Improved latching assembly for ground engaging tools

Abstract

A locking assembly for locking a ground engaging tool such as a point onto an adapter is disclosed. The locking assembly has a lock which can pivot between a locking position and a release position. The lock is biased into the locking position. The action of pushing the point onto the adapter moves the lock into its release position until the point is fully engaged on the adapter, when the lock returns to its locked position, now in engagement with a lock receiving recess in the adapter.

Description

“IMPROVED LATCHING ASSEMBLY FOR GROUND ENGAGING TOOLS”Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a latching assembly for attachment of ground engaging tools to earthmoving equipment. The present invention has been designed for the attachment of a tooth or point to an adaptor located on a bucket edge, but is considered to have wider application in the attachment of ground engaging tools such as in the attachment of lip shrouds, wing shrouds and the like.Background to the Invention

[0002] Buckets of excavating equipment are subject to significant abrasive wear during use. For this reason, replaceable ground engaging tools (GET) are located about the buckets in the areas most susceptible to wear. A number of different GET are used, including wing shrouds, heel shrouds, lip shrouds, adaptors, wear plates, teeth / points and corner shrouds.

[0003] The creation of reliable and efficient systems to connect GET to bucket edges has presented a consistent challenge, and there are many different systems currently available which seek to perform this task.

[0004] Traditionally, the attachment of GET to bucket edges is a two-stage process: the GET is located in at least an approximate position relative to the bucket, and then a separate lock is introduced to fix the GET in its position. This lock may be akin to a pin passing through an aperture in the bucket, or else may be arranged to locate against a boss or similar formation on the bucket surface.

[0005] It will be appreciated that until the lock is introduced it is necessary to hold the GET in its location relative to the bucket edge. With some GET being well in excess of 20kg, this generally requires some external mechanical assistance.

[0006] More recent developments of GET such as the Talon Engineering ‘Lockjaw’ incorporate a lock within the GET itself. The attachment process is thus simplified by changing the second stage of the two-stage process to one of engaging and tightening the lock, rather than introduction of the lock. It is still necessary to hold the GET in position by external means until the lock is engaged.

[0007] The disengagement of GET from bucket edges is generally a reversal of the attachment process. The lock is loosened and in most cases removed, and then the GET is removed from the bucket edge. The second part of this operation frequently requires the application of significant force, as the combined effect of compression forces during use and the capture of fines particles within the GET and the bucket often results in the GET being tightly captured on the bucket, even following removal of the lock.

[0008] These issues have been at least partially addressed in International Patent Publication Number WO2023 / 115103, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Patent publication numberWO2023 / 115103 discloses a locking system for GET in which a lock is biased to ‘snap’ into a locked position as a GET is moved into its working position.

[0009] While this arrangement has proved effective, the design of the lock has limited its use to only some styles of GET. It is considered desirable to make a more robust lock with wider use applications. In addition, there have been instances in which the resulting locking arrangement has not been sufficiently tight to avoid movement of the GET relative to the bucket.

[0010] The present invention has been designed in light of this background.Summary of the Invention

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a locking assembly for locking a ground engaging tool over a base, the locking assembly including a lock supporting member, and a lock arranged to pivotbetween a locking position and a release position, the lock being biased into the locking position, the lock having a first face arranged to act against an activating surface of the base, wherein the action of the first face of the lock against the activating surface of the base causes pivoting of the lock into the release position, characterised in that the lock has a bore passing laterally therethrough, and the locking assembly includes a shaft extending through the lock and at least partially into the lock supporting member, the lock being arranged to pivot about the shaft.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the lock includes a recess within which at least one torsion spring is located. The lock preferably includes a second face against which a first end of the torsion spring is arranged to act. The second face may be located within an aperture of the lock. It is preferred that the second face is angled relative to the first face at an angle in the order of 5° to 30°. In a preferred embodiment, the second face is angled at about 12° relative to the first face.

[0013] The torsion spring is preferably a helical torsion spring. In a preferred embodiment, the recess houses two torsion springs.

[0014] The lock may have a third face which is arranged, in use, to engage with a holding face of the base. The third face may be arcuate.

[0015] It is preferred that the shaft passes through the torsion spring or springs. The second face of the lock may extend generally tangentially away from the shaft. The first face may extend within a plane spaced from the shaft. The third face preferably curves at least part of the distance between the first face and the second face, the third face having a centre of curvature at about the centre of the shaft.

[0016] The lock may have a pry-tool receiving aperture or slot. Preferably, this is located within the third face of the lock. In the preferred embodiment, the pry-tool receiving aperture is the aperture within which the second face of the lock is located.

[0017] It is preferred that the lock has two generally planar side faces. It is preferred that the bore of the lock extends through each of the side faces.

[0018] The lock supporting member may include a resisting surface against which a second end of the torsion spring or springs is arranged to act. The lock supporting member may include a bore within which the shaft is supported.

[0019] The lock supporting member may be formed from a first body portion arranged to be connected to a second body portion. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second body portions are arranged to be screwed together via screws perpendicular to an axis of the shaft. The second end of the torsion spring may be arranged to pass between the first and second body portions, with the resisting surface located on a surface of the second body portion facing the first body portion.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the first body portion has a front face extending from a first side to a second side of the first body portion, the first body portion having two stabilizing arms extending away from the front face, comprising a first stabilizing arm extending from the first side of the first body portion and a second stabilizing arm extending from the second side of the first body portion.

[0021] In an alternative embodiment, the first body portion has a front face which includes a tapered portion, the tapered portion being angled with respect to the adjustment axis. The first body portion of this embodiment may have side faces which each also include a tapered portion, the tapered portion being angled with respect to the adjustment axis. This allows the first body portion to be retained within the ground engaging tool.

[0022] The front face of the first body portion may include recessed regions on either side.

[0023] The first body portion may include a recess within a rear face within which the wedging member may locate.

[0024] The second body portion preferably has an outer face arranged, in use, to align with an internal surface of the ground engaging tool.

[0025] The second body portion preferably includes two spaced arms extending away from the outer face. The arrangement is preferably such that the two spaced arms can locate, in use, against the two side faces of the lock. The spaced arms may each include the bore within which the shaft is supported.

[0026] In the preferred embodiment, the two spaced arms are arranged to abut the stabilizing arms of the first body portion.

[0027] In an alternative embodiment, the spaced arms include pillars extending, in use, alongside the recessed regions of the front face of the first body portion.

[0028] The second body may include a rear inner face which is oriented away from the outer face, the rear inner face including a threaded aperture which extends along the adjustment axis.

[0029] The resisting surface may be located forward of the rear inner face. The resisting surface may be parallel to, and raised relative to, the rear inner face.

[0030] The second body preferably includes side inner faces which are oriented away from the outer face, the side inner faces being parallel to, and raised relative to, the resisting surface. The side inner faces are preferably located on either side of the rear inner face. The side inner faces may include apertures to receive the screws connecting the first body portion to the second body portion.

[0031] In one embodiment the locking assembly may include an adjustment means, the adjustment means including a wedging member having a bearing surface, the wedging member being moveable along an adjustment axis, the bearing surface forming an acute angle relative to the adjustment axis.

[0032] The adjustment axis may be perpendicular to the axis of the shaft.

[0033] The wedging member may have a front face which is arranged to locate against the rear face of the first body portion, with the bearing surface forming a rear face of the wedging member. The front face may be parallel to the adjustment axis. The wedging member may have an outer face which is arranged to face towards the second body member, the outer face having a shallow front end arranged, in use, to locate over the resisting surface.

[0034] It is preferred that the acute angle is between 15° and 75°, with about 30° being most preferred.

[0035] The adjustment means may include an adjustment screw which extends along the adjustment axis, the adjustment screw passing through a central aperture of the wedging member and being received within the threaded aperture of the second body portion.

[0036] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a locking assembly for locking a ground engaging tool over a base, the locking assembly including a lock arranged to pivot between a locking position and a release position, the lock being biased into the locking position, the lock having a first face and second face, the first face being angled with respect to the second face at an angle between 5° and 30°, the second face acting against a resilient biasing means.

[0037] The biasing means is preferably formed of at least one helical torsion spring.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the second face is angled at about 12° relative to the first face.

[0039] The lock may have an arcuate third face.

[0040] It is preferred that the lock is arranged to pivot about a shaft or other axle. The shaft may pass through the at least one torsion spring. The second face of the lock preferably extends generally tangentially away from the shaft. The first face preferably extends within a plane spaced from the shaft. The third face may curve at least part of the distance between the first face and the second face, the third face preferably having a centre of curvature at about the centre of the shaft.

[0041] The lock may have a pry-tool receiving aperture or slot. Preferably, this is located within the third face of the lock. In the preferred embodiment, the pry-tool receiving aperture is the aperture within which the second face of the lock is located.

[0042] It is preferred that the lock has two generally planar side faces. Each side face may include a bore through which the shaft passes.

[0043] The lock assembly preferably includes a lock supporting member. The lock supporting member may include a resisting surface against which a second end of the torsion spring or springs is arranged to act. The lock supporting member may include a bore within which the shaft is supported.

[0044] The lock supporting member may be formed from a first body portion arranged to be connected to a second body portion. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second body portions are arranged to be screwed together. The second end of the torsion spring may be arranged to pass between the first and second body portions, with the resisting surface located on a surface of the second body portion facing the first body portion.

[0045] In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a ground engaging tool having an internal socket arranged to locate about a base, and an external wear face, the ground engaging tool having a lock receiving aperture extending between the external wear face and the internal socket, the lock receiving aperture having a forward portion, a first rear portion, and a second rear portion, the first rear portion having a lateral width greater than that of the forward portion and the second rear portion having a lateral width less than that of the forward portion.

[0046] The second rear portion of the lock receiving aperture may have a rear wall including a tapered face which tapers inwardly from the external wear face. It is preferred that the tapered face is angled with respect to the external wear face at an angle of about 60°.

[0047] The ground engaging tool is preferably arranged to house the locking assembly. The lateral width of the first rear portion is preferably slightly larger than that of the lock supporting member. The lateral width of the front portion is preferably slightly larger than that of the lock. The lateral width of the third rear portion is preferably slightly larger than that of the wedging member.

[0048] In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a ground engaging tool having an internal socket arranged to locate about a base, the ground engaging tool including a locking assembly, the locking assembly including a lock supporting member, and a lock arranged to pivot between a locking position and a release position, the lock being biased into the locking position, the lock having a first face arranged to act against an activating surface of the base, wherein the action of the first face of the lock against the activating surface of the base causes pivoting of the lock into the release position, characterised in that the lock has a bore passing laterally therethrough, and the locking assembly includes a shaft extending through the lock and at least partially into the lock supporting member, the lock being arranged to pivot about the shaft.

[0049] It will be understood that the ground engaging tool and the locking assembly of the fourth aspect of the present invention may have any of the features described in relation to earlier aspects of the present invention.

[0050] It will be appreciated that uses of terms such as ‘upper’, ‘lower’, ‘side’, ‘horizontal’, ‘vertical’ and the like are used herein for ease of description, and that the locking assembly and other components described can be positioned in a variety of spatial orientations.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0051] It will be convenient to further describe the invention with reference to preferred embodiments of the present invention. Other embodiments are possible, and consequently the particularity of the following discussion is not to be understood as superseding the generality of the preceding description of the invention. In the drawings:

[0052] Figure 1 is an exploded view of a wear assembly incorporating an adaptor being a base; a point being a ground engaging tool in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; and a locking assembly in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the locking assembly of Figure 1 ;

[0054] Figures 3a and 3b are perspectives of a lock from within the locking assembly of Figure 1 ;

[0055] Figures 4a and 4b are perspectives of a first body portion of a lock supporting member within the locking assembly of Figure 1 ;

[0056] Figure 4c is a side view of the first body portion of Figures 4a and 4b;

[0057] Figures 5a and 5b are perspectives of a second body portion of the lock supporting member within the locking assembly of Figure 1 ;

[0058] Figure 5c is a side view of the second body portion of Figures 5a and 5b;

[0059] Figure 6 is a perspective of a pair of torsion springs within the locking assembly of Figure 1 ;

[0060] Figure 7 is a perspective of a shaft from within the locking assembly of Figure 1 ;

[0061] Figures 8a, 8b, and 8c are perspectives of a wedging member within the locking assembly of Figure 1 ;

[0062] Figure 8d is a side view of the wedging member of Figures 8a, 8b and 8c;

[0063] Figure 9a is an assembled view from the front of the locking assembly of Figure 1 ;

[0064] Figure 9b is an assembled view from the rear of the locking assembly of Figure 1 ;

[0065] Figure 10 is a perspective of the point of Figure 1 ;

[0066] Figure 11 is a partially cut-away view showing an internal surface of the point of Figure 1 ;

[0067] Figure 12 is a cut-away view of a lock receiving aperture within the point of Figure 1 ;

[0068] Figure 13 is a front perspective of the point of Figure 1 in which the locking assembly of Figure 1 has been assembled;

[0069] Figure 14 is a rear perspective of the point in the condition of Figure 13;

[0070] Figure 15 is a cut-away front view of the point and lock assembly of Figure 13;

[0071] Figure 16 is a cut-away rear view of the point and lock assembly of Figure 13;

[0072] Figure 17 is a cut-away internal view of the point and lock assembly of Figure 13;

[0073] Figure 18a is a perspective of the adaptor of Figure 1 ;

[0074] Figure 18b is a close perspective of a nose of the adaptor of Figure 1 ;

[0075] Figure 19 is a perspective of the wear assembly of Figure 1 shown prior to location of the point onto the adaptor;

[0076] Figure 20 is a perspective of the wear assembly of Figure 1 shown during a first stage of locating the point onto the adaptor;

[0077] Figure 21 is a cross section of the wear assembly of Figure 1 shown during the same stage as in Figure 20;

[0078] Figure 22 is a cross section of the wear assembly of Figure 1 shown during a second stage of locating the point onto the adaptor;

[0079] Figure 23 is a cross section of the wear assembly of Figure 1 shown during a third stage of locating the point onto the adaptor;

[0080] Figure 24 is a cross section of the wear assembly of Figure 1 shown during a fourth stage of locating the point onto the adaptor;

[0081] Figure 25 is a perspective of the wear assembly of Figure 1 shown during the fourth stage of Figure 24;

[0082] Figure 26 is a cut-away view of the wear assembly of Figure 1 shown following location of the point onto the adaptor;

[0083] Figure 27 is a side view of the wear assembly of Figure 1 shown following location of the point onto the adaptor;

[0084] Figure 28 is a closer side view of the wear assembly of Figure 1 shown following location of the point onto the adaptor;

[0085] Figure 29 is a perspective of the wear assembly showing location of the point onto the adaptor;

[0086] Figure 30 is a cross section of the wear assembly of Figure 1 showing location of the point onto the adaptor prior to tightening;

[0087] Figure 31 is a cut-away view of the wear assembly of Figure 1 showing location of the point onto the adaptor prior to tightening;

[0088] Figure 32 is a cross section of the wear assembly of Figure 1 showing location of the point onto the adaptor after tightening;

[0089] Figure 33 is a cut-away view of the wear assembly of Figure 1 showing location of the point onto the adaptor after tightening;

[0090] Figure 34 is a cross section of the wear assembly of Figure 1 shown during an initial stage of removal of the point from the adaptor;

[0091] Figure 35 is a cross section of the wear assembly of Figure 1 shown during a second stage of removal of the point from the adaptor;

[0092] Figure 36 is an upper perspective of a portion of the wear assembly of Figure 1 shown during a third stage of removal of the point from the adaptor;

[0093] Figure 37 is a cut-away view through the portion of the wear assembly of Figure 36 shown during a fourth stage of removal of the point from the adaptor;

[0094] Figure 38 is an upper perspective of the portion of the wear assembly of Figure 36 shown during the fourth stage of removal of the point from the adaptor;

[0095] Figure 39 is an exploded view of a locking assembly in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0096] Figure 40a is an assembled view from the front of the locking assembly of Figure 39;

[0097] Figure 40b is an assembled view from the rear of the locking assembly of Figure 39; and

[0098] Figure 41 is a cut-away front view of a point in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, together with the lock assembly of Figure 39.Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

[0099] Referring to the Figures, Figure 1 shows a wear assembly 10 having a base, which in this embodiment is an adaptor 12; a ground engaging tool, which in this embodiment is a point 14, and a locking assembly 16.

[0100] The locking assembly 16 is shown in Figure 2. It is formed by a lock 18; a lock supporting member 19 having a first body portion 20, a second body portion 22, two connecting screws 24, two torsion springs 26, a shaft 27, and an adjustment means 28 having a wedging member 30 and an adjustment screw 29.

[0101] The lock 18 is shown in Figures 3a and 3b. The lock 18 has a flat inner face 31 , a flat outer face 32 which is angled relative to the inner face 31 at an angle of about 30°, and an arcuate face 34. The lock 18 has a bore35 passing laterally through. The arcuate face 34 has a centre of curvature close to the axis of the bore 35.

[0102] The lock 18 has side walls 36 through which the bore 35 extends. Each of the side walls 36 has a generally planar side face 37.

[0103] The lock 18 has a recess 38 located between the side walls 36, opening to a rear of the lock 18 away from the arcuate face 34.

[0104] A pry-tool receiving slot 42 extends between the arcuate face 34 and the recess 38. The pry-tool receiving slot 42 is located close to the outer face 32. The pry-tool receiving slot 42 has an outer-facing face 40 oriented towards the outer face 32. The outer-facing face 40 is located in a plane which is angled at about 12° relative to the inner face 31 .

[0105] The inner face 31 acts as a first face of the lock 18. The outer-facing face 40 acts as a second face of the lock 18. The arcuate face 34 acts as a third face of the lock 18.

[0106] The first body portion 20 of the lock supporting member 19 is shown in Figures 4a, 4b, and 4c. The first body portion 20 has a lateral width greater than that of the lock 18.

[0107] The first body portion 20 has an upper face 44, a lower face 46, a front face 48 and a rear face 50. The front face 48 and the rear face 50 are generally perpendicular to the upper face 44. The rear face 50 includes a generally rectangular recess 54.

[0108] The front face 48 has a central region 49 aligned with the recess 54, and two recessed regions 51 , one on each side of the central region 49. The front face 48 includes a tapered region 53 which tapers towards the lower face 46.

[0109] The first body portion 20 has two side faces 55, each of which includes a tapered region 56 which tapers towards the lower face 46.

[0110] Two threaded screw holes 52 extend between the upper face 44 and the lower face 46, perpendicular to the upper face 44. The screw holes 52 are located on either side of the recess 54.

[0111] The second body portion 22 of the lock supporting member 19 is shown in Figures 5a, 5b, and 5c. The second body portion 22 has a lateral width corresponding to that of the first body portion 20.

[0112] The second body portion 22 has an outer or lower face 57, an inner or upper face 58, a front face 60, a rear face 62, and two side faces 97. The lower face 57 and upper face 58 are generally perpendicular to the front face 60 and the rear face 62. The side faces 97 taper outwardly from the upper face 58 to the lower face 57.

[0113] The upper face 58 has a stepped configuration. The upper face 58 includes a forward portion extending across the front face 60, the forward portion being a resisting surface 59. Immediately to the rear of the resisting surface 59 is a rear inner face 61 , which is parallel to the resisting surface 59 but closer to the lower face 57. The rear inner face 61 extends from the resisting surface 59 to the rear face 62. The resisting surface 59 is raised (in the sense of the drawings) relative to the rear inner face 61 .

[0114] The upper face 58 further includes two side inner faces 63, one located on either side of the rear inner face 61 . The side inner faces 63 are parallel to, and raised relative to, both the resisting surface 59 and the rear inner face 61 ; that is, they are further from the lower face 57.

[0115] A respective screw hole 64 extends between the lower face 57 and each side inner face 63, perpendicular to the lower face 57. The screw holes 64 are positioned so as to align, in use, with the screw holes 52 of the first body portion 20. The screw holes 64 have countersunk openings within the lower face 57 arranged to receive, in use, heads of the connecting screws 24.

[0116] A threaded aperture 65 extends between the lower face 57 and the rear inner face 61 , parallel to the screw holes 64. The threaded aperture 65 defines an adjustment axis 67.

[0117] Two spaced arms 66 extend upwardly from the lower face 57, one located on either lateral side of the front face 60. The spaced arms 66 are separated by a gap 68 which is slightly wider than the lock 18. The spaced arms 66 each have an upper portion or pillar 70, which extends above the upper face 58. The arrangement is such that the pillars 70 of the spaced arms 66 can locate within respective recessed regions 51 of the front face 48 of the first body portion 20.

[0118] A bore 69 extends through each of the spaced arms 66 in a lateral direction. The bore 69 is arranged to align, in use, with the bore 35 of the lock 18. The bore 69 extends in a direction perpendicular to that of the screw holes 64 and adjustment axis 67.

[0119] The torsion springs 26 are shown in Figure 6. Each torsion spring has a helical body 72, with a first end 74 extending tangentially away from the helical body 72 on one side and a second end 76 extending tangentially away from the helical body 72 on the other side. The first end 74 is angled with respect to the second end 76 at about 160°.

[0120] The shaft 27 is shown in Figure 7. The shaft 27 is sized and shaped to pass through the bores 69 of the second body portion 22. In use, the shaft 27 is arranged to pass through, in turn, a first bore 69 of the second body portion 22, a first bore 35 of the lock 18, the two helical bodies 72 of the torsion springs 26, the second bore 35 of the lock 18 and the second bore 69 of the second body portion 22. It will be appreciated that in an alternative embodiment at least one bore 69 may be partially closed such that the shaft 27 passes only partially through the second body portion 22.

[0121] The wedging member 30 is shown in Figures 8a to 8d. The wedging member 30 has an outer or upper face 77, a front face 78, a rear face 79which is a bearing surface of the wedging member 30, two side faces 80 and an inner or lower face which has a lowermost portion 81 and a relatively raised shallow front end 82. The lowermost portion 81 extends from the rear face 79 in a forward direction, and the relatively raised shallow front end 82 extends from the front face 78 in a rearward direction.

[0122] The wedging member 30 is sized to generally locate within the generally rectangular recess 54 of the first body portion 20, with the front face 78 and the side faces 80 of the wedging member arranged, in use, to locate against the recessed part of the rear face 50 of the first body portion 20. The shallow front end 82 is arranged to locate, in use, facing the resisting surface 59 of the second body portion 22.

[0123] A central aperture 83 extends through the wedging member 30 from the upper face 77 through to the lowermost portion 81. In use, the central aperture 83 extends along the adjustment axis 67, and is arranged to receive the adjustment screw 29.

[0124] The rear face 79 is tapered, forming an acute angle with respect to the adjustment axis 67. In the embodiment of the drawings this angle is about 30°, although is anticipated that any angle between 15° and 75° is likely to prove useful.

[0125] The locking assembly 16 is shown in an assembled form in Figures 9a and 9b. The torsion springs 26 are located with respective helical bodies 72 within the recess 38, respective first ends 74 pressing against the outerfacing face 40 of the pry-tool receiving slot 42, and respective second ends 76 pressing against the resisting surface 59 of the second body portion 22. The first body portion 20 is fixed to the second body portion 22 by means of the connecting screws 24, which are inserted through the screw holes 64 of the second body portion 22 and into the screw holes 52 of the first body portion 20.

[0126] The adjustment means 28 is located at the rear of the lock supporting member 19, with the adjustment screw 29 passing through the central aperture 83 of the wedging member 30 and being received in the threaded aperture 65 of the second body portion 22.

[0127] It will be appreciated that the torsion springs 26 act against the lock 18 to bias it into a position whereby a rear wall of the lock 18 abuts the front face 60 of the second body portion 22.

[0128] The locking assembly 16 is arranged to be mounted within a lock receiving aperture 84 of the point 14.

[0129] The point 14 has an internal socket 85 which is arranged to be received over a nose 120 of the adaptor 12. As a result, the point 14 has an outer wear surface 86 which is exposed, and an internal surface 87 which, in use, bears against the nose 120. The lock receiving aperture 84 is located within a side wall of the point 14, and extends between the outer wear surface 86 and the internal surface 87.

[0130] The lock receiving aperture 84 is broadly “T-shaped”, with a forward portion 90 which is relatively narrow and a rear portion 92 which is relatively wide. The arrangement is such that the forward portion 90 has a width slightly wider than that of the lock 18. The rear portion 92 has a width slightly wider than that of the lock supporting member 19.

[0131] The rear portion 92 has a rear wall 94 which extends across the width of the rear portion 92, and which is generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the point 14. A tapered cut-out 96 extends across a laterally central portion of the rear wall 94, and extends from the outer wear surface 86 to a depth about half that of the rear wall 94. The tapered cut-out 96 has a lateral extent about half that of the rear wall 94. The tapered cutout 96 is angled with respect to the rear wall 94 at the same angle as the rear face 79 of the wedging member 30 is angled with respect to the adjustment axis 67.

[0132] The rear portion 92 has two side walls 100, each of which extends from the outer wear surface 86 to the internal surface 87. Each side wall 100 has a first portion 102 which tapers inwardly from the outer wear surface 86 and a second portion 104 which tapers inwardly from the internal surface 87. The side wall 100 is thus generally convex V-shaped. The taper of the first portion 102 corresponds to that of the tapered region 56 of the first body portion 20. The taper of the second portion 104 corresponds to that of the side faces 97 of the second body portion 22.

[0133] Each side wall 100 has a third portion 105 along a front of the second portion 104. The third portion 105 is perpendicular to the internal surface 87.

[0134] A shoulder 106 represents a front of the rear portion 92, forming a change in width between the rear portion 92 and the forward portion 90.

[0135] The size of the lock receiving aperture 84 is such that the first body portion 20 of the locking assembly 16 can be received in the rear portion 92, with the rear face 50 of the first body portion 20 abutting the rear wall 94 on either side of the tapered cut-out 96, and the tapered regions 56 of the side faces 55 of the first body portion 20 bearing against the respective first portions 102 of the side walls 100. Similarly, the second body portion 22 of the lock supporting member 19 can be received in the rear portion 92, with the rear face 62 of the second body portion 22 abutting the rear wall 94 beneath the tapered cut-out 96, and the tapered side faces 97 of the second body portion 22 bearing against the respective second portions 104 of the side walls 100. The spaced arms 66 of the lock supporting member 19 abut the third portion 105.

[0136] When thus positioned, the rear face 79 of the wedging member 30 locates against the tapered cut-out 96. The forward portion 90 of the lock receiving aperture 84 is sufficiently long that the lock 18 can freely pivot within it.

[0137] The positioning of the locking assembly 16 within the lock receiving aperture 84 is shown in Figures 13 to 17. It will be appreciated that the tapered shape of the first and second body portions 20, 22 allows each of the first and second body portions 20, 22 to be secured in position within the rear portion 92 of the lock receiving aperture 84, with the connecting screws 24 holding the locking assembly 16 in position.

[0138] When thus assembled, it will be appreciated that the upper face 44 of the first body portion 20 appears as a depression within the outer wear surface 86, and the lower face 57 of the second body portion 22 is essentially level with the internal surface 87. In this assembled configuration much of the lock 18 projects into the internal socket 85 of the point 14.

[0139] The nose 120 of the adaptor 12 is sized and shaped to be received within the internal socket 85 of the point 14. The nose 120 has a primary activating surface, being a front surface 122. The nose 120 also has a secondary activating surface, being a side surface 124 perpendicular to the front surface 122. A lock receiving recess 126 is formed within the side surface 124.

[0140] In the embodiment of the drawings the lock receiving recess 126 is the same as that described in International Patent Application Publication Number WO 2012 / 075531 , allowing for points 14 of the present invention to be used with existing adaptors 12. It will be appreciated that in an alternative embodiment the lock receiving recess 126 could be similar to that described in International Patent Publication Number WO2023 / 115103. The key aspect is that the lock receiving recess 126 has a forward facing wall 128 slightly inclined relative to a perpendicular of the side surface 124, and a holding face formed by a front wall 134. The front wall 134 forms an angle of about 75° with respect to the side surface 124.

[0141] In the embodiment of the drawings the lock receiving recess 126 is generally U-shaped, with the forward facing wall 128 formed by a front wall of a locating boss 130, and the front wall 134 forming part of an arcuaterecess wall 132. It will be appreciated that the arrangement is such that a lower part of the recess 38 of the lock 18 is arranged to locate around the locating boss 130.

[0142] Assembly of the wear assembly 10 will now be described with reference to Figures 19 to 33.

[0143] As shown in Figure 19, the point 14 is provided with the locking assembly 16 arranged within as described above. It is oriented such that the internal surface 87 within which the lock receiving aperture 84 is formed is arranged to be moved over the side surface 124 of the adaptor 12 in which the lock receiving recess 126 is formed.

[0144] As the nose 120 is initially brought into the internal socket 85 there is no contact with the lock 18. This is shown in Figures 19 and 20.

[0145] As the nose 120 is brought further forward (or the point 14 pushed rearwardly) an edge of the front surface 122 contacts the inner face 31 of the lock 18 as shown in Figure 22. The action of the front surface 122 against the inner face 31 causes pivoting of the lock 18 about the shaft 27. The outer-facing face 40 of the lock 18 acts against the first ends 74 of the torsion springs 26, causing the torsion springs 26 to twist. Once the outer edge of the inner face 31 clears the edge of the front surface 122, the lock 18 is held in this pivoted position by action of the side surface 124 against the inner face 31. This is shown in Figure 23.

[0146] As the front surface 122 reaches the internal end of the internal socket 85, the lock 18 moves to a position directly over the lock receiving recess 126. The first ends 74 of the torsion springs 26 act against the outerfacing face 40 of the lock 18, causing the lock 18 to pivot back to its biased position. The arcuate face 34 of the lock 18 now abuts the front wall 134 of the lock receiving recess 126. This is shown in Figure 24 to 29.

[0147] It is important for the arcuate face 34 of the lock 18 to bear against the front wall 134 of the lock receiving recess 126. This action prevents forward movement of the point 14 relative to the adaptor 12, and thus locks the point 14 in position on the nose 120.

[0148] Due to worn components, or a lack of precision in manufacture, the actuate face 34 of the lock 18 may not quite meet the front wall 134, or may not engage with sufficient compressive force to prevent rattling of the point 14 relative to the adaptor 12. This situation is shown in Figures 30 and 31 , and may be resolved by use of the adjustment means 28.

[0149] Screwing of the adjustment screw 29 along the adjustment axis 67 acts to move the wedging member 30 towards the rear inner face 61 . This causes the rear face 79 of the wedging member 30 to act against the tapered cut-out 96 of the lock receiving aperture 84. The nature of the tapered surfaces translates movement of the wedging member 30 along the adjustment axis 67 into forward movement of the locking assembly 16 relative to the lock receiving aperture 84. This action removes any ‘slack’ between the arcuate face 34 of the lock 18 and the front wall 134 of the lock receiving recess 126. It will be appreciated that the point 14 remains fixed in position relative to the adaptor 12 during this tightening operation, as shown in Figures 32 and 33.

[0150] Removal of the point 14 from the adaptor 12 is shown in Figures 34 to 38. Initially, it necessary to cause pivoting of the lock 18 into a release position. This can be achieved by use of a pry-tool such as a screwdriver 140 into the pry-tool receiving slot 42.

[0151] For ease of removal of the point 14, a wedge 142 may be inserted into the forward portion 90 of the lock receiving aperture 84 in order to bear against the arcuate face 34 of the lock 18 and hold the lock 18 in a release position. This is shown in Figures 36 to 38. It will be appreciated that once the wedge 142 is in position the screwdriver 140 may be removed.

[0152] The point 14 may then be simply slid from the adaptor 12.

[0153] An alternative lock supporting member 219 is shown in Figures 39 to 41 . The lock supporting member 219 has a first body portion 220, a second body portion 222, two connecting screws 224, two torsion springs 226, and a shaft 227.

[0154] The first body portion 220 of the lock supporting member 219 has an upper face 244, a lower face 246, a front face 248 and a rear face 250. The front face 248 and the rear face 250 are generally perpendicular to the upper face 244. The first body portion 220 has a first side face 251 and a second side face 253.

[0155] The first body portion 220 has two stabilizing arms: a first stabilizing arm 254 which extends forwardly from the front face 248 and extends the first side face 251 , and a second stabilizing arm 255 which extends forwardly from the front face 248 and extends the second side face 253.

[0156] Two threaded screw holes 252 extend between the upper face 244 and the lower face 246, perpendicular to the upper face 244. The screw holes 252 are located with one near a corner of the rear face 250 and first side face 251 , and the other near a comer of the rear face 250 and second side face 253.

[0157] The second body portion 222 of the lock supporting member 219 has a lateral width corresponding to that of the first body portion 220.

[0158] The second body portion 222 has an outer or lower face 257, an inner or upper face 258, a front face 260, a rear face 262, and two side faces 297. The lower face 257 and upper face 258 are generally perpendicular to the front face 260 and the rear face 262. The side faces 297 taper outwardly from the upper face 258 to the lower face 257.

[0159] The upper face 258 has a stepped configuration. The upper face 258 includes a resisting surface 259 extending from the front face 260 to the rear face 262.

[0160] The upper face 258 further includes two side inner faces 263, one located on either side of the resisting surface 259. The side inner faces 263 are parallel to, and raised relative to, the resisting surface 259; that is, they are further from the lower face 257.

[0161] A respective screw hole 264 extends between the lower face 257 and each side inner face 263, perpendicular to the lower face 257. The screw holes 264 are positioned so as to align, in use, with the screw holes 252 of the first body portion 220. The screw holes 264 have countersunk openings within the lower face 257 arranged to receive, in use, heads of the connecting screws 224.

[0162] Two spaced arms 266 extend upwardly from the lower face 257, one located on either lateral side of the front face 260. The spaced arms 266 are separated by a gap which is slightly wider than the lock 18. The arrangement is such that the spaced arms 266 can locate against the first and second stabilizing arms 254, 255 of the first body portion 220.

[0163] A bore 269 extends through each of the spaced arms 266 in a lateral direction. The bore 269 is arranged to align, in use, with the bore 35 of the lock 18. The bore 269 extends in a direction perpendicular to that of the screw holes 264.

[0164] Figure 41 shows the lock supporting member in position within a point 214. The point 214 has a lock receiving aperture 284 having a first portion 290 which extends to a shoulder 306. The lock supporting member 219 is located in the lock receiving aperture 284 such that the first and second stabilizing arms 254, 255 of the first body portion 220 abut the shoulder 306.

[0165] It will be appreciated that the lock supporting member 219 lacks the adjustment mechanism provided by the wedging member 30. On the other hand, the lock supporting member 219 of the second embodiment is held more securely within the lock receiving apertures 284 than that of the first embodiment.

[0166] Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Claims1 . A locking assembly 16 for locking a ground engaging tool 14 over a base 12, the locking assembly including a lock supporting member 19, and a lock 18 arranged to pivot between a locking position and a release position, the lock being biased into the locking position, the lock having a first face 31 arranged to act against an activating surface 122 of the base, wherein the action of the first face of the lock against the activating surface of the base causes pivoting of the lock into the release position, characterised in that the lock has a bore 35 passing laterally therethrough, and the locking assembly includes a shaft 27 extending through the lock and at least partially into the lock supporting member, the lock being arranged to pivot about the shaft.

2. A locking assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the lock includes a recess 38 within which at least one torsion spring 26 is located.

3. A locking assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the shaft passes through the at least one torsion spring.

4. A locking assembly as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the lock includes a second face 40 against which a first end of the torsion spring is arranged to act.

5. A locking assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the lock includes a second face 40 against which a first end of the torsion spring is arranged to act, the second face of the lock extending generally tangentially away from the shaft.

6. A locking assembly as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the second face 40 is located within an aperture 42 of the lock.

7. A locking assembly as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the second face is angled relative to the first face at an angle in the order of 5° to 30°.

8. A locking assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein the second face is angled at about 12° relative to the first face.

9. A locking assembly as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the torsion spring is a helical torsion spring.

10. A locking assembly as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the recess houses two torsion springs.11 . A locking assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first face extends within a plane spaced from the shaft.

12. A locking assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the lock has a third face 34 which is arranged, in use, to engage with a holding face 134 of the base.

13. A locking assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the third face is arcuate.

14. A locking assembly as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the locking assembly has an arcuate third face 34, the third face curving at least part of the distance between the first face and the second face, the third face having a centre of curvature at about the centre of the shaft.

15. A locking assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the lock has a pry-tool receiving aperture or slot 42.

16. A locking assembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein the lock has a pry-tool receiving aperture or slot 42 located within the third face of the lock.

17. A locking assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein the lock has a pry-tool receiving aperture 42, the pry-tool receiving aperture being the aperture within which the second face of the lock is located.

18. A locking assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the lock has two generally planar side faces 37.

19. A locking assembly as claimed in claim 18, wherein the bore of the lock extends through each of the side faces.

20. A locking assembly as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the lock supporting member includes a resisting surface against 59 which a second end of the torsion spring or springs is arranged to act.21 .A locking assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the lock supporting member is formed from a first body portion 20 arranged to be connected to a second body portion 22 .

22. A locking assembly as claimed in claim 21 , wherein the first and second body portions are arranged to be screwed together via screws 24 perpendicular to an axis of the shaft.

23. A locking assembly as claimed in claim 20, wherein the lock supporting member is formed from a first body portion 20 arranged to be connected to a second body portion 22, and wherein the second end of the torsion spring is arranged to pass between the first and second body portions, with the resisting surface located on a surface of the second body portion facing the first body portion.

24. A locking assembly as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the first body portion has a front face 248 extending from a first side 251 to a second side 253 of the first body portion, the first body portion having two stabilizing arms extending away from the front face, comprising a first stabilizing arm 254 extending from the first side of the first body portion and a second stabilizing arm 255 extending from the second side of the first body portion.

25. A locking assembly as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the locking assembly includes an adjustment means 28, the adjustment means including a wedging member 30 having a bearing surface 79, the wedging member being moveable along an adjustment axis 67, the bearing surface forming an acute angle relative to the adjustment axis.

26. A locking assembly as claimed in claim 25, wherein the first body portion has a front face 48 which includes a tapered portion 53, the tapered portion being angled with respect to the adjustment axis.

27. A locking assembly as claimed in claim 26, wherein the first body portion has side faces 55 which each also include a tapered region 56, the tapered region being angled with respect to the adjustment axis.

28. A locking assembly as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the front face of the first body portion includes recessed regions 51 on either side.

29. A locking assembly as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 28, wherein the first body portion includes a recess 54 within a rear face 50 within which the wedging member may locate.

30. A locking assembly as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 29, wherein the second body portion has an outer face 57 arranged, in use, to align with an internal surface 87 of the ground engaging tool.31 .A locking assembly as claimed in claim 30, wherein the second body portion includes two spaced arms 66 extending away from the outer face.

32. A locking assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the lock supporting member includes a bore 69 within which the shaft is supported.

33. A locking assembly as claimed in claim 31 , wherein the lock supporting member includes a bore 69 within which the shaft is supported, and the spaced arms each include the bore within which the shaft is supported.

34. A locking assembly as claimed in claim 31 or 33, wherein the two spaced arms are arranged to abut stabilizing arms 254, 255 of the first body portion.

35. A locking assembly as claimed in claim 31 or 33, wherein the spaced arms include pillars 70 extending, in use, alongside recessed regions 51 of the front face of the first body portion.

36. A locking assembly as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 29, wherein the second body may include a rear inner face 61 which is oriented away from the outer face, the rear inner face including a threaded aperture 65 which extends along the adjustment axis 67.

37. A locking assembly as claimed in claim 36, wherein the resisting surface is located forward of the rear inner face.

38. A locking assembly as claimed in claim 37, wherein the resisting surface is parallel to, and raised relative to, the rear inner face.

39. A locking assembly as claimed in claim 23, wherein the second body includes side inner faces 63 which are oriented away from the outer face, the side inner faces being parallel to, and raised relative to, the resisting surface.

40. A locking assembly as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 29 or 36 to 38, wherein the adjustment axis is perpendicular to the axis of the shaft.41 .A locking assembly as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 29, 36 to 38 or 40, wherein the wedging member has a front face 78 which is arranged to locate against a rear face 50 of the first body portion, with the bearing surface forming a rear face of the wedging member.

42. A locking assembly as claimed in claim 41 , wherein the front face is parallel to the adjustment axis.

43. A locking assembly as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 29, 36 to 38 or 40 to 42, wherein the acute angle is between 15° and 75°.

44. A locking assembly as claimed in claim 43, wherein the acute angle is about 30°.

45. A locking assembly as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 29, 36 to 38 or 40 to 44, wherein the adjustment means includes an adjustment screw 29 which extends along the adjustment axis, the adjustment screw passing through a central aperture 83 of the wedging member and being received within the threaded aperture of the second body portion.

46. A locking assembly 16 for locking a ground engaging tool 14 over a base 12, the locking assembly including a lock 18 arranged to pivot between a locking position and a release position, the lock being biased into the locking position, the lock having a first face 31 and second face 40, the first face being angled with respect to the second face at an angle between 5° and 30°, the second face acting against a resilient biasing means 26.

47. A locking assembly as claimed in claim 46, wherein the biasing means is preferably formed of at least one helical torsion spring.

48. A locking assembly as claimed in claim 46 or claim 47, wherein the second face is angled at about 12° relative to the first face.

49. A locking assembly as claimed in any one of claims 46 to 48, wherein the lock is arranged to pivot about a shaft 27 or other axle.

50. A locking assembly as claimed in claim 49, wherein the shaft passes through the at least one torsion spring.51 .A locking assembly as claimed in claim 49 or claim 50, wherein the second face of the lock extends generally tangentially away from the shaft.

52. A locking assembly as claimed in claim 51 , wherein the first face extends within a plane spaced from the shaft.

53. A locking assembly as claimed in claim 52, wherein the lock has an arcuate third face 34, the third face curving at least part of the distance between the first face and the second face, the third face having a centre of curvature at about the centre of the shaft.

54. A locking assembly as claimed in any one of claims 46 to 52, wherein the lock has an arcuate third face 34.

55. A locking assembly as claimed in any one of claims 46 to 53, wherein the lock has a pry-tool receiving aperture or slot 42.

56. A locking assembly as claimed in claim 53 or 54, wherein the lock has a pry-tool receiving aperture or slot 42 located within the third face of the lock.

57. A locking assembly as claimed in claim 55 or 56, wherein the second face of the lock is located within the pry-tool receiving aperture.

58. A locking assembly as claimed in claim 49, wherein the lock has two generally planar side faces 37, each side face including a bore 35 through which the shaft passes.

59. A ground engaging tool 14 having an internal socket 85 arranged to locate about a base 12, and an external wear face 86, the ground engaging tool having a lock receiving aperture 84 extending between the external wear face and the internal socket, the lock receiving aperture having a forward portion 90, a first rear portion 92, and a second rear portion 94, the first rear portion having a lateral width greater than that of the forward portion and the second rear portion having a lateral width less than that of the forward portion.

60. A ground engaging tool as claimed in claim 59, wherein the second rear portion of the lock receiving aperture has a rear wall 94 including a tapered face 96 which tapers inwardly from the external wear face.61 .A ground engaging tool as claimed in claim 60, wherein the tapered face is angled with respect to the external wear face at an angle of about 60°.

62. A ground engaging tool as claimed in any one of claims 59 to 61 , when arranged to house a locking assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 58.

63. A ground engaging tool as claimed in claim 62, wherein the lateral width of the first rear portion is preferably slightly larger than that of the lock supporting member.

64. A ground engaging tool as claimed in claim 62 or 63, wherein the lateral width of the front portion is preferably slightly larger than that of the lock.

65. A ground engaging tool 14 having an internal socket arranged to locate about a base 12, the ground engaging tool including a locking assembly 16, the locking assembly including a lock supporting member 19, and a lock 18 arranged to pivot between a locking position and a release position, the lock being biased into the locking position, the lock having a first face 31 arranged to act against an activating surface 122 of the base, wherein the action of the first face of the lock against the activating surface of the base causes pivoting of the lock into the release position, characterised in that the lock has a bore 35 passing laterally therethrough, and the locking assembly includes a shaft 27 extending through the lock and at least partially into the lock supporting member, the lock being arranged to pivot about the shaft.

66. A ground engaging tool as claimed in claim 65, wherein the locking assembly is as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 58.

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