AU2014202627B2 - Coupling device - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract An automatic quick coupler (1) for mounting a working tool implement (2) to the distal end of an excavator's dipper or working arm (3). The coupler (1) includes a mounting assembly (7) for engaging the coupler to a pair of fixed, spaced mounting pins (9, 10) on an implement cleat. The mounting assembly (7) includes first and second locating docks (12, 14) moveable with respect to one another to cooperatively capture and retain the pins (9, 10). A locking mechanism (17) including a locking member (18) is provided to lock the mounting assembly so that it cannot transition from the closed configuration to the open configuration within a predetermined first angular orientation range of said coupler. 23 18 16 234 Figure 4A 32Fiur94 Figure 4B

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to coupling devices used to facilitate quick changeover between different work implements attached to machinery. While the invention is described with particular reference to earthmoving excavators or diggers it may also be applied to other types of heavy machinery where selective connection of equipment is required.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The following discussion of the prior art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the invention and to enable the advantages of it to be more fully understood. It should be appreciated, however, that any reference to prior art throughout the specification should not be construed as an express or implied admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

[0003] Generally, excavators or diggers include an excavator body having a dipper arm for manipulating a work tool attached to the distal end of the arm. Whilst historically, available work tools may have been limited to digging buckets, modern excavators have a wide variety of work tools and implements adapted for attachment to the arm, thereby increasing the efficiency and versatility of the host machine excavator.

[0004] These tools maybe selectively attached and detached from the excavator by way of coupler, or hitch, disposed on the distal end of the arm. This coupler mates with a cleat having a set of mounting formations located on each implement. Initially couplers were highly manual requiring insertion of bolts to secure each implement. However more recently, couplers include powered locking systems designed to speed up the attachment and detachment process. These couplers are known as quick couplers or quick hitches.

[0005] While current quick coupler design is adequate in its function, as will be seen, it relies on the manual insertion of a safety pin during operation to safeguard against inadvertent implement decoupling. Furthermore, in practice many operators neglect to insert the pin because it slows down operation, particularly if the operator must exit the excavator and personally insert the pin.

2014202627 08 Jun2018 [0006] Referring to Figure 1, a typical excavator coupler device 901 is attached to the distal end of an excavator’s dipper arm 902 to enable mounting of a working implement or tool 903. The coupler includes a coupler chassis 904 having a bracket 905 for attaching the coupler 901 to the arm 902 via pins 906 & 907. The bracket 905 and coupler chassis 904 are connected together by means of a pivot 908 which provides lateral pivoting of the coupler chassis 904 with respect to the dipper arm 902 if desired. In many embodiments however, no pivot is provided and the bracket 905 is attached directly to the chassis 904.

[0007] The chassis 904 includes a mounting assembly 909 for selective releasable engagement with a fixed cleat 910 disposed on each tool or implement 903. As can be seen in more detail in Figure 2, mounting assembly 909 includes a locating slot 911 and a latch mechanism 912. The slot and latch mechanism co-operate to captively retain respective engagement formations of cleat 910 in the form of pins 913 & 914.

[0008] The locating slot 911 is fixed and accepts the corresponding pin 913 of cleat 910. The latch mechanism 912 forms an openable retaining slot 915 for releasably retaining pin 914. The mechanism 912 includes an abutment surface 916 on the coupler chassis 904 and latch 917 moveable between an open position and a closed position as shown in Figure 2.

[0009] The latch 917 is hingedly mounted to the chassis about bearing 918 and may be moved between the open and closed positions by hydraulic actuator 919.

[0010] A safety locking pin 920 is provided to prevent the latch 917 inadvertently moving from the closed to the open position thereby releasing pin 914 and securement of implement 903.

[0011] A typical coupling process involves the excavator operator manoeuvring the excavator’s arm 902 and coupler to capture the front pin 913 of the working implement within the fixed locating slot 911 on the coupler. Ensuring the latch 917 is in the open position, the operator then further manoeuvres the arm 902, to rotate the implement 903 about the front pin 913 in the locating slot 911 such that pin 914 is seated appropriately against the abutment surface 916. This can be achieve by either pressing the implement against the ground or other object, or lifting the implement so that it rotates under its own weight. Either way, at this point the operator activates the coupler’s hydraulic actuator 919 to close the latch 917 thereby capturing pin 914 and securing the implement 903 to the arm 902.

2014202627 08 Jun2018 [0012] To prevent the latch from inadvertently moving into the open position and releasing pin 914, the operator (or another person nearby) manually inserts the safety pin 920 into a receiving hole in the chassis.

[0013] Referring to Figure 2, it will be appreciated that as depicted in the figure, a portion of the weight force of implement 903 is supported through pin 914 and latch 917. The latch is held in place by hydraulic actuator 919 and, which is locked and supported by safety pin 920. However if safety pin is not inserted for reasons previously noted, and the latch or actuator fail, or the operator inadvertently releases the actuator, the latch may move to the open position leaving pin 914 unsupported and the implement unsecured. This may result in one side of the implement suddenly falling, pivoting around pin 913 and/or slipping entirely from the coupler altogether. Such an occurrence is potentially hazardous to personnel and/or other equipment in the vicinity of the tool and may result in a serious injury or fatality.

[0014] While some designs for quick couplers with automatic locking have been developed, generally they require complex locking and unlocking procedures, and in many cases rely on a secondary lock to prevent the first pin dislodging whilst still allowing the second to be released. This may prevent the implement wholly detaching and falling, but may not prevent the implement suddenly shifting when the rear pin is inadvertently released.

[0015] Alternative quick coupler designs rely on complex mechanisms which are prone to failure and/or require multiple actuators. Fouling and jamming can also be a significant problem for many designs where the components are not positively forced into position.

[0016] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or substantially ameliorate one or more of the deficiencies of the prior art, or at least to provide a useful alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0017] Accordingly, the invention provides a coupler for mounting working implements to working machinery, said coupler including:

a coupler chassis for pivotal connection to said machinery for providing angular orientation adjustment of said coupler about a lateral rotation axis;

a mounting assembly for selectively releasably engaging the coupler to a pair of fixed, spaced mounting formations on an implement cleat, said mounting assembly

2014202627 08 Jun2018 including:

a first fixed component having a first dock for receiving and locating a first mounting formation of said pair of mounting formations; and a second moveable component having or forming part of a second dock, said second component for selectively retaining a second mounting formation of said pair of mounting formations in the second dock, wherein said second component is moveable between an open configuration and a closed configuration such that when said first formation is located in said first dock:

in the closed configuration, when said second formation is located in said second dock, said first and second components cooperatively retain said first and second formations in the respective docks thereby securing said implement to said coupler; and in the open configuration, the second formation is unrestrained by the second component;

an actuator for moving said second component between said open and closed configurations;

a locking mechanism mounted to said chassis, said mechanism including: a locking member moveable between an unlocked position allowing said second component to move between open and closed configurations and a locked position blocking said second component from moving into said open configuration from said closed configuration;

locking ballast providing gravitational locking bias urging the locking member toward the locked position over a predetermined first angular orientation range of said coupler with respect to gravity thereby preventing decoupling of an implement coupled with the coupler within the first angular orientation range; and wherein said locking mechanism is moveable between an unsecured position allowing movement of said locking member between locked and unlocked positions under the influence of said locking ballast, and a secured position whereby said locking member is moved to and confined in the locked position;

and wherein said actuator moves and confines said locking mechanism in the secured position when the mounting assembly is in the closed configuration.

[0018] Preferably, the locking mechanism includes confinement means for confining the locking member in the locked position.

[0019] Preferably, the locking mechanism includes an indicator for indicating when the locking mechanism is in the secured position.

2014202627 08 Jun 2018 [0020] Preferably, the indicator includes a visual indicator and/or an aural indicator.

[0021] Preferably, the locking member is hingedly mounted to the chassis.

[0022] Preferably, the locking member is urged by the bias means toward the unlocked position within a second angular orientation range of the coupler and wherein a transition between the first and second ranges is at a locking member transition angle of the coupler.

[0023] Preferably, the coupler is rotatable between: an unsafe angular orientation range; and a safe angular orientation range, and wherein a transition between the safe and unsafe ranges is at a safe transition angle of the coupler.

[0024] Preferably, the unsafe angular orientation range is predetermined so that the second formation of an attached implement is biased away from the second dock and seated engagement with the coupler due to the weight force of the implement [0025] Preferably, the safe angular orientation range is predetermined so that the second formation of an attached implement is biased toward seated engagement with the coupler due to the weight force of the implement.

[0026] Preferably, the locking member transition angle is configured to be at the safe transition angle.

[0027] Preferably, the locking member transition angle is configured to fall within the safe angular orientation range.

[0028] Preferably, the locking member transition angle is displaced from the safe transition angle by a safety margin angle θ and the safety margin angle Θ is greater than 10° and less than around 30°.

[0029] Preferably, the first and second formations are first and second mounting pins respectively.

[0030] Preferably, the second component is moveable with respect to the first component between open and closed positions corresponding to open and closed configuration of the mounting assembly respectively.

2014202627 08 Jun 2018 [0031] Preferably, the first component is fixed to the chassis.

[0032] Preferably, the second component further includes a retaining latch defining the second dock, the latch moveable to define the open and closed configurations of the locking assembly.

[0033] Preferably, the preceding claims wherein the second component is slidably mounted to the chassis.

[0034] Preferably, the second component includes a shuttle body and a retaining latch defining the second dock.

[0035] Preferably, the actuator is a linear actuator operable to selectively vary linear displacement between first and second mounting points, the first mounting point attached to the shuttle body;

and wherein the locking mechanism includes a connecting linkage having a first end pivotally mounted to the chassis and a second end pivotally mounted to the second mounting point on the actuator.

Preferably, the locking member includes a locking member for preventing slidable movement of the shuttle body when the locking member is in the locked position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0036] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0037] Figure 1 is a side view of an excavator quick coupler in accordance with the prior art;

[0038] Figure 2 is a detailed view of Figure 1;

[0039] Figure 3A is a perspective view of a quick coupler in accordance with the invention, attached to the end of a working arm and having a bucket working implement attached;

[0040] Figure 3B is a side view of a quick coupler shown in Figure 1;

2014202627 08 Jun2018 [0041] Figure 4A is a top plan view of a coupler in accordance with the invention and as shown in Figure 3A;

[0042] Figure 4B is a sectional side view of the coupler chassis shown in Figure 4A along section line A-A;

[0043] Figure 4C is a sectional side view of the coupler assembly shown in Figure 4A along section line A-A;

[0044] Figure 4D is a sectional side view of the coupler assembly shown in Figure 4A along section line B-B;

[0045] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the coupler assembly shown in Figure 3A;

[0046] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the coupler chassis component of the coupler shown in Figure 3A;

[0047] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the shuttle component of the coupler shown in Figure 3A;

[0048] Figures 8A to 8C are perspective views of the locking assembly of the coupler shown in Figure 3A;

[0049] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the locking assembly of the coupler shown in Figure 3A;

[0050] Figure 10 is a detailed exploded perspective view of the connecting linkage of the coupler shown in Figure 3A;

[0051] Figures 11A and 11B are sectional side views of the coupler shown in the open configuration taken on section planes B-B and A-A of Figure 3A respectively;

[0052] Figure 12 is a detailed view of Figure 11B;

[0053] Figures 13 and 14 are side views of the coupler in accordance with the invention displaying the initial stages of a coupling sequence;

2014202627 08 Jun2018 [0054] Figures 15A & 15B, 16A & 16B, and 17A & 17B are sectional side views of the coupler shown in Figure 3A at progressive stages in a coupling sequence. Figures 15A, 16A and 17A are taken on section plane B-B of Figure 3A, and Figures 15B, 16B and 17B are taken on section plane A-A of Figure 3A;

[0055] Figures 18A and 18B are detailed perspective views of the coupler shown in Figure 3A displaying the indicator function of the swing link;

[0056] Figures 19A to 19D are side views of the coupler in accordance with the invention displaying the required orientation to initiate decoupling;

[0057] Figures 20A and 20B are sectional side views of the coupler shown in the closed configuration taken on section planes B-B and A-A of Figure 3A respectively;

[0058] Figure 21 is a detailed view of Figure 20A;

[0059] Figures 22A & 22B, and 23A & 23B are sectional side views of the coupler shown in Figure 3A at progressive stages in a decoupling sequence. Figures 22A and 23A are taken on section plane B-B of Figure 3A, and Figures 22B and 23B are taken on section plane A-A of Figure 3A;

[0060] Figure 24 is a side view of the coupler in accordance with the invention displaying an “unsafe” orientation fordecoupling;

[0061] Figures 25A & 25B, 26A & 26B, and 27A & 27B are sectional side views of the coupler shown in Figure 3A at progressive stages of an attempted decoupling sequence. Figures 25A, 26A and 27A are taken on section plane B-B of Figure 3A, and Figures 25B, 26B and 27B are taken on section plane A-A of Figure 3A;

[0062] Figures 29 & 30 display schematic representations of a coupler displaying design concepts; and [0063] Figures 31 to 35 display schematic cross-sectional views of another quick coupler in accordance with the invention.

2014202627 08 Jun2018

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION [0064] Referring to Figure 3A, the invention consists of an automatic quick coupler 1 for mounting a working tool implement 2 to the distal end of an excavator’s dipper or working arm 3. In Figure 3A, the coupler 1 is illustrated on the end of a working arm 3 to attach a digging bucket 2. While a bucket is shown in the Figures, the couple may equally be used to attach other implements, either powered or unpowered. For instance, other implements may include but are not limited to graders, rakes, grapples, compactors, hammers, rippers, truss booms, slashers, augers, tillers, brooms, loaders, back-hoes, snow-blowers and borers.

[0065] The coupler 1 includes a coupler chassis 4 having a proximal section forming a bracket 5 for attaching the coupler to the working arm by means of rotatable pin-joints 6, and a distal section including a mounting assembly 7 for selectively, releasably engaging the coupler 1 to a cleat 8 on the implement 2. The pin-joints 6 on the bracket 5 enable pivoting of the coupler about a lateral rotation axis Cr with respect to the dipper arm 3.

[0066] The cleat 8 on the working implement 2, includes a pair of spaced, fixed mounting formations. In this embodiment these mounting formations are in the form of parallel spaced mounting pins 9 & 10 each pin extending along a respective parallel and spaced pin axis. In this way the spacing between the pins provides for stability of the attachment on a first mounting plane while the length of each pin allows for stability on a orthogonal, lateral mounting plane.

[0067] The shape, spacing and configuration of these mounting formations is generally particular to a connector standard. This enables compatibility across that connection standard so that different implements may be used with different machines configured for that standard. However, in this regard the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular configuration, size and spacing of mounting formations. For instance, while the drawings and description generally describe the invention as having a pair of pins on respective, spaced pin axes, the invention is not limited to this particular configuration. In alternative embodiments, one or both of the pins may be split into two or more laterally spaced sections thereby providing lateral stability in the coupler and cleat mounting.

[0068] While not shown in the illustrations, in other embodiments, the upper bracket 5 of chassis 4 may be divided from the lower mounting assembly 7 by a lateral pivot similar to that displayed in the prior art example as 908 in Figure 1. In this embodiment however, for

2014202627 08 Jun2018 the sake of simplicity, the chassis is fixed such that the upper bracket 5 and the lower mounting assembly 7 are at a fixed lateral orientation.

[0069] Figure 3B is a part sectional schematic side view of the bucket and coupler shown in Figure 3A. In this figure, the bucket 2 and cleat 8 are sectioned on the bucket’s central plane to reveal the mounting assembly 7 and pins 9 & 10. The mounting assembly 7 comprises a pair of spaced docks for complementary engagement and locating the corresponding pair of mounting pins 9 & 10. The mounting assembly 7 includes a first component 11 on which a first locating dock 12 is disposed. The first dock 12 is configured for receiving and locating the first locating pin 9 of the pair of mounting pins. In this embodiment, the locating dock 12 takes the form of a recess or notch in the first component.

[0070] The mounting assembly 7 also includes a second component 13 forming wholly or part of a second retaining dock 14. The second retaining dock 14 is configured for receiving and retaining a second retaining pin 10 of the pair of mounting pins.

[0071] The first and second components are moveable with respect to one another to define open and closed configurations of the mounting assembly 7. In this embodiment, as will hereinafter be described and shown in the figures, the first dock 12 is formed on the chassis 4 such that the first component 11 is integral with the coupler chassis and fixed thereto. The second component 13 forming wholly or part of the second dock 14 is moveable with respect to the first component and chassis. As such it is movement of the second component 13 between open and closed positions which define the open and a closed configuration of the mounting assembly 7. However equally, the first component can be configured to be moveable and the second component fixed, or both components may be moveable with respect to one another and the chassis.

[0072] Returning to the preferred embodiment, when the first pin 9 is located in the locating dock 12, the second pin 10 is generally unimpeded by the second component 13 when the mounting assembly 7 is in the open configuration. However with the mounting assembly 7 in the closed configuration, the pins 9 and 10 are cooperatively and captively held in the first locating 12 and second retaining 14 docks respectively, thereby securing the implement to the coupler.

[0073] Figure 4A to 4D show a top view (Figure 4A) and various sectional views of the coupler 1. Figure 4B is a section view taken on plane A-A of the coupler chassis only.

2014202627 08 Jun 2018

Figures 4C also shows a section on plane A-A but with the locking assembly components installed. Figures 4D is a cross section on plane B-B effectively removing the near side chassis plate to reveal the locking assembly components.

[0074] It will be noted immediately that the coupler, and many of the components which form the coupler and mounting assembly, are generally bilaterally symmetrical about the centre longitudinal axis, (shown as plane A-A in Figure 4A). In view of this, in some instances, the following description parts of the coupler may be described in singular terms principally because they are seen in the side view illustrations as a single component. However, it will be appreciated that some parts may be paired on either lateral side of the coupler. In other cases, the part may be a single component but bifurcated such that only one half is seen in illustration.

[0075] The various components of the coupler 1 and mounting assembly 7, including the second component 13 can readily be seen in the exploded perspective view shown in Figure 5. As previously noted, the chassis 4 includes bracket 5 and a lower mounting assembly 7. The mounting assembly 7 further includes an actuator 16 (shown here in two parts) for moving the mounting assembly between open and closed configurations, and a locking mechanism 17 for locking the mounting assembly in the closed configuration under specific conditions.

[0076] The locking mechanism 17 includes a pair of locking members 18 and a connecting linkage 19. The locking member/s 18 are moveable between an unlocked position allowing free movement of the mounting assembly between the open and closed configurations, and a locked position generally preventing movement of the mounting assembly from the closed configuration into the open configuration. As will be described, the locking members 18 include locking bias means for biasing the locking member 18 toward the locked position or unlocked position.

[0077] The locking bias means is provided by the weight force of a locking ballast and in this embodiment, the locking ballast is the inherent mass of the locking member 18 itself. As will be seen, the mass, shape and attachment configuration of the locking member 18 determine the biasing force direction along with the angular orientation of the coupler. Notably, the locking member is configured to be urged toward the locked position by the ballast over a predetermined first angular orientation range of the coupler thereby preventing decoupling of an implement coupled with the coupler within the first angular orientation range, and urged toward the unlocked position within a second angular

2014202627 08 Jun2018 orientation range. A transition between said first and second ranges is at a locking bias transition angle of the coupler.

[0078] The orientation of the coupler also dictates the orientation of the working implement. Accordingly, configuring the locking ballast with regard to the locking bias transition angle, the first angular range may be matched to the angular range predetermined as dangerous for implement decoupling, thereby preventing decoupling when the coupler is at a dangerous angular orientation. Conversely, the second angular range may be matched to the angular range deemed acceptable for decoupling.

[0079] In alternative embodiments, the locking ballast may be a component or components separate from, but linked to the locking members 18 and disposed to apply a gravitational locking bias to the locking members 18. Such a configuration allows the locking ballast to be positioned in an advantageous position on the coupler.

[0080] One concern of relying on gravitational bias is that the magnitude of the biasing force is dependent on the mass of the biasing ballast. The displacement between the offset of the center of mass and the pivot location, which gives the lever arm is also important however this is effected by the orientation angle of the pivot and locking member. In any event it will be understood that there are practical limits both on the size and mass of the ballast mass and corresponding limits on the bias force. If dirt and/or debris, which are common in the working environment of couplers, become entrapped in the locking mechanism, the bias force may not be sufficient to clear the debris thus causing malfunction. In particular, if both of the locking members are prevented from moving into the locked position, the automatic locking capability of the coupler may be lost.

[0081] One solution is to carefully design the locking mechanism to reduce the likelihood of dirt and debris interfering with the locking operation. This can be achieved for instance by minimising points on which dirt and debris may collect and/or by providing appropriate shielding to the locking mechanism so that debris is deflected away. Another solution employed by the invention, is to actively force the locking member into the locked position under certain circumstances. Accordingly, the locking mechanism is moveable between a secured and unsecured position such that in the secured position the locking mechanism positively urges and confines the locking members into their locked positions when the coupler mounting assembly is in the closed configuration. In the unsecured position the locking mechanism has no influence on the locking members and they are allowed to move as determined by the locking bias.

2014202627 08 Jun 2018 [0082] In this embodiment the locking mechanism includes confinement means in the form of a confinement tab located on the connecting linkage 19 of the mechanism 17. Moving the locking mechanism to the secured position also moves the confinement tab to apply a confining force on the locking members into their locked positions. Thus, whist the mounting assembly is in the closed configuration and the locking mechanism in the secured position, the locking members 18 are confined to the locked position.

[0083] Furthermore as will be seen, by configuring the confinement tab to be part of the locking mechanism, the force applied to the locking members is generated by the same actuator 16 which moves the mounting assembly between open and closed configurations. This provides the advantage that the function of the locking mechanism and confinement tab are inherent in the operation of the mounting assembly. This greatly reduces the likelihood that the locking mechanism will fail in isolation to the mounting assembly, which would otherwise allow the mounting assembly to function without the safety of the locking mechanism. However in alternative embodiments, the confinement means may be a separate mechanism from the connecting linkage.

[0084] Referring again to Figure 5, the connecting linkage 19 includes an articulated arm comprising a floating link 20 and a swing link 21. A secondary lock and operator indicator function is provided by the locking mechanism 17 and connecting linkage 19. In the locked position of the locking mechanism, the swing link 21 extends to obstruct access to the first dock 12. In the unlocked position, the swing link 21 withdraws from the first dock to allow access. In addition, the locking mechanism 17 may provide a visual indicator of the position of the locking assembly.

[0085] A detailed explanation of the features and function of the preferred embodiment of the invention will now be provided.

[0086] Beginning with Figure 6, a pictorial view of the coupler chassis 4, without the internal components is illustrated. A cross sectional side view can also been seen in Figure 4B. As previously noted the chassis 4 includes an upper bracket section 5 and a lower mounting assembly 7. Each of these sections includes respective pairs of parallel plates generally aligned as left and right side mirror images of one another. A pair of laterally spaced bracket plates 22 form the upper proximal bracket 5, and include reinforced mounting bushings 23 for the pin joints 6, while laterally spaced lower distal section plates 24 form part of, and a housing for, the mounting assembly 7.

2014202627 08 Jun2018 [0087] As previously noted, in this embodiment, the upper bracket section of the chassis 4 is fixedly attached to the lower mounting assembly section and as such each side upper plate 22 is fixedly attached or integral with the respective lower section plate 24 to form each lateral side of the chassis 4. Each of these two sides is then connected by one or more cross members to provide rigidity to the chassis 4.

[0088] In the embodiment shown cross members include: a forward positioned, semicircular, first dock cross member 25 at the front end of the chassis adjacent the first dock 12; a rear cross member 26 disposed at the other end of the chassis referred to herein as the rear end; and an upper cross member 27 positioned generally above the first dock 12. Cross members 25, 26 and 27 are clearly marked in the section view of the chassis shown in Figure 4B.

[0089] In addition to providing the rigidity to the chassis structure, various surfaces of the cross members provide functional purposes used in operation of the mounting assembly and locking mechanism. For instance, the cross members may include a stop surfaces used to limit travel of various moving components. While their function will be made clear from the description of the coupler in operation to follow; for the time being these surfaces are rest surface 30 on the top face of the dock cross member 25; rear travel stop 31 on a projection of the rear cross member 26 and first secured position stop 32, and first unsecured position stop 33 each on the underside surface of the upper cross member 27.

[0090] As previously noted, in the preferred embodiment the first component 11, which includes the first dock 12, is integral to and formed of the chassis itself. In this regard, each plate 24 includes a slot or recess 35 and a retaining jaw 36, which, together with cross member 25, define the first dock 12 for receiving and locating the first mounting pin 9. Access to the dock for pin insertion is provided by a forward facing open mouth. In this way, the pin can only enter or exit the first dock 12 through the open mouth of the recess from the forward direction.

[0091] The chassis also includes a pair of guide rails 37 and a pair of mounting holes 38 for mounting components of the locking mechanism 17. In this embodiment, the rails 37 are in the form of slots disposed on the respective inner surfaces of each plate. The orientation of theses rails 37 define a sliding engagement axis Cs along which the second component moves. This axis is parallel with the central longitudinal axis of the chassis. Each slot runs from an open end 39 at the rear of the chassis to terminate at an abutment surface 40. The

2014202627 08 Jun2018 mounting holes 38 in each plate 24, are coaxially aligned for receiving a mounting axel or pin. A pair of guide nubs 41 help to define the second dock.

[0092] Shown in Figure 7, the second component 13 is formed as a shuttle having a shuttle body 45 for slideably engaging with the chassis 4. Like many other components, the second component is generally axially symmetrical about a longitudinal vertical plane. A pair of hook formations 46 connected by a web 47 (Figure 4C) extend from the body to form latch 48. The latch 48 includes a slot or recess 49 which defines the second dock 14. Access to the dock for pin insertion is provided by a rearward facing open mouth. In this way, the pin can generally only enter or exit the second dock 14 through the open mouth, from the rearward direction.

[0093] A pair of rib formations 50 extend longitudinally along each side of the shuttle 45 for slidably engaging with the guide rails 37 of the chassis 4 enabling sliding movement of the second component 14 with respect to the chassis 4. The ribs 50, together with the chassis rails 37 on which they engage, define the sliding engagement axis along which the shuttle moves. Of course it will be appreciated that sliding engagement may be provided by other sliding engagement means.

[0094] Other parts of the second component disposed on the body include a rear mounting boss 51, and a pair of arms 52 extending longitudinally forward from each side of the body. Each of the arms 52 includes a first locking surface 53 located on its tip and an inclined top deflection surface 54. A pair of rear travel stops 55 extend upwardly from the body. The function of these parts will be described later.

[0095] In this embodiment, the second component and latch 48 generally define the bounds and shape of second dock 14. On one side, the second dock is limited by the body 45 of the second component while the hook formations 46 surround the dock on the forward and bottom. In alternative embodiments, the second dock 14 is defined partly by the chassis 4 and partly by the retaining latch 48. In such cases the latch may be configured to form a gate or door which opens and closes to allow access to the dock.

[0096] With reference to Figure 4D, it is noted that in this embodiment, each respective mouth of the first and second dock are generally aligned with the sliding axis of the shuttle

Cs although face outwardly in opposite directions. It will be appreciated that in this way, when in the closed configuration as shown, because the pins 9 and 10 are fixed to the cleat neither is able to move forward or aft because of the other. In addition, while in this

2014202627 08 Jun 2018 embodiment the second component is adapted for sliding movement, it is also possible that the second component 13 is disposed for pivoting movement between the open and closed positions such as is shown in Figure 2.

[0097] Figures 8A, 8B & 8C show perspective views from different directions of an assembly comprising the second component 13, the actuator 16 and the locking mechanism 17, configured for mounting within and to the chassis 4. As will be seen, the locking mechanism 17 is generally anchored to the chassis 4 at the forward end by pivot pin 60 within mounting holes 38 in the chassis 4. At the rear, the shuttle body 45 is configured for sliding engagement with the rails 37 on the chassis 4, whilst the actuator connects the body 45, to the locking mechanism 17. The body 45 of second component 13 is configured to partly house actuator 16. In this embodiment the actuator 16 is a conventional, hydraulic, linear actuator including a cylinder body 61 and hydraulic piston 62. However other types of actuators may be applied including screw-drive actuators, rack and pinion actuators and the like.

[0100] Turning now to the exploded view of Figure 9, one end of the actuator 16, and in this embodiment the piston 62 end, includes a piston boss 63 for attachment to the shuttle body 45 of the second component 13 by means of mounting boss 51 and pin fastener 64. The fastener allows for a small amount of rotational movement of the actuator with respect to the second component. Otherwise, the piston 62 is fixed to and moves with the second component 13.

[0101] At the cylinder 61 end of the actuator 16, a cylinder boss 65 is provided for attaching the cylinder 61 to the chassis 4 via the locking mechanism 17 and more precisely, the connecting linkage 19. The connecting linkage 19 includes two arm sections. The swing link 21 forms a proximal arm section which is hingedly connected to the chassis 4 by pivot pin 60 inserted into mounting holes 38. The floating link 20 forms a distal arm section and is hingedly connected to the actuator by floating pivot pin 71 and cylinder boss 65. The proximal and distal arm sections are hingedly connected to each other at an elbow pivot, secured by elbow pivot pin 72.

[0102] Bending and straightening of connecting linkage 19 about the elbow pivot 72, allows the locking mechanism to move between secured and unsecured positions. With reference to Figure 4C, bending of the linkage draws pivot pin 71 towards the pivot pin 60 thereby allowing a degree of longitudinal movement of the actuator cylinder 61 and/or the

2014202627 08 Jun 2018 second component with respect to the chassis 4, potentially without operation of the actuator.

[0103] It follows that forces applied to the second component along the sliding engagement axis Cs, may also pass through the actuator to the connecting linkage 19 and chassis 4. Such forces include those generated by the actuator 16 itself. In this regard, referring again to Figure 4C, expansion forces generated by the actuator 16 act to push the cylinder section away from the piston section and second component. These forces act through the connecting linkage 19 which bends at the elbow pivot 72, allowing pivot pin 71 to move forward toward pivot pin 60. This closes the included drawn between the pivot 60 and pivot 12 and pivot 72 and pivot 71 shown as the angle a, forcing the locking mechanism into the unsecured position as illustrated. Conversely, retracting the actuator 16, pulls on pivot pin 71, thereby straitening said connecting linkage 19 and opening included angle a.

[0104] Figure 10 displays an enlarged perspective view of the locking members 18 and the connecting linkage 19 including floating link 20 and swing link 21. It will be appreciated that the design of the locking mechanism, like much of the coupler, possesses bilateral symmetry to provide lateral stability about the central axis of the coupler. In this regard, the floating link 20 is of a bifurcated design having paired, bilaterally symmetrical arms 80 spaced on either side of the cylinder boss 65 to evenly distribute axial loads transmitted through pivot pin 71. The arms 80 could be independent but in this embodiment are joined at the elbow pivot end 81 of the floating link. This end 81 is received between and piviotally mounted to side plates 82 of the swing link 21. The swing link 21 includes a transversely disposed confinement means in the form of a confinement tabs 83 extending laterally beyond the plates 82 and an indicator surface 84 (best seen in Figure 8B).

[0105] Similarly, the locking member/s 18 generally possesses bilateral symmetry. Although described herein in the singular, the locking member 18 comprises a pair of locking members, one on each side of the coupler. However it will be appreciated that it would be possible to implement the invention with a single locking member. Each locking member is pivotally mounted to the chassis 4 by means of a mounting pivot 85 at one end of the member. In this embodiment the members are mounted on the same pivot axis and pivot pin 60 as the connecting linkage 19. However otherwise, the pivoting mounting of the locking members 18 is generally independent from the pivot mounting of the connecting linkage 19. In some circumstance as will be seen, the pivoting movement of the locking members is controlled by the connecting linkage.

2014202627 08 Jun2018 [0106] Each locking member 18 includes a number of functional surfaces on its peripheral edge. A peripheral surface on the distal end 86 of the locking member opposite the mounting pivot 85 end, provides a second locking surface 87. As will be seen, each second locking surface 87 is designed to contact a respective first locking surface 53 on each arm of the shuttle body 45 shown in Figure 7. Deflection finger 88 extends laterally from the distal end 86 and includes a contact tip 89 for sliding contact with a respective inclined top deflection surface 54 of shuttle body 45. A protrusion extends from adjacent the mounting pivot 85 forming a catch 90.

[0108] The mounting assembly also includes travel limiting means for limiting its available range of movement. The limiting means not only define the secured and unsecured positions of the locking mechanism, they also prevent over extension in either direction, beyond those positions. They also, to some degree, play a part in defining the open and closed configurations of the mounting assembly. In this embodiment, travel limiting means is mechanically provided for increased reliability. Specifically, the locking mechanism includes two pairs of travel limit stops. One pair of travel limit stops, the unsecured position stops, prevent movement of the locking mechanism beyond the unsecured position and thereby define the unsecured position. Another pair of travel limit stops, the secured position stops, limit the travel of the locking mechanism to the secured position.

[0109] Both pairs of travel limit stops provide respective, mutually opposable abutment surfaces which limit movement of the mounting assembly when they are brought into contact. Each pair of surfaces are disposed on carrier components of the mounting assembly which have different movement profiles such that movement of the locking mechanism between secured and unsecured positions moves the carrier components, thereby moving the respective abutment surfaces into and away from opposable contact with each other.

[0110] As previously noted, a first, secured position stop 32 is located on a portion of the underside surface of upper cross member 27 of the chassis 4 (Figure 4B). A second secured position stop 95 is provided at the end of respective projections disposed on each of the arms of the floating link 20. As seen in Figure 4D, which shows the locking mechanism in the secured position, these secured position stops 32 & 95 are brought into mutually opposable contact thereby limiting rotational movement of the floating link 20, and thereby movement of the connecting linkage.

2014202627 08 Jun2018 [0111] Another portion of the underside surface of upper cross member 27 provides a first, unsecured position stop 33 (Figure 4B). This unsecured position stop 33 is configured to contact a second unsecured position stop 96 is provided on a surface of the swing link 21 when the locking mechanism is in the unsecured configuration. As will be seen, these unsecured position stops 33 & 96 are brought into mutually opposable contact thereby limiting movement of the floating link 20, and thereby connecting linkage.

[0112] In other embodiments the travel limiting means may optionally include or be provided by an electronic travel limiting means including sensors which monitor and limit the travel of the locking assembly by controlling the actuator.

[0113] The locking assembly also includes slide stops to limit sliding travel of the shuttle. In the event of over travel, a forward safety stop is provided by abutment surface 40 on each rail 37 on the chassis 4, while rearward safety stops 55 are configured to engage removable safety bar 98 attached to chassis 4. This safety bar 98 is removable to allow the shuttle to be inserted or removed from the rails 37.

[0114] A typical coupling operation sequence will now be described with reference to Figures 11 to 17.

[0115] Prior to commencing the coupling, the coupler should be in the fully open configuration as shown in Figures 11A & 11B. These figures display partial sectional side views in which section planes are taken through the coupler in accordance with Figure 4A. Figure 11A is a section through plane B-B which is parallel to, but offset from the central axis of the coupler. This view effectively removes the near side, side plate 24 of the chassis to reveal the components of the locking mechanism. Figure 11B is a section taken on plane A-A running through the central longitudinal axis of the coupler and displays the operation of the actuator and relative positions of pivot pins 60, 71 and 72.

[0116] In the open position, the second component 13 is located within the guide rails 37 toward the forward end of the chassis (top left in the Figures). The hydraulic actuator 16 is retracted as evidenced by the position of piston 62 in Figure 11B. As can be seen, the first and second docks 12 & 14, are closely spaced to allow for insertion of the pins 9 and 10.

[0117] With reference to Figure 11 A, further forward travel of the shuttle is limited by the contact of each deflection surface 54 with respective contact tips 89 of the locking members

2014202627 08 Jun2018

18. Moreover, the each locking member 18 is prevented from rotating downward and into the first dock 10 thereby leaving access unobstructed.

[0118] This can be seen more clearly in Figure 12, a detailed view Figure 11B which displays the connecting linkage 19 and relative positions of pins 60, 71 and 72. As illustrated, force Fie from the actuator acts through the connecting linkage 19 and tends to straighten the linkage rotating the swing link 21 (anticlockwise as shown on the page) out of the mouth of the first dock 12. Further straightening of the linkage is prevented by contact of the second unsecured position stop 96 on the confinement tabs 83 of the swing link 21 with the first unsecured position stop 33 on the upper cross member 27 of the chassis. Thus as illustrated, the locking mechanism is in the unsecured position. The included angle a between pivot points 60, 71 and 72 shown in Figure 12, of the extended connecting linkage when the coupler is in the open configuration, may be contrasted against that shown in Figure 4C which displays the coupler in the closed configuration and the locking mechanism in the secured position.

[0119] With the coupler fully open as described, as shown in Figure 13, the excavator operator manoeuvres the excavator’s dipper arm 3 and adjusts the coupler’s orientation around the lateral rotation axis to engage the first pin 9 of a given work implement 2 into the first dock 12 of the coupler. It is noted that pin 9 is able to rotate within dock 12 allowing the whole implement to rotate with respect to the coupler. As such, further manoeuvring by the excavator operator is then required to adjust the orientation of the coupler to the position shown in Figure 14. In this position, the second pin 10 of the implement seats against the coupler chassis 4 due to a torque moment Tm around pin 9 set by the mass weight-force Fm of the implement acting through its centre of mass Cm. It is noted that in this position, the implement is stable and its total weight is supported by the pin 9 in the first dock 12, and with a reaction force against the implement being exerted by the chassis 4 on pin 10.

[0120] The operator may then activate the hydraulic actuator 16 by means of a remote control switch provided in the cabin of the excavator. Activation of the actuator 16 initiates movement of the coupler from the fully open configuration shown in Figure 11A & 11B, toward the closed position.

[0121] Figures 15A & 15B show the initial movement of the mounting assembly caused by extension of the hydraulic cylinder 16 and indicated by arrow Fie.

2014202627 08 Jun2018 [0122] As the actuator 16 extends, it pushes the shuttle 45 of the second component 13 along the guide rails 37 (generally downwardly on the page in Figures 15). At the angular orientation shown, with the second component free to slide in the rails of the chassis, the weight force of the second component 13 and actuator 16 transfers to the pivot pin 60 located in the mounting holes 38 of the chassis. The weight force holds the connecting linkage 19 generally extended so that the locking mechanism is biased toward the unsecured position rather than the secured position. However as can be seen in Figure 15A, as the second component arms 52 and respective inclined defection surface 54 are withdrawn from under the corresponding contact tips 89 of each respective defection finger 88, the locking members 18 are allowed to rotate clockwise on pivot 60 into the first dock

12.

[0123] Further extension of the actuator 16 allows the locking members 18 to fall off the respective arms 52 and rotate clockwise until they rest on rest surface 30 of cross member 25 as shown in Figures 16A & 16B. These figures also display the point at which the latch 48 of the second dock 14 on the second component surrounds the second pin 10 such that the latch 48 contacts the pin 10 thereby inhibiting further sliding movement of the second component.

[0124] From this position, with the second component 13 now rests on pin 10 and shuttle 45 and actuator piston 62 are prevented from further travel on rails 3. Further expansion of the actuator 16 can only lift the actuator cylinder 61 to the position shown in Figures 17A &17B. This moves the locking mechanism 17 into the secured position by compressing the connecting linkage 19, rotating the swing link 21 into the opening of the dock 10 and pressing the confinement tabs 83 onto the rear edge of the locking member 18, positively urging it against the rest surface 30 of cross member 25.

[0125] At the same time, with reference to Figure 17B, the floating link 20 is caused to rotate around pin 72 (anti clockwise as seen on the page). Rotation continues while the actuator 16 expands, until the first and second secured position stops 32 & 95 on cross member 27 and floating link 20 respectively, abut thereby preventing further rotation of the floating link 20 and compression of the connecting linkage, and expansion of the actuator

16. At this point each of the first and second pins are held in the respective dock preventing fore and aft movement and thus the working implement is securely held to the coupler by the mounting assembly.

2014202627 08 Jun 2018 [0126] The locking mechanism 17 is also tightly held in the secured position by the force of the actuator. As such, the swing link 21 provides an added measure of securement in that it extends into the mouth of the first dock 12 preventing inadvertent dislodgement of the first pin. In addition each catch 90 on each locking member 18 is also held in the mouth of the first dock. Furthermore, a particular advantage of the invention is that in this secured position, the force of the actuator 16 is directed through the locking mechanism and confinement tabs 83 to the locking members 18 thereby actively confining the locking members in the locked position. The force of the actuator helps to dislodge any dirt or debris that may otherwise jam the locking members 18 and prevent them seating against the rest surface 30 of cross member 25.

[0127] One other safeguard employed in the coupler is also provided by the swing link

21. Since, as we have seen, movement of swing link 21 is directly coupled with the movement of the locking mechanism 17, its position provides an important indication as to the status of the locking mechanism 17. That is to say, if the locking cycle does not fully complete, the swing link 21 will not fully rotate to block the dock 12. Accordingly, the position of the swing link 21 provides a visual indication confirming that the coupling sequence has completed correctly with the locking mechanism in the locked position.

[0128] For instance, if the locking members 18 become obstructed due to dirt or debris and, despite the urging locking force applied by the confinement tabs 83, are prevented from moving into locked position, the locking mechanism will also be prevented from moving into the secured position. In this scenario the unseated swing link 21 will not fully rotate into dock 12.

[0129] To aid this visual inspection, the indicator surface 84 of swing link 21 (or a portion thereof) may be painted a distinctive colour. For instance Figures 18A and 18B show the swing link 21 (with indicator surface 84 shaded) in the unlocked and locked positions respectively. The indicator surface 84 is not visible unless the swing link 21 is extended into the dock opening, and therefore the locking mechanism is in the secured position. In other embodiments the indicator may include a sensor linked to a display or aural warning.

[0130] A typical, planned, safe uncoupling operation is now explained and shown in sequence, in Figures 19 through 23.

[0131] As previously noted, a disadvantage of the prior art is that within a range of orientation of the coupler, if the decoupling process is inadvertently initiated, the implement

2014202627 08 Jun2018 may suddenly fall or shift due to its weight force. In a safe angular orientation range, an attached implement will generally remain in a stationary position with respect to the coupler during the decoupling sequence, as the latch withdraws from the closed position. In an unsafe range of coupler angular orientation, the weight force of the coupler may destabilise the implement causing it to move during the decoupling sequence. Accordingly, the invention is designed to prevent decoupling of the implement, whether intentional or inadvertent, within the unsafe range. However advantageously, the invention provides a margin of safety.

[0132] The unsafe, safe and provision for a margin of safety will now be defined with reference to Figures 19A to 19D which show the coupler and implement at various orientation angles.

[0133] Referring to Figure 19A where an implement 2 is shown secured with the coupler, it can be seen that the weight force Fm of the implement acts directly downwardly through the implement’s centre of mass Cm. Owing to the orientation of the coupler, and the open bottom of the dock 14, it will be appreciated that the entire mass of the implement is supported on pin 9 via the first dock 12. Furthermore, due to the horizontal offset ch_ between the centre of mass Cm of the implement and the support at pin 9, an anti-clockwise torque moment Tm is created about pin 9 which is reacted by contact of pin 10 against coupler chassis 4 as shown by Fr thereby balancing the force equation such that the system is in equilibrium and stationary.

[0134] In this position the implement 2 the implement is biased due to its weight force such that pin 10 is held against the coupler chassis 4 at the second dock. The coupler can be rotated anticlockwise by angle Φ and the stable connection will remain provided the weight force of the coupler acts to rotate the implement into engagement with the coupler chassis. This can be seen with reference to Figure 14 where the coupler is shown in a counter clockwise rotated orientation but the latch 15 and shuttle 28 are in the open position. Specifically, while smaller, the displacement di_ between the support point at pin 9 and the centre of mass Cm still biases pin 10 of the implement 2 toward the coupler even if the torque moment Tm is reduced.

[0135] Returning to Figure 19A, in view of Figure 14, it follows that since the latch 48 of the second component 13 is not actively contributing toward supporting the implement, should the decoupling process be initiated in this angular orientation, thereby effectively withdrawing the latch, there will be generally no change in the force equation supporting the

2014202627 08 Jun2018 implement and thus no movement of the implement. Accordingly, the orientation shown in Figure 19A may be considered to lie within a safe range of angular orientation where decoupling is allowed. As will the orientation shown in Figure 14.

[0136] In contrast, with reference to Figure 19B, the coupler is shown rotated on the arm 3 anti-clockwise from the position shown in Figure 19A. In this orientation, the horizontally offset ch_ of the centre of mass Cm from pin 9 creates a clockwise torque moment Tm about pin 9. The implement 2 is only prevented from rotating clockwise by reaction force Fr exerted by the retaining latch 48 on pin 10. Thus it can be seen that in contrast to the previous situation shown in Figure 19A, if the retaining latch 48 were to be removed, the implement would rotate clockwise about pin 9 due to the torque moment Tm causing pin 10 to be biased away from the abutment with the chassis 4. Thus this orientation shown in Figure 19B exemplifies the unsafe range of orientations for decoupling because the implement will move if the mounting assembly is moved to the open configuration.

[0137] At a particular orientation angle between the unsafe and safe (as exemplified by Figure 19B & 19A respectively) ranges of orientations, there is a crossover or safe transition angle. This transition angle of the coupler is shown in Figure 19C where the implement’s centre of mass Cm is directly below pin 9. In this orientation, because the weight force Fm of the implement acts directly on the line of the pin 9, the lever arm di_ is zero and the torque moment Tm about pin 9 is also effectively zero. If latch 48 were removed, the implement will remain hanging in the same position as illustrated.

[0138] It will be appreciated that each various implement that may be attached to the coupler will have a centre of mass in a different position. For instance the bucket shown in the figures will have a different centre of mass position in relation the pins 9 & 10 than a truss boom. Moreover, the centre of mass of one implement may change depending on use. For instance the centre of mass of the bucket shown in the figures will be different depending on whether the bucket is loaded or unloaded. For this reason, the invention provides a margin for safety by preventing decoupling beyond the safe transition angle and well into the safe range.

[0139] Accordingly while the margin for safety and locking member transition angle, in this embodiment locking member transition angle is shown in Figure 19D where the coupler and implement are rotated such that a centreline axis Cl drawn between the respective centres of the first and second docks 12 and 14 is generally inclined at an angle of 30° to the vertical. That is the angle 0° between the centreline Cl and the horizontal is 60°.

2014202627 08 Jun2018 [0140] In this position, as we have seen, the weight force Fm of the implement acts to create an anti clockwise torque moment Tm biasing the implement to rotate in an anticlockwise direction around pin 9. The biasing torque acts to hold pin 10 of the implement against the chassis of the coupler 4 such that the implement is stable irrespective of whether the retaining latch is in the open or closed positions. As such the implement will not move during the decoupling cycle.

[0141] Of course, rotating the implement further into the safe range beyond the position shown in Figure 19D, is also safe for implement detachment.

[0142] In light of the above, in this embodiment, in order to decouple the implement from the coupler, the excavator operator must first manoeuvre the machine’s dipper arm 3 and rotate the coupler’s orientation into a range predetermined to be safe for decoupling such as shown in Figures 19D.

[0143] This same orientation is shown in detailed views of Figures 20A & 20B where gravity is assumed to be acting downwardly on the page as indicated by arrow G. Once within this predetermined range of orientation the operator would then activate the remote control switch which signals the hydraulic cylinder to retract. Figures 20A & 20B display the coupler in the locked configuration similar to Figures 17Aand 17B. As shown, both the pins 9 and 10 are securely located and retained within the respective docks with the locking assembly in the closed configuration, the locking mechanism is in the secured position with the locking member 18 confined in the locked position held against cross member 25 by the confinement tabs 83 on the swing link 21. The connecting linkage 19 is compressed so that the swing link 21 itself extends into the mouth of the first dock 12 while the first and second secured position stops 32 and 95 respectively, are in contact. As previously noted the components are held in their respective positions by the force exerted by the hydraulic cylinder 16.

[0144] Figure 21 shows a detailed view of Figure 20A focussing particularly the locking member 18. It can be seen that the protrusion 90 of each locking member 18 extend into the mouth of the first dock 12 and more significantly the member itself is rotated about hinged mount 60 to block the path of the shuttle 45 and second component 13. In the position shown, the weight force Fm¹⁸ of the locking member 18 acts through its centre of gravity CG¹⁸ to create torque moment Tm¹⁸. As will be seen, unconstrained this torque will bias the locking member 18 to rotate anticlockwise (as illustrated in Figure 21) into the position shown in Figure 22A and 22B. However as shown, because the locking

2014202627 08 Jun 2018 mechanism is in the secured position, the locking member is confined, against its gravity induced bias, in the locked position. It will further be appreciated that the angular orientation of the coupler dictates the relative position of the center of mass of the locking member with respect to its axis of rotation thereby determining the degree and direction of torque moment Tm¹⁸ gravitationally induced bias.

[0145] Returning to Figure 20A and 20B, from this position, the operator activates the cylinder 16 via the remote switch to begin the decoupling process. In reverse to the previously described coupling procedure, the initial cylinder stroke acts not to move the second component 13 but rather to decompress the connecting linkage 19 so that the locking mechanism moves out of the secured position. More precisely, as the actuator 16 retracts, initially, the weight of the second component 13 and actuator 16 pulls downwardly on pin 60 opening angle a and straightening the connecting linkage 19. This retracts the swing link 21 from the first dock 12 and rotates the floating link 20 pulling the second secured position stop 95 away from the first secured position stop 32.

[0146] The connecting linkage continues to extend until the swing link 21 rotates far enough until the first and second unsecured position stops 33 and 96 engage and the locking mechanism is in the unsecured position. This point is illustrated in Figure 22A and 22B where the connecting linkage is fully extended such that any further retraction of the actuator cannot be taken up by the connecting linkage. Instead, from this point the piston of the actuator will begin to lift the second component 13 and dock 14 away from pin 10. The mass of the second component and actuator, previously supported by the pin 10 is now transferred to pin 60 through articulated linkage 19.

[0147] Importantly, in the initial movement between the positions shown in Figures 20 and 22 as the swing link 21 rotates, and the locking mechanism moving away from the secured position, the confinement tabs 83 release the locking members 18. As noted above, they are now unconstrained and free to rotate about shaft 60 under the bias of their own weight force (Figure 21), away from the mouth of the first dock 12 and out of the sliding path of the second component 13.

[0148] Further retraction of the actuator as shown in Figures 23A and 23B lifts the second component 13 and latch 48 completely away from the rear pin 10 of the implement.

In this position it is also noted that the locking members 18 are deflected by the deflection surfaces 54 on the arms 52 of the second component. This ensures that each locking member 18, is held out of the sliding path of the second component even if the angular

2014202627 08 Jun2018 orientation of the coupler is rotated. When the locking member 18 reaches the limit of its rotation by contacting confinement tabs 83, the second component 13 is prevented from further sliding travel because of the contact tip 89 pressing on defection surface 54 of the arm 52. At this point the latch is in the open configuration and the operator can lay the implement down to dislocate the first pin from the first dock in the reverse of the procedure shown in Figure 13, thereby detaching the implement.

[0149] The above description addresses the unlocking procedure in the range deemed safe for detachment where the safety features of the coupler are not required. Now a description of the procedure will be described should the operator consciously or inadvertently activate the decouple sequence, or the hydraulic cylinder lose pressure with the coupler in the first range which has been predetermined as being unsafe for decoupling. Figure 24 shows the coupler in the closed configuration however at an orientation where the assembly is tilted anticlockwise into what has previously been defined as an unsafe angular orientation in Figure 19C. In this position, as has been noted, should the second component 13 suddenly move from the closed position, the weight force of the implement will cause one and/or both pins to dislodge from the respective dock and the implement to rotate about pin 9 and/or fall from the coupler. This sudden and/or unexpected movement of the implement is potentially hazardous.

[0150] In Figure 24, notwithstanding angular orientation, the coupler is in the same closed configuration as previously shown in Figure 22. The locking mechanism is in the secured position such that the locking member 18 is forceably held by the confinement tabs 83 of the swing link in the locked position against the cross member 25. However, in this position, the gravitational bias of the locking member 18 acts downwardly, (as illustrated by arrow G on the page) and in contrast to Figure 21, biases the locking member 18 to rotate clockwise about pivot 60 into the locked position as shown.

[0151] If the decoupling sequence is initiated in this orientation, as seen from Figures 25A and 25B, rather than moving the locking mechanism from the secured position, the initial retraction of the hydraulic actuator allows the piston and second component to fall within the slides toward the cylinder because a component of the weight force of the combined second component, actuator and implement is acting along the rail 37 axis. However with reference to these Figures, the locking member 18 stays in the locked position, both because it is still held by the confinement tabs 83 on the blocking member 21 and due to its own weight bias. Accordingly the second component 13 cannot travel far along the rails until the first blocking surfaces 53 on the arms 52 on the second component,

2014202627 08 Jun2018 contact respective second locking surfaces 87 on the end of each locking member 18 thereby preventing further sliding travel. From here, as seen from Figures 26A and 26B the actuator may contract further to take up any slack and straighten the connecting linkage. However, once the swing link confinement tabs 83 second unsecured position stop 96 engages the first unsecured position stop 33 of cross member 27, further contraction of the actuator is prevented. It is noted in this position that the coupler is “blocked” from further decoupling.

[0152] Figure 27 shows the same sequence with the coupler at an angular orientation closer to, but not yet in the safe range. In this case the weight force of the second component and piston act in the opposite direction along the rail axis. Thus, similar to the scenario shown in Figures 21, for the initial part of actuator contraction the weight force of these components will pull on and extend the connecting linkage 19 moving the locking mechanism out of the secured position rather than moving the second component 13 along the rails. As the articulated linkage extends, the swing link 21 rotates out of the mouth of the first dock 12 taking the confinement tabs 83 with it. This releases the locking members 18 so they are free to rotate about mounting pivot 60. However, as illustrated by arrow Wf¹⁸ the mass distribution of the locking member 18 provides a gravitational induced bias toward the locked position. Thus as illustrated, the locking members stay in the locked position despite the locking mechanism being in the unsecured position.

[0153] Once the connecting link fully extends, the second component will be pulled by the actuator 16 up along the rails until the first blocking surfaces 53 on the arms 52 on the second component, abut respective second locking surfaces 87 on the end of each locking member 18 thereby preventing further sliding travel. Again, as illustrated in Figure 28, the coupler is blocked from moving into the open configuration.

[0154] In both scenarios shown in Figures 23 and 25, it will be noted that while the mounting assembly is prevented from moving into the open configuration, the second component is allowed to slide a short distance along the rails from the closed configuration before being blocked by the locking members 18. As such while the latch 48 of the second component 13 may partially disengage from the rear pin 10, the pin 10 is not completely released from the dock 12. Accordingly while the implement remains securely attached to the coupler, the connection may not be as rigid as when the coupler is in the closed configuration. In this scenario, the non rigid or “loose” connection provides the operator with a useful indication that the coupler is no longer in the fully closed configuration.

2014202627 08 Jun2018 [0155] An additional indication that the coupler is no longer in the closed configuration is provided by the indicator 84. In both scenarios shown in Figures 23 and 25, the detachment sequence has been initiated in the unsafe orientation such that the coupler is prevented from moving into the open configuration by the locking members 18. Under these circumstances it is noted that whether due to the force of the actuator and/or the weight force of second component and actuator, the locking mechanism has moved into the unsecured position. As previously noted in this position the blocking 21 link is retracted from the mouth of the first dock 12 and, as shown in Figure 18A, the indicator surface 84 is retracted. This provides the operator with an indication that the decoupling sequence has been initiated or the actuator has failed. Importantly, the indicator provides positive confirmation that the locking mechanism is secured.

[0156] Should the operator fails to notice the loose connection and/or the indicator, and manipulates the arm to move the implement from the unsafe range into the safe range, the frictional load of the first blocking surfaces 53 on the arms 52 on the second component, contacting respective second locking surfaces 87 on the end of each locking member 18 prevent the locking members moving out of the locked position.

[0157] It will be appreciated that various components of the preferred embodiment may be reconfigured without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance Figures 29 & 30 display schematic cut away side views of an alternative configuration of the invention. As seen in Figure 29, the hydraulic actuator 16 has been reversed such that the actuator piston 62 is connected to the linkage 19 and the actuator cylinder 61 to the second component.

[0158] Another embodiment of the quick coupler is shown in the exploded perspective view in Figure 31, and subsequent Figures 32 - 34. In this embodiment, the hydraulic actuator 116 also performs the function of the floating link 20 in the connecting linkage 19 thereby eliminating separate floating link component and the overall number of parts. Several of the other components of the locking assembly are reconfigured, but generally operate in the same or a similar manner as will be described.

[0159] Referring to Figure 31, the actuator 116, including a cylinder body 161 and piston

162, is pivotally mounted to the shuttle body 145 of the second component 113 by means of pin 164. This allows the entire actuator to “float” as an arm of the articulated arm and take on the function of the floating link. A bifurcated mounting boss 165 on the cylinder part of the hydraulic actuator 116 receives and allows for pivotal connection of the actuator 116 to

2014202627 08 Jun2018 the swing link 121 by means of pin 172. As before, the swing link 121 is pivotally mounted to the first component by means of a pin 160 received in mounting holes 138 in the first component.

[0160] A locking member 118 is pivotally mounted to the first component. While the locking member is mounted coaxially with the swing link on pin 160, otherwise, the pivoting mounting of the locking member 118 is generally independent from the pivot mounting of the connecting linkage 119 allowing the locking member 118 to pivot on pin 160 due to its weight force.

[0161] In addition the shuttle body includes arms 152 which a first locking surface 153 to interact with respective second locking surface 187 on the locking member.

[0162] The operation of the embodiment is summarised in Figures 32 to 35. Partial cross sectional views Figures 32A & 32B, display the coupler in the closed configuration, locked to pins 9 and 10 of an implement cleat (not shown). Figure 32A shows a partial section through the central longitudinal plane of the coupler whereas Figure 32B effectively removes the near side chassis plate to reveal the locking mechanism components.

[0163] As shown in Figures 32, the mounting assembly is in the closed configuration with the actuator 116 extended so that both the pins 9 and 10 are securely located and retained within respective docks. Referring to Figure 32A, the force Fue of the actuator 116 acts through pin 172 rotating the swing link 121 clockwise on the page as indicated by arrow Mi2i. Furthermore, in this embodiment the confinement means is provided as the mounting boss 165 of the actuator cylinder body 161 which abuts the locking member 118 forcible holding it in the locked position. In the locked position, a catch 190 on the locking member 118 extends into the first dock 112. The catch 190 not only blocks the mouth of the dock, it also acts as a visual indicator to the operator that the coupler is securely locked.

[0164] The opening sequence is displayed in Figures 33, 34A and 34B. In order to decouple the implement from the coupler, the excavator operator must first manoeuvre the machine’s dipper arm and rotate the coupler’s orientation into a range predetermined to be safe for decoupling such as shown in Figure 33. The coupler is rotated on the arm into an orientation which will allow decoupling, i.e. the safe range as previously discussed.

[0165] Otherwise, Figure 33 displays the coupler in the locked configuration similar to Figures 32A and 32B. As shown, both the pins 9 and 10 are securely located and retained

2014202627 08 Jun 2018 within the respective docks with the locking assembly in the closed configuration, the locking mechanism is in the secured position with the locking member 118 confined in the locked position. As previously noted the components are held in their respective positions by the force exerted by the hydraulic cylinder 116. However, in this “safe” orientation, the mass weight-force of the locking member Fm¹¹⁸, and its center of mass CM¹¹⁸ being offset from mounting pin 160, biases the locking member to rotate anti clockwise around mounting pin 160, from the position shown due to moment Mm¹¹⁸.

[0166] From this position, the operator activates the cylinder 116 via the remote switch to begin the decoupling process. The initial cylinder stroke decompresses the connecting linkage 119 so that the locking mechanism moves out of the secured position. More precisely, as the actuator 116 retracts, initially, the weight of the second component 113 and actuator 116 pulls downwardly on pin 160 straightening the connecting linkage 119 and opening angle a. This rotates the swing link 121 anti-clockwise around pin 160, and the actuator 116 clockwise around pin 164. The locking member 118 being released by the actuator boss 165, is allowed to rotate under it mass bias from the position shown in Figure 33 (and in broken line in Figure 34B).

[0167] Importantly, as the locking member 118 rotates, it withdraws from the path of the arms 152 of the second component allowing the mounting assembly to move into the open configuration for decoupling. At this point the operator can lay the implement down to dislocate the first pin from the first dock and detach the implement.

[0168] The above description addresses the unlocking procedure in the range deemed safe for detachment where the safety features of the coupler are not required. Now a description of the procedure will be described should the operator consciously or inadvertently activate the decouple sequence, or the hydraulic cylinder lose pressure with the coupler in the first range which has been predetermined as being unsafe for decoupling. Figures 32A and 32B show the coupler in the closed configuration however at an orientation where the assembly is tilted anticlockwise into what has previously been defined as an unsafe angular orientation. In this position, as has been noted, should the second component 113 suddenly move from the closed position, the weight force of the implement will cause one and/or both pins to dislodge from the respective dock and the implement to rotate about pin 9 and/or fall from the coupler. This sudden and/or unexpected movement of the implement is potentially hazardous.

2014202627 08 Jun2018 [0169] In addition, with the coupler in the orientation shown in Figures 32A and B, the gravitational bias of the locking member 118 acts downwardly, biasing the locking member 118 to rotate clockwise about pivot 160 into the locked position as shown.

[0170] If the decoupling sequence is initiated in this orientation, as seen from Figures 35A and 35B, irrespective of the movement of locking mechanism, the locking member 118 stays in the locked position, due to its own weight bias. Accordingly the second component 113 can only travel a short distance along the rails until the first locking surface 153 on the arms 152 of the second component, contact the second lock surface 187 on the locking member 118 thereby preventing further sliding travel. It is noted in this position that the coupler is “blocked” from further decoupling.

[0171] Figure 35A shows that the actuator may straighten the connecting linkage 119 and open angle a thereby rotating the swing link 121 anti-clockwise around pin 160, and the actuator 116 clockwise around pin 164. However, despite the locking member 118 being released by the confinement means actuator boss 165, it is held in position due to its mass bias as shown in Figure 35B.

[0172] It will be noted that while the mounting assembly is prevented from moving into the open configuration, the anti-clockwise rotation of the swing link 121 retracts the indicator surface indicating to the operator that the locking mechanism is no longer secured despite the locking member being in the locked position.

[0173] It will be appreciated that the mass distribution of the locking member may be configured to adjust the first range where the member is urged toward the locked position, the second range and the locking member transition angle. In addition, it will be appreciated that design of the locking mechanism, provide two additional safety features. First, the locking mechanism includes measures for self clearing of obstructions by the locking member being positive forced into the locked position. Secondly, the invention provides an indicator to indicate that the locking mechanism has correctly functioned and is in the locked position.

[0174] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth.

However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

2014202627 08 Jun 2018 [0175] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as falling within the scope of the invention.

2014202627 08 Jun 2018

Claims (21)

1. A coupler for mounting working implements to working machinery, said coupler including:

a coupler chassis for pivotal connection to said machinery for providing angular orientation adjustment of said coupler about a lateral rotation axis;

a mounting assembly for selectively releasably engaging the coupler to a pair of fixed, spaced mounting formations on an implement cleat, said mounting assembly including:

a first fixed component having a first dock for receiving and locating a first mounting formation of said pair of mounting formations; and a second moveable component having or forming part of a second dock, said second component for selectively retaining a second mounting formation of said pair of mounting formations in the second dock, wherein said second component is moveable between an open configuration and a closed configuration such that when said first formation is located in said first dock:

in the closed configuration, when said second formation is located in said second dock, said first and second components cooperatively retain said first and second formations in the respective docks thereby securing said implement to said coupler; and in the open configuration, the second formation is unrestrained by the second component;

an actuator for moving said second component between said open and closed configurations;

a locking mechanism mounted to said chassis, said mechanism including: a locking member moveable between an unlocked position allowing said second component to move between open and closed configurations and a locked position blocking said second component from moving into said open configuration from said closed configuration;

locking ballast providing gravitational locking bias urging the locking member toward the locked position over a predetermined first angular orientation range of said coupler with respect to gravity thereby preventing decoupling of an implement coupled with the coupler within the first angular orientation range; and wherein said locking mechanism is moveable between an unsecured position allowing movement of said locking member between locked and unlocked positions under the influence of said locking ballast, and a secured position whereby said locking member is moved to and confined in the locked position;

2014202627 08 Jun 2018 and wherein said actuator moves and confines said locking mechanism in the secured position when the mounting assembly is in the closed configuration.

2. A coupler according to claim 1 wherein the locking mechanism includes confinement means for confining said locking member in the locked position.

3. A coupler according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the locking mechanism includes an indicator for indicating when the locking mechanism is in the secured position.

4. A coupler according to claim 3 wherein the indicator includes a visual indicator.

5. A coupler according to claim 3 or 4 wherein the indicator includes an aural indicator.

6. A coupler according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the ballast mass is disposed on the locking member.

7. A coupler according to claim 6 wherein the locking member is hingedly mounted.

8. A coupler according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the locking member is urged by said bias means toward the unlocked position within a second angular orientation range of said coupler and wherein a transition between said first and second ranges is at a locking member transition angle of the coupler.

9. A coupler according to claim 8 wherein the coupler is rotatable between: an unsafe angular orientation range; and a safe angular orientation range, and wherein a transition between said safe and unsafe ranges is at a safe transition angle of the coupler.

10. A coupler according to claim 9 wherein the unsafe angular orientation range is predetermined so that the second formation of an attached implement is biased away from the second dock and seated engagement with the coupler due to the weight force of the implement

11. A coupler according to claim 10 wherein the safe angular orientation range is predetermined so that the second formation of an attached implement is biased toward seated engagement with the coupler due to the weight force of the implement.

2014202627 08 Jun2018

12. A coupler according to claim 9 wherein the locking member transition angle is configured to be at the safe transition angle.

13. A coupler according to claim 9 wherein the locking member transition angle is configured to fall within the safe angular orientation range.

14. A coupler according to claim 13 wherein the locking member transition angle is displaced from the safe transition angle by a safety margin angle Θ and the safety margin angle Θ is greater than 10° and less than around 30°.

15. A coupler according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said first and second formations are first and second mounting pins respectively of working implement.

16. A coupler according to claim 17 wherein said second component further includes a retaining latch defining said second dock, said latch moveable to define said open and closed configurations of said locking assembly.

17. A coupler according to any one of claims the preceding claims wherein said second component is slidably mounted to said chassis.

18. A coupler according to claim 17 wherein said second component includes a shuttle body and a retaining latch defining said second dock.

19. A coupler according to claim 18 wherein said actuator is a hydraulic actuator operable to selectively vary linear displacement between first and second mounting points, said first mounting point attached to said shuttle body

20. A coupler according to any one of claims the preceding claims wherein said locking mechanism includes a connecting linkage having :

a floating link with a first end and a floating end; and a swing link with a first end and a floating end;

and wherein the first end of the floating link is hingedly connected to a mounting boss of the actuator;

the floating end of the floating link is hingedly connected to the floating end of the swing link at an elbow pivot; and the first end of the floating link is hingedly connected to the chassis.

21. A coupler according to claim 20 wherein the swing link includes the confinement means in the form of a confinement tab for confining said locking member in the locked position when the mounting assembly is in the closed configuration.

2014202627 08 Jun2018

2014202627 14 May 2014

2014202627 14 May 2014

3/36

4/36

5/36

2014202627 14 May 2014

Figure 4A

31 25

Figure 4B

6/36

2014202627 14 May 2014

Figure 4C

Figure 4D

7/36

2014202627 14 May 2014

Ν.

2014202627 14 May 2014

2014202627 14 May 2014

10/36

2014202627 14 May 2014

2014202627 14 May 2014

12/36

2014202627 14 May 2014

2014202627 14 May 2014

14/36

2014202627 14 May 2014

15/36 ο

->

«*>

□

U.

2014202627 14 May 2014

2014202627 14 May 2014

2014202627 14 May 2014

2014202627 14 May 2014

2014202627 14 May 2014

20/36

2014202627 14 May 2014

2014202627 14 May 2014

2014202627 14 May 2014

2014202627 14 May 2014

2014202627 14 May 2014

2014202627 14 May 2014

30/36

2014202627 14 May 2014

31/36

2014202627 14 May 2014

Figure 30

32/36

2014202627 14 May 2014

33/36

2014202627 14 May 2014 v

2014202627 14 May 2014

2014202627 14 May 2014

2014202627 14 May 2014

36/36