Swing lock mechanism

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention provides a swing lock mechanism for machines having an upper works rotatably mounted on a lower works by a swing bearing.
The swing lock mechanism is used to prevent the upper works from rotating relative to the lower works and can be used even while the machine is not being operated.
The swing lock mechanism of the present invention is connected to the drive shaft of a swing bearing drive assembly and comprises a swing lock plate, an annular pin support, and a plurality of locking pins.
The swing lock plate is affixed to the drive shaft and has at least one hole disposed about the axis of the drive shaft.
The annular pin support is fixed against rotation relative to the drive shaft and is disposed about the axis of the drive shaft.
The locking pins are supported by the annular pin support and are also disposed about the axis of the drive shaft.
The locking pins are arranged in such a manner so that at least one pin may engage a hole in the swing lock plate irrespective of the angular orientation of the swing lock plate relative to the annular pin support.
The preferred embodiment of the invention includes features in addition to those listed above.
Moreover, the advantages over the current art discussed above are directly applicable to the preferred embodiment, but are not exclusive.
The other features and advantages of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated when considered in relation to the detailed description of the preferred embodiment.