CN118265828A - Coupling device for releasably coupling a tool to a work machine - Google Patents

Abstract

A coupling device for releasably coupling a tool to a work machine. The coupling device comprises a retaining element (62) for locking or releasing the connection between the mounting (52) of the coupling device and the tool. The holding element (62) is mounted on the mount (52) by means of at least one bearing unit (74, 74') such that the holding element (62) is displaceable along the longitudinal axis (L) and pivotable about a pivot axis (P) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L). The holding element (62) comprises at least one bearing element (82, 82') having a structural configuration limiting a pivoting movement of the holding element (62) relative to the mount (52) about the pivot axis (P).

Description

Coupling device for releasably coupling a tool to a work machine

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a coupling device for a work machine configured to releasably couple a tool to the work machine. Furthermore, the invention relates to a work machine equipped with such a coupling device.

Background

Work machines are known, particularly wheeled or tracked work machines, such as excavators and backhoe loaders, that are configured to operate a variety of interchangeable tools, such as buckets, grapples, crushers, compactors, and the like. For this purpose, known work machines are equipped with coupling devices that allow for selectively and releasably coupling a tool to the work machine.

The coupling means employed are typically attached to the movable arm of the work machine and comprise a rigid mount constituting a structural interface for receiving and thus supporting the tool, in particular a standardized structural interface. In other words, the rigid mount is provided and configured for establishing a structural connection between the coupling device and the tool. The known coupling device further comprises an actuation retaining element configured to selectively lock or release the structural connection between the coupling device and the tool by means of a mechanical wedge. These coupling devices are also called "quick couplings" since they allow to couple or uncouple tools in a time-efficient manner, in particular without any manual assembly work by the operator.

Disclosure of Invention

Embodiments of the present invention provide an improved coupling device with increased reliability. It is an object of the present invention to provide a work machine equipped with such an improved coupling device.

An improved coupling device and a machine equipped with such a device are the subjects of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are set forth in the present description, drawings and dependent claims.

In the coupling device, the holding element may be actuated by two linear actuators, in particular by two hydraulic drive cylinders, which are coupled to opposite sides of the holding element via hinged push rods. With this arrangement, the force transmission and distribution at the holding element can be improved. However, during operation of such coupling means, it may happen that opposite sides of the holding element are subjected to unequal actuation forces, for example due to wear or a fault condition, for example when the amount of actuation force applied to the holding element by the two linear actuators differs between the actuators, or when one side of the holding element is stuck. This may lead to an inclined position of the holding element, which may lead to damage of the coupling device, in particular its actuating mechanism (e.g. hydraulic seal).

Accordingly, a coupling device for releasably coupling a tool to a work machine is provided. The coupling device comprises a mount for supporting the tool and a retaining element configured for locking or releasing a structural connection between the mount and the tool, wherein the mount comprises at least one bearing unit configured for mounting the retaining element on the mount such that the retaining element is translatably displaceable relative to the mount along a longitudinal axis of the mount and pivotable relative to the mount about a pivot axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the retaining element comprises at least one bearing element having a structural configuration limiting a pivotal movement of the retaining element relative to the mount about the pivot axis.

Further, a work machine is provided that includes a coupling device for releasably coupling a tool to the work machine.

Since the proposed work machine is equipped with a coupling device as described above, the technical features described herein in the context of a coupling device may relate to and apply to a work machine and vice versa.

Drawings

The invention will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a work machine equipped with a coupling device and a tool separate from the work machine;

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an enlarged side view of the separation tool shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an enlarged side view of the coupling device shown in FIG. 1 in a disengaged state, wherein the coupling device is disengaged from the tool;

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates an enlarged side view of the coupling device in an engaged state, wherein the coupling device is structurally engaged with a tool;

Fig. 5 schematically shows an enlarged side view of the coupling device in a coupled state, wherein the coupling device is structurally coupled to the tool;

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a perspective bottom view of a mount of the coupling device depicted in FIG. 1;

Fig. 7 schematically shows an enlarged perspective view of the first bearing unit of the coupling device depicted in fig. 1;

Fig. 8 schematically shows an enlarged perspective view of a second bearing unit of the coupling device depicted in fig. 1;

Fig. 9 schematically shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a retaining element used in the coupling device in a first end position;

Fig. 10 schematically shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a retaining element used in the coupling device in the second end position; and

Fig. 11 shows a schematic view of an actuator assembly of the coupling device shown in fig. 1.

Detailed Description

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a repetitive description thereof may be omitted in order to avoid repetition.

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a work machine 10 equipped with a coupling device 12 for releasably coupling a tool 14 to work machine 10. In the state shown in fig. 1, tool 14 is disengaged from coupling device 12 and, thus, work machine 10. The coupling means 12 are provided in the form of a quick coupling, i.e. they do not require manual assembly work for coupling or uncoupling tools.

In the context of the present invention, the term "work machine" refers to any machine or apparatus intended to operate a tool coupled thereto. For example, such work machines may refer to construction machines or heavy machinery designed to perform a construction task. More specifically, such machines may refer to wheeled or tracked work machines, such as, but not limited to, excavators and backhoe loaders, and may also refer to stationary machines, such as stationary cranes. Thus, the term "tool" in the sense of the present invention refers to any tool operable by such a work machine. For example, the tool may refer to a bucket, grapple, breaker, compactor, etc.

In the illustrated configuration, work machine 10 is illustratively provided as a track excavator. However, the technical features described below in the context of an excavator may equally be applied to and implemented in any other suitable work machine. The basic structure of work machine 10 is defined by a machine body 16, also referred to as a "rotating platform," that is pivotally mounted to tracks 18. The machine body 16 carries a cab 20 for an operator and a support arm arrangement 22, the arm arrangement 22 being pivotally mounted on the machine body 16 and accommodating the coupling arrangement 12 at its distal end, as can be seen from fig. 1. Specifically, the arm arrangement 22 comprises an arm or lever 24, which arm or lever 24 is pivotally mounted on a distal end of a further arm or boom 26, which further arm or boom 26 is in turn pivotally mounted on the machine body 16, wherein the coupling device 12 is provided at the distal end of the lever 24. A hydraulic actuator 28 is mounted between the arm arrangement 22 and the machine body 16 to actuate and move the lever 24, boom 26, and linkage 12 by hydraulic pressure from a pressure source 30, such as an engine-driven hydraulic pump, in response to operator commands received via a user input device 32, such as a joystick.

Fig. 2 shows an enlarged view of the tool 14, in the illustrated configuration, the tool 14 is a grapple with a rigid tool body 34, and a pair of arms 36 are pivotally mounted on the rigid tool body 34 and actuated by a hydraulic actuator 38. In the coupled state of tool 14, i.e., in a state in which tool 14 is coupled and secured to coupling device 12 to allow proper use of tool 14, hydraulic actuator 38 of tool 14 is actuated by hydraulic pressure directed thereto from a pressure source 30 housed in work machine 10. To this end, tool 14 includes a hydraulic power transfer interface (not shown) configured to releasably connect to a correspondingly designed hydraulic power transfer interface (not shown) of coupling device 12 in the coupled state of tool 14, thereby allowing hydraulic actuator 38 of tool 14 to be actuated by hydraulic pressure from pressure source 30 in response to operator commands received by user input device 32.

The tool body 34 comprises two parallel and in particular mirror-symmetrical side plates 40. A side view of the tool 14 is shown in fig. 2, in which only one of the two mirror-symmetrical side plates 40 is visible. Each side plate 40 is provided with a first recess 42, a second recess 44 and a third recess 46, also referred to herein as "wedge sockets", which together form a structural interface 48 of the tool 14 for structurally coupling the tool 14 to a correspondingly designed structural interface 50 of the coupling device 12.

Referring to fig. 3-5, the structural and functional configuration of the coupling device 12 and its structural interface 50 for releasably coupling the tool 14 to the coupling device 12 is described. The coupling device 12 includes a mount 52 for supporting the tool 14, i.e., the mount 52 forms a structural interface 50 of the coupling device 12 for coupling the tool 14 to the coupling device 12, and a hinge plate 54, also referred to as an interface of a work machine, by which the coupling device 12 is secured to a distal end of the rod 24 of the work machine.

The mounting member 52 and the hinge plate 54 may have a multi-part design, such as a two-part design, wherein the mounting member 52 and the hinge plate 54 constitute different parts that are mountable, and in particular releasably mountable, to one another. Alternatively, the hinge plates 54 and the mounting body 55 may comprise an integral design in which at least portions of the mounting member 52 and the hinge plates 54 are cast as a single piece. To mount the coupling device 12 to the lever 24, the hinge plate 54 is provided with two mounting holes through which pins are inserted, thereby forming a hinge joint 55 to pivotally attach the mounting member 52 to the lever 24 of the work machine 10.

The mounting member 52 is formed of two parallel and mirror-symmetrical side plates 56 (also referred to as a base) that are disposed on opposite sides of the mounting member 52. First and second lugs 58, 60 are provided which project outwardly and oppositely from the side plates 56. In the vicinity of the first and second lugs 58, 60, the side plates 56 are connected by transverse supports that extend perpendicular to the side plates 56 and structurally connect the side plates 56, particularly for the purpose of increasing the rigidity and stability of the mounting member 52, as shown in fig. 6. The first and second lugs 58, 60 of the mounting member 52 are configured and designed to engage with the first and second recesses 42, 44, respectively, to structurally engage the tool 14 with the coupling device 12, as further described below.

The mounting member 52 further includes a retaining element 62, which retaining element 62 together with the first and second lugs 58, 60 constitutes a structural interface 50 of the mounting member 52, which structural interface 50 is configured to releasably couple to a correspondingly designed structural interface 48 of the tool 12 and thus tightly connect the tool 14 to the coupling device 12.

The retaining element 62 is configured to lock or release the structural connection between the mount 52 and the tool 14, i.e., between their structural interfaces 48, 50. To this end, the holding element 62 is arranged movable relative to the mounting 52 between a release position as shown in fig. 4 and a holding position as shown in fig. 5. In the retaining position, the retaining element 62 is positioned relative to the mount 52 to secure the structural connection between the mount 52 and the tool 14. In other words, in the engaged state of the mounting 52 and the tool 14, the retaining element 62 secures the structural connection between these components when in its retaining position. However, in the release position, the retaining element 62 is positioned relative to the mount 52 such that structural engagement between the mount 52 and the tool 14 can be set or released.

The process of coupling the tool 14 to the coupling device 12 is described below with reference to fig. 3 and 5. To couple tool 14 to work machine 10, first, an operator operates work machine 10 to bring retaining element 62 into its released position, as shown in FIG. 3, which illustrates the disengaged state of coupling device 12. In the context of the present invention, a "uncoupled state" refers to a state in which the coupling device 12 is uncoupled (i.e., released) from the tool 14 and thus is not engaged therewith. In other words, in this state, the structural interfaces of the coupling 12 and the tool 14 are not engaged and are particularly spaced apart from each other.

Thereafter, the operator moves the arm arrangement 22 to position the mount 52 of the coupling arrangement 12 on the tool body 34 such that the second lug 60 of the mount 52 is received in the second recess 44 of the tool 14. The operator then pivots the mount 52 to position the first tab 58 into the first recess 42 while maintaining the second tab 60 engaged with the second recess 44. By doing so, the coupling device 12 and the tool 14 are brought into an engaged state as shown in fig. 4. In the context of the present invention, an "engaged state" refers to a state in which the coupling device 12 is engaged with the tool 14, while relative movement of the coupling device 12 with respect to the tool 14 is enabled, in particular at least one rotational movement about the second lug 60. In other words, although the coupling device 12 and the tool 14 are engaged with each other in this state, the structural connection between the structural interfaces 48, 50 of the coupling device 12 and the tool 14 may be released upon relative movement between the two components. Thus, in the engaged state, the structural connection between the coupling device 12 and the tool 14 is not fixed or fastened.

With the tool 14 and the coupling device 12 in the engaged state, the retaining element 62 is then moved by the actuator assembly 64 from the released position shown in fig. 4 to the retaining position shown in fig. 5 to engage the retaining element 62 with the wedge socket 46. By doing so, the coupling device 12 enters a coupled state. In the context of the present invention, a "coupled state" refers to a state in which the coupling device 12 is tightly and securely fixed to the tool 14. That is, in the coupled state, the structural connection between the coupling device 12 and the tool 14 is interlocked or fixed. In other words, in this state, the structural connection between the coupling device 12 and the tool 14 cannot be released upon a relative movement between the coupling device 12 and the tool 14 when the holding element 62 is in its holding position. In particular, when the retaining element 62 is placed in its retaining position, the retaining portion 66 of the retaining element 62, and in particular the mechanical wedge, i.e. the retaining portion 66 of the wedge shape, forming the opposite end thereof, is placed into and thus engaged with the wedge socket 46 of the tool body 34. In this way, the structural interfaces 48, 50 of the coupling device 12 and the tool 14 are connected in a form-fitting and in particular in a force-fitting manner.

The basic structure and mode of operation of such coupling means 12 are well known to those skilled in the art and will therefore not be further described. Instead, features of the mount 52 and the retaining element 62 interconnected with the present invention are described below with reference to fig. 6-9.

In the illustrated configuration, the mount 52 and the retaining element 62 (i.e., at least a portion thereof) have a mirror-symmetrical design. In other words, the mounting 52 and the holding element 62 may be provided with means for establishing a structural connection with the tool 14, which means are correspondingly provided on opposite sides of these means. Thus, in order to avoid repeated descriptions of elements and redundancies, similar elements disposed on opposite sides, in particular in a mirror-symmetrical manner, are denoted herein by the same reference numerals, wherein reference numerals supplemented by prime numbers denote elements disposed on a side of the coupling device 12 opposite to the side of the elements denoted by reference numerals without prime numbers.

Fig. 6 illustrates a bottom view of mount 52 of coupling device 12, mount 52 being shown isolated from work machine 10. For better visualization, individual components of the coupling device 12, such as the hinge plates 54 of the coupling device 12 and the bottom cover and hydraulic power transmission interface of the mount 52, are not shown in the figures.

Mount 52 forms a structural member that is configured and arranged for force absorption and force transmission between arm unit 22 and implement 14 of work machine 10. In the mount 52, a holding element 62 and an actuator assembly 64 for actuating the holding element 62 are received and supported. Specifically, the holding element 62 is accommodated in the mount 52 so as to be movable relative to the mount 52 between its holding position and its release position.

The actuator assembly 64 is configured to move the retaining element 62 in translation between its retaining position and its release position. To this end, the actuator assembly includes a first linear actuator 68 and a second linear actuator 68' disposed at opposite sides in the mount 62. The first and second linear actuators 68, 68' are rotatably coupled to the holding element 62, i.e. on opposite sides thereof. Specifically, the first and second linear actuators 68, 68' include hinged pushrods 70, 70', each rotatably mounted to the holding element 62 by a hinged connection 72, 72 '. The push rods 70, 70' pass through a transverse wall 73 of the mount 52, the holding element 62 being arranged in front of the transverse wall 73. More specifically, each of the first and second linear actuators 68, 68' is rotatably coupled to a respective bearing element 82, 82' of the holding element 62 such that relative rotational movement is enabled between the holding element 62 and the first and second linear actuators 68, 68'. This is achieved by means of the hinge connections 72, 72' specified below. In the illustrated configuration, the first linear actuator 68 is rotatably coupled to the first bearing element 82 and the second linear actuator 68 'is rotatably coupled to the second bearing element 82'.

The first and second linear actuators 68, 68' are arranged parallel to each other, in particular mirror-symmetrical to each other. In the illustrated configuration, the first and second linear actuators 68, 68' are provided in the form of hydraulic actuators that are actuated by hydraulic pressure from the pressure source 30 in response to operator commands received by the user input device 32. Or the linear actuator may be electrically driven.

To receive and mount the retaining element 62, the mount 52 includes two distinct and spaced apart bearing units, namely a first bearing unit 74 and a second bearing unit 74'. The bearing units 74, 74' are configured for mounting the holding element 62 on the mount 52 such that the holding element 62 is translatably displaceable relative to the mount 52 along a longitudinal axis L of the mount 52 and pivotable relative to the mount 52 about a pivot axis P perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. The retaining element 62 comprises first and second bearing elements 82, 82', the first and second bearing elements 82, 82' being arranged on opposite sides of the retaining element 62, and the retaining element 62 being mounted in the mount 52 via the first and second bearing elements 82, 82 '. In other words, the bearing elements 82, 82' define and limit the movement of the retaining element 62 relative to the mount 52. In this way, the bearing elements 82, 82 'interact with the bearing units 74, 74'. In particular, the bearing elements 82, 82' have a structural configuration that limits pivotal movement of the retaining element 62 relative to the mount 52 about the pivot axis P as described further below.

In the context of the present invention, the term "longitudinal axis" refers to the axis of the mount 52 along which the retaining element 62 is movable to be displaced between its retaining position and its release position. For example, the longitudinal axis L may be a long axis of the mount 52 and/or may be an axis parallel to and/or in a mirror plane relative to a mirror symmetrical portion of the mount 52. Furthermore, in the context of the present invention, "pivot axis" refers to any axis that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. The pivot axis P may be arranged parallel to the mirror plane of the retaining element 62.

The first and second linear actuators 68, 68 'are rotatably coupled to opposite sides of the holding element 62 by hinged push rods 70, 70'. In particular, the first and second linear actuators 68, 68 'are rotatably mounted on opposite sides of the holding element 62 such that relative rotational movement between the holding element 62 and the first and second linear actuators 68, 68' about at least one axis parallel to the pivot axis P is enabled. More specifically, the connection between the linear actuators 68, 68' and the holding element 62 is provided such that a relative rotational movement between the first linear actuator 68 and the holding element 62 about the first axis P1 is enabled, and a relative rotational movement between the second linear actuator 68' and the holding element 62 about the second axis P1' is enabled. The first axis P1 is arranged parallel to the pivot axis P and through the first articulation connection 72, wherein the second axis P2 is arranged parallel to the pivot axis P and through the second articulation connection 72', as can be seen from fig. 7 and 8.

First and second bearing units 74, 74' are provided for mounting the retaining element 62 on the mount 52. To this end, the first and second bearing units 74, 74' are arranged on opposite sides of the mount 52. In particular, the first and second bearing units 74, 74' are arranged such that they protrude from the front end of the mount 52 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L, in particular from the transverse wall 73. Further, the first and second bearing units 74, 74' are formed by the side plates 56 of the mount 52.

In the illustrated configuration, the first and second bearing units 74, 74' constitute slide bearings, wherein the retaining element 62 slides on at least one bearing or sliding surface 76, 76', 78 '. In other words, with this arrangement, each of the first and second bearing units 74, 74' constitutes a slide bearing comprising at least one bearing or slide surface 76, 76', 78' that engages with the holding element 62, in particular with a correspondingly designed bearing or slide surface of the holding element 62. In other words, in the mounted state in which the holding element 62 is received in the bearing unit 74, 74', the holding element 62 is designed and configured to lie on and slide over the sliding surfaces 76, 76', 78 '. In this configuration, the sliding surfaces 76, 76', 78' of the first and second bearing units 74, 74' are arranged parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L and perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis P.

In particular, as can be seen from fig. 7 and 8, each of the first and second bearing units 74, 74' comprises a first sliding surface 76, 76' and a second sliding surface 78, 78', which have a relative orientation and in particular face each other. In other words, the first and second sliding surfaces 76, 76', 78' are arranged on opposite sides such that they face each other, wherein the holding element 62 is received between the first and second sliding surfaces 76, 78, 76', 78', in particular such that a predetermined tolerance or gap is provided therebetween. To this end, each bearing unit 74, 74 'comprises a first bearing arm 77, 77' and a second bearing arm 79, 79', wherein a first sliding surface 76, 76' is formed at the inner surface of the first bearing arm 77, 77 'and a second sliding surface 78, 78' is formed at the inner surface of the second bearing arm 79, 79 'such that the first sliding surface 76, 76' of the first bearing arm 77, 77 'faces the second sliding surface 78, 78' of the associated second bearing arm 79, 79 'within the bearing unit 74, 74'.

With this configuration, in addition to allowing the above-described relative movement between the mount 52 and the holding element 62, the bearing units 74, 74' are configured to block translational movement of the holding element 62 relative to the mount 52 along the pivot axis P, in particular in both directions of the pivot axis P. Furthermore, the bearing units 74, 74' are configured to block rotational movement of the holding element 62 relative to the mount 52 about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis and about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L and the pivot axis P.

Furthermore, each bearing unit 74, 74 'may include at least one guide surface 80, 80', respectively. In the present invention, the term "guiding surface" refers to the surface of these bearing units 74, 74', which is intended and configured for guiding and thus limiting the movement of the holding element 62 with respect to the mount 52. In particular, these guiding surfaces 80, 80 'are intended and configured to interact with at least one correspondingly designed bearing element 82, 82' of the retaining element 62 associated therewith. During operation of the retaining element 62, the guide surfaces 80, 80' of the mount 52 interact with the associated bearing elements 82, 82' of the retaining element 62 such that the bearing elements 82, 82' may contact the guide surfaces 80, 80' and may slide on the guide surfaces 80, 80', thereby guiding movement of the retaining element 62 relative to the mount 52. Furthermore, these guiding surfaces 80, 80' are intended and configured to absorb forces acting on the holding element 62 during operation. That is, external forces acting on the holding element 62 may be transferred from the holding element 62 to the mount 52 via the guiding surfaces 80, 80 'and the associated bearing elements 82, 82'. In case the holding element 62 is subjected to lateral external forces (i.e. forces acting on the holding element 62 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L) or torques about the pivot axis P, the holding element 62 together with the bearing units 74, 74' are designed and configured such that at least one bearing element 82, 82' is pressed, pushed or bumped against the associated guiding surface 80, 80', thereby enabling these external forces to be transferred into the mount 52. By so doing, damage to the actuator assembly 22 caused by unintentional large displacements of the retaining element 62 relative to the mount 52 may be effectively prevented.

Specifically, in the proposed coupling device 12, the first bearing unit 74 comprises a first guiding surface 80 associated and/or engaged with a first bearing element 82 of the holding element 62. The second bearing unit 74 'includes a second guide surface 80', the second guide surface 80 'being opposite the first guide surface 80 and being associated and/or engaged with a second bearing element 82' of the holding element 62. By describing that the bearing element is associated with a guiding surface in the context of the present invention, it is meant that the guiding element is intended and configured to contact the guiding surface and transfer forces therebetween during operation of the coupling device 12.

The first guide surface 80 is arranged opposite the second guide surface 80'. In the illustrated configuration, the orientation of the first guide surface 80, i.e. the surface normal of the first guide surface 80 is directed towards the second guide surface 80', and vice versa. In other words, the first guide surface 80 faces the second guide surface 80'. In an alternative configuration, the orientation of the first guide surface 80, i.e. the surface normal of the first guide surface 80, may be directed away from the second guide surface 80, and vice versa, and in particular the surface normal of the first guide surface 80 and the surface normal of the second guide surface 80' may be aligned with each other.

In the illustrated configuration, as shown in fig. 7, the first guide surface 80 includes a first portion 80a and a second portion 80b, the first portion 80a being disposed on an inner side of the first bearing arm 77 of the first bearing unit 74 facing the second bearing unit 74', and the second portion 80b being disposed on an inner side of the second bearing arm 79 of the first bearing unit 74 facing the second bearing unit 74'. Accordingly, as shown in fig. 8, the second guide surface 80' includes a first portion 80a ' and a second portion 80b ', the first portion 80a ' being disposed at an inner side of the first bearing arm 77' of the second bearing unit 74' facing the first bearing unit 74, and the second portion 80b ' being disposed at an inner side of the second bearing arm 79' of the second bearing unit 74' facing the first bearing unit 74. As such, the different portions 80a, 80a ', 80b ' of the guide surface 80, 80' themselves constitute the guide surface.

The first and second guide surfaces 80, 80', in particular their portions 80a, 80a ', 80b ', are arranged parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L. Furthermore, the first and second guide surfaces 80, 80', in particular their portions 80a, 80a ', 80b ', are arranged parallel or substantially parallel to the pivot axis P. The first and second guide surfaces 80, 80', in particular their portions 80a, 80a ', 80b ', are flat or planar, i.e. without curvature.

As shown in fig. 7 and 8, the first and second guide elements 82, 82' include protrusions that rise or protrude from the surfaces of the holding element 62 that slide on the sliding surfaces 76, 76', 78 '. Specifically, each of the first and second guide elements 82, 82' includes first and second protrusions 84, 84', 86', the first and second protrusions 84, 84', 86' rising or protruding from opposite sides of the retaining element 62. The first and second protrusions 84, 84', 86' are also referred to as guide portions. Thus, the first protrusions 84, 84 'are configured to interact and engage with the first portions 80a, 80a' of the associated guide surfaces 80, 80', and the second protrusions 86, 86' are configured to interact and engage with the second portions 80b, 80b 'of the associated guide surfaces 80, 80'. Thus, the first and second protrusions 84, 84', 86' of the guide elements 82, 82' themselves constitute the guide elements. In other words, the first and second protrusions 84, 86 of the first guide element 82 are configured to interact and engage with the guide surface 80 of the first bearing unit 74, and the first and second protrusions 84', 86' of the second guide element 82' are configured to interact and engage with the guide surface 80' of the second bearing unit 74 '.

The guide elements 82, 82', in particular each of the protrusions 84, 84', 86', is provided with a curved guide surface constituted by an intermediate portion 88, 88', which intermediate portion 88, 88' connects the first guide section 90, 90' to the second guide section 92, 92'. In this configuration, the guide sections 90, 90', 92' form the rounded corners of the associated guide elements 82, 82', in particular the projections 84, 84', 86 '. In this way, wear or scraping of the guide surfaces 80, 80 'by the guide elements 82, 82' may be prevented. In particular, the intermediate portion 88 may have a curvature that is less than the curvature of the guide sections 90, 90', 92'.

As described above, the retaining element 62 is mounted in the mount 52 via at least the first and second bearing elements 82, 82'. In this way, the first and second bearing elements 82, 82' define and limit relative movement between the retaining element 62 and the mount 52. As mentioned above, the first and second bearing elements 82, 82' are provided with a structural configuration, in particular with a geometric design, which limits the pivoting movement of the holding element 62 relative to the mount 52 about the pivot axis P, in particular while allowing the pivoting movement to a predetermined extent. With this configuration, the retaining element 62 allows to assume an inclined position, such that the push rod 70, 70' is arranged perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the retaining element 62, and thus parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L, compared to the desired intermediate position in which the retaining element 62 is arranged parallel to the mount 52, in particular parallel to the transverse wall 73. By providing the bearing elements 82, 82', the proposed structural arrangement defines a maximum tilt position in which the holding element 62 can be positioned. In this manner, the structural arrangement of the mount 52 and the retaining element 62 may prevent the retaining element 62 from adopting an over-reclined position that may cause or result in damage to the coupling device 12, and in particular the actuation assembly 22 (e.g., hydraulic seal). In this way, the reliability of the coupling device 12 can be increased, since even if the coupling device is subjected to failure conditions, i.e. in which the holding element 62 assumes an inclined position relative to the desired intermediate position during operation, for example due to wear of individual components of the coupling device 12, fatal or severe damage of the coupling device 12 can be avoided.

More specifically, the bearing elements 82, 82 'are designed such that the holding element 62 is pivotable about the pivot axis P relative to the mount 52 and the linear actuators 68, 68' between a first end position and a second end position. In the state in which the holding element 62 is positioned in the first end position, the holding element 62 is pivoted or displaced about the pivot axis P by no more than 8 ° or 10 ° or 12 ° and no less than 2 ° or 4 ° or 6 ° relative to the state in which the holding element 62 is positioned in the second end position. In other words, the holding element 62 can be pivoted up to 4 ° or 5 ° or 6 ° in a first rotational direction and/or in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction with respect to the intermediate position. In the context of the present invention, the term "end position" refers to a position where the component cannot be moved or pivoted further.

In the context of the present invention, the term "end position" refers to the angular position of the holding element 62 relative to the mount 52 or the linear actuator 68, 68', beyond which the holding element 62 cannot oscillate.

In fig. 9 and 10, the coupling device 12 is shown in longitudinal section. Fig. 9 shows the state of the coupling device 12, in which the holding element 62 is positioned in the first end position. In the state shown in fig. 10, the holding element 62 is in the second end position. As shown in fig. 9 and 10, the first and second bearing elements 82, 82' are provided with recesses 93, 93', and distal portions of the associated linear actuator push rods 70, 70' are received in the recesses 93, 93' and connected to the holding element 62 via the hinge connections 72, 72', respectively.

In the first end position shown in fig. 9, the first blocking portion 95 of the first bearing element 82 abuts against the first linear actuator 68, in particular the push rod 70 thereof, and the second blocking portion 97 'of the second bearing element 82' abuts against the second linear actuator 68', in particular the push rod 70' thereof. Thus, in the second end position shown in fig. 10, the second blocking portion 97 of the first bearing element 82 abuts against the first linear actuator 68, in particular the push rod 70 thereof, and the first blocking portion 95 'of the second bearing element 82' abuts against the second linear actuator 68', in particular the push rod 70' thereof. In the respective bearing element 82, 82', the first and second blocking portions 95, 95', 97' are arranged opposite to each other. Furthermore, the first and second blocking portions 95, 95', 97' constitute side walls of the recess 93, 93', in particular at least a part of the recess 93, 93', in which recess 93, 93 'the push rod 70, 70' is accommodated. In this way, the blocking portions 95, 95', 97' are spaced apart from the hinge connections 72, 72 '. With this structural configuration, the bearing elements 82, 82 'are configured to limit pivotal movement of the retaining element 62 relative to the mount 52 and the linear actuators 68, 68'.

Furthermore, in the first and second end positions, the guiding portions, i.e. the first and second protrusions 84, 86 of the first bearing element 82 are spaced apart from the guiding surface 80 of the first bearing unit 74, or the first and second protrusions 84', 86' of the second bearing element 82' are spaced apart from the guiding surface 80' of the second bearing unit 74 '.

In an alternative embodiment, the coupling device 12 may be provided such that in the first end position and the second end position the guiding portions 84, 86 of the first bearing element 82 abut the guiding surface 80 of the first bearing unit 74 and the guiding portions 84', 86' of the second bearing element 82' abut the guiding surface 80' of the second bearing unit 74 '. In particular, in the first end position of this embodiment, the first guide section 90 of the guide portions 84, 86 of the first bearing element 82 may abut against the first guide surface 80 of the first bearing unit 74, and the second guide section 92' of the guide portions 84', 86' of the second bearing element (82 ') may abut against the second guide surface 80'. Thus, in the second end position of this embodiment, the second guide section 92 of the first guide element 82 may abut the first guide surface 80 and the first guide section 90' of the second guide element 82' abuts the second guide surface 80'. In this configuration, the leading portions of the bearing elements 82, 82' may be designed to limit the pivotal movement of the retaining element 62 relative to the mount 52 about the pivot axis P. Thus, in this configuration, the bearing elements 82, 82' may be designed such that in the first and/or second end positions, the side walls of the recesses 91, 91' do not abut the first and second linear actuators 68, 68'. Therefore, the blocking portions 95, 95', 97' may be omitted in this embodiment.

In the configuration depicted in fig. 6, the first and second bearing elements 82, 82 'are designed such that a first guide section distance D1 (in particular a minimum distance) between the first guide section 90 of the first bearing element 82 and an associated second guide section 92' of the second guide element 82 'is smaller than a guide surface distance D0 (in particular a minimum distance) between the first and second guide surfaces 80, 80'. Furthermore, the first guide element 82 and the second guide element 82 'are designed such that the second guide section distance D2 (in particular the minimum distance) between the second guide section 92 of the first guide element 82 and the associated first guide section 90' of the second guide element 82 'is smaller than the guide surface distance D0 between the first guide surface 80 and the second guide surface 80'. With this configuration, the holding member 62 can be prevented from being wedged between the bearing units 74, 74'. Alternatively, the first guide section distance D1 and the second guide section distance D2 may be greater than the guide surface distance D0.

Furthermore, the holding element 62 is designed such that an imaginary line, indicated by a dashed line in fig. 6, between the guide sections 90, 92 of the first guide element 82 and the associated guide sections 92', 90' of the second guide element 82' has the length of the first and second guide section distances D1, D2; an imaginary line between the first and second guide surfaces 80, 80', represented by a dashed line in fig. 6, has a length of the guide surface distance D0 and the longitudinal axis L is arranged parallel to the plane or may be arranged in a common plane.

In contrast to the known configuration, the proposed coupling device 12 functions appropriately without being equipped with a central guide (also called "beak" (birds-beak) ") for guiding the holding element and for receiving and transmitting forces to the mount. Therefore, such a beak structure can be omitted. This can be achieved by assigning a guiding and force transmitting function to the sides of the holding element 62, i.e. the holding portions 66, 66', in combination with the body of the coupling device 12, i.e. the plain bearing units 74, 74'.

Next, the structural and functional configuration of the actuator assembly 64 will be described with reference to fig. 11, with fig. 11 showing a schematic view of the actuator assembly 64. The first linear actuator 68 may include a first piston 94 housed in a first hydraulic cylinder 96, as shown in phantom. Accordingly, the second linear actuator 68' may include a second piston 94' housed in a second hydraulic cylinder 96', as shown in phantom in fig. 9. The first and second pistons 94, 94 'are pivotally connected to the first and second push rods 70, 70', respectively. The first and second hydraulic cylinders 96, 96' form a stationary portion of the actuator assembly 22 that is mounted to the mount 52 in a fixed relationship.

The first and second linear actuators 68, 68' may further include first and second biasing elements 98, 98', particularly in the form of coils disposed about the first and second push rods 70, 70' between the first and second pistons 94, 94' and the transverse wall 73 of the linear actuators 68, 68 '. The first and second biasing elements 98, 98' may be configured to preload or urge the retaining element 62 into its released position or its retaining position.

The actuator assembly 64 further includes a hydraulic circuit 100 for providing hydraulic pressure to the first and second linear actuators 68, 68', and in particular to the first and second hydraulic cylinders 96, 96'. The hydraulic circuit 100 includes a diverter 102 connected to a supply line 104. The flow divider 102 is configured to control the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to the flow divider 102 via the supply line 104 so as to flow to or from each of the first and second linear actuators 64, 64' simultaneously at equal flow rates. In other words, the flow divider 102 may be configured to evenly divide the supplied hydraulic flow between the first and second hydraulic cylinders 96, 96 'such that the first and second linear actuators 64, 64' move in unison. In other words, the flow divider 102 is configured to be equal to the hydraulic flow supplied to the two hydraulic cylinders 96, 96'. In the event that one of the hydraulic cylinders becomes stuck or has a higher resistance, the flow splitter 102 is configured to direct hydraulic flow to the one hydraulic cylinder 96, 96 'that experiences the higher resistance until it is released, and the hydraulic cylinders 96, 96' can be actuated and moved simultaneously.

In the illustrated configuration, the flow divider 102 may be arranged to control the flow rate on the side of the first and second pistons 94, 94' on which positive pressure acts to move the retention body 62 to the release position. In one possible alternative arrangement, the diverter 102 may be arranged to act on the first and second pistons 94, 94' on the other side of the positive pressure effect to move the retention body to the retention position. In another possible arrangement, two diverters 102 may be arranged, each acting on a different side of the first and second pistons 94, 94'. In each case, the flow splitter 102 may be arranged to control the flow direction in the in and out directions and the flow out of each hydraulic cylinder 96, 96'. The diverter 102 may be configured as, for example, a spool-type diverter (as shown) or a gear-type diverter, i.e., a pair of rotating bodies that move equal volumes of hydraulic fluid relative to each other in increments of angular movement, and that are mechanically linked together for synchronous rotation. The shunt 102 distributes the torque applied to the holding body 62 between the first and second linear actuators 68, 68', thereby ensuring that both actuators move synchronously so that the holding body 62 is held in a neutral position, i.e. not in a tilted position. In such an arrangement, the optional biasing elements 98, 98' may also act as equalizers, applying a restoring force that opposes the unequal forces applied to the different sides of the retaining element 62 and urges the retaining element 62 toward a neutral, i.e., symmetrical, position.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these embodiments and items depict only a few examples of the many possibilities. Thus, the embodiments illustrated herein should not be construed as limiting the features and configurations. Any possible combination and configuration of the described features may be selected according to the scope of the invention.

This is especially the case with respect to optional features that may be combined with some or all of the previously mentioned embodiments, items and/or features in any technically feasible combination.

A coupling device for releasably coupling a tool to a work machine may be provided. The coupling device may comprise a mount for supporting the tool and a retaining element configured for locking or releasing a structural connection between the mount and the tool, wherein the mount may comprise at least one bearing unit configured for mounting the retaining element on the mount such that the retaining element is translatably displaceable relative to the mount along a longitudinal axis of the mount and pivotable relative to the mount about a pivot axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the retaining element comprises at least one bearing element having a structural configuration limiting a pivotal movement of the retaining element relative to the mount about the pivot axis, in particular during operation or correct operation of the coupling device.

The coupling device may be used with any suitable work machine configured to operate a tool, such as an excavator, but is certainly not limited to this application.

Optionally, the coupling device may comprise an actuator assembly configured to translationally move the holding element between the holding position and the release position. Optionally, the actuator assembly may comprise at least one linear actuator rotatably coupled to the at least one bearing element such that relative rotational movement between the retaining element and the at least one linear actuator about an axis parallel to the pivot axis is enabled. For example, the actuator assembly may include first and second linear actuators rotatably coupled to opposite sides of the holding element such that relative rotational movement is enabled between the holding element and the first linear actuator about a first axis parallel to the pivot axis and relative rotational movement is enabled between the holding element and the second linear actuator about a second axis parallel to the pivot axis. Alternatively, the first linear actuator may be rotatably coupled to the first bearing element and the second linear actuator may be rotatably coupled to the second bearing element of the holding element.

According to a further development, the at least one bearing unit (in particular the first and second bearing units) may constitute a sliding bearing comprising at least one sliding surface engaging with the holding element (in particular the bearing element thereof). Alternatively, the sliding surface may be arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the pivot axis. Alternatively, the first and second bearing units may comprise oppositely oriented first and second sliding surfaces. In other words, the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface may be arranged opposite to each other, in particular such that they face each other.

Optionally, the at least one bearing unit may be configured to block at least one of translational movement of the retaining element relative to the mount in a direction along the pivot axis; a rotational movement of the retaining element relative to the mount about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis; and a rotational movement of the retaining element relative to the mount about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the pivot axis.

Furthermore, the first and second guide surfaces may be arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis and parallel to the pivot axis. Alternatively, the first and second guide surfaces may be flat.

Alternatively or additionally, the coupling device may comprise a first bearing unit having a first guiding surface associated with a first bearing element of the holding element and a second bearing unit having a second guiding surface opposite the first guiding surface and associated with a second bearing element of the holding element. Optionally, the first bearing element of the retaining element may comprise a guiding portion configured to interact or engage with a guiding surface of the first bearing unit, and the second bearing element of the retaining element may comprise a guiding portion configured to interact or engage with a guiding surface of the second bearing unit.

The retaining element may be pivotable about the pivot axis relative to the mount and/or relative to the at least one linear actuator between a first end position and a second end position. Optionally, in a state in which the retaining element is positioned in the first end position, the retaining element may be pivoted or displaced about the pivot axis by not more than 10 ° and not less than 4 ° relative to a state in which the retaining element is positioned in the second end position.

In a further development, in the first and/or second end position, the blocking portion of the bearing element may abut against the linear actuator, in particular against a push rod of the linear actuator. More specifically, in the first end position, the first blocking portion of the bearing element may abut against the linear actuator, and in the second end position, the second blocking portion may abut against the linear actuator. Alternatively, the second blocking portion may be arranged opposite to the first blocking portion.

Alternatively, in the first and/or second end position, the guiding portion of the first bearing element may be spaced apart from the guiding surface of the first bearing unit. Alternatively or additionally, in the first and/or second end position, the guiding portion of the second bearing element may be spaced apart from the guiding surface of the second bearing unit.

Alternatively, in the first end position and/or in the second end position, the guiding portion of the first bearing element may abut against the guiding surface of the first bearing unit, and the guiding portion of the second bearing element may abut against the guiding surface of the second bearing unit.

Alternatively or additionally, the first and second linear actuators may be hydraulic actuators and the actuator assembly may include a hydraulic circuit for directing hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinders of the first and second linear actuators. Optionally, the hydraulic circuit may include a flow divider configured to control the flow of hydraulic fluid to or from each of the first and second linear actuators equally.

Further, a work machine may be provided that may include the above-described coupling device for releasably coupling a tool to the work machine.

Industrial applicability

With reference to the accompanying drawings and the accompanying description, a coupling device for a work machine and a work machine equipped with such a coupling device are presented. The proposed coupling device can replace conventional coupling devices and can be used as a replacement or retrofit component.

As described herein, in some embodiments of the invention, the hydraulic quick coupler lock mechanism includes two cylinders. The hydraulic quick coupler lock mechanism includes a flow divider and a hydraulic circuit designed to equal the flow between the two cylinders to provide simultaneous hydraulic actuation of the two cylinders; wherein the circuit controls hydraulic flow to the hydraulic cylinders, encountering greater resistance to the operation of the locking mechanism.

Claims (14)

1. A coupling device (12) for releasably coupling a tool (14) to a work machine (10), comprising a mount (52) for supporting the tool (14) and a retaining element (62) configured to lock or release a structural connection between the mount (52) and the tool (14), wherein

The mount (52) comprises at least one bearing unit (72, 72') configured for mounting the holding element (62) on the mount (52) such that the holding element (62) is translatably displaceable relative to the mount (52) along a longitudinal axis (L) of the mount (52) and pivotable relative to the mount (52) about a pivot axis (P) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L), and wherein

The retaining element (62) comprises at least one bearing element (82, 82') having a structural configuration limiting a pivoting movement of the retaining element (62) relative to the mount (52) about the pivot axis (P).

2. The coupling device of claim 1, further comprising an actuator assembly (64) configured to translationally move the retaining element (62) between a retaining position and a release position, wherein the actuator assembly (64) comprises at least one linear actuator (68, 68 ') rotatably coupled to the at least one bearing element (82, 82') such that a relative rotational movement between the retaining element (62) and the at least one linear actuator (68, 68 ') about an axis (P1, P1') parallel to the pivot axis (P) is enabled.

3. The coupling device of claim 2, wherein the first linear actuator (68) is rotatably coupled to the first bearing element (82) and the second linear actuator (68 ') is rotatably coupled to the second bearing element (82').

4. A coupling device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one bearing unit (74, 74 ') constitutes a sliding bearing comprising at least one sliding surface (76, 78, 76', 78 ') engaging with the holding element (62), wherein the at least one sliding surface (76, 78, 76', 78 ') of the at least one bearing unit (74, 74') is arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) and perpendicular to the pivot axis (P).

5. The coupling device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one bearing unit (74, 74') is configured for blocking at least one of:

-a translational movement of the holding element (62) with respect to the mount (52) in a direction along the pivot axis (P);

-a rotational movement of the retaining element (62) with respect to the mount (52) about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis (L); and

-A rotational movement of the retaining element (62) with respect to the mount (52) about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L) and the pivot axis (P).

6. Coupling device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a first bearing unit (74) and a second bearing unit (74 '), the first bearing unit (74) having a first guiding surface (80) associated with a first bearing element (82) of the holding element (62), the second bearing unit (74') having a second guiding surface (80 ') opposite the first guiding surface (80) and associated with a second bearing element (82') of the holding element (62).

7. The coupling device according to claim 6, wherein the first bearing element (82) of the holding element (62) comprises a guiding portion (84, 86) configured to interact or engage with the guiding surface (80) of the first bearing unit (74), and the second bearing element (82) of the holding element (62) comprises a guiding portion (84 ', 86') configured to interact or engage with the guiding surface (80 ') of the second bearing unit (74').

8. The coupling device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the retaining element (62) is pivotable about the pivot axis (P) between a first end position and a second end position, wherein in a state in which the retaining element (62) is positioned in the first end position, the retaining element (62) is pivoted or displaced about the pivot axis (P) about a state in which the retaining element (62) is positioned in the second end position by not more than 10 ° and not less than 4 °.

9. The coupling device of claim 8, wherein in the first or second end position,

The blocking portion (91, 91', 93') of the bearing element (82, 82 ') abuts against the linear actuator (68, 68'), in particular against the push rod (70, 70 ') of the linear actuator (68, 68').

10. Coupling device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein in the first end position a first blocking portion (91, 91 ') of the bearing element (82) abuts against the linear actuator (68, 68 ') and in the second end position a second blocking portion (93, 93 ') arranged opposite the first blocking portion (91, 91 ') abuts against the linear actuator (68, 68 ').

11. Coupling device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein in the first or second end position the guiding portion (84, 86) of the first bearing element (82) is spaced apart from the guiding surface (80) of the first bearing unit (74) or the guiding portion (84 ', 86 ') of the second bearing element (82 ') is spaced apart from the guiding surface (80 ') of the second bearing unit (74 ').

12. Coupling device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein in the first and second end positions the guiding portions (84, 86) of the first bearing element (82) abut against the guiding surface (80) of the first bearing unit (74) and the guiding portions (84 ', 86 ') of the second bearing element (82 ') abut against the guiding surface (80 ') of the second bearing unit (74 ').

13. The coupling device of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the actuator assembly (64) comprises the first and second linear actuators (68, 68 ') as hydraulic actuators, and the actuator assembly (64) comprises a hydraulic circuit (100) for guiding hydraulic fluid to hydraulic cylinders (96, 96') of the first and second linear actuators (68, 68 '), and wherein the hydraulic circuit (100) comprises a flow divider (102), the flow divider (102) being configured for controlling a flow of hydraulic fluid to equally flow to or from each of the first and second linear actuators (68, 68').

14. A work machine (10) comprising a coupling device (12) according to any of claims 1 to 13 for releasably coupling a tool (14) to the work machine (10).