WO2015135027A1

WO2015135027A1 - Wear assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2015135027A1
Application number: PCT/AU2015/000145
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dylan Toth; Jehanzeb AHMED; Mark James Wild
Original assignee: Bradken Resources Pty Ltd; Bradken UK Ltd
Current assignee: Bradken Resources Pty Ltd; Bradken UK Ltd
Priority date: 2014-03-13
Filing date: 2015-03-13
Publication date: 2015-09-17
Anticipated expiration: 2016-09-13

Abstract

A wear assembly for a digging device, the wear assembly comprising first and second wear members, one of the wear members having a projection configured to be received in a cavity of the other wear member in an assembled condition, the excavation tooth assembly also comprising a lock operative to adopt a locking configuration in which the lock locks the first and second wear members in their assembled condition and a releasing configuration whereafter the first and second wear members are able to be brought out of their assembled condition, the lock comprising: an engagement portion configured to engage a locking surface of the first wear member; and a pivot arrangement configured to engage the second wear member and about which the lock pivots when moving between its releasing configuration and its locking configuration, wherein when in its locking configuration a biasing force is applied to the lock to retain the lock in its locking configuration.

Description

Wear Assembly

Technical Field The present disclosure relates to wear assemblies for digging devices including to wear members and lock assemblies of the wear assemblies. The disclosure has application for waterborne digging devices such as dredgers and is herein described in that context.

However, it is to be appreciated that the disclosure has broader application for example in land based digging devices such as front end loaders, and is therefore not limited to that application.

Background

Excavation teeth, shrouds and other wear assemblies are provided on the digging edge of various digging devices including dredging cutter heads and the buckets of front end loaders. Each wear assembly is formed from an assembly of a number of components including one or more wear members. This is to enable detachment of worn or broken wear members from the digging device and replacement with a new wear member which saves having to replace a much larger component such as a front end loader bucket lip or a dredging head. Further, where the wear assembly is formed from more than one wear members, it is possible to avoid having to discard the entire tooth when only a part of the wear assembly, in particular the ground engaging part of the wear member, is worn or broken. Various types of wear assemblies and components thereof are known. However, it is always desirable to design new wear assemblies and parts thereof.

Summary of the Disclosure The present disclosure relates to improvements in wear assemblies for attachment to digging devices.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a wear assembly for a digging device, the wear assembly comprising first and second wear members, one of the wear members having a projection configured to be received in a cavity of the other wear member in an assembled condition, the excavation tooth assembly also comprising a lock operative to adopt a locking configuration in which the lock locks the first and second wear members in their assembled condition and a releasing configuration whereafter the first and second wear members are able to be brought out of their assembled condition, the lock comprising:

an engagement portion configured to engage a locking surface of the first wear member; and

a pivot arrangement configured to engage the second wear member and about which the lock pivots when moving between its releasing configuration and its locking

configuration, wherein when in its locking configuration a biasing force is applied to the lock to retain the lock in its locking configuration.

According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a lock for locking first and second wear members of a wear assembly in an assembled condition in which a projection of one wear member is received in a cavity of the other wear member, the lock operable to adjust the lock between a locking configuration in which the lock locks the first and second wear members in their assembled condition and a releasing configuration whereafter the first and second wear members are able to be brought out of their assembled condition, the lock comprising:

a pivot arrangement configured to engage the second wear member and about which the lock pivots when moved between its releasing configuration and its locking configuration, wherein when in its locking configuration a biasing force is applied to the lock to retain the lock in its locking configuration. According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a wear member for attachment to a digging device, the wear member comprising:

a body extending between forward and rearward ends along a longitudinal axis; an engaging configured to engage with an engaging portion of a further wear member to bring the wear members into an assembled condition; and

a locking surface for engagement by a lock as it is pivoted into a locking configuration in which it locks the wear member in its assembled condition with the further wear member, the locking surface extending in a curve to a shoulder.

According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a wear assembly for a digging device, the wear assembly comprising:

first and second wear members, the wear members each having an engaging porth configured to interengage to bring the wear members into an assembled condition; a lock for locking the wear members in their assembled condition, the lock configured to pivot between a releasing configuration in which the first and second wear members are able to be brought out of their assembled condition and a locking configuration in which the lock locks the first and second wear members in their assembled condition; and

a locking surface on one of the members for engagement by the lock as it is adjusted from its releasing configuration to its locking configuration, the locking surface extending in a curve to a shoulder.

According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a lock for locking first and second wear members of a wear assembly that are attached to a digging device in an assembled condition, the lock comprising;a first lock member configured to engage the first wear member; and

a second lock member configured to engage the second wear member and defining a pivot axis about which the lock is configured to pivot, wherein the first and second lock members couple to each other such that when the lock is pivoted about the pivot axis, the pivot axis is capable of moving relative to the first lock member.

According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a wear assembly for a digging device, the wear assembly comprising first and second wear members, one of the wear members having a projection that is configured to be received in a cavity of the other wear member in an assembled condition, the excavation tooth assembly also comprising a lock comprising: a first lock member configured to engage the first wear member; and

According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of locking first and second wear members of a wear assembly in an assembled condition, the method comprising:

receiving a projection of one of the wear members into a cavity of the other wear member to bring the wear members into their assembled condition;

engaging an engagement portion of a lock with the first wear member;

engaging a pivot arrangement of the lock with the second wear member;

pivoting the lock about the pivot arrangement to move the lock into a locking configuration in which it locks the wear members in their assembled condition; and applying a biasing force to the lock to retain the lock in its locking configuration.

coupling first and second lock members together and engaging the first lock member with the first wear member and the second lock member with the second wear member; and pivoting the lock about a pivot axis defined by the second lock memberto a locking configuration to lock the wear members in their assembled condition, wherein the lock members are configured such that said pivoting of the lock causes the first lock member to translate with respect to the pivot axis. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a wear assembly for a digging device, the wear assembly comprising first and second wear members, one of the wear members having a projection extending along a projection axis, the projection configured to be received in a cavity of the other wear member in an assembled condition, the excavation tooth assembly also comprising a lock operative to adopt a locking configuration in which the lock locks the first and second wear members in their assembled condition and a releasing configuration whereafter the first and second wear members are able to be brought out of their assembled condition, the lock comprising: an engagement portion configured to engage a locking surface of the first wear member; and a pivot arrangement configured to engage the second wear member and about which the lock pivots when moved between its releasing configuration and its locking configuration, wherein pivoting of the lock to its locking configuration applies a force on the wear members in the direction of the projection axis. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a cover for protecting a lock in a wear assembly for a digging device, the cover comprising:

a body having an aperture to enable the cover to locate over a portion of the lock to attach the cover to the lock; and

a cavity formed in the body and adapted to receive the portion of the lock over which the body is located. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a wear assembly for a digging device, the wear assembly comprising:

first and second wear members, one of the wear members having a projection configured to be received in a cavity of the other wear member in an assembled condition, the first and second wear members forming a locking space in the assembled condition; a lock configured to be received in the locking space and operative to lock the first and second wear members in their assembled condition; and

a cover configured to at least partially close the locking space. Brief Description of the Drawings

Figures 1 and 2 are exploded perspective views of a wear assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, comprising a tooth, a holder and a lock. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the wear assembly of Figures 1 and 2 with the tooth and the holder in an assembled condition and the lock in a releasing configuration.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the wear assembly of Figures 1 and 2 with the tooth and the holder in an assembled condition and the lock in a locking configuration.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the lock of the wear assembly of Figures 1 and 2 in isolation.

Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the lock of Figure 5.

Figures 7 and 8 are perspective views of the wear assembly of Figures 1 and 2 illustrating how a tool is used to adjust the lock between its releasing (Figure 7) and its locking (Figure 8) configurations. Figures 9A-C are side views in cross-section of the wear assembly of Figures 1 and 2, illustrating in sequence the movement of the lock of the wear assembly from its releasing configuration to its locking configuration.

Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of a wear assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, comprising a tooth, a holder and a lock. Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of the wear assembly of Figure 10 with the tooth and the holder in an assembled condition and the lock in a releasing configuration.

Figure 12 is a perspective view of the wear assembly of Figure 10 with the tooth and the holder in an assembled condition and the lock in a locking configuration.

Figures 13 and 14 are perspective views of the wear assembly of Figure 10 illustrating how a tool is used to adjust the lock between its releasing (Figure 13) and its locking (Figure 14) configurations.

Figures 15A-C are side views in cross-section of the wear assembly of Figure 10 illustrating in sequence the movement of the lock of the wear assembly from its releasing configuration to its locking configuration. Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view of a wear assembly according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, comprising a point, an adapter and a lock.

Figure 17 is a front perspective view of the point and the adapter of the wear assembly of Figure 16 in an assembled condition.

Figure 18 is a perspective view in isolation of the lock of the wear assembly of Figure 16.

Figure 19 is an exploded perspective view of the lock of Figure 18. Figure 20 is a perspective view of the wear assembly of Figure 16 with the tooth and the holder in an assembled condition and the lock in a releasing configuration.

Figure 21 is a perspective view of the wear assembly of Figure 16 with the tooth and the holder in an assembled condition and the lock in a locking configuration.

Figures 22 and 23 are perspective views of the wear assembly of Figure 16 illustrating how a tool is used to adjust the lock between its releasing (Figure 22) and its locking (Figure 23) configurations. Figures 24A-C are top views in cross-section of the wear assembly of Figure 16 illustrating in sequence the movement of the lock of the wear assembly from its releasing configuration to its locking configuration. Figure 25 is an exploded perspective view of a wear assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 26A is a perspective view of the wear assembly of Figure 25 with a lock of the wear assembly in a releasing configuration.

Figure 26B is a perspective view of the wear assembly of Figure 25 with the lock in a locking configuration.

Figure 26C is a side view of the wear assembly of Figure 25 with the lock in a locking configuration.

Figure 27 is a perspective view of the lock and a cover of the wear assembly of Figure 25 in isolation.

Figure 28 is an exploded perspective view of the lock and the cover of Figure 27.

Figure 29 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a cover attached to the lock of the wear assembly of Figure 25.

Figure 30 is a top view of the cover and the lock of Figure 29.

Figure 31 is a bottom view of the cover and the lock of Figure 29.

Figure 32 is an end view of the cover and the lock of Figure 29.

Figure 33 is a side view of the cover and the lock of Figure 29. Figure 34 is a second end view of the cover and the lock of Figure 29.

Figure 35 is a perspective view of a lock according to another embodiment of the present disclosure for use as the lock in the wear assemblies of Figures 1 - 15C. Figure 36 is an exploded perspective view of the lock of Figure 35. Detailed Description

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilised, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the Figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein.

Disclosed in some embodiments is a wear assembly for a digging device, the wear assembly comprising first and second wear members, one of the wear members having a projection configured to be received in a cavity of the other wear member in an assembled condition, the excavation tooth assembly also comprising a lock operative to adopt a locking configuration in which the lock locks the first and second wear members in their assembled condition and a releasing configuration whereafter the first and second wear members are able to be brought out of their assembled condition, the lock comprising:

In some embodiments, the first wear member may be a point or an adapter or a shroud having a cavity including in the form of a socket and the second wear member may be in the form of a lip (in particular for a shroud), a nose integrally formed with a lip or a nose of adapter that is attached to a lip. In other embodiments, the first wear member is a holder having a cavity, the holder attached to or integrally formed on a dredging cutter head and the second wear member is a tooth member having an arm that is received in the holder cavity.

In an embodiment, the lock is configured such that when it pivots, the pivot arrangement moves relative to the engagement portion. In an embodiment, the pivot arrangement translates relative to the engagement portion when the lock pivots.

In an embodiment, the relative movement of the pivot arrangement with respect to the engagement portion creates the biasing force.

In an embodiment, the pivot arrangement comprises a pivot member having an elongate portion having a longitudinal axis that defines a pivot axis about which the lock is configured to pivot.

In an embodiment, the second member has a coupling portion which the elongate portion defining the pivot axis is configured to engage.

In an embodiment, the second member has a recess in which the elongate portion defining the pivot axis is received.

In an embodiment, the pivot arrangement is configured such that the elongate portion defining the pivot axis rotates when the lock is moved between its releasing configuration and its locking configuration.

In an embodiment, the lock comprises a lock body that incorporates the engagement portion and wherein the lock body is operable to pivot when moving the lock from its releasing configuration to its locking configuration. In an embodiment, the engagement portion comprises an end surface of the lock body.

In an embodiment, the lock body couples to the lock member having an elongate portion defining the pivot axis. In an embodiment, the lock body comprises a recess in which the elongate portion defining the pivot axis is received.

In an embodiment, the lock body recess is elongate to enable the lock arm to translate with respect to the elongate portion defining the pivot axis when moving the lock from its releasing configuration to its locking configuration.

In an embodiment, the lock is configured so that when in its locking configuration, the engagement portion is biased into engagement with the first wear member and at least a part of the pivot arrangement is biased into engagement with the second wear member. In an embodiment, the lock is configured so that when it is moved from its releasing configuration to its locking configuration the biasing force has to be overcome.

In an embodiment, when the lock is in its locking configuration, the biasing force applied to the lock provides take-up between the first and wear members.

In an embodiment, the biasing force is provided by a resilient member.

In an embodiment, the resilient member is provided between the elongate portion defining the pivot axis and the lock body.

In an embodiment, the resilient member is located in the recess in the lock body.

In an embodiment, the lock is operable such that the biasing force increases as the lock approaches its locking configuration.

In an embodiment, the biasing force is applied to the lock body against the direction in which the lock body translates with respect to the elongate portion defining the pivot axis when moving the lock from its releasing configuration to its locking configuration.

In an embodiment, the pivot member comprises at least one projection from the elongate portion defining the pivot axis.

In an embodiment, each projection from the elongate portion defining the pivot axis is configured to be received within the recess of the lock body whereby, when the lock body is pivoted, the pivot member is also caused to pivot.

In an embodiment, when the lock is in its releasing configuration the lock is capable of being removed from engagement with the first and second wear members, after which the first and second wear members are able to be brought out of their assembled condition.

In an embodiment, when the lock is in its releasing configuration, the first and second wear members are able to be brought out of their assembled condition with the lock engaged to one of the wear members or portions of the lock engaged to respective wear members.

In an embodiment, the locking surface curves to a shoulder, the engagement portion of the lock being disposed behind the shoulder when the lock is in its locking configuration so as to retain the lock in its locking configuration. In an embodiment, the locking surface has a first curved region and a second curved region and the shoulder is disposed between the first and second curved regions. In an embodiment, the first wear member has a recess in which the engagement portion of the lock is captured in the locking configuration so as to retain the lock in its locking configuration.

In an embodiment, the first wear member recess is provided by the second curved region of the locking surface.

In an embodiment, the first or second wear members have a stop to limit pivoting of the lock beyond its locking configuration. In an embodiment, the lock body is configured so that its opposite end to the end having the engagement portion engages the stop when the lock is in its locking configuration.

Disclosed in some embodiments, is a lock for locking first and second wear members of a wear assembly in an assembled condition in which a projection of one wear member is received in a cavity of the other wear member, the lock operable to adjust the lock between a locking configuration in which the lock locks the first and second wear members in their assembled condition and a releasing configuration whereafter the first and second wear members are able to be brought out of their assembled condition, the lock comprising:

a pivot arrangement configured to engage the second wear member and about which the lock pivots when moved between its releasing configuration and its locking configuration, wherein when in its locking configuration a biasing force is applied to the lock to retain the lock in its locking configuration.

Disclosed in some embodiments, is a wear member for attachment to a digging device, the wear member comprising:

a locking surface for engagement by a lock as it is pivoted into a locking configuration in which it locks the wear member in its assembled condition with the further wear member, the locking surface extending in a curve to a shoulder. In an embodiment, the locking surface has a first curved region and a second curved region and the shoulder is disposed between the first and second curved regions. In an embodiment, the wear member has a recess for capturing a portion of the lock when the lock is in a locking configuration so as to retain the lock in this configuration.

In an embodiment, the recess is provided by the second curved region. In an embodiment, the engaging portion comprises a cavity extending into the body from the forward or rearward end in the direction of the body's longitudinal axis.

In an embodiment, the locking surface is an internal surface of the cavity. In an embodiment, the cavity opens to the forward or rear end of the body to receive a projection of the further wear member in an assembled condition, and wherein the second region of the locking surface is located at the end of the body where the cavity end opening is located.

In an embodiment, the cavity is defined by walls of the body and wherein the cavity opens through at least one of these walls to provide operable access to the lock when the lock is engaging the locking surface.

In an embodiment, the first region of the locking surface is disposed generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body and the second region of the locking surface is disposed transverse to longitudinal axis of the body.

In an embodiment, the wear member comprises a stop to limit movement of the lock with respect to the locking surface. In an embodiment, the stop comprises an abutment surface for the lock to abut, the abutment surface disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the wear member.

Disclosed in some embodiments, is a wear assembly for a digging device, the wear assembly comprising:

first and second wear members, the wear members each having an engaging portion configured to interengage to bring the wear members into an assembled condition; a lock for locking the wear members in their assembled condition, the lock configured to pivot between a releasing configuration in which the first and second wear members are able to be brought out of their assembled condition and a locking configuration in which the lock locks the first and second wear members in their assembled condition; and

Disclosed in some embodiments, is a lock for locking first and second wear members of a wear assembly that are attached to a digging device in an assembled condition, the lock comprising;

a first lock member configured to engage the first wear member; and

In an embodiment, the first lock member is capable of translating relative to the pivot axis when the lock is pivoted.

In an embodiment, movement of the first lock member relative to the pivot axis occurs against a bias.

In an embodiment, the lock comprises a resilient member configured to provide a bias against the movement of the first lock member with respect to the pivot axis.

In an embodiment, the resilient member is disposed between the first and second lock members. In an embodiment, the first lock member is elongate along a first longitudinal axis and the second lock member is elongate along a second longitudinal axis, wherein when the first and second lock members are coupled together their respective first and second longitudinal axis are arranged transverse to each other. In an embodiment, the translation of the first lock member occurs in the direction of the first longitudinal axis. In an embodiment, the second longitudinal axis of the second lock member defines the pivot axis.

In an embodiment, the first lock member has an elongate recess extending in the direction of the first longitudinal axis and when the first and second lock members are coupled together, the second lock member is received in the recess.

In an embodiment, the resilient member is disposed within the first lock member recess. In an embodiment, the second lock member has a projection which is engaged by the first lock member when the first and second lock members are coupled together such that when one of the lock members is pivoted, the other member is caused to pivot.

In an embodiment, the projection of the second lock member is received in the elongate recess of the first lock member.

Disclosed in some embodiments, is a wear assembly for a digging device, the wear assembly comprising first and second wear members, one of the wear members having a projection that is configured to be received in a cavity of the other wear member in an assembled condition, the excavation tooth assembly also comprising a lock comprising: a first lock member configured to engage the first wear member; and

Disclosed in some embodiments, is a method of locking first and second wear members of a wear assembly in an assembled condition, the method comprising:

engaging an engagement portion of a lock with the first wear member;

engaging a pivot arrangement of the lock with the second wear member;

pivoting the lock about the pivot arrangement to move the lock into a locking configuration in which it locks the wear members in their assembled condition; and

applying a biasing force to the lock to retain the lock in its locking configuration.

Disclosed in some embodiments, is a method of locking first and second wear members of a wear assembly in an assembled condition, the method comprising: receiving a projection of one of the wear members into a cavity of the other wear member to bring the wear members into their assembled condition;

coupling first and second lock members together and engaging the first lock member with the first wear member and the second lock member with the second wear member; and pivoting the lock about a pivot axis defined by the second lock memberto a locking configuration to lock the wear members in their assembled condition, wherein the lock members are configured such that said pivoting of the lock causes the first lock member to translate with respect to the pivot axis.. Disclosed in some embodiments is a wear assembly for a digging device, the wear assembly comprising first and second wear members, one of the wear members having a projection extending along a projection axis, the projection configured to be received in a cavity of the other wear member in an assembled condition, the excavation tooth assembly also comprising a lock operative to adopt a locking configuration in which the lock locks the first and second wear members in their assembled condition and a releasing configuration whereafter the first and second wear members are able to be brought out of their assembled condition, the lock comprising: an engagement portion configured to engage a locking surface of the first wear member; and a pivot arrangement configured to engage the second wear member and about which the lock pivots when moved between its releasing configuration and its locking configuration, wherein pivoting of the lock to its locking configuration applies a force on the wear members in the direction of the projection axis.

Disclosed in some embodiments is a cover for protecting a lock in a wear assembly for a digging device, the cover comprising:

a cavity formed in the body and adapted to receive the portion of the lock over which the body is located.

Disclosed in some embodiments is a wear assembly for a digging device, the wear assembly comprising:

a cover configured to at least partially close the locking space. In an embodiment, the cover comprises a body having a profile corresponding to the shape of an opening of the locking space.

Referring to Figures 1 - 9C, there is shown a wear assembly 10 for attachment to a dredging cutter head according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The wear assembly 10 comprises a first wear member in the form of a holder 11 (or adapter), a second wear member in the form of a tooth 12 (or point), and a lock 13 for locking the tooth 12 to the holder 1 1 when they are in an assembled condition.

The holder 1 1 comprises a body 20 extending along a longitudinal axis between a forward end 21 and a rearward end 22. The rearward end 22 of the holder 11 has a mounting portion 22a that is configured to be mounted to a dredging cutter head by, for example, welding. The holder 1 1 has a cavity 23 formed in its body 20 for receiving a portion of the tooth 12 when the tooth is assembled with the holder. The cavity 23 extends into holder body from an opening 24 at the holder's forward end 21. The forward end opening 24 of the cavity 23 is narrower than the width of the forward end 21 of the holder 1 1 so as to define internal, rearward facing surfaces 25a, b in the cavity 23 to either side of the opening 24. The cavity 23 also opens through an opening 26 in one of the walls of the holder that defines the cavity. In the illustrated embodiment the opening 26 is located in the top wall 27. The top wall opening 26 is to provide operable access to the lock 13 as will be described in further detail below.

A bottom surface 28 or floor of the cavity 23 faces the top wall opening 26. A ridge 29 extends along this bottom surface 28 of the cavity from the forward end opening 24. The ridge 29 is provided to support a portion of the tooth 12 when it is assembled with the holder 11 as will be described in further detail below. The ridge 29 defines bottom surface portions 28a, b to either side of the ridge. Each bottom surface portion 28a, b forms a continuous surface 30 with respective rearward facing surfaces 25a, b formed at either side of the cavity's forward end opening 24. The rearward facing surfaces 25a, b extend from respective bottoms surface portions 28a, b to the top wall 27. The rearward face surfaces 25a, b each have a recess 31 formed therein defined on one side by a shoulder 35 (see Figures 2 and 9A) . The top wall 27 of the cavity 23 extends rearwardly from where it joins to the rearward facing surfaces 25a, b to define an overhang portion 32 that faces towards the bottom surface 28 of the cavity 23 and defines the other side of the recess 31 to the shoulder 35. The shoulder also divides each surface 30 into a respective first curved region and a respective second curved region which provides the recess 31. The tooth 12 comprises a body 40 extending along a longitudinal axis from a forward end 41 which in use engages the ground and a rearward end 42. The tooth 12 also comprises a rearwardly extending projection 43 that provides an engaging portion for interengagement with the holder 1 1. The projection 43 of the tooth 12 extends along a projection axis which in the illustrated embodiment is at about 20 - 40° from parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tooth body 40. The projection 43 is configured to be received in the cavity 23 of the holder 1 1 through the forward end opening 24, when the tooth 12 is assembled with the holder 1 1 in an assembled condition. The projection 43 extends from a rearward facing wall 44 of the tooth 12. Side walls 45, 46 and a bottom wall 47 also extend rearwardly from the rearward facing wall 44 of the tooth 12 to define a cavity 48 around the projection 43. The cavity 48 of the tooth 12 is shaped to accommodate the forward end 21 of the holder body 20. The respective side walls and bottom wall 45-47 of the tooth 12 are shaped to be in

corresponding engagement with the outer surfaces of the side walls and bottom wall of the holder body 20 when the tooth 12 and the holder are in their assembled condition. The projection 43 of the tooth 12 also has a recess 49 formed therein to define a hook portion 50 at its rearward end. When the tooth 12 is in its assembled condition with the holder 1 1 , the hook portion 50 is received in the cavity 23 of the holder 1 1 with the projection 43 engaging and supported by the ridge 29 that is provided along the bottom surface 28 of the holder cavity 23. The lock 13 is shown in greater detail in Figures 5 and 6. The lock 13 comprises an assembly of first and second lock members 60, 61 and first and second resilient members in the form of identical elastomeric blocks 70, 7 .

The first lock member 60 comprises first and second elongate portions which define lock bodies 62, 63 that are joined by a web 78. The lock bodies 62, 63 are substantially identical to each other. The lock bodies 62, 63 are arranged parallel to each other, extending along parallel longitudinal axis. Each lock body 62, 63 has a recess 64 and 65 respectively, formed therein, and which extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis of their respective elongate portion. The recesses 64, 65 each open to the sides of their respective lock bodies 62, 63 so as to define laterally extending apertures through each of the elongate portions. The recesses 64, 65 each extend beyond their respective side openings and into the web 78. The web 78 connects the first and second lock bodies 62, 63 at one of their ends. At their opposite ends, each of the first and second lock bodies 62, 63 have a rounded end surface 66.

The second lock member 61 comprises an elongate portion in the form of a cylindrical rod 67 that extends along a longitudinal axis. At opposed ends of the rod 67, the second lock member 61 has projections 68, 69 extending from the rod 67 parallel to each other and transverse to the longitudinal axis of the rod 67.

The lock 13 is assembled by coupling the second lock member 61 to the first lock member 60. This involves inserting the second lock member 61 into the recesses 64, 65 formed in the first and second lock bodies 62, 63 of the first lock member 60. The second lock member 61 is so inserted by sliding it through the side openings of each of the recesses 64, 65 until the projections 68, 69 of the second lock member 61 are aligned with the recesses 64, 65. The second lock member 61 is then translated parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first lock member's lock bodies 62, 63 so that the projections 68, 69 of the second long member are received in the portions of the respective recesses 64, 65 that extend beyond their side openings. In this arrangement, the second lock member 61 cannot move laterally out of its coupling with the first lock member 60. Also, the rod 67 is positioned so that it extends between the first and second lock bodies 62, 63 of the first lock member.

The elastomeric blocks 70, 71 are then inserted into the respective recesses 64, 65 of each of the first lock member's lock bodies 62, 63 through their side openings. The elastomeric blocks 70, 71 are disposed between the portions of the rod 67 that are received in the recesses 64, 65 and the opposed end of the respective recess. In this arrangement, the elastomeric blocks 70, 71 , because they are resiliently deformable, provide a resilient biasing force on the second lock member 61 in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the first lock member's lock bodies 62, 63. This bias is applied to the second lock member 61 such that the projections 68, 69 are retained within the portions of the respective recesses 64, 65 which extend beyond their side openings and hence maintains the first and second lock members 60, 61 in their coupled arrangement.

The lock bodies 62, 63 each have lips 72 formed around the side openings of their recesses 64, 65 to hold the respective elastomeric blocks 70, 71 in the recesses. In addition, each of the elastomeric blocks 70, 71 are provided with grooves 73 in their sides and holes 74 through the blocks to enable the blocks to minimise the blocks bulging out of their respective recesses 64, 65 when they are placed under compression. With reference to Figures 9A - 9C, assembly of the wear assembly 10, whereby the tooth 12 and holder 11 are locked in their assembled condition by the lock 13 will now be described.

The tooth 12 is first brought into the assembled condition with the holder 11 by inserting the projection 43 of the tooth 12 into the cavity 23 of the holder 1 1 through the cavity's forward end opening 24. In this condition, the projection 43 engages the ridge 29 on the bottom surface 28 of the cavity 23.

The assembled lock 13 is then brought into engagement with the assembled tooth 12 and holder 1 1 by engaging the second lock member rod 67 with the hook portion recess 49 of the tooth 12 and engaging the end surface 66 of each of the first lock member's lock bodies 62, 63 with respective bottom surface portions 28a, b of the holder's cavity 23. The lock 13 is brought into this engagement by inserting the lock 13 into the cavity 23 of the holder 11 through the opening 26 in the top wall 27. The first lock member's lock bodies 62, 63 are disposed on either side of the ridge 29 in the holder cavity 23. After being initially brought into engagement with the tooth 12 and the holder 1 1 , the lock is in a releasing configuration from where it can be easily removed from the wear assembly and the tooth removed from the holder. That is, the lock 13 is not yet locking the tooth and holder in their assembled condition. This releasing configuration of the lock 13 with the tooth and holder is shown in detail in Figure 9A.

To bring the lock 13 into a locking configuration where it locks the tooth 12 and the holder 1 1 in their assembled condition, the lock is pivoted about a pivot axis which is defined by the longitudinal axis of the second lock member rod 67 (as shown in Figure 9B). The pivoting is achieved by applying a pivoting force on the first lock member 60. Advantageously, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, this can be achieved using a leverage tool 75 to grip the web 78 of the first lock member, which substantially reduces the force required from an operator to lock and unlock the wear assembly. Because the projections 68, 69 of the second lock member 61 are received into the recesses 64, 65 of the first lock member, the pivoting of the first lock member 60 also causes the second lock member to pivot about the axis defined by the rod 67.

As the lock 13 is pivoted, the end surface 66 of each of the first lock member's lock bodies 62, 63 act as engagement portions, remaining in engagement with the respective continuous surfaces 30 defined by the bottom surface portions 28a, b and rearward facing surfaces 25a, b of the tooth cavity 23. These continuous surfaces 30 of the holder 1 1 thus provide a locking surface over which the first lock member 60 travels in use. The rounded shape of the end surfaces 66 of the first lock member's lock bodies 62, 63 ensures smooth travel over the locking surfaces 30.

The locking surfaces 30 each curve from the bottom surfaces portions 28a, b to the rearward facing surfaces 25a, b. The first regions of the locking surfaces 30 curve up to the respective shoulders 35 provided on the locking surfaces. The first regions have a centre of curvature which is offset from the pivot axis of the lock 13 defined by the second lock member rod 67. This means that as the lock 13 is pivoted, the first lock member 60 is caused to translate with respect to the pivot axis defined by the second lock member 61 and thus with respect to the second lock member as the first lock member pivots. Because the second member rod 67 is fixed axially with respect to the tooth 12, by receipt in the hook portion recess 49, the first lock member 60 also translates with respect to holder 11 as it pivots. This translation of the first lock member 60 occurs in the axial direction of the first lock member's lock bodies 62, 63. The elastomeric blocks 70, 71 provide a bias against this translation of the first lock member 60 with respect to the second lock member 61 and hence a biasing force against the pivoting of the lock 13. The result of this bias provided by the elastomeric blocks 70, 71 is that as the lock 13 is pivoted towards a locking configuration, the lock 13 applies an axial bias on the tooth 12, rearwardly, drawing it onto the holder 11. That is, a force is applied to the tooth 12 in the direction of the tooth projection's axis. Advantageously, this serves not only to lock the tooth and holder in the assembled configuration, but also to tighten the engagement of the tooth with the holder and to provide take up for wear during use.

As the lock 13 is continued to be pivoted, the biasing force provided by the elastomeric blocks 70, 71 increases as the blocks 70, 71 are compressed. The pivoting continues until the first lock member's lock bodies 62, 63 overcome and are moved past the respective shoulders 35 on the locking surfaces 30. At this point, the lock bodies 62, 63 are aligned with the respective recesses 31 formed in the rearward facing surfaces 25a, b of the holder cavity 23. As shown in Figure 9C, under the biasing force provided by the elastomeric blocks 70, 71 , the first lock member's lock bodies 62, 63 are released into respective recesses 31. The lock 13 is now in its locking configuration. In the locking configuration, the elastomeric blocks 70, 71 continue to apply a biasing force on the first and second lock members 60, 61 away from each other. This biasing force retains the lock 13 in its locking configuration by providing a force on the second lock member rod 67 into the hook portion recess 49 of the tooth 12 and in the opposite direction on the first lock member's lock bodies 62, 63 towards their engagement with the recesses 31 formed in the rearward facing surfaces 25a, b of the holder 1 1. The biasing force provided by the lock, accordingly, limits movement of the tooth 12 axially away from the holder 1 1 . Thus, the tooth 12 is locked in its assembled condition with the holder 11. Advantageously, the elastomeric blocks 70, 71 provide some flexibility to this locking arrangement so that it is not too stiff and excessive loads on the wear assembly 10 in use can, at least in part, be absorbed without damage being caused to components of the assembly.

Ends of the first member's lock bodies 62, 63 are captured in and held in respective recesses 31 behind the shoulders 35 so as to retain the lock 13 in its locking configuration. In this configuration the lock bodies 62, 63 of the first lock member 60 are disposed with their longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the projection axis of the tooth 12. The overhang portion 32 provided by the top wall 27 of the holder cavity 23 prevents the lock 13 from inadvertently pivoting past the recesses 31 and beyond its locking configuration either during locking of the tooth and holder in their assembled condition or during use of the wear assembly 10. To disassemble the wear assembly 10, for example to replace a worn or broken component, the reverse of the above described process is carried out. This includes pivoting the lock 13 from its locking configuration to its releasing configuration. Initially, this pivoting will need to overcome the minimum force required to bring the ends of the first lock member's lock bodies 62, 63 over the respective shoulders 35 and out of respective recesses 31.

Referring now to Figures 10 - 15C, a wear assembly 1 10 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. The wear assembly 110 of Figures 10 - 15C is similar to the wear assembly 10 of Figures 1 - 9C. In particular, the wear assembly 1 10 incorporates an identical lock 13. This demonstrates how, advantageously, the same lock 13 can be used with wear members according to different embodiments of the present disclosure.

The wear assembly 110 of Figures 10 - 15C is also for attachment to a dredging cutter head and comprises a first wear member in the form of a holder 1 1 1 (or adapter) and a second wear member in the form of a tooth 1 12 (or point), as well as the lock 13. The projection 143 of the tooth 1 12 that provides an engaging portion for interengagement with the holder 1 11 by being received in the cavity 123 of the holder 1 1 1 , in this illustrated embodiment, extends along a projection axis that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the tooth's body 140 (the projection axis is at about 70 - 90° to the longitudinal axis). This means that when the tooth 112 is in its assembled condition with the holder 1 1 1 , the respective bodies 120, 140 of the holder 1 1 1 and the tooth 1 12 are disposed with their longitudinal axis transverse to each other. The lock 13, when in its locking configuration, however, applies a force to the tooth 112 in the direction of the tooth projection's axis, so as to draw the tooth 1 12 onto the holder 11 1.

Referring now to Figures 16 - 24C, a wear assembly 210 according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Similar features of the wear assembly 210 of Figures 16- 24C with the wear assembly of Figures 1 - 9C have been designated with the same reference number but prefixed with the numeral 2. The wear assembly 210 comprises a first wear member in the form of an adapter 211 , a second wear member in the form of a point 212, and a lock 213 for locking the point 212 to the adapter 21 1 when they are in an assembled condition.

The adapter 21 1 comprises a body 220 extending along a longitudinal axis between a forward end 221 and a rearward end 222. The rearward end 222 has a mounting portion 222a that is configured to be mounted to a dredging cutter head by, for example, welding. The forward end 221 defines a nose projection 280 that extends along a projection axis that is parallel with the longitudinal axis of the adapter body 220. The top surface 281 of the nose projection 280 has a recess 282 formed therein which is engaged by the lock 213 as will be explained in further detail below. A raised portion 283 is formed on the top surface 281 at the forward end 222 of the adapter body 220. The raised portion 283 forms a rearward facing surface 284 and a stop surface 285 that extends transversely from the rearward facing surface 284. The purpose of these surfaces 284, 285 will also be explained in further detail below.

The point 212 comprises a body 240 extending along a longitudinal axis from a forward end 241 which in use engages the ground and a rearward end 242. A cavity 290 extends into the body 240 from an opening 291 in the rearward end 242. The cavity 290 is configured to receive the nose projection 280 of the adapter 211 when the point 212 is brought into its assembled configuration with the adapter. The cavity 290 has a lock receiving portion 292 that opens through an opening 293 in one of the walls of the point 212 that defines the cavity. In the illustrated embodiment the lock receiving portion 292 and its associated opening 293 is located in the top wall 294. The top wall opening 294 provides operable access to the lock 213 that, when assembled in the wear assembly 210, is located within the lock receiving portion 292 of the point cavity 290. A locking surface 230, which in use is engaged by the lock 213, is formed by the lock receiving portion 292 of the cavity 290 in the top wall 294. The locking surface 230 curves from a side surface portion 295 to a forward facing surface portion 296. A shoulder 235 is provided on the locking surface 230 which divides the surface into first and second curved regions The second curved region defines a recess 231 provided in the forward facing surface portion 296 of the lock receiving portion 292 of the cavity 290.

The lock 213 is shown in greater detail in Figures 18 and 19. The lock 213 comprises an assembly of first and second lock members 260, 261 and a single resilient member in the form of an elastomeric block 270.

The first lock member 260 comprises an elongate portion which defines a lock body 262 that extends along a longitudinal axis. The lock body 262 has a recess 264 formed therein and which extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the lock body. The recess 264 opens to the sides of the lock body 262 so as to define a laterally extending aperture through the elongate portion. The recess 264 extends beyond its side openings into an end 297 of the lock body 262. At the opposite end the lock body 262 has a rounded end surface 266 which provides an engagement portion for engaging the locking surface 230.

The second lock member 261 comprises an elongate portion in the form of a cylindrical rod 267 that extends along a longitudinal axis. At one end of the rod 267, the second lock member 261 has a projection 268 extending from the rod 267 and a head portion 298. As illustrated in Figures 22 and 23, the head portion 298 provides a location for engaging a tool 276 with the lock 213 to operate the lock.

The lock 213 is assembled by coupling the second lock member 261 to the first lock member 260. This involves inserting the second lock member 261 into and through the side opening of the recess 264 until the projection 268 of the second lock member 261 is aligned with the recess 264. In the illustrated embodiment, this is when the head portion 298 of the second lock member 261 engages the side of first lock member's lock body 262. The second lock member 261 is then translated parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first lock member's lock body 262 so that the projection 268 of the second long member is received in the part of the recess 264 that extends into the end 297 of the elongate portion beyond the recess side openings. In this arrangement, the second lock member 261 cannot move laterally out of its coupling with the first lock member 260.

The elastomeric block 270 is then inserted into the recess 264 through one of the side openings. The elastomeric block 270 is disposed between the portion of the rod 267 that is received in the recess 264 and the opposed end of the recess. In this arrangement, the elastomeric block 270, because it is resiliently deformable, provides a biasing force on the second lock member 261 in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the first lock member's lock body 262. This bias is applied to the second lock member 261 such that the projection 268 is retained within the portion of the recess 264 which extends into the end 297 of the lock body 262 and hence maintains the first and second lock members 260, 261 in their coupled arrangement. The lock body 262 has lips 272 formed around the side openings of the recess 264 to hold the elastomeric block 270 in the recess.

With reference to Figures 24A - 24C, assembly of the wear assembly 210, whereby the point 212 and adapter 21 1 are locked in their assembled condition by the lock 213 will now be described.

The point 212 is first brought into the assembled condition with the adapter 211 by placing the point 212 over the adapter 21 1 such that the projection 280 of the adapter 21 1 is received into the cavity 290 of the point 212 through the cavity's rearward end opening 291. In this arrangement, a space is defined by the top surface 281 of the adapter projection 280 and the lock receiving portion 292 of the point cavity 290. The lock 213 is to be located in this space in order to lock the point and the adapter in their assembled condition.

The assembled lock 213 is brought into engagement with the assembled point 212 and adapter 211 by engaging the end of second lock member rod 267 that is distal from its head portion 298, with the recess 282 formed in the top surface 281 of the adapter projection 280. The end surface 266 of the first lock member's lock body 262 is also engaged with the side surface portion 295 of the locking surface defined in the point 212. The lock 213 is brought into this engagement with the point and the adapter by inserting the lock 213 into the cavity 290 of the point 212 through the opening 293 in the top wall 294. The top wall opening 293 is shaped as a keyway such that, because of the length of the first lock member's lock body 262, it can only be inserted in the correct orientation with respect to the assembled point and adapter.

After being initially brought into engagement with the point 212 and the adapter 211 , the lock is in a releasing configuration from where it can be easily removed from the wear assembly and the point removed from the adapter. That is, the lock 213 is not yet locking the point and adapter in their assembled condition. This releasing configuration of the lock 213 with the point and adapter is shown in detail in Figure 24A.

To bring the lock 213 into a locking configuration where it locks the point 212 and the holder 21 1 in their assembled condition, the lock is pivoted about a pivot axis defined by the longitudinal axis of the second lock member rod 267 (as shown in Figure 24B). This is carried out using the tool 276 to engage and apply a pivoting force to the head portion 298 of the second lock member 261. Because the projection 268 of the second lock member is received in the recess 264 of the first lock member 260, the application of the pivoting force also causes the first lock member 260 to pivot. As the lock 213 is pivoted, the end surface 266 of the first lock member's lock body 262 remains in engagement with and travels over the locking surfaces 230 provided in the top wall of the point cavity 290.

The locking surface 230 is configured so that the curve from the side surface portion 295 to the forward facing surface portion up to the shoulder 235 has a centre of curvature which is offset from the pivot axis of the lock 113 defined by the second lock member rod

267.Accordingly, as the lock 213 is pivoted, the first lock member 260, through its engagement with the locking surface 230, is caused to translate with respect to the pivot axis defined by the second lock member 261 and thus with respect to the second lock member as the first lock member pivots. Because the second member rod 267 is fixed axially with respect to the adapter 21 1 , by receipt in the top surface recess 282, the first lock member 260 also translates with respect to the point 12 as it pivots. The translation of the first lock member with respect to the second lock member occurs in the axial direction of the first lock member's lock body 262. The elastomeric block 270 provides a biasing force against this translation of the first lock member 260 with respect to the second lock member 261 and hence a biasing force against the pivoting of the lock 213. The result of this bias provided by the elastomeric block 270 is that as the lock 213 is pivoted towards a locking configuration, the lock 213 applies an axial bias on the point 212, rearwardly, drawing it onto the adapter 21 1. That is, a force is applied to the tooth 212 in the direction of the adapter projection's axis.

The pivoting continues until the first lock member's lock body 262 overcomes and is moved past the shoulder 235 on the locking surface 230. At this point, the lock body 262 is aligned with the recess 231 formed in the forward facing surface portion 296 in the point cavity 290. As shown in Figure 24C, under the biasing force provided by the elastomeric block 270, the first lock member's lock body 262 is released into the recess 231. At this point, the lock 213 is now in its locking configuration, in which the first lock member 260 is disposed with its longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the point 212 and the adapter. In the locking configuration, the elastomeric block 270 continues to apply a biasing force on the first and second lock members 260, 261 away from each other. This biasing force retains the lock 213 in its locking configuration by providing a force on the second lock member rod 267 towards its engagement with the forward surface of the recess 282 in the nose 280 of the adapter 211 and in the opposite direction on the first lock member's lock body 262 towards its engagement with the recess 231 formed in the forward facing surface 296 of the point 212

The stop surface 285 of the raised portion 283 on the adapter 21 1 provides a stop to prevent the lock 213 from inadvertently pivoting past the recesses 231 and beyond its locking configuration either during locking of the point and adapter in their assembled condition or during use of the wear assembly 210. The cavity opening 293 through the top wall 294 of the point 212 is also shaped to define an overhang portion 299 under which a portion of the first lock member 260 is disposed when the lock is in its locking configuration. This limits the lock 213 from moving vertically and thus prevents the lock 213 from inadvertently coming away from its engagement with the point 212 and adapter 21 1 when in its locking

configuration.

Also, when the lock 213 is in its locking configuration, the end 297 of the lock body 262 distal from the end surface 266 that engages the locking surface 230 abuts the rearward facing surface 284 of the raised portion 283 on the adapter nose 280. The lock body 262 is thus sandwiched between this rearward facing surface on the adapter 21 1 and a portion of the forward facing surface 296 (ie. the recess 231 ) on the point 212 when the lock is in its locking configuration. Advantageously, this further limits movement of the point 212 with respect to the adapter 21 1 and to thus retain the point and the adapter in their assembled condition.

To disassemble the wear assembly 210, for example to replace a worn or broken

component, the reverse of the above described process is carried out. This includes pivoting the lock 213 from its locking configuration to its releasing configuration. Initially, this pivoting will need to overcome the minimum force required to bring the end of the first lock member's lock body 262 out of the recess 231.

Referring now to Figures 25 - 28, a wear assembly 310 according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The wear assembly 310 is similar to the wear assembly of Figures 16 - 24C and corresponding features have been designated with the same reference number but prefixed with the numeral 3. The wear assembly 310 comprises a first wear member in the form of an adapter 311 , a second wear member in the form of a point 312 and a lock 313 for locking the point 312 to the adapter 31 1 when they are in an assembled condition. Similarly to the wear assembly of Figures 16 - 24C, the adapter 31 1 has a nose projection 380 that has a recess 382 formed therein which is engaged by the lock 313. The point 312 has a cavity 390 that is configured to receive the nose projection 380 when the point 312 is brought into its assembled configuration with the adapter. An opening 393 in a wall 394 of the cavity 290 is provided on the point to enable the lock 313 to be inserted into a lock receiving portion 393 of the cavity 390.

The lock 313 is similar to the lock 213 shown in Figures 18 and 19, comprising an assembly of first and second lock members 360, 361 and a resilient member in the form of an elastomeric block 370. The lock 313, however, has at least the following variations from the lock 213:

An end portion 386 of the first lock member's lock body 362 at which the end surface 366 that travels across the locking surface in the point 312 is bulbous such that the width of the end portion 386 is greater than the width of the rest of the lock body. The bulbous end 386 provides a tight fit for the end portion 386 when engaging with the point whilst the narrower sections of the lock body 362 are able to move relatively freely within the locking space that the lock 313 is received in. The end surface 366 of the lock body 362 (at the bulbous end portion 386) has a flat surface portion 387, orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the lock body. The flat surface portion 387 engages a corresponding flat surface portion on the point 312 when the lock 313 is in its locking configuration. The engaged flat surface portions reduce vibration in the wear assembly 310 during use.

The rod 367 of the second lock member 361 incorporates a number of variations from the rod 267 of the lock 213 in Figures 18 and 9. At the opposite end of the rod 367 to the head portion 398, the rod has an enlarged end portion 388 of a greater cross-sectional size. The enlarged end portion 388 is the portion of the rod 367 that is received in the recess 382 of the adapter 311 to engage the lock 313 to the adapter and about which the lock is pivoted between releasing and locking configurations. Enlarging this end portion 388 (relative to the remainder of the rod 367) increases the strength of this component of the lock 313, which in use is subjected to high forces. The enlarged end portion 388 is substantially cylindrical in shape. However, in further variations, the enlarged end portion may be tapered so that it reduces in diameter towards the end of the rod or may be provided with parallel flat sides. These variations provide lead or guide surfaces on the rod 367 for when the rod is inserted into the recess 382 of the adapter 31 1 , which ensures contact around the perimeter of the rid and the recess. As a result the rod 367 is stabilised and centred in the recess 382 of the adapter 311 which reduces vibration in the excavation tooth assembly 310 during use.

A further variation in the lock 313 is that the projection 368 from the rod 267 and also the recess 364 formed in the lock body 362 of the first lock member 360 have a substantially rectangular cross-section. This shaping increases the stability of the engagement of the projection 368 in the recess 364 and thus the coupling of the first and second lock members 360, 361. The wear assembly 310 of Figures 25 - 28 also comprises a cover 300 that is adapted in use to protect the lock 313. The cover 300 is also adapted to provide protection to surfaces of the adapter 312 and the point 31 1 which form the locking space in which the lock 313 is received. The cover 300 is in the form of a plate having an elongate body 302 that is shaped with a profile that generally corresponds with the shape of the opening 393 in the point 312 through which the lock 313 is inserted. The cover body 302 also has a profile that is similar to the profile of the lock's first member 360 such that, in use, the cover body 302 overlays the first member 360 of the lock. The cover 300 is used to protect the lock 313 by attaching the cover to the lock such that the cover closes the opening 393. When the cover 300 is attached to the lock 313 and residing in the opening 393 in an operating position, the cover 300 is entirely below the external surface of the point 312. This is to protect the cover 300 from wear during use of the wear assembly 310. The opening 393 is provided with a step 379 on which the cover 300 sits to close the opening. The step 379 is located below the external surface of the point 312. The step 379 extends around the perimeter of the opening 393.

The cover body 302 has a central portion 303 that is depressed relative to opposed end portions 305a,b. The central portion 303 thus forms a cavity in the cover 300. The depressed central portion 303 is shaped to enable access by a tool to engage the lock 313 to pivot the lock between its locking and releasing configurations.

An aperture 306 is provided through the cover body 302 and is adapted to allow a portion of the lock 313, specifically the head portion 398, to fit through the aperture 306. Thus, the cover 300 is attached to the lock 313 by moving the aperture 306 over the head portion 398 of the lock's second member 261. The through hole 306 is located in the central portion 303 of the body 302. As a result, when the cover 300 is attached to the lock 313, the head portion 398 of the lock resides in the cavity formed by the depressed central portion 303 of the cover body. This provides protection to the head portion when the wear assembly 310 is in use. The aperture 306 is substantially rectangular in cross-sectional shape in conformity with the cross-sectional shape of the head portion 398. However, the aperture may be of other shapes. The aperture 306 is configured to centre the rod 367 of the lock 313 and resist tilting of the rod 367 in use. The aperture 306 in the cover body 302 is aligned with the recess 382 of the adapter 311 when the cover 300 is inserted into the opening 392 in the point 312.

Furthermore, the aperture 306 is shaped to have a close fit on at least two sides of the rod 367, thus limiting the amount the rod can tilt in the recess 382 of the adapter 311 .

Referring to Figure 26A, the cover 300 and the lock 313 are shown assembled with the point 31 1 and the adapter 312 with the lock 313 in its releasing configuration. In this

configuration, the aperture 306 of the aperture is aligned with the head portion 398 of the lock. To pivot the lock 313 into its locking configuration a tool is engaged with the head portion 398 of the lock and rotated about 90 - 120°. The lock 313 is shown in its locking configuration in Figures 26B and 26C. In the locked configuration, the head portion 398 of the lock is realigned with respect to the aperture 306 such that edges of the head portion 398 overly edges of the cover's body 302 defining the aperture 306. This holds the cover 300 in position in the opening 393 of the point 31 1 including during use of the wear assembly 310.

Referring now to Figures 29 to 34, an insert 400 for use with a wear assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The cover 400 is adapted for use with the lock 313 as shown in Figures 25 - 28. The cover 400 of Figures 29 to 34 is thus similar to the cover 300 of Figures 25 - 28 and is provided with the same reference numbers, except prefixed with the numeral 4.

The cover comprises a body 402 which is adapted to be positioned over a head portion 398 of the lock 313 to provide protection. The body 402 is generally elongate and shaped to correspond with the shape of the first lock member 360. The cover body 402 includes an internal cavity 403 which is defined by wall portions 404a, b located at the ends of the body 402. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 29 - 34, the wall portions 404a, b are spaced from one another to enable access by a tool to the head portion 398 of the lock 313 to pivot the lock between its releasing and locking configurations. However, in other embodiments, the wall portions could comprise a unitary wall extend about the perimeter of the body 402. A throughhole or aperture 406 extends from the cavity 403 and is adapted to allow a portion of the lock 413, specifically the pin 398 to pass through the aperture 406 and into the cavity 403 to be protected by the cover 400. Referring now to Figures 35 and 36, a lock 513 according to another embodiment of the disclosure is shown. The lock 513 is adapted for use with the wear assemblies 10, 1 10 shown in Figures 1 - 15C in place of the lock 13 illustrated in those Figures. Similar features of the lock 513 of Figures 35 and 36 have been given the same reference numbers but prefixed with the numeral 5.

The lock 513 comprises an assembly of first and second lock members 560, 561 and first and second resilient members in the form of identical elastomeric blocks 570, 571.

The first lock member 560 comprises first and second elongate portions which define lock bodies 562, 563 that are joined by a web 578. The lock bodies 562, 563 are substantially identical to each other. The lock bodies 562, 563 are arranged parallel to each other, extending along parallel longitudinal axis. Each lock body 562, 563 has a recess 564 and 565 respectively, formed therein, and which extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis of their respective elongate portion. The recesses 564, 565 each open to the sides of their respective lock bodies 562, 563 so as to define laterally extending apertures through each of the elongate portions. The recesses 564, 565 each extend beyond their respective side openings and into the web 578. Further, the recesses 564, 565 each have openings 589 through the end of their respective lock bodies 562, 563 at which the web 578 connects the first and second lock bodies.

At their opposite ends, each of the first and second lock bodies 562, 563 have an end portion 586 that is bulbous such that the width of the end portion 586 is greater than the width of the rest of the lock body. The bulbous end 586 provides a tight fit for the end portion 586 when engaging with the adapter whilst the narrower sections of the respective lock bodies 562, 563 are able to move relatively freely within the locking space that the lock 513 is received in.

The end surface 566 of each lock body 562, 563 (at respective bulbous end portions 586) has a flat surface portion 587, orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the lock body. The flat surface portion 587 engages a corresponding flat surface portion on the adapter 511 when the lock 513 is in its locking configuration. The engaged flat surface portions reduce vibration in the wear assembly during use. The first lock member 560 also comprises a projection 507 extending from the web 578 in a direction away from the lock bodies 562, 563. The projection 507 is gripped by a tool in use for pivoting the lock 513 between releasing and locking configurations.

The second lock member 561 comprises an elongate portion in the form of a cylindrical rod 567 that extends along a longitudinal axis. At opposed ends of the rod 567, the second lock member 561 has projections 568, 569 extending from the rod 567 parallel to each other and transverse to the longitudinal axis of the rod 567. As shown in Figure 36, the projections 568, 569 extend through respective openings 589 of the recesses 564, 566 of the first lock member 560 when the first and second lock members are assembled together.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding disclosure, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Accordingly, the present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particular

embodiments described in this application, which are intended as illustrations of various aspects. Many modifications and variations can be made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Functionally equivalent methods and apparatuses within the scope of the disclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing descriptions. Such

modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. The present disclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particular methods which can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described herein for purposes of illustration, and that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the various embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

A wear assembly for a digging device, the wear assembly comprising first and second wear members, one of the wear members having a projection configured to be received in a cavity of the other wear member in an assembled condition, the excavation tooth assembly also comprising a lock operative to adopt a locking configuration in which the lock locks the first and second wear members in their assembled condition and a releasing configuration whereafter the first and second wear members are able to be brought out of their assembled condition, the lock comprising:

a pivot arrangement configured to engage the second wear member and about which the lock pivots when moving between its releasing configuration and its locking configuration, wherein when in its locking configuration a biasing force is applied to the lock to retain the lock in its locking configuration.

A wear assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the lock is configured such that when it pivots, the pivot arrangement moves relative to the engagement portion.

A wear assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the pivot arrangement translates relative to the engagement portion when the lock pivots.

A wear assembly as claimed in claims 2 or 3, wherein the relative movement of the pivot arrangement with respect to the engagement portion creates the biasing force.

A wear assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 - 4 , wherein the pivot arrangement comprises a pivot member having an elongate portion having a longitudinal axis that defines a pivot axis about which the lock is configured to pivot.

A wear assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the second member has a coupling portion which the elongate portion defining the pivot axis is configured to engage.

A wear assembly as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein the second member has a recess in which the elongate portion defining the pivot axis is received.

A wear assembly as claimed in any one of claims 5 - 7, wherein the pivot arrangement is configured such that the elongate portion defining the pivot axis rotates when the lock is moved between its releasing configuration and its locking configuration.

9. A wear assembly as claimed in any one of claims 5 - 8, wherein the lock comprises a lock body that incorporates the engagement portion and wherein the lock body is operable to pivot when moving the lock from its releasing configuration to its locking configuration.

10. A wear assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein the engagement portion comprises an end surface of the lock body.

11. A wear assembly as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the lock body couples to the lock member having an elongate portion defining the pivot axis.

12. A wear assembly as claimed in any one of claims 9 - 11 , wherein the lock body

comprises a recess in which the elongate portion defining the pivot axis is received.

13. A wear assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the lock body recess is elongate to enable the lock arm to translate with respect to the elongate portion defining the pivot axis when moving the lock from its releasing configuration to its locking configuration.

14. A wear assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 - 13, wherein the lock is

configured so that when in its locking configuration, the engagement portion is biased into engagement with the first wear member and at least a part of the pivot arrangement is biased into engagement with the second wear member.

15. A wear assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 - 14, wherein the lock is

configured so that when it is moved from its releasing configuration to its locking configuration the biasing force has to be overcome.

16. A wear assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 - 15, wherein when the lock is in its locking configuration, the biasing force applied to the lock provides take-up between the first and wear members.

17. A wear assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 - 16, wherein the biasing force is provided by a resilient member.

18. A wear assembly as claimed in claim 17 when dependent on claim 9, wherein the resilient member is provided between the elongate portion defining the pivot axis and the lock body.

19. A wear assembly as claimed in claim 17 or 18 when dependent on claim 12, wherein the resilient member is located in the recess in the lock body.

20. A wear assembly as claimed in any one of claims 15-19, wherein the lock is operable such that the biasing force increases as the lock approaches its locking configuration.

21. A wear assembly as claimed in any one of claims 14-20, when dependent on claim 13, wherein the biasing force is applied to the lock body against the direction in which the lock body translates with respect to the elongate portion defining the pivot axis when moving the lock from its releasing configuration to its locking configuration.

22. A wear assembly as claimed in any one of claims 5-21 , wherein the pivot member comprises at least one projection from the elongate portion defining the pivot axis.

23. A wear assembly as claimed in claim 22 when dependent upon claim 9, wherein each projection from the elongate portion defining the pivot axis is configured to be received within the recess of the lock body whereby, when the lock body is pivoted, the pivot member is also caused to pivot.

24. A wear assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 - 23, wherein when the lock is in its releasing configuration the lock is capable of being removed from engagement with the first and second wear members, after which the first and second wear members are able to be brought out of their assembled condition.

25. A wear assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 - 23, wherein when the lock is in its releasing configuration, the first and second wear members are able to be brought out of their assembled condition with the lock engaged to one of the wear members or portions of the lock engaged to respective wear members.

26. A wear assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 - 25, wherein the locking surface curves to a shoulder, the engagement portion of the lock being disposed behind the shoulder when the lock is in its locking configuration so as to retain the lock in its locking configuration.

27. A wear assembly as claimed in claimed in claim 26, wherein the locking surface has a first curved region and a second curved region and the shoulder is disposed between the first and second curved regions.

28. A wear assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 - 27, wherein the first wear member has a recess in which the engagement portion of the lock is captured in the locking configuration so as to retain the lock in its locking configuration.

29. A wear assembly as claimed in claim 28 when dependent on claim 27, wherein the first wear member recess is provided by the second curved region of the locking surface.

30. A wear assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 - 29, wherein the first or second wear members have a stop to limit pivoting of the lock beyond its locking

configuration.

31. A wear assembly as claimed in claim 30, when dependent on claim 10, wherein the lock body is configured so that its opposite end to the end having the engagement portion engages the stop when the lock is in its locking configuration.

32. A lock for locking first and second wear members of a wear assembly in an

assembled condition in which a projection of one wear member is received in a cavity of the other wear member, the lock operable to adjust the lock between a locking configuration in which the lock locks the first and second wear members in their assembled condition and a releasing configuration whereafter the first and second wear members are able to be brought out of their assembled condition, the lock comprising:

33. A wear member for attachment to a digging device, the wear member comprising:

34. A wear member as claimed in claimed in claim 33, wherein the locking surface has a first curved region and a second curved region and the shoulder is disposed between the first and second curved regions.

35. A wear member as claimed in claim 33 or 34, wherein the wear member has a

recess for capturing a portion of the lock when the lock is in a locking configuration so as to retain the lock in this configuration.

36. A wear member as claim in claim 35 when dependent on claim 34, wherein the

recess is provided by the second curved region.

37. A wear member as claimed in any one of claims 33 - 36, wherein the engaging portion comprises a cavity extending into the body from the forward or rearward end in the direction of the body's longitudinal axis.

38. A wear member as claimed in claim 37, wherein the locking surface is an internal surface of the cavity.

39. A wear member as claimed in claim 37 or 38, wherein the cavity opens to the

forward or rear end of the body to receive a projection of the further wear member in an assembled condition, and wherein the second region of the locking surface is located at the end of the body where the cavity end opening is located.

40. A wear member as claimed in any one of claims 37 - 39, wherein the cavity is

defined by walls of the body and wherein the cavity opens through at least one of these walls to provide operable access to the lock when the lock is engaging the locking surface.

41. A wear member as claimed in any one of claims 37 - 40 when dependent on claim 34, wherein the first region of the locking surface is disposed generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body and the second region of the locking surface is disposed transverse to longitudinal axis of the body.

42. A wear member as claimed in any one of claims 33 - 41 , wherein the wear member comprises a stop to limit movement of the lock with respect to the locking surface.

43. A wear member as claimed in claim 42, wherein the stop comprises an abutment surface for the lock to abut, the abutment surface disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the wear member.

44. A wear assembly for a digging device, the wear assembly comprising:

first and second wear members, the wear members each having an engaging portion configured to interengage to bring the wear members into an assembled condition;

a lock for locking the wear members in their assembled condition, the lock configured to pivot between a releasing configuration in which the first and second wear members are able to be brought out of their assembled condition and a locking configuration in which the lock locks the first and second wear members in their assembled condition; and

45. A wear assembly as claimed in claim 44, wherein the first wear member is a wear member as claimed in any one of claims 33 - 43.

46. A lock for locking first and second wear members of a wear assembly that are

attached to a digging device in an assembled condition, the lock comprising;

a first lock member configured to engage the first wear member; and a second lock member configured to engage the second wear member and defining a pivot axis about which the lock is configured to pivot, wherein the first and second lock members couple to each other such that when the lock is pivoted about the pivot axis, the pivot axis is capable of moving relative to the first lock member.

47. A lack as claimed in claim 46, wherein the first lock member is capable of translating relative to the pivot axis when the lock is pivoted.

48. A lock as claimed in claim 46 or 47, wherein movement of the first lock member relative to the pivot axis occurs against a bias.

49. A lock as claimed in any one of claims 46 - 47, wherein the lock comprises a resilient member configured to provide a bias against the movement of the first lock member with respect to the pivot axis.

50. A lock as claimed in claim 49, wherein the resilient member is disposed between the first and second lock members.

51. A lock as claimed in any one of claims 46-50, wherein the first lock member is

elongate along a first longitudinal axis and the second lock member is elongate along a second longitudinal axis, wherein when the first and second lock members are coupled together their respective first and second longitudinal axis are arranged transverse to each other.

52. A lock as claimed in claim 51 , wherein the translation of the first lock member occurs in the direction of the first longitudinal axis.

53. A lock as claimed in claim 51 or 52, wherein the second longitudinal axis of the

second lock member defines the pivot axis.

54. A lock as claimed in any one of claims 51 - 53, wherein the first lock member has an elongate recess extending in the direction of the first longitudinal axis and when the first and second lock members are coupled together, the second lock member is received in the recess.

55. A lock as claimed in claim 46-54 when dependent on claim 49, wherein the resilient member is disposed within the first lock member recess.

56. A lock as claimed in any one of claims 46 - 55, wherein the second lock member has a projection which is engaged by the first lock member when the first and second lock members are coupled together such that when one of the lock members is pivoted, the other member is caused to pivot.

57. A lock as claimed in claim 56, when dependent on claim 47, wherein the projection of the second lock member is received in the elongate recess of the first lock member.

58. A wear assembly for a digging device, the wear assembly comprising first and second wear members, one of the wear members having a projection that is configured to be received in a cavity of the other wear member in an assembled condition, the excavation tooth assembly also comprising a lock comprising:

59. A wear assembly as claimed in 58, wherein the lock is a lock as claimed in any one of claims 46 - 57.

60. A method of locking first and second wear members of a wear assembly in an

assembled condition, the method comprising:

engaging an engagement portion of a lock with the first wear member;

engaging a pivot arrangement of the lock with the second wear member; pivoting the lock about the pivot arrangement to move the lock into a locking configuration in which it locks the wear members in their assembled condition; and applying a biasing force to the lock to retain the lock in its locking configuration.

61. A method of locking first and second wear members of a wear assembly in an

assembled condition, the method comprising:

coupling first and second lock members together and engaging the first lock member with the first wear member and the second lock member with the second wear member; and

pivoting the lock about a pivot axis defined by the second lock memberto a locking configuration to lock the wear members in their assembled condition, wherein the lock members are configured such that said pivoting of the lock causes the first lock member to translate with respect to the pivot axis..

62. A wear assembly for a digging device, the wear assembly comprising first and second wear members, one of the wear members having a projection extending along a projection axis, the projection configured to be received in a cavity of the other wear member in an assembled condition, the excavation tooth assembly also comprising a lock operative to adopt a locking configuration in which the lock locks the first and second wear members in their assembled condition and a releasing configuration whereafter the first and second wear members are able to be brought out of their assembled condition, the lock comprising: an engagement portion configured to engage a locking surface of the first wear member; and a pivot arrangement configured to engage the second wear member and about which the lock pivots when moved between its releasing configuration and its locking configuration, wherein pivoting of the lock to its locking configuration applies a force on the wear members in the direction of the projection axis.

63. A cover for protecting a lock in a wear assembly for a digging device, the cover

comprising:

64. A wear assembly for a digging device, the wear assembly comprising:

first and second wear members, one of the wear members having a projection configured to be received in a cavity of the other wear member in an assembled condition, the first and second wear members forming a locking space in the assembled condition;

a lock configured to be received in the locking space and operative to lock the first and second wear members in their assembled condition; and

a cover configured to at least partially close the locking space.

65. A wear assembly as claimed in claim 64, wherein the cover comprises a body having a profile corresponding to the shape of an opening of the locking space.