WO2012068267A2

WO2012068267A2 - Coupler

Info

Publication number: WO2012068267A2
Application number: PCT/US2011/061018
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jeffrey Bercsik
Original assignee: Norco Attachments, Llc
Priority date: 2010-11-17
Filing date: 2011-11-16
Publication date: 2012-05-24
Also published as: WO2012068267A3

Abstract

A coupler that may be attached to a loader and used to connect attachments to the loader is described.

Description

COUPLER

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] In general, the present invention relates to a coupler used to connect and attachment to a loader. In particular, the present invention relates to a coupler having a skeletal frame used to connect attachments to a front end loader.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] U.S. Patent No. 4,708,579 discloses a male master coupler and is typical of the current art in that it includes an angular face plate with channel plates extending rearward from the face plate. Bridge pins and eyes are provided in the channel members extending rearward from the plate to maintain the mounting locations for the arms of the loader close to the connection points provided on the attachment reducing the impact of the coupler on the operation of the attachment while providing the ability to quickly connect the loader to multiple attachments. Attachments include a variety of implements including but not limited to a bucket, scoop, plow, fork, and the like. These attachments typically have female coupler attachments affixed to them including for example, a pair of hooks located at the upper portion of the attachment and a pair of protruding eyes at the lower portion of the attachment.

[0003] The male master coupler disclosed in the '579 patent incorporated bridge pins on which the hooks are received and corresponding pairs of eyes formed in the channel members on either side of slots formed in the lower portion of the plate and designed to receive the eyes of the attachment. When the eyes of the attachment are aligned with the pairs of eyes in the coupler, a pair of hydraulic cylinders were used to extend pins through the sets of eyes to couple the lower portion of the attachment to the coupler. Since the operation of the hydraulic cylinders could be performed remotely i.e. from the operator's cab, this coupler greatly improved the art. Although this patent issued in 1987, it still represents the current state of the art in that couplers in the industry all rely on the same plate and channel type of arrangement.

[0004] The presence of the solid front face plate poses a disadvantage in that it obstructs the operator's view. Some operators have attempt to correct the lack of visibility by cutting holes in the plate. Because of the large stresses formed at the connecting pin sites, however, cutting holes in the plate weakens the coupler and may lead to failure. Therefore, a need exists for a coupler that offers greater visibility than the couplers currently used in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention addresses the need in the art by providing a coupler having a skeletal frame with open areas between the coupling elements.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the coupler has a top beam and a bottom beam that are vertically spaced from each other. The coupler further includes ribs extending between the top rail and the bottom defining a view opening or window between the top and bottom beam. The ribs include couples for the links and arms of the loader. The top beam carries bridge pins that engage hooks on the attachment.

DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Fig. 1 is a rear perspective view of a coupler according to the concepts of the present invention;

[0008] Fig. 2 is a front perspective view thereof; [0009] Fig. 3 is a rear elevational view thereof;

[0010] Fig. 4 is a front elevational view thereof partially broken away to show details of a hydraulic cylinder and mounting pin assembly;

[0011] Fig. 5 is a top plan view thereof;

[0012] Fig. 6 is a bottom plan view thereof;

[0013] Fig. 7 is a left side elevational view thereof;

[0014] Fig. 8 is a right side elevational view thereof;

[0015] Fig. 9 is a sectioned side elevational view as might be seen along line 9-9 in Fig. 3 showing connection of an attachment to the coupler according to the concepts of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] A coupler, generally indicated by the number 10, is depicted in the accompanying drawings according to one embodiment of the present invention. Coupler 10 may be used in connection with a front end loader or similar heavy equipment machine, collectively referred to as a loader, to connect attachments, such as, buckets, plows, forks, lifts and the like, to the loader. In general, as shown in Fig. 9, such an attachment A includes a female attachment coupling having a pair of hooks H extending from a top portion of the attachment and a pair of eyes E at a lower portion of the attachment A. According to the concepts of the present invention, coupler 10 is a cast part. It will be understood, however, that other manufacturing techniques may be used to construct a coupler 10 according to the concepts of the present invention.

[0017] Coupler 10 includes a top beam 11 and a bottom beam 12 that are vertically spaced from each other. Beams 11,12 may be constructed by solid or tubular members. Alternatively, as discussed in connection with bottom beam 12, custom cross-sections may be used in connection with these members. With reference to Figs 1-4, top beam 11 has a generally cylindrical center section 11 A and side sections, generally indicated at 11B, that taper inwardly as they extend outward toward downwardly angled shoulder portions 11C. To conform to the female coupler on attachment A, as best seen in Figs 2 and 8, top beam 11 is located forward of bottom beam 12. To that end, shoulder portions 11C may be swept back (Figs. 7 and 8) to attach to boom plates 16, 17 described more completely below. Bottom beam 12 may have a generally rectangular box-like center portion, indicated at 12A, and wing-like portions 12B that extend outward from a lower half of center portion 12A to join bottom beam 12 and first boom rib 16 described more completely below. In the example shown, wing-like portions 12B may also extend downward and outward from center portion 12A to define a lower viewing opening 13 at the base of coupler 10 (Fig. 3).

[0018] The beams 11,12 may be connected by vertically extending ribs. In the embodiment shown, the ribs are symmetrically arranged relative to a centerline CL of the coupler 10. In the embodiment shown, the coupler 10 is formed essentially as a mirror image about the centerline CL. With that in mind, to simplify the description, the description of the ribs will proceed for one side of the coupler. With reference to Fig. 6, nearest the centerline CL, a link rib 15 is provided. As best shown in Fig. 4, the area between link ribs 15 extending downwardly between top beam 11 and bottom beam 12 may be closed by a center facer 14. At the lateral outward edge of the coupler 10, a pair of boom ribs 16,17 are provided. An inner rib 18 (Fig. 1) may be provided between the link rib 15 and first boom rib 16. As best shown in Fig. 3, the area between top beam 11, bottom beam 12, link rib 15, and inner rib 18 may be open and these members define a pair of central viewing openings 19 on either side of facer 14. Similar openings may be provided between boom ribs 16,17 to further improve visibility and reduce the weight of coupler 10. For example, additional openings 19A, 19B may be formed between first boom rib 16 and inner rib 18 to provide space for hooks H and eyes E and facilitate viewing of these areas by the operator when attaching the attachment A to coupler 10.

[0019] A bridge pin 20 may be provided between inner rib 18 and the first boom rib 16. Bridge pin 20 is located generally at the upper extremity 21 of first boom rib 16. In the embodiment shown, bridge pin 20 forms part of top beam 11. The hook H on attachment A may be hung on bridge pin 20 when connecting attachment A to coupler 10. The bridge pin 20 generally has a cross section that conforms to the opening of the hook H to facilitate attachment to the hook H. For example, bridge pin 21 may have a cylindrical shape. In the example shown in the figures, to provide a suitable top surface 24 for engaging the hook H and provide additional clearance for pivoting movement of the attachment A, bridge pin 20 may be provided with a tear drop shaped cross-section. In particular, top surface 24 is semi-circular and bridge pin 20 tapers inward as it extends downward to form an inverted tear drop cross-section (Fig. 9). To facilitate location of the hook H and prevent it from sliding inward toward centerline CL, an annular flange 23 may be formed about the upper extremity of first boom rib 16. As best shown in Fig. 3, this flange 23 may extend above the top surface 24 of bridge pin 20 and bridge pin 20 may be stepped down relative to side sections 11B of top beam 11.

[0020] The two eyes E on the lower portion of the attachment A may be attached to the coupler 10 by attachment coupler pins 25 that extend through the eyes E on the attachment A and corresponding pairs of attachment openings 27 formed in first boom rib 16 and inner rib 18 at a lower portion of these ribs. The attachment openings 27 on beam and inner ribs 16,18 are spaced from top surface of 24 of coupler pin 21 to conform to the spacing of the hook H and eyes E of attachment A. Attachment coupler pins 25 may be inserted through eyes E and attachment openings 27 to connect the attachment A to coupler 10 as discussed more completely below.

[0021] To remotely operate attachment coupler pins 25, a pin driver, generally indicated by the number 30, may be provided on coupler 10. Pin driver 30 may be any device capable of driving coupler pins 25 outward through eyes E and openings 27 to connect the attachment A to the coupler 10. In the example shown, a hydraulic cylinder 32 is provided to extend and retract connector pins 25 to selectively connect the attachment A to coupler 10. Hydraulic cylinder 32 has a pair of pods that are extendable from each side of the cylinder's body. Pins 25 are supported on the ends of these rods. Extension and retraction of the pins 25 on rods is controlled by pumping hydraulic fluid into chamber(s) within the body of the hydraulic cylinder 32 as is known in the art. While a single cylinder 32 is used in the depicted embodiment, separate cylinders may be provided for each pin 25.

[0022] It will be appreciated that pin driver 30 may be attached to a rearward facing surface of coupler 10. Alternatively, as shown, bottom beam 12 may define a cavity, indicated at 35 that receives the pin driver 30 therein. With reference to Fig. 4, a forward opening cavity 35 is provided within bottom beam 12 to receive hydraulic cylinder 32. Attachment coupler pins 25 are at least partially received in cavity 35 on either side of hydraulic cylinder 32. Lateral openings 37 are formed in the sidewalls 38 of cavity 35 to accommodate inward and outward movement of pins 27. Additional openings 60 may be provided to accommodate hydraulic supply lines or fittings for such hydraulic lines. In the example shown, a first hydraulic supply line 41 is connected to a coupler extending from a central fitting on hydraulic cylinder 32. Fluid directed through first line 41 drives coupler pins 25 outward to connect attachment A at eyes E. A second fluid line 42 connects to a second fitting on hydraulic cylinder 32 located outward of first fitting. Supply of fluid through second line 42 is used to retract coupler pins 25. In some instances, it may be desirable to have a third supply line so that retraction of each pin 25 is effected by supplying hydraulic fluid to retraction chambers (not shown) on either side of hydraulic cylinder 32. In the embodiment shown, third supply line is omitted and a bridge tube 44 is provided to fluidly connect retraction chambers for each pin within hydraulic cylinder 32 such that a second supply line 42 may be used to retract both coupler pins 25. [0023] It will be appreciated that operation of hydraulic cylinder 32 creates resultant forces that may cause the hydraulic cylinder 32 to shift. To reduce the likelihood of this shifting, hydraulic cylinder 32 may have a rearwardly extending boss 43 that is received in a corresponding boss receiver 46 formed within lower beam 12. In the example shown, receiver 46 is an opening extending through the rear wall 47 of cavity 35.

[0024] To cover hydraulic cylinder 32, a cover 50 is affixed over the mouth 52 of cavity 35. In the example shown, cover 50 is a flat generally rectangular plate, but this shape should not be considered limiting. As a further option, to provide flush attachment of cover 50, mouth 52 of cavity 35 may be rabbeted or otherwise recessed to receive the edge 54 of cover 50. To allow for servicing of hydraulic cylinder 32, cover 50 may be removably attached as with fasteners 56 that fit within tapped holes 58 formed in the lip 59 of mouth 52 in lower beam 12 or are otherwise affixed to coupler 10.

[0025] Bottom beam 12 may also be provided with plural openings 60, as shown, or a single opening, such as a slot, to route the hydraulic lines through the wall of bottom beam 12 into cavity 35. In the example shown, three openings 60 are provided to accommodate a centrally located first line 41 and second line 42 in either a left or right position. This arrangement also would allow a third hydraulic line to be used if needed. Outside of cavity 35, the hydraulic lines 41, 42 are routed through slots 62 defined in link ribs 15 as best seen in Figs. 1 and 2. In the example shown, to accommodate the parallel arrangement of the two lines 41, 42, vertically oriented generally oval shaped slots 62 are provided in link ribs 15 slightly above bottom beam 12. As shown, hydraulic lines 42, 42 may be routed to a bracket, generally indicated by the number 65, which may extend inwardly from inner rib 18 as shown. Quick connectors 64 may be supported on bracket 65 to ease attachment of lines 41, 42 to corresponding lines extending from the loader. A second bracket generally indicated by the number 70 may extend rearwardly from top beam 11 and carry quick connectors 71 that facilitate attachment of additional hydraulic lines used in the operation of the loader and/or attachment A. With reference to Fig. 3, these brackets 65, 70 are shown on the left side of the coupler 10 but can be located on the right side or in other locations as needed to facilitate routing of hydraulic lines. [0026] With reference to Fig. 1, link ribs 15 each define an opening 75 that are co-axial with each other to receive a pin (not shown) for attaching the link arm(s) of the loader to the coupler 10. The lower side arms of the loader may also be attached with pins extending through openings 80 formed in the boom ribs 16, 17. As shown, each of the openings 75 and 80 may be provided with link bosses that reinforce openings 75, 80 and maintain the original equipment manufacturer mating surfaces to facilitate attachment of the arms and link to the coupler 10. In the example shown, the left link boss 76 formed about opening 75 is generally circular while the right link boss 77 (Fig. 2) is elongated and has a generally oval shape. A pin opening 78 is provided within right link boss 77 of link rib 15 to accommodate pin locking structures commonly used when attaching the link to the coupler 10. Likewise, with reference to Fig. 1, the inner link bosses 81 formed on first boss rib 16 are generally circular in shape to conform to original equipment manufacturer specifications. Outer link bosses 82 formed on the exterior surface of second boom rib 17 are elongated and have a oval shape. The outer link bosses 82 also may be provided with an opening 83 that receives a pin locking structure used to secure the pin used to attach the arms of the loader to boom ribs 16, 17.

[0027] As best shown in Figs. 1 and 2, ribs 15, 16, 17, 18 each have a top portion that generally extends downward and rearward in general conformance with the downward and rearward extension of top beam 11. The lower portion of the ribs generally extends downward in a straight line when considering the forward surfaces of ribs 15, 16, 17, 18. To locate the openings 75, 80, for attachment to the links and arms of the loader, link ribs 15 are provided with rearward extensions 79 at an upper portion thereof while rearward extension 84, 85 are provided on the lower portions of first and second boom ribs 16, 17 at the lower portion thereof. A boxlike roll back stop 87 is formed to connect the upper extremity of first and second boom ribs 16, 17 and may extend to a transition portion 88 of inner rib 18. As best seen in Fig. 1, inner rib 18 transitions from a rearward extending upper portion to a forwardly extending lower portion at transition portion 88. Gusset ribs 89 may extend between roll back stop 87 and top beam 11. As best seen in Fig. 3, gussets ribs 89 may be located at the lateral outward extremity of bridge pin 20 and generally align with first boom rib 16.

[0028] With reference to Fig. 2, first and second boom ribs 16, 17 may be provided with a front facer 91 that joins the forward facing surfaces of first and second boom ribs 16, 17. As best shown in Figs. 7 and 8, facer 91 and first and second boom ribs 16, 17 may have a generally vertical section 91 A that extends downward from top beam 11. The lower extremity of facer 91 and ribs 16, 17 may extend forwardly at an angle to form a dump stop 92. Push blocks 95 may be formed between first boom ribs 16 and inner rib 18 and extend forwardly of facer 91.

[0029] With reference to Fig. 2, it may be seen that roll back stop 87 may open forwardly defining recesses 97 on the forward side of coupler 10. Alternatively, these recesses may be closed by a facer (not shown).

[0030] In terms of operation, the links and arms of the loader may be attached at the openings formed in link ribs 15 and boom ribs 16, 17, as by pins to attach the coupler 10 to the loader. The arms and links of the loader may then be used to position the coupler 10 (Fig. 9) such that the hooks H of an attachment A are received on bridge pins 20 and the eyes E of attachment A are aligned with openings 27 formed in the boom ribs 16, 17. Once the eyes E and openings 27 are aligned, the operator may extend pins 25 outward through eyes E and openings 27 by operation of hydraulic cylinder 32 to connect the attachment A to coupler 10. The openings 13, 19 provide greater visibility to the operator without sacrificing strength in the coupler 10. Since the strength of coupler 10 comes from the skeletal frame defined by top beam 11 and bottom beam 12 in connection with ribs 15, 16, 17, and 18, the coupler 10 does not rely on the angle plate commonly used in the prior art, for its strength.

[0031] Overall, the Applicant has disclosed a new and useful quick connect coupler that may be attached to a loader and used to connect attachments to the loader. It will be appreciate that various modifications may be made to the coupler described and shown herein without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

Claims: What is claimed is:

1. A coupler comprising a top beam vertically spaced apart from a bottom beam, and an opening positioned between the top beam and bottom beam.

2. The coupler of claim 1, further comprising a rib extending between the top beam and the bottom beam to define the opening.

3. The coupler of claim 1, wherein the top beam is configured to engage an attachment.

4. The coupler of claim 2, wherein the rib is configured to engage a loader.

5. The coupler of claim 1, comprising a plurality of ribs extending between the top beam and the bottom beam.

6. The coupler of claim 1, comprising a plurality of openings positioned between the top beam and the bottom beam.