FI111746B - Excavator tooth, its tip and locking pin for attaching the tip to the connector - Google Patents

Abstract

An excavating tooth (10) for use on a wide variety of excavating equipment is comprised of a point (12), an adapter (14) and a sandwich lock pin (16). The pin includes a rigid casing (54) and a plurality of independently depressible protrusions (58, 59). One of the protrusions (58) resiliently engages a face (22) defined on the nose of the adapter to tighten the connection of the point on the nose. One other of the protrusions (59) extends into an opening (50) defined by the point to secure the lock pin to the point. With respect to an external locking tooth, the opening (50) defined in the point includes a pair of bosses (155a, 155b) which define a reduced portion of the opening. The reduced portion matingly receives and holds the ends of the rigid casing of the pin. The independent locking of the pin and the mating receipt of the casing in the point opening reduces the likelihood of pin loss due to overloading of the elastomeric material, wearing of the components or jacking forces.

Description

111746

The present invention relates to a tooth for an excavator suitable for all types of excavators - such as front loaders, backhoe loaders, shovel buckets, splitting saws, etc., with a tooth tip and a locking pin having a coupling pin according to the preambles of the appended claims 1, 15 and 22 10.

Most excavators used in mining and construction of trenches usually consist of a series of spaced teeth mounted on the cutting edge 15 of the bucket. The teeth protrude and catch and break down the material that is collected in the bucket. It is easy to understand that the teeth are subject to very hard abrasion and thus wear out considerably.

20 To reduce material loss due to component replacement, the teeth are manufactured in two parts, a connector and a tip. The connector is secured (eg by welding) to the cutting edge of the bucket and has a protruding cam. The tip defines a backward opening housing into which.! '! The nose of the 25 connector is inserted and comprises a front excavator; ; of the blade. The tip substantially encloses the nose of the connector and thus · protects the nose from wear. As a result, however, the '·' tip is subject to abrasive conditions and must be replaced frequently. Usually 5-30 tips should be mounted on one connector 30, depending on the hardness of use. Because the teeth are subjected to high loads and impacts, it is essential that the tips are securely locked into the fittings. However, since the tips are replaced on site, the locks must be easy to install and open. Although many 35 different types of locks have been developed, they usually use a locking pin.

A: According to one standard arrangement, the tip and the cam of the connector 111746 are each provided with a central locking opening. When assembling the parts, the openings are aligned so that a locking pin can be inserted into them. In some cases, a rigid pin is used in combination with an elastic retaining member. The retaining member 5 holds the pin in the openings and tightens the tip lock to the cam of the connector. U.S. Pat. The 2,312,802 granted to Crawford is an example of this type of tooth. In an alternative arrangement, a layer pin without a separate retaining member may be used. The lay pin generally consists of 10 rigid portions which provide sufficient strength to hold the tip in the connector and an elastic portion which secures the pin in place and tightens the connection of the portions. An example of such a structure is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,600,198. 4,823,487 granted to Robinson.

15 However, teeth with these structures have a number of deficiencies. Creating a central opening in both the tip and the nose of the connector reduces the overall strength of the tooth. In addition, the buckle holder or elastomeric portion will have to accept loads exceeding their capacity when the tip is longitudinally heavily loaded. This phenomenon is exacerbated by the use of a partially worn connector. . · Beak. The elastic part is often repetitive or intermittent. ·. overloading can lead to premature organ failure. Degradation of the silicone or elastomer can cause the pin and! ! hence also the tip detachment. If the tip disappears, the connector · / · breaks down quickly because the cam is not made to withstand '' hard rubbing.

30 In use, the tips are often subjected to leverage or vibration. Specifically, when the tip is driven into the ground, it is constantly exposed to a myriad of resistances caused by rocks, roots, concrete, or other unevenness in the ground. These various resistors 3 5 are larger in front loaders, which are transported forward along the ground and thus involve loading: even more vertical and transverse bucket movements.

In any case, these resistance variations apply to the tips 3 111746 forces with significant vertical partial forces. In addition, loads usually change direction very quickly at the tip, so that the tip is constantly subjected to upward and downward forces. For large operations, 5 loads of up to 100,000 kg can be expected.

As will be appreciated, the vertical load at the leading edge of the tip tends to exert a high torque on the tip, which, if not prevented, rotates the tip away from the nose of the connector. These torque forces also exert a great deal of strain on the cam support surfaces and cause cam deformation and wear. In addition, as can be seen in Figure 2 of Patent 4,823,487, the rear wall of the aperture opening engages the locking at the rear of the pin. When the torque force forces the tip into the round flange, a corresponding force (i.e., a vertical partial force) is applied to the pin. When the loads are constantly reversed by the lever forces, they can twist and push the pin out of the opening even without breaking the elastomer or excessively wearing parts. Although U.S. Pat. The unique design of the nose and tip housing of the 4,231,173 connector has somewhat mitigated the problem, and this patent does not provide a complete solution to all. applications.

; · '· 25 The protrusion of the pin can be partially reduced by locking! ! the pin is inserted through a series of aligned openings oriented ·; * / horizontally (ie parallel to the bucket blade).

A tooth having this structure is called a side locking tooth. U.S. Pat. 2,669,153 is 30 examples of such a structure. In this configuration, the rotational movements of the tip in the vertical plane do not apply forces to the pin shaft that push the pin out. However, significant transverse lever forces can be applied to the tip and thereby move to the pin along its axis. While the bucket teeth '35 are typically still close to each other, there is very little space available to install and remove the pins. Pins: inserted and removed by hand, usually on site, using a sharp-pointed tool and a spatula. Thus, 4 111746 often encounter difficulties when changing tips. Because of these shortcomings, teeth having this structure have become known as "knuckle crushers".

5 In all these locking devices, the tip can be moved further away from the nose of the connector as the nose wears. As a result, the elastomeric element must expand by a corresponding amount in order to maintain a tight fit and prevent the pin from loosening. When the maximum extension of this member is reached, the 10 pins may be detached or may be ejected. Thus, to maximize the service life of the parts, the apertures defined through the tip and connector nose are typically constructed such that the pin is initially placed in a very tight arrangement, whether the apertures are vertical or horizontal. The tight fit 15 makes it difficult to insert and remove the pin.

Difficulties with tip replacement cause longer downtime and workers are likely to try to avoid tip-time replacement.

20 To avoid the many drawbacks associated with center and side lockable teeth, excavator teeth with externally lockable structure have been developed. One. An example of a popular tooth that locks externally is a pre -,. U.S. Pat. 4,965,945.

As can be seen from Figure 3 of patent 4,965,945, the tip is t! ! equipped with vertically spaced fastening lugs • ·; * placed on each side of a central strip or shoulder formed on the side of the connector nose. Between the lugs of the tip attachment bracket 30 and the nose strip of the connector, a rigid locking pin is engaged in a vertical position which engages these: '. parts together. Preferably, the pin is curved in shape and slightly bends (i.e. straightens) when inserted and tightens the entire tooth assembly. Also provided is an elastic 35 transverse stopper which locks the pin in place. The plug comprises a helical spring which is enclosed within an elastic foam material.

5 111746 This externally lockable structure avoids the formation of enlarged openings in parts, resulting in a stronger tooth. The transverse orientation of the elastic stopper also protects it from higher forces at the tip. This prevents plug overload. However, this combination of locking pin and stopper does not achieve the benefits of a one piece lock.

An alternative, externally locking structure with a floor locking pin has also been used, such as in U.S. Patent No. 10 to Hahn. 5,152,088 are disclosed. In this structure, the nose of the connecting piece has a vertical channel configured on one side thereof to receive a pin. The tip comprises a rearwardly extending tab opposite the duct and an inwardly directed latch. The locking pin comprises a rigid front and rear surface resisting heavy loads on the tip, and an elastomer provided with transverse locking catches received in recesses defined in the nose and tongue of the connector. Although this structure performs well in compact teeth, it is not a sufficient solution in all circumstances.

The subject of the present invention, the tooth of the excavator, the tooth tip and the locking pin for attaching the tip to the connector piece are known primarily in claims 1, 15 and! respectively, of the 22 characteristics shown.

* * · * ·

The tooth according to the invention comprises a tip, a connector and a lay pin, the structure of which is not yet known in the art. The pin will not easily disappear from the tooth of the present invention due to overload of the pin elastomer, leverage or wear of the nose of the connector. Tips; "it is also easy to change on site.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the excavating tooth comprises a connector, a tip and a stud. The connector comprises a protruding cam and a cam-associated opening. The tip comprises a front excavator blade, a housing for receiving the 6111746 connector cam in a compatible manner, and a first aperture which is aligned with the connector aperture for receiving the lay pin. The tip further comprises a second aperture close to the first aperture. The pin comprises a rigid frame 5 and a plurality of separately pressable projections. One projection resiliently engages the cam portion of the connector and tightens the tip attachment to the cam. At least one other protrusion extends into the other aperture of the tip and locks the pin firmly in the tip. The purpose of the separate operation of the projections is to reduce the loss of the pin due to overloading of the elastomeric material, the action of the levers or the wear of the nose of the connector.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the layer pin comprises 15 rigid frame members and a plurality of elastomeric members. One elastomeric member forms a first protrusion that engages and clamps against the nose portion of the connector to tighten the tip to the nose. At least one other elastomer member forms a second projection that locks the pin at the tip. The locking-20 elastomer is separate and positioned a short distance from the elastic elastomer, and is protected by a rigid frame from the greater forces exerted on the tip. Since the locking elastomer is isolated from the loading forces, it cannot be overloaded. Thus, the loss of the pin caused by the · · [25] elastomer member breakage is practically! i eliminated. The use of a separate locking elastomer also reduces the potential for the · ·, pin extension due to leverage.

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According to another embodiment of the invention, at least some portion of the pin-defined pin opening receives and interconnects and holds the rigid frame of the pin. In this way, the tip must be independently pins regardless of the position of the tip in the longitudinal direction of the connector nose. This separate holding of the pin causes the pin to move with the tip as the lever forces jerk it over and over again. This uniform movement of the pin and the tip virtually eliminates the arm forces previously applied to the pin by pushing it out of the opening. As a result, the loss of the pin due to leverage or wear of the 7111746 connector cam is substantially prevented. Because the tip holds the pin, a thinner tooth structure can also be used. In other words, since the tip has to be a pin, this need not be placed in a tight tooth-5 configuration. As a result, the pin opening can be formed in the present invention so that it has a minimum clearance, whereby the pin can be easily installed on site.

In the tooth shown in Figures 5-8 of Patent 4,823,487, a locking pin is received in a notch defined on the tip. As shown in Figure 8, the notch comprises shoulders that receive the pin in the pattern. However, closer examination reveals that the structure is not functional. Specifically, when the pin 15 is inserted, it is inserted vertically down into the aligned openings. As shown in Figure 5, the pin has a center portion that is rearward of the shoulders and wider than the end portions. Compatible reception of the end portions of the pin into the aperture apertures (as shown in Figure 8) would prevent the wider central portion 20 from passing through the same aperture. Therefore, the patent fails to provide a useful model in this regard.

; According to another embodiment of the invention, the tip of the externally lockable tooth comprises a vertical, short distance from the main toe which is disposed in a spaced position. 'Rearward of the tip body. The mounting lugs are secured to the body by a clip that forms an extension to one side wall of the tip. The bracket attaches to the side wall of the tip with wide, curved transition portions at the upper 30 and lower ends of the bracket. This wide, arcuate shape is important because it maintains the stress amplitudes at this junction within the allowable limits. In addition, the frame, holder, and mounting brackets together define the opening that receives the 1 »lock pin. Opposite to each of the mounting lugs is a pak-35 mount, which facilitates a compatible pin engagement at the tip opening. However, such thickening requires a sharper: angle between the holder and the body than what is desired near the upper and lower ends of the holder. The steeper arc required for the 8,117,446 thickening at the top and bottom ends of the bracket would cause the tip to have larger, desired amounts of tension under heavy load. Therefore, the thickenings that hold the pin in the opening are displaced away from the upper and lower ends of the holder, such that the tip is provided with wide, curved transition structures as well as the desired thickenings.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the lay pin comprises a shaft which protrudes backward and extends between the lugs 10 and the nose of the connector when the pin is inserted externally into a lockable tooth. The shaft stabilizes the pin orientation and prevents unwanted rotation of the pin in the pin opening. The arm also prevents the pin from being inserted incorrectly when assembling the tooth.

15

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the tip defines an aperture that receives the locking pin. The tip still has a plurality of recesses along the opening for receiving locking responses of the inserted pin. This multiple, separate locking structure 20 between the pin and the tip provides a secure locking assembly that reduces accidental release or loss of the pin from the pin opening.

; According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the locking pin has a single elastomer member which uniquely interacts with a rigid frame and defines separately pressable protrusions. The elastomeric member comprises a front protrusion that engages the surface of the connector and a rear protrusion that is inserted into an opening defined between the tip walls or the lugs. The front protrusion tightens the tip connection to the nose of the connector and the rear protrusion locks the pin at the tip. Because of the rear protrusion i i | | pressed separately, provides a secure locking feature that · 'reduces accidental loosening of the pin and isolates the rear 35 protrusions from the front protrusion, reducing the impact of the heavy load on the pin. It also improves the matching reception of the rigid frame of the pin in the tip pin hole, locking the pin firmly in the tip, even when placed in a worn and loose connector cam.

Figure 1 is an exploded, partial perspective view of an externally locking tooth 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a partial top plan view of the tooth tip, Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of Figure 2; Fig. 5 is a top plan view of the tooth locking pin; Fig. 6 is a sectional front view of the locking pin; Fig. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8 of Fig. 6; Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of Fig. 6, Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10-10 of Fig. 6, Fig. 11 is a fragmentary side view of the locking pin, Fig. 12 is a partial top plan view Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 of Fig. 12 and showing Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I · *: '13-13 of Fig. 12 and showing an intermediate process where the pin * * is inserted; is inserted into the tooth, v: 30, Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 of Fig. 12 and showing an assembled tooth, Fig. 16 is a fragmentary, perspective view of a central locking tooth according to another embodiment of the present invention; 17 is an exploded, partial, top plan view 10 111746 of a second embodiment tip and connector nose, FIG. 18 is an exploded, partial side view of a second embodiment tip and connector nose, FIG. Fig. 20 is a top plan view of the locking pin of the second embodiment, Fig. 21 is an exploded, partial perspective view of a third embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the tooth of the fourth embodiment of Fig. 12; Fig. 23 is a side cross-sectional view of the locking pin of the fourth embodiment, Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 24-24 of Fig. 23, Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 25-25 of Fig. 23, Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line tt25 28-28 of Fig. 27, Fig. 29 is a cross-sectional view taken of Fig. 27, instead of line 13-13 of Fig. 20, of a tooth according to a fifth embodiment of the invention; taken along line 29-29, '·' Figure 30 is a partial cross-sectional view taken

Li; a sixth embodiment of the invention instead of the line 19-19 L *: 30 of Figure 18.

The present invention relates to an excavator tooth comprising a *, a tip, a connector, and a layered locking pin. The tooth is compatible with all types of excavators and can be used in a wide variety of functions. As will be appreciated, the operation of the machine determines many different directions of the present teeth. However, for explanatory purposes, the tooth elements are sometimes described in relative directions such as up and down. These directions should be understood with respect to the direction of the teeth shown in Figures 1 and 16 5 unless otherwise stated.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention (Figs. 1-15), the tooth 10 comprises a tip 12, a connector 14 10, and a plunger 16. The tooth 10 most preferably has an external locking structure similar to that of U.S. Pat. 4,965,945. Reference is made to this patent. However, structural variations can also be used.

15

The connector 14 comprises a shaft (not shown) for attaching to the front blade of a bucket (not shown) and a cam 18 which protrudes from the steel (Figs. 1 and 4-5). The cam 18 has a most advantageously shaped helical structure similar to what was originally disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,103 to Hahn et al. 4,335,532, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. However, the helical structure is not necessary in the present invention.

On the other side of the nose 18 of the connector piece, a vertically oriented keyway 20 is formed. The keyway 20 is defined by a rearwardly extending strip or shoulder 22, side wall 24 and rear wall 26. Side and rear walls 24 and 26 most preferably merge in a curved transition. The keyway is designed and dimensioned! 'such that it receives the locking pin 16 and the tip 12'; fastening lugs 28a and 28b (Figures 1 and 12).

The structure of the tip 12 is usually wedge-shaped and tapered and comprises a front excavation edge 30 and a body 32 comprising a housing 42 receiving a connector cam 18 (Figs. 1-3). The upper wall 34 defines the body 32. , bottom wall 35, side walls

i> I

36, 37 and rear wall 38. Housing 42 opens rearwardly in rear wall »i · t»> 12 111746 38 and receives receptacle cam 18 and mounting tip 12 on connector 14 in a vertically spaced distance from mounting brackets 28a, 28b. back from rear wall 38 and interact with locking pin 16 and keyway 20 and lock the tooth assembly together. The mounting lugs 28a, 28b are secured to the body 32 by a bracket 44 which forms an extension of the side wall 36. Another pair of fastening lugs 28c and 28d having the same structure can be placed on one side of the tip, whereby the tip can be clicked around to extend its service life. The mounting lugs 28a, 28b are oriented inwards at an average right angle to the holder 44.

In use, the cam 18 of the connector is inserted into the tip 12 so that the cam engages with the body 42 (Figures 1 and 12-15). The mounting lugs 28a and 28b are received at the top and bottom of the keyway 20. The strip 22 extends substantially vertically between the mounting lugs 28a and 28b. The mounting lugs 28a, 28b, the holder 44, the rear wall 38 and the keyway 20 together define the pin opening 50, 20 through which the locking pin 16 is inserted. Thus, the locking pin 16 is inserted vertically into and out of the pin opening 50; · It locks the tip 12 in the nose 18 of the connector and disassembles it here.

The locking pin 16 comprises a rigid frame 54 and elastomeric members 56, 57 (Figs. 6-11). Elastomers 56, 57 are received and held in recesses 60, 61, respectively defined at the middle and top of frame 54. Elastomer 56 functions together. . with a rigid plate 125 and forming a first protrusion 58, '' / 30 which resiliently engages the nose 18 of the connector nose 18 in the rib 22 and tightens the connector 12 of the nose 12 to the nose. Elastomer 57 cooperates with rigid stop 142 to form a second protrusion 59, which is received in recess 151 (Fig. 15) defined at the tip, and locks the pin at the tip. Elastomer 57 is: 35 separate and a short distance from tensioning elastomer 56, 13111746 so it can be pressed separately and is insulated from the load and wear of elastomer 56.

Frame 54 (Figures 6-11) is an elongated, rigid member 5 most preferably made of metal material. The shape of the frame 54 is most preferably slightly curved, but a straight pin may also be used. When a curved pin is used, the existing tips can be easily modified to accept the locking pin 16. The rear walls 64, 65 of the frame 54 are concave while the front wall 67 is convex. The concave arch of the rear wall 64 is shaped to conform to the curved inner surfaces 48a, 48b of the mounting lugs 28a, 28b.

Frame 54 generally has a body portion 70 and a rearwardly extending arm 152. Arm 72 extends along the length of pin 16 and is most preferably predominantly hook-shaped; however, other forms may be used. The arm 72 is adapted to extend between the ends 74a, 74b of the securing lugs 28a, 28b and the side wall 24 of the keyway 20. The arm 72 comprises 20 end faces 76 facing ends 74a, 74b and an inner face 77 facing side wall 24. The function of the arm 72 is to align: · the direction of pin 16 and prevent unwanted twisting of the pin. Arm 72: further prevents the pin 16 from being inserted incorrectly into the keyway 20 during assembly.

. ·; 25 t,, ·. The body portion 70 is usually a bar-shaped base of the pin 16 · ·, 80 (Figures 6 and 10). The front wall 67 of the body is provided with a tapered portion 82 which facilitates tooth assembly as described above. The bottoms of the rear walls 64, 65 are respectively provided with: γ-30 beveled edges 83a, 83b which facilitate the insertion of the pin into the opening v * 50. A flat impact surface 84 is defined on the upper portion 86 of the pin 16.

The user strikes surface 84 while driving pin 50 into and out. thence.

: '35 A relatively large cavity 60 14 111746 is defined in the center portion of pin 16 (Figs. 6 and 9). Frame 54 of this portion is substantially t-shaped. Specifically, the body 70 comprises a substantially rectangular base portion 88 having a front wall 89, a side wall 90 and a rear wall 91. The base portion 88 cuts a transverse portion 99 at the opposite end of the sidewall 90 defined by the arm 72 and inner side wall 101. Side wall 101 extends forward from base 88 and crosses with front wall 67 of pin 16. The front wall 67 defines a reduced portion 67a adjacent to the slot 60. The front wall portion 67a, the side wall 101 and the base 88 10 together define a hollow side cavity 103 which receives the clamping elastomer portion 56a. The front wall 67 and side wall 68 together define the top and bottom portions of the elastomer 56, which extend towards each other. Response portions 67b, 67c each cooperate with inner wall 102 of side wall 101 and define hollow upper and lower cavities 104, 105 which receive elastomer portions 56b, 56c. In the manufacture of the pin, the elastomer 56 is bent and "clicked" into the cavity 60 and the cavities 103-105. The function of these cavities is to hold the elastomer 56 in the frame 54. Instead of or in addition to the cavity group 103-105, the elastomer may be bound to the inner walls of the frame.

; ** Frame 54 defines an aperture 61 at the top 86 of pin 16 which receives and holds the locking elastomer 57 (Figs. 6 and 8). The front wall 67 and the inner side wall created extending all around slot 61: 25 in substantially 1-letter form. The front wall 67 defines a hollow cavity 107 adjacent to the side wall 101. The cavity 107 is also defined along the top wall 109 of the cavity 61 adjacent to the side wall 101. As a result, the cavity 107 is generally 1-letter and has a shape. . bounded by front wall 67, side wall 101, base 88 and stop members 68a, 68b. The base portion 88 extends along the back of the elastomer 57 except for the spacing 111, which is defined as the average::: of the center of the elastomer. A portion of the base portion 88 stays adjacent to the gap 11 and defines an elastomer 57 on the response 113. The elastomer 57 is bent and "snap" into the cavity in the same manner as the elastomer .35 56 and remains in the pocket with the defined cavity and responses.

<* · I * 15 111746

The elastomers 56, 57 are made of a resilient, relatively durable and strong material such as polyurethane or rubber. Of course, other materials having the required properties can also be used. The elastomers 56, 57 are also preferably provided with a series of holes 115 which improve the level of compression that the elastomers can achieve (Figs. 6-7, 9 and li). The holes are most preferably closed to prevent the build-up of soft ground.

The tensioning elastomer 56 is usually elongated (Figures 6-7, 9 and 11). A raised portion 117 extends from the front of the elastomer 56 defining a first projection 58 with a rigid plate 125. The projection 58 is resiliently engaged with the rib 22 of the nose 18 of the connector to tighten the attachment of the tip to the cam. Further, the elastomer 15 mer 56 comprises a side brush 56a, an upper brush 56b and a lower brush 56c, which are received by the cavities 103, 104 and 105 respectively. The plate 125 is most preferably made of a metal material and generally has a bent shape defining two legs 126, 127 which are on the front and one side 20 of the elastomer 56, which are bound or otherwise attached thereto. The plate 125 is further bent vertically so as to extend over the raised portion 117. Plate 125 protects elastomer 56 from wear caused by contacting elastomer 56 with list 22 of connector nose 18. The projection 58 comprises a tapered portion 129 which facilitates elastomer 56; clamps when pin 16 is inserted into or removed from opening 50.

The locking elastomer 57 is usually rectangular and. a block shape defined by the front wall 131, the rear wall 30 132, the top wall 133, the bottom wall 134, and the side walls 135, 136 (Figs. 6, 8 and li). The brush 57a extends along the front and top walls 131, 133 and is received by a cavity 107. The rigid stop 142, preferably made of metal material, is bound or otherwise secured to the rear wall 132 and protrudes through the gap 35 in the frame 54. The stop 142, together with the elastomer 57 16 111746, defines another resiliently pressable protrusion 59. The stop 142 comprises shoulders 144 which engage against the frame 54 and limit outwardly the stop extension. The stop 142 has an arcuate lower angle 146 which facilitates retraction of the stop 5 when the pin 16 is inserted into and out of the opening 50.

As mentioned above, the lugs 28a, 28b are positioned rearwardly behind the rear wall 38 of the tip 12 (Figures 1-3 and 12). The retaining lugs are connected to the body 32 of the tip 12 by a rearwardly extending stop 44. The retainer 44 fuses with the upper and lower walls 34, 35 of the tip 12 along a wide, arcuate transition portion 149a, 149b (Figures 2 and 12). The portions 149a, 149b are formed as wide, curved portions (e.g., having a radius of curvature of approximately 19 mm / 0.75 inches on a tip frame having a rear aperture of 178 mm / 7 inches), whereby the stress amplitudes at the joints are smallest . It has been found that the transition portions that define sharper arcs create tensions when using a tip that approach levels so high that they are unacceptable.

The portion of the rear wall 38 of the tip 12 defining the aperture 50 comprises bumps 155a, 155b opposite the lugs 28a, 28, respectively (Figures 1-3 and 13-15). Thicknesses: 155a, 155b extend rearwardly toward the inner surfaces 48a, 48b of the mounting lugs 28a, 28b and narrow the depth of the opening 50 along portions 50a, 50b. The portions 50a, 50b of the opening 50 receive, ··. ·. during operation of pin 16, the thick knots 155a, 155b engage with the front wall 67 of pin 16 and the inner pin. . nat 48a, 48b engage with the rear wall 64. The formation of the bulges 155a, 155b requires a relatively sharp transition angle 157a, 157b 'between the holder 44 and the rear wall 38. Each corner 157a, 157b has an arc radius of about 65% or less of the arc radius t "'desired for the transition portions 149a, 149b. To avoid splitting the wide transition portions 149a, 149b: 35 connecting the upper portion of the bracket 44 and the upper end and lower wall 34, 35 of the lower end 17 111746, the bulges 155a, 155b being offset from the upper and lower ends of the opening 50.

The mounting lug 28a is further provided with a recess 5,151 on its inner surface 48a (Figures 1-3 and 13-15).

The recess 151 is shaped to receive and connect the stop 142 while holding the locking pin 16 firmly in the aperture 50. Accordingly, the recess 151 comprises a curved lower surface 153 engaging with an angle 10 146 during operation. The interconnected inclined surfaces 146, 153 enable the stop 142 withdrawing from the recess 151 when the pin is pulled out of the opening 50.

Further, at the upper end of the retaining lug 28b, a bevelled surface 159 is inclined and inclined forward and outward (Figs. 3 and 13-15). The flange 159 also facilitates the insertion of the lower portion 80 of the pin 16 into the narrowed portion 50b of the opening when the pin 16 is inserted into the opening 50. The flange 159 also facilitates the removal of the stop 142 when the pin 16 is removed from the opening 50.

20

When the tooth 10 is assembled, the tip 12 is passed over the nose • 18 of the connector so that the cam 42 receives the cam in a compatible manner (Figures 12-15). The fastening lugs 28a, 28b partially pass into the keyway 20. When the tip 12 is completely inserted I; 25, the lower portion 80 of the locking pin 16, the locking pin 16 engages ;; · To the top of the opening 50. Unlike many of the prior art tightly fitting assemblies, the pin 16 can be inserted into the opening 50 substantially vertically rather far before the pin must be struck (Fig. 13). Narrow opening: 30 50b receives the pin in a compatible manner and holds the stroke; for. Prior art tight-fitting locking structures have required someone to hold the pin by hand and *> strike it with a lick. In the present invention there is no pin: '·. need to be held by hand, as the end 80 of the pin 16 moves freely: 35 into the opening 50a far enough for the pin to be stable before being hammered.

18 111746

When the pin 16 is initially inserted into the upper portion of the opening 50 (Fig. 13), the upper surface 84 of the pin 16 is repeatedly struck by a lath or the like and the pin 16 is pushed farther into the opening 50. The tapered portion 129 protrudes 58 when the pin is driven down. The elastomer 56 is compressed as it passes through the opening portion 50a until the outer surface of the plate 125 is flush with the front wall 67 of the pin 16. The tapered portion 82 engages with the bar 22 as the pin is driven downward and moves the tip 10 as needed gradually backward, creating space for the full depth of the pin 16. When the pin 16 is inserted deeper into the opening 50, the bevel 83a engages with the edge 159 such that the pin 16 is uniformly guided to the opening portion 50b (Fig. 14). The curved lower corner 146 of the stop 142 engages similarly with the bevelled upper corner 161 of the latch 28a and facilitates compression of the locking elastomer 57 and retraction of the stop 142. The stop 142 retracts completely as it passes over the inner surface 48a of the mounting lug 28a.

In the assembled position (Fig. 15), the front wall 67 of the pin 16 is engaged with the recesses 155a, 155b and the rear wall 64 is engaged with the inner surfaces 48a, 48b, whereby the pin 16 remains at the tip. This structure holds the pin 16 at the tip 12 regardless of the longitudinal position of the tip relative to the nose 18 of the connector. Thus, if lever-j *: 25 or other forces move tip 12, pin 16 moves with it.

It is easy to see that this design reduces the likelihood that the tip shift would cause the pin to protrude out of the opening 50.

The plate 125 is further disposed so that it presses against the lath 22 of the nipple 18 of the connector and secures tight engagement of the tip 12 with the nose. The elastomer 56 is shown in Fig. 15 in a fully Γ "; collapsed position. In this position, the rib 22 is connected to the front wall 67 (i.e., portion 67a) and also to the plate 35 125. The overcompression of elastomer 56 is thus prevented by a rigid 19111746 frame. 56, as the parts begin to wear, the tip fits more loosely into the nose of the connector, under these conditions the tip is pressed farther into the nose such that the rib 22 is located forward of the ribs 5,155a, 155b, whereupon the elastomer 56 expands outwardly This expansion may continue until the expansion of elastomer 56 is at its maximum.

10 In the assembled position (Fig. 15), the stop 142 snaps into the recess 151 defined by the mounting bracket 28a. The rigid frame 54 encloses the elastomer 57 substantially and insulates and protects it from the heavy loading forces applied to the tip. This avoids overloading and premature degradation of elastomer 57. This separate locking arrangement virtually eliminates the risk of accidental loss of the pin. Although the clamping elastomer 56 would completely disintegrate due to overload or wear, the release of the pin is prevented by the fact that the frame 54 is attached to the opening portions 50a, 50b and the stop 142 is in the recess 151.

When the tip needs to be replaced, pin 16 is again struck on top surface 84; : and it's driven down. The pointed tool is used in conjunction with the latch and the pin is driven out of the opening 50. The curved angle 146 of the stop 142 slides along the inclined base 153 of the recess 151, the elastomer 57 is compressed and the stop 142 retracts. When the pin is inserted, the stop 142 retracts completely as it passes over the inner surface 48a. Similarly, the flange 159 also retracts the stop 142 as it passes over the inner surface 48b.

30 v 'In an alternative embodiment of the present invention (Figs. 16-20), the tooth 170 comprises a tip 172, a connector 174, and a modified locking pin 16'. Most preferably, the tooth 170 has a structure similar to that of the US patent for Davis: “No. 35. No. 4,231,173, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. However, other center-locking tooth structures may also be used.

The locking pin 167 has substantially the same structure as the pin 16, except that the arm 72 is most preferably omitted and the frame 54 is most preferably of a straight shape (Figs. 16 and 19). As described above, the arm 72 was designed to extend between the mounting lugs 28a, 28b and the side wall 24. Since this arrangement is not located in the center lockable tooth, the arm 10 72 is omitted. However, a notch may be provided on the tip and connector cam to compensate for the use of the shaft. In the preferred embodiment, the side walls defining the centered centered apertures prevent unwanted rotation of the pin. For ease of reference, the same reference numerals 15 are used for the description of pin 167, but a comma is added to the upper right of the figure used for the description of pin 167.

The connector 174 comprises a shaft (not shown) suitable for attachment to a bucket front blade (not shown) (Figures 16-18).

The connector 174 further comprises a protruding nose 176 having a conical portion 178 and a housing portion 180 disposed off-center. The connector 174 defines an upper recess 182, a lower recess 183, and a side recess 184, 185. rectangular hole 186,: * 25 which opens into the upper and lower recesses 182, 183.

• * I: | The tip 172 comprises a front excavating edge 188 and a rear end 190 defining a rearwardly opening recess 191 shaped <, ·, so that it receives the connector cam 176 in a matching manner. Top bracket 192, bottom bracket 193 and side brackets 194, 195 extend from the rear end 190 to the rear. When the tooth is assembled, v: upper holder 192 goes into upper recess 182, lower holder 193 goes into i: lower recess 183, and side holders 194, 195 go into side recesses 184, 185. The upper and lower holders 192, 193 define 35 each aperture 196a, 196b, which are aligned with each other. When 211171746 tip 172 is inserted into connector cam 176, apertures 196a, 196b are substantially aligned with hole 186 in cam 176 and define pin aperture 198. Rear surface 201a of aperture 196a in upper holder 192 further defines recess 203 that receives pin 142 'stop 142'. compatibly.

During operation, the aperture 198 receives the pin 16 'such that the lower and upper portions 80', 86 'of the frame 54' enter into the apertures 196a, 196b of the tip 172. In this way, the locking pin 16 '10 is held in the nose 176 of the connector regardless of the longitudinal position of the tip 12. The projection 58 'engages and clamps against the front wall 205 of the hole 186 and tightens the tip connection to the cam of the connector. The elastomer 57 'presses the stop 142' into the recess 203 and secures the pin 16 'separately to the tip 172. This design provides 15 similar protection to the release of the pin as described above for the tooth 10.

The pin 16 'may also be used with an excavator tooth 170' having a side locking structure (Fig. 21). According to this embodiment, the tooth 170 'comprises a tip 172', a connector 174 'and a locking pin 16'. The tip and connector of the tooth 170 'are substantially the same shape as the tip and connector of the tooth 170 except for the shape of the apertures receiving the locking pin. Of course, pin 16 'may be used by others; '·' 25 teeth with different side locking structure. Because of the similarity between the two embodiments of t, the same reference numerals have been used by appending a comma to the top right of the number as an index. These numbers denote similar parts of the tip and connector *, ·,. The locking pin '!!. * 30 pin 16' used in this embodiment is the same as the pin used tooth 170.

v: According to this embodiment, the connector body 174 'comprises a forward-facing cam 176' having a conical portion 178 'and:, a housing-shaped portion 180'. In addition, the cam 176 'of the connector defines \ .35 the upper recess 182', the lower recess (not shown), and the two side recesses 184 '(only one of which is shown). The cam 176 'further comprises a horizontal opening 186' (i.e., an opening parallel to the bucket blade) dimensioned and shaped to receive a locking pin 16 '. Thus, the opening 5 186 'is disposed so that it opens into the side recesses 184' and not in the top and bottom recesses as at tip 170.

The tip 172 'comprises a front excavator blade 188' and a rearwardly opening housing 191 'which receives the connector 17 cam 176'. The tip 172 'further comprises clips 192'-195' defined on the top, bottom and side walls of the tip (only two clips 192 'and 194' are shown). The clips 192 / -195 / are received in the corresponding recesses of the nose 176 'of the connector. The side clips 194 'and 195' 15 (only 194 'are shown) are defined with openings 196a', 196b 'so that they are aligned with each other. The rear surface 201a of the opening 196 'defines a locking recess 203' which receives a stop 142 'of the pin 16'.

When the tip 172 'is mounted on the nose 176' of the connector, the apertures 196a ', 196b' are substantially aligned with the aperture 186 '. The pin 16 'is driven into the aligned openings 186', 196a ', 196b' such that the first projection 58 'is resiliently engaging the front wall 205' of the cam 176 'and the openings 196a', 196b 'receive matching ends 25' of the frame 54 '. In addition, the second projection 59 'has a response 142' * · '; goes into recess 203 'and secures pin 16' to tip 172 '. It is easy to understand that this design reduces the loss of the pin in the same way as in previous embodiments. explained.

.'30 'In yet another alternative embodiment (Figs. 22-25), the' tooth 10 'comprises a tip 12', a connector 14 and a locking pin 16 ''. The connector of this tooth is of the same shape as that of / tooth 10, therefore the same reference numerals are used. The tip, 25 12 'is essentially the same as the tip 12, which is why the same parts of reference 23 111746 have been used to denote the same by inserting a comma at the top right of the number. The locking pin 16 '' is substantially the same as the locking pin 16, whereby the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals by adding two commas to the upper right-hand side of the number 5.

In this embodiment, the locking pin 16 "most preferably comprises some structural variations with respect to the pin 16. In particular, the frame 54" has a straight-line shape as the pin 10 16 '. Further, the arm 72 '' is rectangular and has inner and outer sides 77 ', 207 facing cam 18 and mounting lugs 28a', 28b 'respectively. The first projection 58 '' has a curved convex shape and engages against the rib 22 of the cam 18. Despite these changes, these elements 15 of pin 16 '' may have the same shape as pin 16 '.

Unlike pin 16, locking pin 16 "comprises two locking elastomers 210a, 210b. Each elastomer 210a, 210b has a central body 212a, 212b and extensions 213a, 213b, 214a, 214b protruding in opposite directions 20. 217b, 218a, 218b are bonded or otherwise secured to the ends of the extensions 213a, 214a, 213b, 214b to form a plurality of locking protrusions 222a, 222b, 223a, 223b. In use, locking protrusions 223a, 223b extend backwardly through is V 25 defined on the rear wall 64 '' of the frame 54 ", and the recesses 151a, | 151b acceptably receive responses 218a, 218b. The locking, 'i: protrusions 222a, 222b extend forward through the openings 219a, 219b in the front wall 67' of the frame 54 ", so that the stops; 217a, 217b engage the recesses 221a, 221b, which are? 30 are defined at the outer edge of the bores 155a ', 155b'. The recesses »<t 221a, 221b do not completely close the abutments 217a, 217b in the same way as the recesses 151a, 151b enclosure the abutments / 218a, 218b. remain; open so that the wide arcuate transition portions 149a ', 149b' ♦ ♦ j35 remain unchanged, so responses 217a, 217b operate

s i I

<i> 24 111746 together and take the thickeners 155a ', 155b / between them and hold the pin 16 "at the tip 12'.

As shown in this embodiment, various variations 5 can be employed without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, one or more locking elastomers may be used. The locking elastomers may interact with the responses to form locking protrusions that extend forward, backward or transverse, or a combination of these directions. Of course, the shape of the frame and the elastomers can also be varied. In addition, the locking pin 16 "can also be used to assemble a central locking tooth 170 and a side locking tooth 170 '. In these arrangements, the tips 172, 172' define additional locking recesses that receive each of the protruding responses.

15

In yet another alternative embodiment (Figs. 26-29), the tooth 10 "comprises a tip 12 '', a connector 14, and a locking pin 230. The connector of this tooth has the same structure as the tooth 10, therefore the same 20 reference numerals are used. , like tip 12,. which is why the same parts are denoted by the same reference numbers .. by inserting two commas in the index to the top right of the number.

* '. Φ Locking pin 230 is especially suitable for smaller sizes. *! pins that cannot be sized enough, separate; * 25 locking elastomers. However, pin 230 can also be applied to: larger teeth.

The locking pin 230 comprises a rigid frame 232 and one elastomer; the recess 254 defined in the frame 232 receives a T: 30 elastomer 234. The elastomer 234 comprises a forward ... tensioning portion 236 and a rearwardly extending locking portion 237.

The rigid plate 261 is bound or otherwise secured to the clamping member 236 of the elastomer and defines a first protrusion 238, which protrudes and resiliently contacts the nose / -, 35 of the connector 22. The rigid stop 263 is similarly secured to or secured to the locking member 237 and defines a second projection 239. The second projection 239 is received responsibly by a gap 240 defined between the mounting lugs 28a ", 28b '', whereby the pin 230 engages the tip 12 ' Thus, the individual action of the protrusions is to reduce the loss of the pin due to overload, lever forces or wear on the connector nose, since the rear protrusion can be pressed separately, providing a secure locking function that reduces inadvertent loss of pin, isolates the rear projection from the front projection, reducing the effects of heavy load, and enhances matching reception of the rigid frame of the pin in the tip pin hole, which locks the pin firmly in the tip even when inserted to the appropriate cam of the connector.

Frame 232 is an elongated, rigid member, preferably made of a rigid metal material. Frame 232 most preferably has a slightly curved shape such that front wall 241 has a convex shape and rear wall 243, 244 has a concave shape. Curved shape of pin 230 ·. consequently, it can be used in commonly used tips. However, the frame 232 can also be made straight.

* · T

Frame 232 has a body 249 and a arm 250 projecting backward; * '25 along 232 inner pages 252 of frame. The arm 250 most preferably has a 'hook-like shape comprising an inner surface 251 and an end surface v · 253. The arm 250 extends between the cam 18 and the mounting lugs 28a ", 28b" so that the inner surface 251 engages the keyway 20: side wall 24 and end face 253 engages with the lugs. ': 30 28a ", 28b" for inner surfaces 74a ", 74b". The arm 250 thus stabilizes the pin 230 and prevents unwanted rotation and misapplication of the pin 230 into the specified pin opening 50 ".

The upper and lower ends 247, 248 of the frame 232 each have a common block structure defined by the front wall 241, 26 111746 the rear wall 243 and the side walls 245, 246. A flat impact wall 242 is formed at the top 247 of the frame 232. 248 are provided with small bevels 265-267 which facilitate the insertion of pin 230 into opening 50 ". Bevel 265 engages further with the top end of bar 5 22 when inserting the pin and displacing tip 12" farther away from connector nose 18 as necessary. 28b '' and facilitates the passage of the lower end 248 between the rear wall 38 "and the mounting lug 28b". Chamfers 265-267 may be larger if this 10 is considered necessary for a particular operation.

The ends 254a, 254b of the recess 254 are adapted to hold the elastomer 234. The central portion of the front wall 241 comprises a reduced portion 241a defining an opening 256 through which the first protrusion 238 15 extends. The wall portion 24a extends along the side of the protrusion 238 such that the wall 241a engages the cam 22 on the rib 22 at a specified stage of the elastomer compression. The wall portion 241a thus protects the clamping portion 236 of the elastomer 234 from excessive compression. Figure 26 shows elastomer 234 at maximum compression point. As the cam 18 of the connector 20 wears, the tip 12 "fits farther into the cam. Under these conditions, the protrusion 238 expands to remain engaged with the rib 22. The protuberance 238 has a center 261a engaging with the rib 22 and retractable end portions 261b. The end portions 261b, 26lc are tapered so that the protrusion 238 can readily retract into the frame 232 when the pin t »·: ·: is driven into and out of the opening 50”.

Similarly, the rear wall 243 of the frame 232 defines a gap 257 through which the locking projection 239 extends. The response 263 of the protrusion 239 is usually in the form of the letter "i": 30. The ends 263a, 263b of the stop 263 are engaged against the ends 264a, 264b of the mounting lugs 28a '', 28b ''. The ends 263a, 263b of the stopper are rounded to facilitate: i. The compression of the locking member 237 and the retraction I of the stop 263 when the pin is inserted and removed. Rounded: -.:35 angles can also be used instead. Since the second projection 239 27 111746 is not subjected to high pressures during use, over-pressing of the locking member 237 of the elastomer 234 is not a problem. As shown in Figure 27, arm 250 limits outward extension of stop 263 and ensures that ends of stiff stop 263a, 5 263b remain in contact with both frame 232 and mounting lugs 28a77, 28b'7.

The portions 269a, 269b, 270a, 270b of the frame 232 form the ends 254a, 254b of the recess 254 in the sidewall 245 and define the retainers 10 which hold the elastomer 234 in the recess. Elastomer 234 is most preferred to bend and "snap" into recess 254 during the manufacture of the pin. However, the elastomer can also be attached to the inner rear wall 272 of the cavity 254. The elastomer 234 is made of a relatively strong and durable resilient material such as polyurethane or rubber. Of course, other suitable agents can also be used. In addition, elastomer 234 may, although not necessarily, have internal holes 259 which enhance its resilience. Holes 259 may be closed.

20 # The first protrusion 238, when in use, is elastically depressed by the terminal block. the cam cam 18 against the cam 22 and tightens the connection of the tip 12 7 7 to the cam. The stop 263 of the second protrusion 239 fits snugly against the opposite ends 264a of the fastening lugs 28a7 7, 28b7 7; ; 25 264b in that order. As may be understood, the stop ·; '* 263 engages with the mounting lugs 28a77, 28b77 and holds the pin v * 230 firmly in the tip 12'7. This separate locking of the pin 230 at the tip reduces the risk of the pin losing due to tightening | part 236 overload, leverage, or wear of connector ::: 30 cam.

In addition, the tip 12'7 holds the pin 230 regardless of the longitudinal position of the tip 12'7 i '; · The longitudinal * · tabs 155a7 7, 155b77 are specifically formed on the rear wall 38' ':' \; 35 to define the tapered portions 50a77 , 50b77, which 28111746 integrally receive and hold the upper and lower ends 247, 248 of frame 232. Frame 232 is held between mounting lugs 28a77, 28b'7 and rear wall 38'7 such that front wall 241 is engaged with bulges 155a77, 155b77 and 5 engaging the inner surfaces of the mounting lugs 48a77, 48b77. The bulges 155a77, 155b77 are offset from the top and bottom ends of the holder 4477 so as not to interfere with the wide, curved transition portions 149a77, 149b77 that engage the holder 4477 to the top and bottom walls 3477, 3577. the likelihood that the pin would eject out due to leverage or wear on the nose of the connector. Since the gap 240 receives the stop 263 in a locking manner, this also helps to keep pin 230 firmly in the tip and prevents the pin from being undesirably lost.

15

When the tooth is assembled, the housing 427 7 is compatible with receiving the nose 18 of the connector. The pin 230 is manually inserted into the opening 5077 such that the reduced portion 50a77 holds the bottom 248 of the frame 232 in concert. When the pin 230 is driven downward, the throat 20 155a77 retracts the protrusion 238 and the retaining lug 28a77 retracts the protrusion 239. When the protrusion passes through the bulge 155a77,. and over the latch 28a77 (or over the latch 155b77 and during the removal of the latch 28b77), they completely retract into the frame 232. When the pin 230 reaches the desired position,; ; 25 protrusion 238 expands and engages in list 22 and protrusion 239 i; *; · Snaps into 240.

The pin 230 may also be used in connection with a tooth having a central locking structure (Fig. 30) or a side locking structure (not shown) as in the teeth 170 and 170 '. When ... the pin is used in this type of teeth, the first protrusion 238 is elastically pressed against the front wall 205 of the opening 186 of the connector 186: *; *. Response 263 receives a gap 274 defined by the top and bottom of the tip holder 192; -, - 35 193 between opposite outer ends 275. (The side locking tooth 111746 29 would have an opening defined between the side clips 184 '.) The opening 186 is formed deep enough to accommodate the rear extension of the stop 263 between the 274. The upper and lower ends 247, 248 of the frame 232 are received and held in the openings 192, 193 5. 196a, 196b. Most preferably, the shaft 250 of pin 230 is omitted, as was done for pin 16 '.

The foregoing description relates to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Many different embodiments, as well as many modifications and variations, can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

f I · t · i

Claims (28)

A digging gear having a connector (14) having a head for attaching to an excavator and a forward cam (18) further comprising an opening (20) 5 a tip (12) having a front digging edge (30), rearwardly an opening housing (42) for receiving the connector cam (18), a first aperture (50) substantially flush with the connector aperture (20), and a second aperture (151) proximate to the first aperture (50); and 10 a pin (16) received by the connector opening (20) and the first opening (50) of the tip (12) to secure the tip (12) to the connector (14), characterized in that the pin (16) comprises a rigid frame (54) and a plurality of individually pressed protrusions (58, 59), each protrusion (58, 59) comprising a member (125, 142) attached to an elastomeric material (56, 57), of which one protrusion (58) resiliently engages the wall (58, 59). 22) and is pressed against the wall defining a portion of the connector opening (20) for engaging the tip (12) with the connector (14) and the other (59) protrudingly engages the second opening (151) of the tip (12) (16) for locking in the tip (12). Excavator tooth according to claim 1, characterized by a silicone. 25, that the connector opening (20) is defined by a keyway extending along one side of the connector member (14), and that the first opening (50) of the tips (12) defines the tip (12) tabs (28a, 28b) spaced apart and rearward on one side. * ..!: 30. Excavator tooth according to claim 2, characterized in that the tip (12) further comprises a body (32) having a rear wall (38) for opening the housing (42) and each ear (42). 28a, '... · 28b) comprises a surface (48a, 48b) facing the rear wall (38), and the second opening (151) of the tip (12) is a recess defined by the lugs ( 28a, 28b) to a second surface (48a, 48b). 31 111746 3 "111746 Excavator tooth according to claim 2, characterized in that the second opening of the tip (12 '') is a gap (240) defined between spaced lugs (28a '', 28b ''). 5 Excavator tooth according to one of Claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the tip (12) further comprises a body (32) having an upper and lower wall (36, 37), a pair of side walls (36, 37) and a holder (44). connecting the lugs (28a, 28b) to the body 10 (32) so that the holder (44) engages another side wall (36) adjacent the top and bottom walls (34, 35) via a relatively wide, curved transition portion (149a, 149b) (12) the first aperture (50) comprises a plurality of spaced projections (155a, 155b) such that each ear (28a, 28b) is located opposite to one end (155a, 155b) and defines a pair of apertures (50a, 50b). having a smaller depth for receiving and retaining the frame (54) of the pin (16) in a compatible manner and having the projections (155a, 155b) spaced apart from the wide, curved transition portions (149a, 149b). 20 Excavator tooth according to claim 1, characterized in that the connector opening is formed by a hole (186) extending through the center of the connector and that the first aperture opening is formed by a hole (19 6a, 19 6b) • •; , .25 yen (172) through each of the two separated walls. Excavator tooth according to claim 6, characterized in that the second opening is a recess (203) defined by a wall (201a) defining a second said hole (196a) of the tip (172). . ··. The excavator tooth according to claim 6, characterized by: wherein the second aperture is a gap (274) defined by the spaced apart walls (192, 193) of the tip (172). *: 35 line. Excavator tooth according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the frame (54) of the pin (16) is received in a suitable manner and retained in at least one part of the first opening (50) of the tip (12). Excavator tooth according to claim 1, characterized in that the tip (12 ') further has a plurality of second openings (218a, 218b, 221a, 221b), and that the pin (16' ') has a plurality of other protrusions (213a, 213b). 214a, 214b) and that each of the other protrusions is received at one of said second openings to secure the pin to the tip. 10 Excavator tooth according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the pin (16) further comprises a plurality of separate elastomeric members (56, 57) and that one elastomeric member (56) is attached to the working member (125) of one projection (58) and (57) is secured to a working member (142) of the second projection (59). Excavator tooth according to claim 11, characterized in that the rigid frame (54) of the pin (16) substantially encloses the second elastomeric member (57) to protect it from the forces exerted on the tip (12). • · *. Excavator tooth according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that the pin (230) has a single elastomer member; , ', 25 (234) to which said working members # ·; ·' (261, 263) of each projection (236, 237) are fixed. Excavator tooth according to Claim 13, characterized in that the working members (261, ... '3 0 263) of each projection (236, 237) can be pressed in opposite directions. • »· A tooth tip comprising: a body (32) having a top wall (34), a bottom wall (35), a side wall (*, *) * pair (36, 37) and a rear wall (38), a top and bottom wall (34). , 35) ': 35 being normally inclined towards each other and defining the front excavation edge (30), and wherein the body (32) further has a housing opening (42) in the rear wall (38) for receiving the nose (18) of the connector (14). 111746, characterized in that the tip (12) comprises a spaced pair of ears (28a, 28b) and a retainer structure (44) connecting the ears (28a, 28b) to the body (32); that the lugs (28a, 28b) are located rearwardly of one of the side walls (36) behind the rear wall (38), that each lugs (28a, 28b) has a surface (48a, 48b) disposed opposite to the rear wall (38), the surfaces (48a, 48b) of the lugs (28a, 28b) being spaced from the rear wall (38) to form an opening (50) therebetween, the holder (44) being connected to the frame (32) wide from the top and bottom walls (34,35); via a curved transition portion (149a, 149b) to maintain an accepting load level at the junction under heavy load; and the rear wall (38) defining a projection (155a, 155b) facing each surface of each lug (28a, 28b) 15 (48a, 48b) such that each projection (155a, 155b) is displaced from separate wide, curved transition portions (149a) , 149b) and defining a narrowed portion (50a, 50b) of said aperture from the aperture (50) adapted to receive and hold the locking pin (16) in a compatible manner. 20 Tip according to Claim 15, characterized in that the surface (48a) of the at least one lug (28a) further comprises a recess (151) which receives the locking pin * t (16) on the latch (142) and thereby locks the locking pin (16) at the tip. ; .;. 25 (12). * · · • «· · · · · · · A tip according to claim 16, characterized in that the surface (48a, 48b) of each lug includes a recess '' which receives the locking pin latch. ...: 30. The tip according to any one of claims 15 to 17, the tune, ··. characterized in that at least one of the projections (155a, 155b) comprises a recess (221a, 221b) adapted to receive the latch (213a, 213b) of the locking pin (16 ''). for locking to the tip (12 '). A tip according to claim 15, characterized in that the rear wall (38) and said surfaces (48a, 48b) form at least two spaced groups of opposed surfaces, each set of opposed surfaces forming an opening (50), wherein the surface (48a) or the rear wall (38) of at least one of a plurality of opposing surfaces includes a recess (151) for receiving a locking pin (16) received in the recess (16). Tip according to claim 15, characterized in that each lug (28a, 28b) extends inwardly substantially at right angles to the holder structure (44). A locking pin (16) for attaching the tip (12) to the connector piece (14) for forming a tooth, characterized by an elongate rigid frame (54) of one-piece construction that resists external forces exerted on it during use, and a plurality of individually pressed protrusions (58, 59), and each protrusion (58, 59) comprises a working member (125, 142) attached to an elastomer (56, 57), the frame (54) having at least one notch (60, 20). 61) receiving and securing the elastomeric material (56, 57), the frame (54) has a first gap through which one of the projections (58) extends to meet the surface (22) of the connector (14), tightening the connection of the tip (12). to the connector • ia (14), the frame (54) has a second gap through which the second outer; 25 extends to meet the opening (151) in the tip (12) to lock the locking pin (16) into the tip (12), whereby each working member (125, 142) is displaceable between the maximum expansion point of the corresponding elastomeric material (56, 57) and the maximum crossing point '* ·', and the outer walls of the frame (54) which are fixed aaa ...: 30 are located within said one a. a protrusion between said maximum expansion point and a maximum puncture · * ·, and a maximum expansion and maximum compression point of said second protrusion, wherein the frame »a (54) protects said elastomeric material from excessive compression. 35 111746 Locking pin (230) according to Claim 21, characterized in that the working members (261, 263) are attached to one integral elastomeric member (234). Locking pin (16) according to claim 21, characterized in that the elastomeric material has a plurality of independent elastomeric members (56, 57), wherein each working member (125, 142) is attached to a different elastomeric member (56, 57) than at least one of said working members (125). 142) 10 Locking pin according to one of Claims 21 to 23, characterized in that it further has an outwardly projecting arm (72) which receives a defined open space in the tooth to stabilize the tooth against unwanted twisting and to prevent incorrect mounting of the pin (16) on the tooth. Locking pin according to one of Claims 21 to 24, characterized in that the second gap (111) is defined at the rear of the frame (54) and the second protrusion (59) extends therethrough in a direction relative to the extension of said one protrusion (58). .. is the opposite. . ·. Locking pin according to one of Claims 21 to 25, characterized in that each working member (125, 142) is a rigid member, j, 25 attached to the outer part of the respective elastomer member (56, 57). i «· < A locking pin according to claim 21, characterized in that it further has a plurality of other protrusions (213a, ',., * 30 213b, 214a, 214b) each extending through a gap defined in the frame (54' '). to face the recess (218a, 218b, 221a, 221b) in the tip (12 ') and thereby locking the locking pin (16' ') firmly in the tip (12'). • · • ·:. '* | 35 A locking pin according to claim 26, characterized in that at least one other protrusion is located at each end of said one protrusion (56 ''). , s 111746 36