Excavating assembly system with fastening system with collar

Abstract

A locking assembly for securing a wear member to a support structure includes a collar and a pin. The collar includes a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, an outer circumferential profile including at least eight flat surfaces extending around a perimeter of the collar between the top surface and the bottom surface, and a bore extending from the top surface to the bottom surface along a central axis. The pin is configured to be received in the bore of the collar.

Description

[0001] priority

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit from the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 329,807, entitled “Dig Assembly with Fastening System with Collar,” filed April 11, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to a digging assembly including a locking assembly for securing wear member components to the digging assembly. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a wear member system secured using a releasable fastening system having an improved locking assembly with a collar. Background Technology

[0004] Material displacement equipment, such as excavating buckets found in construction, mining, and other earthmoving equipment, typically includes replaceable wear parts, such as soil-engaging teeth, adapters, wear rollers, guards, etc. These wear components are usually removably supported by a larger base structure, such as the excavating bucket or a lip fixed to the excavating bucket, and form abrasive, wear contact with the soil or other material being displaced. For example, an excavating tooth assembly mounted on excavating equipment (such as an excavating bucket, etc.) typically includes a relatively bulky adapter portion that is properly anchored to the structure of the equipment (such as the front lip of the bucket). The replaceable tooth typically includes an opening that releasably receives the nose of the adapter, and the tooth is secured to the adapter by a fastening mechanism.

[0005] To prevent wear or damage to the base structure between the toothed assemblies, the toothed assemblies are typically spaced along the edges of the base structure, and a shield can be fixed to the base structure between the toothed assemblies. The shield can also be positioned along the vertical side or wing at the edge of the base structure.

[0006] There are many different types of fastening mechanisms for securing the guard to the bucket lip or other basic excavation structures. One method of mounting the guard to the bucket is to vertically form a series of holes through the front lip portion of the bucket. Corresponding holes are formed vertically through the guard, and with the guard in place on the front lip portion, the corresponding holes are aligned and a wedge is driven through said holes. However, the aforementioned wedge method for mounting the guard to the excavating bucket has disadvantages. First, the wedge method removes material from the front lip portion by forming a series of holes through the bucket. This can weaken the front lip portion and provide further surface for wear. Furthermore, the need to hammer in and then hammer out the wedge can pose safety hazards to personnel during installation and removal.

[0007] Various alternative hammer-in fastening mechanisms have been proposed to releasably retain the liner on the digging bucket. While these alternative fastening mechanisms desirably eliminate the need to hammer the wedge in and out of the bucket lip, they typically introduce various other types of problems, limitations, and disadvantages, including but not limited to complexity of construction and use or undesirable high costs. In one example, in Ruvang's U.S. Patent No. 5,713,145, the wear liner is removably attached to the front edge of the lip by first placing the front edge of the digging bucket lip inside a liner having a generally C-shaped cross-section, such that the top leg and bottom leg of the liner extend along the top and bottom sides of the lip, respectively. The rear end portion of the top leg is then removably secured to a base structure welded to the top side of the lip using J-bolts inserted into the top leg after the liner has been positioned on the bucket lip. Nuts screwed onto the J-bolts at the rear end of the top leg and facing the welded base structure prevent the installed wear liner from being removed forward from the bucket lip. While this particular system has proven highly suitable for its intended purpose, it has several limitations and drawbacks. For example, the system requires a relatively high frontal projection area for a portion of each shield, which increases the resistance of the shield to penetrating the excavated material. Additionally, the portions of the fastening mechanism exposed to the excavated material may suffer undesirable abrasive wear.

[0008] Some types of fastening mechanisms include components that can rotate between a locked position and an unlocked position. However, continuous vibration, high shock, and cyclic loads on the housing can cause the fastening mechanism to rotate unintentionally from the locked position to the unlocked position. This can lead to excessive wear of the fastening mechanism and / or accidental release of the housing, or affect the service life of both the fastening mechanism and the housing.

[0009] Therefore, an improved shield assembly fastening mechanism is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0010] According to some examples, a locking assembly for securing a worn member to a support structure may include a collar and a pin. The collar may have: a top surface; a bottom surface opposite the top surface; an outer circumferential profile including at least eight flat surfaces extending around the periphery of the collar between the top and bottom surfaces; and a hole extending from the top surface to the bottom surface along a central axis. The pin may be configured to be received in the hole of the collar.

[0011] According to some examples, a locking assembly for securing a worn member to a support structure may include a collar and a pin. The collar may have a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a hole extending from the top surface to the bottom surface along a central axis. The collar may have an irregular outer circumferential profile around the central axis, which is asymmetrical about any plane parallel to the central axis. The pin may be configured to be received in the hole of the collar.

[0012] According to some examples, a locking assembly for securing a worn member to a support structure may include a collar and a pin. The collar may have a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a hole extending from the top surface to the bottom surface along a central axis. The collar may have an irregular outer circumferential profile around the central axis. A rear surface extending between the top and bottom surfaces may be inclined relative to the central axis. The pin may be configured to be received in the hole of the collar.

[0013] In some examples, at least a portion of the wall of the bore defining the collar may include a first thread, and at least a portion of the outer surface of the pin may include a second thread corresponding to the first thread. The collar may also include a biased pin detent mechanism. A portion of the pin detent mechanism may extend into the bore. The pin may have an indentation adjacent to the upper end of the second thread, the indentation being configured to receive this portion of the pin detent mechanism when the pin is fully seated in the collar. The pin detent mechanism may include a flexible member and a rigid member fixed to the flexible member. The collar may include a recess extending radially outward from the bore and axially inward from the top surface. The recess may be at least partially wedge-shaped, having a smaller width on the front side adjacent to the bore and a larger width on the rear side opposite the bore. The flexible member of the pin detent mechanism may have a shape corresponding to the recess. This portion of the pin detent mechanism may be configured to pass through a channel formed in the second thread of the pin as the pin rotates relative to the collar. When the pin is fully seated in the collar, the top surface of the pin may be substantially flush with the top surface of the collar or recessed below the bottom surface of the collar. In some examples, the collar may include a first biasing stop extending laterally outward from a first lateral side of the collar and a second biasing stop extending laterally outward from a second lateral side of the collar. The first biasing stop may be positioned adjacent to a first end of the collar, and the second biasing stop may be positioned adjacent to a second end of the collar.

[0014] In some examples, a first biasing stop mechanism may extend outward from the first front corner surface of the collar, and a second biasing stop mechanism may extend outward from the second front corner surface of the collar. A third biasing stop mechanism may extend outward from the rear surface of the collar.

[0015] In some examples, the outer circumferential profile of the collar may be defined at least partially by a front surface, a rear surface, opposing side surfaces, and four corner surfaces. The outer circumferential profile of the collar may be laterally symmetrical about a plane extending from the front side of the collar to the rear side of the collar and extending between the top and bottom surfaces.

[0016] In some examples, the irregular outer circumferential profile of the collar may include a plurality of small arcs, each with a radius of curvature different from that of each of the other small arcs. The irregular outer circumferential profile of the collar may be defined by a plurality of curved surfaces extending between adjacent sides of the collar. The irregular outer circumferential profile of the collar may be asymmetric about any plane parallel to the central axis. In some examples, the irregular outer circumferential profile of the collar may be defined by a plurality of small arcs, each with a radius of curvature different from that of each of the other small arcs.

[0017] In some examples, the rear surface extending between the top and bottom surfaces and defining the rear side of the collar may be inclined relative to the central axis of the hole. The rear surface of the collar may be inclined away from the central axis toward the bottom surface of the collar at an angle of about 1° to 20° relative to the central axis of the hole, for example, at an angle of about 2° to 12°. The front and rear sides of the collar may taper toward the central axis of the hole in the direction extending from the bottom surface to the top surface.

[0018] In some examples, the head of the pin may include a post with a hexagonal outer profile. A hexagonal recess may be formed in the post. The pin may include a shaft that narrows toward the end of the pin, which is disposed opposite the head of the pin. The outer surface of the shaft may be inclined at an angle of about 1° to 10° relative to the central axis of the pin, for example, at an angle of about 2° to 4°. In some examples, the shaft may be cylindrical. In some examples, the upper portion of the shaft may be cylindrical, and the lower portion of the shaft may narrow toward the end. In some examples, the upper portion of the shaft may be inclined at a first angle relative to the central axis of the pin, and the lower portion of the shaft may be inclined at a second angle greater than the first angle relative to the central axis of the pin.

[0019] According to some examples, a wear member assembly for an excavating device includes a wear member and a collar. The wear member may include an upper leg extending rearwardly to a rear surface away from a leading edge of the wear member. The leading edge may be configured to engage the ground. A passage may extend from the top surface through the upper leg along a first central axis. A support structure recess may be formed in the underside of the upper leg and extend rearwardly through the rear surface of the upper leg. The support structure recess may be configured to receive the support structure when the wear member is secured to the excavating device. A locking recess may extend upwardly from the top of the support structure recess to the passage. The collar may be configured to be received from the underside of the upper leg within the locking recess of the wear member. The collar may have a hole extending from the top surface of the collar to the bottom surface of the collar. When the collar is seated within the locking recess, the hole may be coaxial with the passage of the wear member.

[0020] In some examples, a portion of the support structure recess may extend above the bottom surface of the collar. For instance, a lateral portion of the support structure recess configured to receive a wing of the support structure may extend upward on the bottom surface of the locking recess.

[0021] In some examples, the wear member may have at least one pocket formed in the wall of the locking recess, and the collar may have at least one biasing stop extending outward away from the hole. The at least one stop may be configured to be at least partially disposed within the at least one pocket when the collar is seated within the locking recess. The at least one stop may be configured to retain the collar within the locking recess. The at least one stop may include a first stop and a second stop, the second stop extending from the side of the collar opposite to the first stop. The first stop may be disposed adjacent to a first end of the collar, and the second stop may be disposed adjacent to a second end of the collar. The at least one pocket may include a first pocket and a second pocket disposed on opposing walls of the locking recess. The opposing walls of the locking recess may taper inward toward the top surface of the wear member relative to a first central axis, such that the opposing walls of the locking recess are spaced apart by a first distance in the upper region of the locking recess and by a second distance greater than the first distance in the lower region of the locking recess. The first distance may be less than the corresponding width of the collar from the outer surface of the first stop mechanism to the outer surface of the second stop mechanism, such that as the collar is inserted into the locking recess, the relative walls increasingly compress the flexible members of each of the first and second stop mechanisms until the first and second stop mechanisms are aligned with the corresponding recesses in the first and second recesses.

[0022] In some examples, the outer circumferential profile of the collar may be defined by a plurality of curved surfaces extending between adjacent sides of the collar. The collar may have an irregular outer circumferential profile comprising a plurality of small arcs, each arc having a radius of curvature different from that of each of the other small arcs. The irregular outer circumferential profile of the collar may be asymmetrical about any plane parallel to the central axis of the hole. The locking recess may have an irregular circumferential profile corresponding to the irregular outer circumferential profile of the collar. The dimensions and shapes of the collar and the locking recess may allow the collar to be fitted into the locking recess in only one direction. The collar may have a protrusion projecting forward along its front side. When the collar is seated within the locking recess, the bottom surface of the collar may be above the top of the support structure recess.

[0023] In some examples, the central region of the upper leg may have an increased vertical profile relative to the portion of the upper leg on each lateral side of the central region. This increased vertical profile may accommodate the height of the collar between its top and bottom surfaces to receive the collar in a locking recess such that the bottom surface of the collar is flush with the top of the support structure recess or positioned above the top of the support structure recess. The rear surface of the collar, extending between the top and bottom surfaces and defining the rear side of the collar, may be inclined relative to the central axis of the hole. The rear surface of the collar may be inclined away from the central axis of the hole at an angle of about 1° to 20° relative to the central axis of the hole in the direction extending from the top surface to the bottom surface of the collar, for example, at an angle of about 2° to 12°. The front and rear sides of the collar may taper toward the central axis of the hole in the direction extending from the bottom surface to the top surface of the collar.

[0024] In some examples, the wear member may be a shroud and may also include a lower leg extending rearward away from the leading edge. The shroud may have a transverse channel formed between the upper and lower legs. The transverse channel may be configured to receive the lip of the excavating device. The shroud may have a contact pad formed in the transverse channel. The contact pad may be configured to engage the front surface of the lip. A portion of the lower leg configured to be located near the bottom surface of the lip may be inclined at an angle of about 10° to 20°, for example, about 15°, relative to a portion of the upper leg configured to engage the upper surface of the lip. In some examples, this portion of the upper leg may be parallel to this portion of the lower leg.

[0025] In some examples, the support structure recess may extend between two opposing slots extending forward from the rear surface and may be configured to receive opposing wings of a fixing base fixed to the lip.

[0026] According to some examples, a wear member for a digging device may include a leading edge, an upper leg extending rearward away from the leading edge, a passage extending through the upper leg from a top surface of the wear member, and a fixing base recess formed in the underside of the upper leg and extending rearward through the rear surface of the upper leg. The fixing base recess may extend laterally between two opposing slots extending forward from the rear surface of the upper leg. Each of the two opposing slots may be inclined inward from the rear surface toward each other and may have a lower surface inclined downward toward each other. The fixing base recess may be configured to receive a fixing base fixed to a lip of the digging device. A portion of the bottom surface of the upper leg below each of the two slots may form a flat contact surface configured to engage the lip. In some examples, said portion of the bottom surface of the upper leg forming the flat contact surface may extend along a large portion of the length of the upper leg.

[0027] In some examples, the prying surface may extend between the rear surface of the upper leg and the top of the recessed part of the fixing base. At least one prying surface may extend between the top surface of the wear member and the surface defining the passage.

[0028] In some examples, the locking recess may extend upward from the top of the retaining base recess into the passage. At least one recess may be formed in the wall of the locking recess. The opposing walls of the locking recess may taper inward toward the top surface of the wear member relative to the central axis of the passage. The circumferential profile of the locking recess may be partially defined by a plurality of curved surfaces. The locking recess may have an irregular circumferential profile comprising a plurality of small arcs, each arc having a radius of curvature different from that of each of the other arcs. The irregular circumferential profile of the locking recess may be asymmetrical about any plane parallel to the central axis of the passage. The locking recess may have a notch extending forward away from the central axis of the passage. The rear wall of the locking recess may be inclined relative to the central axis of the passage. The rear wall may be inclined at an angle of about 1° to 20° relative to the central axis of the passage, for example, at an angle of about 2° to 12°. The front and rear walls of the locking recess may taper toward the central axis of the passage.

[0029] In some examples, the wear member may include a lower leg extending rearward away from the leading edge. The wear member may include a transverse channel formed between the upper and lower legs. The transverse channel may be configured to receive a lip. A contact pad may be formed in the transverse channel. The contact pad may be configured to engage the front surface of the lip.

[0030] In some examples, the central region of the upper leg may have an increased vertical profile relative to the portion of the upper leg on each lateral side of the central region. A raised area may be formed in the top surface of the upper leg within the central region. A passage may extend through the raised area. Each of the two slots may extend forward beyond the front wall of the locking recess.

[0031] According to some examples, a mounting base has a bottom surface, a top surface, a central opening, and opposing first and second wings. The central opening may extend through the top and bottom surfaces. The central opening may be defined on the front side by a locking wall configured to engage part of a locking element. Each of the first and second wings may extend upward and laterally outward away from the central opening. The first and second wings may be obliquely separated toward the rear side of the mounting base and may have a lower surface that slopes downward toward the central opening.

[0032] In some examples, the rear opening extends through the top and bottom surfaces in an extension that extends from the rear side of the mounting base. The rear opening may be separated from the central opening by sidewalls. The rear wall of the extension may include a prying surface extending between the top surface and the front surface of the rear wall. The sidewalls may include prying surfaces extending between the top surface and the front surface of the sidewalls.

[0033] According to some examples, a wear member assembly may include a fixed base, a wear member, and a locking assembly. The fixed base may be disposed on a lip and positioned behind the leading edge of the lip. The fixed base may have a bottom surface, a top surface, a central opening extending through the top and bottom surfaces, and opposing first and second wings. The central opening may be defined on the front side by a locking wall. The opposing first and second wings may extend upward and laterally outward away from the central opening. The first and second wings may be obliquely separated toward the rear side of the fixed base and may have a lower surface obliquely inclined toward the central opening. The wear member may have a leading edge, an upper leg extending rearward away from the leading edge, a passage extending from the top surface of the wear member through the upper leg, a locking recess extending upward from the underside of the upper leg to the passage, and a fixed base recess formed in the underside of the upper leg and extending rearward through the rear surface of the upper leg. The fixed base recess may extend laterally between two opposing slots extending forward from the rear surface of the upper leg. At least a portion of the first and second wings of the fixed base may be able to be positioned within the two opposing slots. The locking assembly may include a collar and a pin. The collar may be positioned within a locking recess of a wear member. The collar may have a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a hole extending from the top surface to the bottom surface along a central axis. The pin may be positioned within the hole of the collar and configured to extend from the collar into a fixed base to engage a locking wall of the fixed base.

[0034] It should be understood that the foregoing general description, along with the following drawings and detailed description, are exemplary and explanatory in nature and are intended to provide an understanding of the disclosure rather than to limit its scope. In this regard, additional aspects, features, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0035] The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the systems, apparatus, and methods disclosed herein, and together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a mining system that embodies the principles of this disclosure.

[0037] Figure 2 Is it through Figure 1 The cross-section of the lip shield assembly of the excavation system.

[0038] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of an example of a shield according to this disclosure.

[0039] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of the protective shield.

[0040] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A rear perspective view of part of the protective shield.

[0041] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A top view of the protective shield ka.

[0042] Figure 7 This is an enlarged view of an example of a locking recess according to this disclosure.

[0043] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the top side of an example collar according to this disclosure.

[0044] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of an example of a pin stop according to this disclosure.

[0045] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of an example of an installed stop according to this disclosure.

[0046] Figure 11 yes Figure 8 A perspective view of the bottom side of the collar.

[0047] Figure 12 yes Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the collar.

[0048] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of an example of a pin according to this disclosure.

[0049] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of an example of a locking component based on this disclosure.

[0050] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 Cross-sectional view of the locking component.

[0051] Figure 16 This is a bottom view of the shield in which the locking components are located.

[0052] Figure 17 This is a top view of an example of a fixed base according to this disclosure.

[0053] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 Perspective view of the fixed base.

[0054] Figure 19 yes Figure 17 The cross-section of the fixed base.

[0055] Figure 20 This is a perspective view of an example of a fixed base positioned on the bucket lip according to the present disclosure.

[0056] Figure 21-24 This is a perspective view of an assembly of a lip shield according to an example of this disclosure.

[0057] Figure 25-26 This is a cross-sectional view of a pin installed in a lip guard assembly according to an example of this disclosure.

[0058] Figure 27 This is a cross-sectional view of an example of a lip shield assembly according to this disclosure.

[0059] Figures 28-30 This is a cross-sectional view of a lip shield assembly disassembled according to an example of this disclosure.

[0060] Figures 31-33 This is a perspective view of an example of a shield according to this disclosure.

[0061] Figure 34 This is a top view of an example of a collar according to this disclosure.

[0062] Figure 35 This is a perspective view of an example of a pin according to this disclosure.

[0063] Figures 36-37 These are, respectively, a top view and a cross-section of a lip shield assembly according to an example of this disclosure.

[0064] These figures will be better understood by referring to the following detailed description. Detailed Implementation

[0065] To facilitate understanding of the principles of this disclosure, embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and using specific language. However, it should be understood that this is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. As will normally be apparent to those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains, any changes and modifications to the described apparatus, instruments, methods, and any other application of the principles of this disclosure are entirely conceivable. Furthermore, while this disclosure describes certain elements or features in detail with respect to one or more embodiments or drawings, such high level of detail will not be applied when these same elements or features appear in subsequent drawings. It is fully conceivable that features, components, and / or steps described with respect to one or more embodiments or drawings may be combined with features, components, and / or steps described with respect to other embodiments or drawings of this disclosure. For simplicity, in some cases, the same or similar reference numerals are used throughout these drawings to denote the same or similar parts.

[0066] This disclosure relates to a digging assembly that may include a fastening system for securing wear member components within the digging assembly. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a wear assembly, such as a lip guard assembly, which may include a wear member secured to a fixed base using a releasable fastening system having a locking assembly including a collar, a pin capable of being positioned within the collar, and a stop mechanism for securing the collar and the pin. The collar may be capable of being positioned within a portion of the wear member and secured to the wear member by a snap-fit ​​stop mechanism. The pin may be advanced into the collar and secured in the collar by threads and a snap-fit ​​stop mechanism that may provide tactile feedback to the user and / or prevent accidental loosening or removal of the pin. When so positioned, a portion of the pin may extend into a fixed base secured to the bucket lip or other digging structure, such that the pin interferes with the removal of the wear member from the fixed base on the bucket lip. It should be understood that although this disclosure is described in the context of wear members including guards and support structures including fixed bases, this disclosure can also be applied to securing other wear members to support structures, such as securing teeth to adapters, securing intermediate adapters to adapters, or securing wear plates (e.g., wear wheels) to digging structures.

[0067] Because the locking assembly uses mechanical interference to prevent accidental rotation of the pin, it can withstand vibration, high shock, and cyclic loads while minimizing the chance of accidental unlocking. Furthermore, some embodiments of the locking assembly can be arranged to produce an audible noise, such as a clicking sound, when the individual components reach the locked or secured state. Therefore, users such as machine operators can more easily install new guards and replace old ones compared to conventional fastening mechanisms.

[0068] Figure 1 An example of an excavation system 100 according to this disclosure is shown, which includes a bucket lip 102, which may be an integral part of the bucket or a separate part that may be secured to the bucket by welding or fasteners. The excavation system 100 also includes toothed assemblies 150 located at spaced-apart positions along the leading edge of the bucket lip 102. Between the toothed assemblies 150 is a guard 104 secured to the bucket lip 102 using locking assemblies 106. On each side of the bucket lip are vertically extending wings with side guards 105. The side guards may be secured to the bucket lip 102 using the same or similar locking assemblies 106. The excavation system 100 may have specific applications in earthmoving equipment. For example, the excavation system 100 may be used in construction, mining, drilling, and other industries.

[0069] Figure 2 It shows crossing Figure 1The cross-section of the excavating system 100, particularly the cross-section through one of the guards 104. In this example, a fixing base 108 is fixed to the bucket lip 102. A locking assembly 106 is positioned such that it is partially positioned within the guard 104 and partially positioned within the fixing base 108 to retain the guard 104 on the bucket lip 102. It should be understood that although a guard fixed to the bucket lip has been described, the assembly according to this disclosure may include any type of wear member and a corresponding support structure, the wear member being fixed to the support structure by the locking assembly. The guard may be configured to engage or be adjacent to the bottom surface of the bucket lip and engage the top surface of the bucket lip. The angle between the bottom and top surfaces of the bucket lip may be from about 5° to 30°, for example, about 15° in the example shown. In some examples, the top and bottom surfaces of the bucket lip may be parallel. The portion of the shield 104 configured to engage or be parallel to the bottom and top surfaces of the bucket lip may be flat and may have an orientation in the range of 0° to 4° relative to the corresponding top or bottom surface of the bucket lip.

[0070] Figure 3 An example of a shield 104 is shown. The shield 104 has a channel 114 extending from the rear side of the shield and a leading edge 116 spanning the front side. The channel 114, formed between the upper leg 120 and the lower leg 122 of the shield 104, is configured to receive the leading edge of the bucket lip. In some examples, the shield may include only one leg, such as only the upper leg 120 without a corresponding lower leg 122, or vice versa. Figure 2As shown, when installed, the guard 104 straddles the front edge of the bucket lip, with the upper leg 120 on the top side of the bucket lip and the lower leg 122 on the bottom side of the bucket lip. A passage 110 extends along a central axis 111 from the top surface 118 of the guard, through the upper leg 120, to the channel 114. The passage 110 is configured to receive a pin of the locking assembly 106. On the opposite lateral side of the passage 110, a pry surface 112 is formed in the top surface 118. The pry surface 112 extends at an angle between the top surface 118 and the substantially vertical wall forming the passage 110. The pry surface 112 is configured to allow a pry bar or other tool to be inserted into the passage 110 to engage the pin for removal. In the illustrated embodiment, the top surface 118 includes a raised region in which the passage 110 is disposed. The raised region includes an inclined side surface extending from the passage 110 to the lateral region of the upper leg 120 forming the top surface 118. A portion of these sloping side surfaces may form ridges where they intersect with the prying surfaces, thus providing a fulcrum for lifting the pin from the passage 110 with a tool. Although two prying surfaces 112 are shown, one on each lateral side of the passage 110, it should be understood that fewer or more prying surfaces 112 may be formed around the passage 110. Furthermore, the prying surfaces 112 may be located at any radial position around the circumference of the passage 110, for example, behind or in front of the passage 110.

[0071] Figure 4-6 The rear perspective and bottom perspective show Figure 3The upper leg 120 has a bottom surface 119 opposite to a top surface 118, although not necessarily parallel to the top surface 118. The upper leg 120 terminates rearward at a rear surface 126 extending across the upper leg. A mounting base recess 121 is formed in the upper leg 120, extending upward from the bottom surface 119 to the top 133 and forward from the rear surface 126. A pry surface 124 is formed at an angle between the rear surface 126 and the top 133 of the mounting base recess 121. The pry surface can be configured to allow a pry bar or other tool to be inserted into the mounting base recess 121 to engage the mounting base for removal of the cover 104. Slots 128 are formed on either side of the mounting base recess 121 and are configured to receive corresponding wings of the mounting base. Each of the two slots extends forward from the rear surface 126 in a direction perpendicular to the rear surface, or extends slightly inclined toward each other along their longitudinal length to facilitate installation and removal from the mounting base. For example, the slots may be inclined inward at an angle of 1° to 5°, preferably about 2°, relative to the plane of symmetry between them. The top and bottom surfaces forming each slot 128 may be parallel to the bottom surface 119 of the upper leg 120, or may be inclined upward relative to the bottom surface 119 when the slot 128 extends laterally outward. In other words, the lower surface of each slot may be inclined toward the other slot at an angle of about 10° to 30°, preferably 20°, relative to the horizontal plane. The upper surface of each slot may be inclined in a similar manner. The upper and lower surfaces of each slot may be parallel or may be oriented at different angles.

[0072] The central region 130 of the top 133 of the retaining base recess 121 extends downward toward the channel 114 in a manner similar to a raised region on the top surface of the opposite side of the upper leg 120. Within the central region 130 is a locking recess 136, configured to receive a collar of the locking assembly. The locking recess 136 is aligned with the passage 110 such that the passage 110 extends from the top surface 118 into the locking recess.

[0073] Within the channel 114 are two ribs 132 extending along the top side of the lower leg 122. The ribs 132 have a substantially flat top surface configured to engage or be adjacent to the bottom surface of the bucket lip when the shroud 104 is installed. Each rib extends upward on the front wall of the channel and intersects with a contact pad 131 extending between the two ribs 132. The contact pad 131 forms an engagement area in which the shroud 104 contacts and is supported on the front surface of the bucket lip during use. One or more portions of the lower leg 122 adjacent to the bottom surface of the bucket lip (e.g., the top surface of each rib 132) may be parallel to one or more portions of the upper leg 120 configured to contact the top surface of the bucket lip (e.g., a flat area disposed below the respective slots in the two slots 128) or may be inclined relative to such portions of the upper leg. In the example shown, the top surface of the rib 132 is inclined at an angle of approximately 15° relative to the bottom surface of the upper leg 120. It should be understood that in some examples, one or more of the contact pad 131 and / or rib 132 may be omitted.

[0074] Figure 7The locking recess 136 is shown in further detail. The locking recess 136 has an asymmetrical shape in both the lateral (left-right) and rear / front (up-down) directions, as well as along any other orientation. This double asymmetry of the locking recess 136 prevents the collar of the locking assembly from being installed into the locking recess 136 in an incorrect orientation. That is, a collar with a shape profile corresponding to the locking recess 136 will only be fitted into the locking recess in the correct orientation. Furthermore, the irregular horizontal profile of the locking recess 136, lacking a plane of symmetry, helps to retain the collar within the cover locking recess and prevents the collar from rotating when subjected to torque about the axis of passage 110. The locking recess 136 is defined by a front wall 137 and an opposing rear wall 139, wherein a notch 138 extends forward from the front wall away from the rear wall. Side walls 140 and opposing side walls 141 are oriented substantially perpendicular to the rear wall 139. Although not shown, recesses may be formed in each of the sidewalls 140 and 141, each recess extending laterally outward from the locking recess 136 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the respective sidewall 140 or 141. The recesses in sidewall 140 may be positioned closer to the rear wall 139, while the recesses in sidewall 141 may be positioned closer to the front wall 137. A curved wall 142 extends between the front wall 137 and the sidewall 140, a curved wall 143 extends between the sidewall 140 and the rear wall 139, a curved wall 144 extends between the rear wall 139 and the sidewall 141, and a curved wall 145 extends between the sidewall 141 and the front wall 137. In the example shown, each of the curved walls 142-145 has a different radius of curvature, which can further aid in the correct orientation of the collar during installation into the locking recess 136. The curved wall 142 may have the same or similar radius as the passage 110, while the curved walls 143-145 may have smaller radii. The locking recess 136 is defined by the upper surface 146 through which the passage 110 extends. In some examples, the upper surface 146 is perpendicular to the central axis of the passage 110.

[0075] Figure 8-12 A collar 152 of the locking assembly 106 is shown, configured to be received within a locking recess 136. The collar 152 includes a top surface 154 and an opposing bottom surface 155, which may be parallel or inclined to each other. Extending between the top surface 154 and the bottom surface 155 are a front side 158, a rear side 159, and opposing side surfaces 160 and 161. A protrusion 176 extends outward along the front side 158 of the collar. A hole 156 extends along a central axis 157 from the top surface 154 through the collar 152 to the bottom surface 155. At least a portion of the hole may be threaded 166.

[0076] A radially inwardly biased pin stop 164 can be positioned within a correspondingly shaped recess extending radially outward from the bore 156 toward the protrusion 176. The pin stop 164 includes a flexible member 168 having a wedge shape and a tip 170 extending from the flexible member. The flexible member 168 can be formed of an elastic material (e.g., rubber or polymer) to apply a biasing force to the tip 170 when compressed, and the tip 170 can be formed of a rigid material (e.g., steel or other metal). The tip 170 is partially embedded within the flexible member 168 to bind the two together and extends radially inward toward the central axis of the bore 156 through the outer surface of the flexible member. The tip 170 can be positioned near the end of the thread 166 closest to the top surface 154, with the tip extending into the bore 156.

[0077] Mounting stops 162, biased outward from collar 152, extend from each of the side surfaces 160 and 161 of collar 152. Each mounting stop 162 includes a flexible member 172 and a rigid member 174. The flexible member 172 may be formed of an elastic material, such as rubber or a polymer, while the rigid member 174 may be formed of steel or another metal. The rigid member 174 may have a rod or other extension (not shown) that is embedded within the flexible member 172 to engage the rigid member 174 to the flexible member 172. Mounting stops 162 may be positioned within correspondingly shaped recesses extending from the side surfaces 160 and 161 into collar 152, such that the flexible member 172 is fully disposed within the recess and the rigid member 174 is at least partially disposed outside the recess. The flexible member 172 may have a width dimension smaller than the corresponding width of the recess to allow the flexible member 172 to be compressed and deformed within the recess when the rigid member 174 is pressed inward into the recess.

[0078] like Figure 12 As shown in the cross-section, the collar 152 has dimensions and shape closely corresponding to the locking recess 136 of the shroud. The radii of the curved surfaces 163, 165, 167, and 169 are equal to or slightly smaller than the radii of the corresponding curved walls 142, 143, 144, and 145 of the locking recess 136, respectively. Each of the curved walls 142, 143, 144, and 145, and each of the curved surfaces 163, 165, 167, and 169, has a profile formed as a small arc. That is, each bend extends less than 180°. In some examples, the curved walls 143 and 144, and the corresponding curved surfaces 165 and 167, may extend 90° or less before intersecting with the corresponding adjacent surfaces at each end. Conversely, the curved walls 142 and 145, and the corresponding curved surfaces 163 and 169, may extend 90° or more.

[0079] During use, the collar 152 may be subjected to considerable loads during the use of the guard 104. In this respect, the collar 152 must be robust enough to withstand the loads without breaking or plastically deforming. In this respect, the collar 152 may have a minimum wall thickness around its periphery, which can be calculated based on the design load and the material (e.g., steel) used in the construction of the collar. Because the mounting stop 162 and the pin stop 164 are positioned within recesses or cavities formed in the wall of the collar, these recesses create gaps that reduce the wall thickness. Therefore, the collar 152 may have a circumferential profile around the hole 156, which is larger in the regions accommodating the stops 162 and 164, to provide a minimum wall thickness even in these regions. That is, the region forming the protrusion 176 accommodates the pin stop 164 and extends outward accordingly at the front side 158 to provide a sufficient thickness of material between the pin stop 164 and the outer surface of the collar. Similarly, the region adjacent to the curved surfaces 165 and 169 accommodates the mounting stop 162 and extends outward away from the hole 156 to provide sufficient thickness of material between the mounting stop 162 and the hole 156. Furthermore, a protrusion 175 may be formed along each lateral side surface 160 and 161 to provide minimum wall thickness around the hole 156. The protrusion 175 on the side surface 161 is formed as part of the curved surface 163. Locking recesses 136 include recesses within the wall that correspond in size and shape to the protrusion 175 to receive the protrusion. In some examples, the side surfaces 160 and 161 may be further spaced apart to provide minimum wall thickness without including one or both protrusions 175.

[0080] Figure 13A pin 180 of locking assembly 106 is shown. A head 181 defines the top of pin 180, and an end 190 defines the bottom of pin, wherein a shaft 192 extends between the head 181 and the end 190. A post 182 is centrally located within a recess formed in the top of pin 180. Post 182 has a hexagonal outer profile configured to engage with a socket for rotating the pin about its longitudinal central axis during installation or removal. A hexagonal recess 184 is formed in post 182 and is configured to receive a hex wrench as an alternative method of rotating pin 180. A helical thread 186 corresponding to the thread 166 of collar 152 is formed around the outer periphery of shaft 192. A notch 188 is formed in shaft 192 at the upper end of thread 186 adjacent to head 181. The notch 188 may be formed along the helical path of the thread 186 and separated from the thread 186 by a ridge 187 extending across the thread. The notch 188 may have a size and shape corresponding to the tip 170 of the pin stop of the collar 152. In the example shown, the tip 170 and the notch 188 have a triangular shape. It should be understood that in some examples, the pin stop 164 may be received in the pin 180, and the notch 188 may be formed within the collar 152. Furthermore, in some examples, the notch 188 may be formed at the lower end of the thread 166 or 186, rather than at the top.

[0081] Figure 14-15A locking assembly 106 in an assembled configuration is shown. Assembly of the locking assembly 106 may include inserting the end 190 of a pin 180 through a hole 156 in a collar 152 from a top surface 154 and through a bottom surface 155. The pin 180 may be rotated about its central axis 194 to screw the pin 180 into the collar 152 as the bottom edge of the thread 186 of the pin 180 engages the top edge of the thread 166 of the collar 152. A tip 170 may travel along a channel formed between adjacent threads 186. As the pin 180 approaches the fully seated configuration, the tip 170 engages a ridge 187 in the channel, thereby compressing and deforming the flexible member 168 as the tip 170 slides upward on an inclined surface on one side of the ridge 187, thereby radially biasing the tip 170 toward the pin 180. When the pin 180 is fully seated or locked in the collar 152 as shown in the figure, the pin stop 164 can be at least partially decompressed as the tip 170 slides down the inclined surface of the ridge 187 and engages in the recess 188 in the pin 180. Engaging the tip 170 in the recess 188 provides the user with tactile feedback confirming that the pin 180 is fully seated. The engagement of the pin stop 164 with the recess 188 also resists rotation of the pin 180 during use, as a considerable rotational force is required to compress the flexible member 168 to remove the tip 170 from the recess 188. Because such rotational forces are unlikely to be applied in typical use of the shield assembly, the engagement of the pin stop 164 with the recess 188 helps prevent accidental retraction (or unlocking) of the pin 180.

[0082] One or more outer surfaces of the collar 152 may be tapered, or otherwise inclined relative to the top surface 154 and / or the bottom surface 155. For example... Figure 15 As shown, the rear side 159 of the collar 152 slopes outward from the top surface 154 toward the bottom surface 155, forming an angle α relative to the central axis 194. The upper portion of the protrusion 176 may have a similar angle relative to the central axis 194, or may be parallel to the central axis. Similarly, the side surfaces 160 and 161 of the collar may be vertical, or may have an angle similar to α. The front wall 137, rear wall 139, and side walls 140 and 141 of the locking recess 136 may taper in a manner corresponding to the respective outer surfaces of the collar 152. This improves the ease of mounting the collar 152 into the locking recess 136, helps distribute stress between the collar 152 and the guard 104 during loads applied during use, and helps retain the collar 152 in the locking recess 136. The lower portion of the protrusion 176 may slope more steeply than the upper portion, thus forming an angle β relative to the central axis 194. The shaft 192 of pin 180 tapers at an angle γ relative to the central axis 194, and the head 181 is wider than the end 190.

[0083] Figure 16A bottom view of the shield 104 is shown, in which the locking assembly 106 is mounted in the locking recess 136 in the upper leg 120 of the shield.

[0084] Figure 17-19 A fixed base 108 is shown, to which a shield 104 can be attached using a locking assembly 106. The shield 108 has a top side 195 and a bottom surface 197 configured to be secured to the bucket lip. A central opening 196 extends from the top side 195 through the fixed base 108 to the bottom surface 197. A rear opening 198 is located behind the central opening 196 and also extends from the top side 195 to the bottom surface 197. A sidewall 200 defines the rear portion of the central opening 196 and separates the central opening 196 from the rear opening 198; however, in some examples, the rear opening 198 may be formed as part of the central opening 196. The fixed base extends from a front side 201 to a rear side 202 and from a lateral side 203 to a lateral side 204. An extension 205 extends rearward from the central portion of the rear side 202, forming at least a portion of the rear opening 198.

[0085] The central opening 196 is laterally surrounded by sidewalls 212 and 214. The front side of the central opening 196 is defined by a locking wall 206, at least a portion of which is shaped and sized to correspond to the shape and size of the shaft 192 of the pin 180. When the guard 104 is secured to the base 108 with the locking assembly 106, the portion of the shaft 192 near its end 190 engages the locking wall 206, and the end 190 of the pin 180 engages with or is positioned near the bucket lip within the central opening 196. Similar to the shaft 192, the locking wall 206 tapers at an angle equal to or slightly greater than α. In one example, α is approximately 3°, and the locking wall 206 is approximately 4°. It should be understood that one or both of the shaft 192 and the locking wall 206 may have steeper or smaller angles relative to the central axis 194, for example, in the range of approximately 0° to 10°.

[0086] A prying surface 208 is formed on the sidewall 200, and a prying surface 210 is formed on the rear portion of the extension 205. The prying surfaces 208 and 210 are inclined relative to the top surfaces of the sidewall 200 and the extension 205 to facilitate access to the central opening 196 and the rear opening 198 using a pry bar or other tools during the removal of the cover 104, and to provide a fulcrum for prying the cover forward.

[0087] The outer surface 219 of each of the sidewalls 212 and 214 may be laterally outward and upward from the bottom surface 197 at an angle δ, which is approximately 45° in some examples, though it should be understood that the outer surface 219 may be vertical or may be inclined at any suitable angle relative to the bottom surface. The inner surface 220 of each sidewall 212 and 214 extending outward from the central opening 196 may be parallel to the outer surface 219. In the example shown, the inner surface 220 has an angle smaller than δ relative to the bottom surface 197. The outer surface 219 and inner surface 220 of each sidewall extend to a wing 218 formed on each lateral side of the mounting base 108. The wing 218 extends laterally outward and upward away from the central opening 196. The wing 218 is sized and shaped to receive in a slot 128 of the shroud 104 and engage one or more surfaces forming the slot 128. The wing 218 may be substantially parallel to each other in a manner corresponding to the slot 128 or otherwise inclined. In some examples, the wings 218 are angled outward toward the rear side 202 of the mounting base 108 to facilitate the installation and removal of the guard 104. The bottom surface of each wing 218, laterally outward from the outer surfaces 219 of the sidewalls 212 and 214, can be horizontal or angled at an angle ε relative to the bottom surface 197 of the mounting base 108, which can be from about 10° to 45°, preferably about 20°. An upward angle in this manner facilitates welder access to weld the mounting base 108 to the bucket lip around the outer periphery of the bottom surface 197. The vertical profile of the mounting base 108 may include recesses between the wings 218, such as… Figure 19 As shown. The recess can accommodate the lowered central region 130 of the shield 104.

[0088] Figure 20 A mounting base 108 is shown attached to the bucket lip 102. Typically, the mounting base 108 is attached to the bucket lip 102 by welding; however, it is conceivable that fastening mechanisms could also be used to secure the mounting base 108 to facilitate removal and replacement. As shown, the mounting base 108 is welded to the top surface of the bucket lip 102, or it can be described as being welded to the “inside” or “middle” of the bucket. However, it should be understood that the mounting base 108 can be positioned at any suitable location on the bucket lip 102, including on the underside of the bucket or “outside” the bucket, for securing worn components in the desired location.

[0089] Figure 21-24 The various stages of assembling the shield assembly are illustrated. Initially, as... Figure 21As shown, a collar 152 is installed in a locking recess 136 of a cover 104. The collar 152 rises upward from the channel 114 into the locking recess 136. As the collar slides into place, the sidewalls 140 and 141 of the locking recess 136 can compress the mounting stop 162 on the collar 152. Upon reaching a fully seated position in which the top surface 154 of the collar 152 contacts or nearly contacts the upper surface 146 of the locking recess 136, the mounting stop 162 engages in a recess formed in the sidewalls 140 and 141 of the locking recess 136. It should be understood that the mounting stop can be installed into the locking recess 136, and the recess can be formed in the collar 152. Once engaged, the mounting stop spans the interface between the side surfaces 160 and 161 of the collar 152 and the side walls 140 and 141 of the locking recess 136, thereby retaining the collar 152 within the locking recess 136 in the cover 104. This process of installing the collar 152 into the cover 104 can be performed when the cover 104 is installed onto the bucket lip, or at any time before the cover 104 is shipped. In this respect, the assembly of the collar 152, including the mounting stop 162 and the pin stop 164, with the cover 104 can be performed simultaneously with the manufacture of the cover 104.

[0090] The protective cover 104 can then slide backward onto the fixed base 108, as shown. Figure 22 As shown. A slot 128 extending forward from the rear surface 126 of the shroud receives a wing 218 of the mounting base 108. In an example where the top and bottom surfaces of the bucket lip are not parallel (e.g., the top surface of the lip slopes upward away from the leading edge of the bucket lip), the mounting base 108 will be generally parallel to the top surface but not parallel to the bottom surface. In this respect, the wing 218 may slope upward. As the shroud 104 slides onto the mounting base 108, the ribs 132 on the lower legs 122 of the shroud 104 can be pulled upward to contact or be adjacent to the bottom surface of the bucket lip. The shroud 104 slides rearward until the contact pads on the shroud engage the bucket lip. In... Figure 23 In this mounting configuration, the rear surface 126 of the shield is substantially aligned with the rear side 202 of the mounting base. The extension 205 of the mounting base, including the rear opening 198, remains exposed behind the rear surface 126 of the shield 104. In this mounting configuration, the passage 110 of the shield 104 and the hole 156 of the collar 152 are aligned along a common axis that corresponds to the corresponding portion of the central opening 196 of the mounting base 108 for proper installation of the pin 180. Figure 24 As shown, when pin 180 is inserted into passage 110 and screwed into hole 156 such that the central axis 194 of pin 180 is aligned with the common axis of passage and hole, the end 190 of pin 180 advances into the central opening 196 in the fixed base.

[0091] Figure 25 and 26 The diagram shows a cross-section of the shield assembly as the pin advances 180 degrees during installation. Initially, as... Figure 25 As shown, before the thread 186 on the pin 180 engages the thread 166 of the collar 152, the end 190 of the pin 180 extends into the central opening 196 of the retaining base 108. However, the pin 180 may not yet be in contact with the retaining base 108. As the pin 180 is rotated into the collar 152, the end 190 is pushed deeper into the central opening 196. Because the pin 180 is tapered, its diameter near the head at the top is larger than its diameter near the end 190 at the bottom, so as the pin advances, its shaft 192 approaches the locking wall 206 in the retaining base 108. Once the pin 180 is fully seated in the collar 152, the shaft contacts the locking wall 206, and the pin stop 164 engages with the notch 188 in the pin 180, as... Figure 26 As shown.

[0092] It should be understood that the interference caused by pin 180 prevents the guard 104 from being removed from the bucket lip in response to a force that would otherwise tend to pull the guard forward relative to the bucket lip, for example, when the bucket moves backward along the ground, dragging the guard. This load causes the guard 104 to exert a forward force on the collar 152, which in turn transmits the force to pin 180, which in turn transmits the force to the fixed base 108 via locking wall 206.

[0093] Although the rear portion or extension 205 of the mounting base 108 may be vertical or substantially vertical, the front surface of the front side 201 of the mounting base 108 is inclined at an angle ζ relative to the bottom surface 197, which may be from about 20° to 50°.

[0094] Figure 27 It shows the transverse direction Figure 25 and 26 The plane passes through the cross-section of the shield assembly, showing that when the shield is fully assembled with the locking assembly 106, the wing 218 of the fixing base 108 is positioned within the slot 128 of the shield 104.

[0095] Figures 28-30 The various stages of removing the protective cover are shown. Initially, pin 180 is rotated in the opposite direction to the installation direction, thereby unscrewing pin 180 from collar 152 and returning it to its original position. Figure 25 The structure shown. (As illustrated) Figure 28As shown, the pry bar 225 can then be inserted into the passage 110 of the cover 104 along one of the pry surfaces 112. The pry bar 225 can be rotated about the pry surface to lift the pin from the base 108, the collar 152, and the cover 104. With the pin 180 no longer interfering with the forward movement of the cover 104, the pry bar 225 can be inserted into the rear opening 198 of the base 108. The pry surface 210 along the rear wall of the extension 205 can be used to pivot the pry bar 225 forward against the pry surface 124 at the rear of the cover 104, thereby sliding the cover 104 forward. Once the cover 104 has slid forward far enough, the pry surface 208 on the side wall 200 is exposed, allowing the pry bar 225 to be inserted into the central opening 196. The pry bar 225 can be pivoted forward again to further advance the cover 104 away from the base 108.

[0096] Figures 31-37 Further examples are shown of a guard, a locking assembly including a collar and a pin, etc., used in the excavation system 100 according to this disclosure. Figures 31-33 An example of a cover 304 is shown. Cover 304 shares many similarities with cover 104, and similar features will not be repeated in the description of cover 304 to avoid redundancy. Instead, the description of cover 304 primarily concerns additional or different features compared to cover 104. A hook 301 is provided on the top side of cover 304 and is configured to receive a hook or other fastener for supporting the cover during installation and / or removal. A pry channel 302 extends forward from the rear surface of the top leg of cover 304. The pry channel 302 may extend a distance equal to approximately 5% to 30% of the length of the top leg. The pry channel 302 may replace the pry surface 124 of cover 104 and may be configured to allow a pry bar or other tool to be inserted into the retaining base recess of cover 304 to engage the retaining base for removal of cover 304. Compared to shield 104, the rear surface of shield 304 can be positioned further rearward, allowing the top leg to extend beyond the rear surface of the fixed base, as can be seen by comparison. Figure 2 and Figure 37 As understood. The alignment window 303 is formed around a portion of the front side of the passage extending through the top leg, allowing the user to visually confirm that the locking component is in the locked configuration, as will be shown below. Figures 35-36 As understood in the discussion. Within the channel between the top leg and the bottom leg is a single rib 332 extending along the top side of the bottom leg. This rib has a substantially flat top surface, which is configured to engage with or be adjacent to the bottom surface of the bucket lip when the cover 104 is installed. A recess is formed in the central portion of the rib 332.

[0097] As in Figure 33Ideally, the locking recess 336 of the collar, configured to receive the locking assembly, is aligned with the passage through the top leg. The locking recess 336 has a peripheral shape corresponding to the shape of the collar, as described below. Figure 34 As discussed, the locking recess is symmetrical about the plane extending from front to back, but asymmetrical about the plane extending from one side to the other. In this respect, the locking recess 336 prevents the collar of the locking assembly from being installed in the locking recess 336 in an incorrect orientation in which the collar rotates 180° around the axis passing through the passage of the top leg. Furthermore, the wall forming the locking recess 336 may be tapered (wider on the bottom side of the recess 336 than on the top side), so that the collar cannot be installed in an incorrect orientation in which the collar rotates 180° around its longitudinal axis.

[0098] In the example shown, three mounting ramps 315 are positioned around the locking recess 336 at locations corresponding to the mounting stop of the collar. Specifically, in the example shown, two mounting ramps 315 are positioned at the front corners of the locking recess 336, and one mounting ramp 315 is centrally located at the rear of the locking recess 336. A recess is formed in the wall of the locking recess 336 above each mounting ramp 315, each recess extending laterally outward from the locking recess 336 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the corresponding wall. The recesses are configured to receive the mounting stop of the collar.

[0099] Figure 34 An example of a collar 352 of the locking assembly is shown, which is configured to be received within a locking recess 336. The protective collar 352 shares many similarities with collar 152, and similar features will not be repeated in the description of collar 354 to avoid redundancy. Instead, the description of collar 352 primarily concerns additional or different features compared to collar 152. Extending between the top and bottom surfaces are a front side 358, a rear side 359, and opposing side surfaces 360 and 361, each of which may be flat or curved. A radially inwardly biased pin stop 364 is positioned within a correspondingly shaped recess that extends radially outward from the bore near the front side 358. The pin stop 364 includes a flexible member having an hourglass shape and a pointed tip extending from this flexible member. Alignment indicator 313, in the form of a small recess, protrusion, and / or mark (e.g., paint), can be positioned on the top surface near the rear side 359 along the longitudinal axis of collar 352.

[0100] A mounting stop 362, biased outward from collar 352, extends from each front corner surface that extends between side surfaces 360 and 361 and the front side 358 of collar 352. A rear corner surface extends between side surfaces 360 and 361 and the rear side 359. Each of the front and rear corner surfaces may be flat or curved. It should be understood that chamfering the corners of collar 352 can help reduce critical stresses in the guard and / or collar. Another mounting stop 362 extends from the rear side 359. Mounting stop 362 may be positioned within a recess of a corresponding shape that extends from the corresponding outer surface into collar 352. Collar 352 has dimensions and shape that closely correspond to the locking recess 336 of guard 304.

[0101] During use, the collar 352 may be subjected to considerable loads during the use of the guard 304. In this respect, the collar 352 must be robust enough to withstand the loads without breaking or plastically deforming. In this respect, the collar 352 may have a minimum wall thickness around its periphery, which can be calculated based on the design load and the material (e.g., steel) used in the construction of the collar. Because the mounting stops 362 and pin stops 364 are positioned within recesses or cavities formed in the wall of the collar, these recesses create gaps that reduce the wall thickness. Therefore, the collar 352 may have a circumferential profile around the hole, which is larger in the areas accommodating the stops 362 and 364, to provide a minimum wall thickness also in these areas. That is, the collar 352 may have a smaller wall thickness around the hole along the sides 360 and 361 where there are no positioning stops, compared to the vicinity of the front side 358 and the rear side 359.

[0102] Figure 35Pin 380, an example of a locking assembly, is shown. Pin 380 shares many similarities with pin 180, and similar features will not be repeated in the description of pin 380 to avoid redundancy. Instead, the description of pin 380 primarily concerns additional or different features compared to pin 180. A status indicator 307 and an alignment indicator 309 are formed on the top of the head of pin 380. Status indicator 307 includes a locking icon etched into, protruding from, or marked on the top surface of the pin, and in the example shown, alignment indicator 309 is similarly formed at a position 180° apart from the status indicator. A helical thread corresponding to the thread of collar 352 is formed around the outer periphery of the shaft of pin 380. A notch 388 is formed in the shaft at the upper end of the thread. Notch 388 may be formed along the helical path of the thread and is separated from the thread by a ridge extending across a channel in the thread. The notch 388 may have a size and shape corresponding to the tip of the pin stop 364 of the collar 352. In the example shown, the tip 170 and the notch 188 have a triangular shape. It should be understood that in some examples, the pin stop 364 may be received in the pin 380, and the notch 388 may be formed within the collar 352.

[0103] Figures 36-37 The protective cover and locking components are shown in the assembled configuration. Figure 36 In the locking configuration shown, the alignment window 303 in the cover 304 allows the user to visually inspect the alignment of the pin stop 364 with the status indicator 307, thereby confirming that the pin 380 is locked relative to the collar 352. Similarly, alignment indicators 309 and 313 are visible near the rear of the hole. Figure 37 As shown, one or more of the outer surfaces of the collar 352 may be tapered or otherwise inclined relative to the top and / or bottom surfaces of the collar. For example, the rear side 359 of the collar 352 is inclined outward from the top surface toward the bottom surface. The front side 358 may similarly have one or more portions inclined outward from the top surface to the bottom surface. The side surfaces 360 and 361 of the collar may be vertical or may be inclined outward.

[0104] Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments covered by this disclosure are not limited to the specific exemplary embodiments described above. In this regard, although illustrative embodiments have been shown and described, extensive modifications, changes, combinations, and substitutions are contemplated in the foregoing disclosure. It should be understood that such modifications can be made to the foregoing without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, Figures 31-37 The features of the exemplary shield and locking components can be found in the relevant Figure 1-30 The examples described are implemented, and vice versa. Therefore, it is appropriate that the appended claims be interpreted broadly in a manner consistent with this disclosure.

[0105] An example of a locking component is described below:

[0106] Example 1: A locking assembly for securing a worn member to a support structure, comprising: a collar including: a top surface; a bottom surface opposite the top surface; a hole extending along a central axis from the top surface to the bottom surface, the collar having an irregular outer circumferential profile around the central axis, the outer circumferential profile including a plurality of curved surfaces extending between adjacent sides of the collar; and a pin configured to be received in the hole of the collar.

[0107] Example 2, the locking assembly according to Example 1, wherein at least a portion of the wall of the hole defining the collar includes a first thread, and at least a portion of the outer surface of the pin includes a second thread corresponding to the first thread.

[0108] Example 3: The locking assembly according to Example 2, wherein the collar further includes a biased pin stop mechanism, a portion of which extends into the hole, the pin including a notch adjacent to the upper end of the second thread, the notch being configured to receive the portion of the pin stop mechanism when the pin is fully seated in the collar.

[0109] Example 4: The locking assembly according to Example 3, wherein the pin stop mechanism includes a flexible member and a rigid member fixed to the flexible member.

[0110] Example 5: The locking assembly according to Example 4, wherein the collar includes a recess extending radially outward from the hole and axially inward from the top surface.

[0111] Example 6: The locking assembly according to Example 5, wherein the recess is wedge-shaped, having a smaller width on the front side adjacent to the hole and a larger width on the rear side opposite to the hole, and wherein the flexible member of the pin stop mechanism has a shape corresponding to the recess.

[0112] Example 7: The locking assembly according to Example 3, wherein, as the pin rotates relative to the collar, the portion of the pin stop mechanism is configured to pass through a channel formed in the second thread of the pin.

[0113] Example 8. The locking assembly according to Example 2, wherein when the pin is fully seated in the collar, the top surface of the pin is substantially flush with the top surface of the collar or the top surface of the pin is recessed below the top surface of the collar.

[0114] Example 9, the locking assembly according to Example 1, further includes: a first biasing stop mechanism extending laterally outward from a first side of the collar; and a second biasing stop mechanism extending laterally outward from a second side of the collar.

[0115] Example 10: The locking assembly according to Example 9, wherein the first biasing stop mechanism is configured to be adjacent to a first end of the collar, and the second biasing stop mechanism is configured to be adjacent to a second end of the collar.

[0116] Example 11: The locking assembly according to Example 1, wherein the irregular outer circumferential profile of the collar is defined by a plurality of small arcs, each small arc having a radius of curvature different from the radius of curvature of each of the other small arcs in the plurality of small arcs.

[0117] Example 12: The locking assembly according to Example 1, wherein the irregular outer circumferential profile of the collar is asymmetrical about any plane parallel to the central axis.

[0118] Example 13: The locking assembly according to Example 1, wherein the rear surface extending between the top surface and the bottom surface and defining the rear side of the collar is inclined relative to the central axis of the hole.

[0119] Example 14: The locking assembly according to Example 13, wherein the rear surface of the collar is inclined toward the bottom surface of the collar at an angle of about 1° to 20° away from the central axis of the hole.

[0120] Example 15: The locking assembly according to Example 1, wherein the front side and the rear side of the collar taper toward the central axis of the hole in a direction extending from the bottom surface to the top surface.

[0121] Example 16: The locking assembly according to Example 1, wherein the head of the pin includes a post having a hexagonal outer profile.

[0122] Example 17: The locking assembly according to Example 16, wherein a hexagonal recess is formed in the post.

[0123] Example 18: A locking assembly according to Example 1, wherein the pin includes a shaft that narrows toward an end of the pin disposed opposite to the head of the pin.

[0124] Example 19, a locking assembly according to Example 18, wherein the shaft has an outer surface inclined at an angle of about 1° to 10° relative to the central axis of the pin.

[0125] Example 20: A locking assembly according to Example 18, wherein the upper portion of the shaft is cylindrical and threaded, and the lower portion of the shaft is inclined relative to the central axis of the pin.

Claims

1. A locking assembly for securing a worn member to a support structure, comprising: A collar, the collar comprising: Top surface; The bottom surface opposite the top surface; The outer circumferential profile includes at least eight flat surfaces extending around the periphery of the collar between the top surface and the bottom surface; A hole extending along a central axis from the top surface to the bottom surface; A first biasing stop mechanism extends outward from the first front corner surface of the collar, wherein the first biasing stop mechanism is compressible inward toward the collar and elastically biased outward from the collar; and A pin, configured to be received in the hole of the collar. Wherein, at least a portion of the wall of the hole defining the collar includes a first thread, and at least a portion of the outer surface of the pin includes a second thread corresponding to the first thread. The collar further includes a biased pin stop mechanism, a portion of which extends into the hole, and the pin includes a notch adjacent to the upper end of the second thread, the notch being configured to receive the portion of the biased pin stop mechanism when the pin is fully seated in the collar. The protrusion extends outward along the front side of the collar, and The biased pin stop mechanism is located in a correspondingly shaped recess extending radially outward from the hole toward the protrusion, such that the area forming the protrusion accommodates the biased pin stop mechanism and extends outward accordingly at the front side to provide sufficient thickness of material between the biased pin stop mechanism and the outer surface of the collar.

2. The locking component according to claim 1, wherein, The biased pin stop mechanism includes a flexible member and a rigid member fixed to the flexible member.

3. The locking component according to claim 2, wherein, The collar includes a recess that extends radially outward from the hole and axially inward from the top surface.

4. The locking component according to claim 3, wherein, The recess is at least partially wedge-shaped, having a smaller width on the front side adjacent to the hole and a larger width on the rear side opposite the hole, and wherein the flexible member of the biased pin stop mechanism has a shape corresponding to the recess.

5. The locking component according to claim 1, wherein, The portion of the biased pin stop mechanism is configured to pass through a channel formed in the second thread of the pin as the pin rotates relative to the collar.

6. The locking component according to claim 1, wherein, When the pin is fully seated in the collar, the top surface of the pin is flush with the top surface of the collar or the top surface of the pin is recessed below the top surface of the collar.

7. The locking component according to claim 1, further comprising: A second biasing stop mechanism extends outward from the second front corner surface of the collar.

8. The locking assembly of claim 7 further includes a third biasing stop mechanism extending outward from the rear surface of the collar.

9. The locking component according to claim 1, wherein, The outer circumferential profile of the collar is defined at least in part by the front surface, the rear surface, the opposite side surfaces, and the four corner surfaces.

10. The locking component according to claim 1, wherein, The outer circumferential profile of the collar is laterally symmetrical about a plane extending from the front side of the collar to the rear side of the collar and between the top surface and the bottom surface.

11. The locking component according to claim 1, wherein, The rear surface extending between the top surface and the bottom surface and defining the rear side of the collar is inclined relative to the central axis of the hole.

12. The locking component according to claim 11, wherein, The rear surface of the collar is inclined at an angle of 1° to 20° away from the central axis of the hole toward the bottom surface of the collar.

13. The locking component according to claim 1, wherein, The front and rear sides of the collar taper toward the central axis of the hole in the direction extending from the bottom surface to the top surface.

14. The locking component according to claim 1, wherein, The head of the pin includes a post with a hexagonal outer profile.

15. The locking component of claim 14, wherein, A hexagonal recess is formed in the column.

16. The locking component according to claim 1, wherein, The pin includes a shaft that narrows toward an end of the pin disposed opposite to the head of the pin.

17. The locking component of claim 16, wherein, The shaft has an outer surface that is inclined at an angle of 1° to 10° relative to the central axis of the pin.

18. The locking component of claim 16, wherein, The upper portion of the shaft is cylindrical and threaded, while the lower portion of the shaft is inclined relative to the central axis of the pin.

19. A wear component assembly for excavating equipment, comprising: Wear component, the wear component comprising: Upper leg, the upper leg extending rearward from the leading edge of the wear member to the rear surface, the leading edge being configured to engage the ground; A passageway extending from the top surface along a first central axis through the upper leg; A support structure recess, formed in the underside of the upper leg and extending rearward through the rear surface of the upper leg, is configured to receive the support structure when the wear member is secured to the excavating device; and A locking recess extending upward from the top of the support structure recess into the passage, and the locking recess comprising a wall and at least one recess formed in the wall; and A collar, configured to be received from the underside of the upper leg within the locking recess of the wear member, the collar comprising: a hole extending from a top surface of the collar to a bottom surface of the collar, the hole being coaxial with the passageway of the wear member when the collar is seated within the locking recess; and at least one biasing stop mechanism extending outwardly from a surface of the collar, the at least one biasing stop mechanism being configured to be at least partially disposed within the at least one recess when the collar is seated within the locking recess, wherein the at least one biasing stop mechanism is compressible inwardly toward the collar and resiliently biased outwardly from the collar. Wherein, the at least one bias stop mechanism includes a first stop mechanism and a second stop mechanism, and The at least one recess includes a first recess and a second recess disposed on the first and second walls of the locking recess. The first and second walls of the locking recess taper inward toward the top surface of the wear member relative to the first central axis, such that the first and second walls of the locking recess are spaced apart by a first distance in the upper region of the locking recess and by a second distance in the lower region of the locking recess. The second distance is greater than the first distance, and the first distance is less than the corresponding width of the collar from the outer surface of the first stop mechanism to the outer surface of the second stop mechanism. As the collar is inserted into the locking recess, the first and second walls continuously compress the flexible member of each of the first and second stop mechanisms until the first and second stop mechanisms are aligned with the corresponding recesses in the first and second recesses.

20. The wear component assembly according to claim 19, wherein, The at least one bias stop mechanism is configured to retain the collar within the locking recess.

21. The wear component assembly according to claim 19, wherein, The first stop mechanism is configured to be adjacent to the first end of the collar, and the second stop mechanism is configured to be adjacent to the second end of the collar.

22. The wear component assembly according to claim 19, wherein, The outer circumferential profile of the collar is defined by a plurality of curved surfaces extending between adjacent flat sides of the collar.

23. The wear component assembly according to claim 19, wherein, The collar has an irregular outer circumferential profile, which includes a plurality of small arcs, each of which has a radius of curvature different from that of each of the other small arcs.

24. The wear component assembly according to claim 23, wherein, The irregular outer circumferential profile of the collar is asymmetrical about any plane parallel to the central axis of the hole.

25. The wear component assembly according to claim 19, wherein, The collar has an outer circumferential profile, which includes at least eight flat sides.

26. The wear component assembly according to claim 19, wherein, The size and shape of the collar and the locking recess are designed such that the collar can be installed into the locking recess in only one direction.

27. The wear component assembly according to claim 19, wherein, The collar includes a protrusion that projects forward along the front side of the collar.

28. The wear component assembly according to claim 19, wherein, The central region of the upper leg has an increased vertical profile relative to the portion of the upper leg on each lateral side of the central region. The increased vertical profile adapts to the height of the collar between the top and bottom surfaces of the collar to receive the collar in the locking recess. The bottom surface of the collar is flush with the top of the support structure recess or the bottom surface of the collar is positioned above the top of the support structure recess.

29. The wear component assembly according to claim 19, wherein, The collar extends between the top and bottom surfaces of the collar and defines a rear surface on the rear side of the collar that is inclined relative to the central axis of the hole.

30. The wear component assembly according to claim 29, wherein, The rear surface of the collar is inclined away from the central axis of the hole at an angle of 2° to 12° relative to the central axis of the hole in the direction extending from the top surface of the collar to the bottom surface of the collar.

31. The wear component assembly according to claim 19, wherein, The front and rear sides of the collar taper toward the central axis of the hole in a direction extending from the bottom surface of the collar to the top surface of the collar.

32. The wear component assembly according to claim 19, wherein, The wear member is a protective cover, and the wear member also includes a lower leg extending rearward away from the leading edge. The protective cover includes a transverse channel formed between the upper leg and the lower leg, the transverse channel being configured to receive the lip of the excavating device.

33. The wear component assembly according to claim 32, wherein, The shield includes a contact pad formed in the transverse channel, the contact pad being configured to engage the front surface of the lip.

34. The wear component assembly according to claim 32, wherein, The support structure recess extends between two opposing slots extending forward from the rear surface, the two opposing slots being configured to receive opposing wings of a fixing base fixed to the lip.

35. The wear component assembly according to claim 19, wherein, When the collar is seated in the locking recess, the bottom surface of the collar is above the top of the support structure recess.

36. A wear component for excavating equipment, comprising: Previous relationship; Upper leg, which extends rearward away from the front edge; A passageway extending from the top surface of the wear member through the upper leg; and A fixing base recess is formed in the underside of the upper leg and extends through the rear surface of the upper leg. The fixing base recess extends laterally between two opposing slots extending forward from the rear surface of the upper leg. Each of the two opposing slots has a lower surface that slopes downward toward each other. The fixing base recess is configured to receive a fixing base that is fixed to the lip of the digging device. A portion of the bottom surface of the upper leg below each of the two opposing slots forms a flat contact surface, which is configured to engage the lip. Each portion of the bottom surface extends along a large portion of the length of the upper leg.

37. The wear member of claim 36, further comprising a prying surface extending between the rear surface of the upper leg and the top of the recess of the fixing base.

38. The wear member of claim 36, comprising at least one prying surface extending between the top surface of the wear member and the surface defining the passage.

39. The wear member of claim 36 further includes a locking recess extending upward from the top of the fixing base recess into the passage.

40. The wear member according to claim 39, further comprising at least one recess formed in the wall of the locking recess.

41. The wear member according to claim 39, wherein, The opposite wall of the locking recess tapers inward toward the top surface of the wear member relative to the central axis of the passage.

42. The wear member according to claim 39, wherein, The circumferential profile of the locking recess is partially defined by a plurality of curved surfaces.

43. The wear member according to claim 39, wherein, The locking recess has an irregular circumferential profile, which includes a plurality of small arcs, each of which has a radius of curvature different from that of each of the other small arcs.

44. The wear member according to claim 43, wherein, The locking recess includes a notch that extends forward away from the central axis of the passage.

45. The wear member according to claim 39, wherein, The circumferential profile of the locking recess includes at least eight sides.

46. ​​The wear member according to claim 39, wherein, The rear wall of the locking recess is inclined relative to the central axis of the passage.

47. The wear member according to claim 46, wherein, The rear wall is inclined at an angle of 1° to 20° relative to the central axis of the passage.

48. The wear member according to claim 39, wherein, The front wall and the rear wall of the locking recess taper toward the central axis of the passage.

49. The wear member of claim 36, further comprising a lower leg extending rearwardly away from the leading edge, the wear member including a transverse channel formed between the upper leg and the lower leg, the transverse channel being configured to receive the lip.

50. The wear member of claim 49, further comprising a contact pad formed in the transverse channel, the contact pad being configured to engage the front surface of the lip.

51. The wear member according to claim 49, wherein, A portion of the lower leg is shaped to be located near the bottom surface of the lip, and a portion of the upper leg is configured to engage the upper surface of the lip, wherein the portion of the lower leg is inclined at an angle of 10° to 20° relative to the portion of the upper leg.

52. The wear member according to claim 51, wherein, The portion of the upper leg that is configured to engage the upper surface of the lip is parallel to the portion of the lower leg located near the bottom surface of the lip.

53. The wear member according to claim 36, wherein, The central region of the upper leg has an increased vertical profile relative to the portion of the upper leg on each lateral side of the central region.

54. The wear member according to claim 53, wherein, In the central region, a raised area is formed in the top surface of the upper leg, and the passage extends through the raised area.

55. The wear member according to claim 39, wherein, Each of the two opposing slots extends forward beyond the front wall of the locking recess, and the two opposing slots are inclined longitudinally inward toward each other from the rear surface.

56. A fixed base, comprising: Bottom surface; Top surface; A central opening extending through the top and bottom surfaces, wherein the central opening is defined on the front side by a locking wall configured to engage part of a locking element; and The first and second wings are opposite to each other, each of which extends upward and laterally outward away from the central opening. The first and second wings are inclined apart toward the rear side of the fixed base and have a lower surface that is inclined downward toward the central opening.

57. The fixing base of claim 56, further comprising a rear opening extending through the top surface and the bottom surface in an extension extending from the rear side of the fixing base, the rear opening being separated from the central opening from one side toward the wall.

58. The fixed base according to claim 57, wherein, The rear wall of the extension includes a prying surface extending between the top surface of the rear wall and the front surface of the rear wall, and wherein the lateral wall includes a prying surface extending between the top surface of the lateral wall and the front surface of the lateral wall.

59. A wear component assembly, comprising: A fixing base, wherein the fixing base is disposed on the lip and positioned after the leading edge of the lip, the fixing base comprising: Bottom surface; Top surface; A central opening extending through the top and bottom surfaces, wherein the central opening is defined on the front side by a locking wall configured to engage part of a locking element; and The first and second wings are opposite to each other, each of the first and second wings extending upward and laterally outward away from the central opening. The first and second wings are inclined apart toward the rear side of the fixed base and have a lower surface inclined downward toward the central opening. Wear component, the wear component comprising: Previous relationship; Upper leg, which extends rearward away from the front edge; A passageway extending from the top surface of the wear member through the upper leg; A locking recess extending upward from the underside of the upper leg into the passage; and A fixing base recess is formed in the underside of the upper leg and extends rearward through the rear surface of the upper leg. The fixing base recess extends laterally between two opposing slots extending forward from the rear surface of the upper leg. At least a portion of the first wing and the second wing of the fixing base can be positioned within the two opposing slots. Locking component, the locking component comprising: A collar, positioned within a locking recess of the wear member, the collar comprising: Top surface; The bottom surface opposite the top surface of the collar; and A hole extending along a central axis from the top surface of the collar to the bottom surface of the collar; and A pin, which can be positioned within the hole of the collar and is configured to extend from the collar into the fixing base to engage the locking wall of the fixing base.

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