear member.