Lock

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

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]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.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]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.BACKGROU...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent is for a locking system for excavating equipment that allows for easy installation and removal of locking elements without the need for a hammer. The system also provides good retention performance during operation.

Problems solved by technology

Excavating buckets or other digging devices or equipment are typically subject to harsh conditions.

Digging devices typically experience large forces during digging and excavation operations.

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.

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.

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