AU2016206213B2 - Coupling assembly - Google Patents
Coupling assembly Download PDFInfo
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- AU2016206213B2 AU2016206213B2 AU2016206213A AU2016206213A AU2016206213B2 AU 2016206213 B2 AU2016206213 B2 AU 2016206213B2 AU 2016206213 A AU2016206213 A AU 2016206213A AU 2016206213 A AU2016206213 A AU 2016206213A AU 2016206213 B2 AU2016206213 B2 AU 2016206213B2
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- coupling
- pin
- pin holding
- formation
- holding formation
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Abstract
In an aspect there is disclosed a coupling assembly (10) to facilitate coupling between an earth
moving tool and a hitch coupling of an earth moving machine. The coupling assembly (10)
comprises a coupling body (16) having a first and a second coupling ear (18, 20). The first and
second coupling ears (18, 20) are parallel co-extensive and laterally spaced apart. The first and
second coupling ears (18, 20) each have a first pin holding formation (22). The first pin holding
formation (22) of the first coupling ear (18) co-operates with the first pin holding formation (18)
of the second coupling ear (20) to hold an elongate first coupling pin (24). The first and second
coupling ears (18, 20) each also have a second pin holding formation (26). The second pin holding
formation (26) of the first coupling ear (18) co-operates with the second pin holding formation
(26) of the second coupling ear (20) to hold an elongate second coupling pin (28). Each second
pin holding formation (26) defines at least a first pin holding position and a second pin holding
position in which to hold the second coupling pin (28), such that when the second coupling pin
(28) is located within the first pin holding position of the second pin holding formation (26) the
second coupling pin (28) is spaced apart a first distance from the first coupling pin (24) in the first
pin holding formation (22). In turn, when the second coupling pin (28) is located within the
second pin holding position of the second pin holding formation (26) the second coupling pin (28)
is spaced apart a second distance from the first coupling pin (24) in the first pin holding formation
(22).
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FIGURE
FIGUREV3 FIG URE 4
FIGURE 2
Description
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FIGUREV3 FIG URE 4
FIGURE 2
[0001] The invention relates to a coupling assembly, in particular but not exclusively, a coupling assembly to facilitate coupling between an earth working tool and a hitch coupling on an articulated arm of an earth working machine.
[0002] Earth moving equipment, such as excavators, are commonly fitted with different types of earth working tools, for example buckets or rippers, for enhanced versatility. Earth working tools are commonly secured to the articulated arm of an earth working machine via an hydraulically actuated hitch coupling which couples to a coupling assembly of an earth moving tool.
[0003] A typical hitch coupling of an earth moving machine comprises a pair of oppositely directed jaws adapted to be located in an engaged position and a release position. In the release position the jaws are configured to be located between two transverse coupling pins of a coupling assembly of the earth moving tool. The jaws are thereafter moved away from one another to be located in the engaged position wherein thejaws engage the coupling pins so as to secure the earth moving tool to the earth moving equipment.
[0004] A typical coupling assembly comprises two laterally spaced apart ears which support two parallel laterally spaced apart coupling pins. Different makes of earth moving equipment tend to have differently sized hitch couplings which necessitate differently sized coupling assemblies on earth moving tools. To accommodate such differently sized equipment coupling assemblies, tool coupling assemblies are required which differ in relation to their ear width, i.e., the lateral distance or width between the ears of the coupling assembly, and the lateral spacing between the coupling pins. The result of this is that a wide range of differently sized bucket and tool coupling assemblies are required to accommodate different makes of earth moving equipment.
[0005] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the above disadvantages arising from different makes of earth moving equipment requiring differently configured coupling assemblies on earth moving tools, or to provide a useful alternative.
[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is disclosed herein a coupling assembly to facilitate coupling between an earth moving tool and a hitch coupling of an earth moving machine, the coupling assembly comprising:
a coupling body having a first and a second coupling ear, the first and second coupling ears being parallel co-extensive and laterally spaced apart, the first and second coupling ears each having a first pin holding formation, the first pin holding formation of the first coupling ear co operating with the first pin holding formation of the second coupling ear to hold an elongate first coupling pin,
wherein the first and second coupling ears each have a second pin holding formation, the second pin holding formation of the first coupling ear co-operating with the second pin holding formation of the second coupling ear to hold an elongate second coupling pin, each second pin holding formation defining at least a first pin holding position and a second pin holding position in which to hold the second coupling pin, such that when the second coupling pin is located within the first pin holding position of the second pin holding formation, the second coupling pin is spaced apart a first distance from the first coupling pin in the first pin holding formation, and when the second coupling pin is located within the second pin holding position of the second pin holding formation, the second coupling pin is spaced apart a second distance from the first coupling pin in the first pin holding formation; and
wherein each second pin holding formation comprises (i) an elongate slot defining the first and second holding positions, the second coupling pin adapted to be moved within the elongate slot to be located respectively in the first and second holding positions, and (ii) a locking formation adapted to co-operate with the hitch coupling to secure the second coupling pin respectively in the first and second holding positions of the elongate slot.
[0007] Preferably the first and second coupling pins each support at least one spacer located between the first and second coupling ears for operatively positioning coupling jaws of the hitch coupling on the first and second coupling pins respectively.
[0008] Preferably each first pin holding formation comprises a cylindrical hole.
[0009] Preferably each first pin holding formation includes a first boss to hold the first coupling pin.
[0010] Preferably each second pin holding formation includes a second boss to hold the second coupling pin.
[0011] Preferably the first and second pin holding formations operatively accommodate a shim arrangement so as to support mounting pins of varying diameter.
[0012] Preferably each locking formation includes a locking bolt.
[0013] Preferably each locking bolt is adapted for operative location within a recess located adjacent the elongate slot of a respective coupling ear.
[0014] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described hereinafter, byway of examples only, with reference to the accompany drawings, in which:
[0015] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of an excavator grab incorporating an embodiment coupling assembly;
[0016] Figure 2 is a schematic top view of the excavator grab of Figure 1;
[0017] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a spacer of the embodiment coupling of Figure 1;
[0018] Figure 4 is a schematic end view of the spacer of Figure 3;
[0019] Figure 5 is a schematic side view of a ripper incorporating an embodiment coupling assembly;
[0020] Figure 6 is a schematic top view of the excavator grab of Figure 5;
[0021] Figure 7 is schematic representations of front and side views of a further embodiment coupling assembly;
[0022] Figure 8 is schematic representations of front and side views of another embodiment coupling assembly;
[0023] Figure 9 is schematic representations of front and side views of yet another embodiment coupling assembly;
[0024] Figure 10 provides schematic side views of another coupling assembly with a second coupling pin in three pin holding positions;
[0025] Figure 11 provides schematic side views of a further coupling assembly with a second coupling pin in three pin holding positions;
[0026] Figure 12 provides schematic side views of another coupling assembly with a second coupling pin in three pin holding positions;
[0027] Figure 13 provides schematic side views of yet another coupling assembly with a second coupling pin in three pin holding positions;
[0028] Figure 14 is a schematic end view of an embodiment coupling assembly;
[0029] Figure 15 is a schematic side view of another embodiment coupling assembly wherein a second coupling pin is located in a first position;
[0030] Figure 16 is a schematic side view the coupling assembly of Figure 15 wherein the second coupling pin is located in a second position;
[0031] Figure 17 is a schematic side view the coupling assembly of Figure 15 wherein the second coupling pin is located in another position;
[0032] Figure 18 is a schematic side view of the coupling assembly of Figure 15 wherein the second coupling pin is located in yet another position;
[0033] Figure 19 is schematic side of an excavator bucket having an embodiment coupling assembly; and
[0034] Figure 20 is a schematic front view of the excavator bucket of Figure 19.
[0035] Figures 1 and 2 show an embodiment coupling assembly 10 secured to an excavator grip 12. The excavator grip 12 comprises a number of jaws 14 which are pivotally connected so as to be movable between a closed position and an open position depicted in Figures 1 and 2. The coupling assembly 10 is adapted to facilitate coupling between the excavator grip and a non illustrated hitch coupling of an earth moving machine.
[0036] The coupling assembly 10 comprises a coupling body 16 having a first and a second coupling ear 18, 20. The first and second coupling ears 18, 20 are parallel co-extensive and laterally spaced apart. Each of the first and second coupling ears 18, 20 have a first pin holding formation 22. The first pin holding formation 22 of the first coupling ear 18 co-operates with the first pin holding formation 18 of the second coupling ear 20 so as to hold an elongate first coupling pin 24. In this embodiment the first pin holding formations 22 are provided in the form of cylindrical holes.
[0037] The first and second coupling ears 18, 20 each have a second pin holding formation 26. The second pin holding formation 26 of the first coupling ear 18 co-operates with the second pin holding formation 26 of the second coupling ear 20 to hold an elongate second coupling pin 28 in position. In this embodiment the second pin holding formations 26 each comprise an elongate slot. The elongate slots 26 each define at least a first and second pin holding position 30, 32 in which the second coupling pin 28 can be held. It will, however, be appreciated that due to the dimensions of the elongate slots 26 a plurality of pin holding positions 30, 32 are provided in which the second coupling pin 28 can be held.
[0038] The configuration of the slot providing the second pin holding formation 26 is such that when the second coupling pin 28 is located within the first holding position 30 the second coupling pin 28 is spaced apart a first distance from the first coupling pin 24 in thefirst pin holding formation 22. When the second coupling pin 28 is located within the second pin holding position 32 of the second pin holding formation 26, the second coupling pin 28 is spaced apart a second distance from the first coupling pin 24 in the first pin holding formation 22. In this instance the first and second coupling pins 24, 28 are further spaced apart when the second coupling pin 28 is located in the second pin holding position 32, than in the case when the second coupling pin 28 is located in the first pin holding position 30. By adjusting the distance between the first and second coupling pins 24, 28 the coupling assembly 10 is adapted to accommodate various differently sized hitch couplings.
[0039] The first and second coupling pins 24, 28 each support two identical spacers 34 located between the first and second coupling ears 18, 20. The purpose of the spacers 34 are to position coupling jaws of the hitch coupling on the first and second coupling pins 24, 28 respectively so as to ensure proper positioning and alignment on the first and second coupling pins 24, 28.
[0040] A cross-sectional view of a spacer 34 is provided in Figure 3. The spacer 34 includes a pin passage 36 sized respectively to allow the first and second coupling pins 24, 28 to pass therethrough. The spacer 34 further provides a boss portion 38 to guide the first and second coupling pins 24, 28 respectively though the cylindrical hole providing the first pin holding formation 22 and the elongate slot providing the second pin holding formation 26. As shown in Figure 4, each spacer 34 includes four holes 40 whereby respective spacers 34 are secured to inside surfaces 35 of the first and second coupling ears 18, 20 having corresponding, non illustrated holes. This securement is achieved with suitably sized non-illustrated bolts.
[0041] On one side each of the first and second coupling pins 24, 28 have secured thereto an end boss 42. The end bosses 42 each have four non-illustrated holes through which they are secured to an outside surface 41 of the second coupling ear 20. The end bosses 42 have non-illustrated pin passages though which the first and second coupling pins 24, 28 pass. Each end boss 42 includes a diagonal pin hole which can be placed in register with a diagonal pin hole located respectively in an end portion of the first and second coupling pins 24 and 28. With the pin holes in register a securement pin 44 is passed therethrough to secure the first and second coupling pins 24, 28 in position.
[0042] Referring to Figure 1, each second pin holding formation 26 comprises a non-illustrated locking formation adapted to secure the second coupling pin 28 in a desired holding position within the elongate slot 26. In this embodiment the locking formation includes a non-illustrated locking bolt. The length which the locking bolt can extend into the elongate slot 26 can be adjusted by inserting the locking bolt into or withdrawing it from a recess 46 adjacent the elongate slots 26. The locking bolt will in use co-operate with a non-illustrated hitch coupling of an earthmoving machine so as to secure the second coupling pin 28 in the second holding position 32. The operation of the locking pin is further discussed below with reference to Figures 15 to 18.
[0043] To strengthen the coupling assembly 10 a reinforcing arrangement, shown in broken lines and indicated with the reference numeral 48, is provided in position between the first and second coupling ears 18 and 20.
[0044] Figures 5 and 6 show a ripper 50 incorporating an alternative embodiment coupling assembly 52. The coupling assembly 52 operates in a manner similar to the coupling assembly 10. The coupling assembly 52 includes a reinforcing arrangement 54 to support the first and second coupling ears 18 and 20. In this embodiment the reinforcing arrangement 54 comprises a reinforcing base 56 as well as two co-extensive, parallel spaced apart reinforcing bars 58.
[0045] Figures 7 to 9 show front and side views of three different embodiment coupling assemblies 60, 62, 64. Similar to the coupling assemblies shown in Figures 1 to 6, each coupling assembly 60, 62, 64 includes a first and second coupling ear 18, 20 which each has a first and second pin holding formations 22, 26 which support first and second coupling pins 24, 28. A reinforcing arrangement 48 is also provided between the first and second coupling ears 18, 20.
[0046] The coupling assemblies 60, 62, 64 differ from one another in two main aspects. First, the first and second coupling pins 24, 28 of the coupling assemblies 60, 62, 64 are of different diameter. To accommodate such different diameter coupling pins 24, 28 the respective first and second pin holding formations 22, 26 include shimming bodies 28 of different sizes. Secondly, the spacers 34 supported by each of the coupling assemblies 60, 62, 64 are of differing width so as to accommodate positioning of jaws of a non-illustrated hitch coupling.
[0047] Figures 10 to 13 show side views of four different embodiment coupling assemblies 70, 72, 74, 76. Similar to the coupling assemblies shown in Figures 1 to 6, each coupling assembly ,72, 74, 76 includes first and second pin holding formations 22, 26 which respectively support first and second coupling pins 24, 28. The coupling assemblies 70, 72, 74, 76 differ in relation to the configuration of their respective second pin holding formations 26. In the case of the coupling assembly 70 the second pin holding 26 comprises an elongate slot 78 having undulating surfaces which define discrete holding positions 80 for holding the second coupling pin 28 in different positions and differently spaced apart from the first coupling pin 24. In the case of the second pin holding formation 26 of the coupling assembly 72 three cylindrical holes 82 are provided for holding the second coupling pin 28 in three discrete positions spaced apart from the first coupling pin 24 in the first pin holding formation 22. The second pin holding formation 26 of the coupling assembly 74 comprises two rows 84 of five securing holes 86 each. A securing pin 88 is located in corresponding holes 86 of the rows 84. The securing pins 88, in turn, are secured to non illustrated holding members. In the case of the coupling assembly 76 the two rows 84 of securing holes 86 of the coupling assembly 74 are replaced with two elongate slots 90 along which securing pins 92 can be slid into a desired position. The securing pins 92 again are secured to non illustrated holding members.
[0048] Figure 14 is a schematic end view of another embodiment coupling assembly, generally indicated with the reference numeral 100. As with the above described embodiments, the coupling assembly 100 comprises a first and second coupling ear 18, 20. A second coupling pin 28 is supported between the first and second coupling ears 18, 20 via four bosses 102. Unlike the above embodiments, the coupling assembly 100 comprises a plurality of spacers 104 located adjacent the first and second coupling ears 18, 20 to assist with proper positioning between the first and second coupling ears 18,20 of the non-illustrated jaws of a hitch coupling.
[0049] Referring to Figures 15 to 18, another coupling assembly 110 is shown which includes first and second pin holding formations 22, 26. In this embodiment the second pin holding formation 26 is provided in the form of an elongate slot. The elongate slot 26 supports a boss member 112 connected to a non-illustrated second coupling pin. The coupling assembly 110 further includes a locking formation 114 having a locking bolt. By adjusting the length by which the locking bolt 114 extends into the elongate slot 26, the position of the boss member 112 within the slot 26 can be adjusted. The result of this is that the distance between the longitudinal axes of the first and second coupling pins and as a result the spacing between the coupling pins can be adjusted so as to accommodate different jaw sizes of different hitch couplings.
[0050] It will be appreciated that the above described coupling assemblies could be employed in a range of further applications. One example of such further application is illustrated in Figures 19 and 20 where an excavating bucket 114 is fitted with an embodiment coupling assembly 116.
[0051] Although the invention is described above in relation to preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that it is not limited to those embodiments, but may be embodied in many other forms.
Claims (8)
1. A coupling assembly to facilitate coupling between an earth moving tool and a hitch coupling of an earth moving machine, the coupling assembly comprising:
a coupling body having a first and a second coupling ear, the first and second coupling ears being parallel co-extensive and laterally spaced apart, the first and second coupling ears each having a first pin holding formation, the first pin holding formation of the first coupling ear co operating with the first pin holding formation of the second coupling ear to hold an elongate first coupling pin,
wherein the first and second coupling ears each have a second pin holding formation, the second pin holding formation of the first coupling ear co-operating with the second pin holding formation of the second coupling ear to hold an elongate second coupling pin, each second pin holding formation defining at least a first pin holding position and a second pin holding position in which to hold the second coupling pin, such that when the second coupling pin is located within the first pin holding position of the second pin holding formation, the second coupling pin is spaced apart a first distance from the first coupling pin in the first pin holding formation, and when the second coupling pin is located within the second pin holding position of the second pin holding formation, the second coupling pin is spaced apart a second distance from the first coupling pin in the first pin holding formation; and
wherein each second pin holding formation comprises (i) an elongate slot defining the first and second holding positions, the second coupling pin adapted to be moved within the elongate slot to be located respectively in the first and second holding positions, and (ii) a locking formation adapted to co-operate with the hitch coupling to secure the second coupling pin respectively in the first and second holding positions of the elongate slot.
2. A coupling assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first and second coupling pins each support at least one spacer located between the first and second coupling ears for operatively positioning coupling jaws of the hitch coupling on the first and second coupling pins respectively.
3. A coupling assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each first pin holding formation comprises a cylindrical hole.
4. A coupling assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each first pin holding formation includes a first boss to hold the first coupling pin.
5. A coupling assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each second pin holding formation includes a second boss to hold the second coupling pin.
6. A coupling assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second pin holding formations operatively accommodate a shim arrangement so as to support mounting pins of varying diameter.
7. A coupling assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each locking formation includes a locking bolt.
8. A coupling assembly according to claim 7, wherein each locking bolt is adapted for operative location within a recess located adjacent the elongate slot of a respective coupling ear.
Statewide Building Group Pty Ltd Patent Attorneys for the Applicant Meyer West IP
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2016901471 | 2016-04-20 | ||
| AU2016901471A AU2016901471A0 (en) | 2016-04-20 | Adjustable Ears for Machinery Attachments Variations |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| AU2016206213A1 AU2016206213A1 (en) | 2017-11-09 |
| AU2016206213B2 true AU2016206213B2 (en) | 2022-11-10 |
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Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2016206213A Active AU2016206213B2 (en) | 2016-04-20 | 2016-07-18 | Coupling assembly |
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| AU (1) | AU2016206213B2 (en) |
Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5927665A (en) * | 1998-07-02 | 1999-07-27 | Allied Construction Products, Inc. | Implement mounting system |
| WO2001083894A1 (en) * | 2000-05-04 | 2001-11-08 | Indexator Ab | Arrangement for an attachment |
| US6364561B1 (en) * | 1999-05-28 | 2002-04-02 | David Scribner Droegemueller | Connector system for earth working machines |
| WO2007070941A1 (en) * | 2005-12-20 | 2007-06-28 | Craig Arthur Hahnel | Mounting system for excavator buckets and implements |
| WO2009102223A1 (en) * | 2008-02-13 | 2009-08-20 | Jb Attachments Limited | Versatile couplers |
-
2016
- 2016-07-18 AU AU2016206213A patent/AU2016206213B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5927665A (en) * | 1998-07-02 | 1999-07-27 | Allied Construction Products, Inc. | Implement mounting system |
| US6364561B1 (en) * | 1999-05-28 | 2002-04-02 | David Scribner Droegemueller | Connector system for earth working machines |
| WO2001083894A1 (en) * | 2000-05-04 | 2001-11-08 | Indexator Ab | Arrangement for an attachment |
| WO2007070941A1 (en) * | 2005-12-20 | 2007-06-28 | Craig Arthur Hahnel | Mounting system for excavator buckets and implements |
| WO2009102223A1 (en) * | 2008-02-13 | 2009-08-20 | Jb Attachments Limited | Versatile couplers |
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| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU2016206213A1 (en) | 2017-11-09 |
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