AU2002300083A8 - Locking Element Insertion - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 STANDARD PATENT COMPLETE SPECIFICATION LOCKING ELEMENT INSERTION The invention is described in the following statement: FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a device for inserting a locking element into a space defined by two engaged components, to prevent the components being separated from each other, to a method of preventing the separation of two engaged components and to a method of allowing the separation of two engaged components.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Many known machines and implements have pairs of components which are connected to each other and prevented from being separated from, or moved relative to, each other, by locking elements. Such locking elements may, for example, be in the form of keys or pins which, when in place, engage with the components.

One known pair of components of this type is a tooth-and-adaptor combination as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, which is used in earth moving equipment. Such earth moving equipment includes an earth moving bucket and a prime-move for moving the bucket, with teeth being mounted, by way of adaptors, on a leading edge of the bucket to facilitate the earth moving functions of the equipment. Each adaptor is permanently affixed to the bucket while the respective tooth is mounted to the adaptor and prevented from being separated therefrom by a locking element or pin, by means of engagement of the locking element with respective formations of the tooth and adaptor.

The conventional method of inserting such a locking element in place is the use of a hammer. However, this method of insertion has disadvantages associated with the striking action required to use the hammer. For example, an overly heavy or misdirected hammer blow can damage the locking element, the tooth or the adaptor.

Furthermore, use of a hammer is likely to result in accidents which can cause injury to an operator. In addition, such a method of inserting the locking element does not lend itself to the removal of the pin should it be desired to separate the tooth from the adaptor.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or substantially ameliorate at least one of the above disadvantages, or to provide an alternative way of inserting and/or removing such locking elements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an insertion device for use with a pair of components configured to be engaged with each other thereby to define a space having a mouth opening into the space, such that a locking element disposed in the space prevents the components from being separated from each other, the device including: a connector configured for releasable connection to at least one of the components when the components are engaged with each other; a guide attached to the connector, the guide being configured to support the locking element immediately adjacent to, and aligned with, the mouth; and a driver attached to the guide and configured to drive the locking element from the guide through the mouth into the space.

Preferably, one of the components defines a locating recess and the connector includes a locating lug configured for being received in the locating recess for locating the connector in relation to said one component. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, each component defines a said locating recess, the connector having two locating lugs, each locating lug being configured for being received in a respective locating recess for locating the connector in relation to the components.

The connector preferably includes threaded securing means configured to releasably press against at least one of the components for enabling the connector to grip the at least one component.

Preferably, the components, when engaged with each other, define the space to be elongate and the locking element includes an elongate portion.

In one embodiment, the components, when engaged with each other, define the space to be curved. In this case, in one preferred embodiment, the elongate portion is configured to be resiliently deformed when driven into the space so as to conform at least partly to the curvature of the space, whereby the elongate element is urged by its resilience against at least one of the components to facilitate releasable retention of the elongate element in the space.

In another preferred embodiment, the elongate element is of substantially straight configuration before being driven into the space. Then, in a preferred embodiment, the guide is attached to the connector so as to support the elongate portion substantially tangentially relative to the curvature of the space.

Where the space is defined to be curved, the guide preferably includes a guide surface for guiding the locking element as the locking element is being driven into the space, the guide surface being curved. In another preferred embodiment, the guide includes a guide surface for guiding the locking element as the locking element is being driven into the space, the guide surface being substantially straight.

In one preferred embodiment, the driver includes a motor. In various preferred embodiments, the motor is a mechanically actuated motor, an electric motor, an hydraulic motor, or a pneumatic motor. In another preferred embodiment, the driver is configured to be manually operable by an operator. In this case, the driver preferably includes threaded mutually engaging parts which are rotatable relative to each other for effecting said driving.

In one preferred embodiment, the driver is an hydraulic cylinder, while in another preferred embodiment, the driver is a pneumatic cylinder.

In one preferred embodiment, the driver is configured to withdraw the locking element from the space through the mouth. In this case, in one embodiment, the driver is a double-acting hydraulic cylinder and in another embodiment, the driver is a double-acting pneumatic cylinder.

Also in a preferred embodiment, the mouth is a first mouth, the components defining the space such that it has a second mouth opposite the first mouth, the device further including an insert element configured to be driven through one of the first and second mouths to force the locking element from the space through the other of the first and second mouths. Preferably, then, the device is configured for the insert element to be supported by the guide and to be driven by the driver.

Preferably, the guide is attached to the connector by a web.

In one embodiment, one of the components is an earth moving tooth configured for use with earth moving equipment which equipment includes an earth moving bucket, and the other component is an adaptor configured for mounting the tooth to the bucket. In another embodiment, one of the components is a shroud adjacent an earth moving tooth, which tooth is attached to an earth moving bucket of earth moving equipment, and the other component is an adaptor configured for mounting the shroud to the bucket. In yet a further embodiment, one of the components is an earth moving bucket of earth moving equipment, which equipment includes earth moving teeth attached to the bucket, and the other component is a shroud adjacent a said tooth.

Preferably, the components are components of an apparatus, wherein one of the components is a replaceable component subject to wearing when the apparatus is in use, and the other component is substantially free from wear arising from such use.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method for preventing the separation from each other of two components, wherein the components are engaged with each other thereby defining a space having a mouth opening into the space, and wherein the components are configured such that a locking element disposed in the space prevents the components from being separated from each other, the method involving the use of a device which includes a connector configured for releasable connection to at least one of the components, a guide attached to the connector, the guide being configured to support the locking element immediately adjacent to, and aligned with, the mouth, and a driver attached to the guide and configured to drive the locking element through the mouth into the space, the method including the steps of: connecting the connector to one of the components; supporting the locking element on the guide immediately adjacent to, and aligned with, the mouth; and driving the locking element, with the driver, through the mouth into the space.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method for allowing the separation from each other of two components, wherein the components are engaged with each other thereby defining a space having a mouth opening into the space, with a locking element being disposed in the space which prevents the components from being separated from each other, the method involving the use of a device which includes a connector configured for releasable connection to at least one of the components, and a driver attached to the connector, the method including the steps of: connecting the connector to one of the components; and displacing the locking element, with the driver, from the space to allow the components to be separated from each other.

In one preferred embodiment of the third aspect of the invention, the components define two said mouths, opposite each other, opening into the space, and the device includes a guide attached to the connector and an insert element, the method including the steps of: supporting the insert element on the guide immediately adjacent to, and aligned with, one of the mouths; and driving the insert element, with the driver, through said one mouth into the space so as to force the locking element from the space through the other mouth.

In a further preferred embodiment of the third aspect of the invention, the device includes a connector element attached to the locking element and a withdrawal element joined to the driver and configured for engagement with the connector element, the method including the steps of: engaging the withdrawal element with the connector element; and withdrawing the locking element from the space through the mouth using the driver.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a pair of components and a locking element, with which a device according to an embodiment of the invention is adapted to be used; Figure 2 is a schematic side elevational view of the components and locking element of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a schematic side sectional view of another pair of components and a locking element with which a device according to an embodiment of the invention is adapted to be used; and Figure 4 is a schematic side view, shown partly in section, of yet a further pair of components and a locking element with which a device according to an embodiment of the invention is adapted to be used; Figure 5 is a schematic side view, shown partly in section, of a device according to an embodiment of the invention, in use on a component, and a locking element; and Figure 6 is a schematic plan view of the device, component and locking element of Figure DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to Figures 1 and 2, there is illustrated a component in the form of a known adaptor 1, which is for mounting a further component, in the form of an earth moving tooth 2, to an earth moving bucket (not shown). The bucket, in turn, forms part of earth moving equipment (also not shown) which includes a prime mover for moving the bucket. The adaptor 1 has a pair of parts 3 and 4 which are spaced from each other for receiving a leading edge of the bucket between them so that the part 3 bears against the upper surface of the leading edge, and the other part 4 bears against the lower surfaces of the leading edge. The parts 3 and 4 are welded to the bucket so that the tooth 2 projects in a forward direction from the leading edge, for engaging earth during earth moving operations. The tooth 2, in turn, is connected to the adaptor 1 as described below.

In typical earth moving equipment, a number of such tooth-and-adaptor combinations provided, and are spaced along the leading edge of the earth moving bucket. Also in such typical earth moving equipment, protective shrouds (not shown) are provided in the spaces between adjacent teeth 2.

It will be seen that the tooth 2 and adaptor 1 are configured so as to define, together, a space 6, which opens through a mouth 7. A locking element 8 is disposed in the space 6 and prevents the tooth 2 and adaptor 1 from being separated from each other.

In Figure 3 there is shown a further pair of components, which are also in the form of an earth moving tooth 9 and an adaptor 10 for mounting the tooth to an earth moving bucket. The means for mounting the adaptor to the bucket are not shown in this figure.

The tooth 9 and adaptor 10, as in the case of the tooth 2 and adaptor 1, also define a space, designated 11, and having a mouth 12, there being a locking element 13 disposed in the space. As a result of the shape of the tooth 9 and adaptor 10, the presence of the locking element 13 prevents the tooth and adaptor from being separated from each other. More particularly, with the locking element 13 in place, it is not possible to withdraw the formation 14 forming part of the tooth 9 from the complementary recess 15 defined by the adaptor 10, and it is not possible to remove the formation forming part of the adaptor 10 from the complementary recess defined by the tooth 9. If the locking element 13 were not disposed in the space 11, it would be possible to manipulate the tooth and adaptor relative to each to disengage the formations 14 and 16 from the recesses 15 and 17, respectively, so as to separate the tooth and adaptor.

In Figure 4 there is shown yet a further pair of components, also in the form of an earth moving tooth 18 and an adaptor 19 for mounting the tooth to an earth moving bucket. As in the case of Figure 3, the means for mounting the adaptor 19 to the bucket are not shown. In this embodiment, the tooth 18 defines a recess 20 and the adaptor 19 has a formation 21 which is complementary to the recess, and received therein. The tooth 18 has a pair of aligned apertures 22 which are also aligned with an aperture 23 in the adaptor 19. It will thus be appreciated that the aligned apertures 23 and 24 together define a space, generally designated 25. A locking element 26 is received in the space 25 i.e. so as to extend through the apertures 23 and 24, thereby preventing the formation 21 from being withdrawn from the recess 20, and hence preventing the tooth 18 being separated from the adaptor 19.

Turning now to Figures 5 and 6, there is shown, schematically, a component 28. The component 28 may be considered as an earth moving tooth similar to the earth moving teeth 2, 9 and 18 described above. The component 28 is configured for attachment to another component (not shown, but which is referred to below as the "mating component") which may be considered to be an adaptor similar to the adaptors 1, and 19 described above. The component 28 and the mating component are further configured to define, together, an elongate space, designated 29, such that, when an elongate locking element 30 (which is of spring- or other resilient steel, or another suitable material) is inserted into the space, the components cannot be separated from each other. For the sake of simplicity, only the component 28, and not the mating component, is shown. Thus, of the space 29 that is defined by the component 28 and the mating component, only the part thereof that is defined by the component 28 is shown.

Also shown is a device 31 for inserting the locking element 30 into the space 29 through a mouth 32 of the space. As the component 28 and the mating component may be of similar types to the teeth 2, 9 and 18 and adaptors 1, 10 and 19 described above, it will be appreciated that these teeth and adaptors, and the respective locking elements 8, 13 and 26 shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, respectively, provide a context for the description relating to the component 28 and the mating component.

The device 31 includes a connector 33 which has a pair of end plates 34 and defining a gap 36 between them. One end plate 34 includes a locating lug 37 which is configured to be received in a complementary locating recess 38 formed the component 28, when this component is accommodated in the gap 36. The other end plate 35 has a threaded aperture 39 through which a bolt 40 extends. This bolt 40 can be rotated so as to be tightened onto the component 28 when this component is accommodated in the gap 36, so that the connector 33 effectively clamps onto this component. In another embodiment (not shown), each of the component 28 and the mating component has a respective locating recess, and the connector 33 is provided with two lugs, each for being received in a respective recess.

A guide 41 is provided, and is attached to the connector 33 by a web 42 which is connected to the end plate 35. The guide 41 has an aperture 43 with an internal guide surface 44, extending therethrough. The aperture 43, and hence the guide surface 44, is curved. In another embodiment (not shown), the aperture 43 and guide surface 44 are substantially straight.

At that end of the guide 41 opposite the end on which the connector 33 is attached, there is provided a driver 45 in the form of a motor. This motor, in various embodiments is an electric motor, an hydraulic motor, or a pneumatic motor. In yet other embodiments, the driver 45 is in the form of a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, or a manually actuated mechanism. The driver 45 includes a push rod 46.

When the device 31 is to be used, the component 28 is first attached to the mating component, to define the space 29. The device 31 is then attached to the component 28 by locating and tightening the connector 33 onto this component as described above, so that one end of the guide surface 44 is disposed so as to be adjacent to, and aligned with, the mouth 32.

The locking element 30 is then placed on the guide surface 44, after which the driver is activated. Upon activation, the push rod 46 forces the locking element through the mouth 32 into the space 29, to prevent the component 28 being separated from the mating component.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 5 and 6, the space 29 is curved, as is the locking element 30, so that the locking element can slide relatively easily into the space.

In another embodiment (not shown), the locking element 30 is of a substantially straight configuration. In this embodiment, when the locking element 30 is driven into the space 29, it is deformed by those parts of the component 28 and the mating component which define the space, so that the locking element resiliently deforms to at least partly conform to the curvature of the space. This resilient deformation of the locking element 30 results in it bearing against the component 28 and the mating component within the space 29, which facilitates retention of the locking element in the space.

The guide 41 may, in one embodiment, be configured to support the locking element before it is driven into the space 29, substantially tangentially with respect to the curvature of the space.

In the embodiment shown, the space 29 has a further mouth 47 opposite the mouth 32.

To remove the locking element 30, an insert element (not shown) can be disposed on the guide surface 44, and then driven by the driver 45 into the space 29 in the same manner as that in which the locking element 30 was driven into the space by the driver. Thus, the insert element can also be driven through the mouth 32 so as to force the locking element 30 out of the space 29 through the mouth 47.

In another embodiment (not shown) the space 29 only has one mouth i.e. it is closed at its end opposite the mouth 32. In this embodiment, the locking element 30 is provided with a connector element configured to allow the attachment, to the locking element, of a withdrawal element which is in the form of a hook or catch and which is joined to the push rod 46. Thus, reverse operation of the driver 45 draws the push rod 46 away from the component 28, and thereby withdraws the locking element 30 from the space 29 through the mouth 32. In this embodiment, where the driver 45 is an hydraulic cylinder, it is a double acting hydraulic cylinder. Similarly, where the driver is a pneumatic cylinder, it is a double acting pneumatic cylinder.

It will be appreciated that the device 31 provides a means to insert the locking element 30 into the space 29, thereby to prevent the component 28 being separated from the mating component, without subjecting the locking element of either of the two components, to the blows of a hammer.

It will also be appreciated that devices similar to the device 31 can be used to insert the locking elements 8, 13 and 26 into the spaces 6, 11 and 25 as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, respectively.

Although the components, as mentioned, may be considered be a tooth and adaptor respectively as described above, it will be appreciated that they may, instead, be components of other types which are configured to be attached to each other so as to define a space, and which are prevented from being separated from each other by a locking element disposed in the space. Most typically, the component is of a type intended to wear in use, with the other component not be disposed to wear in use.

Thus, when the component wears and needs to be replaced, the locking element may be removed using a device, to allow the component to be separated from the other component, whereupon it can be replaced and secured to the other component by reinserting the locking element using the device. By way of example, the component may be a protective shroud of a type disposed between adjacent earthmoving teeth mounted on a bucket of earth moving equipment, with the other component being an adaptor for mounting the shroud on the bucket. Alternatively where the component is such a shroud, the other component may be the bucket itself.

Although the invention is described with reference to specific embodiment, it will be appreciated by a those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms. For example, where the driver is in the form of a manually actuated mechanism as referred to above, the device may include a pair of parts with mutually engaging threads along their common longitudinal axis, one of the parts being rotatable by hand actuated relative to the other part to drive the locking element into the space.

Claims (37)

1. An insertion device for use with a pair of components configured to be engaged with each other thereby to define a space having a mouth opening into the space, such that a locking element disposed in the space prevents the components from being separated from each other, the device including: a connector configured for releasable connection to at least one of the components when the components are engaged with each other; a guide attached to the connector, the guide being configured to support the locking element immediately adjacent to, and aligned with, the mouth; and a driver attached to the guide and configured to drive the locking element from the guide through the mouth into the space.

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein one of the components defines a locating recess and the connector includes a locating lug configured for being received in the locating recess for locating the connector in relation to said one component.

3. A device according to claim 2 wherein each component defines a said locating recess, the connector having two locating lugs, each locating lug being configured for being received in a respective locating recess for locating the connector in relation to the components.

4. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the connector includes threaded securing means configured to releasably press against at least one of the components for enabling the connector to grip the at least one component.

A device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the components, when engaged with each other, define the space to be elongate and wherein the locking element includes an elongate portion.

6. A device according to claim 5 wherein the components, when engaged with each other, define the space to be curved.

7. A device according to claim 6 wherein the elongate portion is configured to be resiliently deformed when driven into the space so as to conform at least partly to the curvature of the space, whereby the elongate element is urged by its resilience against at least one of the components to facilitate releasable retention of the elongate element in the space.

8. A device according to claim 7 wherein the elongate element is of substantially straight configuration before being driven into the space.

9. A device according to claim 8 wherein the guide is attached to the connector so as to support the elongate portion substantially tangentially relative to the curvature of the space.

10. A device according to any one of claims 6 to 9 wherein the guide includes a guide surface for guiding the locking element as the locking element is being driven into the space, the guide surface being curved.

11. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the guide includes a guide surface for guiding the locking element as the locking element is being driven into the space, the guide surface being substantially straight.

12. A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the driver includes a motor.

13. A device according to claim 12 wherein the motor is a mechanically actuated motor.

14. A device according to claim 12 wherein the motor is an electric motor.

A device according to claim 12 wherein the motor is an hydraulic motor.

16. A device according to claim 12 wherein the motor is a pneumatic motor.

17. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the driver is configured to be manually operable by an operator.

18. A device according to claim 17 wherein the driver includes threaded mutually engaging parts which are rotatable relative to each other for effecting said driving.

19. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the driver is an hydraulic cylinder.

A device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the driver is a pneumatic cylinder.

21. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 18 wherein the driver is configured to withdraw the locking element from the space through the mouth.

22. A device according to claim 19 wherein the driver is a double-acting hydraulic cylinder configured to withdraw the locking element from the space through the mouth.

23. A device according to claim 20 wherein the driver is a double-acting pneumatic cylinder configured to withdraw the locking element from the space through the mouth.

24. A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the mouth is a first mouth, the components defining the space such that it has a second mouth opposite the first mouth, the device further including an insert element configured to be driven through one of the first and second mouths to force the locking element from the space through the other of the first and second mouths.

A device according to claim 24 configured for the insert element to be supported by the guide and to be driven by the driver.

26. A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the guide is attached to the connector by a web.

27. A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein one of the components is an earth moving tooth configured for use with earth moving equipment which equipment includes an earth moving bucket, and the other component is an adaptor configured for mounting the tooth to the bucket.

28. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 26 wherein one of the components is a shroud adjacent an earth moving tooth, which tooth is attached to an earth moving bucket of earth moving equipment, and the other component is an adaptor configured for mounting the shroud to the bucket.

29. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 26 wherein one of the components is an earth moving bucket of earth moving equipment, which equipment includes earth moving teeth attached to the bucket, and the other component is a shroud adjacent a said tooth.

A device according to any one of claims 1 to 26 wherein the components are components of an apparatus, wherein one of the components is a replaceable component subject to wearing when the apparatus is in use, and the other component is substantially free from wear arising from such use.

31. A method for preventing the separation from each other of two components, wherein the components are engaged with each other thereby defining a space having a mouth opening into the space, and wherein the components are configured such that a locking element disposed in the space prevents the components from being separated from each other, the method involving the use of a device which includes a connector configured for releasable connection to at least one of the components, a guide attached to the connector, the guide being configured to support the locking element immediately adjacent to, and aligned with, the mouth, and a driver attached to the guide and configured to drive the locking element through the mouth into the space, the method including the steps of: connecting the connector to one of the components; supporting the locking element on the guide immediately adjacent to, and aligned with, the mouth; and driving the locking element, with the driver, through the mouth into the space.

32. A method for allowing the separation from each other of two components, wherein the components are engaged with each other thereby defining a space having a mouth opening into the space, with a locking element being disposed in the space which prevents the components from being separated from each other, the method involving the use of a device which includes a connector configured for releasable connection to at least one of the components, and a driver attached to the connector, the method including the steps of: connecting the connector to one of the components; and displacing the locking element, with the driver, from the space to allow the components to be separated from each other.

33. A method according to claim 32 wherein the components define two said mouths, opposite each other, opening into the space, and the device includes a guide attached to the connector and an insert element, the method including the steps of: supporting the insert element on the guide immediately adjacent to, and aligned with, one of the mouths; and driving the insert element, with the driver, through said one mouth into the space so as to force the locking element from the space through the other mouth.

34. A method according to claim 32 wherein the device includes a connector element attached to the locking element and a withdrawal element joined to the driver and configured for engagement with the connector element, the method including the steps of: engaging the withdrawal element with the connector element; and withdrawing the locking element from the space through the mouth using the driver.

35. A device substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 5 and 6.

36. A method of preventing the separation from each other of two components as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

37. A method of allowing the separation from each other of two components as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. DATED this 12 th day of July 2002 CUTTING EDGES PTY LIMITED Patent Attorneys for the Applicant: HALFORD CO