US20140096419A1 - Work tool coupler linkage - Google Patents
Work tool coupler linkage Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20140096419A1 US20140096419A1 US13/661,814 US201213661814A US2014096419A1 US 20140096419 A1 US20140096419 A1 US 20140096419A1 US 201213661814 A US201213661814 A US 201213661814A US 2014096419 A1 US2014096419 A1 US 2014096419A1
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- pivot points
- length
- line extending
- ranges
- frame
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- 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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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
- E02F3/3659—Devices to connect tools to arms, booms or the like of the quick acting type, e.g. controlled from the operator seat electrically-operated
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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
- E02F3/3627—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 longitudinal 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
- E02F3/364—Devices to connect tools to arms, booms or the like of the quick acting type, e.g. controlled from the operator seat using wedges
Definitions
- This disclosure relates generally to a quick coupling device for a tool/implement for a machine and, more particularly, to a quick coupling device that may be actuated by the operator from the cab of the machine.
- Machines frequently have lift arms with tools or implements disposed at the ends of the lift arms.
- the tools or implements may include as buckets, blades and the like.
- the lift arms are typically equipped with an attachment frame that includes coupling devices for quickly coupling and decoupling the various implements from the frame.
- Some of these coupling devices may also be power-operated to reduce the necessity for manual intervention and for ease of operation. Further, some coupling devices may be actuated from inside the cab of the machine.
- a hydraulically-actuated quick coupling device in U.S. Pat. No. 6,866,467, includes an attachment frame.
- a pair of latch members is disposed at each end of the attachment frame and the latch members are movable between a latched position and an unlatched position.
- a link has first and second end portions with the first end portion of the link connected to the latch member.
- a pivot member has first and second end portions and a central portion with the first end portion pivotally connected on the attachment frame and the second end portion pivotally connected on the second end portion of the link.
- a cylinder has a head end connected to the attachment frame and a rod end connected to the central portion of the pivot member. The cylinder is operable for moving the latch member between the disengaged and engaged positions.
- a low amount of force is required when the tool and coupler are very clean, but in dirty conditions or with a lack of scheduled lubrication or maintenance, the linkage can stick or jam, causing the operator to have to use a pry bar to force the linkage loose and engage/disengage the work tool.
- an electrically actuated coupling device may include a frame having a right end and a left end.
- the disclosed device may also include an electric motor with a drive shaft extending between the right and left ends of the frame.
- the motor may be used to cause the shaft to expand outwards towards the right and left ends of the frame simultaneously and to retract the shaft inwards away from the left and right ends of the frame simultaneously.
- the right end of the frame may include a right guide for slidably receiving a right latch.
- the left end of the frame may include a left guide for slidably receiving a left latch.
- the right latch may be pivotally coupled to a right spring.
- the right spring may pivotally couple the right latch to a right lever at a first pivot point.
- the right lever may be pivotally connected to the frame at a second pivot point.
- the right lever may also be pivotally connected to the shaft at a third pivot point.
- the left latch may be pivotally coupled to a left spring.
- the left spring may pivotally couple the left latch to a left lever at a fourth pivot point.
- the left lever may also be pivotally connected to the frame at a fifth pivot point.
- the left lever may also be pivotally connected to the shaft at a sixth pivot point.
- an angle between a first line extending through the first and second pivot points and a second line extending through the second and third pivot points may range from greater than 20° to less than 35°, and, similarly, an angle between a third line extending through the fourth and fifth pivot points and a fourth line extending through the fifth and sixth pivot points may also ranges from greater than 20° to less than 35°.
- a machine may include a cab.
- the machine may also include right and left lift arms that may be coupled to a frame having a right end and a left end.
- the machine may also include an electric motor with a drive shaft that extends between the right and left ends of the frame. The motor may cause the shaft to expand outwards towards the right and left ends of the frame simultaneously and retract inwards away from the left and right ends of the frame simultaneously.
- the right end of the frame may include a right guide for slidably receiving a right latch and the left end of the frame may include a left guide for slidably receiving a left latch.
- the right latch may be pivotally coupled to a right spring.
- the right spring may pivotally couple the right latch to a right lever at a first pivot point.
- the right lever may be pivotally connected to the frame at a second pivot point.
- the right lever may also be pivotally connected to the shaft at a third pivot point.
- the left latch may also be pivotally coupled to a left spring.
- the left spring may pivotally couple the left latch to a left lever at a fourth pivot point.
- the left lever may be pivotally connected to the frame at a fifth pivot point and the left lever may be pivotally connected to the shaft at a sixth pivot point.
- the machine may also include a control switch for controlling the motor wherein the control switch is disposed inside the cab. Further, the second and third pivot points are separated by a first length and the first and second pivot points are separated by a second length. The first length is greater than the second length.
- the fifth and sixth pivot points are separated by a third length and the fourth and fifth pivot points are separated by a fourth length.
- the third length is greater than the fourth length.
- a ratio of the first length to the second length ranges from greater than 1.31 to less than 1.75, and a ratio of the third length to the fourth length ranges from greater than 1.31 to less than 1.75.
- a method for coupling and decoupling a tool to and from a machine having right and left lift arms may include coupling a frame having a right end and a left end to the right and left lift arms.
- the frame may support an electric motor with a drive shaft extending between the right and left ends of the frame.
- the right end of the frame may include a right guide for slidably receiving a right latch and the left end of the frame may include a left guide for slidably receiving a left latch.
- the right latch may be pivotally coupled to a right spring and the right spring may pivotally couple the right latch to a right lever at a first pivot point.
- the right lever may also be pivotally connected to the frame at a second pivot point and to the shaft at a third pivot point.
- the left latch may be pivotally coupled to a left spring.
- the left spring may pivotally couple the left latch to a left lever at a fourth pivot point.
- the left lever may be pivotally connected to the frame at a fifth pivot point and to the shaft at a sixth pivot point.
- the method may include aligning the right and left latches with right and left openings in the tool.
- the method may further include activating the motor to expand the shaft outwards towards the right and left ends of the frame thereby causing the right and left latches to be received in the right and left openings of the tool.
- the method may also include activating the motor to retract the shaft inwards away from the right and left ends of the frame thereby causing right and left latches to be withdrawn from right and left openings of the tool.
- an angle between a second line extending through the second and third pivot points and an axis of the shaft ranges from about 13° to about 18° and an angle between a fourth line extending through the fifth and sixth pivot points and an axis of the shaft ranges from about 13° to about 18°.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a machine coupled to a bucket.
- FIG. 2 is a plan view of a disclosed coupling device, with the latches in an intermediate position.
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the disclosed coupling device, particularly illustrating the latches in an intermediate position.
- FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the disclosed coupling device, particularly illustrating the right latch in an intermediate position.
- FIG. 5 is a partial plan view of the disclosed coupling device, particularly illustrating the right latch in an intermediate position.
- FIG. 6 is a partial plan view of the disclosed coupling device, particularly illustrating the left latch in an intermediate position.
- FIGS. 7-8 are partial plan views showing the left latches and associated linkages in retracted and extended positions respectively.
- FIG. 9 is another partial plan view of the disclosed coupling device, particularly illustrating the right latch in a retracted position and an angle defined by a line drawn through the first and second pivot points and a line drawn through the second and third pivot points as well as an angle defined by a line drawn through the third and second pivot points and an axis of the shaft;
- FIG. 10 is a plan view of the left lever of the disclosed coupling device.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a machine 10 that may be equipped with the quick coupling device 11 shown in FIG. 2 .
- the machine 10 is a skid steer loader.
- the machine 10 includes a frame 16 that is supported above ground by a plurality of ground engaging elements 13 . While the ground engaging elements 13 are wheels, in the example shown, this disclosure is also applicable to track-type machines as well.
- the machine 10 also includes a pair of spaced apart lift arms 14 and an implement 15 , in the form of a bucket that may be coupled to the lift arms 14 .
- the machine 10 may be used with a variety of implements, other than the bucket shown at 15 . To quickly and easily disconnect or decouple the implement 15 from the machine 10 , it would be advantageous to include a quick coupling/decoupling device like that shown at 11 in FIG. 2 .
- the coupling device 11 includes a frame 16 with a right end 17 and a left end 18 .
- the frame supports a motor 19 that drives an expandable and retractable shaft assembly 21 .
- the motor 19 /shaft assembly 21 combination may be replaced by a hydraulic cylinder or another type of actuator and extendable member.
- the shaft assembly 21 includes a right end 22 and a left end 23 .
- the right and left end 22 , 23 of the shaft assembly 21 are coupled to right and left levers 24 , 25 respectively.
- the right and left levers 24 , 25 pivot when the shaft assembly 21 is expanded or retracted.
- right and left springs 26 , 27 are coupled to right and left latches 28 , 29 at the pivot points 20 , 30 respectively.
- the right and left latches 28 , 29 are used to couple the frame 16 to the implement 15 as shown in FIG. 1 .
- Also shown in FIG. 2 are right and left guides 31 , 32 which slidably receive the latches 28 , 29 respectively.
- the right and left latches 28 are also shown in extended positions.
- the shaft assembly 21 is retracted inwardly, that is, both the right end 22 and the left end 23 are retracted inwards or away from the right and left ends 17 , 18 of the frame 16 .
- the right spring 26 may be pivotally coupled to the lever 24 at a first pivot point 33 .
- the right lever 24 may be pivotally coupled to the right end 17 of the frame 16 at a second pivot point 34 .
- the right lever 24 may be pivotally coupled to the right end 22 of the shaft assembly 21 at a third pivot point 35 .
- the left lever 25 may be pivotally coupled to the left spring at a fourth pivot point 36 .
- the left lever 25 may also be pivotally coupled to the left end 18 of the frame 16 at a fifth pivot point 37
- the left lever 25 may be pivotally coupled to the left end 23 of the shaft assembly 21 at a sixth pivot point 38 .
- the right lever 24 includes a front plate 41 coupled to a rear plate 42 .
- the plates 41 , 42 may be welded together, connected together in some other fashion or may be a unitary structure.
- the right end 22 of the shaft assembly 21 has been moved to the left in the orientation of FIG. 4 thereby biasing the third pivot point 35 to the left.
- This causes the right lever 24 to pivot about the second pivot point 34 in a downward direction as indicated by the arrow 43 .
- Movement of the right lever 24 in the direction of the arrow 43 causes the first pivot point 33 to move downward thereby compressing the right spring 26 .
- the right spring 26 which is pivotally coupled to the right latch 28 at the pivot point 20 presses the right latch 28 downward through the right guide 31 to the latching or coupling position shown in FIG. 4 .
- FIG. 4 A plan view of the position shown in FIG. 4 is also shown in FIG. 5 and a plan view of the left side 18 of the frame in the coupled or extended position is shown in FIG. 6 .
- FIGS. 5-6 also illustrates the outwardly extending tabs 45 , 47 of the front and rear plates 41 , 42 and 141 , 142 of the right and left levers 24 , 25 respectively.
- the tabs 45 , 47 are visible to the operator in the cab 46 of the machine 10 so the operator has a visual indication that the coupling device 11 is in the coupled or latched position shown in FIGS. 4-6 .
- the tab 45 is obscured and not clearly visible to the operator, thereby indicating to the operator that the coupling device 11 is in the decoupled or detached position shown in FIG. 3 .
- FIGS. 7-8 illustrate the retraction and extension of the left latch 29 , which may operate in the same fashion as the right latch 28 .
- the shaft assembly 21 has been retracted, or moved to the left in the orientation of FIGS. 7-8 .
- the pivot point 38 of the lever 25 has been moved to the left and upwards, thereby causing the pivot point 36 to pull upward on the spring 27 , which causes the left latch 29 to retract upward into the guide 32 .
- FIG. 8 the shaft assembly 21 has been extended, or moved to the right in the orientation of FIGS. 7-8 .
- the pivot point 38 of the lever 25 has been moved to the right and downwards, thereby causing the pivot point 36 to bias the spring 27 downwards, which causes the left latch 29 to outward from the guide 32 .
- FIG. 9 illustrates geometrically the improved performance of the coupling device 11 .
- the lever 24 includes three pivot points including the first pivot point 33 , which pivotally couples the lever 24 to the spring 26 .
- the lever 24 also includes a second pivot point 34 which may pivotally couple the lever 24 to the frame 16 .
- the lever 24 includes a third pivot point 35 which may pivotally couple the lever 24 to the right end 22 of the shaft assembly 21 . It has been found that an angle 51 defined by a first line 52 that extends through the first pivot point 33 and the second pivot point 34 and a second line 53 that extends through the second pivot point 34 and the third pivot point 35 may be greater than 20° and less than 35° for optimal operation.
- angle 51 may range from greater than 20° to less than 35°, a narrower range of from about 27° to about 31° may provide even better performance. In one example, the angle 51 may be about 29°.
- another angle 54 has surprisingly been found to have an effect on the performance on the coupling device 11 .
- the angle 54 is defined by the line 53 that extends through the second and third pivot points 34 , 35 and the axis 55 of the shaft assembly 21 .
- the angle 54 may range from greater than 10° to less than 25°. While the angle 54 may range from greater than 10° to less than 25°, a narrower range of from about 13° to about 18° may provide a more optimal performance. In one example, the angle 54 is about 16°.
- the dimensions of the levers 24 , 25 have also been surprisingly found to be useful in optimizing the performance of the coupling device 11 .
- the left lever 25 is illustrated in FIG. 7 . It also includes a shaped opening 57 for receiving a tool in the event the coupling device 11 becomes stuck or jammed.
- the fourth, fifth and sixth pivot points are shown at 36 , 37 , 38 respectively and they correspond to the first, second and third pivot points 33 , 34 , 35 of the right lever 24 .
- the distance between the fourth and fifth pivot points is shown at 61 .
- the distance between the fifth and sixth pivot points is shown at 62 . It has been surprisingly found that the ratio of these two distances affects the performance of the coupling device 11 .
- the length or length 62 is greater than the length or length 61 .
- a ratio of the length 62 to the length 61 for effective operation of the coupling device 11 , may range from greater than 1 to about 1.5. While the ratio of the length 62 :length 61 may range from greater than 1 to about 1.5, and more optimal performance may be found using a ratio falling within the range of from about 1.32 to about 1.45. In one embodiment, the ratio of the length 62 to the length 61 is about 1.4.
- the coupling device 11 has been described above. It may be used to quickly and easily change implements 15 on the machine 10 and the activation of the coupling device 11 may be performed by the operator in the cab 46 . All that is required is that the right and left latches 28 , 29 be aligned with corresponding openings in the tool or implement 15 . Then the operator activates the motor 19 (or hydraulic system or actuator) to extend the shaft assembly 21 (or cylinder or extendable member) outward which results in the right and left latches 28 , 29 extending downward through their respective guides into the openings of the tool or implement 15 . Disengagement of the tool or implement 15 from the frame 16 is also easily accomplished by activating the motor and retracting the shaft assembly 21 laterally inwards away from the right and left ends 17 , 18 of the frame 16 .
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Abstract
An electrically actuated coupling device for a machine and an implement is disclosed. The device includes a frame and an electric motor coupled to a drive shaft that extends between right and left ends of the frame. The motor causes the shaft to extend or retract from each end of the frame simultaneously. Each end of the frame includes a guide for receiving a latch. Each latch is pivotally coupled to a spring and each spring is pivotally coupled to a specially shaped lever which is pivotally coupled to the frame as well as an end of the shaft. The electric motor may be activated by the operator from within the cab.
Description
- This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 13/647,105, filed on Oct. 8, 2012.
- This disclosure relates generally to a quick coupling device for a tool/implement for a machine and, more particularly, to a quick coupling device that may be actuated by the operator from the cab of the machine.
- Machines frequently have lift arms with tools or implements disposed at the ends of the lift arms. The tools or implements may include as buckets, blades and the like. To simplify and expedite the exchanging or replacement of such tools, the lift arms are typically equipped with an attachment frame that includes coupling devices for quickly coupling and decoupling the various implements from the frame. Some of these coupling devices may also be power-operated to reduce the necessity for manual intervention and for ease of operation. Further, some coupling devices may be actuated from inside the cab of the machine.
- In U.S. Pat. No. 6,866,467, a hydraulically-actuated quick coupling device includes an attachment frame. A pair of latch members is disposed at each end of the attachment frame and the latch members are movable between a latched position and an unlatched position. A link has first and second end portions with the first end portion of the link connected to the latch member. A pivot member has first and second end portions and a central portion with the first end portion pivotally connected on the attachment frame and the second end portion pivotally connected on the second end portion of the link. A cylinder has a head end connected to the attachment frame and a rod end connected to the central portion of the pivot member. The cylinder is operable for moving the latch member between the disengaged and engaged positions.
- A low amount of force is required when the tool and coupler are very clean, but in dirty conditions or with a lack of scheduled lubrication or maintenance, the linkage can stick or jam, causing the operator to have to use a pry bar to force the linkage loose and engage/disengage the work tool.
- In one aspect, an electrically actuated coupling device is disclosed. The disclosed device may include a frame having a right end and a left end. The disclosed device may also include an electric motor with a drive shaft extending between the right and left ends of the frame. The motor may be used to cause the shaft to expand outwards towards the right and left ends of the frame simultaneously and to retract the shaft inwards away from the left and right ends of the frame simultaneously. The right end of the frame may include a right guide for slidably receiving a right latch. The left end of the frame may include a left guide for slidably receiving a left latch. The right latch may be pivotally coupled to a right spring. The right spring may pivotally couple the right latch to a right lever at a first pivot point. The right lever may be pivotally connected to the frame at a second pivot point. The right lever may also be pivotally connected to the shaft at a third pivot point. Similarly, the left latch may be pivotally coupled to a left spring. The left spring may pivotally couple the left latch to a left lever at a fourth pivot point. The left lever may also be pivotally connected to the frame at a fifth pivot point. The left lever may also be pivotally connected to the shaft at a sixth pivot point. Further, an angle between a first line extending through the first and second pivot points and a second line extending through the second and third pivot points may range from greater than 20° to less than 35°, and, similarly, an angle between a third line extending through the fourth and fifth pivot points and a fourth line extending through the fifth and sixth pivot points may also ranges from greater than 20° to less than 35°.
- In another aspect, a machine is disclosed that may include a cab. The machine may also include right and left lift arms that may be coupled to a frame having a right end and a left end. The machine may also include an electric motor with a drive shaft that extends between the right and left ends of the frame. The motor may cause the shaft to expand outwards towards the right and left ends of the frame simultaneously and retract inwards away from the left and right ends of the frame simultaneously. The right end of the frame may include a right guide for slidably receiving a right latch and the left end of the frame may include a left guide for slidably receiving a left latch. The right latch may be pivotally coupled to a right spring. The right spring may pivotally couple the right latch to a right lever at a first pivot point. The right lever may be pivotally connected to the frame at a second pivot point. The right lever may also be pivotally connected to the shaft at a third pivot point. The left latch may also be pivotally coupled to a left spring. The left spring may pivotally couple the left latch to a left lever at a fourth pivot point. The left lever may be pivotally connected to the frame at a fifth pivot point and the left lever may be pivotally connected to the shaft at a sixth pivot point. The machine may also include a control switch for controlling the motor wherein the control switch is disposed inside the cab. Further, the second and third pivot points are separated by a first length and the first and second pivot points are separated by a second length. The first length is greater than the second length. The fifth and sixth pivot points are separated by a third length and the fourth and fifth pivot points are separated by a fourth length. The third length is greater than the fourth length. A ratio of the first length to the second length ranges from greater than 1.31 to less than 1.75, and a ratio of the third length to the fourth length ranges from greater than 1.31 to less than 1.75.
- In another aspect, a method for coupling and decoupling a tool to and from a machine having right and left lift arms is also disclosed. The method may include coupling a frame having a right end and a left end to the right and left lift arms. The frame may support an electric motor with a drive shaft extending between the right and left ends of the frame. The right end of the frame may include a right guide for slidably receiving a right latch and the left end of the frame may include a left guide for slidably receiving a left latch. The right latch may be pivotally coupled to a right spring and the right spring may pivotally couple the right latch to a right lever at a first pivot point. The right lever may also be pivotally connected to the frame at a second pivot point and to the shaft at a third pivot point. The left latch may be pivotally coupled to a left spring. The left spring may pivotally couple the left latch to a left lever at a fourth pivot point. The left lever may be pivotally connected to the frame at a fifth pivot point and to the shaft at a sixth pivot point. The method may include aligning the right and left latches with right and left openings in the tool. The method may further include activating the motor to expand the shaft outwards towards the right and left ends of the frame thereby causing the right and left latches to be received in the right and left openings of the tool. Further, the method may also include activating the motor to retract the shaft inwards away from the right and left ends of the frame thereby causing right and left latches to be withdrawn from right and left openings of the tool. Further, an angle between a second line extending through the second and third pivot points and an axis of the shaft ranges from about 13° to about 18° and an angle between a fourth line extending through the fifth and sixth pivot points and an axis of the shaft ranges from about 13° to about 18°.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a machine coupled to a bucket. -
FIG. 2 is a plan view of a disclosed coupling device, with the latches in an intermediate position. -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the disclosed coupling device, particularly illustrating the latches in an intermediate position. -
FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the disclosed coupling device, particularly illustrating the right latch in an intermediate position. -
FIG. 5 is a partial plan view of the disclosed coupling device, particularly illustrating the right latch in an intermediate position. -
FIG. 6 is a partial plan view of the disclosed coupling device, particularly illustrating the left latch in an intermediate position. -
FIGS. 7-8 are partial plan views showing the left latches and associated linkages in retracted and extended positions respectively. -
FIG. 9 is another partial plan view of the disclosed coupling device, particularly illustrating the right latch in a retracted position and an angle defined by a line drawn through the first and second pivot points and a line drawn through the second and third pivot points as well as an angle defined by a line drawn through the third and second pivot points and an axis of the shaft; and -
FIG. 10 is a plan view of the left lever of the disclosed coupling device. -
FIG. 1 illustrates amachine 10 that may be equipped with thequick coupling device 11 shown inFIG. 2 . In the example shown, themachine 10 is a skid steer loader. Themachine 10 includes aframe 16 that is supported above ground by a plurality ofground engaging elements 13. While theground engaging elements 13 are wheels, in the example shown, this disclosure is also applicable to track-type machines as well. Themachine 10 also includes a pair of spaced apart liftarms 14 and an implement 15, in the form of a bucket that may be coupled to thelift arms 14. Themachine 10 may be used with a variety of implements, other than the bucket shown at 15. To quickly and easily disconnect or decouple the implement 15 from themachine 10, it would be advantageous to include a quick coupling/decoupling device like that shown at 11 inFIG. 2 . - Turning to
FIG. 2 , thecoupling device 11 includes aframe 16 with aright end 17 and aleft end 18. The frame supports amotor 19 that drives an expandable andretractable shaft assembly 21. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, themotor 19/shaft assembly 21 combination may be replaced by a hydraulic cylinder or another type of actuator and extendable member. Theshaft assembly 21 includes aright end 22 and aleft end 23. The right andleft end shaft assembly 21 are coupled to right and leftlevers levers shaft assembly 21 is expanded or retracted. For example, when theshaft assembly 21 is retracted, upward bias is imposed upon the right and leftsprings springs latches latches frame 16 to the implement 15 as shown inFIG. 1 . Also shown inFIG. 2 are right and leftguides latches - Turning to
FIG. 3 , the right and leftlatches 28 are also shown in extended positions. To retract thelatches shaft assembly 21 is retracted inwardly, that is, both theright end 22 and theleft end 23 are retracted inwards or away from the right and left ends 17, 18 of theframe 16. Theright spring 26 may be pivotally coupled to thelever 24 at afirst pivot point 33. Theright lever 24 may be pivotally coupled to theright end 17 of theframe 16 at asecond pivot point 34. Further, theright lever 24 may be pivotally coupled to theright end 22 of theshaft assembly 21 at athird pivot point 35. Similarly, theleft lever 25 may be pivotally coupled to the left spring at afourth pivot point 36. Theleft lever 25 may also be pivotally coupled to theleft end 18 of theframe 16 at afifth pivot point 37, and theleft lever 25 may be pivotally coupled to theleft end 23 of theshaft assembly 21 at asixth pivot point 38. - Turning to
FIG. 4 , theright lever 24 includes afront plate 41 coupled to arear plate 42. Theplates FIG. 4 , theright end 22 of theshaft assembly 21 has been moved to the left in the orientation ofFIG. 4 thereby biasing thethird pivot point 35 to the left. This causes theright lever 24 to pivot about thesecond pivot point 34 in a downward direction as indicated by thearrow 43. Movement of theright lever 24 in the direction of thearrow 43 causes thefirst pivot point 33 to move downward thereby compressing theright spring 26. Theright spring 26 which is pivotally coupled to theright latch 28 at thepivot point 20 presses theright latch 28 downward through theright guide 31 to the latching or coupling position shown inFIG. 4 . - A plan view of the position shown in
FIG. 4 is also shown inFIG. 5 and a plan view of theleft side 18 of the frame in the coupled or extended position is shown inFIG. 6 . Also shown inFIGS. 5-6 are shaped opening 44, 57 which can receive a tool in the event thecoupling device 11 becomes stuck or jammed. Further,FIGS. 5-6 also illustrates the outwardly extendingtabs rear plates levers tabs cab 46 of themachine 10 so the operator has a visual indication that thecoupling device 11 is in the coupled or latched position shown inFIGS. 4-6 . As shown inFIG. 9 , thetab 45 is obscured and not clearly visible to the operator, thereby indicating to the operator that thecoupling device 11 is in the decoupled or detached position shown inFIG. 3 . -
FIGS. 7-8 illustrate the retraction and extension of theleft latch 29, which may operate in the same fashion as theright latch 28. InFIG. 7 , theshaft assembly 21 has been retracted, or moved to the left in the orientation ofFIGS. 7-8 . Thepivot point 38 of thelever 25 has been moved to the left and upwards, thereby causing thepivot point 36 to pull upward on thespring 27, which causes theleft latch 29 to retract upward into theguide 32. Conversely, inFIG. 8 , theshaft assembly 21 has been extended, or moved to the right in the orientation ofFIGS. 7-8 . Thepivot point 38 of thelever 25 has been moved to the right and downwards, thereby causing thepivot point 36 to bias thespring 27 downwards, which causes theleft latch 29 to outward from theguide 32. -
FIG. 9 illustrates geometrically the improved performance of thecoupling device 11. Specifically, thelever 24 includes three pivot points including thefirst pivot point 33, which pivotally couples thelever 24 to thespring 26. Thelever 24 also includes asecond pivot point 34 which may pivotally couple thelever 24 to theframe 16. Finally, thelever 24 includes athird pivot point 35 which may pivotally couple thelever 24 to theright end 22 of theshaft assembly 21. It has been found that anangle 51 defined by afirst line 52 that extends through thefirst pivot point 33 and thesecond pivot point 34 and asecond line 53 that extends through thesecond pivot point 34 and thethird pivot point 35 may be greater than 20° and less than 35° for optimal operation. While theangle 51 may range from greater than 20° to less than 35°, a narrower range of from about 27° to about 31° may provide even better performance. In one example, theangle 51 may be about 29°. Similarly, anotherangle 54 has surprisingly been found to have an effect on the performance on thecoupling device 11. Theangle 54 is defined by theline 53 that extends through the second and third pivot points 34, 35 and theaxis 55 of theshaft assembly 21. Theangle 54 may range from greater than 10° to less than 25°. While theangle 54 may range from greater than 10° to less than 25°, a narrower range of from about 13° to about 18° may provide a more optimal performance. In one example, theangle 54 is about 16°. - The dimensions of the
levers coupling device 11. Theleft lever 25 is illustrated inFIG. 7 . It also includes a shapedopening 57 for receiving a tool in the event thecoupling device 11 becomes stuck or jammed. The fourth, fifth and sixth pivot points are shown at 36, 37, 38 respectively and they correspond to the first, second and third pivot points 33, 34, 35 of theright lever 24. The distance between the fourth and fifth pivot points is shown at 61. The distance between the fifth and sixth pivot points is shown at 62. It has been surprisingly found that the ratio of these two distances affects the performance of thecoupling device 11. First, the length orlength 62 is greater than the length orlength 61. Further, a ratio of thelength 62 to thelength 61, for effective operation of thecoupling device 11, may range from greater than 1 to about 1.5. While the ratio of the length 62:length 61 may range from greater than 1 to about 1.5, and more optimal performance may be found using a ratio falling within the range of from about 1.32 to about 1.45. In one embodiment, the ratio of thelength 62 to thelength 61 is about 1.4. It has been found that using twopivot points lever 25 to both theleft spring 27 and theshaft assembly 21 permits thecoupling device 11 to have a higher engagement force, which enables thecoupling device 11 to operate effectively in non-optimal conditions such as where corrosion may exist, debris or dirt may have infested the linkage, maintenance or lubrication may be required, etc. - The
coupling device 11 has been described above. It may be used to quickly and easily change implements 15 on themachine 10 and the activation of thecoupling device 11 may be performed by the operator in thecab 46. All that is required is that the right and leftlatches latches frame 16 is also easily accomplished by activating the motor and retracting theshaft assembly 21 laterally inwards away from the right and left ends 17, 18 of theframe 16.
Claims (20)
1. An electrically actuated coupling device, comprising:
a frame having a right end and a left end;
an actuator or extendable member extending between the right and left ends of the frame, the actuator causing the extendable member to expand outwards towards the right and left ends of the frame simultaneously and to retract inwards away from the left and right ends of the frame simultaneously;
the right end of the frame including a right guide for slidably receiving a right latch, the left end of the frame including a left guide for slidably receiving a left latch;
the right latch pivotally coupled to a right spring, the right spring pivotally coupling the right latch to a right lever at a first pivot point, the right lever being pivotally connected to the frame at a second pivot point, the right lever being pivotally connected to the shaft at a third pivot point;
the left latch pivotally coupled to a left spring, the left spring pivotally coupling the left latch to a left lever at a fourth pivot point, the left lever being pivotally connected to the frame at a fifth pivot point, the left lever being pivotally connected to the shaft at a sixth pivot point;
wherein an angle between a first line extending through the first and second pivot points and a second line extending through the second and third pivot points ranges from greater than 20° to less than 35°; and
wherein an angle between a third line extending through the fourth and fifth pivot points and a fourth line extending through the fifth and sixth pivot points ranges from greater than 20° to less than 35°.
2. The coupling device of claim 1 wherein the second and third pivot points are separated by a first length, the first and second pivot points are separated by a second length and the first length is greater than the second length; and
wherein the fifth and sixth pivot points are separated by a third length, the fourth and fifth pivot points are separated by a fourth length and the third length is greater than the fourth length.
3. The coupling device of claim 2 wherein a ratio of the first length to the second length ranges from greater than 1 to about 1.75; and
a ratio of the third length to the fourth length ranges from greater than 1 to about 1.75.
4. The coupling device of claim 3 wherein the ratios range from greater than 1.31 to about 1.45.
5. The coupling device of claim 1 wherein an angle between a first line extending through the first and second pivot points and a second line extending through the second and third pivot points ranges from greater than 20° to less than 35°; and
wherein an angle between a third line extending through the fourth and fifth pivot points and a fourth line extending through the fifth and sixth pivot points ranges from greater than 20° to less than 35°.
6. The coupling device of claim 1 wherein an angle between a first line extending through the first and second pivot points and a second line extending through the second and third pivot points ranges from greater than 27° to less than 31°; and
wherein an angle between a third line extending through the fourth and fifth pivot points and a fourth line extending through the fifth and sixth pivot points ranges from greater than 27° to less than 31°.
7. The coupling device of claim 1 wherein an angle between a second line extending through the second and third pivot points and an axis of the shaft ranges from greater than 10° to less than 25°; and
wherein an angle between a fourth line extending through the fourth and fifth pivot points and an axis of the shaft ranges from greater than 10° to less than 25°.
8. The coupling device of claim 1 wherein an angle between a second line extending through the second and third pivot points and an axis of the shaft ranges from about 13° to about 18°; and
wherein an angle between a fourth line extending through the fifth and sixth pivot points and an axis of the shaft ranges from about 13° to about 18°.
9. A machine comprising:
a cab;
right and left lift arms coupled to a frame having a right end and a left end;
an actuator with an extendable member extending between the right and left ends of the frame, the actuator causing the extendable member to expand outwards towards the right and left ends of the frame simultaneously and to retract inwards away from the left and right ends of the frame simultaneously;
the right end of the frame including a right guide for slidably receiving a right latch, the left end of the frame including a left guide for slidably receiving a left latch;
the right latch pivotally coupled to a right spring, the right spring pivotally coupling the right latch to a right lever at a first pivot point, the right lever being pivotally connected to the frame at a second pivot point, the right lever being pivotally connected to the shaft at a third pivot point;
the left latch pivotally coupled to a left spring, the left spring pivotally coupling the left latch to a left lever at a fourth pivot point, the left lever being pivotally connected to the frame at a fifth pivot point, the left lever being pivotally connected to the shaft at a sixth pivot point; and
wherein the second and third pivot points are separated by a first length, the first and second pivot points are separated by a second length and the first length is greater than the second length;
wherein the fifth and sixth pivot points are separated by a third length, the fourth and fifth pivot points are separated by a fourth length and the third length is greater than the fourth length; and
wherein a ratio of the first length to the second length ranges from greater than 1.31 to less than 1.75, and a ratio of the third length to the fourth length ranges from greater than 1.31 to less than 1.75.
10. The machine of claim 9 wherein the ratios range from greater than 1.31 to about 1.45.
11. The machine of claim 9 wherein an angle between a first line extending through the first and second pivot points and a second line extending through the second and third pivot points ranges from greater than 20° to less than 35°; and
wherein an angle between a third line extending through the fourth and fifth pivot points and a fourth line extending through the fifth and sixth pivot points ranges from greater than 20° to less than 35°.
12. The machine of claim 9 wherein an angle between a first line extending through the first and second pivot points and a second line extending through the second and third pivot points ranges from about 27° to about 31°; and
wherein an angle between a third line extending through the fourth and fifth pivot points and a fourth line extending through the fifth and sixth pivot points ranges from about 27° to about 31°.
13. The machine of claim 9 wherein an angle between a second line extending through the second and third pivot points and an axis of the shaft ranges from greater than 10° to less than 25°; and
wherein an angle between a fourth line extending through the fourth and fifth pivot points and an axis of the shaft ranges from greater than 10° to less than 25°.
14. The machine of claim 9 wherein an angle between a second line extending through the second and third pivot points and an axis of the shaft ranges from about 13° to about 18°; and
wherein an angle between a fourth line extending through the fifth and sixth pivot points and an axis of the shaft ranges from about 13° to about 18°.
15. A method for coupling and decoupling a tool to and from a machine having right and left lift arms, the method comprising:
coupling a frame having a right end and a left end to the right and left lift arms, the frame supporting an actuator with an extendable member extending between the right and left ends of the frame, the right end of the frame including a right guide for slidably receiving a right latch, the left end of the frame including a left guide for slidably receiving a left latch, the right latch pivotally coupled to a right spring, the right spring pivotally coupling the right latch to a right lever at a first pivot point, the right lever being pivotally connected to the frame at a second pivot point, the right lever being pivotally connected to the shaft at a third pivot point, and the left latch pivotally coupled to a left spring, the left spring pivotally coupling the left latch to a left lever at a fourth pivot point, the left lever being pivotally connected to the frame at a fifth pivot point, the left lever being pivotally connected to the shaft at a sixth pivot point;
aligning the right and left latches with right and left openings in the tool;
activating the actuator to extend the extendable member outwards towards the right and left ends of the frame thereby causing the right and left latches to be received in the right and left openings of the tool; and
activating the actuator to retract the extendable member inwards away from the right and left ends of the frame thereby causing the right and left latches to be withdrawn from the right and left openings of the tool;
wherein an angle between a second line extending through the second and third pivot points and an axis of the shaft ranges from about 13° to about 18° and wherein an angle between a fourth line extending through the fifth and sixth pivot points and an axis of the shaft ranges from about 13° to about 18°.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein the second and third pivot points are separated by a first length, the first and second pivot points are separated by a second length;
wherein the fifth and sixth pivot points are separated by a third length, the fourth and fifth pivot points are separated by a fourth length; and
wherein ratios of the first length to the second length and the third length to the second length range from greater than 1.31 to less than 1.75.
17. The method of claim 15 wherein the second and third pivot points are separated by a first length, the first and second pivot points are separated by a second length;
wherein the fifth and sixth pivot points are separated by a third length, the fourth and fifth pivot points are separated by a fourth length; and
wherein ratios of the first length to the second length and the third length to the second length range from greater than 1.32 to about 1.40.
18. The method of claim 15 wherein an angle between a first line extending through the first and second pivot points and a second line extending through the second and third pivot points ranges from greater than 20° to less than 35°; and
wherein an angle between a third line extending through the fourth and fifth pivot points and a fourth line extending through the fifth and sixth pivot points ranges from greater than 20° to less than 35°.
19. The method of claim 15 wherein an angle between a first line extending through the first and second pivot points and a second line extending through the second and third pivot points ranges from about 27° to about 31°; and
wherein an angle between a third line extending through the fourth and fifth pivot points and a fourth line extending through the fifth and sixth pivot points ranges from about 27° to about 31°.
20. The method of claim 17 wherein an angle between a second line extending through the second and third pivot points and an axis of the shaft ranges from about 13° to about 18°; and
wherein an angle between a fourth line extending through the fifth and sixth pivot points and an axis of the shaft ranges from about 13° to about 18°.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/661,814 US20140096419A1 (en) | 2012-10-08 | 2012-10-26 | Work tool coupler linkage |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201213647105A | 2012-10-08 | 2012-10-08 | |
US13/661,814 US20140096419A1 (en) | 2012-10-08 | 2012-10-26 | Work tool coupler linkage |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US201213647105A Continuation | 2012-10-08 | 2012-10-08 |
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US20140096419A1 true US20140096419A1 (en) | 2014-04-10 |
Family
ID=50431603
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/661,814 Abandoned US20140096419A1 (en) | 2012-10-08 | 2012-10-26 | Work tool coupler linkage |
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US (1) | US20140096419A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20160208455A1 (en) * | 2015-01-21 | 2016-07-21 | Deere & Company | Work tool coupler for a work vehicle |
JP2017075525A (en) * | 2015-10-15 | 2017-04-20 | ジェイ・シー・バムフォード・エクスカヴェイターズ・リミテッドJ.C.Bamford Excavators Limited | Quick hitch |
US10597844B2 (en) * | 2016-08-05 | 2020-03-24 | Diversified Products, LLC | Single cylinder hydraulic coupler |
GB2596256B (en) * | 2015-10-15 | 2022-04-13 | Bamford Excavators Ltd | Quick hitch |
-
2012
- 2012-10-26 US US13/661,814 patent/US20140096419A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20160208455A1 (en) * | 2015-01-21 | 2016-07-21 | Deere & Company | Work tool coupler for a work vehicle |
US9624641B2 (en) * | 2015-01-21 | 2017-04-18 | Deere & Company | Work tool coupler for a work vehicle |
JP2017075525A (en) * | 2015-10-15 | 2017-04-20 | ジェイ・シー・バムフォード・エクスカヴェイターズ・リミテッドJ.C.Bamford Excavators Limited | Quick hitch |
CN106917426A (en) * | 2015-10-15 | 2017-07-04 | J.C.班福德挖掘机有限公司 | Quick connector |
EP3165682A3 (en) * | 2015-10-15 | 2017-07-26 | J.C. Bamford Excavators Limited | Quick hitch |
US10132054B2 (en) | 2015-10-15 | 2018-11-20 | J.C. Bamford Excavators Limited | Quick hitch |
JP2021099028A (en) * | 2015-10-15 | 2021-07-01 | ジェイ・シー・バムフォード・エクスカヴェイターズ・リミテッドJ.C.Bamford Excavators Limited | Quick hitch |
GB2543332B (en) * | 2015-10-15 | 2021-08-18 | Bamford Excavators Ltd | Quick hitch |
GB2596256B (en) * | 2015-10-15 | 2022-04-13 | Bamford Excavators Ltd | Quick hitch |
JP7160983B2 (en) | 2015-10-15 | 2022-10-25 | ジェイ・シー・バムフォード・エクスカヴェイターズ・リミテッド | quick hitch |
US10597844B2 (en) * | 2016-08-05 | 2020-03-24 | Diversified Products, LLC | Single cylinder hydraulic coupler |
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Legal Events
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