EA044959B1 - LOCK PIN ASSEMBLY WITH OFFSET POSITION FOR RUNNING WEAR ELEMENT - Google Patents

Description

A priority

This application claims priority under U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.

16/843623, filed April 8, 2020, and US Provisional Patent Application 62/834214, filed April 15, 2019, entitled Position-Biased Locking Pin Assembly For a Ground Engaging

Wear Member, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Field of technology

In general, this invention relates to an excavator tooth assembly comprising a locking pin assembly that secures parts of the excavator tooth assembly. More specifically, the present invention relates to an excavator tooth assembly secured by a removable locking pin assembly having an improved anti-rotation locking structure to prevent accidental release.

State of the art

Material-handling devices such as excavator buckets used on construction, mining and other earthmoving equipment often contain replaceable wear parts such as a lug tooth. They are often removably mounted on larger base structures, such as excavator buckets, and come into abrasive wear contact with the ground or other material being moved. For example, excavator tooth assemblies provided on earthmoving equipment, such as excavator buckets and the like, typically include a relatively massive adapter portion that is suitably attached to the equipment structure, such as the leading edge of the bucket. The transition part usually contains a protruding nose with a reduced cross-section. The replacement tooth head usually contains a hole into which the adapter nose is inserted and can be detached. To retain the tooth head on the adapter spout, generally aligned transverse holes are formed on both the tooth head and the adapter spout, and a suitable coupling structure is driven and forcefully held within the aligned holes to releasably secure the replacement tooth head to the corresponding adapter spout. .

There are several different types of traditional connection structures. One type of connecting structure usually needs to be driven forcefully into the aligned holes of the tooth head and adapter nose, using, for example, a sledge hammer. The inserted connecting structure must then be forcefully knocked out of the holes in the tooth head and adapter nose to allow the adapter nose to be removed from the adapter nose and the worn tooth head replaced. This traditional need to drive and then knock out the connecting structure can easily create a safety hazard for installation and removal personnel.

Previously, various alternatives have been proposed to drive in connecting structures to retain and release the replaceable tooth head on the adapter nose. Although these alternative coupling structures eliminate the need to drive the coupling structure into and out of the adapter spout as needed, they typically have various problems, limitations, and disadvantages of other types, including, but not limited to, complexity of design and use or undesirably high cost.

Some types of connecting structures can be rotated between a locked position and an unlocked position. However, constant vibration, severe shock, and cyclic loading of the tooth head can cause the connecting structure to unintentionally rotate from a locked position to an unlocked position. This may cause excessive wear on the mating surface of the coupling structure and the tooth head, and may affect the life of both the coupling structure and the tooth head.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved connection structure.

Brief description of the invention

According to one illustrative aspect, the present invention relates to an offset pin assembly for securing a side-hole lug member to a support structure aligned with the side holes.

In an aspect of the present invention, a locking pin assembly for attaching a lug member to a support structure comprises a housing portion, a shaft member, a locking member, a biasing member, and a pusher. The housing portion may be non-rotating, may selectively protrude into an opening in the supporting structure, and may have an opening formed therein. The shaft element may have a distal end and a proximal portion, the distal end having a first engagement element and the distal end being located within the housing portion. The locking member may include a projection that extends radially from a proximal portion of the shaft member beyond the housing portion. The shaft member may be rotated relative to the housing portion between a first position in which the locking member can be installed to mechanically prevent the locking pin assembly from being removed from the lug member when it is installed to secure the lug member to the support structure, and a second position in which the locking member can be install to ensure that the locking pin assembly can be removed from the lug member,

- 1 044959 when it is installed to secure the lug element to the supporting structure. The biasing element may be located inside the housing portion. The pusher may be located between the biasing element and the distal end of the shaft element and may include a second engagement element configured to selectively engage the first shaft element engagement element. The biasing element may push the pusher towards the shaft element. The second engagement element may be configured to engage the first engagement element to provide resistance as the shaft element rotates relative to the pusher in each of two opposite directions.

In one embodiment, the first engagement element and the second engagement element may be configured to rotate relative to each other when the rotational force applied to the shaft element exceeds the amount of rotational resistance caused by the bias element to rotate the shaft element from one first position and a second position to another first position and a second position. The first engagement element, the second engagement element and the biasing element may be configured such that the rotational resistance caused by the biasing element occurs during the first part of the rotation stroke and does not occur during the second part of the rotation stroke. One of the first and second engagement elements may include two adjacent slots separated by a resistance peak, and the other of the first and second engagement elements may include a tooth configured to be selectively located in each of the two slots. The resistance peak may be placed approximately midway between two adjacent slots. Two adjacent slots can be centered approximately 90 degrees apart. The other of the first and second engagement elements may comprise a third slot, and the resistance peak may be sized and shaped to fit into the third slot when the tooth is seated in one of the two adjacent slots. The first engagement element, the second engagement element and the biasing element may be configured such that rotation of the shaft element between two adjacent slots provides tactile feedback to the user confirming the transition from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the first position.

In some embodiments, the locking pin assembly may include a rotation stop element. The shaft element may include a partially annular groove formed therein. The rotation stop element may be configured to mechanically engage opposing end portions of the groove to limit the range of rotation of the shaft element relative to the housing portion. The groove may extend in a helical manner such that the engagement of the rotation stop element with the groove converts rotation of the shaft element into an axial displacement of the shaft element relative to the housing portion. The rotation stop element, when colliding with the end portions, can limit the rotation of the shaft element in a range of about 90° relative to the housing portion. The rotation stop element may, for example, be a pin extending through a portion of the housing portion.

In some embodiments, the lock pin assembly may include a second rotation stop member protruding from the follower and configured to prevent rotation of the follower by allowing axial movement of the follower. The second rotation stop element may comprise a second pin that is stationary with respect to the housing portion. The pusher may include an elongated recess into which a second pin fits. Alternatively or additionally, the second rotation stop element may include a protrusion protruding from the pusher and stationary relative to it. The convexity may fit into a longitudinal channel formed in the inner surface of the wall of the housing portion.

In some embodiments, the shaft element and the pusher may define a longitudinally extending reference axis. A first cross-section of the body portion, perpendicular to the reference axis, adjacent the proximal end of the housing portion may have a first cross-sectional area, and a second cross-section of the housing portion, perpendicular to the reference axis, adjacent to the distal end of the housing portion may have a second cross-sectional area less than the cross-sectional area. sections. The body portion may include an engaging surface along only one side that is parallel to the reference axis. Accordingly, the locking pin assembly may be configured to be guided inwardly by a channel extending through the lug member into the support structure such that at least a portion of the engagement surface engages a load-bearing surface of the support structure formed by the inner wall of the channel. The load-bearing surface may be placed on the side of the channel to which the locking pin assembly applies a force in response to the force tending to remove the wear member from the support structure.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the housing portion may be shaped to receive within a channel extending through a wear member into a support structure such that, when installed, the locking pin assembly is stationary with respect to the wear member but movable with respect to the support structure. . The body portion may include a head, and the shaft member may extend through the head. The head may have an outer boundary, wherein a portion of the outer boundary is non-circular in shape configured to receive within a correspondingly shaped recess in the wall of the wear element such that the head engages

- 2 044959 with a recessed wall prevented rotation of the body part.

In some embodiments, a locking pin assembly for securing the lug member to a support structure may comprise a body portion, a head, and a tip. The body portion may include an outer surface having a proximal end and a distal end. The head may be located at the proximal end and may have an outer boundary, wherein a portion of the outer boundary has a non-circular shape configured to receive within a suitably shaped proximal recess in the wall of the lug member. The tip may be positioned at the distal end, and the tip portion may have a non-circular outer profile having at least one flat side configured to receive within a suitably shaped distal recess in the lug portion opposite the first recess. The engagement of the head with the proximal recess and the tip with the distal recess may prevent the body portion from rotating relative to the lug element.

The reference axis may extend in the longitudinal direction through the housing portion. The outer surface may include an engaging surface along one side that is parallel to the reference axis. At least a portion of the outer surface opposite the engagement surface is not parallel to the reference axis. For example, the top, bottom, and rear sides of the body portion may be non-parallel to the first side. The locking pin assembly may be configured to be guided inwardly by a channel extending through the lug member into the support structure such that at least a portion of the engagement surface is capable of engaging a load-bearing surface of the support structure formed by the inner wall of the channel. The load-bearing surface may be placed on the side of the channel on which the locking pin assembly exerts a force in response to a force tending to remove the lug member from the support structure.

In another aspect of the present invention, a wear member for mounting on an adapter mounted on an earthmoving equipment using a locking pin assembly may comprise an outer surface and an inner surface, a channel, a mounting ramp, and a removable ramp. The inner surface may form a cavity within the wear element. The channel may extend through the wear member from an outer surface on the first wall to an outer surface on a second wall opposite the first wall. A mounting ramp may be positioned adjacent the channel and configured to engage a first surface of the lock pin assembly protrusion when positioning the lock pin assembly within the channel as the protrusion is rotated in a first direction from an unlocked position to a locked position. A removable inclined surface may also be positioned adjacent the channel and configured to engage a second surface of the protrusion opposite the first side of the protrusion as the protrusion is rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction from a locked position to an unlocked position. In some embodiments, the installation ramp and the removable ramp are integral with the first wall. The mounting ramp surface may be configured such that engagement of the mounting ramp surface with the first surface converts rotation of the protrusion in a first direction into axial displacement of the lock pin assembly to facilitate seating of the lock pin assembly into the wear member. Likewise, the removable ramp surface may be configured such that engagement of the removable ramp surface with the second surface converts rotation of the protrusion in a second direction into axial displacement of the lock pin assembly to facilitate removal of the lock pin assembly from the wear member.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of securing a wear member to an adapter or removing a wear member from an adapter mounted on an earthmoving equipment using a lock pin assembly may include a first rotation while the lock pin assembly is within a channel passing through the wear member and the adapter , a shaft element of the lock pin assembly relative to the body portion of the lock pin assembly in a first direction through a first range of motion (or portion of the stroke) in which a first tooth surface of the shaft element engages a corresponding first surface of a pusher slot disposed within the body portion. The pusher may be substantially rotatably mounted relative to the housing portion, and rotation of the shaft member through a first range of motion displaces the pusher axially toward the bias member from a resting position to a compressed position. The method may further include a second rotation of the shaft element relative to the housing portion in a first direction through a second range of motion in which the second tooth surface slides relative to a corresponding second slot surface. As the shaft rotates through a second range of motion, the biasing member may return the pusher to its original position. The first and second rotations may move a locking pin assembly lock member, such as a protrusion extending from the shaft member, from a first position to a second position. When the locking member is in one of the first or second positions, the locking member may cooperate with the wear member or adapter to prevent the locking pin assembly from being removed from the wear member, and when the locking member is in the other of the first or second positions, the locking member

- 3 044959 The pin assembly can be removed from the wear element.

In some embodiments, the first range of motion comprises a range from 0 to 180°, and the second range of motion comprises a range from 0 to 180°. For example, in some embodiments, one or both of the first and second ranges of motion may comprise a range of from 20 to 160°, from to 140°, from 70 to 100°, and so on.

In further embodiments, the present invention relates to a locking pin assembly for securing a lug member to a support structure. The locking pin assembly may include a non-rotating body portion capable of selectively protruding into an opening in the support structure. The body part has a hole formed in it. The shaft element may have a first axis and may include a distal end and a proximal portion, the distal end having a first plurality of equidistantly spaced teeth. The first plurality of equally spaced teeth may be radially spaced about the first axis in a range of from about 30 to 120 degrees, with a distal end located within the housing portion. The protrusion may extend radially from the proximal portion of the shaft element beyond the housing portion. The shaft member can be rotated relative to the housing portion between a first position in which the projection can be installed to mechanically prevent the locking pin assembly from being removed from the lug member when it is installed to secure the lug member to the support structure, and a second position in which the projection can be installed. to allow the locking pin assembly to be removed from the lug member when it is installed to secure the lug pin assembly to the support structure. The biasing element may be placed inside the housing portion. A pusher may be positioned between the bias member and a distal end of the shaft element, the pusher having a second axis and including a second plurality of equally spaced teeth. Moreover, the second set of equidistantly spaced teeth are radially spaced around the second axis in the range from about 30 to 120° and are shaped for selective engagement with the first set of equidistantly spaced teeth of the shaft element to provide resistance to rotation in two opposite directions. In some aspects, the first and second plurality of equally spaced teeth are shaped to provide approximately equal resistance to rotation in two directions.

In yet another illustrative aspect, the present invention relates to a locking pin assembly for securing a lug member to a support structure. The locking pin assembly may include a body portion having an opening defined therein, and may include a shaft member having a first axis and including a distal end and a proximal portion. The distal end may have a protruding tooth extending axially and offset from the first axis, the distal end may be located within the housing portion. The protrusion may extend radially from the proximal portion of the shaft element beyond the housing portion. The shaft member can be rotated relative to the housing portion between a first position in which the projection can be installed to mechanically prevent the locking pin assembly from being removed from the lug member when it is installed to secure the lug member to the support structure, and a second position in which the projection can be installed. to allow the locking pin assembly to be removed from the lug member when it is installed to secure the lug pin assembly to the support structure. The biasing element may be placed inside the housing portion. A pusher may be placed between the biasing member and the distal end of the shaft member. The pusher may have a second axis and may include a second tooth projecting proximally and offset from the second axis. The second tooth may engage the first tooth to provide resistance to rotation in two opposite directions. In some aspects, one of the shaft and follower element includes a groove adjacent to a corresponding first tooth or second tooth, each of the first and second teeth sized to form a radial arc ranging from about 30 to 120° about the first axis and the second axis, respectively.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following drawings and detailed description are illustrative and explanatory in nature and are intended to provide an understanding of the present invention without limiting the scope of the present invention. In this regard, additional aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to one skilled in the art from the following.

Brief description of drawings

The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the systems, devices and methods disclosed herein and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

In the drawings in FIGS. 1 is a perspective view of an assembled excavator tooth assembly embodying the principles of the present invention;

in fig. 2 is a perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 1 disassembled;

in fig. 3A is an exploded perspective view of a lock pin assembly in accordance with the present invention;

- 4 044959 in Fig. 3B illustrates an example of the pusher tip of FIG. 3A;

in fig. 3C illustrates an alternative example of a pusher tip;

In fig. 4A is a top view of the locking pin assembly of FIG. 3A assembled.

In fig. 4B is a front view of the lock pin assembly of FIG. 4A.

In fig. 4C is a cross-sectional view of the lock pin assembly of FIG. 4A.

In fig. 4D is a cross-sectional view of an alternative locking pin assembly having an elongated profile;

in fig. 5A is a partial side view of the lock pin assembly in the unlocked position;

in fig. 5B is a partial side view of the lock pin assembly in the locked position;

in fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a rotation stop member cooperating with a groove on a shaft member according to the present invention;

in fig. 7 is a front cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 1;

in fig. 8 is a top cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 1;

in fig. 9 is a partial left view of the assembly of FIG. 1, illustrating the interaction of the lock pin assembly with the wear element;

in fig. 10 is a right cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 1, illustrating the interaction of the lock pin assembly with the wear element;

in fig. 11 is a right perspective view of a wear member embodying the principles of the present invention;

in fig. 12 is a partial left perspective view of the wear member of FIG. 11 illustrating a proximal channel opening through a wear member;

in fig. 13 is a perspective view of the proximal hole of FIG. 12, when viewed from inside the cavity of the wear element;

in fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the proximal hole of FIG. 12;

in fig. 15 is a right cross-sectional view through the wear member cavity of FIG. 12 illustrating the proximal hole of FIG. 12;

in fig. 16 is a flow diagram of a method for attaching a wear member to an adapter using a locking pin assembly in accordance with the present invention;

in fig. 17 is a flow diagram of a method for removing a wear member attached by a locking pin assembly from an adapter.

These drawings will be easier to understand with reference to the following detailed description.

Detailed Description of the Invention

To facilitate an understanding of the principles of the present invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe them. However, it should be understood that no limitation on the scope of the invention is intended. Any changes and additional modifications to the described devices, tools, methods and any additional applications of the principles of the present invention that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention relates are fully contemplated. In addition, this invention describes in detail certain elements or features with respect to one or more embodiments or figures, with the same elements or features appearing in subsequent figures without such a high level of detail. It is fully contemplated that the features, components and/or steps described with respect to one or more embodiments or figures may be combined with the features, components and/or steps described with respect to other embodiments or figures of the present invention. For simplicity, in some cases the same or similar reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to denote the same or similar parts.

The present invention is directed to an excavator tooth assembly comprising a locking pin assembly that is configured to removably attach an adapter to a wear member, such as an excavator tooth. The lock pin assembly includes a radially projecting rotating lock member (or protrusion) that engages the inner surface of the wear member and mechanically prevents the lock pin assembly from being inadvertently removed. The bias element provides mechanical interference to rotate the protrusion from a locked position to an unlocked position. As the protrusion rotates relative to the lock pin assembly body portion from a locked position to an unlocked position and from an unlocked position to a locked position, rotation resistance is provided during the first range of motion, and no resistance is provided during the second range of motion. This feature provides tactile feedback to the user, ensuring that the locking pin assembly has been correctly moved from locked to unlocked or vice versa. Additionally, turning resistance can help reduce or minimize the likelihood of unintentional turning.

- 5 044959

Because the lock pin assembly employs mechanical interference to prevent unintentional rotation of the lock pin assembly components, the lock pin assembly can withstand vibration, severe shock, and cyclic loading, minimizing the likelihood of unintentional unlocking. In addition, some embodiments of the lock pin assembly may be configured to produce an audible noise, such as a click, when the lock pin assembly reaches a locked state. This may make it easier for users, such as equipment operators, to install new wear parts and replace old wear parts than can be done with conventional connecting pins.

In fig. 1 and 2 show an exemplary embodiment of an assembly according to the present invention, which in the illustrated embodiment is an excavator tooth assembly 100 comprising a wear member 104 (or lug member) representatively in the form of a replaceable tooth head mounted on an adapter 102 (or support structure) with using the locking pin assembly 106. It will be understood that the assemblies of the present invention may comprise any type of lug member and a corresponding support structure to which the lug member is pinned. The excavator tooth assembly 100 may find particular application on earthmoving equipment. For example, the excavator tooth assembly 100 may be used in construction, mining, drilling, and other industries. The adapter 102 has a rear base portion including a fork that may receive and be welded or otherwise attached, for example, to the lip of a bucket. Protruding from the rear base portion is a nose portion that projects forward to receive the wear member 104. A transverse channel 160 extends through the opposing vertical sides of the wear member and the nose portion into which a locking pin assembly 106 may be inserted to retain the wear member 104 to the adapter 102. It is worth noting that the tooth assembly 100 may also include one or more intermediate adapters, and the locking pin assembly 106 may be inserted to hold the intermediate adapter as a wear member on the adapter 102 or may be used to retain the wear member 104 on the intermediate adapter. It should be understood that in alternative embodiments, the channel may not extend through the entire adapter. Additionally, in some embodiments, the first channel may extend into a first side of the adapter and the second channel may extend into a second side of the adapter. In such embodiments, two locking pin assemblies may be used.

Lock pin assembly 106 is sized and shaped to receive, within channel 160, wear member 104 and adapter 102. As described herein, lock pin assembly 106 may removably secure wear member 104 in place on adapter 102. In addition, at least At least a portion of the lock pin assembly 106 can be moved between an unlocked position and a locked position. When wear member 104 is properly installed on adapter 102, the lock pin assembly can be moved from the unlocked position to the locked position. When in the locked position, the lock pin assembly 106 may prevent the wear member 104 from being removed from the adapter 102 by mechanically locking the release of the wear member 104 from the adapter 102. If necessary, a user, such as an operator, can move the lock pin assembly 106 from the locked position to unlocked position. This may allow the user to remove the locking pin assembly 106 from the channel 160, and subsequently the wear member 104 from the adapter 102.

Referring to the exploded view of FIG. 3A, lock pin assembly 106 includes, among other components, a housing portion 110 and a shaft member 112. The housing portion 110 may be a housing having an outer surface 146 that conforms to the shape of the channel 160. The shaft member 112 is partially internal and extends from a blocking cavity 125, which is an opening in the housing portion 110, through the head 124. In some examples, including number in the example in Fig. 3A, the blocking cavity 125 is a substantially cylindrical channel extending partially through the housing portion 110. The distal portion of the shaft element 112 has a cylindrical-shaped outer surface sized to fit inside the blocking cavity 125. In the present embodiment, the shaft element 112 has a clearance so that it can rotate within the locking cavity 125.

The shaft member 112 includes a protrusion 126 that extends radially from the shaft member 112 beyond the housing portion 110. The protrusion 126 is a member that provides a mechanical interface with the wear member 104 to prevent the lock pin assembly 106 from being removed from the channel 160 in a locked position. Using tool engagement member 128, shaft member 112 can be rotated to rotate protrusion 126 to move locking pin assembly 106 from an unlocked position, in which protrusion 126 releases a portion of wear member 104 during insertion and removal, to a locked position, in which protrusion 126 engages a portion of the wear member 104. In the present embodiment, the tool engagement member 128 includes a hexagon-shaped tool recess configured to receive a hexagon-shaped tool, such as a hex key, and also includes a hexagonal outer surface designed to for engagement with an adjustable wrench or socket head. Other tool mountings and tools may be used, as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

The tool engaging member 128 is sized to receive a work tool (not shown) that can be handled by a user. The work tool may be inserted into the tool engagement member 128 and rotated to rotate the shaft member 112 to move the lock pin assembly 106 from a locked position to an unlocked position and vice versa.

The shaft element 112 interacts with the pusher 116 and the bias element 118 during rotation to provide rotational resistance that prevents involuntary release and to provide tactile feedback to the user. It should be understood that the shaft element 112 can be rotated in opposite directions without moving the shaft element 112 in the axial direction. Thus, the shaft element 112 can be rotated clockwise and counterclockwise while experiencing resistance to this rotation due to the constant contact between the shaft element 112 and the pusher 116.

The bias element 118, which in the illustrated embodiment is a coil spring but could be any suitable spring or bias mechanism, rests on the distal wall of the locking cavity 125 at one end and engages a pusher 116 at the other end. Thus, the pusher 116 can be biased toward the shaft member 112 and resist axial movement tending to push the pusher 116 further into the blocking cavity 125.

It may be advantageous to prevent the pusher 116 from rotating to ensure that the pusher 116 provides resistance to rotation of the shaft member 112. In this regard, the pusher 116 may include a rotation stop element. In the illustrated embodiment, the rotation stop element includes a follower pin 122 housed in a pin recess 123 that intersects the locking cavity 125. The follower pin 122 extends through an elongated opening 134 of the pusher 116. The elongated shape of the elongated opening 134 allows the pusher 116 to slide axially into the locking cavity. 125, but not rotated relative to the housing portion 110. It should be understood that the pusher pin 122 can be removed from the pin recess 123 to facilitate disassembly of the lock pin assembly 106, such as for cleaning or repair, but it is intended that the pusher pin 122 or other stop member rotation can be formed as a single unit with the body part 110.

In an alternative embodiment, the rotation stop element may include a bulge protruding from the pusher. This convexity can be used inside a longitudinal channel formed on the surface of the inner wall of the blocking cavity 125. Here, the pusher 116 can freely slide in the axial direction inside the blocking cavity 125 as the convexity slides inside the longitudinal channel. However, rotation of the pusher 116 would be prevented by the mechanical coupling of the sidewalls of the longitudinal channel with the convexity.

The shaft pin 120 may be positioned in a pin recess 121 that intersects the locking cavity 125 to engage a groove 130 on the shaft member 112. As with the pusher pin 122, the shaft pin 120 may be removable or permanently attached to the housing portion 110. The groove 130 is positioned such that it extends substantially laterally relative to the shaft member 112 rather than longitudinally. Thus, shaft member 112 can be rotated, but axial movement is substantially limited by the interaction between shaft pin 120 and groove 130, as described below in more detail with reference to FIG. 5A-6. This restriction of axial movement caused by the shaft pin 120 holds the shaft element 112 in the locking cavity 125 and prevents the shaft element 112 from moving in response to a force applied to the shaft element 112 by the pusher 116 during rotation of the shaft element 112. It should be understood that the shaft pin 120 and groove 130 are merely exemplary means for limiting the axial movement of the shaft element 112, and other suitable means for limiting the axial movement of the shaft element 112 to allow rotation are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

The interface between the shaft element 112 and the pusher 116 may include crown-shaped elements to assist in resisting rotation of the shaft element 112 as teeth protruding from the non-rotating pusher 116 engage corresponding teeth protruding from the shaft element 112. As described herein, each pair of adjacent teeth of the shaft element 112 defines a slot configured to receive a corresponding tooth of the pusher 116, and vice versa. The farthest extent of a tooth may be designated as the peak of resistance, since this narrowest point of the tooth may correspond to the rotation position at which resistance is greatest due to maximum compression of the bias element 118. As the tooth of one element (shaft element 112 or pusher 116 ) crosses the peak resistance of another element, the resistance may drop to zero as soon as the tooth begins to slide and come into the desired seated position.

Although a variety of serrated teeth are shown, it should be understood that the teeth and slots may be formed from smooth wavy curves. Such a profile may provide less rotational resistance than the illustrated embodiment, but may have increased service life or other benefit. In some embodiments, the teeth are shaped to provide approximately equal resistance to rotation in two opposite directions.

In a preferred embodiment, each shaft element 112 and pusher 116 may have four equally spaced teeth. Thus, rotation of the shaft element 112 from a locked position to an unlocked position involves a rotation of approximately 90 degrees in accordance with the reinstallation of the tooth 138 of the shaft element 112 from the groove 136a of the pusher 116 into the adjacent groove 136b. To return the shaft element 112 to the locked position, the rotation must be reversed. It should be understood that more or fewer teeth may be provided, for example, one tooth on one engagement element and two slots on another engagement element. Alternatively, each engagement element may comprise 5 teeth, 10 teeth or more. The range of rotation between adjacent tooth/slot pairs can be increased or decreased in accordance with the decrease or increase in the number of teeth and slots.

In some embodiments, the teeth are selected to be from about 30 to 120 degrees apart. For example, in some embodiments, three teeth are used, spaced approximately 120° apart. In some embodiments, twelve teeth are used, spaced approximately 30° apart.

As can be seen in FIG. 3B, each tooth is formed by a resistance peak 137 extending between two slots 136a, 136b, each tooth directed at an angle a with respect to the direction of rotation of the shaft member 112. It is contemplated that the angle α may be any suitable angle that provides rotational resistance while still allowing the shaft member 112 to rotate. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle α may be approximately 45-75°. In an example, the angle α may be, for example, about 59°. The interaction between each tooth of the shaft element 112 and the corresponding teeth of the pusher 116 converts the rotation into an axial force having a component transverse to the direction of rotation. Since the axial movement of the shaft element 112 is limited by the shaft pin 120, this force causes axial displacement of the pusher 116 relative to the bias element 118 during the first part of the stroke corresponding to the upward inclined surface of one corner surface of each tooth. As soon as the peak resistance of each tooth 138 of the shaft element 112 overcomes the peak 137 of the resistance of the corresponding tooth of the pusher 116, the second part of the power stroke begins, in which there is no resistance to rotation. In fact, in some embodiments, the rotation is enhanced during the second portion of the power stroke as the peak resistance of each tooth of the shaft element 112 slides along the downward inclined surface of the corresponding second surface of each tooth of the pusher 116, bringing the shaft element 112 into the desired fully seated position relative to the pusher 116 , as the pusher 116 is moved back to its original position by the biasing element 118. In some embodiments, when forming each tooth from two adjacent surfaces with the same slope and the same length, the shaft element 112 reciprocates with respect to the pusher 116 between The locked and unlocked positions can be facilitated with a similar degree of resistance provided by the crown-shaped mating, giving similar tactile feedback to the user in both directions of rotation, confirming the complete transition of the tooth from one slot to the adjacent slot. In the illustrated example, in which adjacent teeth are spaced 90° apart, the transition of tooth 138 from one slot 136a to an adjacent slot 136b corresponds to a 90° rotation between a locked position and an unlocked position.

In fig. 3C shows an alternative embodiment of the pusher tip of FIG. 3B. In this alternative embodiment, each pusher tooth 116 may have a generally smooth segment comprising a flat surface at the resistance peak 137 and a corresponding smooth segment at the base of the slots 136a, 136b. The flat surface may extend between the first corner surface and the second corner surface that define the follower tooth. The shaft element 112 may have teeth that match the shape of the pusher teeth in FIG. 3C. It is contemplated that the angle β may be any suitable angle that provides rotational resistance while still allowing the shaft member 112 to rotate. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle β may be about 60-80°, and in some examples about 72-73°. A larger angle β compared to angle α may provide increased resistance to rotation and may also affect the rotation distance required to achieve full axial displacement. For example, in FIG. 3B, a full axial displacement (using the example of four teeth) can be performed with a rotation of approximately 90°. In the example in FIG. 3C, a full axial displacement (using the example of four teeth) can be performed with a rotation of approximately 60-85°. However, it should be understood that other factors, such as the spring stiffness of the bias element 118, may also influence the rotational resistance provided.

It should be understood that the functionality described above with respect to the crown mate may be facilitated by providing one tooth 138 protruding from the shaft member 112 and two slots formed in the pusher 116, or vice versa. However, many teeth and many slots

- 8 044959 may be necessary to extend the life of the lock pin assembly 106 by distributing forces between the pusher 116 and the shaft element 112 through a multi-pair interface. In addition, distributing the plurality of teeth and slots symmetrically around the contact surface may assist in maintaining linear alignment of the pushrod 116 and the shaft member 112, thereby preventing binding of components within the locking cavity 125 and providing predictable and consistent resistance to rotation of the shaft member 112.

The sealing ring 114 may be installed in a completely circumferential groove 132 of the shaft element 112. When the locking pin assembly 106 is assembled, the O-ring 114 may provide a seal between the shaft member 112 and the inner wall of the locking cavity 125. This seal may be effective in preventing foreign particles from entering the locking cavity 125 and interfering with the movement of the pusher 116 and the biasing member 118.

Referring to FIG. 4A and 4B show a top view and a front view of the assembled lock pin assembly 106, respectively. The base axis 140 extends longitudinally through the center of the blocking cavity 125, the shaft member 112, and the pusher 116. In the illustrated embodiment, the front side 150 of the body portion 110 may be formed by a portion of the outer surface 146 that extends parallel to the base axis 140. This portion of the outer surface 146 may include an infinitely narrow line extending longitudinally through the front portion 150 such that each cross section through the body portion 110 is circular, as shown in FIG. 4C. Thus, some or all of the circular cross sections may be offset from the reference axis 140. Alternatively, the portion of the outer surface 146 parallel to the reference axis 140 may comprise a planar surface, which may be flat, such that one or more of the cross sections are D-shaped form.

In contrast, each of the rear side 151, the bottom side 152, and the top side 153 may be formed by portions of the outer surface 146 that are not parallel to the base axis 140. These sides 151, 152, 153 may be a cone extending from the proximal end 142 of the body portion 110 to the distal end 144 of the body portion 110. In other words, the maximum outer diameter of the body portion 110, excluding the head 124, is at the proximal end 142, and the minimum outer diameter of the body portion 110, excluding the tip 168, is at the distal end 144. Conical shape body portion 110 may make it easier to remove the lock pin assembly 106 from the channel 160. In other words, due to excessive compressive and twisting forces that the lock pin assembly 106 may be subjected to during use, the cylindrical body portion may become wedged in the channel 160 and make removal difficult. . However, a taper pin, such as locking pin assembly 106, is more resistant to this problem. The taper between the maximum outer diameter and the minimum outer diameter can be linear or non-linear. Additionally, the taper on one or more sides 151, 152, 153 may be asymmetrical with respect to one or more other sides.

The asymmetrical shape of the housing portion 110 may provide at least two advantages. First, if the channel 160 in or through the adapter 102 is shaped similar to the outer surface 146 of the housing portion 110, rotation of the lock pin assembly 106 106 can be prevented. In other words, the width of the housing portion 110 from the first side 150 to the rear side 151 may exceed the height of the channel 160 if the channel is non-circular in shape and the housing portion 110 will not be able to rotate when seated in the channel 160. This configuration is shown, for example, in an alternative cross-sectional view in Fig. 4D.

Second, particularly in cases where the portion of the outer surface 146 parallel to the reference axis 140 contains a flat surface, the load-bearing capacity of the excavator tooth assembly 100 can be increased. In other words, the load applied to the wear member 104, which is then transferred to the lock pin assembly 106 and adapter 102, can cause excessive wear or failure in the lock pin and/or adapter 102 if the load is not distributed evenly. For example, a housing portion that is tapered on all sides and that is mounted in a cylindrical channel will experience a higher load near one end of the housing portion than near the other. However, by providing on the body portion 110 a surface that is parallel rather than tapered with respect to the base axis 140, the load can be distributed evenly across the front side 150. It is also contemplated that additionally or alternatively, a parallel portion may be provided on the rear side 151 outer surface 146 to evenly distribute load during excavation when wear member 104 is pressed against the rear of adapter 102.

Referring to FIG. 5A and 5B, shaft member 112 is shown in the unlocked position in FIG. 5A and in the locked position in FIG. 5V. As shown, the protrusion 126 can be separated from the head 124 of the housing portion 110 by a distance L2 when the shaft member 112 is in the unlocked position. Once the shaft member 112 is rotated to the locked position, the shaft member 112 may be axially displaced such that the protrusion 126 extends away from the head 124 by a distance L1, which may be zero. This movement is facilitated by the formation of a groove 130 (see FIG. 3A) with a slightly helical direction. Thus, by keeping the shaft pin 120 stationary and secured in place relative to the housing portion 110, rotation of the shaft member 112 causes the sides of the helical groove 130 formed in the shaft member 112 to be pushed away from the pin.

120 of the shaft, thereby displacing the shaft element 112 in the axial direction. This feature may further help provide tactile feedback to the user. Preferably, the width of the groove 130 corresponds to the width of the shaft pin 120 for a clearance fit. However, it is contemplated that the width of the groove 130 may be wider than the shaft pin 120.

In fig. 6 is a cross-section taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 4A, which further illustrates the interaction of the groove 130 with a rotation stop member, such as a shaft pin 120. The groove 130 may partially extend along a circumference, the length of which is limited and formed by opposing end portions of the groove 130. In turn, the limited length of the groove 130 limits the range of rotation of the shaft element 112. Thus, the shaft pin 120, which is placed in the pin recess 121, can mechanically prevent rotation of the shaft member 112 by contacting the end portions of the groove 130 while rotating the shaft member 112, preventing further rotation. In the illustrated embodiment, the groove 130 is configured with an arc length that provides approximately 90° rotation, which corresponds to the 90° rotation facilitated by four equally spaced teeth on the shaft element 112 and the pusher 116. This range of 90° rotation is sufficient to translate the protrusion 126 from the unlocked position to the locked position and vice versa. However, the groove 130 can be configured to any length to facilitate any desired range of motion.

Referring to FIG. 7-10, in fig. 7 and 8 illustrate a front cross-sectional view along line 7-7 and a top cross-sectional view along line 8-8, respectively, of the excavator tooth assembly of FIG. 1. In FIG. 9 illustrates a left view of the excavator tooth assembly channel 160, and FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 in FIG. 8.

A channel 160 extends through the wear member 104 and adapter 102 from a proximal opening 162 in the first wall of the wear member 104 to a distal opening 164 in the opposite second wall of the wear member 104. However, as discussed above, the channel 160 may alternatively not extend through the entire adapter 102 , but may only extend partially into adapter 102, in which case shorter locking pins may be provided to accommodate the short channel length.

As best shown in FIG. 8-10, the body portion 110, especially the head 124, may be sized and shaped to mechanically mate with the proximal opening 162 at the proximal end of the body portion, and the body portion 110, especially the tip 168, may be sized and shaped to mechanically mate with the distal opening. 164. Accordingly, the body portion 110 has a non-circular peripheral profile or shape at least in these locations, which prevents the body portion 110 from rotating relative to the wear member 104. In addition, the tight fit between the body portion 110 and the proximal and distal holes 162, 164 causes movement lock pin assembly 106 in conjunction with wear member 104. Advantageously, this may prevent wear member 104 from exerting a force on protrusion 126 that could inadvertently unlock it while wear member 104 is moved relative to adapter 102 during use.

As best shown in FIG. 10, proximal opening 162 may have an asymmetrical profile with at least a portion that is non-circular. Thus, the asymmetrical shape can help the user insert the locking pin assembly 106 into the channel 160 in the correct direction. Thus, a symmetrical head may cause the user to attempt to insert the locking pin assembly in an inverted position, which may result in improper load distribution on the body portion by placing a portion of the outer surface that is parallel to the reference axis 140 in the wrong area of the channel 160. In addition, the non-circular portions of the head 124 profile allow the head 124 to be seated within at least a portion of the proximal hole 162 in a manner that prevents the lock pin assembly 106 from rotating relative to the wear member 104.

As shown in FIG. 8, a support surface 166 may be provided in a portion of the channel 160 extending through the adapter 102. This support surface may be sized and shaped to closely match the front side 150 of the outer surface 146 of the body portion 110, which may be parallel to the reference axis 140 as described above. in relation to fig. 4A. Although adapter 102 is preferably designed to adjust the load exerted by wear member 104 and lock pin assembly 106 in all directions, bearing surface 166 may be specifically designed to distribute load evenly across body portion 110.

The distal hole 164 is sized smaller than the diameter of a portion of the housing portion 110 to prevent the lock pin assembly 106 from slipping out of the distal end of the channel 160 and to ensure that the lock pin assembly 106 fits snugly and is not too deep inside the channel 160 so that it does not jam and can be easily extract. Although in alternative embodiments, the distal hole 164 may be replaced by a distal recess on the inner wall of the wear element 104

- 10 044959 Instead of extending completely through the wall, in the illustrated embodiment, the distal hole 164 is provided as an access point for a tool, such as a punch, to dislodge the locking pin assembly 106 if it becomes stuck in the channel 160. The tip 168 can extend far into the distal hole 164 so that the user can easily access the housing portion 110 if he or she becomes stuck.

In fig. 7 and 8, the protrusion 126 is in a locked position such that the locking pin is secured within the channel 160 by mechanically mating the wall of the wear element 104 over the proximal hole 162 and the protrusion 126. The location of the protrusion 126 relative to the wall elements of the wear element 104 is discussed in more detail below with tied to fig. 12-15.

As described above with respect to FIG. 3, in fig. 8 shows an additional view of the pusher pin 122 and the elongated opening 134 through which it is housed, as well as the shaft pin 120 and its location relative to the shaft member 112 and groove 130.

In fig. 11-15 provide various illustrations of wear member 104 with particular emphasis on features associated with proximal opening 162 of channel 160. FIG. 11 shows a perspective view on the right of a wear element. In fig. 12 is a partial perspective view on the left of the proximal hole of the wear element. In fig. 13 is a perspective view of the proximal hole of FIG. 12, when viewed from inside the cavity of the wear element. In fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the proximal hole, and FIG. 15 is a right cross-sectional view through the cavity of the wear element.

The wear member 104 includes an outer surface 170 and an inner surface 172. The inner surface 172 defines a cavity 174 into which the adapter 102 can be inserted. The wear member 104 includes a first wall 176 and a second wall 178 opposite the first wall. A channel 160 extends through both the first wall 176 and the second wall 178 from the proximal opening 162 to the distal opening 164.

As best seen in FIG. 12, in the illustrated embodiment, the proximal hole 162 has a profile on the outer surface 170 of the wear element 104 that is substantially D-shaped. The D-shaped flat wall engages a similar flat surface of the head 124 to provide rotational resistance. The proximal opening 162 further has a portion extending into the first wall 176 on a portion of its perimeter that is remote from the planar wall. This portion can further ensure that the head 124 is inserted in the correct direction and does not rotate relative to the wear member 104.

Within the first wall 176 are two ramps designed to facilitate installation and removal of the locking pin assembly 106. The mounting ramp 182 is configured to engage the proximal side of the protrusion 126 as it rotates from an unlocked position to a locked position. A mounting ramp 182 may be positioned in the proximal region of the first wall 176. As the projection 126 is rotated toward the locked position, it slides along the mounting ramp 182 that is inclined into the channel 160. Thus, the rotation of the shaft member 112 is converted to an axial rotation movement of the projection 126 sliding along the mounting ramp 182, guiding the locking pin assembly 106 into a seated position within the channel 160. The last portion of the travel of the projection 126 when rotated to the locked position may correspond to a portion of the mounting ramp 182 that is level rather than sloped and is directed transversely to the channel 160. This transverse end portion of the mounting ramp 182 may extend through approximately 530 degrees of rotation and may correspond to the fully seated position of the lock pin assembly 106. In other words, the projection 126 can reach the transverse end portion only if and when the locking pin assembly 106 is fully inserted into the channel 160. In the illustrated embodiment, the projection 126 does not engage the mounting ramp 182 until it reaches approximately 45° of rotation. Thus, while the user rotates the protrusion 126 90° from the unlocked position to the locked position, the protrusion can be rotated without engaging for the first 45° of rotation. At this point, the proximal side of the projection 126 may engage and begin to slide against the mounting ramp 182. It should be understood that the mounting ramp 182 may cover only a small portion (e.g., 5°) of the rotation range of the projection 126 or may cover the entire rotation range of the projection 126.

Due to the orientation of the mounting ramp 182, while the protrusion 126 slides along the mounting ramp 182, the locking pin assembly 106 is pushed further into the channel 160 until it reaches a fully seated position. At this point, the projection 126 may be rotated an additional 5 to 25° across the mounting ramp 182 until the projection 126 is in a vertical position. At this point, the protrusion 126 may contact the inner wall of the wear element 104, which prevents the protrusion 126 from excessive rotation beyond the preferred position. Placing the protrusion 126 at rest on the transverse end portion of the mounting ramp 182, perpendicular to the direction of removal of the lock pin assembly 106 from the channel 160, may help retain the lock pin assembly 106 in the channel 160.

Proximal to the mounting ramp 182 is a removable ramp 184. The removable ramp 184 may operate similarly to the mounting ramp 182 but may engage the distal side of the protrusion 126 as it is rotated from a locked position to an unlocked position. In other words, when the lock pin assembly 106 is in the fully seated position, the shaft member 112 can be rotated from a locked position to an unlocked position. Initially, the protrusion 126 may be moved through the rotation range without contacting the removable ramp 184. At a certain point during rotation from a locked position to an unlocked position, such as approximately 10-70° to a 90° rotation, the protrusion 126 may engage the removable ramp 184. which cooperates with the distal side of the projection 126 to push the lock pin assembly 106 out of the channel 160. This may be particularly advantageous for removal when the lock pin assembly 106 is jammed in the channel 160 due to debris or mechanical stress.

In some embodiments, the inclination of the mounting ramp 182 and the inclination of the removable ramp 184 may be different, or may differ at specific positions along the rotation range of the protrusion 126. The inclination used to refer to the mounting ramp 182 and the removable ramp 184 denotes the amount of axial displacement of the protrusion 126 caused by the movement of the projection 126 over a certain distance of the corresponding inclined surface. In other words, a greater slope refers to an orientation of the inclined surface that causes greater axial displacement of the lock pin assembly 106 than a smoother slope. For example, the transverse end portion of the mounting ramp may have substantially zero slope. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting ramp 182 may have a more gradual slope than the removable ramp 184. In some embodiments, the difference in slope may correspond to a difference in the length of the ramp. For example, the long mounting ramp 182 may have a more gradual slope to distribute the axial displacement of the lock pin assembly 106 over a greater distance. Conversely, the removable ramp 184 may optionally have a greater slope to facilitate removal of the locking pin assembly 106 if it becomes jammed due to debris or deformation.

As illustrated, a gap 186 may be placed between a portion of the mounting ramp 182 and a portion of a removable ramp 184. The gap 186 is sized to allow the protrusion 126 to pass through the gap 186 during rotation. It should be understood that the removable ramp 184 does not cover the entire rotation range of the protrusion 126, and in some embodiments, overlays the mounting ramp 182 over only a small portion of the corresponding rotation range. This feature may preferably allow the projection 126 to be rotated to a position in which the portion of the first wall 176 containing the mounting ramp 182 does not prevent its removal before the projection 126 engages the removable ramp 184 and begins to advance through the proximal opening 162. Applying the mounting ramp surface and a removable inclined surface (when such an overlap exists) may cause the gap 186 to be in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the proximal opening 162.

In fig. 16 illustrates a method 200 of attaching a wear member to an adapter using the locking pin assembly of the present invention. It should be understood that while the method is described in the context of a wear member and an adapter, the method can also be used to attach an intermediate adapter to an adapter or a wear member to an intermediate member. The method may comprise a process 202 of positioning the wear member over the adapter such that the channel is aligned through both the wear member and the adapter. In some embodiments, the channel may extend through only a portion of the adapter, and in other embodiments, the channel may extend entirely through the wear member and adapter.

The method may include a process 204 of inserting the lock pin assembly in an unlocked position into a channel through a proximal channel hole in the wear member. Keeping the lock pin assembly in the unlocked position ensures that the tab clears the wall surfaces of the proximal hole, allowing the lock pin assembly to be inserted. The method may further include a process 206 for engaging the shaft element, typically through a tool engaging element, using a tool controlled by the user and applying a rotational force in a direction that pushes the shaft element into a locked position. The method may include a process 208 for rotating the shaft member while the protrusion is in contact with a mounting ramp located in or adjacent to the channel. As the protrusion continues to rotate, the rotation can be converted into axial displacement of the lock pin assembly to position the lock pin assembly in the desired position in the channel.

- 12 044959

The method may further include a process 210 of first rotating the lock pin shaft assembly member relative to the lock pin assembly body portion in a first direction through a first range of motion in which resistance is provided, and in some embodiments is increased, by interaction of the first shaft member engagement member with the second element of engagement of the pusher. For example, a first tooth surface of a shaft element may engage a corresponding first surface of a pusher groove disposed within a housing portion, while the pusher is substantially rotatably mounted relative to the housing portion, and rotation of the shaft element through a first range of motion axially displaces the pusher laterally biasing element from the original position to the compressed position, thereby providing resistance to rotation.

The method may further include a process 212 for second rotating the shaft member relative to the housing portion in a first direction through a second range of motion. During the second range of motion, the first and second engagement elements may be temporarily disengaged or engaged in a manner that substantially reduces the existing resistance. For example, the second tooth surface may slide relative to the corresponding second slot surface as the shaft rotates through a second range of motion, and the bias member may return the follower to its original position. Upon the second rotation, the user may continue to apply a rotational force in the first direction or may simply allow the first and second engagement elements to drive the protrusion into a desired locked position in which a portion of the wear element wall prevents axial movement of the protrusion in a direction corresponding to the removal of the locking pin assembly from the channel.

In an illustrative embodiment, the rotation between the unlocked and locked positions may cover approximately 90°. The first range of motion may comprise a range from 10 to 80°, and the second range of motion may comprise a range from 10 to 80°. In a preferred embodiment, the first range of motion and the second range of motion each comprise approximately 45°.

Referring to FIG. 17, illustrated is a method 300 of removing a wear member from an adapter to which the wear member is secured by a locking pin. The method may include a process 302 of engaging a shaft element, such as with a tool, and applying a rotational force greater than the resistance caused by the bias element and the pusher to prevent rotation of the shaft element. A rotational force may be applied in a direction tending to move the protrusion from a locked position to an unlocked position. A process 304 may be provided to rotate the shaft element as it contacts and slides relative to the removable inclined surface. This interaction between the protrusion and the removable inclined surface can convert the rotation of the shaft element into an axial displacement of the locking pin assembly in the direction of removal from the channel.

The method further includes a process 306 of continuing to apply the rotational force during the first portion of the protrusion stroke. During the first portion of the power stroke, the first engagement element and the second engagement element may interact to continue to provide rotational resistance. In some embodiments, the resistance may be increased during the first portion of the stroke. The method may also include a process 308 for driving the shaft member to a desired unlocked position during the second portion of the stroke in which no rotation resistance is provided, and in fact such rotation may be provided when the biasing element returns the pusher to its original position.

With the protrusion in the unlocked position, method process 310 may include removing the locking pin assembly from the channel through the proximal hole. The method may further include a process 312 for removing the wear member from the adapter.

In a preferred embodiment, the first and second stroke portions may each comprise a rotation range of approximately 45°.

The ranges of motion described herein are for illustrative purposes only for the purpose of describing the illustrated embodiment. One skilled in the art will appreciate that various ranges of motion may be increased or decreased for the desired embodiment. For example, the range of rotation of the protrusion between the locked and unlocked positions may be substantially greater than or substantially less than 90°. The proximal channel opening may be suitably modified geometrically, including a mounting ramp and/or a removable ramp that may need to be extended a greater or lesser distance to achieve the desired level of axial movement of the lock pin assembly during rotation.

The locking pin assembly described herein may provide advantages and disadvantages not found in conventional devices. For example, it may be more resistant to unintentional release, bore jamming, and load damage than some tra-

Claims (27)

ditional pins assembled. When described with reference to the wear member and adapter, it should be understood that the locking pin assembly may find use in other applications. By way of example and without limitation, a locking pin assembly may be used to attach an adapter to a bucket or other structures in the earthmoving equipment industry. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments covered by the present invention are not limited to the specific exemplary embodiments described above. Thus, while illustrative embodiments have been shown and described in the foregoing invention, a wide range of modifications, variations, combinations and substitutions are contemplated. It is understood that such changes may be made to the foregoing without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is appropriate to construe the appended claims broadly and in accordance with the present invention. CLAIM 1. A locking pin assembly for attaching a lug member to a support structure, comprising a body portion that is not rotatable and selectively protrudes into an opening in the support structure, the body portion having an opening formed therein; a shaft element comprising a distal end and a proximal portion, the distal end having a first engagement element and the distal end being located in the housing portion; a projection extending radially from a proximal portion of the shaft member beyond the housing portion, the shaft member being rotatable relative to the housing portion between a first position in which the projection can be installed to mechanically prevent the locking pin assembly from being removed from the lug member when installed. for attaching the lug member to the support structure, and a second position in which the protrusion can be installed to allow the locking pin assembly to be removed from the lug member when it is installed to attach the lug member to the support structure; a biasing element located in the body part; and a pusher disposed between the biasing element and a distal end of the shaft element, wherein the pusher includes a second engagement element configured to selectively engage the first engagement element of the shaft element, wherein the biasing element pushes the pusher toward the shaft element, and the second engagement element is configured to engaging the first engagement element to provide resistance as the shaft element rotates relative to the pusher in each of two opposite directions. 2. The locking pin assembly of claim 1, wherein the first engagement member and the second engagement member are rotatable relative to each other when a rotational force applied to the shaft member exceeds a rotation resistance value caused by the bias member to rotate the shaft member from one from the first position and the second position to the other from the first position and the second position. 3. The locking pin assembly of claim 2, wherein the first engagement member, the second engagement member, and the bias member are configured such that rotational resistance caused by the bias member occurs during the first portion of the rotational motion and does not occur during the second portion of the rotational motion. movements. 4. The locking pin assembly of claim 3, wherein one of the first and second engagement elements comprises two adjacent slots separated by a resistance peak, and the other of the first and second engagement elements comprises a tooth configured to be selectively placed in each of the two slots . 5. The locking pin assembly of claim 4, wherein the resistance peak comprises a planar surface extending between the first corner surface and the second corner surface, the first and second corner surfaces forming opposite sides of one of the first and second engagement elements. 6. The locking pin assembly of claim 5, wherein the first and second corner surfaces are angled relative to the direction of rotation of the shaft element in a range of about 60-80°. 7. The locking pin assembly according to claim 4, in which the peak of resistance is located approximately midway between two adjacent grooves. 8. The locking pin assembly of claim 7, wherein two adjacent slots are centered approximately 90° apart. 9. The locking pin assembly of claim 8, wherein the other of the first and second engagement members comprises a third slot, wherein the resistance peak is sized and shaped to fit into the third slot when the tooth is seated in one of the two adjacent slots. 10. The locking pin assembly of claim 8, wherein the first engagement element, the second engagement element and the biasing element are configured such that rotation of the shaft element between two adjacent - 14 044959 ny grooves provide tactile feedback to the user, confirming the transition from the first position to the second position. 11. The locking pin assembly of claim 10, wherein the first engagement element, the second engagement element, and the biasing element are configured such that rotation of the shaft element between two adjacent slots provides tactile feedback to the user confirming the transition from the second position to the first position. 12. The locking pin assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a rotation stop element, wherein the shaft element contains a partially annular groove formed therein, and the rotation stop element is configured to mechanically collide with opposite end portions of the groove to limit the range of rotation of the shaft element relative to body part. 13. The locking pin assembly of claim 12, wherein the groove extends in a spiral pattern such that engagement of the rotation stop member with the groove converts rotation of the shaft member into axial displacement of the shaft member relative to the housing portion. 14. The locking pin assembly according to claim 13, in which the rotation stop element, colliding with the end sections, limits the rotation of the shaft element in the range of about 90° relative to the housing part. 15. The locking pin assembly of claim 14, wherein the rotation stop member comprises a pin extending through a portion of the housing portion. 16. The locking pin assembly of claim 1, further comprising a second rotation stop member protruding from the follower and configured to prevent rotation of the follower while allowing axial displacement of the follower. 17. The locking pin assembly of claim 16, wherein the second rotation stop member comprises a second pin that is stationary with respect to the housing portion, wherein the pusher includes an elongated recess into which the second pin fits. 18. The locking pin assembly of claim 16, wherein the second rotation stop element comprises a bulge protruding from the pusher and stationary relative to it, the bulge being included in a longitudinal channel formed in the inner surface of the wall of the housing portion. 19. The locking pin assembly of claim 1, wherein the shaft member and the plunger define a longitudinal reference axis, and a first cross-section of the housing portion perpendicular to the reference axis adjacent a proximal end of the housing portion has a first cross-sectional area, wherein the second cross-section a body portion perpendicular to the reference axis, adjacent a distal end of the body portion, has a second cross-sectional area less than the first cross-sectional area, the body portion comprising an engaging surface along only one side that is parallel to the reference axis. 20. The locking pin assembly of claim 19, configured to be directed into a channel extending through the lug member into the support structure such that at least a portion of the engagement surface engages a load-bearing surface of the support structure formed by the inner wall of the channel. 21. The lock pin assembly of claim 20, wherein the load-bearing surface is provided on a side of the channel to which the lock pin assembly applies a force in response to a force tending to remove the wear member from the support structure. 22. A locking pin assembly for attaching a lug member to a support structure, comprising a body portion that is not rotatable and selectively protrudes into an opening in the support structure, the body portion having an opening formed therein; a shaft element comprising a distal end and a proximal portion, the distal end having a first engagement element, the distal end being disposed within the housing portion, and the shaft element defining a longitudinal reference axis; a locking member radially extending from the locking pin assembly, wherein the shaft member is rotatable relative to the housing portion between a first position in which the locking member can be mounted to mechanically prevent the locking pin assembly from being removed from the lug member when it is installed to secure the lug pin element to the support structure, and a second position in which the locking element can be installed to allow the locking pin assembly to be removed from the lug member when it is installed to secure the lug member to the support structure; a biasing element located inside the body part; and a pusher disposed between the biasing element and a distal end of the shaft element, wherein the pusher includes a second engaging element configured to selectively engage a first engaging element of the shaft element, wherein the biasing element pushes the pusher in the direction of the shaft element, and the second engaging element is configured to engage a first engagement element for providing resistance as the shaft element rotates relative to the pusher in each of two opposite directions; - 15 044959 wherein the housing portion is shaped to be placed within a channel extending through the lug member into the support structure such that, when installed, the locking pin assembly is stationary with respect to the lug member but movable with respect to the support structure. 23. A locking pin assembly for securing the lug member to the support structure, comprising a housing portion configured to selectively protrude into an opening in the support structure; a shaft member comprising a distal end and a proximal portion, the distal end having a first engaging member, the distal end being disposed within the housing portion, the shaft member being rotatable relative to the housing portion between a locked position to secure the lug member to the support structure and an unlocked position, to allow the lug member to be removed from the supporting structure; a biasing element located inside the body part; and a pusher disposed between the biasing element and a distal end of the shaft element, wherein the pusher includes a second engagement element configured to selectively engage a first engagement element of the shaft element, wherein the biasing element pushes the pusher toward the shaft element, wherein the second engagement element is configured to engaging the first engagement element to provide resistance as the shaft element rotates relative to the pusher in each of two opposite directions. 24. The lock pin assembly of claim 23, wherein the first engagement member, the second engagement member, and the bias member are configured such that rotational resistance caused by the bias member occurs during the first portion of the pivot stroke and does not occur during the second portion of the pivot stroke. , and wherein one of the first and second engagement elements comprises two adjacent slots separated by a resistance peak, and the other of the first and second engagement elements comprises a tooth configured to selectively fit within each of the two slots. 25. A method of locking a wear member in a spout or removing a wear member from a spout mounted on an earthmoving equipment using a lock pin assembly, the method comprising a first rotation while the lock pin assembly is located within a channel extending through the wear member and a nose, of a shaft member of the lock pin assembly relative to a body portion of the lock pin assembly in a first direction through a first range of motion in which a first tooth surface of the shaft member engages a corresponding first surface of a pusher groove disposed within the body portion, the pusher being substantially rotatable is fixed relative to the housing portion, and rotation of the shaft element in the first range of motion displaces the pusher in the axial direction towards the displacement element from the original position to the compressed position; and a second rotation of the shaft element relative to the housing portion in a first direction in a second range of motion, in which the second surface of the tooth slides relative to the corresponding second surface of the second slot, while during rotation of the shaft in the second range of motion, the bias element returns the pusher to its original position; wherein the first and second rotations move a locking member protruding from the locking pin assembly from a first position to a second position, wherein when the locking member is in one of the first and second positions, the locking member engages a wear member or spout to prevent removal of the locking pin assembled from the wear element, and when the locking element is in the other first and second positions, the lock pin assembly can be removed from the wear element. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the first range of motion includes a range from 0 to 180° and the second range of motion includes a range from 0 to 180°. 27. A locking pin assembly for attaching a lug member to a support structure, comprising a non-rotatable body portion selectively projecting into an opening in the support structure, the body portion having an opening formed therein; a shaft member having a first axis and comprising a distal end and a proximal portion, the distal end having a first plurality of equidistantly spaced teeth, the first plurality of equidistantly spaced teeth being radially spaced about the first axis in a range of from about 30° to 120°, the distal end being disposed within a housing parts; a protrusion radially extending from a proximal portion of the shaft element beyond the housing portion, the shaft element being rotatable relative to the housing portion between a first position in which the protrusion can be installed to mechanically prevent the locking pin assembly from being removed from the lug member when it is installed to secure the lug pin element to -