CA2610001C - Loader coupler with multiple pick-up locations - Google Patents

Loader coupler with multiple pick-up locations Download PDF

Info

Publication number
CA2610001C
CA2610001C CA 2610001 CA2610001A CA2610001C CA 2610001 C CA2610001 C CA 2610001C CA 2610001 CA2610001 CA 2610001 CA 2610001 A CA2610001 A CA 2610001A CA 2610001 C CA2610001 C CA 2610001C
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
ribs
lock
plunger
coupler
rib
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
CA 2610001
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
CA2610001A1 (en
Inventor
Timothy C. Esser
Ray S. Fatemi
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Paladin Brands Group Inc
Original Assignee
Paladin Brands Group Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Paladin Brands Group Inc filed Critical Paladin Brands Group Inc
Publication of CA2610001A1 publication Critical patent/CA2610001A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA2610001C publication Critical patent/CA2610001C/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Landscapes

  • Shovels (AREA)

Abstract

A loader coupler includes a body with a front region, a rear region, an upper region, a lower region, and left and right lateral sides, a tilt actuator pin- on location, and left and right arm pin-on locations. Left and right laterally spaced-apart inner rib mounts are provided on the body and are adapted to mate respectively with left and right ribs of a first type of attachment coupling structure. Left and right inner locking regions are defined by the body and are vertically aligned with the left and right inner rib mounts, respectively. Left and right laterally spaced-apart outer rib mounts are provided on the body and are adapted to mate respectively with left and right ribs of a second type of attachment coupling structure. Left and right outer locking regions are defined by the body and are vertically aligned with the left and right outer rib mounts, respectively. A lock system includes left and right plunger assemblies that each move between a locked and unlocked position. The left and right plunger assemblies each include a first lock plunger located on a first lock plunger axis and a second lock plunger located on a second lock plunger axis. The left and right first lock plungers extend into the left and right inner locking regions when the left and right plunger assemblies are located in the locked position. The left and right first lock plungers are at least partially withdrawn from the left and right inner locking regions when the left and right plunger assemblies are located in the unlocked position. The left and right second lock plungers extend into the left and right outer locking regions when the left and right plunger assemblies are located in the locked position. The left and right second lock plungers are at least partially withdrawn from the left and right outer locking regions when the left and right plunger assemblies are located in the unlocked position.

Description

LOADER COUPLER WITH MULTIPLE PICK-UP LOCATIONS
Background Couplers for releasable connection of construction attachments to front-end loaders and the like are well-known. Typically, the loader coupler is operably connected to the front-end loader (sometimes simply referred as a "loader") or like machine by a pivoting "pin-on" connection. The loader coupler structure includes first and second pick-up points and corresponding first and second locks. The various construction attachments adapted to be releasably engaged by the coupler include first and second parallel spaced-apart ribs that are respectively engaged by the first and second loader pick-up points, and the first and second locks are engaged to capture the first and second ribs to the coupler so that the attachment is operably connected to the loader in order to perform work. Examples of such couplers and coupling systems are disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Pat. Nos.
4,708,579; 5,415,235; 5,529,419; and 5,692,850.
More recently, so-called hybrid loader couplers have been developed. These hybrid loader couplers include two separate sets or pairs of pick-up points that are adapted to mate with two different types of ribs spacings/structures of the attachments. A lock system is provided to capture the rib structures to coupler, regardless of which type of rib structure is engaged by the coupler. Examples of hybrid loader couplers are disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Pat. Nos.
7,225,566 and 7,182,546.
A need has recently been identified for a hybrid loader coupler that better maintains the preferred geometrical relationship between the attachment and the loader machine as compared to the above-referenced loader couplers, and that provides an improved locking system for capturing the attachment ribs to the coupler.

Summary In accordance with one aspect of the present development, a loader coupler comprises a body including a front region, a rear region, an upper region, a lower region, and left and right lateral sides, a tilt actuator pin-on location, and left and right arm pin-on locations. Left and right laterally spaced-apart inner rib mounts are provided on the body and are adapted to mate respectively with left and right ribs of a first type of attachment coupling structure. Left and right inner locking regions are defined by the body and are vertically aligned with the left and right inner rib mounts, respectively. Left and right laterally spaced-apart outer rib mounts are provided on the body and are adapted to mate respectively with left and right ribs of a second type of attachment coupling structure. Left and right outer locking regions are defined by the body and are vertically aligned with the left and right outer rib mounts, respectively. A lock system includes left and right plunger assemblies that each move between a locked and unlocked position. The left and right plunger assemblies each include a first lock plunger located on a first lock plunger axis and a second lock plunger located on a second lock plunger axis. The left and right first lock plungers extend into the left and right inner locking regions when the left and right plunger assemblies are located in the locked position. The left and right first lock plungers are at least partially withdrawn from the left and right inner locking regions when the left and right plunger assemblies are located in the unlocked position. The left and right second lock plungers extend into the left and right outer locking regions when the left and right plunger assemblies are located in the locked position. The left and right second lock plungers are at least partially withdrawn from the left and right outer locking regions when the left and right plunger assemblies are located in the unlocked position.
In accordance with another aspect of the present development, a lock system for releasably capturing an associated attachment having either a first type of attachment coupling structure or a second type of attachment coupling structure to loader coupler body is provided. The lock system includes left and right plunger assemblies that each move between an extended position and a retracted position.
The left and right plunger assemblies each include a first lock plunger and a second lock plunger.
2 In accordance with another aspect of the present development, a lock plunger assembly is provided for releasably capturing to loader coupler body an associated attachment having either a first type of attachment coupling structure or a second type of attachment coupling structure. The lock plunger assembly includes a plunger assembly base. First and second parallel, spaced-apart lock plungers are connected to the base and project outwardly from the base in a common direction.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a loader coupler comprising: a body comprising a front region, a rear region, an upper region, a lower region, and left and right lateral sides, a tilt actuator pin-on location, and left and right arm pin-on locations; left and right laterally spaced-apart inner rib mounts provided on the body and adapted to mate respectively with left and right ribs of a first type of attachment coupling structure; left and right inner locking regions defined by the body and vertically aligned with the left and right inner rib mounts, respectively; left and right laterally spaced-apart outer rib mounts provided on the body and adapted to mate respectively with left and right ribs of a second type of attachment coupling structure; left and right outer locking regions defined by the body and vertically aligned with the left and right outer rib mounts, respectively; a lock system comprising: (i) a hydraulic cylinder having left and right cylinder rods that are each selectively extensible and retractable; and, (ii) left and right plunger assemblies respectively connected to said left and right cylinder rods and each adapted to move between a locked and unlocked position, said left and right plunger assemblies each comprising a first lock plunger located on a first lock plunger axis and a second lock plunger located on a second lock plunger axis, wherein said first lock plunger axis and said second lock axis lie in different parallel, spaced-apart horizontal planes; wherein said left and right first lock plungers are respectively located in said left and right inner locking regions when said left and right plunger assemblies are located in said locked position such that said left and right first lock plungers are respectively adapted to mate with and capture left and right ribs of a first type of associated attachment structure when the first type of associated attachment structure is mated with said left and right inner rib mounts, said left and right first lock plungers ar-e at least partially withdrawn from said left and right inner locking regions when said left and right plunger assemblies are
3 located in said unlocked position; and, wherein said left and right second lock plungers are respectively located in said left and right outer locking regions when said left and right plunger assemblies are located in said locked position such that said left and right second lock plungers are respectively adapted to mate with and capture left and right ribs of a second type of associated attachment structure when the second type of associated attachment structure is mated with said left and right outer rib mounts, said left and right second lock plungers afe at least partially withdrawn from said left and right outer locking regions when said left and right plunger assemblies are located in said unlocked position.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a loader coupler comprising:_ a body comprising a front region, a rear region, an upper region, a lower region, and left and right lateral sides, a tilt actuator pin-on location, and left and right arm pin-on locations; left and right laterally spaced-apart inner rib mounts provided on the body and adapted to mate respectively with left and right ribs of a first type of attachment coupling structure; left and right inner locking regions defined by the body and vertically aligned with the left and right inner rib mounts, respectively; left and right laterally spaced-apart outer rib mounts provided on the body and adapted to mate respectively with left and right ribs of a second type of attachment coupling structure; left and right outer locking regions defined by the body and vertically aligned with the left and right outer rib mounts, respectively; a lock system comprising left and right plunger assemblies that each move between a locked and unlocked position, said left and right plunger assemblies each comprising a first lock plunger located on a first lock plunger axis and a second lock plunger located on a second lock plunger axis; wherein: said left and right first lock plungers are respectively located in said left and right inner locking regions when said left and right plunger assemblies are located in said locked position, and wherein said left and right first lock plungers are at least partially withdrawn from said left and right inner locking regions when said left and right plunger assemblies are located in said unlocked position; and, said left and right second lock plungers are respectively located in said left and right outer locking regions when said left and right plunger assemblies are located in said locked position, and wherein said left and right second lock plungers are at least partially withdrawn from said left and right 3a outer locking regions when said left and right plunger assemblies are located in said unlocked position; said body comprises left and right body portions defined respectively between a vertical centerline and said left and right lateral sides, each of said left and right body portions comprising a plurality of parallel and spaced-apart vertically extending ribs; said left and right pin-on locations are located between a first pair of ribs of said left and right body portions, respectively; said left and right outer ribs mounts and said left and right outer locking regions are located between a second pair of ribs of said left and right body portions, respectively; said left and right inner ribs mounts and said left and right inner locking regions are located between a third pair of ribs of said left and right body portions, respectively; and wherein, on both said left and right body portions: said first pair of ribs of comprises a first rib and a second rib; said second pair of ribs comprises said second rib and a third rib; said third pair of ribs comprises said third rib and a fourth rib.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lock system for releasably capturing an associated attachment comprising either a first type of attachment coupling structure or a second type of attachment coupling structure to loader coupler body, said lock system comprising: left and right plunger assemblies that each move between an extended position and a retracted position;
said left and right plunger assemblies each including a first lock plunger and a second lock plunger, wherein: said first and second lock plungers of said left plunger assembly move along first and second lock plunger axes when said left plunger assembly moves between said extended and retracted positions; said first and second lock plungers of said right plunger assembly move along said first and second lock plunger axes when said right plunger assembly moves between said extended and retracted positions; and, said first and second lock plunger axes lie in respective parallel, spaced-apart horizontal planes, said lock system further comprising:
a hydraulic cylinder with left and right actuator rods, wherein said left plunger assembly is operably coupled to said left actuator rod and wherein said right plunger assembly is operably coupled to said right actuator rod.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lock plunger assembly for releasably capturing an associated attachment comprising either a first type of attachment coupling structure or a second type of 3b attachment coupling structure to loader coupler body, said lock plunger assembly comprising: a plunger assembly base; first and second parallel, spaced-apart lock plungers connected to and projecting outwardly from said base in a common direction, said first lock plunger comprising a first cylindrical member adapted to be received through an aperture defined in an ear of a first associated attachment mounting rib, and said second lock plunger comprising a second cylindrical member adapted to be received through an aperture defined in an ear of a second associated attachment mounting rib.
Brief Description of Drawings FIG. 1 is a front isometric view of a loader coupler with multiple pick-up locations formed in accordance with the present development;
FIG. 2 is a rear isometric view of the loader coupler;
FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the loader coupler with the attachment locking system in its unlocked state;
FIG. 4 is a front view of the loader coupler with the attachment locking system in its unlocked state;
FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the loader coupler;
FIGS 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E are sectional views A-A, B-B, C-C, D-D, E-E of FIG. 3, respectively;
FIG. 6A illustrates an attachment including a first type of attachment coupling structure adapted to mate with the loader coupler of FIG. 1;
FIGS. 6B, 6C, 6D are isometric, rear and side views of the attachment of FIG.
6A mated with the loader coupler (with the locking system in its unlocked state);
FIG. 7A illustrates an attachment including a second type of attachment coupling structure adapted to mate with the loader coupler of FIG. 1;
FIGS. 7B, 7C and 7D are isometric, rear and side views of the attachment of FIG. 7A mated with the loader coupler (with the locking system in its unlocked state);
FIG. 8 is a rear isometric view of the loader coupler showing the locking system unlocked;
FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C are rear isometric, rear elevation and front elevation views of the loader coupler showing the locking system in its locked state;
3c FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate respective embodiments of a third-function hydraulic/electrical coupling system that is optionally provided as part of a loader coupler formed in accordance with the present development.
Detailed Description FIGS. 1 and 2 are respective front and rear isometric views of an attachment quick coupler Q formed in accordance with the present development. The coupler Q
comprises a frame or body B that has a rear (machine) side R and a front (attachment) side F, left and right lateral sides SL,SR, and upper and lower regions U,L. In the illustrated embodiment, as also shown in FIG. 3, the body B is symmetrically constructed about a vertical center line CL, at least with respect to the basic structure as described herein, so as to include left and right portions LP,RP
defined between the centerline CL and the left and right lateral sides SL,SR, respectively.
Referring now to all of FIGS. 1-5E, the body B is constructed from steel components that are welded, fastened and/or otherwise connected.
More specifically, the body B comprises multiple spaced-apart vertical ribs. In the illustrated embodiment, the left and right coupler portions LP,RP each comprise first, second, third, fourth and fifth vertical spaced-apart ribs 10a,10b,10c,10d,10e which are most easily seen at the rear R of the body. The ribs 10a-10e are preferably all arranged in parallel, spaced-apart relation to each other.
The two innermost (fifth) ribs 10e define a tilt actuator pin-on location PT
(FIG. 2) by which a tilt-link or cylinder rod or other tilt actuator is operatively secured to the coupler body B. The ribs 10e define a channel between themselves and the ribs 10e include respective apertures Al that are aligned with each other.
An associated tilt actuator such as a tilt-link, rod-eye or the like of a loader or other associated machine to which the coupler body B is connected is inserted in the channel between the ribs 10e and pinned in position by a pin inserted into the aligned apertures Al and through a bore defined in the associated tilt actuator to allow pivoting movement of the ribs 10e and, thus, the coupler body B relative to the associated tilt actuator.
The rear R of the coupler body B further comprises left and right pin-on locations PL,PR by which the coupler body is operatively connected to associated left
4 and right arms of a loader or other associated machine, respectively, for pivoting movement of the body relative to the associated machine arms. In the illustrated embodiment, the outermost two ribs 10a,10b of the left/right coupler portions LP/RP
define a channel therebetween that is adapted to receive the associated left/right machine arms. The ribs 10a,10b define respective aligned apertures A2 and the associated arms are secured to the coupler body B by insertion of pins through the aligned apertures A2 of the pin-on locations PL,PR and through an aligned bore in the associated machine arm.
In the illustrated example, the coupler body B comprises only a single tilt actuator pin-on location PT. In an alternative embodiment, the coupler body B
comprises left and right laterally spaced-apart tilt actuator pin-on locations that are part of the left and right coupler portions LP,RP, respectively. In one example, these left and right tilt actuator pin-on locations are defined between the outer ribs 10a,10b of the left and right coupler portions LP,RP, with a structure corresponding to the left and right arm pin-on locations PL,PR, but spaced respectively above the locations PL,PR. With such an alternative structure, the coupler body B is adapted to be operably coupled to associated left and right machine arms at the locations PL,PR
and is also adapted to be operably coupled to associated left and right tilt actuators at the left and right tilt actuator pin-on locations.
For both the left and right coupler portions LP,RP, the first, second and third ribs 10a,10b,10c are interconnected with a box frame 20 and also by an outer cross-bar 30 located adjacent the upper edge U of the coupler body. The illustrated outer cross-bars 30 each comprise a one-piece cylindrical bar or like structure installed in aligned apertures of the first, second and third ribs 10a,10b,10c, although it could be a multi-piece bar. The box frame 20 comprises spaced apart front and rear outer plates 22a,22b installed between and interconnecting the first and second ribs 10a,10b (see FIG. 5E) and comprises spaced-apart front and rear inner plates 24a,24b installed between and interconnecting the second and third ribs 10b,10c (see FIG. 5D).
The coupler body B further comprises a main upper support 40 that extends between and is connected to the fourth and fifth ribs 10d,10e of both the left and right coupler portions LP,RP and that extends between and interconnects the
5 innermost (fifth) ribs 10e of the left and right coupler portions LP,RP. The main upper support 40 is located adjacent the upper edge U. In the illustrated embodiment, the main upper support 40 comprises a central one-piece tubular member 42 that is connected to both the innermost ribs 10e of the left/right coupler portions LP,RP and that extends laterally outward toward the left and right sides SL,SR of the body, extending through and connected to the left/right fourth ribs 10d.
Left and right inner cross-bars 44 are located between the third and fourth ribs 10c,10d of the left and right coupler portions LP,RP, respectively. The left/right inner cross-bars 44 have an outer ends installed in an aperture defined in the left/right third ribs 10c, and have inner ends that are, in the illustrated embodiment, installed in open left/right ends of the central tubular member 42. It can be seen in FIG. 5C that the left and right outer cross-bars 30 each include a recess 30r formed in an outer surface that accommodates the outer ends of the left and right inner cross-bars 44 where the outer and inner cross-bars 30,44 overlap which ties the two cross-bars 30,44 together.
A face plate 50 extends laterally from the third rib 10c of the left coupler portion LP to the third rib 10c of the right coupler portion RP and extends in a general vertical direction from a location adjacent the main upper support 40 to a location adjacent the body lower edge L. The face plate 50 is connected to the third, fourth and fifth ribs 10c,10d,10e of both the left and right coupler portions LP,RP so as to tie the left and right coupler portions together. The face plate is preferably a one-piece construction. As shown in the sectional views of FIGS
5A,56,5C the ribs 10c,10d,10e include slots 52 into which an upper edge 50u of the face plate 50 is received and so that it abuts the main upper support 40. A
lower cross-bar 54 is connected to a rear surface of the face plate 50 and extends laterally between and is connected to the left/right fourth ribs 10d. The coupler body B

includes numerous other support ribs/gussets G (see e.g., FIG. 3) as shown in the drawings for added strength and rigidity as will be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. One or more sight openings 55 are defined through the face plate 50 to allow an operator to see through the face plate from the rear side R of the coupler body B to the front side F.
6 For both the left and right coupler portions LP,RP, between the third and fourth ribs 10c,10d, the body B comprises inner rib pick-up points or rib mounts M1 that are defined by the inner cross-bars 44, preferably by a cylindrical surface thereof. Similarly, for both the left and right coupler portions LP,RP, between the second and third ribs 10b,10c, the body B comprises outer rib pick-up points or rib mounts M2 that are defined by the outer cross-bars 30, preferably by a cylindrical surface thereof.
As described in more detail below, the left and right inner mounts M1 are adapted to mate with first type of attachment rib or coupling structure Fl (FIG. 6A) comprising left and right female ribs R1 connected to a bucket or other attachment AT1. The left and right outer mounts M2 are adapted to mate with a second type of attachment coupling structure F2 (FIG. 7A) comprising left and right female ribs R2 that are shaped differently as compared to the female ribs R1 and that are spaced-apart a different distance as compared to the spacing of the ribs R1 on a bucket or other attachment AT2. The female ribs R1,R2 each comprise a hook portion H
that opens downward and comprises an inner cylindrical surface HS and an eye portion E
spaced vertically below the hook portion H and comprising a laterally extending lock aperture EA that extends completely through the rib R1,R2. The hook portions H
of the left/right female ribs R1 of the first type of attachment coupling structure Fl are adapted to mate respectively with the left/right inner rib mounts M1 of the coupler Q
so that the left/right cylindrical hook surfaces HS closely abut a corresponding cylindrical surfaces of the left/right mounts Ml. Similarly, the hook portions H of the left/right female ribs R2 of the second type of attachment coupling structure F2 are adapted to mate respectively with the left/right outer rib mounts M2 of the coupler Q
so that the left/right cylindrical hook surfaces HS closely abut a corresponding cylindrical surfaces of the left/right mounts M2.
With reference again to FIGS. 1-5E, the left and right portions LP,RP of the coupler body B each further comprise an inner locking region such as a channel (FIG. 3) defined between the third and fourth ribs 10c,10d behind the face plate 50 and spaced vertically below the inner rib mounts M1 which are also located between the third and fourth ribs 10c,10d as described above. Because the inner locking channels K1 are located behind the face plate 50, the face plate 50 includes left and
7 right lock channel openings 56 that open into the left and right locking channels K1.
Also, the face plate 50 comprises left and right stop surfaces or blocks 58 connected thereto or defined as a part thereof and located adjacent the left and right lock channel openings 56, respectively. The stop blocks 58 are abutted by the ribs R1 of the attachment coupling structure Fl when the ribs R1 are fully mated with the coupler Q.
The left and right portions LP,RP of the coupler body B each further comprise an outer locking regions such as a channel K2 (FIG. 4) defined between the second and third ribs 10b,10c in front of the box frame plates 24a,24b and spaced vertically below the outer rib mounts M2 which are also located between the second and third ribs 10b,10c as described above. The outer locking channels K2 open to the front F
of the coupler body without obstruction because the locking channels K2 are located forward of the front and rear box frame inner plates 24a,24b between the second and third ribs 10b,10c, and because the face plate 50 does not extend laterally to the second rib 10b. The left and right second ribs 10b of the coupler body B
include or define stop blocks/surfaces 60 adjacent the outer locking channels K2. The stop surfaces 60 are abutted by the ribs R2 of the attachment coupling structure F2 when the ribs R2 are fully mated with the coupler Q.
As shown in FIGS. 6B, 6C, 6D, when the female ribs R1 of the first type of attachment coupling structure Fl are fully mated with the inner coupler mounts Ml, the eye portions E of the left and right female ribs R1 project into the left and right inner locking channels K1 through the lock channel openings 56 with stop portions ST1 of the left and right female ribs R1 are abutted with the left and right stop blocks 58, respectively. Alternatively, in a corresponding fashion, as shown in FIGS.
7B, 7C, 7D, when the female ribs R2 of the second type of attachment coupling structure F2 are fully mated with the outer coupler mounts M2, the eye portions E of the left and right female ribs R2 extend into the left and right outer locking channels K2 with stop portions ST2 of the left and right female ribs R2 abutted with the left and right stop surfaces 60, respectively.
To releasably secure the first type of attachment coupling structure Fl (and the attachment AT1 connected thereto) to the coupler body B, or to releasably secure the second type of attachment coupling structure F2 (and the attachment
8 AT2 connected thereto) to the coupler body B, the quick coupler Q further comprising a lock system 70, which is described now with primary reference to FIG.
8 and FIGS. 9A-9C. In the illustrated embodiment, the lock system 70 comprises at least one lock actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder or other actuator. In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the lock actuator comprises only a single fluid cylinder C including left and right rods R1,R2 (FIG. 9A) that are selectively movable by fluid pressure to and between a retracted position (FIG. 8) to an extended position (FIGS. 9A,96). Alternatively, the rods R1,R2 can be respectively provided as part of two separate hydraulic cylinders that are provided as part of the lock system 70 in place of the single cylinder C. The rods R1,R2 preferably move simultaneously in a common horizontal plane between their retracted and extended positions.
The cylinder C or other actuator is mounted adjacent a rear surface of the face plate 50.
The left and right rods R1,R2 are respectively operably connected to left and right lock plunger assemblies 80. Each plunger assembly 80 comprises: (i) a base plate 82 connected by welding, fasteners or otherwise to the rod R1,R2; and, (ii) first and second spaced-apart lock plungers L1,L2 that project laterally outward from the base plate in a common direction. The first and second lock plungers L1,L2 are preferably arranged horizontally and parallel to each other and are preferably defined by respective cylindrical members. A locator boss/plunger or like projection G3 is located between the two lock plungers and also projects outwardly from the base plate 82. The left and right lock plunger assemblies 80 are thus movably connected to the coupler body B for movement between extended (locked ¨ FIGS.
9A,96,9C) and retracted (unlocked ¨ FIG. 8) positions by the rods R1,R2.
In the illustrated embodiment, for both the left and right coupler portions LP,RP, the ribs 10c,10d define respective plunger apertures 90c,90d (see also FIGS.
56,5C) that are coaxial with respect to a first lock plunger axis. The aperture 90d includes a boss 91 that can be greased. The first lock plunger Li is slidably supported in the boss 91 and is selectively movable outward to an extended (locked) position where it extends into and preferably spans the inner lock channel K1 and is received in the aperture 90c as shown in FIGS. 9A-9C. In the extended position, the first lock plunger L1 extends through the aperture EA of an ear E of the rib R1 of a first type of attachment coupling structure Fl located in the inner lock channel K1 to
9 prevent withdrawal of the ear E from the inner lock channel 1(1. The first lock plunger L1 is also slidably movable from the extended position to a retracted (unlocked) position where it is at least partially withdrawn from and does not span the inner lock channel K1 so that it does not obstruct movement of a rib ear E
of a first type of attachment coupling structure Fl into or out of the inner lock channel K1 (FIGS. 3,8).
Similarly, for both the left and right coupler portions LP,RP, as shown e.g., in FIGS. 1 and 56-5D, the ribs 10b,10c,10d define respective plunger apertures 92b,92c,92d that are coaxial with respect to a second lock plunger axis. A
boss 93 (FIG. 3) that can be greased is supported in the apertures 92c,92d and spans the space between the ribs 10c,10d. The second lock plunger L2 is slidably supported in the boss 93 and is selectively movable outward to an extended (locked) position (FIGS. 96,9C) where it extends into and preferably spans the outer lock channel 1(2 and is received in the aperture 92b. In the extended position, the second lock plunger L2 extends through the aperture EA of an ear E of the rib R2 of a second type of attachment coupling structure F2 located in the outer lock channel K2 to prevent withdrawal of the ear E from the outer lock channel K2. The second lock plunger L2 is also slidably movable from the extended (locked) position to a retracted (unlocked) position (FIGS. 3, 4 and 8) where it is at least partially withdrawn from and does not span or otherwise obstruct the outer lock channel so that it does not obstruct movement of a rib ear E of a second type of attachment coupling structure F2 into or out of the outer lock channel K2 (FIGS. 3,4).
The ribs 10d of the coupler body B further define a locator aperture 94d (FIG. 8) into which the locator plunger G3 is received when the plunger assemblies 80 are moved to their extended (locked) positions for added strength and to facilitate alignment of the plunger assemblies 80. Because the left and right cylinder rods R1,R2 are connected to the base plates 82 of the left and right plunger assemblies 80, the first and second lock plungers L1,L2 and the locator plunger G3 of each plunger assembly move in unison as controlled by the hydraulic cylinder C or other actuator.
When the coupler Q is fully mated with the first type of attachment coupling structure Fl as described above, the eye apertures EA of the left and right female ribs R1 are located in the left and right inner locking channels K1 and are aligned with the first lock plungers L1, and movement of the left and right plunger assemblies 80 from their retracted (unlocked) positions to their extended (locked) positions will cause the first lock plungers L1 to extend through the aligned eye apertures EA to capture the ribs R1 to the coupler body for use of the bucket or other attachment to which the ribs R1 are connected. Likewise, when the coupler Q
is fully mated with the second type of attachment coupling structure F2 as described above, the eye apertures EA of the left and right female ribs R2 are located in the left and right outer locking channels K2 and are aligned with the second lock plungers L2, and movement of the left and right plunger assemblies 80 from their retracted positions to their extended positions will cause the second lock plungers L2 to extend through the aligned eye apertures EA to capture the ribs R2 to the coupler body for use of the bucket or other attachment to which the ribs R2 are connected.
When the plunger assemblies 80 are in their retracted (unlocked) positions, the coupler body B is able to be freely mated and separated from either the first type of attachment coupling structure Fl or the second type of attachment coupling structure F2, because the first and second locking plungers L1,L2 do not obstruct the inner and outer locking channels K1,K2 for either the left or right coupler portion LP,RP.
Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a main advantage flowing from the separate first and second locking plungers L1,L2 for the left and right plunger assemblies 80 is that the eye apertures EA of the first type of attachment coupling structure Fl and the eye apertures EA of the second type of attachment coupling structure F2 need not be located along a common locking axis as would be the case if a single locking plunger was used to capture both the first and second types of attachment coupling structures F1,F2 to the coupler body. This, then, allows the inner rib mounts M1 and outer rib mounts M2 to be located where desired to optimize the geometry when an attachment AT1 or AT2 is operably connected to the coupler, Le., the mounts need not be located to preserve a single common locking plunger axis.
Attachments such as the attachments AT1,AT2 are optionally equipped with a hydraulically or electrically powered third-function actuator such as a thumb, grapple, powered broom, or other powered actuator as in generally known in the =
art. In such case, the attachment comprises one or more hydraulic or electric control lines that feed and return from the third-function actuator, including fittings (plug or coupling) that mate with corresponding fittings (plug or coupling) of a hydraulic or electric system of the loader machine or other machine to which the coupler Q is operatively connected. According to the present development, the coupler Q optionally comprises a system for third-function hydraulic/electric connection. With reference to FIG. 6A, an attachment optionally comprises at least one hydraulic or electric control line Ni including a hydraulic or electric fitting Ti (broken lines are used to indicate the option nature of the control line Ni and fitting Ti). The coupler Q, as shown in FIGS. 96,9C optionally comprises at least one corresponding hydraulic or electric control line N2 having fittings T2,T3 at its opposite ends (broken lines are used to indicate the optional nature of the control line N2 and fittings T2,T3). The fitting T3 is conventional and adapted to be manually mated with the corresponding hydraulic or electric system of the loader or other machine to which the coupler Q is operably coupled. The fittings Ti and T2, whether electric or hydraulic, are adapted to mate with each other in a quick-connect/quick-disconnect fashion, with one being a male fitting and the other being a female fitting as shown in FIG. 10A. Furthermore, the fitting Ti is located on the attachment AT1 and the fitting T2 is located on the coupler Q so that when the coupler Q is operably mated with the attachment AT1 as described above, the fittings T1,T2 are aligned with each other and mate as part of the process of the coupler Q mating with the attachment AT1 without any manual effort by an operator or assistant. As shown herein, the fittings T1,T2 mate through one of the face plate openings 55. In an alternative embodiment as shown in FIG. 1013, the fitting T2 is connected to one of the plunger assemblies 80 and mates with the fitting Ti when the plunger assemblies moves from the unlocked to the locked position, and decouples from the fitting Ti when the plunger assembly 80 is retracted.
The claims, as originally presented and as they may be amended, encompass variations, alternatives, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and substantial equivalents of the embodiments and teachings disclosed herein, including those that are presently unforeseen or unappreciated, and that, for example, may arise from applicants/patentees and others.

Claims (16)

IN THE CLAIMS
1. A loader coupler comprising:
a body comprising a front region, a rear region, an upper region, a lower region, and left and right lateral sides, a tilt actuator pin-on location, and left and right arm pin-on locations;
left and right laterally spaced-apart inner rib mounts provided on the body and adapted to mate respectively with left and right ribs of a first type of attachment coupling structure;
left and right inner locking regions defined by the body and vertically aligned with the left and right inner rib mounts, respectively;
left and right laterally spaced-apart outer rib mounts provided on the body and adapted to mate respectively with left and right ribs of a second type of attachment coupling structure;
left and right outer locking regions defined by the body and vertically aligned with the left and right outer rib mounts, respectively;
a lock system comprising: (i) a hydraulic cylinder having left and right cylinder rods that are each selectively extensible and retractable; and, (ii) left and right plunger assemblies respectively connected to said left and right cylinder rods and each adapted to move between a locked and unlocked position, said left and right plunger assemblies each comprising a first lock plunger located on a first lock plunger axis and a second lock plunger located on a second lock plunger axis, wherein said first lock plunger axis and said second lock axis lie in different parallel, spaced-apart horizontal planes;
wherein said left and right first lock plungers are respectively located in said left and right inner locking regions when said left and right plunger assemblies are located in said locked position such that said left and right first lock plungers are respectively adapted to mate with and capture left and right ribs of a first type of associated attachment structure when the first type of associated attachment structure is mated with said left and right inner rib mounts, said left and right first lock plungers are at least partially withdrawn from said left and right inner locking regions when said left and right plunger assemblies are located in said unlocked position; and, wherein said left and right second lock plungers are respectively located in said left and right outer locking regions when said left and right plunger assemblies are located in said locked position such that said left and right second lock plungers are respectively adapted to mate with and capture left and right ribs of a second type of associated attachment structure when the second type of associated attachment structure is mated with said left and right outer rib mounts, said left and right second lock plungers at least partially withdrawn from said left and right outer locking regions when said left and right plunger assemblies are located in said unlocked position.
2. The coupler as set forth in claim 1, wherein said body further comprises a face plate located between said upper and lower regions, said actuator located adjacent a rear surface of said face plate.
3. The coupler as set forth in claim 1, wherein said body comprises left and right body portions defined respectively between a vertical centerline and said left and right lateral sides, each of said left and right body portions comprising a plurality of parallel and spaced-apart vertically extending ribs.
4. The coupler as set forth in claim 3, wherein:
said left and right pin-on locations are located between a first pair of ribs of said left and right body portions, respectively;
said left and right outer ribs mounts and said left and right outer locking regions are located between a second pair of ribs of said left and right body portions, respectively; and, said left and right inner ribs mounts and said left and right inner locking regions are located between a third pair of ribs of said left and right body portions, respectively.
5. The coupler as set forth in claim 4, wherein said tilt actuator pin-on location is defined between a fourth pair of ribs of said body, wherein one of said ribs of said fourth pair is part of said left body portion and the other of said ribs of said fourth pair is part of said right body portion.
6. A loader coupler comprising:
a body comprising a front region, a rear region, an upper region, a lower region, and left and right lateral sides, a tilt actuator pin-on location, and left and right arm pin-on locations;
left and right laterally spaced-apart inner rib mounts provided on the body and adapted to mate respectively with left and right ribs of a first type of attachment coupling structure;
left and right inner locking regions defined by the body and vertically aligned with the left and right inner rib mounts, respectively;
left and right laterally spaced-apart outer rib mounts provided on the body and adapted to mate respectively with left and right ribs of a second type of attachment coupling structure;
left and right outer locking regions defined by the body and vertically aligned with the left and right outer rib mounts, respectively;
a lock system comprising left and right plunger assemblies that each move between a locked and unlocked position, said left and right plunger assemblies each comprising a first lock plunger located on a first lock plunger axis and a second lock plunger located on a second lock plunger axis; wherein:
said left and right first lock plungers are respectively located in said left and right inner locking regions when said left and right plunger assemblies are located in said locked position, and wherein said left and right first lock plungers are at least partially withdrawn from said left and right inner locking regions when said left and right plunger assemblies are located in said unlocked position; and, said left and right second lock plungers are respectively located in said left and right outer locking regions when said left and right plunger assemblies are located in said locked position, and wherein said left and right second lock plungers are at least partially withdrawn from said left and right outer locking regions when said left and right plunger assemblies are located in said unlocked position;
said body comprises left and right body portions defined respectively between a vertical centerline and said left and right lateral sides, each of said left and right body portions comprising a plurality of parallel and spaced-apart vertically extending ribs;
said left and right pin-on locations are located between a first pair of ribs of said left and right body portions, respectively;
said left and right outer ribs mounts and said left and right outer locking regions are located between a second pair of ribs of said left and right body portions, respectively;

said left and right inner ribs mounts and said left and right inner locking regions are located between a third pair of ribs of said left and right body portions, respectively;
and wherein, on both said left and right body portions:
said first pair of ribs of comprises a first rib and a second rib;
said second pair of ribs comprises said second rib and a third rib;
said third pair of ribs comprises said third rib and a fourth rib.
7. The coupler as set forth in claim 4, wherein:
said left and right outer locking regions comprises left and right outer locking channels defined between said second pair of ribs of said left and right body portions, respectively; and, said left and right inner locking regions comprises left and right inner locking channels defined between said third pair of ribs of said left and right body portions, respectively.
8. The coupler as set forth in claim 7, wherein:
an outer box frame comprising front and rear spaced-apart outer plates is defined between and interconnects the first pair of ribs for both said left and right body portions;
and, an inner box frame comprising front and rear spaced-apart inner plates is defined between and interconnects the second pair of ribs for both said left and right body portions.
9. The coupler as set forth in claim 4, wherein said upper portion of said body comprises a horizontally extending main upper support that is connected to an inner rib of said third pair of ribs for both said left and right body portions, wherein said left and right inner rib mounts comprises respective left and right inner cross-bars that extend between said third pair of ribs of said left and right body portions and that are connected to left and right ends of said main upper support, respectively.
10. The coupler as set forth in claim 9, wherein said left and right inner cross-bars are respectively received into open left and right ends of said main upper support.
11. The coupler as set forth in claim 9, wherein said left and right outer rib mounts respectively comprise left and right outer cross-bars that extend between said second pair of ribs of said left and right body portions, respectively, wherein said left and right inner cross-bars partially overlap said left and right outer cross-bars, respectively, wherein said left and right outer cross-bars define recesses that conform to and receive overlapping portions of said left and right inner cross-bars, respectively.
12. The coupler as set forth in claim 1, wherein said left and right inner rib mounts are mated respectively with left and right ribs of an associated attachment comprising the first type of attachment coupling structure, said left and right ribs of the first type of attachment coupling structure comprising left and right eye portions including left and right eye apertures, respectively, wherein said respective eye portions of said left and right ribs are located in said left and right inner locking regions and said left and right first lock plungers are received through said left and right eye apertures, respectively, when said left and right plunger assemblies are located in their locked positions.
13. The coupler as set forth in claim 1, wherein said left and right outer rib mounts are mated respectively with left and right ribs of an associated attachment comprising the second type of attachment coupling structure, said left and right ribs of the second type of attachment coupling structure comprising left and right eye portions including left and right eye apertures, respectively, wherein said respective eye portions of said left and right ribs are located in said left and right outer locking regions and said left and right second lock plungers are received through said left and right eye apertures, respectively, when said left and right plunger assemblies are located in their locked positions.
14. A lock system for releasably capturing an associated attachment comprising either a first type of attachment coupling structure or a second type of attachment coupling structure to loader coupler body, said lock system comprising:
left and right plunger assemblies that each move between an extended position and a retracted position;

said left and right plunger assemblies each including a first lock plunger and a second lock plunger, wherein:
said first and second lock plungers of said left plunger assembly move along first and second lock plunger axes when said left plunger assembly moves between said extended and retracted positions;
said first and second lock plungers of said right plunger assembly move along said first and second lock plunger axes when said right plunger assembly moves between said extended and retracted positions; and, said first and second lock plunger axes lie in respective parallel, spaced-apart horizontal planes, said lock system further comprising:
a hydraulic cylinder with left and right actuator rods, wherein said left plunger assembly is operably coupled to said left actuator rod and wherein said right plunger assembly is operably coupled to said right actuator rod.
15. The coupler as set forth in claim 12, wherein one of the left and right plunger assemblies comprises a hydraulic fitting adapted to mate with a third-function hydraulic fitting of the associated attachment mated with the coupler.
16. A lock plunger assembly for releasably capturing an associated attachment comprising either a first type of attachment coupling structure or a second type of attachment coupling structure to loader coupler body, said lock plunger assembly comprising:
a plunger assembly base;
first and second parallel, spaced-apart lock plungers connected to and projecting outwardly from said base in a common direction, said first lock plunger comprising a first cylindrical member adapted to be received through an aperture defined in an ear of a first associated attachment mounting rib, and said second lock plunger comprising a second cylindrical member adapted to be received through an aperture defined in an ear of a second associated attachment mounting rib.
CA 2610001 2006-11-08 2007-11-07 Loader coupler with multiple pick-up locations Active CA2610001C (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US85766806P 2006-11-08 2006-11-08
US60/857,668 2006-11-08

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2610001A1 CA2610001A1 (en) 2008-05-08
CA2610001C true CA2610001C (en) 2015-04-21

Family

ID=39367218

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA 2610001 Active CA2610001C (en) 2006-11-08 2007-11-07 Loader coupler with multiple pick-up locations

Country Status (1)

Country Link
CA (1) CA2610001C (en)

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2610001A1 (en) 2008-05-08

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7836616B2 (en) Loader coupler with multiple pick-up locations
US8800179B2 (en) Dual cylinder dual pick-up coupler
US7686532B2 (en) Coupler components and coupling system for front-end loader
US9051716B2 (en) Zero offset loader coupling system and components
US6902346B2 (en) Hydraulic coupler
US7225566B1 (en) Hybrid male coupler portion for a front-end loader
EP3312350B1 (en) Connection apparatus for interconnecting an arm and a tool of a work machine
US6718663B1 (en) Assembly for coupling implements to excavating machines
JP6821213B2 (en) A quick exchange coupling device and a quick exchange coupling system equipped with the quick exchange coupling device.
JP2003504539A (en) Drilling rig arm assembly with integrated quick coupler
US9689138B2 (en) Loader coupler with removable mount pins
US20100172732A1 (en) Coupler with safety cam
US20020098032A1 (en) Excavator coupler using fluid operated actuator
US20140064899A1 (en) Loading Work Apparatus
US7866935B1 (en) Manually operated coupler
CA2610001C (en) Loader coupler with multiple pick-up locations
EP1329559A2 (en) Quick coupling device for work machines
US6533527B1 (en) Boom and boom cylinder quick coupler
US7267521B1 (en) Backhoe bucket reverse adapter
EP2647275A2 (en) Connection device for tractor work
US9121162B1 (en) Motor coupler with multiple pick up locations
JP2018039494A (en) Traction hitch assembly
US20240125082A1 (en) Working machine with coupling device for fluid-conducting lines
JP2005090197A (en) Adaptor for installing attachment on work vehicle
WO2012068267A2 (en) Coupler

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
EEER Examination request