CA2731443A1 - Quick coupler for earth working machines - Google Patents
Quick coupler for earth working machines Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2731443A1 CA2731443A1 CA 2731443 CA2731443A CA2731443A1 CA 2731443 A1 CA2731443 A1 CA 2731443A1 CA 2731443 CA2731443 CA 2731443 CA 2731443 A CA2731443 A CA 2731443A CA 2731443 A1 CA2731443 A1 CA 2731443A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- coupling part
- coupling parts
- male
- female
- coupling
- 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.)
- Abandoned
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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
- E02F3/3631—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
-
- 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
- E02F3/3613—Devices to connect tools to arms, booms or the like of the quick acting type, e.g. controlled from the operator seat with means for absorbing any play therebetween
-
- 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
-
- 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
- E02F3/3668—Devices to connect tools to arms, booms or the like of the quick acting type, e.g. controlled from the operator seat where engagement is effected by a mechanical lever or handle
-
- 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
- E02F3/3672—Devices to connect tools to arms, booms or the like of the quick acting type, e.g. controlled from the operator seat where disengagement is effected by a mechanical lever or handle
-
- 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
- E02F3/3686—Devices to connect tools to arms, booms or the like using adapters, i.e. additional element to mount between the coupler and the tool
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Shovels (AREA)
Abstract
A quick coupling system is provided for allowing tools to be interchangeably mounted to power operated arms of earth working machines made by different manufacturers. The system comprises a set of first coupling parts respectively configured to be mounted to the power operated arm of a specific model of earth working machine. A set of second coupling parts is provided on the tools. The first and second coupling parts have a coupling interface which is the same for all of the first and second coupling parts, thereby allowing the tools to be interchangeably coupled to any one of the first coupling parts.
Description
QUICK COUPLER FOR EARTH WORKING MACHINES
TECHNICAL FIELD
The application relates generally to quick couplers for detachably coupling a work implement/tool, such as a bucket, to the power operated arm or boom of an earth working machine, such as an excavator.
BACKGROUND OF THE ART
It is well known to use quick couplers for detachably coupling buckets, grapples and other tools to earth working machines or heavy machinery, such as excavators, wheel loaders, power shovels and crawlers. Such quick couplers advantageously allow machine operators to rapidly change from one tool to another on a given machine.
Quick couplers typically comprise a first coupling part securable to the distal end of the power operated arm of the machine by two axles or pins inserted transversally through registering holes in the first coupling part and the machine arm.
The first coupling part is then typically connected to the tool by respectively engaging the two axles in hook and cradle openings defined in a second coupling part provided on the tool. The spacing between the axle centers in the power operated arm as well as the transversal dimensions of the arm of the machine are generally different from one manufacturer to another. Accordingly, different set of coupling parts must be provided for use on machines of different manufacturers. Consequently, it is typically not possible to install a tool configured for use on a specific manufacturer's machine on the machine of another manufacturer.
Contractors who own machines from different manufacturers thus have to stock different set of tools for each manufacturer's machine. Also a contractor who changes a machine from a first manufacturer for a machine from a second manufacturer typically has to change all of his quick couplers to be able to attach the tools of the first machine to his new machine.
SUMMARY
It is therefore an aim to provide a new quick coupler which allows tools sharing between earth working machines from different manufacturers.
It is an aim to provide a quick coupler for allowing tools to be interchangeably mounted to machines made by different manufacturers.
In one aspect, there is provided a quick coupler for coupling a tool to a power operated arm of an earth working machine, the quick coupler comprising a male coupling part on the power operated arm and a female coupling part on the tool, the male coupling part having a body configured for mating engagement with the female coupling part, a first pin extending transversally through the body of the male coupling part for pivotally connecting the male coupling part to the power operated arm of the earth working machine, the first pin extending laterally outwardly from opposed sides of the body for engagement with corresponding hooks provided on the female coupling part, a second pin extending transversally through the body of the male coupling part for connection to a power link of the power operated arm for pivoting the male coupling part about the first pin, a third pin having an axis transversal to the body of the male coupling part for engagement in a corresponding seat provided on the female coupling part, and a transversal latch bar carried by the male coupling part and selectively displaceable from an unlatching position to a latching position for holding said first and third pins in engagement with said female coupling part.
In a second aspect, there is provided a kit for allowing tools to be interchangeably used on power operated arms of different manufacturers' machines of a same class of earth working machines, comprising a set of first coupling parts, each of said first coupling parts being configured to be mounted to the power operated arm of a specific model of earth working machine, a set of second coupling parts disposable on the tools, said first and second coupling parts having a coupling interface, said coupling interface being the same for all of said first and second coupling parts, the second coupling parts being configured to accommodate the widest arm of a same category of machines, thereby allowing the tools to be interchangeably coupled to any one of said first coupling parts.
In a third aspect, there is provided a method for allowing tools to be installed on earth working machines made by different manufacturers, each of the earth working machines having a power operated arm carrying a male coupling part, the male coupling parts on the machines having a same tool coupling interface, the method comprising: providing female coupling parts on different tools, said female coupling parts having a same coupling interface corresponding to that of the male coupling parts installed on the earth working machines, the female coupling parts being adapted to receive therein the male coupling part mounted to the widest arm of a same category of machines, thereby allowing the tools to be interchangeably mounted on different machines.
Further details of these and other aspects of the present invention will be apparent from the detailed description and figures included below.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Reference is now made to the accompanying figures, in which:
Fig. 1 is a perspective fragmentary view of a bucket having a female coupling part coupled to a male coupling part provided at a distal end of a power operated arm of an earth working machine;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the male coupling part shown in Fig. 1, and Fig. 3 is a side view of the male coupling part.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Fig. 1 illustrates a quick coupler 10 for detachably coupling a material handling tool, such as a bucket 12, to the distal end of a power operated boom or arm 14 of an earth working machine, such as an excavator or the like (not shown).
The quick coupler 10 generally comprises a male coupling part 13 and a female coupling part 15. The male coupling part 13 is designed to be installed at the distal end of the power operated arm of a specific model of earth working machine. However, irrespectively of the model of earth working machine on which the male coupling part 13 is installed, the coupling interface of the male coupling part 13 to the female coupling part 15 mounted on the tool (i.e. the connection between the male and the female coupling parts 13 and 15) remains the same for all machines of a same class or weight category of machine. Accordingly, it becomes possible to use the same female coupling parts 15 on all the tools of a same class or category of machine. As will be seen herein after, this allows tools to be interchangeably mounted to machines from different manufacturers. For instance, a same bucket could be interchangeably installed on the following machines which all belong to the 20 tons class:
Komatsu PC200, Doosan DX225, Case CX210, Caterpillar 320, Kobelco SK210, Volvo EC210, Link-Belt 210LX, Liebherr R914, Hitachi ZX200 and John Deere 200. This is not intended to constitute an exhaustive list of machines.
Now referring more particularly to the example shown in Fig. 1, it can be appreciated that the female coupling part 15 is provided on the back side of the bucket 12. The female coupling part 15 may comprises a pair of upstanding hooks or brackets 16. The brackets 16 are equally spaced-apart from the central axis of the bucket 12 and are configured for receiving the male coupling part 13 therebetween.
Each bracket 16 may be provided at a first end thereof with a hook 18 defining a hook opening 20. Each bracket 16 may be provided at a second opposed end thereof with a wedge-shaped latching notch 22. A cradle opening 24 may also be defined in the top surface of each bracket 16 between the first and second opposed ends thereof.
The hook openings 20 and the cradle openings 24 are configured to accommodate a predetermined range of pin diameters.
As best shown in Fig. 2, the male coupling part 13 has a body 26 including a pair of spaced-apart side plates 28 interconnected by a bottom plate (not shown), a top plate 30 and a front plate 32. The spacing between the side plates 28 is selected to accommodate all the arms of the machines of a same category or class. The spacing between the side plates 28 is thus selected to receive therebetween the arm of the machine which has the widest arm (the arm having the greatest width/transversal dimensions) of its category. The body 26 of the coupler 10 is configured to fit between the brackets 16 on the bucket 12 and as such the distance between the brackets 16 of the female coupling part 15 is also selected to accommodate the widest arm of a same category of machine.
The male coupling part 15 further comprises three transversal axles or pins, namely a pivot pin 34, a power link pin 35 and a tool pin 36. As will be seen hereinafter, a first combination of pins, including the pivot pin 34 and the power link pin 35, is used to attach the male coupling part 13 to the power operated arm 14 of the machine, and a different second combination of pins, including pivot pin 34 and tool pin 36, is used to attach the male coupling part 13 to the female coupling part 15.
The use of separate coupling interfaces between the male coupling part 13 and the machine, and the male and female coupling parts 13 and 15 (i.e. the coupling interface between the tool and the male coupling part) provides for the standardization of the machine-tool interface for all machines of a same category.
Such standardization provides for tool sharing between different manufacturer's machines.
Referring back to Fig. 2, it can be seen that the pivot pin 34 extends transversally through corresponding registering or axially aligned holes defined in a back or first end portion of the side plates 28. The power link pin 35 is spaced forwardly from the pivot pin 34 by a predetermined distance and extends transversally through corresponding registering holes defined in the side plates 28.
Likewise, the tool pin 36 extends transversally through corresponding axially aligned holes defined in a front or second end portions of the side plates 28. The tool pin 36 is preferably removably mounted to the body 26 of the male coupling part 13 for allowing a worn out pin to be readily replaced with a new one. Removable bushings could also be provided. It is understood that the tool pin 36 could be provided in the form of bosses or other suitable type of projections extending laterally outwardly from the side plates 28. The second end portion of each side plate 28 also has a distal nose portion defining an elongated guide slot 38.
As shown in Fig. 1, the male coupling part 13 is pivotally connected to the arm 14 of the earth working machine by the pivot pin 34. The distal end of the arm 14 is received between the side plates 28. Spacers or bosses (not shown) can be provided on the pivot pin 34 between the side plates 28 and the arm 14 to fill any gap that might exist between the side plate inner surface and the distal end of the arm 14.
As mentioned hereinbefore, the distance between the side plates 28 is selected to accommodate the widest arm for a given category of machine. If the arm of a given machine is narrower than the space defined between the side plates 28, then spacers can be mounted on pivot pin 34 to prevent any unacceptable lateral movement of the male coupling part 13 relative to the arm 14. The power link pin 35 of the male coupling part 13 is pivotally connected to a power link 40 which is, in turn, operatively connected to the arm 14 of the machine for pivoting the male coupling part 13 and, thus the bucket 12, about the pivot pin 34. As can be appreciated from Fig. 1, the power link is received between the side plates 28. Again, spacers can be provided on the power link pin 35 to adapt the male coupling part 13 to the machine.
The center-to-center distance D2 between the pivot pin 34 and the power link pin 35 is selected to match the optimal center-to-center distance specified by the machine manufacturer. Accordingly, the male coupling part 13 can be mounted to a specific machine without compromising the efficiency thereof. It is noted that the angle of rotation of a bucket can be compensated by changing the height of the registering holes receiving the power link pin 35, as shown by arrows Al in Fig. 2. It is thus possible to have a single pitch angle (i.e. angle of rotation) for all buckets while still allowing for the original rotation angles of the machine by solely modifying the male coupling part 13. It also allows for different angles of rotation of the buckets with a same male coupling part. For instance, by providing two buckets with female coupling parts having different pitch angles, it would be possible for a contractor to have two different angles of attack with a single machine (equipped with one male coupling part configured for mating engagement with both female coupling parts).
As shown in Fig. 1, the opposed end portions of the pivot and tool pins 34 and 36 extend laterally outwardly from the side plates 28 for engagement in the hook openings 20 and the cradle openings 24 of the brackets 16, respectively. Since the tool pin 36 is dedicated to the tool connection (i.e. pin 36 is not used to mount the male coupling part 13 to the arm 14 of the machine), it is possible to have the same center-to-center distance D1 between pins 34 and 36 for all quick couplers of the machines of a same category. Accordingly, the same female coupling parts can be provided on all tools, thereby allowing interchangeably using the tools on different machines of a same category.
The quick coupler 10 may also comprise a latching mechanism 42 for releasably attaching the male coupling part 13 to the female coupling part 15 on the bucket 12 after pins 34 and 36 have been respectively engaged in the hook openings 20 and the cradle openings 24. The latching mechanism 42 may comprise a transversal latch bar 44 and an actuator mechanism 46 adapted to be operatively connected to the latch bar 44 for displacing the same between latching and unlatching positions. Any type of suitable actuator can be used. For instance, a manually operable mechanical actuator or a hydraulic actuator could be used. The latch bar 44 is removably mounted in the guide slots 38 defined in the side plates 28 of the body of the male coupling part 13 and is reciprocable therein along a back and forth direction for latching and unlatching the male coupling part 13 to the brackets 16 of the female coupling part 15 on the bucket 12. The latch bar 44 has opposed wedge-shaped end portions 45 for engagement with corresponding wedge-shaped latching notches 22 (Fig. 1). As best shown in Fig. 3, each wedge-shaped end portion 45 has a top surface which slopes downwardly in the latching direction for mating engagement with the downwardly facing surface of the latching notches 22 defined in the brackets 16.
The quick couplers and the tools can be manufactured as a kit. For instance, a contractor could equipped each of his machines with a male coupling part, such as male coupling part 13, and then installed all the same female coupling parts on the various tools to be interchangeably mounted on his machines. Once the contractor has the universal male coupling parts on his machines, he could only purchase a set of tools all equipped with the same female coupling parts. The universal coupling parts could also be retrofitted on existing tools.
The above description is meant to be exemplary only, and one skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made to the embodiments described without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed. For example, while the quick coupler has been described as including a male coupling part on the arm side and a female coupling part on the tool side, it is understood that the opposite arrangement is feasible. Also, it is understood that the tool pin does not have to be of unitary constructions but could be provided as well in the form of a pair of axially aligned pins extending outwardly from the side plates of the male coupling part.
Accordingly, the term "tool pin" should be broadly construe to refer to any suitable forms of axle or the like. Still other modifications which fall within the scope of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, in light of a review of this disclosure, and such modifications are intended to fall within the appended claims.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The application relates generally to quick couplers for detachably coupling a work implement/tool, such as a bucket, to the power operated arm or boom of an earth working machine, such as an excavator.
BACKGROUND OF THE ART
It is well known to use quick couplers for detachably coupling buckets, grapples and other tools to earth working machines or heavy machinery, such as excavators, wheel loaders, power shovels and crawlers. Such quick couplers advantageously allow machine operators to rapidly change from one tool to another on a given machine.
Quick couplers typically comprise a first coupling part securable to the distal end of the power operated arm of the machine by two axles or pins inserted transversally through registering holes in the first coupling part and the machine arm.
The first coupling part is then typically connected to the tool by respectively engaging the two axles in hook and cradle openings defined in a second coupling part provided on the tool. The spacing between the axle centers in the power operated arm as well as the transversal dimensions of the arm of the machine are generally different from one manufacturer to another. Accordingly, different set of coupling parts must be provided for use on machines of different manufacturers. Consequently, it is typically not possible to install a tool configured for use on a specific manufacturer's machine on the machine of another manufacturer.
Contractors who own machines from different manufacturers thus have to stock different set of tools for each manufacturer's machine. Also a contractor who changes a machine from a first manufacturer for a machine from a second manufacturer typically has to change all of his quick couplers to be able to attach the tools of the first machine to his new machine.
SUMMARY
It is therefore an aim to provide a new quick coupler which allows tools sharing between earth working machines from different manufacturers.
It is an aim to provide a quick coupler for allowing tools to be interchangeably mounted to machines made by different manufacturers.
In one aspect, there is provided a quick coupler for coupling a tool to a power operated arm of an earth working machine, the quick coupler comprising a male coupling part on the power operated arm and a female coupling part on the tool, the male coupling part having a body configured for mating engagement with the female coupling part, a first pin extending transversally through the body of the male coupling part for pivotally connecting the male coupling part to the power operated arm of the earth working machine, the first pin extending laterally outwardly from opposed sides of the body for engagement with corresponding hooks provided on the female coupling part, a second pin extending transversally through the body of the male coupling part for connection to a power link of the power operated arm for pivoting the male coupling part about the first pin, a third pin having an axis transversal to the body of the male coupling part for engagement in a corresponding seat provided on the female coupling part, and a transversal latch bar carried by the male coupling part and selectively displaceable from an unlatching position to a latching position for holding said first and third pins in engagement with said female coupling part.
In a second aspect, there is provided a kit for allowing tools to be interchangeably used on power operated arms of different manufacturers' machines of a same class of earth working machines, comprising a set of first coupling parts, each of said first coupling parts being configured to be mounted to the power operated arm of a specific model of earth working machine, a set of second coupling parts disposable on the tools, said first and second coupling parts having a coupling interface, said coupling interface being the same for all of said first and second coupling parts, the second coupling parts being configured to accommodate the widest arm of a same category of machines, thereby allowing the tools to be interchangeably coupled to any one of said first coupling parts.
In a third aspect, there is provided a method for allowing tools to be installed on earth working machines made by different manufacturers, each of the earth working machines having a power operated arm carrying a male coupling part, the male coupling parts on the machines having a same tool coupling interface, the method comprising: providing female coupling parts on different tools, said female coupling parts having a same coupling interface corresponding to that of the male coupling parts installed on the earth working machines, the female coupling parts being adapted to receive therein the male coupling part mounted to the widest arm of a same category of machines, thereby allowing the tools to be interchangeably mounted on different machines.
Further details of these and other aspects of the present invention will be apparent from the detailed description and figures included below.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Reference is now made to the accompanying figures, in which:
Fig. 1 is a perspective fragmentary view of a bucket having a female coupling part coupled to a male coupling part provided at a distal end of a power operated arm of an earth working machine;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the male coupling part shown in Fig. 1, and Fig. 3 is a side view of the male coupling part.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Fig. 1 illustrates a quick coupler 10 for detachably coupling a material handling tool, such as a bucket 12, to the distal end of a power operated boom or arm 14 of an earth working machine, such as an excavator or the like (not shown).
The quick coupler 10 generally comprises a male coupling part 13 and a female coupling part 15. The male coupling part 13 is designed to be installed at the distal end of the power operated arm of a specific model of earth working machine. However, irrespectively of the model of earth working machine on which the male coupling part 13 is installed, the coupling interface of the male coupling part 13 to the female coupling part 15 mounted on the tool (i.e. the connection between the male and the female coupling parts 13 and 15) remains the same for all machines of a same class or weight category of machine. Accordingly, it becomes possible to use the same female coupling parts 15 on all the tools of a same class or category of machine. As will be seen herein after, this allows tools to be interchangeably mounted to machines from different manufacturers. For instance, a same bucket could be interchangeably installed on the following machines which all belong to the 20 tons class:
Komatsu PC200, Doosan DX225, Case CX210, Caterpillar 320, Kobelco SK210, Volvo EC210, Link-Belt 210LX, Liebherr R914, Hitachi ZX200 and John Deere 200. This is not intended to constitute an exhaustive list of machines.
Now referring more particularly to the example shown in Fig. 1, it can be appreciated that the female coupling part 15 is provided on the back side of the bucket 12. The female coupling part 15 may comprises a pair of upstanding hooks or brackets 16. The brackets 16 are equally spaced-apart from the central axis of the bucket 12 and are configured for receiving the male coupling part 13 therebetween.
Each bracket 16 may be provided at a first end thereof with a hook 18 defining a hook opening 20. Each bracket 16 may be provided at a second opposed end thereof with a wedge-shaped latching notch 22. A cradle opening 24 may also be defined in the top surface of each bracket 16 between the first and second opposed ends thereof.
The hook openings 20 and the cradle openings 24 are configured to accommodate a predetermined range of pin diameters.
As best shown in Fig. 2, the male coupling part 13 has a body 26 including a pair of spaced-apart side plates 28 interconnected by a bottom plate (not shown), a top plate 30 and a front plate 32. The spacing between the side plates 28 is selected to accommodate all the arms of the machines of a same category or class. The spacing between the side plates 28 is thus selected to receive therebetween the arm of the machine which has the widest arm (the arm having the greatest width/transversal dimensions) of its category. The body 26 of the coupler 10 is configured to fit between the brackets 16 on the bucket 12 and as such the distance between the brackets 16 of the female coupling part 15 is also selected to accommodate the widest arm of a same category of machine.
The male coupling part 15 further comprises three transversal axles or pins, namely a pivot pin 34, a power link pin 35 and a tool pin 36. As will be seen hereinafter, a first combination of pins, including the pivot pin 34 and the power link pin 35, is used to attach the male coupling part 13 to the power operated arm 14 of the machine, and a different second combination of pins, including pivot pin 34 and tool pin 36, is used to attach the male coupling part 13 to the female coupling part 15.
The use of separate coupling interfaces between the male coupling part 13 and the machine, and the male and female coupling parts 13 and 15 (i.e. the coupling interface between the tool and the male coupling part) provides for the standardization of the machine-tool interface for all machines of a same category.
Such standardization provides for tool sharing between different manufacturer's machines.
Referring back to Fig. 2, it can be seen that the pivot pin 34 extends transversally through corresponding registering or axially aligned holes defined in a back or first end portion of the side plates 28. The power link pin 35 is spaced forwardly from the pivot pin 34 by a predetermined distance and extends transversally through corresponding registering holes defined in the side plates 28.
Likewise, the tool pin 36 extends transversally through corresponding axially aligned holes defined in a front or second end portions of the side plates 28. The tool pin 36 is preferably removably mounted to the body 26 of the male coupling part 13 for allowing a worn out pin to be readily replaced with a new one. Removable bushings could also be provided. It is understood that the tool pin 36 could be provided in the form of bosses or other suitable type of projections extending laterally outwardly from the side plates 28. The second end portion of each side plate 28 also has a distal nose portion defining an elongated guide slot 38.
As shown in Fig. 1, the male coupling part 13 is pivotally connected to the arm 14 of the earth working machine by the pivot pin 34. The distal end of the arm 14 is received between the side plates 28. Spacers or bosses (not shown) can be provided on the pivot pin 34 between the side plates 28 and the arm 14 to fill any gap that might exist between the side plate inner surface and the distal end of the arm 14.
As mentioned hereinbefore, the distance between the side plates 28 is selected to accommodate the widest arm for a given category of machine. If the arm of a given machine is narrower than the space defined between the side plates 28, then spacers can be mounted on pivot pin 34 to prevent any unacceptable lateral movement of the male coupling part 13 relative to the arm 14. The power link pin 35 of the male coupling part 13 is pivotally connected to a power link 40 which is, in turn, operatively connected to the arm 14 of the machine for pivoting the male coupling part 13 and, thus the bucket 12, about the pivot pin 34. As can be appreciated from Fig. 1, the power link is received between the side plates 28. Again, spacers can be provided on the power link pin 35 to adapt the male coupling part 13 to the machine.
The center-to-center distance D2 between the pivot pin 34 and the power link pin 35 is selected to match the optimal center-to-center distance specified by the machine manufacturer. Accordingly, the male coupling part 13 can be mounted to a specific machine without compromising the efficiency thereof. It is noted that the angle of rotation of a bucket can be compensated by changing the height of the registering holes receiving the power link pin 35, as shown by arrows Al in Fig. 2. It is thus possible to have a single pitch angle (i.e. angle of rotation) for all buckets while still allowing for the original rotation angles of the machine by solely modifying the male coupling part 13. It also allows for different angles of rotation of the buckets with a same male coupling part. For instance, by providing two buckets with female coupling parts having different pitch angles, it would be possible for a contractor to have two different angles of attack with a single machine (equipped with one male coupling part configured for mating engagement with both female coupling parts).
As shown in Fig. 1, the opposed end portions of the pivot and tool pins 34 and 36 extend laterally outwardly from the side plates 28 for engagement in the hook openings 20 and the cradle openings 24 of the brackets 16, respectively. Since the tool pin 36 is dedicated to the tool connection (i.e. pin 36 is not used to mount the male coupling part 13 to the arm 14 of the machine), it is possible to have the same center-to-center distance D1 between pins 34 and 36 for all quick couplers of the machines of a same category. Accordingly, the same female coupling parts can be provided on all tools, thereby allowing interchangeably using the tools on different machines of a same category.
The quick coupler 10 may also comprise a latching mechanism 42 for releasably attaching the male coupling part 13 to the female coupling part 15 on the bucket 12 after pins 34 and 36 have been respectively engaged in the hook openings 20 and the cradle openings 24. The latching mechanism 42 may comprise a transversal latch bar 44 and an actuator mechanism 46 adapted to be operatively connected to the latch bar 44 for displacing the same between latching and unlatching positions. Any type of suitable actuator can be used. For instance, a manually operable mechanical actuator or a hydraulic actuator could be used. The latch bar 44 is removably mounted in the guide slots 38 defined in the side plates 28 of the body of the male coupling part 13 and is reciprocable therein along a back and forth direction for latching and unlatching the male coupling part 13 to the brackets 16 of the female coupling part 15 on the bucket 12. The latch bar 44 has opposed wedge-shaped end portions 45 for engagement with corresponding wedge-shaped latching notches 22 (Fig. 1). As best shown in Fig. 3, each wedge-shaped end portion 45 has a top surface which slopes downwardly in the latching direction for mating engagement with the downwardly facing surface of the latching notches 22 defined in the brackets 16.
The quick couplers and the tools can be manufactured as a kit. For instance, a contractor could equipped each of his machines with a male coupling part, such as male coupling part 13, and then installed all the same female coupling parts on the various tools to be interchangeably mounted on his machines. Once the contractor has the universal male coupling parts on his machines, he could only purchase a set of tools all equipped with the same female coupling parts. The universal coupling parts could also be retrofitted on existing tools.
The above description is meant to be exemplary only, and one skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made to the embodiments described without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed. For example, while the quick coupler has been described as including a male coupling part on the arm side and a female coupling part on the tool side, it is understood that the opposite arrangement is feasible. Also, it is understood that the tool pin does not have to be of unitary constructions but could be provided as well in the form of a pair of axially aligned pins extending outwardly from the side plates of the male coupling part.
Accordingly, the term "tool pin" should be broadly construe to refer to any suitable forms of axle or the like. Still other modifications which fall within the scope of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, in light of a review of this disclosure, and such modifications are intended to fall within the appended claims.
Claims (16)
1. A quick coupler for coupling a tool to a power operated arm of an earth working machine, the quick coupler comprising a male coupling part on the power operated arm and a female coupling part on the tool, the male coupling part having a body configured for mating engagement with the female coupling part, a first pin extending transversally through the body of the male coupling part for pivotally connecting the male coupling part to the power operated arm of the earth working machine, the first pin also extending laterally outwardly from opposed sides of the body for engagement with corresponding hooks provided on the female coupling part, a second pin extending transversally through the body of the male coupling part for connection to a power link of the power operated arm for pivoting the male coupling part about the first pin, a third pin having an axis transversal to the body of the male coupling part for engagement in a corresponding seat provided on the female coupling part, and a transversal latch bar carried by the male coupling part and selectively displaceable from an unlatching position to a latching position for holding said first and third pins in engagement with said female coupling part.
2. A kit comprising a set of female coupling parts as defined in claim 1, the female coupling parts being provided on different tools, the distance between the hooks and the seat of each of the female coupling parts being the same.
3. The kit defined in claim 2, wherein each of the female coupling parts has a pair of spaced-apart side plates, said side plates being spaced by a distance sufficient to accommodate the widest power operated arm of a given category of earth working machine.
4. The kit defined in claim 2 or 3, wherein the female coupling parts are all the same.
5. The kit defined in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the male coupling part is configured to fit on the widest power operated arm of a given category of machine, and wherein spacers are provided for use on the first and second pins to adapt the male coupling part to power operated arms of smaller transversal dimensions.
6. A kit comprising a set of tools, each of said tools being equipped with the female coupling part defined in claim 1, the female coupling parts being the same on each tool.
7. The quick coupler defined in claim 1, wherein the third pin extends laterally outwardly from the opposed sides of the body of the male coupling part, and wherein said seat comprises a pair of cradle opening defined in an upper surface of a pair of said plates of the female coupling part.
8. The quick coupler defined in claim 1, wherein the male coupling part is selectively equipped with a manual or hydraulic actuator for displacing the latch bar between its latching and unlatching positions.
9. A kit for allowing tools to be interchangeably used on power operated arms of different manufacturers' machines of a same class of earth working machines, comprising a set of first coupling parts, each of said first coupling parts being configured to be mounted to the power operated arm of a specific model of earth working machine, a set of second coupling parts disposable on the tools, said first and second coupling parts having a coupling interface, said coupling interface being the same for all of said first and second coupling parts, the second coupling parts being configured to accommodate the widest arm of a same category of machines, thereby allowing the tools to be interchangeably coupled to any one of said first coupling parts.
10. The kit defined in claim 9, wherein said coupling interface includes first and second sets of attachment points, said first and second sets of attachment points having a same center-to-center distance on all of said first and second coupling parts.
11. The kit defined in claim 9 or 10, wherein each of said first coupling parts has a first pin for pivotally connecting the first coupling part to the power operated arm of one of said earth working machines and a second pin connectable to a power link of the power operated arm for pivoting the first coupling part about the first pin, and wherein each of said first coupling parts further has a third pin which cooperates with said first pin to provide said first and second attachment points of each of said first coupling parts.
12. The kit defined in claim 11, wherein each of said first coupling parts has a male body adapted to be received in a female body of each of said second coupling parts, said first and third pins extending laterally outwardly from opposed sides of the male body for engagement in corresponding seats defined in the female body.
13. The kit defined in one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the coupling interface includes a latch bar.
14. A method for allowing tools to be installed on earth working machines made by different manufacturers, each of the earth working machines having a power operated arm carrying a male coupling part, the male coupling parts on the machines having a same tool coupling interface including a pair of tool engaging pins and a latch bar, the distance between the tool engaging pins being the same for all the male coupling parts, the method comprising: providing female coupling parts on different tools, said female coupling parts having a same coupling interface configured for mating engagement with the coupling interface of the male coupling parts installed on the earth working machines, the female coupling parts being adapted to receive therein the male coupling part mounted to the widest arm of a same category of machines, thereby allowing the tools to be interchangeably mounted on different machines.
15. The method defined in claim 14, comprising providing spacers between the power operated arm of a given machine and the male coupling part when the transversal dimensions of the power operated arm are less than that of the widest arm of the same category of machine.
16. The method defined in claim 14, wherein the coupling interface of the female coupling part includes first and second seats for receiving said first and second toll engaging pins, and wherein the method comprises providing said female coupling parts with a same center-to-center distance between said first and second seats thereof.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2731443 CA2731443A1 (en) | 2011-02-09 | 2011-02-09 | Quick coupler for earth working machines |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2731443 CA2731443A1 (en) | 2011-02-09 | 2011-02-09 | Quick coupler for earth working machines |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2731443A1 true CA2731443A1 (en) | 2012-08-09 |
Family
ID=46634660
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2731443 Abandoned CA2731443A1 (en) | 2011-02-09 | 2011-02-09 | Quick coupler for earth working machines |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2731443A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2015143673A1 (en) * | 2014-03-27 | 2015-10-01 | Volvo Construction Equipment Ab | A coupler for a wheel loader |
| US20180251950A1 (en) * | 2017-03-06 | 2018-09-06 | Craig Manufacturing Ltd. | Wedge coupler lug brackets for coupling implements to excavation machines |
| US10808375B2 (en) | 2014-12-22 | 2020-10-20 | Husqvarna Ab | Implement coupling device and a machine provided with such a device |
| US20210270007A1 (en) * | 2017-10-06 | 2021-09-02 | Groupe R.Y. Beaudoin Inc. | Bracket for reversibly mounting an excavator bucket on an articulated arm |
| GB2606546A (en) * | 2021-05-12 | 2022-11-16 | Caterpillar Work Tools Bv | A coupling arrangement for coupling a tool to a machine |
-
2011
- 2011-02-09 CA CA 2731443 patent/CA2731443A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2015143673A1 (en) * | 2014-03-27 | 2015-10-01 | Volvo Construction Equipment Ab | A coupler for a wheel loader |
| US10676891B2 (en) | 2014-03-27 | 2020-06-09 | Volvo Construction Equipment Ab | Coupler for a wheel loader |
| US10808375B2 (en) | 2014-12-22 | 2020-10-20 | Husqvarna Ab | Implement coupling device and a machine provided with such a device |
| US20180251950A1 (en) * | 2017-03-06 | 2018-09-06 | Craig Manufacturing Ltd. | Wedge coupler lug brackets for coupling implements to excavation machines |
| US20210270007A1 (en) * | 2017-10-06 | 2021-09-02 | Groupe R.Y. Beaudoin Inc. | Bracket for reversibly mounting an excavator bucket on an articulated arm |
| US12043977B2 (en) * | 2017-10-06 | 2024-07-23 | Group R.Y. Beaudoin Inc. | Bracket for reversibly mounting an excavator bucket on an articulated arm |
| GB2606546A (en) * | 2021-05-12 | 2022-11-16 | Caterpillar Work Tools Bv | A coupling arrangement for coupling a tool to a machine |
| WO2022238006A1 (en) * | 2021-05-12 | 2022-11-17 | Caterpillar Work Tools B.V. | A coupling arrangement for coupling a tool to a machine |
| GB2606546B (en) * | 2021-05-12 | 2023-05-17 | Caterpillar Work Tools Bv | A coupling arrangement for coupling a tool to a machine |
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| FZDE | Dead |
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