US20240376685A1

US20240376685A1 - Work tool coupler for electrifying a work tool

Info

Publication number: US20240376685A1
Application number: US18/315,803
Authority: US
Inventors: Grant Steven Peterson
Original assignee: Caterpillar Inc
Current assignee: Caterpillar Inc
Priority date: 2023-05-11
Filing date: 2023-05-11
Publication date: 2024-11-14
Also published as: DE102024112567A1

Abstract

Some implementations described herein relate to a work tool coupler for a work machine. The work tool coupler may include a mechanical interface configured to mechanically couple a work tool to the work machine. The work tool coupler may include an electrical interface between the work tool and the work machine. The electrical interface may include one or more electromagnets configured to guide or fix the work tool in a coupled position with respect to the work tool coupler. The electrical interface may include a transmitter coil configured to wirelessly provide electrical energy from a power source included in the work machine to the work tool.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a work tool coupler and, for example, to a work tool coupler for electrifying a work tool.

BACKGROUND

Machines, such as wheel loaders, skid steers, and/or excavators, among other examples, may have work tools installed thereon to perform a variety of operations at a work site. Different types of the work tools may be attached to the machine based on the type of operation to be performed at the work site. The operation of the work tool and a method of operating the work tool may vary based on the type of the work tool that is currently attached to the machine. For example, a machine may be capable of supporting multiple types of work tools and the work tools may be removably installed on the machine via a work tool coupler (e.g., that is capable of coupling with multiple types of work tools).
In some cases, a work tool may have one or more parts or components that require power. Typically, the machine may provide hydraulic power to the work tool (e.g., may provide pressurized fluid via one or more connectable lines to transmit power and energy to the work tool). The work tool may use the hydraulic power to power or drive one or more parts or components. However, this requires an operator to exit a cabin of the machine to connect and/or disconnect the hydraulic lines to the work tool, thereby increasing the amount of time associated with installing and/or uninstalling the work tool. Additionally, hydraulic systems in machines are increasingly being replaced by electric systems. For example, hydraulic systems may be less energy efficient than electric systems, may require more maintenance than electric systems, and/or may be more complex than electric systems, among other examples. Therefore, some machines include electric systems in place of hydraulic systems. The machine and/or the work tool coupler may include one or more cables to provide electric power to the work tool. However, this requires the operator to exit the cabin of the machine to connect and/or disconnect the cable(s) to the work tool when the work tool is installed and/or uninstalled, thereby increasing the amount of time associated with installing and/or uninstalling the work tool. Further, the cable(s) may be susceptible to damage during operation of the machine and/or the work tool (e.g., because the cable(s) may not be protected from the environment, the cable(s) may be damaged or cut during operation), resulting in loss of power for the work tool and/or downtime for the machine.
The work tool coupler of the present disclosure solves one or more of the problems set forth above and/or other problems in the art.

SUMMARY

A work tool coupler for a work machine may include a mechanical interface configured to mechanically couple a work tool to the work machine; and an electrical interface between the work tool and the work machine, the electrical interface comprising: one or more electromagnets configured to guide or fix the work tool in a coupled position with respect to the work tool coupler; and a transmitter coil configured to wirelessly provide electrical energy from a power source included in the work machine to the work tool.
A work machine may include a work tool coupler, comprising: one or more electromagnets, wherein at least one electromagnet, from the one or more electromagnets, is configured to couple a work tool to the work tool coupler, and a wireless power transmitter configured to wirelessly provide electrical power to the work tool.
A work tool coupling system may include a work tool coupler, comprising: one or more electromagnets; and a work tool configured to be coupled to the work tool coupler via the one or more electromagnets, the work tool comprising: a receiver coil configured to wirelessly receive electrical power from the work tool coupler.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example machine that includes a work tool coupling system.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of an example work tool coupler.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of an example work tool.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of an example work tool coupling system that includes an example work tool coupler and an example work tool.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example work tool coupling system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure relates to a work tool coupler, and is applicable to any machine that includes a work tool coupler for coupling a work tool to the machine. For example, the machine may be a vehicle, a wheel loader, a skid steer, an excavator, a compactor machine, a paving machine, a cold planer, a grading machine, a backhoe loader, a harvester, a motor grader, a tractor, and/or a dozer, among other examples.
FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example machine 100 that includes a work tool coupling system 200. The machine 100 may be referred to herein as a “work machine.” The machine 100 is shown in FIG. 1 as a wheel loader, but may include any type of machine that includes a work tool coupling system 200, as described above. As shown, the machine 100 may have a frame 102 that supports an operator station 104, a power system 106, a drive system 108, and a work tool coupling system 200. The operator station 104 may include operator controls 110 for operating the machine 100 via the power system 106. In some examples, the machine 100 may not include an operator station 104 and/or operator controls 110 (e.g., the machine 100 may be controlled via other means, such as a remote control system). The illustrated operator station 104 is configured to define an interior cabin 112 within which the operator controls 110 are housed and which is accessible via a door 114.
The power system 106 is configured to supply power to the machine 100. The power system 106 may be operably arranged with the operator station 104 to receive control signals from the operator controls 110 in the operator station 104. Additionally, or alternatively, the power system 106 may be operably arranged with the drive system 108 and/or the work tool coupling system 200 to selectively operate the drive system 108 and/or the work tool coupling system 200 according to control signals received from the operator controls 110. The power system 106 may provide operating power for the propulsion of the drive system 108 and/or the operation of the work tool coupling system 200. The power system 106 may include an engine, a motor, an electric drive, a fuel cell, and/or another type of power system.
The drive system 108 may be operably arranged with the power system 106 to selectively propel the machine 100 via control signals from the operator controls 110. The drive system 108 can include a plurality of ground-engaging members, such as wheels 116, as shown, which can be movably connected to the frame 102 through axles, drive shafts, and/or other components. In some implementations, the drive system 108 may be provided in the form of a track-drive system, a wheel-drive system, or any other type of drive system configured to propel the machine 100.
The work tool coupling system 200 may be operably arranged with the power system 106 such that the work tool coupling system 200 is selectively movable through control signals transmitted from the operator controls 110 to the power system 106. As shown in FIG. 1 , the work tool coupling system may couple a work tool 300 to the machine 100. The work tool 300 may also be referred to as an attachment, an implement, a work implement, and/or a tool, among other examples. The work tool coupling system 200 may include a work tool coupler 202 that is coupled to the work tool 300. FIG. 1 depicts the work tool 300 as a bucket as an example. FIG. 1 depicts the work tool 300 in a coupled position, as described in more detail elsewhere herein. Other embodiments can include any other suitable work tool 300 for a variety of tasks, including, for example, dozing, brushing, compacting, grading, lifting, loading, plowing, and/or ripping, among other examples. Example work tools 300 include a dozer, a stump grinder, a trencher, a broom, a brush cutter, a cold planer, a mower, a mulcher, a processor, a pulverizer, a rake, a saw, a snow product, a snow blower, a tiller, a winch, an auger, a blade, a breaker/hammer, a compactor, a cutter, a forked lifting device, a grader bit and end bit, a grapple, a blade, and/or a ripper, among other examples. As described elsewhere herein, the work tool 300 may include one or more components or parts that are electrically powered.
A rear portion 118 of the frame 102 may include an engine and a transmission. The engine may be any type of engine suitable for performing work using the machine 100, such as an internal combustion engine, a diesel engine, a gasoline engine, a gaseous fuel-powered engine, and/or the like. In other examples, rather than an engine, the machine 110 may include another power system, such as a motor (e.g., an electric motor), a battery powered system, a fuel cell, or another type of power system. The transmission may transfer power from the engine to the drive system 108 and/or the work tool coupling system 200. The transmission may provide a number of gear ratios that enable the machine 100 to travel at a relatively wide range of speeds and/or conditions via the drive system 108, and/or that enable the use of the work tool coupling system 200 to perform work.
As indicated above, FIG. 1 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described in connection with FIG. 1 .
FIG. 2 is a diagram of an example work tool coupler 202. The work tool coupler 202 may be configured to attach to the machine 100. The work tool coupler 202 may be configured to couple a work tool 300 to the machine 100. The work tool coupler 202 depicted in FIG. 2 is an example work tool coupler 202 configured to be attached to a wheel loader. A size and/or configuration of a work tool coupler 202 may be different than depicted in FIG. 2 for other types of machines 100.
The work tool coupler 202 may be removably coupled to the machine 100. For example, the work tool coupler 202 may be mechanically coupled to the machine 100 via one or more pins and/or one or more actuators or cylinders (e.g., the actuators or cylinders may be actuated to move a mechanical component to lock the work tool coupler 202 in place on the machine 100). A work tool 300 may be coupled to a front face 204 of the work tool coupler 202. The work tool 300 may be mechanically and electrically coupled to the work tool coupler 202. For example, the work tool coupler 202 may include a mechanical interface configured to mechanically couple the work tool 300 to the machine 100. Additionally, the work tool coupler 202 may include an electrical interface between the work tool 300 and the machine 100 and/or the work tool coupler 202.
For example, the work tool coupler 202 may include one or more components to mechanically couple a work tool 300 to the work tool coupler 202. As an example, the work tool coupler 202 may include one or more actuators 206. An actuator 206 may be configured to extend a rod and/or other mechanical component. The actuator(s) 206 may be electric actuators (e.g., powered via electric power), such as one or more electric linear actuators. In other implementations, the actuator(s) 206 may be hydraulic actuators (e.g., hydraulic cylinders). When actuated to a locking position, the rod and/or other mechanical component may be configured to extend into an opening or recess in a work tool 300 to mechanically couple the work tool 300 to the work tool coupler 202. When actuated to an unlocking position, the rod and/or other mechanical component may be configured to be removed from the opening or recess in the work tool 300 to allow the work tool 300 to be removed or uninstalled from the work tool coupler 202 and/or the machine 100. As another example, the work tool coupler 202 may include one or more openings 208 that are configured to receive a pin (not shown in FIG. 2 ) that mechanically couples the work tool 300 to the work tool coupler 202. For example, the pin may pass through the one or more openings 208 and through corresponding openings or recesses in the work tool 300 to mechanically couple the work tool 300 to the work tool coupler 202. As another example, the work tool may include a bar 210. The work tool 300 may include one or more hooks that are configured to hook on or latch to the bar 210. The mechanical means for coupling the work tool 300 to the work tool coupler 202 are not limited to the above examples and may include any suitable means or mechanisms for mechanically coupling the work tool 300 to the work tool coupler 202.
In some implementations, the mechanical interface between the work tool 300 and work tool coupler 202 may include only a magnetic connection via one or more electromagnets 212. For example, the work tool 300 may be coupled or fixed to the work tool coupler 202 via only a magnetic coupling. In other examples, the work tool 300 may be coupled or fixed to the work tool coupler 202 via the magnetic coupling and the mechanical coupling described above.
The work tool coupler 202 may include one or more components for electrically coupling the work tool 300 to the work tool coupler 202. The work tool coupler 202 may include one or more components for magnetically coupling the work tool 300 to the work tool coupler 202 (e.g., via the one or more electromagnets 212). For example, the one or more electromagnets 212 may be positioned at different points along the front face 204 (e.g., located behind an outer wall of the front face 204). The electromagnet(s) 212 may be selectively powered on (e.g., electric current may be selectively provided to the electromagnet(s) 212 to cause the electromagnet(s) 212 to produce a magnetic field) during an installation procedure of the work tool 300 and/or when the work tool 300 is installed or coupled to the work tool coupler 202. When a work tool 300 is not coupled to the work tool coupler 202 (or is not in the process of being installed), no electric current may be provided to the electromagnet(s) 212 such that the electromagnet(s) 212 do not produce a magnetic field (e.g., to reduce a risk of the electromagnet(s) 212 unintentionally magnetically attracting items or debris around the work tool coupler 202).
The work tool coupler 202 may include a set of one or more electromagnets 212. A position of the electromagnet(s) 212 may be configured based on different types of work tools 300. For example, the set of one or more electromagnets 212 may be positioned to enable the electromagnet(s) 212 to magnetically attract or pull different types of work tools 300 (e.g., that may have different sizes or configurations). The set of one or more electromagnets 212 may be configured to guide or fix (e.g., via magnetic attraction) the work tool 300 in a coupled position with respect to the work tool coupler 202 (e.g., where the coupled position places the work tool 300 in a position to enable the mechanical coupling described elsewhere herein). This may enable the work tool 300 to be coupled to the work tool coupler 202 without an operator physically positioning or moving the work tool 300, thereby reducing an amount of physical labor needed to install the work tool 300 and/or eliminating the need for the operator to exit the operator station 104 during installation of the work tool 300.
Having multiple electromagnets 212 in different positions may enable different types and/or sizes of work tools 300 to be guided into the coupled position by selectively powering one or more (or all) of the multiple electromagnets 212 that correspond to a type, size, and/or configuration of a given work tool 300. For example, for a first type of work tool 300, the work tool coupler 202 may power a first one or more electromagnets 212 (from the set of one or more electromagnets 212) that are positioned to guide the first type of work tool 300 into a coupled position (e.g., based on a size or configuration of the first type of work tool 300). For a second type of work tool 300, the work tool coupler 202 may power a second one or more electromagnets 212 (from the set of one or more electromagnets 212) that are positioned to guide the second type of work tool 300 into a coupled position (e.g., based on a size or configuration of the second type of work tool 300).
The work tool coupler 202 may include one or more components for electrifying the work tool 300 (e.g., for providing electric power to the work tool 300). The one or more components may be configured to wirelessly provide electric power to the work tool 300. In some examples, the one or more components for electrifying the work tool coupler 202 may include the one or more electromagnets 212. For example, the one or more electromagnets 212 may generate a magnetic field. The work tool 300 may include a component (e.g., a coil) that is configured to produce electricity when placed within the magnetic field, as described in more detail elsewhere herein. The coupled position may be associated with placing the component (e.g., a coil) of the work tool 300 within the magnetic field generated by the one or more electromagnets 212 (e.g., the coupled position may align the work tool 300 within the magnetic field to enable electric power to be wirelessly provided to the work tool 300).
In some examples, the one or more electromagnets 212 may be the only components included in the work tool coupler 202 for electrifying the work tool 300. In other examples, the work tool coupler 202 may include a wireless power transmitter 214 that is configured to wirelessly provide electrical energy to the work tool 300. For example, the one or more electromagnets 212 may create an electromagnetic field, as described elsewhere herein. The wireless power transmitter 214, when placed within the electromagnetic field, may generate an alternating current in the wireless power transmitter 214. The wireless power transmitter 214 acts as a transmitter and sends the energy through the air via the electromagnetic field. For example, the wireless power transmitter 214 may wirelessly provide electric energy via electromagnetic induction or induction coupling. For example, the wireless power transmitter 214 may be an induction coil. The wireless power transmitter 214 may be a transmitter coil (e.g., a coil of wire). In some implementations, the wireless power transmitter 214 may be a wireless charging component. In other examples, the wireless power transmitter 214 may be, or may include, any suitable component for wirelessly transmitting energy.
As indicated above, FIG. 2 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described in connection with FIG. 2 .
FIG. 3 is a diagram of an example work tool 300. FIG. 3 depicts a view of a back face 302 of the work tool 300. For example, the back face 302 may be configured to couple to the front face 204 of the work tool coupler 202 (e.g., when the work tool 300 is in the coupled position), as described in more detail elsewhere herein.
The work tool 300 may include one or more one or more recesses 306 configured to receive the one or more electromagnets 212 of the work tool coupler 202. For example, the one or more recesses 306 may align with at least one of the one or more electromagnets 212 when the work tool 300 is in the coupled position. For example, the one or more electromagnets 212 may extend away from the front face 204 of the work tool coupler 202. The one or more recesses 306 may facilitate an alignment of the work tool 300 with the work tool coupler 202 (e.g., by aligning the one or more electromagnets 212 with respective recesses 306).
The work tool 300 may include one or more components to facilitate the mechanical coupling with the work tool coupler 202. For example, the work tool 300 may include one or more lips 308. A lip 308 may rest on, or attach to, a surface of the work tool coupler 202, such as the bar 210 or another surface.
The work tool 300 may include a wireless power receiver 310. The wireless power receiver 310 may be located behind a wall of the back face 302 of the work tool 300. The wireless power receiver 310 may be configured to wirelessly receive electrical power or energy. For example, the wireless power receiver 310 may be configured to generate electrical current when placed within a magnetic field (e.g., an electromagnetic field). For example, when the wireless power receiver 310 is placed within the electromagnetic field, the wireless power receiver 310 may induce an electrical current. For example, the wireless power receiver 310 may be a receiver coil (e.g., a coil of wire). An amount of power received by the wireless power receiver 310 may be associated with a distance between the wireless power receiver 310 and a wireless power transmitter (such as the wireless power transmitter 214), a size of the coils of the wireless power receiver 310 and/or the wireless power transmitter 214, and/or an amount of energy in the electromagnetic field, among other examples.
The electrical current generated by the wireless power receiver 310 may be used to power one or more components of the work tool 300. For example, the work tool 300 may include an electric motor that is electrically coupled (directly or indirectly) with the wireless power receiver 310. The electric motor may power or drive one or more components of the work tool 300. Additionally, or alternatively, the electrical current generated by the wireless power receiver 310 may be used to charge a battery included in the work tool 300. For example, the electrical current generated by the wireless power receiver 310 may be converted to direct current (DC) and provided to the battery to charge the battery (e.g., the electrical energy wirelessly received by the wireless power receiver 310 may be stored in the battery).
As indicated above, FIG. 3 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described in connection with FIG. 3 .
FIG. 4 is a diagram of an example work tool coupling system 200 that includes an example work tool coupler 202 and an example work tool 300. The work tool 300 is depicted in FIG. 4 as a stump grinder as an example.
For example, the one or more electromagnets 212 of the work tool coupler 202 may guide and/or fix (e.g., via magnetic attraction) the work tool 300 in a coupled position. The coupled position may be associated with aligning and/or reducing a distance between the wireless power transmitter 214 and the wireless power receiver 310. The one or more electromagnets 212 may be positioned (e.g., on and/or in the work tool coupler 202) to cause the wireless power transmitter 214 to align with the wireless power receiver 310 when the work tool 300 is coupled to the work tool coupler 202. For example, the coupled position may be associated with ensuring that the wireless power transmitter 214 is close to the wireless power receiver 310 (e.g., such that a distance between the wireless power transmitter 214 and the wireless power receiver 310 is less than or equal to a wireless transfer threshold). The wireless transfer threshold may be associated with a maximum allowable distance between the wireless power transmitter 214 and the wireless power receiver 310 to enable wireless energy transfer between the wireless power transmitter 214 and the wireless power receiver 310. The coupled position may be associated with minimizing the distance between the wireless power transmitter 214 and the wireless power receiver 310 (e.g., to improve the efficiency of the wireless energy transfer between the wireless power transmitter 214 and the wireless power receiver 310). In other words, the one or more electromagnets 212 may pull or attract the work tool 300 into a position that enables wireless energy transfer between the wireless power transmitter 214 and the wireless power receiver 310.
The work tool 300 may be coupled to the work tool coupler 202 via the magnetic field generated by the one or more electromagnets 212 (e.g., via magnetic attraction or pull). Additionally, the work tool 300 may be coupled to the work tool coupler 202 via one or more other components, such as the actuator(s) 206, the lip(s) 308, one or more pins, and/or other components.
As shown by reference number 405, the work tool coupling system 200 may include a wireless transfer of electrical energy between the work tool coupler 202 and the work tool 300. For example, a power source (e.g., of the machine 100) may provide electric power to the one or more electromagnets 212. The power source may be the power system 106, one or more batteries, and/or another power source. The one or more electromagnets 212 may generate an electromagnetic field based on receiving the electric power. The electromagnetic field may induce an electric current in the wireless power receiver 310. Additionally, or alternatively, electric power may be provided to the wireless power transmitter 214. The wireless power transmitter 214 may generate an electromagnetic field, which induces a current in the wireless power receiver 310 (e.g., via magnetic induction). The current generated in the wireless power receiver 310 may be used to power one or more components of the work tool 300 and/or may be stored in a battery of the work tool 300.
In some implementations, the interface between the work tool coupler 202 and the work tool 300 may include a communication interface. For example, the work tool coupler 202 and the work tool 300 may include components to enable wireless communication between the work tool coupler 202 and the work tool 300. As an example, the one or more components may be short-range wireless connectivity components, such as near-field communication (NFC) components. The coupling position may be associated with ensuring that a distance between the work tool coupler 202 and the work tool 300 is less than or equal to a communication threshold (e.g., where the communication threshold is a maximum allowable distance to enable wireless communication via the communication interface).
As indicated above, FIG. 4 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described in connection with FIG. 4 .
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example work tool coupling system 200.
As shown in FIG. 5 , the work tool coupler 202 may include a communication component 216 and a controller 218. In some implementations, the controller 218 may be included in the machine 100 (e.g., rather than in the work tool coupler 202). The communication component 216 may enable the work tool coupler 202 and/or the controller 218 to communicate with other devices via a wireless connection. For example, the communication component 216 may include a receiver, a transmitter, a transceiver, a modem, a network interface card, and/or an antenna, among other examples. The work tool 300 may include a communication component 312. The communication component 312 may enable the work tool 300 to communicate with other devices via a wireless connection. For example, the communication component 312 may include a receiver, a transmitter, a transceiver, a modem, a network interface card, and/or an antenna, among other examples. In some examples, the communication component 312 may wirelessly communicate with the communication component 216 (e.g., via NFC or another short-range wireless communication technology).
The controller 218 may include a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit, a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor, a field-programmable gate array, an application-specific integrated circuit, and/or another type of processing component. The controller 218 may be implemented in hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware and software. In some implementations, the controller 218 may include one or more processors capable of being programmed to perform one or more operations or processes described elsewhere herein.
As shown by reference number 505, the work tool 300 may transmit (e.g., via the communication component 312), and the work tool coupler may receive (e.g., via the communication component 216), an indication of a work tool type associated with the work tool 300. For example, the work tool 300 (e.g., a controller of the work tool 300) may detect that the work tool 300 is within a communicative proximity of the work tool coupler 202. The work tool 300 (e.g., a controller of the work tool 300) may cause the communication component 312 to transmit the indication of the work tool type associated with the work tool 300.
As shown in FIG. 5 , the controller 218 may obtain the indication of the work tool type. For example, the controller 218 may obtain the indication of the work tool type via the communication component 216. Alternatively, the controller 218 may obtain the indication of the work tool type via an operator input (e.g., an operator may input the work tool type via operator controls of the machine 100).
As shown by reference number 510, the controller 218 may configure one or more operations of the machine 100 and/or the work tool coupler 202 based on the work tool type. For example, the controller 218 may configure, based on the work tool type, one or more parameters associated with a flow of the electrical energy to the work tool 300 via the wireless power transmitter 214. For example, the controller 218 may configure, based on the work tool type, a voltage level associated with the electrical power provided to the one or more electromagnets 212 and/or the wireless power transmitter 214. In other words, the controller 218 may configure a current level or a voltage level to be provided to the work tool 300 based on the work tool type. For example, the energy transmitted via the wireless power transmitter 214 may be based on the amount of electrical energy provided to the one or more electromagnets 212 and/or the wireless power transmitter 214. Different work tool types may use different current levels or different voltage levels. Therefore, the controller 218 may cause the wireless power transmitter 214 to provide an appropriate level of voltage and/or current to the work tool 300 based on the work tool type.
As another example, the controller 218 may select, based on the work tool type, one or more electromagnets 212 from a set of electromagnets 212 included in the work tool coupler 202. For example, as described elsewhere herein, the work tool coupler 202 may include multiple electromagnets 212 to accommodate different configurations and/or sizes of work tools 300. The controller 218 may select the one or more electromagnets 212 that are associated with the work tool type (e.g., that are associated with a size or configuration of the work tool 300). The controller 218 may cause, based on selecting the one or more electromagnets 212, the one or more electromagnets 212 to be electrically powered. For example, the controller 218 may cause electric power to be provided to the selected electromagnet(s) 212. This enables the selected electromagnet(s) 212 to pull or guide (e.g., via magnetic attraction) the work tool 300 into the coupled position. In some implementations, the controller 218 may cause electric power to not be provided to one or more electromagnets 212, from the set of electromagnets 212 included in the work tool coupler 202, that are not selected. This conserves power that would have otherwise been used to power all electromagnets 212 from the set of electromagnets 212. Additionally, this reduces a risk of electromagnets 212 that are located outside of a footprint of the back face 302 of the work tool 300 attracting objects and/or debris.
As shown by reference number 515, electric power may be provided (e.g., wirelessly) from the work tool coupler 202 (e.g., via the wireless power transmitter 214) to the work tool 300 (e.g., via the wireless power receiver 310). For example, the controller 218 may cause electric power to be provided to the one or more electromagnets 212 and/or the wireless power transmitter 214 to cause an electromagnetic field to be generated. Based on the work tool 300 being in the coupled position (e.g., near or within the electromagnetic field), an electrical current may be induced in the wireless power receiver 310. The electrical current may be used by the work tool 300 to power or drive one or more components and/or may be stored in a battery, as described in more detail elsewhere herein.
As indicated above, FIG. 5 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described in connection with FIG. 5 .

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

Typically, a machine may provide hydraulic power to a work tool (e.g., may provide pressurized fluid via one or more connectable lines to transmit power and energy to the work tool). The work tool may use the hydraulic power to power or drive one or more parts or components. However, this requires an operator to exit a cabin of the machine to connect and/or disconnect the hydraulic lines to the work tool, thereby increasing the amount of time associated with installing and/or uninstalling the work tool. Additionally, hydraulic systems in machines are increasingly being replaced by electric systems. The machine and/or a work tool coupler may include one or more cables to provide electric power to the work tool. However, this requires the operator to exit the cabin of the machine to connect and/or disconnect the cable(s) to the work tool when the work tool is installed and/or uninstalled, thereby increasing the amount of time associated with installing and/or uninstalling the work tool. Further, the cable(s) may be susceptible to damage during operation of the machine and/or the work tool (e.g., because the cable(s) may not be protected from the environment, the cable(s) may be damaged or cut during operation), resulting in loss of power for the work tool and/or downtime for the machine.
The work tool coupler described herein enables a work tool to be coupled to the work tool coupler and enables the work tool to be wirelessly electrified. For example, the work tool coupler may include one or more electromagnets. The one or more electromagnets may be configured to guide and/or fix the work tool in a coupled position (e.g., via magnetic attraction). This reduces a complexity associated with an installation procedure of the work tool on the work tool coupler because the one or more electromagnets may guide the work tool in the correct position on the work tool coupler (e.g., to enable mechanical coupling, such as via an actuator). Therefore, an operator may not be required to manually position the work tool and/or exit a cabin of the machine to position the work tool for installation on the work tool coupler.
Additionally, the work tool coupler may include a wireless power transmitter that is configured to wirelessly provide electric power to the work tool. Therefore, electric power may be provided to the work tool without the need for cables or other connectors. This reduces a complexity associated with providing electric power to the work tool because an operator does not need to exit the cabin of the machine to connect cables from the work tool coupler to the work tool. Additionally, this improves a reliability of the electrical connection between the machine and the work tool because the risk of a cable being damaged or cut is eliminated. The one or more electromagnets may facilitate the positioning of the work tool on the work tool coupler to reduce or minimize a distance between the wireless power transmitter and a wireless power receiver in the work tool. This may improve an efficiency of an energy transfer and/or increase an amount of energy transferred between the wireless power transmitter and the wireless power receiver.
The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the implementations to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications and variations may be made in light of the above disclosure or may be acquired from practice of the implementations. Furthermore, any of the implementations described herein may be combined unless the foregoing disclosure expressly provides a reason that one or more implementations cannot be combined. Even though particular combinations of features are recited in the claims and/or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of various implementations. Although each dependent claim listed below may directly depend on only one claim, the disclosure of various implementations includes each dependent claim in combination with every other claim in the claim set.
As used herein, “a,” “an,” and a “set” are intended to include one or more items, and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Further, as used herein, the article “the” is intended to include one or more items referenced in connection with the article “the” and may be used interchangeably with “the one or more.” Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise. Also, as used herein, the term “of” is intended to be inclusive when used in a series and may be used interchangeably with “and/or,” unless explicitly stated otherwise (e.g., if used in combination with “either” or “only one of”).

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A work tool coupler for a work machine, the work tool coupler comprising:

a mechanical interface configured to mechanically couple a work tool to the work machine; and

an electrical interface between the work tool and the work machine, the electrical interface comprising:

one or more electromagnets configured to guide or fix the work tool in a coupled position with respect to the work tool coupler; and

a transmitter coil configured to wirelessly provide electrical energy from a power source included in the work machine to the work tool.

2. The work tool coupler of claim 1, wherein the one or more electromagnets are powered via the power source, and wherein the mechanical interface comprises:

one or more electric actuators that are powered via the power source.

3. The work tool coupler of claim 1, further comprising:

a communication interface; and

a controller, configured to:

obtain, via the communication interface, an indication of a work tool type associated with the work tool; and

configure, based on the work tool type, one or more parameters associated with a flow of the electrical energy to the work tool via the transmitter coil.

4. The work tool coupler of claim 1, wherein the work tool includes a receiver coil configured to wirelessly receive the electrical energy from the transmitter coil.

5. The work tool coupler of claim 1, wherein the work tool is configured to store the electrical energy in a battery or use the electrical energy to power one or more components of the work tool.

6. The work tool coupler of claim 1, wherein the coupled position is associated with aligning the transmitter coil with a receiver coil included in the work tool.

7. The work tool coupler of claim 1, wherein the work machine is a wheel loader, a skid steer, an excavator, or a dozer.

8. A work machine, comprising:

a work tool coupler, comprising:

one or more electromagnets,

wherein at least one electromagnet, of the one or more electromagnets, is configured to couple a work tool to the work tool coupler, and

a wireless power transmitter configured to wirelessly provide electrical power to the work tool.

9. The work machine of claim 8, further comprising:

the work tool coupled to the work machine via the work tool coupler, the work tool comprising:

a wireless power receiver configured to wirelessly receive electrical power via the wireless power transmitter.

10. The work machine of claim 9, wherein the work tool further comprises:

one or more recesses configured to receive the one or more electromagnets.

11. The work machine of claim 9, wherein the work tool further comprises:

one or more components configured to be powered via the electrical power that is received via the wireless power transmitter.

12. The work machine of claim 9, wherein the one or more electromagnets are positioned to cause the wireless power transmitter to align with the wireless power receiver when the work tool is coupled to the work tool coupler.

13. The work machine of claim 8, wherein the work tool coupler further comprises:

one or more mechanical components configured to mechanically couple the work tool to the work tool coupler,

wherein the work tool is further coupled to the work tool coupler via the one or more mechanical components.

14. The work machine of claim 13, wherein the one or more mechanical components include at least one of:

one or more pins, or

one or more electric linear actuators.

15. The work machine of claim 8, wherein the work tool coupler further comprises:

a communication interface configured to receive one or more wireless communications from a component of the work tool.

16. A work tool coupling system, comprising:

a work tool coupler, comprising:

one or more electromagnets; and

a work tool configured to be coupled to the work tool coupler via the one or more electromagnets, the work tool comprising:

a receiver coil configured to wirelessly receive electrical power from the work tool coupler.

17. The work tool coupling system of claim 16, wherein the one or more electromagnets are configured to generate a magnetic field, and wherein the receiver coil is configured to wirelessly receive the electrical power via the magnetic field.

18. The work tool coupling system of claim 16, wherein the work tool coupler further comprises:

a wireless charging component,

wherein the receiver coil is configured to wirelessly receive the electrical power via the wireless charging component.

19. The work tool coupling system of claim 16, further comprising:

a communication interface; and

a controller, configured to:

receive, via the communication interface, an indication of a work tool type associated with the work tool; and

configure, based on the work tool type, a voltage level associated with the electrical power.

20. The work tool coupling system of claim 19, wherein the work tool coupler comprises a set of electromagnets including the one or more electromagnets, and

wherein the controller is further configured to:

select, based on the work tool type, the one or more electromagnets from the set of electromagnets; and

cause, based on selecting the one or more electromagnets, the one or more electromagnets to be electrically powered.