OA18572A - Excavating tooth assembly with locking pin assembly. - Google Patents

Abstract

A locking pin assembly for securing a ground engaging element to a support structure may include a body portion and may include a shaft portion disposed within the body portion and rotatable between a first position that mechanically inhibits removal of a ground engaging element from a support structure and a second position that permits removal of the ground engaging element from the support structure. A camshaft may be rotatably disposed within the shaft portion and may be arranged to cooperate with the shaft portion to rotate through a first range of motion and to apply a rotational force on the shaft portion through a second range of motion. A radially extending locking element may be configured to selectively mechanically interfere with one of the shaft portion and the body portion to selectively prevent rotation of the shaft portion relative to the body portion.

Description

This disclosure is generally directcd to an excavating tooth assembly including a locking pin assembly that secures components of the excavating tooth assembly. More particularly, this disclosure is directcd to an excavating tooth assembly sccured by a rcleasable locking pin assembly having an improved locking structure with rotational interférence to prevent inadvertent unlocking.

BACKGROUND

Material displacemcnt apparatuses, such as excavating buckets found on construction, mining, and other earth moving cquipment, often include replaceable wcar portions such as earth engaging teeth. These are often removably carricd by larger base 15 structures, such as excavating buckets, and corne into abrasive, wearing contact with the earth or other material being displaccd. For cxample, excavating tooth assemblies provided on digging cquipment, such as excavating buckets and the like, typically comprise a relatively massive adapter portion which is suîtably anchored to the forward bucket lip. The adapter portion typically includes a reduced cross-section, forwardly 20 projecting nose. A replaceable tooth point typically includes an opening that releasably receives the adapter nose. To rctain the tooth point on the adapter nose, generally aligned transverse openings are formed on both tlie tooth point and the adapter nose, and a suitable connecter structure is driven into and forcibly retained within the aligned openings to releasably anchor the replaceable tooth point on its associated adapter nose.

There are a number of different types of conventional connecter structures. One type of connecter structure typically has to be forcibly driven into the aligned tooth point and adapter nose openings using, for example, a sledge hammer. Subsequently, the inserted connecter structure has to be forcibly pounded out of the point and nose openings to permit the worn point to be removed from the adapter nose and replaced. This 30 conventional need to pound in and later pound out the connecter structure can easily give rise to a safety hazard for the installing and removing personnel.

Various alternatives to pound-in connecter structures hâve been previously proposcd to releasably retain a replaceable tooth point on an adapter nose. While these alternative connecter structures desirably eliminate the need to pound a connecter i

structure into and out of an adapter nose, they typically présent various other types of problème, limitations, and disadvantages including, but not limited to, complcxity of construction and use, undesirably high cost, and the necessity of removing the connecter structure prior to removal or installation of the replaceablc tooth point.

Some types of connecter structures arc rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position. However, the continuous vibration, high impact, and cyclic loading of the tooth point can resuit in inadvertent rotation of the connecter structure from a locked position to an unlocked position. This may cause excess wear on thcconnector structure and tooth point interface and may affect the useful life of both the conncctor structure and the tooth point.

A need accordingly exista for an improved conncctor structure.

SUMMARY

According to one exemplary aspect, the présent disclosure is directcd to a locking pin assetnbly for securing a ground engaging élément having side openings to a support structure alignablc with the side openings. The locking pin asscmbly may include a body portion having a non-circular profile and being arranged to non-rotatably, selectivcly extend into the support structure. It may also include a shaft portion disposed within the body portion and rotatable between a first position that mechanically inhibits removal of the ground engaging élément from the support structure and a second position that pennits removal of the ground engaging element from the support structure. The shaft portion may include an opening formed therein. A camshaft may be rotatably disposed within the opening of the shaft portion. The camshaft may be arranged to coopcrate with the shaft portion to rotate within the shaft portion through a first range of motion and to apply a rotational force on the shaft portion through a second range of motion. The locking pin asscmbly may include a radially extending locking element carried by one of the shaft portion and the body portion. It may be configured to selectively mechanically interféré with the other of the shaft portion and the body portion to selectively prevent rotation of the shaft portion relative to the body portion.

The locking element may include a lock portion and a cam interfacing portion. In some aspects, the cam interfacing portion is being selectively engageable with the camshaft. The locking pin asscmbly may include a biasing element carricd by the shaft portion. The biasing element may bias the locking element to a position that mechanically engages with the body portion. In some aspects, the camshaft may be rotatable about an axis substantially parallel to an axis of tlie shaft portion. The camshaft tnay interact with the locking elcment against a force applied by the biasing élément to radîally displace the locking elcment. In some aspects, the shaft portion may include a groove formed thcrcin, and the body portion may carry a rotation stopping élément. The rotation stopping élément may mcchanically interféré with a portion of the groove to limit 10 a range of rotation of the shaft portion relative to the body portion. The body portion may include an inner surface with a radia!ly extending opening thercin. The locking elcment may be configured to automatically enter the radîally extending opening therein when the locking elcment is aligned with the radîally extending opening. The camshaft may include a groove formed thcrcin, and the shaft portion may carry a rotation stopping 15 elcment. The rotation stopping élément may mcchanically interfère with a portion of the groove to limit a range of rotation of the camshaft relative to the shaft portion. The camshaft may transfer applied torque loading to the shaft portion only after the camshaft reaches a rotational limit. In some aspects, the groove of the camshaft is a partially circumfcrential groove having end portions, and the rotation stopping élément may bc 20 fixed in place relative to the shaft portion and selectivcly cngageablc with the end portions to prevent rotation of the camshaft relative to the shaft portion when the range of rotation is exceeded. In some aspects, the end portions of the groove permit rotation of the camshaft about 120 degrees relative to the shaft portion.

In some exemplary aspects, the présent disclosurc is directed to methods for 25 locking a wear member to or removing a wear member from an adapter carried on earth engaging equipment using a locking pin assembly. The method may include rotating a camshaft relative to a shaft portion in a first direction through a first range of motion until the camshaft engages a stop élément on the shaft portion; and rotating the shaft portion relative to a body portion in the first direction by continuing to rotate the camshaft 30 through a second range of motion until a locking élément carricd by one of the shaft portion and the body portion prevents further rotation of the shaft portion relative to the body portion in the first direction and in an opposing second direction. Onc of the shaft portion and the body portion may prevent removal of the wear member from the adapter. In some aspects, tlie method may include introducing a wear member over an adapter 35 member of the earth engaging equipment so that the wear member passes over protruding tabs of the shaft portion. The protruding tabs may bc displaceable with the shaft portion from a first position that permits the wear member to pass over the protruding tabs to a second position that mcchanically prevents removal of the wear member from the adapter. The method may also include rotating the camshaft relative to the shaft portion in the second direction until the camshaft displaces the locking élément so that the locking élément no longer prevents rotation of the shaft portion relative to the body portion in the second direction. It may also include rotating the shaft portion relative to the body portion in the second direction by continuing to rotatc the camshaft until the shaft portion is positioned to permit removal of a wear member from the adapter. In some aspects, rotating the camshaft relative to the shaft portion in the second direction until the camshaft displaces the locking élément may includecomprcssing a biasing élément that biases the locking élément toward a locked position. In some aspects, rotating the camshaft relative to the shaft portion includes rotating the camshaft through a range of motion in a range between l and 180 degrees, and rotating the shaft portion relative to the body portion includes rotating the shaft portion through a range of motion in a range between 90 and 300 degrees.

in another exemplary aspect, the présent disclosurc is directed to a locking pin assembly that includes a first shaft portion rotatable between a first position that mechanically inhibits removal of the ground engaging élément from the support structure and a second position that permits removal of the ground engaging élément from the support structure. The first shaft portion may hâve an opening formed therein. A second shaft portion may bc rotatably disposcd within the opening of the first shaft portion and may be rotatable relative to the first shaft portion. The second shaft portion may be arranged to cooperate with the first shaft portion to rotate within the first shaft portion through a first range of motion and to apply a rotational force on the first shaft portion through a second range of motion. A radially extending locking clément may be carried by one of the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion and configured to selcctively radially project and rctract to selcctively prevent rotation of one of the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion relative to the ground engaging élément.

In some aspects, the locking élément may include a lock portion and a cam intcrfacing portion. The locking pin assembly may include a cam. The cam intcrfacing portion may be selcctively engagcable with the cam to retract the locking élément. In some aspects, the locking pin assembly may include a biasing élément carried by one of the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion. The biasing element may bias the locking element to a position that mechanically prevents rotation of one of the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion relative to the ground engaging element.

It is to bc understood that both the foregoing general description and the following drawings and detailcd description arc exemplary and cxplanatory in nature and arc intendcd to providc an understanding of the présent disclosure without limiting the scope of the présent disclosure. In that regard, additional aspects, features, and advantages of the présent disclosure will be apparent to one skilled in the art from the following.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanyîng drawings illustratc implémentations of the Systems, dcvîccs, and methods discloscd herein and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the présent disclosure.

FIG. I is an exploded perspective view of an excavating tooth assembly embodying principles of the présent disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an example locking pin assembly embodying principles of the présent disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example shaft portion of the locking pin assembly of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a locking pin assembly in an unlocked position. FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a locking pin assembly in a locked position.

FIG. 5A is a partially transparent plan view of the locking pin assembly in an unlocked position.

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 5B-5Bof FIG. 5A through a locking élément of the locking pin assembly in an unlocked position.

FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 5C-5Cof FIG. 5A through a shaft rotation stop élément of the locking pin assembly in an unlocked position.

FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 5D-5Dof FIG. 5A through a cam rotation stop elementof the locking pin assembly in an unlocked position.

FIG. 5Eis a partial cross-sectional plan view of the locking pin assembly in an unlocked position.

FIG. 6A is a partially transparent plan view of the locking pin assembly in a locked position.

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 6B-6Bof FIG. 6A through the locking élément of the locking pin assembly in a locked position.

FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 6C-6Cof FIG. 6A through the shaft rotation stop élément of the locking pin assembly in a locked position.

FIG. 6D is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 6D-6Dof FIG. 6A through the cam rotation stop element of the locking pin asscmbly in a locked position.

FIG. 6E is a partial cross-sectional plan view of the locking pin asscmbly in a lockcd position.

FIG.7A is a perspective view of an excavating tooth asscmbly with the locking pin asscmbly disposed in an adapter in an unlockcd position to receive a wcar member.

FIG. 7B shows the wcar member assembled on the adapter with the locking pin asscmbly in an unlockcd position and shows the movement required to change the locking pin asscmbly from the unlocked position to a locked position.

FIG. 7C shows the wcar member assembled on the adapter with the locking pin asscmbly in a locked position.

FIG. 7D shows the wcar member assembled on the adapter with the locking pin asscmbly in the locked position and the movement required to change the locking pin asscmbly from the locked position to the unlockcd position.

FIG. 7E shows the wcar member assembled on the adapter with the locking pin asscmbly in the unlockcd position.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a locking pin asscmbly in an unlocked position.

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of a locking pin asscmbly in a locked position.

FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view similar to the view shown in Fig. 5B through a locking element of a locking pin asscmbly in an unlockcd position.

FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view similar to the view shown in FIG. 5C through a shaft rotation stop element of a locking pin asscmbly in an unlocked position.

FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view similar to the view shown in FIG. 5D through a cam rotation stop element of a locking pin asscmbly in an unlockcd position.

FIG. ÎOA is a cross-sectional view similar to the view shown in FIG. 6B through a locking element of a locking pin assembly in a locked position.

FIG. ÎOB is a cross-sectional view similar to the view shown in FIG. 6C through a shaft rotation stop élément of a locking pin assembly in a locked position.

FIG. ÎOC is a cross-sectional view similar to the view shown in FIG. 6D through a cam rotation stop element of a locking pin assembly in a lockcd position.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of an excavating tooth assembly with the locking pin assembly disposed in an adapter in an unlocked position to reçoive a wear member.

FIG. 11B shows the wear member assembled on lhe adapter with the locking pin assembly in an unlocked position and shows the movement required to change the locking pin assembly from the unlocked position to a locked position.

FIG. 1 IC shows the wear member assembled on the adapter with the locking pin assembly in a locked position.

These Figures will be better understood by reference to the following Detailcd Description.

DETA1LED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the présent 15 disclosure, reference will now bc made to the implémentations illustrated in the drawings and spécifie language will be used to dcscribe them. It will ncvcrthcless bc understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is întended. Any alterations and further modifications to the described devices, instruments, methods, and any further application of the principles of the présent disclosure are fully contemplatcd as would normally occur 20 to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates.In addition, this disclosure describes some cléments or tentures in dotaiI with respect to one or more implémentations or Figures, when those same éléments or fcaturcs appcar in subséquent Figures, without such a high level of detail. It is fully contemplatcd that the t'eatures, components, and/or steps described with respect to one or more implémentations or Figures may bc combined 25 with the features, components, and/or steps described with respect to other implémentations or Figures of the présent disclosure. For simplicity, in some instances the same or similar reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

The présent disclosure is directed to an excavating looth assembly including a 30 locking pin assembly that is arranged to statically and rcmovably sccure an adapter to a wear member such as an excavating tooth. The locking pin assembly includes a radial!y movable locking element that mechanically prevents the locking pin assembly from inadvertently moving from a locked position to an unlocked position. The locking pin assembly may advance or retract the radially movable locking element using a cam 35 member. In addition, the locking pin assembly may be movcd between a locked position and an unlocked position using a two-step rotation process. The two-step process may include rotating a first element, such as a camshaft, that affects the radially movable locking élément and may include engaging and rotating a second clément, such as a shaft portion, when the first élément rcaches a limit of rotation.

Silice the locking pin assembly employs mechanical interférence to prevent inadvertent rotation of locking pin assemhly components, the locking pin asscmbly may be able to withstand vibration, high-impact, and cyclic loading while minimizing the 10 chance of becoming inadvcrtently unlockcd. In addition, some embodiments of the locking pin assemhly may be arranged to émit an audible noise such as a click when the locking pin assemhly achieves a locked condition. Because of this, users such as niachinery operators may hâve an easicr time installing new wear members and replacing old wear members than can be doue with convcntional connecter pins.

I5 FIG. I shows an exemplary embodiment of an excavating toolh assembly 100 including a support structure rcpresentatively in the form of an adapter 102, a wear member représentative!y in the form of a rcplaceable tooth point 104, and a locking pin asscmbly 106. The excavating tooth asscmbly 100 may fmd particular utility on carth moving equipment. For examplc, the excavating tooth assembly 100 may be used in 20 construction, mining, drilling, and other industries. The adapter 102 has a rear base portion HO from which a nose portion Il2 forwardly projects, the nose portion 112 having a horizontally elongated elliptical cross-section along its length and having a noncircular transverse connecter opening 114 extending horizontally therethrough between the opposite vertical sides of the nose portion 112. Hcrc, the connecter opening 114 is a 25 tcardrop-shaped oval with the rear portion 116 formed of an arc having a relatively larger radius, and shaped with a leading portion 118 formed of an arc having a relatively smallcr radius. Although shown as oval-shapcd, other noncircular shapes may be used.

The rcplaceable tooth point 104 has a front end 120, a rear end 124 through which a nose-rccciving socket 126 forwardly extends, and a horizontally opposed pair of 30 horizontally elongated elliptical connecter openings I28 extending inwardly through thickcncd external boss portions 130 into the interior of the socket 126. The interior surface of the socket 126 has a configuration substantially complementary to the external surface of the adapter nose portion 112. A horizontally opposed pair of generaily rcctangular recesses 132 is formed in interior vertical side wall surface portions of the 35 tooth point 104 and extend forwardly through the rear end 124 of the tootli point 104. As will bccome apparent in the discussion that follows, each of these recesses 132 has a height less than the heights of the connecter openings 128 and, in the exemplary embodiment shown, forwardly terminâtes at a bottom portion of one of such conncctor s openings 128. Thus, cacli reccss I32 may hâve a front or inner end portion which is defined by a side surface of an associated connector opening 128. This front or inner end portion of each recess 132 may be enlargcd relative to a rear or outer end portion of the recess 132 in a direction parallel to the inner side surface of the tooth point side wall in which the recess 132 is formed.

The locking pin assembly 106 is sîzed and shaped to be received within the connector opening 114 of the adapter I02. As described herein, the locking pin assembly 106 may rcmovably secure the tooth point 104 in place on the adapter 102. In addition, the locking pin assembly 106 may be manipulatcd between an unlocked position and a locked position. In the unlocked position, the tooth pointl04 may be introduced over the connector pin assembly and the nose portion 112 of the adapter 102. When the tooth point 104 is properly positioncd on the adapter 102, the locking pin assembly 106 may be manipulatcd from the unlocked position to the locked position. When in the locked position, the locking pin assembly 106 may prevent rcmoval of the tooth point 104 from the adapter 102 by mcchanically blocking the tooth point 104. When desired, a user such as an operatormay manipulate the locking pin assembly 106 from the locked position to the unlocked position. This may permit the user to remove the tooth point 104 from the adapter 102.

The locking pin assembly 106 includes, among other components, a body portion 140 and a shaft portion 142. The body portion 140 lias a noncircular cxternal surface configuration that, in this exemplary embodiment, corresponds with the shape of the connector opening 114 in the adapter 102. Accordingly, the body portion 140 is formed with a teardrop oval shape that includes a rear portion 160 having a larger radius and a leadîng portion 162 having a smallcr radius. In this exemplary embodiment, the body portion 140 is sized and shaped to bave a clearance fit within the connector opening 114, while simultaneously preventing rotation of the body portion 140 relative to the adapter 102. The shaft portion 142 is disposed within and may extend from opposing ends of the body portion 140. The shaft portion 142 may be rotated to change the locking pin assembly 106 from the unlocked position to the locked position and back again.

The body portion 140, the shaft portion 142, and other components of the locking pin assembly 106, may be best seen in the explodcd view of FIG. 2. The locking pin assembly 106 may include the body portion 140, the shaft portion 142, a shaft rotation stop element 144, a locking element 146, a biasing élément 148, a backstop 150, a camshall 152, a cam rotation stop element 154, and a plug 156.

The body portion 140 is sized and arrangcd to mechanically interface with the conncctor opening 114 of the adapter 102 as indicatcd with référencé to FIG. I. Accordingly as described above, the body portion 140 has a noncircular peripheral profile or shape that prevents rotation of the body portion 140 relative to the adapter 102. In this exemplary oval-shaped embodiment, the body portion I40 has a major axis I6l extending 10 through the centcr points deflncd by the radîi of the rear portion 160 and the leading portion 162. The body portion 140 includes a main bore 164 extending from one end to the other, a stop élément bore 166 and a locking bore 168. In this embodiment, the main bore 164 is a through bore having a longitudinal axis 165. The stop élément bore 166 and the locking bore I68 each întersect the main bore I64. The stop elcment bore 166 may be 15 sized and shapcd to receive the shall rotation stop élément I44. The stop clément bore

166 may, in some embodiments, be a through bore. In other embodiments, the stop élément bore 166 extends only partway through the body portion 140.

The locking bore 168 also may or may not extend through the body portion 140. In the example in FIG. 2, the locking bore 168 is formed substantially parallel to the 20 major axis 161. Howcvcr, in other embodiments, the locking bore 168 tnay be formed at any angle relative to the major axis I6l. A cross-sectional view of the locking bore I68 can be seen in FIGS. 5B and 6B. The locking bore 168 extends through structure of the body portion I40 that rctains the locking élément 146 to prevent rotation of the shaft portion 142. In this embodiment, the major axis I6l passes through the portion of the 25 body portion 140 having the grcatcst structural inlegrity and wall thickness about the main bore 164. As will be described herein, the locking bore 168 may mechanically interfère with the locking élément 146 to prevent rotation of the shaft portion 142 when the locking pin assembly 106 is in the locked condition. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the body portion 140 includes grooves I72 formed therein adjacent each end to 30 receive O-rings 174. The O-rings 174 may inhibit the entry of undesired material into the main bore 164 of the body portion 140 when the shaft portion 142 is rotatably received therein.

The shaft portion 142 is sized and arranged to fit within the main bore 164 of the body portion 140. In this embodiment, the shaft portion 142 is fit with a clearance fit so 35 that it may rotate around the longitudinal axis 165 of the main bore 164. The shaft portion 142 has a cylindrically shapcd outer surface 180, end tabs I82, and a shaft main bore 184. The outer surface 180 is, in this embodiment, substantially cylindrically io shaped, so that the shah portion 142 may rotate in the main bore 164 of the body portion ] 40.

The outer surface 180 includes a circumferentially cxtcnding lock groove 186 formed thcrcin on a longitudinally central portion of the shaft portion 142. Here, the lock groove 186 extends only partially about the ci réuni fcrcnce of shaft portion I42.ln this I0 embodiment, the lock groove I86 may extend through an arc within a range of 120° and 340°. A cross-sectional view of the lock groove 186 can bc seen in FIG. 5C. In some embodiments, the lock groove 186 may extend through an arc cxtcnding grcater than 180 degrees. In some of thèse embodiments, the lock groove 186 may extend through an arc within the range of 200° and 340°. In some examples, the arc will extend about 240°. 15 The lock groove 186 may coopcratc with the shaft rotation stop element 144 to limit the amount of rotation that can occur relative to the body portion 140. The lock groove 186 may hâve a width sufficiently sized to reçoive tlie shaft rotation stop élément 144. Particularly, ends 187 of the lock groove 186(best seen in FIG. 5C) may be used as rotation stops to limit rotation of the shaft portion 142 relative to the body portion 140 20 and the shaft rotation stop élément 144.

The end tabs 182 are projections disposed at and extending from opposite ends of the shaft portion 142. Each end tab 182 has an arcuate laterally outer side surface 188 which is a continuation of a curved side surface portion of the cylindrical outer surface 180, and an opposing, generally planar laterally inner side surface 190 which extends 25 generally chordwise of the shaft portion 142. Each tab 182 longitudinally terminâtes at a fiat end surface 192 of the shaft portion 142, with the shaft main bore 184 extending inwardly through a portion of each liât end surface 192. In this exemplary embodiment, the shaft main bore 184 is slightly laterally offset from a longitudinal axis of the shaft portion 142, which in this embodiment, is shown coaxial with the longitudinal axis 165. 30 ln other embodiments, however, the shaft main bore 184 is aligned with the longitudinal axis 165 of the shaft portion 142.

The shaft portion 142 may also include a latéral lock pin bore 194 that intersccts the shaft main bore 184. The lock pin bore 194 is shown in cross-section in FIG. 5B. The lock pin bore 194 is sized and shaped to receive and cooperate with the locking 35 element 146, the biasing élément 148, and the baekstop 150. It may extend entirely through the shaft portion 142. In FIG. 5B, the lock pin bore 194 includes two portions having different diameters, with both portions intersccting the bore 184. The portions, referenced in FIG. 5 B by the référencés 194a and 194b are each respectively sized to fit different portions of the locking élément 146. In some embodiments, the lock pin bore portion I94a has substantially the sanie width or diameter as the locking bore 168. An opening to the lock pin bore 194 permits the locking element 146 to sclcctivcly project radially out of the locking bore 194, beyond the outer surface 180 of the shaft portion 142, and into the locking bore 168 formed in tlie body portion 140. When so extended, 10 the locking element 146 prevents rotation of the shaft portion 142 relative to the body portion 140.

The stop élément bore 143 intcrsccts the shaft main bore 184. The stop element bore 143 may bc sized and shaped to rcccivc the cam rotation stop élément 154. The stop element bore 143 may, in some embodiments be a through bore. In other embodiments, 15 the stop element bore 143 extends only partway through the shaft portion 142.

The shaft rotation stop élément 144 may be sized and shaped to fit through the stop element bore 166. When the shaft portion 142 is disposed within the main bore 164 of the body portion 140, the shaft rotation stop élément 144 may bc aligned to fit within the lock groove 186 and prevent axial displacement ol the shaft portion 142 relative to the 20 body portion 140, while permitting limited rotational displacemcnt. Accordingly, the shaft rotation stop element 144 may function to prevent axial movement, and also prevent rotation of the shaft portion 142 beyond limits allowed by the ends of the partially circumfcrential lock groove 186.

The locking element 146 includes a longitudinally extending cylinder portion 200 25 having a cam flange 202 and a biasing element interfacing portion 204. The cylinder portion 200 may hâve a width, which in this embodiment is a diameter, sized to permit the cylinder portion 200 to extend from the lock pin bore 194. In other embodiments, the cylinder portion 200 is not shaped as a cylinder, but may be any type of lock portion, and may bc shaped in cross-section as a square or some other polygonal shape. The cam 30 flange 202 may hâve a width or size larger than a diameter of the first portion I94a lock pin bore 194 as shown in FIG. 5B. As will be described herein, the cam flange 202 may cooperate with the camshaft 152 to displace the locking element 146 radially relative to the shaft portion 142. As such, the cam flange 202 may be disposed within the shaft main bore 184 and the lock pin bore 194. Although described as a flange, the cam flange 202 35 may be another type of cam interfacing portion. For example, it may be a shoulder, a boss, a projection or other body portion. The biasing element interfacing portion 204 may interface with the biasing élément 148.

The biasing element I48 may bias the locking élément 146 to a lock position, where the cylinder portion 200 projeets out of the lock pin bore 194 and into the locking bore 168 of the body portion 140. In this exemplary embodiment, the biasing element 148 is a coil spring. However, other types of springs or other biasing cléments arc contemplated. The backstop 150 provides a solid surface from which the biasing élément 10 148 may apply its biasing load. In this embodiment, the backstop 150 is a set screw that may be threaded into the lock pin bore 194.

The cainshaft 152 is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. It is sized and arranged to fit within the shaft main bore 184. The cainshaft 152 may be rotated relative to the shaft portion 142 and may be rotated by a user to change the locking pin assembly 106 from the lock 15 condition to the unlockcd condition, and vice versa. The cainshaft 152 includes an extcmal surface 210, a tool interface 2I2 (FIG. 2) disposed at one end, and a cam 214 disposed at the opposing end.A snap-ring 153 or other type of ring may fit within a groove in the extemal surface 2I0 to sccure the cainshaft in the shaft main bore 184. In this embodiment, the tool interface is a hex shaped tool interface configured to reçoive a 20 hex shaped tool, such as a hex key wrcnch. Other tool interfaces and tools could be used as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

The extemal surface 210 of the cainshaft I52 includes a lock groove 216 that circumferentially extends about the cainshaft 152. Like the lock groove 186 on the shaft portion 142, the lock groove 216 extends only partially about the circumfcrence of the 25 cainshaft 152. In this embodiment, the lock groove 216 may extend through an arc within a range of 90 and 340°. In some embodiments, the lock groove 216 may extend through an arc within the range of 90° to 180°. In some cxamplcs, the arc will extend about 120°. The lock groove 216 may coopcrate with thccam rotation stop élément 154 to limit the amount of rotation that can occur relative to the shaft portion 142. The lock groove 216 30 may bave a radius or may be sized to receive the cam rotation stop élément 154.

Particularly, ends 218 of the lock groove 216 may be used as rotation stops to limit the rotation of the cainshaft 152 relative to the shaft portion 142 and the cam rotation stop élément 154.

The tool interface 212 is sized and arranged to receive a work tool (not shown) 35 that may be handled by a user. The work tool may be inserted into the hex shaped tool interface 212 and turned to rotatc the cainshaft 152 to manipulatc the locking pin assemblyl 06 from the locked position lo the unlocked position and vice versa.

Tlie biasing élément 148 may bias the locking élément 146 to a lock position, where the cylindcr portion 200 projccts out of the lock pin bore 194 and into the locking bore 168 of the body portion 140. In this exemplary embodiment, the biasing element 148 is a coil spring. Howevcr, other types of springs or other biasing éléments are contcmplated. The backstop 150 provides a solid surface from which the biasing élément I48 may apply its biasing load. In this embodiment, the backstop 150 is a set screw that may be threaded into the lock pin bore 194.

The camshaft 152 is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. It is sized and arranged to fit within the shaft main bore 184. The camshaft 152 may bc rotated relative to the shaft portion 142 and may be rotated by a user to change the locking pin assembly 106 from the lock condition to the unlockcd condition, and vice versa. The camshaft 152 includes an cxtcmal surface 210, a tool interface 212 (FIG. 2) disposed at one end, and a cam 214 disposed at the opposing end.A snap-ring 153 or other type of ring may fit within a groove in the external surface 210 to secure the camshaft in the shaft main bore 184. In this embodiment, the tool interface is a hex shaped tool interface configured to reçoive a hex shaped tool, such as a hex key wrench. Other tool interfaces and tools could be used as would be apparent to one of ordînary skill in the art.

The external surface 210 of the camshaft 152 includes a lock groove 216 that circuinferentially extends about the camshaft 152. Like the lock groove 186 on the shaft portion 142, the lock groove 216 extends only partially about the circumfcrence of the camshaft 152. In this embodiment, the lock groove 216 may extend through an arc within a range of 90 and 340°. In some embodiments, the lock groove 216 may extend through an arc within the range of 90° to 180°. In some examples, the arc will extend about 120°. The lock groove 216 may coopcrate with thccam rotation stop element 154 to lîniit the amount of rotation that can occur relative to the shaft portion 142. The lock groove 216 may hâve a radius or may bc sized to reçoive the cam rotation stop element 154. Particularly, ends 218 of the lock groove 216 may bc used as rotation stops to limit the rotation of the camshaft 152 relative to the shaft portion 142 and the cam rotation stop element 154.

The tool interface 212 is sized and arranged to receive a work tool (not shown) that may bc handied by a user. The work tool may be înserted into the hex shaped tool interface 212 and turned to rotatc the camshaft 152 to manipulate the locking pin assembly 106 from the lockcd position to the unlocked position and vice versa.

The cam 214 is a projection or boss extending from an end of the camshaft 152. The cam 214 is latcrally offset relative to a center line of the camshaft 152. As will be described below, the cam 2I4 is disposed and arranged to interface with the cam flangc 202 to radially displace the locking element 146 from a locked position to an unlockcd position. Jn addition, the cam 214 may be rotated to allow the biasing élément I48 to move the locking element 146 from an unlockcd position to a locked position.

The cam rotation stop element 154 may be sized and shaped to fit through the stop element bore 143. When the camshaft 152 is disposed within the shaft main bore I84 of the shaft portion 142, the cam rotation stop element 154 may be aligned to Ht within the lock groove 216 and prevent axial displacement of the camshaft 154 relative to the shaft portion 142, while permittîng limited rotational displacement. Accordingly, the cam rotation stop element 154 may function to prevent axial movement, and also prevent rotation of the camshaft 152 beyond limits allowed by the ends of the partially circumferential lock groove 216.

The plug 156 is arranged to cover the opening of tlie locking bore 168. It may bc a set scrcw that threads into an end of (lie locking bore 168, or other type of plug, in one embodiment, it is adhered over the opening to the locking bore 168 using an adhesivc. Other attachment methods may bc used and are contcmplated.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show the locking pin assembly 106 in an unlockcd position and a locked position, rcspectively. As can bc seen, the shaft portion 142 is rotated when in the locked condition relative to the body portion 140. This rotation displaccs the end tabs 182 from a position where the tabs hâve a minimal vertical thîckness Tl to a position where the end tabs hâve a much greater vertical thîckness T2. Referring to FIG. I, when in the unlockcd position, the end tabs 182 arc arranged to pass through the recesses 132 in the tooth point 104 until they are aligned with the connecter openings 128. After rotating to the locked position, the vertical tabs mechanically interfère with structure on the tooth point 104 and prevent its removal from the adapter 102. In the embodiment shown, reference indicators 185 are formed, marked, edged, or otherwise provided on both the body portion 140 and ends of the shaft portion I42. When the reference indicators 185 are aligned. as shown in FIG. 4B, the locking pin assembly 106 may he in the locked position. When the reference indicators 185 are misalîgned, as shown in FIG. 4A, the locking pin assembly 106 may not bc in the locked position. This may providc a user with Visual indication of when the locking pin assembly 106 is properly in the locked position.

FIGS. 5A through 5E show the locking pin asscmbly 106 when arranged in the unlockcd condition.FIG. 6A through 6E show the locking pin assembly 106 when arranged in the locked condition.FIG. 5A shows a plan view ofthe locking pin assembly 106 in the unlocked position with the body portion and the shaft portion marked as transparent to more clearly show the other components. FIGS. 5B through 5E show the locking pin assembly indiffèrent cross-sectional views with solid fines.FIG. 5B shows a cross-section taken along lines 5B-5Bîn FIG. 5A through the locking élément 146,FIG. 5C shows a cross-section taken along lines 5C-5C in FIG. 5A through the shaft rotation stop element I44 and the lock groove 186. FIG. 5D shows a cross-section taken along lines 5C-5C in FIG. 5A through the cam rotation stop element 154 and the lock groove 216. FIG. 5E shows a partial cross-section taken axially through only the body portion 140 and shaft portion 142 ofthe locking pin asscmbly 106.

Referring to FIGS. 5A through 5E, when in the unlocked position, the shaft portion 142 may bc rotated to a stop limit in one direction, but may bc rotated in the other direction. This can bc best scen in FIG. 5C. FIG. 5C shows a cross-section taken through the shaft portion 142 and the shaft rotation stop element I44. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the lock groove 186 extends only partially around the circumference ofthe shaft portion 142. Accordingly, with the shaft rotation stop element 144 in the lock groove 186, the amount of rotation ofthe shaft portion 142 is limited. Hcre, the ends 187 of the groove 186 abut against the shaft rotation stop élément 144 and prevent further rotation.

In FIG. 5B, the locking elcment 146 is disposed completcly within the lock pin bore 194. As can be seen, the lock pin bore 194 includes the smallcr diameter portion 194a having an opening disposed to face the inner wall of the main bore 164 of the body portion 140. In some embodiments, the inner wall includes a dépréssion into which the locking elcment 146 may project to form a detent-like tactile fcel to a user. The cam 214 of the camshaft 152 is disposed in the shaft main bore 184 and is in contact with the cam flangc 202. In the unlockcd condition, the locking elcment 146 is retractcd by the cam 214 against the force of the biasing elcment 148. Here, the biasing element 148 is a coil springeompressed between the backstop 150 and the biasing element intcrfacing portion 204.

As can be seen in FIG. 5D, the camshaft 152 rotation relative to the shaft portion 142 is limited in a manner similar to that described with référencé to the lock groove 186 and the shaft rotation stop element 144. The camshaft 152 includes the lock groove 216, and the cam rotation stop élément I54 extends through the locking bore 143 and into the lock groove 216. The camshaft 152, therefore, may bc limited in its rotation to less than 360° by virtue of the lock groove 216 extending less than coinpletely about the circumference of the camshaft 152. The ends 218 of the lock groove 2I6 corne into contact with the cam rotation stop element 154 to limit the range of motion.

FIG. 5E shows a partial cross-sectional view of the locking pin assembly 106. In this exemplary embodiment, the body portion 140 and the shaft portion 142 are shown in cross-section. Accordingly, the relationship between the lock groove 186 and the shaft rotation stop element 144 and between the cam lock groove 216 and the cam rotation stop element 154 are more particularly shown. In addition, the placement of the cam 214 relative to the cam ilange 202 is also shown.

As îndicatcd above, FIGS. 6A through 6E show the locking pin assembly 106 when arranged in the locked condition. FIG. 6A shows a plan view of the locking pin assembly 106 in the locked position with the body portion and the shaft portion inarked as transparent to more clearly show the other components. FIGS. 6B through 6E show the locking pin assembly in different cross-sectional views.FIG. 6B shows a cross-section taken along lines 6B-6B in FIG. 6A through the locking element 146.FIG. 6C shows a cross-section taken along lines 6C-6Cin FIG. 6A through the shaft rotation stop element 144 and the lock groove 186. FIG. 6D shows a cross-section taken along lines 6D-6D in FIG. 6A through the cam rotation stop élément 154 and the lock groove 216. FIG. 6E shows a partial cross-section taken axially through only the body portion 140 and the shaft portion 142 of the locking pin assembly 106.

Referring to FIGS. 6A through 6E, when in the locked position, the shaft portion 142 has been rotated until the locking element 146 projects into the locking bore 168 of the body portion 140 and prevents further rotation in either opposing direction.

In FIG. 6B, the shaft portion 142 is rotated from the position shown in FIG. 5B until the locking element 146 is aligned with the locking bore 168 in the body portion 140. Rathcr than being substantially coinpletely disposed within the lock pin bore 194, in this alignment, the cam 214 is displaced away from the cam llange 202 and the biasing element acts on the locking element 146 to displace the cylinder portion 200 out of the lock pin bore 194 and into the locking bore 168.

It should be noted that the locking élément 146 also has a different position relative to the cam 214 of the camshaft 152. In this position, the cam 214 is not acting to maintain the locking élément 146 within the lock pin bore 194. Instead, the cam 214 isrotated out of engagement with the cam flange 202. As such, the biasing element 148 opérâtes to bias the locking element 146 out of the lock pin bore 194 and into the locking bore 168 of the body portion 140. With the locking element projecting into the locking bore 168, inadvertent movement or rotation of the shaft portion 142 in cither rotational direction may be inhibited. In some embodiments, the cam flange 202 may réengagé when the locking element pops radially outwardly to the locked position.

As can be seen in FIG. 6D, the angle of rotation of the camshaft 152 relative to the shaft portion 142 is limited in a manner similar to that described with reference to the lock groove 186 and the shaft rotation stop element 144. The camshaft 152 includes the lock groovc 216, and the cam rotation stop element I54 is disposed within the lock groove 216. The camshaft 152, therefore, may be limited in its rotation to less than 360° by virtue of the lock groovc 216 cxlending less than completcly about the circumfcrence of the camshaft 152.FIG. 6E shows a partial cross-sectional view of the locking pin assembly 106. FIG. 6E shows the locking élément 146 projecting into the locking bore 168.

An exemplary process for installing the tooth point104 to the adapter I02 will be described with reference to Figs. 7A through 7E, and with reference to other Figures alrcady described herein. Referring first to FIG. 7A, the locking pin assembly 106 in its fully assembled state is disposed within the connecter opening 114 of the adapter 102. As described herein, the locking pin assembly 106 is prevented from rotating within the connecter opening 114 by its noncircular shape. The locking pin assembly 106 is oriented in the unlocked position because the end tabs 182 are disposed to hâve a minimal vertical height or vertical thickness Tl.

With the locking pin assemblylOô in place in the adapter 102, the tooth point 104 is introduced over the adapter 102. The end tabs 182 enter into the recesses 132 (FIG. I) formed in the interior of the tooth point 104 until the tooth point is seated on the adapter 102 and/or the locking pin assemblylOô is aligned with the connecter openings 128.

With thelocking pin assembly 106 aligned with the connecter openings 128, a user may access the hex shapcd tool inlerface2l2of the camshaft 152. Using an appropriate tool, the user may rotate first the camshaft 152 and next the shaft portion 142, Referring to FIG. 7B and in the exemplary implémentation shown, the camshaft 152 is rotated 120°, and then the shaft portion 142 is rotated 240° to change the locking pin assembly from the unlocked condition to the locked condition. These can change depending on the length of the grooves 186, 216 or the thickness of the rotational stops. In some embodiments, a user may rotate the camshaft through a range of motion in a range between l and 180 degrees, and may rotate the shaft portion through a range of motion in a range between 90 and 300 degrees.

As indicated above, FIGS. 5B, 5C, and 5D show cross-sectional views of the locking pin assembly 106 in the unlocked condition. With reference to FIG. 5A, when a user rotâtes the camshaft 152 with a tool, the cam 214 first rotâtes up to 120°, which moves the cam 214 away from the cam flange 202 of the locking clément 146. During this movement, the camshaft 152 rotâtes relative to the shaft portion 140 and the cam rotation stop 154. In this state, however, the inner wall of the body portion 140 prevents the locking élément 146 from extending beyond a minimal amount from the lock pin bore 194. However, since the cam 214 is removed from the cam flange 202, only the inner wall of the body portion 140 prevents the locking élément 146 from substantially extending out of the lock pin bore 194. The camshaft 152 rotâtes so long as the lock groove 216 is pennitted by the cam rotation stop élément 154. When the end 218 of the lock groove 216 abuts againsl the cam rotation stop élément 154, ail relative movement of the camshaft 152 to the shaft portion 142 in the locking direction is prevented. Accordingly, any further rotational load applied by a user to rotate the camshaft 152 is transferred by the cam rotation stop élément 154 to the shaft portion 142. As such, in this embodiment, when the camshaft 152 reaches its rotational limit, torsional forces on the camshaft 152 are transferred to the shaft portion 142, and the shaft portion 142 begins to rotate.

In this cxample, the shaft portion 142 rotâtes 240° from the position shown in FIG. 5C toward the position shown in FIG. 6C. As it does so, the locking élément 146 slides along the inner wall of the main bore 164 until the locking élément 146 is aligned with the locking bore 168. When the locking élément 146 aligns with the locking bore 168 as shown in FIG. 6B, the locking élément 146 pops or clicks into the locking bore 168 under the spring force of the biasing element 148. This may provide an audible indication to the user that the locking pin assembly is properly seated and in place.

FIG. 7C shows the locking pin assembly 106 in the locked position. Here, the end tabs 182 of the shaft portion 142 are rotated to hâve the vertical thickness T2. Although described as having vertical thicknesses Tl and T2, it should be noted that ail the thicknesses described herein may be measured relative to the insertion direction of the tooth point 104 onto the adapter 102 or relative to the height or position of the insertion recesses 132. With the locking pin assembly 106 in the locked position, the end tabs 182 are no longer aligned with the recesses 132 (FIG. 1) in the tooth point 104. Because of the misalignment, the end tabs 182 abul against inner surfaces of the conncctor openings 114 and prevent removal ofthe tooth point 104 from the adapter 102.

If the tooth 104 becomes worn, a user may désire to remove it from the adapter 102. In this embodiment, to do this, the shaft portion 142 must be rotated so that the end tabs I82 align with the recesses 132 in the tooth 104. The locking pin asscmbly 106 does this by first, rotating the camshaft 152 through a first range of motion to radially withdraw the locking element I46 and then second, rotating the shaft portion 142.

Turning to FIG. 7D, the user may insert a tool and rotate the camshaft 152 with the tool. As the camshaft 152 rotâtes, the cam 214 acts on the cam flange 202 against the force of the biasing member 148. With the cam 214 applying a rctracting load on the cam flange 202 ofthe locking element 146, the cylinder portion 200 begins to rctract from the locking bore 168 in the body portion 140. At the same time, the camshaft 152 rotâtes relative to the cam rotation stop I54. When the locking element 146 is clear ofthe locking bore 168, the end 218 ofthe lock groove 216 in the camshaft 152 will engage the cam rotation stop 154. As can be seen in FIG. 7D, this may occur after a rotation of about 120° of the camshaft 152. Accordingly, any further rotational force applied on the camshaft 152 results in a rotational force on the shaft portion 142. In this embodiment, an additional rotation of 240° will rotate the shaft portion 142 from the position shown in FIG. 7D to the unlocked position shown in FIG. 7E. In this position, the end tabs 182 of the shaft portion 140 are aligned to hâve a minimal thickness that may fit through the recesscs 132 (FIG. 1) formed in the tooth 104.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B, 9C, Ι0Α, 10B, I0C, HA, Il B, and 11C show another embodiment of a locking pin asscmbly, refereneed herein by the numéral 406. The locking pin assembly 406 includes many of the same fcaturcs as the locking pin asscmbly 106 described above. Thcrefore, the description ofthe locking pin assembly 106 may be applicable to the éléments ofthe locking pin asscmbly 406. For ease of understanding, the components ofthe locking pin assembly 106 will not ail be rc-described, as the above description should be suffïcient for understanding by one of ordinary skill in the art.In addition, for ease of understanding and to avoid répétition, some features of tlic locking pin assembly 406 are identified by the saine reference numcrals as similar features on the locking pin asscmbly 106. The locking pin asscmbly 406 differs from the locking pin assembly 106 by being accessed from an opposite side and by having a different rotational range to move the locking pin assembly from a locked to an unlocked position and vice versa.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show the locking pin assembly 406 in an unlocked position and a locked position, respectively. The locking pin assembly 406 includes the body portion I40, a shaft portion 442, and a camshaft 452. The lcadîng portion 162 of the body portion 140, in this example implémentation, may still face the leading nose of the adapter 102 and the tooth 104. Accordingly, the locking pin assembly 406 may be arranged to be accessed from a left side of the adapter and tooth point rather than the right side, as is the locking pin assembly 106. However, it should bc understood that the locking pin asscmblies described herein may be manufactured for access from either or both sides. As described above, rotation of the shah portion 442 displaccs end tabs 482 from a position where the tabs hâve minimal vertical thickness to a position where the tabs hâve a much greater vertical thickness in order to faeililatc placing the tooth point 104 over the end tabs and sccuring the tooth point 104 to the adapter 102.

FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C show the locking pin assembly 406 when arranged in the unlocked condition. FIGS. ÎOA, 10B, and 10C show the locking pin assembly 406 when arranged in the locked condition. FIG. 9A shows the locking element 146 disposed to rotatably cooperatc with the shaft portion 442 and the locking bore 168.

Referring to FIG. 9B, in this implémentation, the locking pin assembly 406 includes a circumfcrentially extending lock groove 486 formed in an outer surface of the shaft portion 442. Here, the lock groove 486 may extend through an arc that permits rotation of about 120 degrees when coopcrating with the shaft rotation stop element 144. Accordingly, to accommodate the width of the shaft rotation stop element 144, the lock groove 486 may extend between about 125-145 degrees. However, other implémentations hâve a lock groove 486 extending through a larger or smaller arc. In some implémentations, the lock groove 486 may permit rotation less than 120 degrees, while other implémentations may permit rotation greater than 120°. In some implémentations, the lock groove 486 may bc arranged to permit rotation of about 90°. Other implémentations may permit rotation in the range of 80° to 190°. Yet other ranges arc contemplatcd. The lock groove 486 may cooperatc with the shaft rotation stop element 144 to limit the amount of rotation that can occur relative to the body portion 140. The lock groove 486 includes the ends 187 that may bc used as rotation stops to limit rotation of the shaft portion 442 relative to the body portion 140 and the shaft rotation stop élément 144.

FIG. 9C shows the camshaft 452 rotatably disposed within the shaft portion 442. The extcmal surface of the camshaft 452 includes a lock groove 516 that circumfercntially extends about tlie camshaft 452. In this embodiment, the lock groove 516 may extend through an arc within a range of 90 and 340°, or other ranges as described above with référence to the lock groove 216 in FIG. 5D.

FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C show the locking pin assembly 406 when arranged in the locked condition. As can bc seen in FIG. 10A, in the locked condition, the locking élément 146 has been rotated to projcct into the locking bore 168 of the body I40. As shown in FIG. 10B and as described herein with référencé to the locking pin assembly 106, the shaft portion 442 is rotated relative to the shaft rotation stop clément 144 until the shaft rotation stop élément I44 engages against the ends I87 of the lock groove 486. FIG. 10C shows the camshaft 452 rotated relative to the shaft portion 442 and relative to the cam rotation stop élément 154. Here, the cam rotation stop élément 154 has passed the lock groove 516 from one end 218 to the other.

FIGS. Il A, Il B, and IIC show an exemplary process for installing the tooth point 104 to the adapter 102. Sincc the process is similar in many respects to the process described with référencé to FIGS. 7A through 7E, only différences will bc described herein. FIGS. 7A-7E show an embodiment where the camshaft 152 rotâtes 120 degrees and the shaft portion 142 rotâtes 240° when the locking pin assembly 106 is adjusted between the locked and unlocked position, allhough other embodiments arc contcmplatcd. FIGS. I IA, l IB, and l IC show that the camshaft 452 may rotatc 120° and that the shaft portion 142 may also rotate 120° when the locking pin assembly 406 is adjusted between the lock and unlock positions, although other embodiments arc contcmplatcd. The rotation range may be controlled and adjusted by controlling or adjusting the length of the arc of the lock grooves in the shaft portion and the camshaft. Accordingly, sincc the lock groove 486 in the shaft portion 442 in FIG. 9B is shorter or has a smaller angle range than the lock groove 186 in the shaft portion 142 in FIG. 5C, the locking pin assembly 406 moves through a shorter or smaller angle range than the locking pin assembly 106.

The locking pin assemblies described herein may provide advantages and bencfits not found in conventional devices. For example, because of the two step rotation process to lock and unlock the locking pin assembly, it may be more résistant to inadvertent unlocking then some conventional pin assemblies. For example, it may better withstand vibration, high impact, and cyclic loading that may occur during use of ground engaging lools. While described with référencé to a tooth point and an adapter, it should bc understood that the locking pin assembly may find use in other applications. For example and without limitation, the locking pin assembly may bc used to attach an adapter to a buckct or other structures in the ground engaging tool industry.

Persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the implémentations encompasscd by the présent disclosure are not limited to the particular exemplary implémentations described abovc. In that regard, although illustrative implémentations 10 bave been shown and described, a wide range of modification, change, combination, and substitution is contemplated in the foregoing disclosure. It is understood that such variations may bc made to the foregoing without departing from the scopc of the présent disclosure. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended daims bc construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the présent disclosure.

Claims (5)

CLAIMS What is claimcd is:

1. A locking pin assembly for securing a ground engaging element having side openings to a support structure alignablc with the side opcnings, the locking pin assembly comprising:

a body portion having a non-circular profile and being arranged to non-rotatably, seiectively extend into the support structure;

a shaft portion disposed within the body portion and rotatable between a first position that mechanically inhibits removal ofthe ground engaging élément from the support structure and a second position that permits removal ofthe ground engaging element from the support structure, the shaft portion having an opening formed therein;

a camshaftrotatably disposed within the opening of the shaft portion, the camshaftbeing arranged to coopcrate with the shaft portion to freely rotate within the shaft portion through a first range of motion and to apply a rotational force on the shaft portion through a second range of motion; and a radially extending locking element carried by one ofthe shaft portion and the body portion and configured to seiectively mechanically interfère with the other of the shaft portion and the body portion to seiectively prevent rotation of the shaft portion relative to the body portion.

2. The locking pin assembly of claim l, wherein the locking élément comprises a lock portion and a cam intcrfacing portion, the cam interfacing portion being seiectively engageable with the camshaft.

3. The locking pin assembly of claim l, comprising a biasing element carricd by the shaft portion, the biasing element biasing the locking element to a position that mechanically engages with the body portion.

4. The locking pin asscmbly of claim 3, wherein the camshaft is rotatable about an axis substantially parallel to an axis of the shaft portion, the camshaft interacting with the locking element against a force applied by the biasing elcmcntto radially displace the locking element.

5 5. The locking pin assembly of claim l, wherein the shaft portion comprises a groove formed therein, and wherein the body portion carries a rotation stopping element, the rotation stopping élément mcchanically interfering with a portion of the groove to limit a range of rotation of the shaft portionrclative to the body portion.

10

6. The locking pin assembly of claim 5, wherein the body portion comprises an inner surface with a radially extending opening therein, the locking élément being configured to automatically enter the radially extending opening therein when the locking element is aligned with the radially extending opening.

15

7. The locking pin assembly of claim l, wherein the camshaft comprises a groove formed therein, and wherein the shaft portion carries a rotation stopping element, the rotation stopping element mechanically interfering with a portion of the groove to limit a range of rotation of the camshaft relative to the shaft portion.

20

8. The locking pin assembly of claim 7, wherein the camshaft transféra applied torque loading to the shaft portion only aller the camshaft reaches a rotational limit.

9. The locking pin assembly of claim 7, wherein the groove of the camshaft

25 is a partially circumfercntial groove having end portions, the rotation stopping element bcingfixed in place relative to the shaft portion and selcctively cngageable with the end portionsto prevent rotation of the cainshaft relative to the shaft portion when the range of rotation is cxcccdcd.

30

10. The locking pin assembly of claim 9, wherein the end portions of the groove permit rotation of the camshaft in a range of about 120 degrces relative to the shaft portion.

11. A locking pin assembly for securing a ground engaging element having

35 side openings to a support structure having a through-passage alignable with the side openings, the locking pin assembly comprising:

a body portion arranged to fil within the through-passage of the support structure, the body portion having a first opening formed therein;

a shaft portion disposed in the first opening in the body portion and rotatable between a locked position that mechanically inhibits removal of'tlie ground engaging élément from the support structure, and an unlockcd position that permits removal of the ground engaging élément from the support structure, the shaft portion being rotatable within the body portion within a first limited range of motion and having a first rotation limit relative to the body portion, the shaft portion having a second opening formed therein;

a camshaftrotatably disposed in the second opening of the shaft portion, the camshaft being rotatable within a second limited range of motion and having a second rotation limit relative to the shaft portion, the camshaft being arranged to rotate the shaft portion when the camshaft reaches the second rotation limit; and a radially extending locking element carried by the shaft portion and configured to selcctively mechanically engage with the body portion, and being actuatablc by the camshaft.

12. The locking pin assembly of claim 11, wherein the locking élément comprises a lock portion and a cam interfacing portion, the cam interfacing portion being selcctively cngageable with the camshaft.

13. The locking pin assembly of claim 11, comprising a biasing élément carried by the shaft portion, the biasing element biasing the locking élément to a position that mechanically engages with the body portion.

14. The locking pin assembly of claim 13, wherein the camshaft is rotatable about an axis substantially parallel to an axis of the shaft portion, the camshaft interacting with the locking element against a force applicd by the biasing element to radially displace the locking element.

15. The locking pin assembly of claim 11, wherein the shaft portion comprises a groove formed therein, and wherein the body portion carries a rotation stopping element, the rotation stopping élément mechanically interfering with a portion of the groove to limit a range of rotation of the shaft portion relative to the body portion.

r

16. The locking pin assembly of claim 11, wherein tlie camshaft comprises a groove formed therein, and wherein the shaft portion carries a rotation stopping élément, the rotation stopping element mechanically interfering with a portion of the groove to limit a range of rotation of the camshaft relative to the shaft portion,

17. A method for locking a wear member to or removing a wear member from an adapter carried on carth engaging cquipment using a locking pin assembly, the method comprising:

rotating a camshaftrelative to a shaft portion in a first direction through a first range of motion until the camshaft engages a stop element on the shaft portion; and rotating the sliaft portion relative to a body portion in the first direction by continuing to rotate the camshaftthrough a second range of motion until a locking element carried by one of the shaft portion and the body portion prevents further rotation of the shaft portion relative to the body portion in the first direction and in an opposing second direction, one of the shaft portion and the body portion preventing removal of the wear member from the adapter.

18. The method of claim 17, comprising:

introducing a wear member over an adapter member of the earth engaging equipment so that the wear member passes over protruding tabs of the shaft portion, the protruding tabs being displaceable with the shaft portion from a first position that permits the wear member to pass over the protruding tabs to a second position that mechanically prevents removal of the wear member from the adapter.

19. The method of claim 17, comprising:

rotating the camshaft relative to the shaft portion in the second direction until the camshaftdisplaccs the locking element so that the locking élément no longer prevents rotation of the shaft portion relative to the body portion in the second direction; and rotating the shaft portion relative to the body portion in the second direction by continuing to rotate the camshaft until the shaft portion is positioncd to permit removal of a wear member from the adapter.

V k

5 20. The method of claim 19, wherein rotating the camshaft relative to the shaft portion in the second direction until the camshaft displaccs the locking element comprises:

comprcssing a biasing element that biases the locking element towarda locked position.

21. The method of claim 17, wherein rotating the camshaftrelative to the shaft portion includes rotating the camshaft through a range of motion in a range between l and I80 degrees; and wherein rotating the shaft portion relative to the body portion includes rotating the 15 shaft portion through a range of motion in a range between 90 and 300 degrees.

22. A locking pin assembly for sccuring a ground engaging element having side openings to a support structure alignablc with the side openings, the locking pin assembly comprising:

20 a first shaft portion rotatablc between a first position that mechanically inhibits removal of the ground engaging element from the support structure and a second position that permits removal of the ground engaging element from the support structure, the first shaft portion having opening formed thcrcin;

a second shaft portion rotatably disposed within the opening of the first shaft

25 portion and rotatable relative to the first shaft portion, the second shaft portion being arranged to cooperate with the first shaft portion to rotate within the first shaft portion through a first range of motion and to apply a rotational force on the first shaft portion through a second range of motion; and a radially extending locking element carricd by one of the first shaft portion and

30 the second shaft portion and configured to selcctively radially projcct and rctract to selectively prevent rotation of one of the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion relative to the ground engaging élément.

23. The locking pin assembly of claim 22, wherein the locking element

35 comprises a lock portion and a cam interfacing portion, and wherein the locking pin assembly comprises a cam, the cam interfacing portion being selectively engageable with the cam to retract the locking element.

» ï

5 24. The locking pin assembly of claim 22, comprising a biasing élément carrîed by one of the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion, the biasing element biasing the locking element to a position that mechanically prevents rotation of one of the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion relative to the ground engaging element.