EP1156161A2 - Quick-coupling device for attaching tools to an excavator - Google Patents
Quick-coupling device for attaching tools to an excavator Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1156161A2 EP1156161A2 EP01110830A EP01110830A EP1156161A2 EP 1156161 A2 EP1156161 A2 EP 1156161A2 EP 01110830 A EP01110830 A EP 01110830A EP 01110830 A EP01110830 A EP 01110830A EP 1156161 A2 EP1156161 A2 EP 1156161A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- coupling device
- pin
- pins
- tool
- holes
- 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.)
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- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 40
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 40
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 32
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims description 11
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000005728 strengthening Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000000750 progressive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000035515 penetration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007493 shaping process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004904 shortening Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
- E02F3/00—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines
- E02F3/04—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven
- E02F3/28—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging tools mounted on a dipper- or bucket-arm, i.e. there is either one arm or a pair of arms, e.g. dippers, buckets
- E02F3/36—Component parts
- E02F3/3604—Devices to connect tools to arms, booms or the like
- E02F3/3609—Devices to connect tools to arms, booms or the like of the quick acting type, e.g. controlled from the operator seat
- E02F3/3631—Devices to connect tools to arms, booms or the like of the quick acting type, e.g. controlled from the operator seat with a hook and a transversal locking element
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
- E02F3/00—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines
- E02F3/04—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven
- E02F3/28—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging tools mounted on a dipper- or bucket-arm, i.e. there is either one arm or a pair of arms, e.g. dippers, buckets
- E02F3/36—Component parts
- E02F3/3604—Devices to connect tools to arms, booms or the like
- E02F3/3609—Devices to connect tools to arms, booms or the like of the quick acting type, e.g. controlled from the operator seat
- E02F3/3663—Devices to connect tools to arms, booms or the like of the quick acting type, e.g. controlled from the operator seat hydraulically-operated
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a quick-coupling and changing device for attaching tools, such as buckets, hammers, ripper teeth and so forth, to an excavator.
- the present invention provides a quick-coupling device that allows tools to be changed almost immediately.
- Another feature which differentiates it from other quick couplings is the system that continuously eliminates the points of play that develop between quick coupling and tool as a result of the wear occasioned by use.
- the subject of the present invention is therefore a quick-coupling device for attaching a tool to the arm of an excavator: this device comprises a main body provided with at least two side walls each connected at the rear to this working arm by two first pins to allow it to be rotated relative to this arm and at the front to upper walls of the abovementioned tool by two second pins for attaching them to this tool; and these second pins are able to extend out of these side walls and be housed in holes formed in these upper walls of the tool under the action of control means mounted in the abovementioned housing for automatically inserting and removing them into and from the abovementioned holes, these upper walls being provided with rear hook means for attaching the tool to two pins concentric with the centre of rotation of the main body of the device.
- the present automatic coupling device thus enables the operator of the excavator to carry out the work in much shorter cycle times, with greater efficiency, speed and convenience, especially owing to the dramatic shortening of the down times necessary for changing conventional tools.
- this illustrates a main arm 1 of an excavator and a bucket 2 for excavating operations, waiting to be attached to the pins 4 of the main body 3 of the quick-coupling device according to the present invention.
- This device comprises a body 3 consisting essentially of two side walls 306 and a lower wall 304. These side walls 306 and this lower wall 304 consist of suitably shaped plates.
- Three pairs of through holes 301, 302, 303 are formed in these plates 306: when a pin 401 is inserted into the two holes 301 the body 3 is attached at the rear in such a way that it can rotate on the ends of the main arm 1; the two holes 302 allow the present device to be connected to a hydraulic operating system comprising on each lateral plate 101 a pair of levers 5 hinged to a hydraulic cylinder 6, which is controlled by an operator inside the excavator.
- the lower lever 5 is connected to these plates 306 by a pin 40 inserted through the said holes 302.
- this hydraulic cylinder 6 The function of this hydraulic cylinder 6 is to raise and lower the body of the device 3 and hence the bucket 2, once attached to the device; while the side plates 306 have two holes 303 at the forward end, through each of which a pin 7 can extend and engage, as will be described later, in a hole 204 in each of two upper walls 205 of the bucket 2.
- This bucket 2 also includes a structure 201 whose upper box 202 is shaped in such a way as to fit, when attached, the lower plate 304 of the body 3, which is as stated suitably shaped.
- On the said upper walls 205 of the bucket 2 are two means 203 of attachment to the side pins 4 of the main arm 1 of the excavator.
- a strengthening means 305 positioned at the forward end and crossways relative to the side plates 306.
- Fig. 2 Shown in Fig. 2 is the bucket 2 as attached to the main arm 1 of the excavator, a configuration which is arrived at after a series of operations in which the main body 3 of the device is rotated upwards about the pin 401 by the operator operating the hydraulic cylinders 6: this facilitates the insertion of these pins 4 into the attachment means 203, the distance between which also ensures that the said body 3 has plenty of room in the vertical direction for its insertion.
- FIG. 3 The insertion of the pins 7 into the holes 204 in the upper walls 205 of the bucket 2 is illustrated in cross section in Fig. 3.
- This cross section illustrates both positions of the pins 7, i.e. before insertion into the holes 204 (pin 7' on the left) and after insertion (pin 7" on the right).
- This insertion is controlled by the operator and effected by means of a hydraulic cylinder 8 in which are two pistons 9, each with a rod 10 and these rods 10 extend from the end walls 801 of the cylinder 8 via through holes 802. It is on the outer ends of these rods 10 that the inner ends of the pins 7' and 7" are mounted via a supporting disc 11 that fits between two specially shaped plates 12 and is fastened to them by a rod 13.
- the figure illustrates the upper plates 12, more of which later in the following figures.
- the pins 7' and 7 as can be seen, comprise a first, more inward cylindrical part 701 which fits through the hole 303 in the corresponding side plate 306, and a more outward part 702 on which is formed a bevel designed to slide over a flat 206 formed in the hole 204 of the upper walls 205 of the bucket 2.
- this bevelled part 702 ensures progressive self-alignment as the pins 7 go in, great precision in the attachment and, in the very severe working conditions of the excavator, enhanced coupling between the side plates 306 of the coupling device and the bucket 2, because during these phases the bucket 2 tends to compress against the coupling device and the pins 7, because of the bevelled part 702, can advance further, so increasing, as stated, the coupling between the side plates 306 and the bucket 2: besides this, this solution is capable of absorbing any play created by the wear of parts in contact.
- this comprises a side wall 803 containing three holes 804, 805, 806 for the admission of a hydraulic fluid into the chamber: the central hole 805 acts on the faces of the pistons 9 so as to push the rods 10 and hence the pins 7 into the holes 204 (see pin 7"), while the side holes 804 and 806 act on the backs of the pistons 9 to withdraw the pins 7 from the said holes 204 (see pin 7').
- the pressurized hydraulic fluid required to carry out these operations of inserting or removing the pins 7 is supplied to the cylinder 8 via a known hydraulic circuit by means controlled by the operator. Withdrawing the pins 7 is naturally easier for this operator than inserting them as there are no difficulties of engagement which could occur in the insertion operation.
- the present device also includes safety means for locking the said pins 7 in the inserted position in the holes 204, as a precaution against failures such as loss of oil from the circuit.
- Fig. 3 shows a first, highly schematic embodiment of two sets of springs 14, one set for each of the two pins 7.
- the springs are mounted around the cylinder 8, parallel with its longitudinal axis.
- Each spring 14 of each set belonging to one of the pins 7 is attached at one end to a support flange 15 connected to the relevant pin 7 and, at the other end, fits into a sleeve 16 attached to a support 17 provided around the side wall 803 of the cylinder 8.
- springs 14 work in compression and ensure that, in the event of failure of the hydraulic circuit, the pins 7 do not come out of the holes 204 of the bucket 2. In particular in the case of the pin 7", the springs 14 are partially relaxed by the action of the hydraulic fluid which is simultaneously pushing this pin 7" into its hole 204. The springs 14 situated behind the pin 7', which is withdrawn from the upper wall 205, are however compressed by the action of the fluid acting on the back of the corresponding piston 9.
- Fig. 4 shows a first alternative embodiment of the safety springs.
- the springs 14 are housed at one end in a cup 18 to which a sleeve 19 is fixed, while at the other end they are fixed in a seat 20 recessed into the flanges 15.
- These flanges 15 are attached to the inner edge of the cylindrical part 701 of the pins 7 with coupling means 21, such as pins, bolts or the like.
- Each cup 18 is attached on the outside to a bolt 22 fitted with a nut 23 and engaged in a tapped hole formed in each support 17. By turning the bolts 22 it is possible to adjust the precompression of the springs 14.
- FIG. 5 is an alternative embodiment using a single set of springs 25 arranged around the side wall 803 of the cylinder 8 and parallel to the two rods 10.
- each spring 25 is placed inside a sleeve 29 that can slide inside a jacket 30.
- This jacket 30 is attached to one of the two flanges 15 connected to one of the pins 7, in this case the upper flange 15 in the figure, while the sleeve 29 is attached to the inner side of a support 26 through which passes a tapped hole carrying a bolt 27 for adjusting the compression of the spring 25: this bolt is provided with a nut 28 butted against the outer side of the said support 26 and is attached to the other flange 15 connected to the other pin 7, in this case the lower flange 15 in the figure. Telescopic sliding of the sleeve 29 inside the jacket 30 gives constant protection to the spring 25 and at the same time precise alignment during the operations of inserting and removing the pins 7.
- the sleeves 29 are partly out of the jackets 30 because the pins 7 have been fully inserted into their respective holes 204 by the action of the pressurized fluid which has entered the central admission hole 805 of the cylinder 8 and has acted on the faces of the two pistons 9.
- the fluid enters via the side admission holes 804 and 806 and will push on the backs of the pistons 9 in such a way as to pull the pins 7 in and increase the overlap between the jackets 30 and the sleeves 29.
- Fig. 6a illustrates an alternative embodiment of the pin 7 and of the safety means which ensure its insertion into the hole 204 in the bucket 2 in the event of failure of the hydraulic circuit.
- a cylindrical seat 703 Formed in the inner face of the cylindrical part 701 of the pin 7 is a cylindrical seat 703 into which fits a cup 31 housing one end of a spring 32, the other end of which is in abutment against the base of the cylindrical seat 703.
- This cup 31 is connected to the outer end of the rod 10 of the cylinder 8 by a bolt 33 comprising a threaded portion 34 and a head 35 of larger cross section on its inside end.
- This head 35 is housed inside a hole 704 running in from the outside of the bevelled part 702 of the pin 7 and terminating close to the base of the cylindrical seat 703, leaving a portion in which a hole 705 is formed in which a portion of the bolt 33 close to the said head 35 can slide.
- the threaded portion 34 passes through a first tapped hole 37 formed in the base of the cup 31 and passes into a second tapped hole 36 running in from the outer end of the rod 10 and in axis with the hole 704.
- On this threaded portion 34 are two nuts 38 and 39 for adjusting the compression of the spring 32, the nut 38 butting against the base of the cup 31 and the nut 39 against the outer surface of the rod 10.
- the safety means (the spring 32) of the coupling device can therefore be inserted into the pin 7 itself, coaxially therewith, thus avoiding the use of springs arranged around the cylinder 8 as in the previous cases. It should be observed that two or more coaxial springs of different sizes could be housed between the cup 31 and the cylindrical seat 703.
- the present quick-coupling device for an excavator is therefore characterized by many advantages including: no modification of any kind to the original mechanism and features of the excavator to which it is applied, the machine's original pins 401 and 40 being used and no alteration being made to the centres of rotation of the various parts, the working distances and so forth, so that the original efficiency of the machine is unaltered; quick and simple attachment/detachment of the various tools to and from the main arm, with generous lead-in bevelling to facilitate engagement, both horizontally and vertically; an efficient mechanism of progressive self-insertion enabling penetration and forced locking of tools; a high degree of safety against the risk of failure of pressure of the hydraulic fluid, by means of the various springs described; and extreme mechanical robustness, allowing the use of tools such as drills or the like which severely stress the arms of the excavator.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Shovels (AREA)
- Earth Drilling (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a quick-coupling and changing device for attaching tools, such as buckets, hammers, ripper teeth and so forth, to an excavator.
- In view of the fact that the conventional process of connecting (without quick couplings) such tools to the arm of the excavator has the inconvenience that a lot of time is required to change such tools, and in many cases necessitates the involvement of workshops or at any rate more than a few workers, the present invention provides a quick-coupling device that allows tools to be changed almost immediately.
- The feature that differentiates it from known quick couplings is that although tool change-over is just as rapid, the mechanism devised by the maker of the machine for tools connected directly to the machine's arm (without quick couplings) is left unchanged, which means that the forces of the excavator are left unmodified.
- Another feature which differentiates it from other quick couplings is the system that continuously eliminates the points of play that develop between quick coupling and tool as a result of the wear occasioned by use.
- The subject of the present invention is therefore a quick-coupling device for attaching a tool to the arm of an excavator: this device comprises a main body provided with at least two side walls each connected at the rear to this working arm by two first pins to allow it to be rotated relative to this arm and at the front to upper walls of the abovementioned tool by two second pins for attaching them to this tool; and these second pins are able to extend out of these side walls and be housed in holes formed in these upper walls of the tool under the action of control means mounted in the abovementioned housing for automatically inserting and removing them into and from the abovementioned holes, these upper walls being provided with rear hook means for attaching the tool to two pins concentric with the centre of rotation of the main body of the device.
- The present automatic coupling device thus enables the operator of the excavator to carry out the work in much shorter cycle times, with greater efficiency, speed and convenience, especially owing to the dramatic shortening of the down times necessary for changing conventional tools.
- Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become clearer in the course of the following description, viewed as illustrative and non-restrictive, which refers to the accompanying drawings in which:
- Fig. 1 illustrates schematically a main arm of an excavator and a bucket waiting to be attached to this arm by a coupling device according to the present invention;
- Fig. 2 illustrates the bucket of Fig. 1 attached to the main arm of the excavator with the aid of the present device;
- Fig. 3 is a partial top view in section of the coupling device of Fig. 1 fitted with safety springs and a hydraulic cylinder containing pistons for inserting two securing pins into the bucket;
- Fig. 4 is an enlarged top view in section showing the hydraulic cylinder and a first alternative embodiment of the safety springs;
- Fig. 5 is a view of a second alternative embodiment of the safety springs, and
- Figs 6a, 6b and 6c are three partial views of an alternative embodiment of the bucket securing pins and of the safety springs at three different stages of their working phases.
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- Referring to Fig. 1, this illustrates a main arm 1 of an excavator and a
bucket 2 for excavating operations, waiting to be attached to thepins 4 of themain body 3 of the quick-coupling device according to the present invention. This device comprises abody 3 consisting essentially of twoside walls 306 and alower wall 304. Theseside walls 306 and thislower wall 304 consist of suitably shaped plates. Three pairs of throughholes pin 401 is inserted into the twoholes 301 thebody 3 is attached at the rear in such a way that it can rotate on the ends of the main arm 1; the twoholes 302 allow the present device to be connected to a hydraulic operating system comprising on each lateral plate 101 a pair oflevers 5 hinged to ahydraulic cylinder 6, which is controlled by an operator inside the excavator. Thelower lever 5 is connected to theseplates 306 by a pin 40 inserted through the saidholes 302. The function of thishydraulic cylinder 6 is to raise and lower the body of thedevice 3 and hence thebucket 2, once attached to the device; while theside plates 306 have twoholes 303 at the forward end, through each of which apin 7 can extend and engage, as will be described later, in ahole 204 in each of twoupper walls 205 of thebucket 2. Thisbucket 2 also includes astructure 201 whoseupper box 202 is shaped in such a way as to fit, when attached, thelower plate 304 of thebody 3, which is as stated suitably shaped. On the saidupper walls 205 of thebucket 2 are two means 203 of attachment to theside pins 4 of the main arm 1 of the excavator. Also to be noted is the presence of a strengthening means 305 positioned at the forward end and crossways relative to theside plates 306. - Shown in Fig. 2 is the
bucket 2 as attached to the main arm 1 of the excavator, a configuration which is arrived at after a series of operations in which themain body 3 of the device is rotated upwards about thepin 401 by the operator operating the hydraulic cylinders 6: this facilitates the insertion of thesepins 4 into the attachment means 203, the distance between which also ensures that thesaid body 3 has plenty of room in the vertical direction for its insertion. After thepins 4 have been inserted into the attachment means 203 the main arm 1 is raised upwards in the direction of arrow A as far as the situation illustrated in the figure and thebody 3 is rotated downwards in the direction of arrow B so that anotherplate 307 on the underside of the saidbody 3 bears on astop 207 on theupper box 202 of thebucket 2; it will be seen that the downward rotation of the saidbody 3 assists and completes the alignment of thepins 7 with theattachment holes 204 because of the pressure of thislower plate 307 on thestop 207. Following completion of these operations of insertion of thepins 4 and rotation of the coupling device, an operation to insert therear pins 7 into theholes 204 of the twoupper walls 205 of thebucket 2 begins. - The insertion of the
pins 7 into theholes 204 in theupper walls 205 of thebucket 2 is illustrated in cross section in Fig. 3. This cross section illustrates both positions of thepins 7, i.e. before insertion into the holes 204 (pin 7' on the left) and after insertion (pin 7" on the right). This insertion is controlled by the operator and effected by means of ahydraulic cylinder 8 in which are twopistons 9, each with arod 10 and theserods 10 extend from theend walls 801 of thecylinder 8 via throughholes 802. It is on the outer ends of theserods 10 that the inner ends of thepins 7' and 7" are mounted via a supporting disc 11 that fits between two speciallyshaped plates 12 and is fastened to them by arod 13. The figure illustrates theupper plates 12, more of which later in the following figures. Thepins 7' and 7", as can be seen, comprise a first, more inwardcylindrical part 701 which fits through thehole 303 in thecorresponding side plate 306, and a moreoutward part 702 on which is formed a bevel designed to slide over a flat 206 formed in thehole 204 of theupper walls 205 of thebucket 2. The coupling of thisbevelled part 702 to the corresponding flat 206 ensures progressive self-alignment as thepins 7 go in, great precision in the attachment and, in the very severe working conditions of the excavator, enhanced coupling between theside plates 306 of the coupling device and thebucket 2, because during these phases thebucket 2 tends to compress against the coupling device and thepins 7, because of thebevelled part 702, can advance further, so increasing, as stated, the coupling between theside plates 306 and the bucket 2: besides this, this solution is capable of absorbing any play created by the wear of parts in contact. Turning to thecylinder 8, this comprises aside wall 803 containing threeholes central hole 805 acts on the faces of thepistons 9 so as to push therods 10 and hence thepins 7 into the holes 204 (seepin 7"), while theside holes pistons 9 to withdraw thepins 7 from the said holes 204 (see pin 7'). The pressurized hydraulic fluid required to carry out these operations of inserting or removing thepins 7 is supplied to thecylinder 8 via a known hydraulic circuit by means controlled by the operator. Withdrawing thepins 7 is naturally easier for this operator than inserting them as there are no difficulties of engagement which could occur in the insertion operation. - Besides the double-acting
cylinder 8 for controlling thepins 7, the present device also includes safety means for locking the saidpins 7 in the inserted position in theholes 204, as a precaution against failures such as loss of oil from the circuit. Staying with Fig. 3, this shows a first, highly schematic embodiment of two sets ofsprings 14, one set for each of the twopins 7. The springs are mounted around thecylinder 8, parallel with its longitudinal axis. Eachspring 14 of each set belonging to one of thepins 7 is attached at one end to asupport flange 15 connected to therelevant pin 7 and, at the other end, fits into asleeve 16 attached to asupport 17 provided around theside wall 803 of thecylinder 8. These springs 14 work in compression and ensure that, in the event of failure of the hydraulic circuit, thepins 7 do not come out of theholes 204 of thebucket 2. In particular in the case of thepin 7", thesprings 14 are partially relaxed by the action of the hydraulic fluid which is simultaneously pushing thispin 7" into itshole 204. Thesprings 14 situated behind the pin 7', which is withdrawn from theupper wall 205, are however compressed by the action of the fluid acting on the back of thecorresponding piston 9. - Fig. 4 shows a first alternative embodiment of the safety springs. As can be seen, the
springs 14 are housed at one end in acup 18 to which asleeve 19 is fixed, while at the other end they are fixed in aseat 20 recessed into theflanges 15. Theseflanges 15 are attached to the inner edge of thecylindrical part 701 of thepins 7 with coupling means 21, such as pins, bolts or the like. Eachcup 18 is attached on the outside to abolt 22 fitted with anut 23 and engaged in a tapped hole formed in eachsupport 17. By turning thebolts 22 it is possible to adjust the precompression of thesprings 14. In the case of the pin 7', which is withdrawn with itssprings 14 compressed, thesleeve 19 of each spring has passed into ajacket 24 attached to theflange 15, ensuring good maintenance of the alignment of the said pin 7' during the operations of inserting it into thehole 204. In the case of the insertedpin 7", thesleeve 19 may perhaps come a short way out of the saidjacket 24, with thespring 14 partially relaxed. As mentioned earlier, this figure also shows the special shaping and the flats of theplates 12 which are fastened by arod 13 to the disc 11 housed between them. - The previous figs. illustrated the case in which two sets of
springs 14 are provided, one set for each of thepins 7, the springs being attached between the two flanges and two sets ofsupports 17. Shown in Fig. 5 is an alternative embodiment using a single set ofsprings 25 arranged around theside wall 803 of thecylinder 8 and parallel to the tworods 10. In this version eachspring 25 is placed inside asleeve 29 that can slide inside ajacket 30. Thisjacket 30 is attached to one of the twoflanges 15 connected to one of thepins 7, in this case theupper flange 15 in the figure, while thesleeve 29 is attached to the inner side of asupport 26 through which passes a tapped hole carrying abolt 27 for adjusting the compression of the spring 25: this bolt is provided with anut 28 butted against the outer side of thesaid support 26 and is attached to theother flange 15 connected to theother pin 7, in this case thelower flange 15 in the figure. Telescopic sliding of thesleeve 29 inside thejacket 30 gives constant protection to thespring 25 and at the same time precise alignment during the operations of inserting and removing thepins 7. In the situation illustrated, thesleeves 29 are partly out of thejackets 30 because thepins 7 have been fully inserted into theirrespective holes 204 by the action of the pressurized fluid which has entered thecentral admission hole 805 of thecylinder 8 and has acted on the faces of the twopistons 9. When it comes to the withdrawal operation, the fluid enters via theside admission holes pistons 9 in such a way as to pull thepins 7 in and increase the overlap between thejackets 30 and thesleeves 29. - Fig. 6a illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
pin 7 and of the safety means which ensure its insertion into thehole 204 in thebucket 2 in the event of failure of the hydraulic circuit. Formed in the inner face of thecylindrical part 701 of thepin 7 is acylindrical seat 703 into which fits acup 31 housing one end of aspring 32, the other end of which is in abutment against the base of thecylindrical seat 703. Thiscup 31 is connected to the outer end of therod 10 of thecylinder 8 by abolt 33 comprising a threadedportion 34 and ahead 35 of larger cross section on its inside end. Thishead 35 is housed inside ahole 704 running in from the outside of thebevelled part 702 of thepin 7 and terminating close to the base of thecylindrical seat 703, leaving a portion in which ahole 705 is formed in which a portion of thebolt 33 close to the saidhead 35 can slide. The threadedportion 34 passes through a first tappedhole 37 formed in the base of thecup 31 and passes into a second tappedhole 36 running in from the outer end of therod 10 and in axis with thehole 704. On this threadedportion 34 are twonuts spring 32, thenut 38 butting against the base of thecup 31 and thenut 39 against the outer surface of therod 10. With this variant the safety means (the spring 32) of the coupling device can therefore be inserted into thepin 7 itself, coaxially therewith, thus avoiding the use of springs arranged around thecylinder 8 as in the previous cases. It should be observed that two or more coaxial springs of different sizes could be housed between thecup 31 and thecylindrical seat 703. - Examination of Figs 6b and 6c together with Fig. 6a will reveal the operation of the device when inserting the
pin 7 in this alternative embodiment. When the operator sends pressurized fluid into thecylinder 8 therod 10 begins to extend from the said cylinder and push thepin 7 connected to it along thehole 303 of theside plate 3 until it is fully into thehole 204 of theupper wall 205 of thebucket 2. Thepin 7 reaches the situation of Fig. 6b, in which therefore therod 10, thecup 31, thespring 32, thebolt 33 and thepin 7 have moved as if all one rigid body. At the end of this first phase of insertion of thepin 7, further pressure on the pistons brings about a relative movement of thecup 31 with respect to thepin 7, in particular (see Fig. 6c) thiscup 31 pushes into thecylindrical seat 703, compressing thespring 32 and pushing thebolt 33 along inside thehole 704, as is clear from the position of thehead 35 illustrated in Fig. 6c. In the event of failure of pressure in the hydraulic circuit, the rod retracts downwards (when viewing the figure), taking with it thebolt 33 until thehead 35 butts against the bottom of thehole 704, thecup 35 comes out of thecylindrical seat 703 again and thespring 32 partly relaxes. During this series of movements brought about by the return of therod 10, thepin 7 advantageously remains locked in position inside thehole 204. To remove thepin 7, e.g. if the bucket is to be changed for another tool, fluid must be supplied to the side admission holes described earlier of thecylinder 8 and therod 10 retracted so that it first places thehead 35 of thebolt 33 in abutment against the bottom of thehole 704 and then, by virtue of this abutment, pulls in thepin 7. - The present quick-coupling device for an excavator is therefore characterized by many advantages including: no modification of any kind to the original mechanism and features of the excavator to which it is applied, the machine's
original pins 401 and 40 being used and no alteration being made to the centres of rotation of the various parts, the working distances and so forth, so that the original efficiency of the machine is unaltered; quick and simple attachment/detachment of the various tools to and from the main arm, with generous lead-in bevelling to facilitate engagement, both horizontally and vertically; an efficient mechanism of progressive self-insertion enabling penetration and forced locking of tools; a high degree of safety against the risk of failure of pressure of the hydraulic fluid, by means of the various springs described; and extreme mechanical robustness, allowing the use of tools such as drills or the like which severely stress the arms of the excavator.
Claims (17)
- Quick-coupling device for attaching a tool (2) to an excavator comprising at least one main working arm (1), characterized in that it comprises a main body (3) provided with two side walls (306) each connected at the rear to the said working arm (1) by a pin (401) housed in holes (301) in the said walls (306) to allow it to be rotated relative to the said arm (1) by the movement of excavator levers (5) connected to the body (3) by a pin (40) housed in holes (302) in the said walls (306) and at the front to upper walls (205) of the said tool (2) by second pins (7) for locking them onto the said tool (2), the said second pins (7) being able to extend out of the said side walls (306) and be housed in holes (204) formed in the said upper walls (205) of the tool (2) under the action of control means (8) mounted in the said body (3) for automatically inserting and removing them into and from the said holes (204), and the said upper walls (205) being provided with rear hook means (203) for attaching the tool (2) to pins (4).
- Coupling device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the said control means comprise at least one cylinder (8) in which one or two pistons (9) slide in opposite directions, the said cylinder (8) being provided with admission holes (804, 805, 806) for a fluid for operating the said pistons (9), the pistons (9) projecting from the end walls (801) of the cylinder and being connected by suitable means (10, 11, 12, 13) to the said second pins (7).
- Coupling device according to Claim 2, characterized in that the said second pins (7) comprise mechanical means (14, 25, 32) for locking them if necessary in their holes (204) in the tool (2).
- Coupling device according to Claim 3, characterized in that the said locking means are elastic means (14, 25, 32).
- Coupling device according to Claim 3, characterized in that the body (3) comprises a set of supports (17) for the cylinder (8), and a first end of a spring (14) is attached to each of these supports, the second end of each spring being attached to a flange (15) connected to the respective pin (7), the said springs (14) being positioned parallel to the said side wall (803) of the cylinder (8).
- Coupling device according to Claim 5, characterized in that the said first ends of the springs (14) are mounted inside sleeves (16) attached to the said supports (17) provided in the body (3) of the device.
- Coupling device according to Claim 5, characterized in that the said supports (17) comprise a bolt (22) for adjusting the tension of the spring (14), a more inward end of the said bolt (22) being inserted in a corresponding tapped hole provided in each of the said supports (17) and a more outward end of the said bolt (22) being attached to a support (18) for the said first end of the spring (14).
- Coupling device according to Claim 7, characterized in that the said support is in the form of a cup (18) in which the said first end of the spring (14) is inserted and onto which is fitted a sleeve (19), the said second end of the spring (14) being inserted into a jacket (24) attached to an inner side of the flange (15).
- Coupling device according to Claim 3, characterized in that a set of springs (25) arranged around the cylinder (8) and parallel with its side wall (803) are attached between the flanges (15) connected to the pins (7).
- Coupling device according to Claim 9, characterized in that the said springs (25) comprise, for adjusting their tension, bolts (27) connected to the said flanges (15) and to supports (26) for the said springs (15).
- Coupling device according to Claim 9, characterized in that the said springs (25) are fully enclosed in a jacket (30) and in a sleeve (29) that moves telescopically inside the said jacket (30), the said jacket (30) being attached to a respective flange (15) and the said sleeve (29) being connected to the said support (26) of each spring (25).
- Coupling device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the said pin (7) consists of a more inward cylindrical part (701) and a more outward part (702) on which a bevel is formed, the said bevel being designed to mate with a corresponding flat (206) formed in the insertion hole (204) situated on the upper wall (205) of the tool (2).
- Coupling device according to Claim 7, characterized in that the piston (9) comprises a rod (10) on whose more outward end is a disc (11) designed to be inserted between two suitably shaped plates (12) connected to the flange (15), the said disc (11) and the said plates (12) being clamped together by a rod (13) or pin.
- Coupling device according to Claim 4, characterized in that the said elastic means consist of one or more springs (32) coaxial with the pin (7) and housed at one end in a seat (703) running in from the more inward end of the pin (7) and at the other end in the base of a cup (31) that slides in the said seat (703) and is integral with a respective piston (9) moving inside the cylinder (8).
- Coupling device according to Claim 14, characterized in that coaxially with the said spring (32) inside the pin (7) is a bolt (33) comprising a threaded portion (34) and a head (35) of larger cross section, the said bolt (33) engaging in holes (37, 36) formed respectively in the base of the cup (31) and on the more outward end of the rod (10) of the piston (9), and the head (35) of the bolt (33) sliding in a first hole (704) running in from the more outward end of the pin (7), the head (35) abutting against the walls of a second hole (705) of smaller cross section coaxial with the said first hole (704).
- Coupling device according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a lower plate (307) attached to the two side walls (306) or plates and shaped in such a way so as to rest on at least one suitably shaped stop (207) on the tool (2).
- Coupling device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the said side plates (3) comprise at the front a strengthening member (305) running transversely to these plates.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
ITGE000073 | 2000-05-19 | ||
IT2000GE000073A IT1314744B1 (en) | 2000-05-19 | 2000-05-19 | QUICK ATTACHMENT DEVICE FOR EXCAVATOR TOOLS. |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1156161A2 true EP1156161A2 (en) | 2001-11-21 |
EP1156161A3 EP1156161A3 (en) | 2002-08-28 |
Family
ID=11442643
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP01110830A Withdrawn EP1156161A3 (en) | 2000-05-19 | 2001-05-04 | Quick-coupling device for attaching tools to an excavator |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20010051093A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1156161A3 (en) |
IT (1) | IT1314744B1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2004065699A1 (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2004-08-05 | Claudi Herguido Fo | Quick-coupling device for tools on diggers or similar machines |
ES2349917A1 (en) * | 2007-11-08 | 2011-01-12 | Myriam Fravizel-Equipamientos Metalomecanicos, Lda. | Quick hitch (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) |
CN101379248B (en) * | 2005-12-02 | 2011-11-16 | 克拉克设备公司 | Control circuit for an attachment mounting device |
US10106949B2 (en) * | 2016-03-18 | 2018-10-23 | Caterpillar Work Tools B.V. | Coupler for an implement assembly |
WO2020106239A1 (en) * | 2018-11-21 | 2020-05-28 | Akbiyik Ismail | Hydraulic pin connection device for practical installation and removal of different work tool attachments to construction machinery. |
Families Citing this family (11)
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SE525388C2 (en) * | 2003-04-16 | 2005-02-08 | Volvo Constr Equip Holding Se | Work machine, including an implement holder, and implement locking elements |
CA2651295A1 (en) * | 2009-01-27 | 2010-07-27 | Nye Manufacturing Ltd. | Coupler device to connect bucket or tool to boom arm |
WO2011003151A1 (en) * | 2009-07-09 | 2011-01-13 | Equipment Component Holdings Pty Ltd | Apparatus for connection of an implement to machinery |
CN103510558B (en) * | 2012-11-14 | 2015-09-02 | 广西柳工机械股份有限公司 | Loading machine side dumping bucket |
GB2544746A (en) * | 2015-11-24 | 2017-05-31 | Caterpillar Work Tools Bv | Apparatus and method for assembling work tool to a machine |
GB2544744A (en) | 2015-11-24 | 2017-05-31 | Caterpillar Work Tools Bv | Apparatus and method for coupling work tool to a machine |
CN109235518B (en) * | 2018-09-25 | 2024-01-12 | 中铁工程机械研究设计院有限公司 | Quick-change structure of engineering machinery tool head and arm |
CN113511569B (en) * | 2021-04-15 | 2023-01-24 | 中船第九设计研究院工程有限公司 | Unhooking reset device and unhooking reset method |
SE2130194A1 (en) * | 2021-07-09 | 2023-01-10 | Smp Parts Ab | Quick coupling device |
IT202200003770A1 (en) * | 2022-04-28 | 2023-10-28 | Tm Benne S R L | QUICK CONNECTION GROUP FOR EXCAVATOR ARM |
CN115369938A (en) * | 2022-09-22 | 2022-11-22 | 钱薛飞 | Hydraulic excavator with quick-change bucket |
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JPH02104824A (en) * | 1988-10-12 | 1990-04-17 | Takayuki Takahashi | Working machine attaching or removing apparatus for hydraulic type shovel |
US5024010A (en) * | 1987-07-20 | 1991-06-18 | Svets- & Maskinprodukter I Lidkoping Ab | Device in a quick coupling |
US5546683A (en) * | 1993-09-29 | 1996-08-20 | Clark; George J. | Bucket attachment device with remote controlled retractable pins |
DE19651507A1 (en) * | 1995-12-30 | 1997-07-03 | Samsung Heavy Ind | Device for detachably attaching an accessory to a heavy device |
-
2000
- 2000-05-19 IT IT2000GE000073A patent/IT1314744B1/en active
-
2001
- 2001-05-03 US US09/847,372 patent/US20010051093A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2001-05-04 EP EP01110830A patent/EP1156161A3/en not_active Withdrawn
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US5024010A (en) * | 1987-07-20 | 1991-06-18 | Svets- & Maskinprodukter I Lidkoping Ab | Device in a quick coupling |
JPH02104824A (en) * | 1988-10-12 | 1990-04-17 | Takayuki Takahashi | Working machine attaching or removing apparatus for hydraulic type shovel |
US5546683A (en) * | 1993-09-29 | 1996-08-20 | Clark; George J. | Bucket attachment device with remote controlled retractable pins |
DE19651507A1 (en) * | 1995-12-30 | 1997-07-03 | Samsung Heavy Ind | Device for detachably attaching an accessory to a heavy device |
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PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 014, no. 315 (M-0995), 6 July 1990 (1990-07-06) -& JP 02 104824 A (TAKAYUKI TAKAHASHI), 17 April 1990 (1990-04-17) * |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2004065699A1 (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2004-08-05 | Claudi Herguido Fo | Quick-coupling device for tools on diggers or similar machines |
CN101379248B (en) * | 2005-12-02 | 2011-11-16 | 克拉克设备公司 | Control circuit for an attachment mounting device |
ES2349917A1 (en) * | 2007-11-08 | 2011-01-12 | Myriam Fravizel-Equipamientos Metalomecanicos, Lda. | Quick hitch (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) |
US10106949B2 (en) * | 2016-03-18 | 2018-10-23 | Caterpillar Work Tools B.V. | Coupler for an implement assembly |
WO2020106239A1 (en) * | 2018-11-21 | 2020-05-28 | Akbiyik Ismail | Hydraulic pin connection device for practical installation and removal of different work tool attachments to construction machinery. |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
IT1314744B1 (en) | 2003-01-03 |
US20010051093A1 (en) | 2001-12-13 |
ITGE20000073A0 (en) | 2000-05-19 |
EP1156161A3 (en) | 2002-08-28 |
ITGE20000073A1 (en) | 2001-11-19 |
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