Classifications

• • 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
  • E02F3/3622—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 locking element acting on a pin
• • 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 concerns a variant of a quick coupler (quick hitch) for the connection of attachments to construction equipment (excavators, diggers, wheel loaders, backhoes and the like) in accordance with the claims.
• quick couplers In order to enable quick connection and quick release of attachments to a vehicle, a large number of attachment coupler variants, commonly referred to as quick couplers, have been developed. Despite the fact that a variety of attachment coupler designs have been developed, there are still a number of problems with the known types of quick couplers.
• One of the aforementioned problems with existing quick couplers is the problem that the connection of the attachment to the quick coupler is not performed correctly resulting in the attachment only being partially connected to the quick coupler. In the event of incorrect connection of the attachment to the quick coupler, the attachment may loosen from its connector in the quick coupler, which in turn may cause a significant risk of damage to equipment and, in the worst case to persons adjacent the vehicle.
• the design according to SE535681 does not include a function that prevents actuation of a bucket's locking device when the bucket is not properly connected to the vehicle's quick coupler.
• a variant of a method for securing the connection of an attachment to construction equipment is disclosed in SE510716.
• the device and method according to its description differs to a significant extent from the design in accordance with the present patent application.
• the design according to SE510716 does not include a function that prevents operation of the locking function when the bucket is not properly connected to the vehicle's quick coupler.
• a variant of a quick coupler intended to be coupled with an attachment in the form of a bucket is disclosed in US6139212.
• the design differs from the design of the present invention.
• the design according to US6139212 does not include a function that prevents operation of the locking function when the bucket is not properly connected to the vehicle's quick coupler.
• SE535681 A variant of a quick coupler which is intended to be coupled with an attachment is disclosed in SE535681.
• the design differs to a significant extent from the design in accordance with the present patent application.
• the design according to SE535681 does not include a function that prevents operation of the locking function when the bucket is not properly connected to the vehicle's quick coupler.
• a version of a locking device for a quick coupler is shown.
• the design differs to a significant extent from the design in accordance with the present patent application.
• the design according to US2007166143 does not include a function that prevents operation of the locking function when the bucket is not properly connected to the vehicle's quick coupler.
• the main purpose of the present invention is to eliminate or significantly reduce at least one of the earlier mentioned or any in the following description mentioned problems with known types of quick couplers. This purpose is achieved by a quick coupler in accordance with the claims.
• FIG. 1 A and IB show a quick coupler in accordance with a first embodiment.
• Fig. 2 shows a quick coupler in more detail, when it is not connected to an attachment.
• Figs. 3A - 3D show the quick coupler in more detail in a cross- sectional view.
• Figs. 4A and 4B show a quick coupler in accordance with a second embodiment.
• Fig. 5 shows the quick coupler in accordance with the second embodiment, in more detail.
• Fig. 6A shows the quick coupler, when it is not connected to an attachment, in more detail in a cross-sectional view.
• Fig. 6B shows the quick coupler, connected to an attachment, in more detail in a cross- sectional view.
• Fig. 7 shows a simple version of a hydraulic diagram.
• Fig. 8 shows a complete quick coupler with an upper part, or a second part.
• a quick coupler (quick hitch) 1 in accordance with the present patent application will be described in more detail.
• Fig. 8 shows a complete quick coupler while in the other figures the upper part is omitted for purposes of clarity.
• the quick coupler (quick hitch) 1 is preferably used to connect at least one attachment 2 to construction equipment, construction machines, vehicles or the like.
• the attachment 2 is shown only partially.
• Said construction equipment may for example be an excavator or other type of construction machine (vehicle).
• the quick coupler 1 comprises at least one frame 3, structure or the like and at least one first coupling device 4.
• the quick coupler 1 comprises at least one first coupling device 4 and at least one second coupling device 5.
• an attachment 2 is connected to the quick coupler 1.
• the first coupling device 4 comprises at least one first coupling bracket 6.
• the coupling device 4 comprises at least one first coupling bracket 6 and at least one second coupling bracket 7.
• the second coupling device 5 comprises at least one third coupling bracket 8.
• the second coupling device 5 comprises at least one third coupling bracket 8 and a fourth coupling bracket 9.
• first coupling bracket 6, the second coupling bracket 7, the third coupling bracket 8 and the fourth coupling bracket 9 may vary within the scope of the invention.
• the number of coupling brackets in the coupling device 4 and in the coupling device 5 may be more or less than the said number.
• Coupling bracket 6 and coupling bracket 7 of the first coupling device 4 are suitable for connection to at least one first fastener 10 in the attachment 2 and the coupling bracket 8 and the coupling bracket 9 of the second coupling device 5 are suitable for connection to at least one second fastener 11 in the attachment 2.
• the quick coupler 1 further comprises at least one locking device 12 (shown in Fig. 2) with which the attachment 2 is locked to and released from the quick coupler 1.
• at least one locking device 12 shown in Fig. 2 with which the attachment 2 is locked to and released from the quick coupler 1.
• the locking device comprises at least one locking member 13, which is movably arranged relative to the frame 3.
• the locking member 13 is operated with at least one actuator 14, operating device or the like between a position where the attachment 2 is locked to the quick coupler 1 and to a position where the attachment 2 is not locked to the quick coupler 1.
• the actuator 14 consists of a hydraulic cylinder.
• the quick coupler 1 preferably also comprises at least one visually observable indicator device 15 shown in Figs. 4A, 4B and 5, which visually indicates whether the attachment 2 is connected or not connected to the quick coupler 1.
• the indicator device 15 consists of earlier know technology such as at least one rod or other design suitable for the purpose.
• a first embodiment of the present patent application is shown.
• the exemplifying first embodiment of the quick coupler 1 it is suitable for connection to an attachment 2 with a so-called mounting bracket or the like.
• said attachment 2 can consist of buckets and the like for excavators or other attachments with said mounting bracket.
• the mounting bracket of the attachment comprises in the exemplifying embodiment at least one first fastener 10 comprising at least one first shaft (axel) 16 and at least one second fastener 11 comprising at least one second shaft 17.
• the shafts 16 and 17 are spaced at a distance from each other. Referring to Fig.
• a quick coupler 1 preferably comprising a lower section 32, alternatively a first section or half, and an upper section 33, alternatively a second section or half is shown.
• the upper section is omitted in other figures and only shown in Fig. 8. It is essentially comprised of prior art which is connected to the lower section with previously known technology.
• the lower, first section is suitable for connection to an attachment and the upper section is connected to the connecting device in the vehicle's boom, arm or the like. This design may include more or fewer parts than the number shown in the figures.
• the specific feature of the present quick coupler 1 further comprises at least one activation device 18, maneuvering device or the like.
• the activation device 18 closes or opens for a flow of pressure fluid or the like to at least one hydraulic component.
• the hydraulic component is comprised of a locking device 12, which locks the attachment to the quick coupler.
• the activation device (maneuvering device) 18 opens or closes at least one valve 19 or the like which allows or prevents flow of pressure fluid to the locking device 12.
• the position of the attachment 2 is incorrect, the flow to the hydraulic component is blocked, in the exemplifying embodiment comprising a locking device 12.
• the locking member 13 can not be actuated to a locked position unless the coupling devices 4 and 5 are correctly connected to the attachment's fasteners.
• the activation device 18 it comprises at least one arm 20, sensing arm, sensing mechanism, maneuvering (control) arm or the like.
• the shape of the arm 20, maneuvering (control) arm may vary within the scope of the invention.
• the arm 20 in the exemplifying embodiment has an elongate shape with a first end 21 and a second end 22.
• the arm 20 is at its ends or in the vicinity of its ends movably, pivotally arranged.
• the first end 21 of the arm 20, or in the vicinity of its end, is during connection of the attachment to the quick coupler suitable to be actuated by at least the first fastener 10 in the attachment 2 such as at least the first shaft 16 or the like.
• the second end 22 of the arm 20 or in the vicinity of its end is during the connection of the attachment 2 to the quick coupler 1 suitable to be actuated by at least the second fastener 11 in the attachment 2 such as at least the second shaft 17 or the like.
• the position of the arm 20 is maneuvered by at least one valve 19.
• the valve 19 opens or blocks flow to the actuator 14.
• the arm 20 can move between a position, location, where both ends are affected and the valve 19 is in an open or in position or positions where the position of the arm causes the valve 19 to be closed.
• FIG. 3D an exemplifying steering of the arm 20 is shown.
• the arm 20 at its ends 21 and 22, or ends 21 and 22 proximity, is pivotally, movably arranged via at least one steering 23 or alternatively bearing.
• Each respective steering 23 is achieved in the exemplifying embodiment via at least one pin 24, shaft or the like which is inserted into at least one slot (groove) 25, hole or the like.
• the pin 24, the shaft has a diameter slightly less than the width of the slot 25.
• the slot 25 has a length which allows the arm 20 to move between a first position (see Fig. 3D) where the arm is engaged with the first fastener 10 and the second fastener 11 and a second position (see Fig.
• the length (height) of the slot 25 may vary within the scope of the invention.
• the arm 20 can thus be moved between the position where the valve 19 is closed and to a position where the valve 19 is open.
• the steering may consist of another for the purpose suitable steering device.
• the design comprises at least one springy (elastic) device 26 which actuates the arm during an inactivated position to return to an unactuated position.
• the springy device comprises at least one elastic member 27.
• the springy device may consist of another for the purpose suitable design.
• the quick coupler 1 is shown at different levels of engagement with the attachment 2.
• the quick coupler 1 is shown when it is not connected to any part of the attachment 2.
• the arm 20 is not actuated at either of its ends 21 and 22.
• the arm 20 is actuated by the springy device 26 or springy devices 26 to be in a position where the valve 19 is closed, causing flow of pressure fluid to the locking device 12 to be prevented.
• the first shaft 16 is engaged with the first coupling device's 4 first coupling bracket 6 causing the arm 20 at its first end 21 to be in the actuated position.
• the valve 19 is in a closed position.
• the first shaft 16 is engaged with the coupling bracket 6 of the coupling device 4 causing that the arm 20 at its first end 21 to be in an actuated position.
• the coupling bracket 7 of the second coupling device 5 is further connected to the second shaft 17 which moves the arm 20 to a position where the valve 19 is actuated to the open position. Because the arm 20 at both its first end 21 is actuated by the first shaft 16 and that the arm 20 at its other end 22 is actuated by the second shaft 17, the valve 19 is open.
• the actuator 14 of the locking member 13 can therefore be actuated to a position where the shaft 16 is locked to the coupling device 5.
• the quick coupler comprises at least one first coupling device 4 and at least one second coupling device 5.
• the first coupling device 4 is suitable for connection to at least one first shaft, axel, rod or the like in the attachment 2.
• the second fastener 11 consists of at least one fastening hook 28.
• the locking device 12 comprises at least one locking member 13, which engages the fastening hook 28.
• the locking member 13 is maneuvered to engage or not to engage with the fastening hook 28.
• the fastening hook 28 is suitable to work together with at least one recess 29, groove or the like, in the lower section of the quick coupler.
• the activation device 18 it comprises at least one arm 20, control arm, or the like.
• the shape of the arm 20, control arm may vary within the scope of the invention.
• the arm 20, in the exemplifying embodiment, has an elongate shape with a first end 21 and a second end 22.
• the arm 20 is at its ends 21 and 22 or in the vicinity of its ends movably, pivotally arranged.
• the first end 21 of the arm 20, or the end's vicinity is suitable to be actuated, directly or indirectly, of at least the first fastener 10 in the attachment such as at least the first shaft 16, axel, rod or similar.
• the second end 22 of the arm 20, or the end's vicinity is suitable to be actuated directly or indirectly by at least the second fastener 11 in the attachment.
• the first end 21 of the arm 20 or the end's vicinity is actuated via at least one first spacer 30, which is actuated by the shaft 16 when connected to the coupling device 4.
• the second end 22 of the arm 20 or the second end's vicinity 22 is actuated, via at least one second spacer 31 when it is actuated by the second fastener 11 or alternatively another surface or surfaces on the attachment 2.
• the first shaft 16 consisting of at least two sections 16a and 16b is in engagement with the coupling bracket 6 of the coupling device 4 allowing for the arm 20 in the first end 21 to be in the actuated position while the arm 20 in the second end 22 is in a position where it is not actuated.
• the valve 19 is thus in a closed position.
• the first shaft 16 is in engagement with the coupling bracket 6 of the coupling device 4 allowing for the arm
• the fastening hook 28 is connected to the second coupling device 5 of the quick coupler. Because the arm 20 in both its one end
• valve 19 is open.
• the locking member 13 of the locking device 12 can therefore be actuated to a locked position where the fastening hook 28 in the attachment 2 is locked to the quick coupler 1.
• the circuit comprises at least one valve 19, which is actuated by the position of the arm 20 to be open or closed.
• the present invention may define an activation device or activation mechanism for the lock device.
• quick coupler it may be suitable for connection with other types of attachments than exemplified in this patent application. It is further possible that the quick coupler be used for applications other than those disclosed in this patent application.
• the present invention achieves several advantages. Firstly, an improved quick coupler is achieved which solves, or reduces, at least one of the technical problems mentioned in the background or in the description. Further, with the present invention, there are reduced risks of personal injury and property damage.

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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)
• Quick-Acting Or Multi-Walled Pipe Joints (AREA)
• Shovels (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=65271771

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (3)

Families Citing this family (1)

Family Cites Families (6)

• 2017
  • 2017-08-10 SE SE1730208A patent/SE542259C2/sv unknown
• 2018
  • 2018-08-07 EP EP18844738.7A patent/EP3710641A1/en not_active Withdrawn
  • 2018-08-07 WO PCT/SE2018/000019 patent/WO2019032000A1/en unknown

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