Lock, wear member and wear assembly having a lock

Abstract

A wear assembly for earth working equipment includes a base, a wear member including and a lock opening, and a lock mounted to the base to rotate between a hold position where the lock holds the wear member to the base and a release position where the lock enables the wear member to be removed or installed from or onto the base.

Description

[0001] In mining and construction, wear parts are commonly provided along the digging edge of excavating equipment, such as buckets for dragline machines, cable shovels, face shovels, hydraulic excavators, and the like. The wear parts may include teeth, shrouds, adapters, wing and shrouds. Such wear parts typically include a base, a wear member, and a lock to releasably hold the wear member to the base. The wear parts protect the underlying equipment from undue wear and, in some cases, also perform other functions such as breaking up the ground ahead of the digging edge. During use, the wear parts typically encounter heavy loading and highly abrasive conditions. As a result, they experience wear and must be periodically replaced.

[0002] Wear assemblies, usually comprise two or more components, such as a base (or adapter) that is secured to the digging edge, and a lock to situate a wear member that mounts on the base. Each component of the wear assembly experiences wear, but the wear member tends to wear out more quickly and is typically replaced with greater frequency than the base. One example of such a wear member (or wear part) is an excavating tooth that is attached to the lip of a bucket for an excavating machine to initiate contact with the ground. The excavating tooth typically includes an adapter secured to the lip of the bucket and a point attached to the adapter with a lock, a retainer, a pin or other kind of securing member. SUMMARY

[0003] Described below are implementations of locks and wear assemblies that address shortcomings in the prior art.

[0004] According to one implementation, a wear assembly for earth working equipment includes a base, a wear member including and a lock opening, and a lock mounted to the base to rotate between a hold position where the lock holds the wear member to the base and a release position where the lock enables the wear member to be removed or installed from or onto the base.

[0005] According to another implementation, a wear assembly for earth working equipment includes a base securable to the earth working equipment and including a base opening, a wear member including an external surface, a cavity to receive the base for supporting the wear member on the base, and a lock opening extending from the external surface to the cavity, and a lock mounted in the base opening to rotate between a hold position where the lock holds the wear member to the base and a release position where the lock enables the wear member to be removed or installed from or onto the base.

[0006] According to another implementation, a wear member for earth working equipment includes a body having an exterior surface, a cavity to receive a base for supporting the wear member on the earth working equipment, and a lock opening extending from the exterior surface to the cavity to receive a lock for holding the wear member to a base. The lock opening includes a first opening to receive the lock to hold the wear member to the base, a second opening, and a narrower middle opening that defines a passageway through which a pry tool can move from one of the first and second openings to the other of the first and second openings.

[0007] According to another implementation, a wear member for earth working equipment includes a body having a forward end, a rearward end, an exterior surface, a cavity opening in the rearward end to receive a base for supporting the wear member on the earth working equipment, and a lock opening extending from the exterior surface to the cavity to receive a lock for holding the wear member to a base. The lock opening includes a first opening, a second opening and a middle opening, where the middle opening is positioned between and communicates with the first and second openings to define a passageway through which a pry tool can move from one of the first and second openings to the other of the first and second openings. The middle opening is narrower than the first and second openings in a direction lateral to the movement of the pry bar through the passageway. The first opening is adapted to receive the lock to hold the wear member to the base.

[0008] According to another implementation, a wear member for earth working equipment includes a body having an exterior surface, a cavity opening to receive a base for supporting the wear member on the earth working equipment, and a lock opening extending from the exterior surface to the cavity to receive a lock for holding the wear member to a base. The lock opening includes a lock axis extending centrally through the lock opening from the exterior surface to the cavity. One of the walls includes a ramp surface inclined inward and away from the lock axis to define a ramp for moving the lock when the lock is moved between the hold and release positions.

[0009] According to another implementation, a wear member for earth working equipment includes a body having a forward end, a rearward end, an exterior surface, a cavity opening in the rearward end to receive a base for supporting the wear member on the earth working equipment, and a lock opening extending from the exterior surface to the cavity to receive a lock for holding the wear member to a base. The lock opening includes a rear bearing wall for contacting the wear member to prevent removal of the wear member from the base, a front wall facing the bearing wall, a pair of side walls each extending between the bearing wall and the front wall, and a lock axis extending centrally through the lock opening from the exterior surface to the cavity. One of the side walls includes a ramp surface inclined inward and away from the lock axis to define a ramp for moving the lock when the lock is moved between the hold and release positions.

[0010] According to another implementation, a lock for securing a wear member to a base on earth working equipment includes a lock member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lock member axis extending between the proximal and distal ends. The proximal end includes a base formation to enable the lock member to cooperate with a complementary structure on the base and rotate about an axis between a hold position where the lock member holds the wear member to the base and a release position where the lock member permits installation or removal of the wear member onto or from the base. The distal end includes a rear bearing surface to contact the wear member, a front bearing surface to contact the base, and side surfaces each extending between the bearing surface and the front surface. Each of the side surfaces includes an inclined surface to receive and contact a pry tool for moving the lock member between the hold and release positions, wherein each of the inclined surfaces are inclined toward the lock member axis in a direction from the distal end toward the proximal end.

[0011] According to another implementation, a lock for securing a wear member to a base on earth moving equipment includes a lock paddle having a proximal end, a distal end and a lock paddle axis extending between the proximal and distal ends. The proximal end has a protrusion generally transverse to the lock paddle axis and is configured to bear against a bearing surface in the base to allow the lock to be rotated about the proximal end. The lock is positionable with the proximal end of the lock paddle internal to the base and the distal end accessible from outside the base to rotate or pivot the lock member between hold and release positions.

[0012] According to another implementation, a wear member lock for earth working equipment includes a lock paddle having an elongate body with a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end is positionable to extend into the wear part in a locked position to prevent removal of the wear member. The lock paddle is engageable by a tool inserted through a side opening in the wear member. The lock also includes a spring assembly positioned to contact the proximal end of the lock paddle and exert an outward force tending to resist movement of the lock paddle inward toward the spring assembly. The lock paddle is urgeable by force applied to the distal end to overcome the outward force exerted by the spring assembly to rotate the lock paddle between the locked position and an unlocked position.

[0013] According to another implementation, a wear member assembly includes a wear member having a longitudinal axis from a forward end to a rearward end, an exterior surface, a base cavity at the rearward end, and a lock opening from the exterior surface of the cavity. The wear member assembly comprises a base to be mounted within the base cavity of the wear member, the base having a first side with a transverse first side opening, an adjoining cavity with a cavity opening, an adjoining recess and a recess opening on a second side of the base. The recess opening, the recess, the cavity opening, and the cavity are alignable with the lock opening of the wear member when the base and the wear member are assembled together. The wear member assembly further includes a lock paddle having an elongate body with a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the lock paddle is configured to be positioned with the proximal end movably received in the cavity of the base and with the distal end extending outwardly through the cavity opening and into at least into the recess. The lock paddle is spring-biased and movable between locked and unlocked positions. The distal end of lock paddle in the locked position extends through the recess and the recess opening of the base and into the lock opening of the wear member to bear against a bearing surface of the lock opening. The distal end of the lock paddle in the unlocked position is positioned within the recess and inward of the lock opening, allowing for removal of the wear member from the base without removing of the lock paddle from the base.

[0014] According to another implementation, a wear member comprises a body having a longitudinal axis from a forward end to rearward end, an exterior surface, a base cavity at the rearward end, and a lock opening from the exterior surface to the base cavity. The lock opening in the wear member comprises a lower lock opening, an upper lock opening and a middle lock opening, the middle lock opening being defined by a pair of opposing tangs that extend inwardly from a periphery of the lock opening and define a reduced opening portion. The opposing tangs separate the upper lock opening from the lower lock opening to define the middle lock opening.

[0015] According to another implementation, a base comprises a nose projecting outward to be mounted within a base cavity of a wear member, and a first side with a transverse first side opening, an adjoining cavity with a cavity opening to an adjoining lock paddle recess, and a recess opening on a second side of the base extending from a top of the base to the side. The cavity includes a forward wall and a rearward wall. The forward wall and the rearward wall have different side to side lengths and converge inwardly to capture a lock within the cavity.

[0016] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Fig. 1A is a perspective view of a wear assembly attached to earth working equipment.

[0018] Fig. 1B is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the wear assembly of Fig. 1 A.

[0019] Fig. 2A is an exploded perspective view of the wear assembly of Fig. 1B.

[0020] Fig. 2B is another exploded perspective view similar to Fig. 2A, except showing the lock assembly installed in the adaptor.

[0021] Fig. 3A is a lock side elevation view of the wear assembly of Fig. 1B.

[0022] Fig. 3B is an exploded, perspective view of the adaptor and the lock assembly of Fig. 2A showing the other side of the nose.

[0023] Fig. 4 is a top plan view of the wear assembly of Fig. 1B.

[0024] Fig. 5 is a longitudinal section view of the wear assembly in elevation, taken along the line 5-5 in Fig. 4.

[0025] Fig. 6 is a section view of the wear assembly, taken along the line 6-6 in Fig. 3A.

[0026] Fig. 7A is a section view of the wear assembly in elevation, taken along the line 7A-7A in Fig. 3A.

[0027] Figs. 7B-7E are additional section views similar to Fig. 7A, except showing the lock paddle and a tool interacting with the lock paddle in different positions.

[0028] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the lock assembly and installation tool shown in isolation.

[0029] Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the lock assembly and installation tool of Fig. 8.

[0030] Fig. 10 is another exploded perspective view of the lock assembly of Fig. 8 from a different vantage.

[0031] Fig. 11 is a section view of the wear assembly similar to Fig. 6, except with the lock assembly hidden from view.

[0032] Fig. 12 is a section view ofthe wear assembly in elevation similar to Figs. 7A-7E, except with the lock assembly hidden from view.

[0033] Fig. 13 is a section view ofthe wear assembly in elevation, taken along the line 13-13 in Fig. 3Aand with the lock assembly hidden from view.

[0034] Fig. 14 is a partial perspective view of an alternative wear assembly with a different lock opening and the lock omitted.

[0035] Fig. 15 is a side view of another alternative wear assembly with a different lock opening.

[0036] Fig. 16 is partial sectional view of another alternative wear assembly with a different tang construction.

[0037] Fig. 17 is a perspective view of an alternative spring member.

[0038] Fig. 18 is a perspective view of an alternative wear assembly attached to earth working equipment.

[0039] Fig. 19Aisan exploded perspective view ofthewearassembly of Fig. 18.

[0040] Fig. 19B is another exploded perspective view similar to Fig. 19A, except showing the lock assembly installed in the adaptor.

[0041] Fig. 20 is a side elevation view of the wear assembly of Fig. 18.

[0042] Fig. 21 is a section view ofthe wear assembly in elevation, taken along the line 21-21 in Fig. 20.

[0043] Fig. 22 is an exploded perspective view ofthe lock assembly and installation tool of Fig. 18. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The present disclosure pertains to a wear assembly for various kinds of earth working equipment including, for example, excavating equipment and ground conveying equipment. Excavating equipment is intended as a general term to refer to any of a variety of excavating machines used in mining, construction, dredge and other activities, and which, for example, include dragline machines, cable shovels, face shovels, backhoe excavators, hydraulic excavators, and dredge cutters. Excavating equipment also refers to the ground-engaging components of these machines such as the bucket or the cutterhead. The digging edge is that portion of the excavating equipment that leads the contact with the ground. One example of a digging edge is the lip of a bucket. Ground-conveying equipment is also intended as a general term to refer to a variety of equipment that is used to convey earthen material and which, for example, includes chutes and mining truck beds.

[0045] The illustrated wear assembly is a tooth suited for attachment to the digging edge of an excavating equipment. Nevertheless, certain aspects of the present disclosure are also suited for use in other digging edge components (e.g., shrouds) as well as other kinds of wear parts secured, e.g., along an expanse of a wear surface (e.g., runners).

[0046] Relative terms such as front, rear, top, bottom and the like are used for convenience of discussion. The terms front or forward are generally used to indicate the normal direction of travel during use (e.g., while digging), and upper or top are generally used as a reference to the surface over which the material passes when, for example, it is gathered into the bucket. Nevertheless, it is recognized that in the operation of various earth working machines the wear assemblies may be oriented in various ways and move in all kinds of directions during use. Horizonal or vertical are used for convenience of explanation with reference to the orientation of the assembly in Fig. 1A.

[0047] A wear assembly 10 for earth working equipment in accordance with the present disclosure includes a base 18, a wear member 14 mounted on the base and including a lock opening 40, and a lock member 80 mounted to the base 18 to rotate between a hold position where the lock member 80 holds the wear member 14 to the base 18 and a release position where the lock member 80 enables the wear member 14 to be removed or installed from or onto the base 18.

[0048] In one example, a wear assembly 10 in accordance with the present disclosure is an excavating tooth having a wear member 14 that releasably attaches to a base 18, i.e., point 14 is mounted on a forwardly projecting nose 20 of an adapter 18 and secured via a lock or lock assembly 16 (Figs. 2Aand 2B). The adapter 18 in turn mounts to a digging edge 12 of a bucket (Fig. 1A). The term wear assembly may be defined as a wear member, a base, and a lock, or any combination thereof; for instance, a base and a lock also define a wear assembly. Other components (e.g., intermediate adapters, wear caps, etc.) may also be included in a wear assembly.

[0049] Although the point 14 is referred to as the wear member in the illustrated example, the terms wear member and base are relative terms. For example, intermediate adapters and adapters also wear during use and periodically need replacement. Accordingly, a point can be the wear member that mounts on a base such as an intermediate adapter, adapter or nose of a cast lip. The intermediate adapter can be the wear member that mounts on a base such as an adapter or nose of a cast lip. The adapter can be the wear member that mounts on a base such as a lip of a bucket. Additionally, other wear assemblies (i.e., a wear member on a base) in accordance with the present disclosure are possible such as a point on a dredge cutter head, a shroud on a digging edge, a wear cap on an adapter, a runner on a bucket, chute or truck tray, and the like.

[0050] In the illustrated example, one instance of the lock assembly 16 is used to secure the point 14 to the adapter 18. In other examples, there may be wear assemblies having additional components and / or more than one lock assembly. In such a wear assembly, the same lock assembly 16 can be used exclusively, or locks having different constructions can be used.

[0051] The lock assembly 16 (also referred to as a lock) is positionable alternatively in (i) a locked or hold position (Figs. 1A, 1B, 3-7A) and (ii) a release position (Figs. 2B and 7D). In the hold position, the lock assembly 16 releasably secures the wear member 14 on the base 18. In the release position, the lock assembly 16 is situated out of the way so the wear member 14 can be installed on or removed from base 18.

[0052] The lock assembly 16 can be provided as a component of the base 18 when the base is shipped from a manufacturer, or the lock may be shipped separately and assembled together with the base at the customer location. The lock assembly 16 is preferably used multiple times to secure successive wear members. For example, lock 16 can be moved between the hold and release positions multiple times to allow successive worn wear members to be removed and replaced multiple times. Preferably, the lock lasts the lifetime of the base, though it could be replaced as needed. When a worn wear member is removed, it is typically replaced with a new wear member, but in some cases the lock can be adjusted to permit removal of the current wear member for reversed mounting (when having a design that permits it), inspection and / or service of the wear member and / or other parts of the assembly without removal of the lock assembly 16.

[0053] Although one representative tooth construction is shown, other tooth arrangements using some or all of the described aspects are possible. For example, the adapter 18 is shown as being welded to the lip 12, but it could be mechanically attached (e.g., by a Whisler-style lock assembly). In other examples, there can be an intermediate adapter between the adapter 18 and the point 14. In addition, the nose could be defined as an integral portion of the excavating equipment, such as an integral nose formed on a cast lip. In this application, for purposes of explanation, the adapter 18 is referred to as the base and the point 14 as the wear member, though both components wear and can be referred to as wear members or wear parts themselves. Herein, a wear assembly component (e.g., an intermediate adapter) may be referred to as either a wear member and / or base depending on whether in the context of the discussion the component is supporting a wear member and / or is itself being supported by a base.

[0054] The illustrated adapter 18 includes a pair of legs 19 that straddle and are welded to the lip 12 (Fig. 1A). For convenience of illustration, the adapter 18 is shown in Figs. 1B-6 with a truncated rearward portion (i.e., without the legs 19). Adapter 18 is used as an example base. Bases for other kinds of wear parts (e.g., shrouds, wear caps, runners, etc.) may include the lock and base cavity concepts described herein but have other different configurations suitable for their use. As examples only, adapter 18 includes legs and a nose but other kinds of bases may not include either.

[0055] As shown in Figs. 1B-2B, the point 14 and the adapter 18 are generally aligned along a common longitudinal axis 32, which is defined to extend in the Y direction. The point 14 (also called a tip) includes the cavity 54 (Fig. 5), which opens rearwardly to receive the nose 20, and which in this example defines the front end of the adapter 18 (Figs. 2Aand 2B). The cavity 54 and the nose 20 are illustrated as disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Patent Application 17 / 686,370 (published as US 2022 / 0290413), which is incorporated herein by reference, but other nose and cavity constructions could be used. As shown in, e.g., Figs. 1B, 4 and 5, the point 14 narrows to a front end 52 (Fig. 1B) configured to penetrate the ground. Point 14 is used as an example wear member. Wear members for other kinds of wear parts (e.g., shrouds, wear caps, runners, etc.) may include the lock opening concepts described herein but have other different configurations suitable fortheir use. As an example, only, point 14 narrows toward the front end but there may be no such narrowing in other kinds of wear members.

[0056] The base 18 includes a base cavity 62 (in nose 20) for receiving lock 16. The wear member 14 includes a lock opening 40 into which the lock 16 is received. When the wear member 14 is assembled on base 18, the lock opening 40 aligns with cavity 62 and cavity opening 63 such that the lock 16, received in the base 12, can be adjusted to releasably hold the wear member 14 to the base 18 and release the wear member 14 while maintained within the base cavity 62. In the illustrated embodiment, the lock 16 is used to releasably secure the point 14 to the adapter 18, and specifically, to the nose 20 of the adapter 18 (Figs. 2Aand 2B).

[0057] Referring to Figs. 2B, 3B, 6, and 7A-7E, and 11-13, the illustrated base 18 includes a cavity 62 defined within the nose 20. Cavity 62 opens on a first side 21A of nose 20 with a first side opening 64. The cavity 62 extends transversely from a first side 21A of the nose 20 to an internal opening 63 (Figs. 8 and 10) within the nose. The cavity 62 includes a lock paddle recess 65Athat extends from the internal opening 63 to a recess opening 65B on a second side 21B of the nose 20. Herein, “transverse” does not imply an exact ninety degree orientation but includes all directions extending across the longitudinal axis at any respective angle. The lock paddle recess 65A extends in an upward arced direction in the illustrated example, but other configurations are possible, such as the downward direction shown in Figs. 18-21.

[0058] With specific reference to Figs. 11-13, which show the wear assembly without the lock assembly installed, it can be seen that the cavity 62 has a lower wall 71 A, an upper wall 71B, a forward wall 71C and a rear wall 71D. Within the cavity 62, there is a cavity transition 69A at which point the cavity 62 changes in cross section, with the upper wall 71B intersecting an inclined surface 69B and extending upwardly and outwardly along the inclined surface 69B from the cavity transition 69Ato the cavity opening 63.

[0059] As shown in Figs. 6 and 11-13, the cavity opening 63 within the nose 20 is defined between internal shoulders 131 A, 131B where the cavity 62 narrows in the Y-direction and broadens in the Z-direction. In the illustrated example, the cavity opening 63 is obliquely angled relative to the longitudinal axis 32. Stated differently, the forward wall 71C and the rear wall 71D, which extend from the first side opening 64 to the cavity opening 63, have different lengths, but other configurations are possible. In the illustrated example, the rear wall 71D is greater in length than the forward wall 71C such that shoulders 131 A, 131B are axially offset with rear shoulder 131B being laterally outward of front shoulder 131 A. From the cavity opening 63, the lock paddle recess 65A extends predominately outwardly in a horizontal direction defined by a lower surface that may be parallel with the lower wall 71A of the cavity 62 at a lower extent and opposite an upper end of the inclined surface 69B at an upper extent, to the recess opening 65B on the second side 21B of the nose 20, as shown in Figs. 2A, 2B, 7A-7E and 12.

[0060] Referring to Fig. 3B, the first side opening 64 in the illustrated example has a forward end 67A with a rounded protruding tip and a rectangular-shaped rear end 67B, but other shapes, including a regular rectangular shape, are possible. In the illustrated implementation, the cavity 62 has a cross-sectional shape generally similar to the shape of the first side opening 64 from the first side opening 64 to the cavity transition 69A, except where a groove 70 is formed in each of the upper wall 71B and the lower wall 71A, as shown in Figs. 3B, 6 and 7A, but other configurations are possible. The grooves 70 are described below in more detail. The first side opening 64 and the cavity 62 are shaped to receive the lock assembly 16, preferably in only one orientation, as is described below in more detail.

[0061] Within the cavity 62 in the area of the shoulders 131 A, 131B, respective lock bearing surfaces 66A, 66B are defined. As shown in Figs. 6, 7A-7E and 11-13, the lock bearing surfaces 66A, 66B are shown as being generally curved but they could be or include flat angled surfaces or have other shapes. In the illustrated example, the rear lock bearing surface 66B is situated laterally outward of the forward lock bearing surface 66A, but other configurations are possible. Thus, as shown in Fig. 11, the cavity opening 63 is smaller in the longitudinal (Y) direction than the first side opening 64.

[0062] The first side opening 64 is shaped to receive the lock assembly 16 inserted from the first side 21A to allow the lock assembly 16 to be installed in and removed from the adapter 18 in only one direction (due to the size and shape differences), as is described below in more detail.

[0063] Referring to Fig. 5, the point 14 has an exterior surface 15 and a generally wedgeshaped configuration with a top wall 36 and a bottom wall 38 (Fig. 5) that converge to the narrow front end 52 to engage and penetrate the ground during operation of the equipment. The cavity 54 opens in a rear end or mounting section 53 of the point 14 for receiving the nose 20. Cavity 54 has a shape that complements the nose 20. As shown, e.g., in Fig. 2A, the nose 20 of the adapter 18 includes a body 22 having a front end 24 with a five-sided configuration defined by a lower surface 26, outwardly inclined surfaces 28 and inwardly inclined surfaces 30 (Fig. 2A). While one example nose and cavity construction are shown, they could have a wide variety of configurations.

[0064] In this one example, as described in US 2022 / 0290413, the cavity 54 includes stabilizing surfaces. The stabilizing surfaces extend substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis 32 (Fig. 1B) of the cavity 54 for improved stability under vertical loads (i.e., loads that include a vertical component). The term “substantially parallel” in this application means actually parallel or at a small diverging angle (i.e., about 7 degrees or less). Thus, the stabilizing surfaces of the cavity axially extend at an angle(s) of about 7 degrees or less relative to the longitudinal axis 32. Preferably, the stabilizing surfaces axially diverge rearwardly from the longitudinal axis 32 at an angle(s) of about five degrees or less, and most preferably at an angle(s) of 2-3 degrees.

[0065] The stabilizing surfaces of the cavity 54 oppose and bear against complementary stabilizing surfaces on the nose 20. Stabilizing surfaces on the nose 20 are also substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 32 when the components are assembled together. The bearing of the stabilizing surfaces in the cavity 54 against the stabilizing surfaces on the nose 20 provides a stable mounting of the point 14 under vertical loads. Vertical loads applied to the front end 52 of the point 14 urge it (if not restricted by the nose 20 and the lock assembly 16) to roll forward and off of the nose 20. Stabilizing surfaces (i.e., surfaces that are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 32) resist this urge and provide a more stable mounting of the point 14 on the nose 20. A more stable mounting enables the use of a smaller lock and results in less internal wear between the parts.

[0066] As shown, e.g., in Figs. 1B, 2A, 2B, 6, 7A-7E and 11-13, the point 14 includes a lock opening 40 extending through the exterior surface 15 to the cavity 54 (Figs. 5 and 6). The lock opening 40 may be situated on either side of the point 14 or on both sides. The lock opening 40 is shaped to be aligned with the recess opening 65B and the lock paddle recess 65A in the nose 20 when the point 14 is in the assembled position on the nose 20, as shown, e.g., in Figs. 1B and 7A. In the illustrated example as shown in Fig. 7Aand 12, the lock opening 40 in the point 14 has a generally equal or greater vertical extent (in the Z direction) than the recess opening 65B (and the cavity opening 63), but other configurations are possible.

[0067] As shown in Fig. 3A, the lock opening 40 includes a first or lower opening (or lower lock opening) 44, a second or upper opening (or upper lock opening) 46, and a middle opening (or middle lock opening) 43 between the lower opening 44 and the upper opening 46. Although the first, middle and second openings are oriented vertically in a side wall in the illustrated examples, they could have different orientations and / or be located in different portions of the wear member and base. As shown in Fig. 7Aand 12, the lower lock opening 44 includes a lower wall 41, which in the illustrated example is generally aligned with the lowerwall 71 Aof the cavity 62 and the lock paddle recess 65A, but other configurations are possible, such as those discussed further below. The upper lock opening 46 is defined by an upper wall 47 in the point 14 that is generally aligned with the inclined surface 69B of the nose 20.

[0068] The lock opening 40 in the point 14 is used to access the lock assembly 16, to move the lock between hold and release positions, and receive the lock in the hold position. As shown in Fig. 7A, the lock opening 40 has a rear wall 72B (or side surface). As shown in Figs. 6 and 11, the rear wall 72B includes a bearing surface 130 that is configured to contact with the lock assembly 16 during digging to prevent loss of the point such as when, for example, the point 14 experiences pull-off forces with lock 16 in the hold position on the nose 20, as is described below in greater detail.

[0069] Referring to Figs. 3A, 6 and 7A, the lower lock opening 44 in the point 14 is shown occupied by a movable lock member of the lock assembly 16, referred to herein as a lock paddle 80, with a distal end 102 of the lock paddle 80 facing outwardly. In the illustrated example, the lower lock opening 44 and the upper lock opening 46 each have a width (Y-direction) at least as great as a width of the distal end 102 of the lock paddle 80, but other configurations are possible. The middle lock opening 43 has a narrower configuration (in the Y direction) and can be defined by at least one projection extending inwardly (see Fig. 14). Alternatively, a pair of projections or tangs 42 as illustrated in Fig. 3A can extend inwardly towards each other from forward and rear walls 72A, 72B to form the middle lock opening 43. The tangs 42 are illustrated as being rectangularly shaped as viewed from the side in elevation (Fig. 3A), but other configurations are possible. Other arrangements to define a narrower middle opening are also possible. The lock opening 40 can also be formed with no narrower middle portion (see Fig. 15). The narrower middle opening permits passage of a pry tool while preventing outward movement of the adjustable lock member 80.

[0070] Referring to Fig. 7A, a rear one of the pair of the tangs 42 is shown in elevation within the lock opening 40 between the lower lock opening 44 and the upper lock opening 46. As shown, each of the tangs 42 has a ramp 48 that slopes inwardly and upwardly and an adjacent rear surface 50 that extends generally vertically or at an angle to vertical (see Fig. 16). When rear surface 50 is at an angle (e.g., Fig. 16), tangs 42 the ramp is defined by two ramp surfaces 48, 50. Alternatively, ramp surface 48 could be omitted and include only inclined ramp surface 50. The ramp surfaces 48 and / or 50 could be flat (as shown) or curved. The ramp could be formed by one or more flat or curved surfaces or a continuously curved surface. The ramp 48 aids in the transition from the hold position to the release position, as explained in detail below. Nevertheless, the ramp(s) could be omitted.

[0071] In the illustrated example, when the lock assembly 16 is in alignment with the lower lock opening 44 (see, e.g., Figs. 3Aand Fig. 7A), the lock assembly 16 is in the hold position in which the point 14 is held onto the nose 20. When the lock assembly 16 is in alignment with the upper lock opening 46 (see, e.g., Figs. 2B and 7D), the lock assembly 16 is in the release position, and the point 14 can be removed from the nose 20 or installed on the nose. As also shown in Fig. 2B, the configuration of the adapter 18 with the lock assembly 16 installed and without the point 14 installed can be referred to as the “shipped” configuration or position to indicate that the base / adapter and the lock assembly may be shipped together as one piece.

[0072] The lock assembly can be spring-biased. Referring to Figs. 8-10, the lock assembly 16 in the illustrated example includes a spring assembly 82, a retaining clip 84 and a lock member or paddle 80. The spring assembly 82 includes a spring member 86 and plates 88, 90 positioned at respective ends 87A, 87B of the spring member 86. The spring member 86 can be formed from an elastomer, e.g., an elastic material such as natural rubber, synthetic rubber, metal, and others, or combinations thereof that exhibit elastic behaviorwhen loaded. The spring member may have other configurations such as a coil spring in a compressible material, bevel springs, etc. The plates 88, 90 can be formed of steel or another material more durable and / or harder than the material of the spring member 86. If desired, the plates 88, 90 can be bonded to the spring member 86 during its forming (e.g., by vulcanization, adhesive or other process) to produce the spring assembly 82 in fewer steps, or they can be provided as separate components.

[0073] The plate 88 is positioned between the spring member 86 and the lock paddle 80. The plate 88 has an upper surface 91 that is shaped to define a tool recess 93. The tool recess 93 is shaped to receive a tool, such as a pry bar 140 as shown in Fig. 7E and described below in more detail. As shown in Fig. 10, the plate 88 has a relief 89 defined in a side surface thereof to accommodate a portion of a protrusion 108 on the lock paddle 80, as described below in greater detail.

[0074] The plate 90 positioned between the spring member 86 and the retaining clip 84 can have a tool opening 92 (or recess) formed in a side surface thereof. The tool opening 92 can accommodate a portion of a tool T used to engage a drive opening 94 of the retaining clip 84 and to provide a space within which the tool T can rotate. In the illustrated example, the plates 88, 90 have different configurations, but the plates 88, 90 can have a common configuration so that the spring assembly 82 could be used in either orientation for easier installation and fewer unique parts (Fig. 17).

[0075] The spring assembly 82 has an outer surface 79 (Fig. 3B) that fits within the first side opening 64 and into cavity 62, and preferably corresponds in shape to the first side opening 64 and the portion of cavity 62 adjacent opening 64. Thus, in the illustrated example, the spring assembly 82 is substantially rectangularly shaped with a protruding rounded tip 90 on the outer surface 79 (Figs. 3B and 9).

[0076] The retaining clip 84 has a generally planar rectangular body with rounded corners, angled wings 96A extending from its longer sides, and shorter sides 96B between the longer sides, but other configurations are possible. In an insertion orientation as shown in Figs. 3B and 9, the retaining clip 84 has its longer sides and the wings 96A aligned with the outer surface 79 of the spring assembly 82, and thus is shaped to be inserted into (or removed from) the first side opening 64. As shown by the arrow in Fig. 9, the retaining clip 84 can be rotated, such as by 90 degrees, to an assembled orientation as shown in Figs. 7A-7E, 8 and 10. In the assembled orientation as shown, e.g., in Fig. 7A, the shorter sides 96B of the retaining clip 84 are received in the grooves 70 to retain the lock assembly 16 in place within the nose 20. The wings 96A are sized to project into the cavity 62 between the upper wall 71B and the lower wall 71Ato resist rotation of the retaining clip 84 out of the assembled position.

[0077] As described, the retaining clip 84 is configured to be rotated using a tool, such as the tool T, that is adapted to engage the retaining clip 84. In addition to rotation, the tool T can be used to apply axial force along the assembly axis 33 to compress the spring member 86.

[0078] The lock member or paddle 80 preferably has a T-shaped body 81 with a proximal end 100 and a distal end 102. In the illustrated example, the lock paddle 80 has a tool recess 111 extending from the proximal end 100 to the distal end 102 defined in an upper surface 85 thereof. The tool recess 111 is shaped to receive the pry bar 140. Preferably tool recess 111 is shaped and oriented to enable the pry tool (such as a pry bar) to clear an adjacent component (e.g., an adjacent point or shroud) when the paddle is moved between the hold and release positions. In the illustrated example, the proximal end 100 is flat and the distal end 102 is shown as flat, but other configurations are possible, e.g. the distal end may be inclined, bi-angular, or curved (see Fig. 16).

[0079] Adjacent the proximal end 100, the lock paddle body 81 has the protrusion 108 protruding from a rear side surface 83B. There is also an opposing protrusion 106 extending from a front side surface 83A. The protrusions 106,108 are illustrated as having rounded outer surfaces 125, 127, respectively, but other shapes are possible. In the illustrated example, the protrusion 106 is smaller than protrusion 108, so the protrusion 106 has a smaller radius of curvature than the protrusion 108, but the relative sizes could be reversed, or the protrusions could be the same in size. In the illustrated example, the protrusions 106,108 define respective rotation axes that are offset from each other along a lock paddle axis 99. The protrusion 108 may be larger to better accommodate the pull off loads received by the lock 16. The smaller protrusion 106 may reduce nose stress and aid in the camming of the lock. Also, the protrusion 108 can be formed to have a large radius and ample material, and the corresponding rear lock bearing surface 66B can have a large blend, so as to resist stresses in these areas encountered when a pull-off force occurs. Because the protrusion 106 does not experience significant ejection loading during use ofthe wear assembly, the protrusion 106 can be made smaller than the protrusion 108. A smaller protrusion 106 allows the corresponding forward lock bearing surface 66Ato be kept to a smaller radius, which decreases the size ofthe void occurring in a smaller cross-sectional area of the nose, thereby lowering stress concentrations in that area. While one example construction is shown and described, the protrusions can have varied shapes and sizes. The mounting arrangements to provide rotation or pivotal movement for the lock member 80 in base 18 disclosed herein are examples only and could be formed in a wide variety of ways.

[0080] Referring to Fig. 6, the protrusion 106 can be shaped to bear against the forward lock bearing surface 66A formed in the cavity 62. Similarly, the protrusion 108 can be shaped to bear against the rear lock bearing surface 66B formed in the cavity 62. The forward lock bearing surface 66A and the rear lock bearing surface 66B can have respective curved shapes (concave) complementary to the rounded outer (convex) surfaces 125, 127 ofthe protrusions 106, 108 that permit rotating of the lock member, but other configurations are possible. The lock member 80 can be rotated about the axis defined by protrusions 106, 108, i.e., rotating relative to the respective bearing surfaces 66A, 66B, to move the lock member 80 between the hold position and the release position. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 7A-7E, the lock member 80 also translates inward so that the distal end clears tangs 42 when moving between the release and hold positions. The lock member could be set to only rotate such as where the tangs are omitted (see Fig. 15). Other designs could include lock members that rotate in other ways (with or without translation) between the release and hold positions. The proximal end of the lock member could have a construction other than protrusions to provide rotation of the lock member. As examples only, the proximal end wall could include a concave surface to engage a convex surface on the base (or vice versa), recesses could be formed in the lock member to engage protrusions formed on the base, etc. In any such alternative designs, the lock member could simply rotate between the release and hold positions, or the lock member could rotate and translate (as it does in the illustrated embodiment) during its movement between the release and hold positions.

[0081] At the proximal end 100 of the lock paddle 80, there is an end surface 114 that is approximately normal to a lock paddle axis 99 and an adjacent angled surface 116 that is obliquely angled with respect to the lock paddle axis 99 (Fig. 9) and located between the end surface 114 and the upper surface 85. The end surface 114 (Fig. 9) contacts the plate 88 when the lock 16 is in the hold position (Fig. 7A), with a portion of the protrusion 108 being received in the relief 89 in the plate 88. Similarly, the angled surface 116 (Fig. 9) contacts the plate 88 when the lock 16 is in the release position (Fig. 7D), with a portion of the protrusion 108 being received in the relief 89.

[0082] The T-shaped body 81 includes a bearing surface 110 extending along its rear side surface 83B in a generally vertical orientation when in the hold position, though other orientations are possible Referring to Fig. 6, the bearing surface 110 is shown as a planar surface, but other configurations are possible. On a front side surface 83A of the lock paddle body 81, there is a front bearing surface 112 to contact the base 18 to prevent removal of the wear member 14 from the base 18. In the illustrated example, the lock paddle body 81 has an asymmetrical cross section. The asymmetrical cross section of the lock paddle body 81 can contribute to a “poka yoke” design in which the lock paddle body 81 can only be inserted into the first side opening 64 / cavity 62 in one orientation, thereby eliminating problems associated with improper assembly. Nevertheless, the lock 16 could be symmetrical. The distal end 102 comprises an end surface 83C, which is preferably a planar surface, and an angled surface 83D that defines an oblique angle relative to the end surface 83C. The end surface 83C and angled surface 83D, in other embodiments be a single curved surface to allow for easier manipulation about the tangs.

[0083] To install the lock 16 in base 18, the lock paddle 80 is first inserted into the first side opening 64 and guided along an assembly axis 33 into the assembled position within the cavity 62, with the protrusions 106, 108 abutting against the respective lock bearing surfaces 66A, 66B within the cavity 62, and the distal end 102 extending through the cavity opening 63 and into the lock paddle recess 65A. In the assembled position, the lock paddle 80 extends into the lock paddle recess 65A, but the lock paddle 80 cannot be inserted into the cavity 62 from the second side 21B, which simplifies installation. Next, the spring assembly 82 is appropriately aligned and then inserted through the first side opening 64 (because of the same outer surfaces only a single orientation is permitted). Once the lock paddle 80 and spring assembly 82 are installed in the cavity 62, the retaining clip 84 is installed through the first side opening 64 in a lengthwise fashion, such as with the tool T (Fig. 3B). The retaining clip 84 is urged against the spring assembly 82 to compress it, and then rotated until the shorter sides 96B of clip 84 are positioned in the grooves 70. The wings 96A engage the cavity 62 between the upper wall 71B and the lower wall 71A. The retaining clip 84 can compress the spring member 86 slightly to establish a preload force acting outwardly on the lock paddle 80 and retaining the lock paddle 80 and the spring assembly 82 in place and forcing the protrusions 106,108 into the lock bearing surfaces 66A, 66B. but this is not needed. Although the illustrated lock components are installed separately, the lock components can be joined together for a unified installation of lock 16 into base 18.

[0084] There may be no need to uninstall the lock. Nevertheless, in the illustrated example, the lock can be uninstalled by rotating the retaining clip 84 back to its install position, moving it lengthwise with a tool (e.g., T), and removing the clip from the first side opening 64. The lock paddle 80 and spring assembly 82 may be pushed from the lock opening 40 on the second side 21B to move it out through the first side opening 64, either alone or together with the pushing the spring assembly 82 at the same time.

[0085] Fig. 6 shows the point 14 in place on the adapter 18 and locked in place (i.e., the lock assembly is in the hold position), which is the typical configuration for operation of the point. During operation, the lock paddle 80 is generally not subjected to front thrust loading because the forces are substantially withstood by the contact between the front end 24 of the nose 20 with the front surface 56 of the cavity 54. In some circumstances, the point 14 can experience a “pull-off’ force tending to pull the point 14 axially off of (or away from) the nose 20. In these circumstances, the lock paddle 80 resists the pull-off force with bearing surface 130 on point 14 contacting bearing surface 110 on lock member 80 and bearing surface 112 on lock member 80 contacting bearing surface 131 on adapter 18 to retain the point 14 on the nose 20.

[0086] In the hold position, also referred to as the locked position, the end surface 114 of the lock paddle 80 is contacted by the spring assembly 82 within the cavity 62 to urge the lock paddle 80 against the interior of the cavity 62 and resist the paddle from moving inward to avoid unintentionally moving to the release position (Figs. 6 and 7A). Specifically, the protrusions 106,108 of the lock paddle body 80 are urged into engagement with the respective lock bearing surfaces 66A, 66B. In addition, as shown in Fig. 7A, the distal end 102 of the lock paddle 80 extends outwardly into the lower lock opening 44, and the ramps 48 of the tangs 42 (with the bias of the spring member) prevent the lock paddle 80 from simply rotating upwardly (i.e., without also being pressed inwardly at the same time) by more than a small angle. The corner between flat 116 and end wall 114 on paddle 80 also helps resist rotation to the release position. Other arrangements could be used to releasably secure the lock member 80 in the release and hold positions. As one example, a biased detent could be provided.

[0087] The spring assembly 82 must be compressed to move the lock paddle 80 from either the hold position or the release position (e.g., adjusting the paddle so the spring assembly 82 goes from contacting the end surface 114 to the angled surface 116 (from the hold position to the release position), or from the angled surface 116 to the end surface 114 (from the release position to the hold position). Requiring an inward force to move the lock paddle 80 between positions helps guard against unintentional movement, e.g., to reduce the possibility that the lock paddle 80 in the hold position is inadvertently caused to move to the release position or vice versa.

[0088] To change from the hold position to the release position, the lock paddle 80 is rotated or pivoted upwardly from the position shown in Figs. 6 and 7Ato the position shown in Fig. 7D. The lock paddle 80 mounted to the base may rotate about a pivot axis or offset axes which are perpendicular to the lock paddle axis 99. During the upward rotation of the lock paddle 80, the lock paddle 80 is also moved axially inwardly along the lock paddle axis 99 to compress the spring member 86 as the proximal end 100 rotates from the end surface 114 contacting the spring assembly 82 to the angled surface 116 contacting the spring assembly 82. As a result, the distal end 102 is moved inwardly of the tangs 42 (Figs. 7B, 7C and 7D). Specifically, the ramps 48 and rear surfaces 50 of the tangs 42 (Fig. 7B) are configured to slidingly engage the distal end 102 and guide it. Fig. 7B shows the position of the lock paddle 80 following Fig. 7A, and after the distal end 102 has been urged with the pry bar 140 upwardly to develop sufficient force to cause the distal end 102 to first contact the ramps 48 and then slide along the ramps 48 while moving axially inward against the spring force. In Fig.7B, the distal end 102 has been moved past the ramps 48, where high compression of the spring member 86 and high spring force occurs. With further upward movement of the pry bar 140, the distal end 102 will transition to sliding along the rear surfaces 50, with the distal end 102 moving slightly outwardly as the spring member 86 elongates and the spring force lessens. Once the release position is reached (and the pry bar 140 is withdrawn) as shown in Fig. 7D, the distal end 102 does not extend out of the upper lock opening 46 of the point 14, so the point 14 can be removed from the nose 25. The lock assembly 16 remains in the nose 25 when the point 14 is removed.

[0089] In the illustrated example, a tool such as the pry bar 140 is shown being used to generate the force required to move the lock paddle 80 between the hold and release positions. Figs. 7B and 7C show cross-sections with the pry bar 140 being used to assist in moving the lock paddle 80 from the hold position to the release position. The pry bar 140 has a width sized to fit within the reduced-width portion in the middle lock opening 43 (Figs. 2Aand 3A) between the tangs 42 (Figs. 2A and 3A) so that continuous prying action can be applied. The paddle body 81 though is wider than the narrowed middle width opening 43. As also shown in Fig. 7C, the point 14 can be formed with a pocket 144 sized to receive an angled tip 142 of the pry bar 140 to assist a user in applying an upward prying force. In addition, the angled surface 146 provides space between the distal end 102 and the wall 41 for the tip 142 when the pry bar 140 is initially inserted and before it reaches the position shown in Fig. 7B.

[0090] In Fig. 7E, the pry bar 140 is shown being used to move the lock paddle 80 from the release position to the hold position. At the position shown in Fig. 7E, the lock paddle 80 has been urged downwardly and inwardly by the pry bar pressing down on the paddle 80 and the angled surface 83D sliding along the tops of tangs 43. The distal end 102 of the paddle slides along the rear surfaces 50 of the tangs 42. The tip 142 of the pry bar 140 has been inserted through the cavity opening 63, under the cavity transition 69A and into the tool recess 93 of the plate 88 to apply downward leverage on the lock paddle 80 within the tool recess 111. As shown in Fig. 7E, the spring member 86 is in a highly compressed state (i.e., shortened and expanded) and is developing substantial force. The ramp surfaces 48 (or 48, 50 in Fig. 16) help move and retain the lock paddle to the hold position.

[0091] When the lock paddle 80 is in the release position (Fig. 7D), the tool recess 111, together with an upper wall 47 of the upper lock opening 46, defines a space for receiving the tip 142 of the pry bar 140. Thereafter, as the lock paddle 80 is rotated downwardly, the pry bar 140 can be slid inwardly along the tool recess 93 to the position shown in Fig. 7E to achieve greater leverage.

[0092] In Figs. 18-21, an alternative wear assembly 210 is shown that is substantially similar to the example wear assembly 10 shown in Figs. 1-17 with the following noted exceptions, and like components are indicated by like reference numbers incremented by 200. As illustrated in Figure 18, the wear assembly 210 for earth working equipment in accordance with this alternative example includes a base 218, a wear member 214 mounted on the base and including a lock opening 240, and a lock member 280 mounted to the base 218 to rotate about a pivot axis between a hold position where the lock member 280 holds the wear member 214 to the base 218 and a release position where the lock member 280 enables the wear member 214 to be removed or installed from or onto the base 218. The illustrated base includes legs 219, but other wear parts are also envisioned, such as shrouds, wing shrouds, wear plates, and the like.

[0093] The base 218 includes a base cavity 262 (in nose 220) for receiving lock 216. The wear member 214 includes a lock opening 240 into which the lock 216 is received. When the wear member 214 is assembled on base 218, the lock opening 240 of the wear member at least partially aligns with a cavity 262 and cavity opening 263 in the base and such that the lock 216, received in the base 218, can be adjusted to releasably hold the wear member 214 to the base 218 and release the wear member 214 while maintained within the base cavity 262. The base cavity 262 opening on a first side 221A of nose 220 with a first side opening 264 extending transversely from the first side 221A of the nose 220 to an internal cavity 262 within the nose 220. The first side 221A of the cavity 262 beginning at the opening 264 includes threads 285. The threads 285 stop near the center of the cavity 262, but other configurations are possible. On the opposite side, the cavity 262 includes a lock paddle recess 265Athat extends from an internal opening 263 to a recess opening 265B on a second side 221B of the nose 220. The lock paddle recess 265A extends in a downward arced direction in the illustrated example, but other directions are possible. The cavity 262 has a lower wall 271 A, an upper wall 271B, a forward wall 271C and a rear wall 271D.

[0094] As shown in Fig. 20, the point 214 includes a lock opening 240 extending through the exterior surface 215 to the cavity. The lock opening 240 is shaped to be aligned with the recess opening 265B and the lock paddle recess 265A in the nose 220 when the point 214 is in the assembled position on the nose 220, as shown in Fig. 18. As shown, the lock opening 240 includes a first or lower opening (or lower lock opening) 244, a second or upper opening (or upper lock opening) 246, and a middle opening (or middle lock opening) 243 between the lower opening 244 and the upper opening 246. Although the first, middle, and second openings are oriented vertically downward in a side wall with the lower opening being near a bottom of the wear member 214.

[0095] As shown in Fig. 21A-21B, the lower lock opening 244 includes a lower wall 241, which in the illustrated example is generally angled downward to the lower wall 271A of the cavity 262 and the lock paddle recess 265A. The lower lock opening 244 is defined by a lower wall 271A in the point 214 that is generally aligned with the inclined surface 269B of the nose 220. The upper lock opening 246 is defined by an upper wall 247 in the point 214 that is generally aligned with the upper surface 271B of the nose 220. The upper wall 247 may be curved upward as illustrated where a portion of the wall 247 is not in alignment with the upper surface 271B of the nose.

[0096] Referring to Fig. 22, the lock assembly 16 in the illustrated example includes a spring assembly 282, a retaining screw 284 and a lock member or paddle 280. The spring assembly 282 includes a spring member 286 and plates 288, 290 positioned at respective ends 287A, 287B of the spring member 286. The plate 288 is positioned between the spring member 286 and the lock paddle 280. The plate 290 is positioned between the spring member 286 and the retaining screw 284. The retaining screw 284 has a tool opening 292 (or recess) formed in a side surface thereof. The tool opening 292 can accommodate a portion of a tool T used to drive the retaining screw 284 rotationally through threads 285 in the base cavity 262 on the first side opening 264. In the illustrated example, the plates 288, 290 have a common configuration, but other configurations are possible.

[0097] The retaining screw 284 has a generally cylindrical body with at least one thread, but other configurations are possible. In an insertion orientation as shown in Figs. 21A-21B, the retaining screw 284 puts inward pressure on the spring assembly 282 that in turn puts tension on the lock paddle 280. Once assembly with the point 214, the point 214 creates a stop that resists rotation outward of the retaining screw 284 out of the assembled position.

[0098] The lock member or paddle 280 preferably has a T-shaped body 281 with a proximal end 300 and a distal end 302. In the illustrated example, the lock paddle 280 is rotated 180 degrees from the lock paddle 80 as described above, such that a tool recess 311 extending from the proximal end 300 to the distal end 302 is defined in a lower surface 285 thereof, such that the release position is defined where the lock paddle 280 is located in the lower opening 244 and the lock position is defined where the lock paddle 280 is located in the upper opening 246.

[0099] To install the lock 216 in base 218, the lock paddle 280 is first inserted into the first side opening 264 and guided along an assembly axis 233 into the assembled position within the cavity 262, with the protrusions 306, 308 abutting against the respective lock bearing surfaces 266A, 266B within the cavity 262, and the distal end 102 extending through the cavity opening 263 and into the lock paddle recess 265A. In the assembled position, the lock paddle 280 extends into the lock paddle recess 265A, but the lock paddle 280 cannot be inserted into the cavity 262 from the second side 221B, which simplifies installation. Next, the spring assembly 282 is appropriately aligned and then inserted through the first side opening 264 (because of the same outer surfaces only a single orientation is permitted). Once the lock paddle 280 and spring assembly 282 are installed in the cavity 262, the retaining screw 284 is rotated into the threads 285 of first side opening 264 in a lengthwise fashion, such as with the tool T (Fig. 22). The retaining screw 284 is urged against the spring assembly 282 to compress it and may urge the lock paddle 280 into respective 266A, 266B lock bearing surfaces near the end of the cavity 262. The retaining screw 284 can compress the spring member 286 slightly to establish a preload force acting outwardly on the lock paddle 280 and retaining the lock paddle 280 and the spring assembly 282 in place and forcing the protrusions 306, 308 into the lock bearing surfaces 266A, 266B. but this is not needed. Although the illustrated lock components are installed separately, the lock components can be joined together for a unified installation of lock 216 into base 218.

[0100] For purposes of this description, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of examples of this disclosure are described herein. The disclosed apparatus and methods should not be construed as being limiting in any way. Instead, the present disclosure is directed toward all novel and nonobvious features and aspects of the various disclosed examples, alone and in various combinations and sub-combinations with one another. The apparatus and methods are not limited to any specific aspect or feature or combination thereof, nor do the disclosed examples require that any one or more specific advantages be present, or problems be solved.

[0101] Although the operations of some of the disclosed examples are described in a particular, sequential order for convenient presentation, it should be understood that this manner of description encompasses rearrangement, unless a particular ordering is required by specific language set forth below. For example, operations described sequentially may in some cases be rearranged or performed concurrently. Moreover, for the sake of simplicity, the attached figures may not show the various ways in which the disclosed methods and apparatus can be used in conjunction with other methods and apparatus.

[0102] As used in this application and in the claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the" include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, the term “includes” means “comprises.” Further, the term “coupled” generally means physically, mechanically, chemically, magnetically, and / or electrically coupled or linked and does not exclude the presence of intermediate elements between the coupled or associated items absent specific contrary language.

[0103] As used herein, “e.g.” means “for example,” and “i.e.” means “that is.”

[0104] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing angles, dimensions, quantities of components, forces, moments, percentages, times, comparisons (including equality and others), and so forth, as used in the specification or claims are to be understood as being modified by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, implicitly or explicitly, the numerical parameters set forth are approximations that can depend on the desired properties sought and / or limits of detection under test conditions / methods familiar to those of ordinary skill in the art. When directly and explicitly distinguishing examples from discussed prior art, the example numbers are not approximates unless the word “about” is recited.

[0105] Although various preferred examples of the disclosure are shown and described, it is to be distinctly understood that this disclosure is not limited thereto but may be variously embodied to practice within the scope of the following claims. From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A wear assembly for earth working equipment comprising:a base securable to the earth working equipment and including a base cavity,a wear member mounted on the base and including a lock opening; anda lock member is mounted in the base cavity to rotate between a hold position where the lock holds the wear member to the base and a release position where the lock enables the wear member to be removed or installed from or onto the base.

2. The wear assembly of claim 1 wherein the wear member includes an external surface and a cavity to receive the base for supporting the wear member on the base, and the lock opening extends from the external surface to the cavity.

3. The wear assembly of claim 1 or 2 wherein the lock member includes a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being received in the base cavity and including a formation about which the lock rotates between the hold position and the release position.

4. The wear assembly of any one of claims 1 -3 wherein the lock member also translates when moving between the release and hold positions, and the wear assembly includes a spring member to bias the lock member outward to resist inward translation of the lock member.

5. Awear member for earth working equipment comprising:a body having an exterior surface;a cavity opening to receive a base for supporting the wear member on the earth working equipment; anda lock opening extending from the exterior surface to the cavity to receive a lock member for holding the wear member to a base, wherein the lock opening includes a first opening, a second opening and a middle opening, the middle opening being positioned between and communicating with the first and second openings to define a passageway through which a pry tool can move from one of the first and second openings to the other of the first and second openings, the middle opening being narrower than the first and second openings in a direction lateral to the movement of the pry tool through the passageway, and the first opening being adapted to receive the lock member to hold the wear member to the base.

6. The wear member of claim 5 wherein the lock opening includes a bearing surface to contact the lock member to hold the wear member to the base.

7. The wear member of claim 6 wherein the body includes a top surface and a bottom surface vertically spaced from the top surface, and the first opening is located below the second opening.

8. Awear member for earth working equipment comprising:a body having an exterior surface;a cavity opening to receive a base for supporting the wear member on the earth working equipment; anda lock opening extending from the exterior surface to the cavity to receive a lock member for holding the wear member to a base, the lock opening including a lock axis extending centrally through the lock opening from the exterior surface to the cavity, wherein one wall of the lock opening includes a ramp surface inclined inward and away from the lock axis to define a ramp for moving the lock when the lock is moved between the hold and release positions.

9. The wear member of claim 8 wherein the lock opening includes a bearing wall for contacting the lock member to prevent removal of the wear member from the base, a front wall facing the bearing wall, and a pair of side walls each extending between the bearing wall and the front wall, and one of the side walls includes the ramp surface.

10. The wear member of claim 8 or 9 wherein the side wall opposite the side wall with the ramp includes a recess for receiving a pry tool to the lock from the hold position to the release position.

11. The wear member of any one of claims 8-10 wherein the lock opening includes a first opening which includes the bearing surface, the opposite wall and side walls, a second opening, and a middle opening, the middle opening being positioned between and communicating with the first and second openings to define a passageway through which a pry tool can move from one of the first and second openings to the other of the first and second openings, the middle opening being narrower than the first and second openings in a direction lateral to the movement of the pry tool through the passageway, and one of the first and second openings being adapted to receive the lock to hold the wear member to the base.

12. The wear member of claim 5 or 11 including a pair of opposing tangs that extend inwardly from a periphery of the lock opening to define the narrower middle opening and separate the first lock opening from the second lock opening.

13. A lock for securing a wear member to a base on earth moving equipment, comprising:a lock paddle having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lock paddle axis extending between the proximal and distal ends; andthe proximal end having a protrusion extending generally transverse to the lock paddle axis and configured to bear against a bearing surface in the base to allow the lock to be pivoted about the proximal end,wherein the lock is positionable with the proximal end of the lock paddle internal to the base and the distal end accessible from outside the base to pivot the lock between hold and release positions.

14. The lock of claim 13 wherein the distal end comprises a recess sized to receive at least a portion of a tool inserted through a side opening in the wear member to assist in rotating the lock.

15. The lock of claim 13 or 14, wherein the protrusion is a first protrusion, further comprising a second protrusion, and wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion are of unequal sizes.

16. The lock of claim 15, wherein the first protrusion is positionable closer to a longitudinal axis of the base than the second protrusion, and wherein the second protrusion is larger than the first protrusion.

17. A wear member lock for earth working equipment, comprising:a lock paddle having an elongate body with a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end is positionable to extend into the wear part in a locked position to prevent removal of the wear member, wherein the lock paddle is engageable by a tool inserted through a side opening in the wear member; anda spring assembly positioned to contact the proximal end of the lock paddle and exerting an outward force tending to resist movement of the lock paddle inward toward the spring assembly,wherein the lock paddle is urgeable by force applied to the distal end to overcome the outward force exerted by the spring assembly to pivot the lock paddle between the locked position and an unlocked position.

18. The wear member lock of claim 17, wherein the spring assembly comprises an elastomer.

19. Abase comprisinga nose projecting outward to be mounted within a base cavity of a wear member, anda first side with a transverse first side opening, an adjoining cavity with a cavity opening to an adjoining lock paddle recess and a recess opening on a second side of the base extending from a top or a bottom of the base to the side, wherein the cavity includes a forward wall and a rearward wall, wherein the forward wall and the rearward wall have different side to side lengths and converge inwardly to capture a lock within the cavity.

20. The base of claim 19 wherein the cavity comprises a top wall and a bottom wall extending between the forward wall and the rearward wall, and wherein a groove internal to the cavity is defined in each of the top wall and the bottom wall.

21. A lock for earth working equipment, comprising:a lock paddle having an elongate body with a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end is positionable to extend into the wear part in a locked position to prevent removal of the wear member, wherein the lock paddle is engageable by a tool inserted through a side opening in the wear member; anda spring assembly positioned to contact the proximal end of the lock paddle,a retaining screw positioned on the opposite side of the spring assembly as the lock paddle and exerting an outward force tending to resist movement of the lock paddle inward toward the spring assembly.

22. The lock of claim 21, wherein the lock paddle is urgeable by force applied to the distal end to overcome the outward force exerted by the spring assembly and retaining screw to pivot the lock paddle between the locked position and an unlocked position.

23. The lock of claim 22, wherein the locked position is defined as the lock paddle being above or below the release position.

Images