EP0198840B1 - Coupling apparatus - Google Patents
Coupling apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0198840B1 EP0198840B1 EP85904375A EP85904375A EP0198840B1 EP 0198840 B1 EP0198840 B1 EP 0198840B1 EP 85904375 A EP85904375 A EP 85904375A EP 85904375 A EP85904375 A EP 85904375A EP 0198840 B1 EP0198840 B1 EP 0198840B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- connecting links
- coupling apparatus
- links
- support arms
- bucket
- 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.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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Classifications
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
- E02F3/00—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines
- E02F3/04—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven
- E02F3/28—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging tools mounted on a dipper- or bucket-arm, i.e. there is either one arm or a pair of arms, e.g. dippers, buckets
- E02F3/36—Component parts
- E02F3/3604—Devices to connect tools to arms, booms or the like
- E02F3/3609—Devices to connect tools to arms, booms or the like of the quick acting type, e.g. controlled from the operator seat
- E02F3/3622—Devices to connect tools to arms, booms or the like of the quick acting type, e.g. controlled from the operator seat with a hook and a locking element acting on a pin
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
- E02F3/00—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines
- E02F3/04—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven
- E02F3/28—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging tools mounted on a dipper- or bucket-arm, i.e. there is either one arm or a pair of arms, e.g. dippers, buckets
- E02F3/36—Component parts
- E02F3/3604—Devices to connect tools to arms, booms or the like
- E02F3/3609—Devices to connect tools to arms, booms or the like of the quick acting type, e.g. controlled from the operator seat
- E02F3/364—Devices to connect tools to arms, booms or the like of the quick acting type, e.g. controlled from the operator seat using wedges
Definitions
- This invention relates to a coupling apparatus and more particularly to a coupling apparatus that is utilized to quickly couple and uncouple a variety of work implements to the support arm of a vehicle.
- the excavator bucket linkage commonly includes a support arm or stick, and a bucket rotation linkage that is mounted to the stick.
- the bucket is mounted at one point to the stick and at another point to the rotation linkage.
- a pair of pivot pin assemblies are positioned within aligned bores formed between the bucket and excavator linkage at each mounting point.
- the pin assemblies are mounted within their respective bores with an interference fit or press fit. Removal and replacement of the pin assemblies requires a good deal of time and specialized equipment in most instances. Therefore frequent changes between work implements can be very costly in terms of machine down time. On the other hand, if an implement is not changed because of the time required to do so, the work efficiency of the machine is sacrificed.
- a coupling means is provided that has a pair of connecting links that extend between the stick of an excavator and the power link of the rotation linkage and are mounted to the respective members by a pair of mounting pins.
- the connecting link is engaged with a hook or coupling device that is formed by the bucket and the other end of the connecting link is engaged with the bucket by way of a pair of wedge-shaped counter members that are formed by the respective connecting links and the bucket.
- the links are locked into engagement with the bucket by a transversely extending mounting pin that engages a forwardly extending abutment portion formed by each connecting link and a centrally disposed locking device that is attached to the bucket.
- the pin is configured with a plurality of inclined surfaces that act against the respective abutment portions and the locking device to provide a wedge action therebetween to tightly secure the assembly together.
- the locking device is centered on the bucket between the abutment portions and the connecting links, the pin and associated locking components are subjected to bending forces.
- an adapting bracket is connected to the excavator linkage where a conventional implement such as a bucket would normally be attached.
- the bracket is provided with a connecting arrangement that engages a number of work implements that have been specifically designed for attachment to the bracket. This results in an alteration in the geometry of the excavator linkage. Since the bucket is no longer connected directly to the stick, its point of rotation, or tipping radius, about its connection to the mounting bracket, is offset from that of a conventional bucket.
- the geometry of the bucket linkage is specifically calculated to apply the optimum force available from an actuating cylinder to the tip of the bucket where the teeth will penetrate the earth. Movement of the point of bucket rotation upsets this condition and the amount of digging force that may be applied to the bucket is greatly reduced.
- bracket assembly that has a pair of upstanding sidewalls that extend between the end of the stick and the bucket rotation linkage.
- Pivot pins extend through bores in the end of the stick and rotation linkage to mount the bracket assembly thereto.
- the pivot pins or other bearing structure such as a boss, extend from the outer surface of the sidewalls of the bracket to engage appropriately contoured hinge plates of a bucket. Since the load bearing structure is cantilevered from the sidewalls of the bracket, the forces are not directly transferred from the hinge plates of the work implement to the sidewalls of the bracket.
- the laterally extending structure also provides support for a locking device that is centrally disposed between the sidewalls.
- the locking device is needed to secure the bucket to the bracket assembly.
- the locking device is offset from the connection between the pivot bracket and the bucket.
- the present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems as set forth above.
- a coupling apparatus as claim in claim 1 is provided for mounting a work implement on a movable end of a pair of support arms.
- Preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.
- a coupling apparatus as set forth above allows the operator of a vehicle to change from one work implement to another in a very short period or time.
- the connecting links engage the bucket at the same location that a conventional bucket would be pinned to the bucket linkage. Therefore, there is no alteration in the geometry of the bucket linkage from that of a conventional bucket, thus the optimum digging force is available to all of the various work implements. Also, since there is no lateral structure interposed between the connecting links, aside from the pivot pins that connect the respective end portions to the excavator linkage, the weight of the coupling apparatus is very little more than that of a conventionally mounted work implement of the same type.
- each connecting link is secured directly to each of the respective hinge plates, the working forces are directly transferred, in-line, from one component to the other for more effective distribution. Therefore it can be seen that a coupling apparatus is provided that provides the capability of interchanging a plurality of work implements in a quick and simple manner without sacrificing the function of each work implement.
- Fig. 1 is a partially sectioned side view of an excavator bucket having a coupling apparatus that embodies the principles of the present invention
- Fig. 2 is a partial top view of the coupling apparatus as viewed along lines II-II in Fig. 1
- Fig. 3 is a side view of the coupling apparatus partially engaged with a bucket that is shown with portions thereof broken away
- Fig. 4 is an enlarged, partially sectioned side view of an alternate embodiment of a locking apparatus
- Fig. 5 is an end view of the alternate locking apparatus as viewed along lines V-V of Fig. 4
- Fig. 6 is a top view of the alternate locking apparatus as viewed along line VI-VI on Fig. 5.
- a coupling apparatus 10 is shown that is utilized to attach a work implement 12, such as an excavator bucket, to a vehicle (not shown).
- the vehicle in this instance, is an excavator or backhoe that utilizes a compound linkage arrangement to manipulate and load the bucket in a well known manner.
- the linkage includes a support arm 14 which is commonly referred to as a "stick", to which the bucket is attached in a manner to be described hereinafter.
- the linkage includes a pair of connecting links 16 that are positioned on opposite sides of a distal end 18 of the stick 14.
- the connecting links 16 are generally of uniform thickness and are boomerang-shaped to form a concave portion 20 and terminate at first and second end portions 22 and 24.
- the first end portion 22 is contoured so as to form a generally round profile 26.
- the second end portion 24 also has a round profile 28 formed thereon.
- Each end portion 22 and 24 defines a bore 30 and 32, respectively, and the bores 30 in the first end portion 22 are aligned with a bore that extends through the end 18 of the stick 14. As shown in Figs.
- a first pin member 34 is positioned in the aligned bores of the connecting links and the stick to rotatably mount the first end portions 22 of the connecting links 16 to the stick 14.
- a retaining assembly 35 has a first portion 36 that engages one end of the first pin member 34 to prevent relative rotation thereof with respect to the connecting links 16.
- a second portion 38 of the retaining assembly 35 engages the opposite end of the first pin member and prevents axial movement of the pin 34 with respect to the connecting links 16.
- a rotating means 40 is also associated with the excavator linkage to provide movement of the connecting links 16 about the first pin member 34.
- the rotation means 40 includes a pair of idler links 42 and a secondary support arm or power link 44 that extend respectively from and are connected to the stick 14 and the connecting links 16.
- the idler links 42 have a first end portion 46 rotatably mounted to the stick 14 and the power link 44 has a first end portion 48 (Figs. 2 and 3) rotatably mounted to the second end portions 24 of the connecting links 16.
- the bores 32 of the second end portions 24 of the connecting links 16 are aligned with a bore 50 that extends through the first end portion 48 of the power link 44.
- a second pin member 52 identical to the first pin member, is positioned within the aligned bores 32 and 50 to allow relative rotation between the connecting links and the power link.
- a second retaining assembly 53 has a first and second portion 54 and 55 (Fig. 2) that acts identically to the retaining assembly 38 to secure the second pin member 52 to the connecting links 16.
- the power link 44 has a second end portion 56 that is rotatably connected to a second end portion 58 of each of the idler links 42.
- a hydraulic actuator, or cylinder (not shown) has a first end portion 62, in this instance the rod end, that is also connected to the second end portions 56 and 58 of the respective idler and power links 42 and 44.
- a second end of the cylinder (not shown) is mounted to the stick 14 and upon actuation of the cylinder, causes movement of the rotation means 40 with respect to the stick 14 to pivot the connecting links 16 about the first pin member 34.
- the bucket 12 is provided with a pair of mounting plates or hinge plates 64 that are laterally spaced from each other across an upper portion 66 of the bucket 12 and are secured thereto as by welding or other suitable means.
- First and second receptacles 68 and 70 are formed in each of the hinge plates 64.
- the first receptacle 68 is substantially semi-circular and is open in a generally rearwardly facing direction, or leftwardly facing as viewed in Figs. 1 and 3, with respect to the bucket.
- the second receptacle 70 is spaced rearwardly from the first receptacle 68 and is configured so as to form a portion of a circle that is greater than 90 degrees but less than 180 degrees.
- the second receptacle 70 opens generally towards the first receptacle 68.
- a reinforcement beam 72 having a generally triangular configuration extends laterally across the bucket 12 between the hinge plates 64 and defines a convex protrusion 74 that is positioned between the first and second receptacles.
- the first receptacles 68 act as a socket to receive the rounded profile 26 formed by the first end portions 22 of the connecting links 16.
- the second receptacle 70 receives the portion of the rounded profile 28 formed by the second end portions 24 of the connecting links 16.
- the guide plates 76 are secured to an outer surface 78 of the hinge plates 64 and are positioned to cover the outer sides of each receptacle.
- Each guide plate 76 has a flared portion 80 that extends outwardly from the hinge plates and serves to guide the connecting links into engagement with the receptacles.
- Each locking means 82 includes a hook-shaped flange 84 that extends upwardly from each of the hinge plates 64.
- the flange 84 has an angled portion 86 formed on a forwardly directed face 88 extending to the right as viewed in Figs. 1 and 3.
- a block-shaped wedge member 90 is positioned on an upper surface 92 of the second end portions 24 of each connecting link 16 in opposing and closely adjacent relation to the angled portion 86 of the flange 84 when the end portions 22 and 24 of the connecting links 16 are nested within the respective receptacles 68 and 70.
- Each wedge member 90 is secured to the upper surface 92 of the connecting links 16 by a pair of threaded fasteners such as bolts 94.
- the bolts 94 are positioned in spaced relation to each other in a vertically oriented, oblong slot 96 defined in the wedge member 90.
- the length of the slot 96 is greater than the spacing between the bolts 94 and thereby allows the movement of the wedge member 90 beyond a rearward edge 98 of the connecting links 16 toward the flange 84.
- the wedge member 90 also has a pair of angled portions 100 and 101 formed on each end thereof. The wedge member is positioned with the angled portion 100 facing the angled portion 86 of the flange member 84.
- a lug 102 extends from an outer side 104 of the wedge members 90 and may be utilized, along with angled portion 101, to assist the movement of the wedge members into or out of engagement with the flange member 84.
- the locking means 82' includes a cylindrical member 106 that defines a bore 108 that extends the entire length of the cylindrical member 106.
- the cylindrical member is secured to an outer surface 110 of each connecting link 16.
- An angled surface 112 is defined on a forward or rightward end of the cylindrical member as viewed in Fig. 4.
- a pin assembly 114 having a round body portion 116 is disposed within the bore 108 of the cylindrical member 106 and has a first end 118 that defines a relieved portion 120 along its circumference.
- a handle or lever 122 is secured to a second or rearward end 124 of the pin body 116 and extends from the pin body in a direction normal thereto and is positioned adjacent the angled surface 112 of the cylindrical member 106.
- the lever 122 is retained in its position adjacent the angled surface by a closure element 126.
- the closure element 126 forms a second angled surface 128 that extends parallel to the angled surface 112 of the cylindrical member 106 and is spaced therefrom to form a slot or track 130 in which the lever 122 may traverse.
- the closure element 126 includes two horizontally extending plates 132 and 134 that are respectively secured to an upper and lower portion 136 and 138 of the cylindrical member 106 in parallel relation to each other.
- a semi-circular rod member 140 is secured to each of the plates 132 and 134 and extends therebetween at an angle to form the second angled surface 128 as previously discussed.
- a generally "L" shaped retainer plate 142 is secured to each of the horizontal plates 132 and 134.
- a threaded fastener 144 such as a bolt, extends through one end 146 of the retainer plate 142 to secure the end 146 to each of the plates 132 and 134.
- Only one threaded fastener 144 is used to mount the retainer plates so as to allow the retainer plate to pivot about the fastener.
- the retainer plate 142 may be pivoted toward and away from a position wherein a leg 148 of the retainer plate extends across the slot 130 to block the movement of the lever 122 along the slot.
- a protrusion 150 is formed on the leg 148 of the retainer plate and it extends toward the respective plates 132 and 134.
- a notch 152 is formed in each of the plates 132 and 134 and receives the protrusion 150 and serves as a catch to selectively hold the position of the retainer plates when they are positioned across the slot 130.
- a pin receiving member 154 is connected to each of the hinge plates 64 at a location that is closely adjacent to the first end portion 118 of the pin assembly 114.
- the pin receiving member 154 includes a bifurcated base member 156 that forms a pair of uprights 158.
- a cap 160 spans the uprights 158 and is secured thereto by threaded fasteners 162.
- the cap and the uprights form a socket 164 that is sized to receive the first end 118 of the pin assembly 114 in load bearing engagement with a lower surface 166 of the cap 160.
- a plurality of shims 168 may be utilized to adjust the height of the cap with respect to the uprights and the first end 118 of the pin assemby 114 to achieve a proper load bearing relationship between the pin and the cap.
- the support arm 14 When attaching a bucket or other work implement 12 to a vehicle such as an excavator, the support arm 14 is manipulated to bring the first end portions 22 of the connecting links 16 into engagement with the first receptacles 68, as shown in Fig. 3. This is accomplished with the aid of the guide plates 76 which help to axially "steer” the movement of the connecting links as they approach engagement with the receptacles.
- the hydraulic cylinder of the rotating means 40 is actuated to rotate the second end portions 24 of the connecting links 16 into engagement with the second receptacles 70.
- the wedge members 90 When the connecting links are properly seated, the wedge members 90 which have been held in a position forward of the rear edge 98 of the connecting links 16 are moved rearwardly toward the flanges 84 formed on the hinge plates 64. This movement may be accomplished by striking the angled portion 101 or the lugs 102 of the wedge members 90 with a hammer or similar tool. As the wedge members 90 are moved toward the flanges 84, the angled portion 100 of the wedge members 90 engages the angled portion 86 of the flanges in face-to-face relation. Under the urging of the hammer, the angled portions 100 and 86 are forced into tighter engagement with each other and thus the connecting links are urged into tighter seating within the respective receptacles 68 and 70. When a tight engagement is achieved, the bolts 94 may be tightened to hold the wedge member 90 in position.
- Figs. 4-6 the operation of the alternate embodiment of the locking means 82' will be described.
- the initial operation of the excavator linkage is identical to that previously set forth, when bringing the connecting links 16 into engagement with the receptacles 68 and 70 of the hinge plates 64.
- the lever 122 of the pin assembly 114 may be freed from its "stored” position. This is accomplished by moving the retainer plates 142 vertically away from the respective upper and lower plates 132 and 134 until the protrusions 150 of the retainer plates 142 clear the slots 152 in the upper plates and lower plates 132 and 134.
- the retainer plates 142 may be rotated about their mounting bolts 144 to a position that does not obstruct the slots 130 as shown in phantom lines in Fig. 6. Thereafter the levers 122 of the individual pin assembly 114 may then be grasped by the operator and moved downwardly in their respective slot 130. Since the slot is angled, the first (or rearward) end 118 of the pin body 118 is moved toward the pin receiving member 154. It should be noted that during the initial movement of the lever, the first end portion 118 of the pin body 116 enters the socket 164 formed in the pin receiving member 154.
- the relieved portion 120 formed on the first end portion 118 is positioned on the circumference in a manner that allows a space between the pin body 116 and the lower surface 166 of the cap 160 as the pin body enters the socket. As movement of the pin body continues, the relieved portion is rotated away from its initial orientation with the lower surface 166 of the cap, and the space therebetween is reduced as the lever 122 is lowered. When the lever has traversed the entire length of the slot 130 to a position shown in phantom lines in Fig. 4, the pin body 116 has been entirely advanced and rotated to a position wherein it is in load bearing contact with the lower surface 166 of the cap member. Upon the completion of pin engagement, the retainer plates 142 may again be rotated back to their stored position.
- the retainer plates 142 will be positioned across the slot 13 and will cooperate with the lower plate 134 to hold the handle against upward movement in the slot 130. Release of the pin may occur by reversing the above procedure. When disengaged, the position of the lever 122 is held against downward movement in the slot 130 by the retainer plate 142 that is associated with upper plate 132.
- the height of the cap 160 with respect to the uprights 158 may be adjusted with the use of shims 168. The height may be set originally to compensate for any manufacturing tolerances that may vary the proper distance from bucket to bucket. The height may also be adjusted later to compensate for wear. Also, the relieved portion 120 on the pin body 116 compensates for any dirt build-up that may occur during operation and greatly eases the seating of the pin.
- a bucket may be mounted to the linkage arrangement of the vehicle at the same points of attachment as that of a conventional bucket.
- This is mainly due to the configuration of the connecting links 16. Since the connecting links are provided with the concave portion 20 they are able to nest very closely about the convex portion 74 of the reinforcement beam 72. By doing so, the distance between the teeth of the bucket and the first pin member 34 about which the bucket rotates, remains the same as that of a conventional bucket. This distance is commonly referred to as the tip radius, and since it remains unchanged, the optimum use of the available digging force that is provided by the hydraulic cylinder also remains unchanged. Another advantage resides in the absence of reinforcing structure extending laterally between the connecting links 16.
- first and second end portions 22 and 24 are in load bearing engagement with their respective receptacles 68 and 70. This allows the direct, in-line transmission of digging forces from the hinge plates 64 to the connecting links 16 and vice versa, thus allowing the elimination of the reinforcing structure.
- the only members that extend between the connecting links are the first and second pin members 34 and 52 which serve mainly as pivot mountings and not structural support. This permits the normal operation of the bucket rotating means 40 without having to conmpensate for any interference with from additional structure. Also, since there is very little structure added to that of a conventional bucket, the weight increase and the resulting loss of bucket capacity is minimal.
Abstract
Description
- This invention relates to a coupling apparatus and more particularly to a coupling apparatus that is utilized to quickly couple and uncouple a variety of work implements to the support arm of a vehicle.
- In the operation of an earthmoving vehicle such as an excavator, it is a common occurrence to encounter different types of materials and digging conditions. As a result, specialized buckets have been designed to be utilized in a specific type of soil or for a specific type of digging operation. Therefore it is not uncommon for an operator of an excavator to switch from one bucket to another to perform a variety of operations.
- The excavator bucket linkage commonly includes a support arm or stick, and a bucket rotation linkage that is mounted to the stick. The bucket is mounted at one point to the stick and at another point to the rotation linkage. A pair of pivot pin assemblies are positioned within aligned bores formed between the bucket and excavator linkage at each mounting point.The pin assemblies are mounted within their respective bores with an interference fit or press fit. Removal and replacement of the pin assemblies requires a good deal of time and specialized equipment in most instances. Therefore frequent changes between work implements can be very costly in terms of machine down time. On the other hand, if an implement is not changed because of the time required to do so, the work efficiency of the machine is sacrificed.
- To alleviate the aforementioned problem, quick-disconnect mountings of various of types have been developed. While many of the current designs function to quickly connect and disconnect the various types of implements to an excavator linkage, they are attached in a manner that many times creates an unduly large transfer of forces through the coupling mechanism as it is operated. In some instances, as in U.S. Patent 4,674,945 issued on June 23, 1987 to Fritiof Hulden, a coupling means is provided that has a pair of connecting links that extend between the stick of an excavator and the power link of the rotation linkage and are mounted to the respective members by a pair of mounting pins. One end of the connecting link is engaged with a hook or coupling device that is formed by the bucket and the other end of the connecting link is engaged with the bucket by way of a pair of wedge-shaped counter members that are formed by the respective connecting links and the bucket. The links are locked into engagement with the bucket by a transversely extending mounting pin that engages a forwardly extending abutment portion formed by each connecting link and a centrally disposed locking device that is attached to the bucket. The pin is configured with a plurality of inclined surfaces that act against the respective abutment portions and the locking device to provide a wedge action therebetween to tightly secure the assembly together. The locking device is centered on the bucket between the abutment portions and the connecting links, the pin and associated locking components are subjected to bending forces.
- In other instances, as in U.S. Patent 4,187,050 issued on February 5, 1980 to Gail G. Barbee and assigned to the assignee of the subject application, an adapting bracket is connected to the excavator linkage where a conventional implement such as a bucket would normally be attached. The bracket is provided with a connecting arrangement that engages a number of work implements that have been specifically designed for attachment to the bracket. This results in an alteration in the geometry of the excavator linkage. Since the bucket is no longer connected directly to the stick, its point of rotation, or tipping radius, about its connection to the mounting bracket, is offset from that of a conventional bucket. The geometry of the bucket linkage is specifically calculated to apply the optimum force available from an actuating cylinder to the tip of the bucket where the teeth will penetrate the earth. Movement of the point of bucket rotation upsets this condition and the amount of digging force that may be applied to the bucket is greatly reduced.
- Other so-called "quick coupling" devices require the use of a bracket assembly that has a pair of upstanding sidewalls that extend between the end of the stick and the bucket rotation linkage. Pivot pins extend through bores in the end of the stick and rotation linkage to mount the bracket assembly thereto. The pivot pins or other bearing structure such as a boss, extend from the outer surface of the sidewalls of the bracket to engage appropriately contoured hinge plates of a bucket. Since the load bearing structure is cantilevered from the sidewalls of the bracket, the forces are not directly transferred from the hinge plates of the work implement to the sidewalls of the bracket. Because the sidewalls of the bracket assembly serve only as support for the load bearing structure, very substantial structural members must be positioned laterally between the sidewalls to strengthen the bracket assembly. The laterally extending structure also provides support for a locking device that is centrally disposed between the sidewalls. The locking device is needed to secure the bucket to the bracket assembly. The locking device is offset from the connection between the pivot bracket and the bucket. As previously discussed, the forces created during a digging operation are amplified as they are transferred from the pivot pins, through the bracket structure and to the locking device. This creates an inefficient transfer of working forces through the coupling mechanism and therefore requires the locking device, as well as the lateral structural members, to be of very substantial size and weight to accommodate such severe loading. As a result, the entire weight of the bracket assembly and attached bucket is far greater than that of a conventional bucket. The additional weight works as a great disadvantage to the operation of a vehicle. Each pound of additional weight reduces the capacity of the bucket by a pound. Also, for each additional pound at the bucket, an additional two pounds must be added to the counterweight at the opposite end of the vehicle. Two designs of this type are disclosed in U.S. Patent 3,556,323 issued on January 19, 1971 to Damian M. Hermmermann and U.S. Patent 4,214,840 issued on July 29, 1980 to John H. Beales.
- The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems as set forth above.
- In accordance with the present invention a coupling apparatus as claim in claim 1 is provided for mounting a work implement on a movable end of a pair of support arms. Preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.
- A coupling apparatus as set forth above allows the operator of a vehicle to change from one work implement to another in a very short period or time. The connecting links engage the bucket at the same location that a conventional bucket would be pinned to the bucket linkage. Therefore, there is no alteration in the geometry of the bucket linkage from that of a conventional bucket, thus the optimum digging force is available to all of the various work implements. Also, since there is no lateral structure interposed between the connecting links, aside from the pivot pins that connect the respective end portions to the excavator linkage, the weight of the coupling apparatus is very little more than that of a conventionally mounted work implement of the same type. Further, since each connecting link is secured directly to each of the respective hinge plates, the working forces are directly transferred, in-line, from one component to the other for more effective distribution. Therefore it can be seen that a coupling apparatus is provided that provides the capability of interchanging a plurality of work implements in a quick and simple manner without sacrificing the function of each work implement.
- Fig. 1 is a partially sectioned side view of an excavator bucket having a coupling apparatus that embodies the principles of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a partial top view of the coupling apparatus as viewed along lines II-II in Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a side view of the coupling apparatus partially engaged with a bucket that is shown with portions thereof broken away;
Fig. 4 is an enlarged, partially sectioned side view of an alternate embodiment of a locking apparatus;
Fig. 5 is an end view of the alternate locking apparatus as viewed along lines V-V of Fig. 4; and
Fig. 6 is a top view of the alternate locking apparatus as viewed along line VI-VI on Fig. 5. - Referring to the drawings and more particularly to Fig. 1, a coupling apparatus 10 is shown that is utilized to attach a work implement 12, such as an excavator bucket, to a vehicle (not shown). The vehicle, in this instance, is an excavator or backhoe that utilizes a compound linkage arrangement to manipulate and load the bucket in a well known manner. The linkage includes a
support arm 14 which is commonly referred to as a "stick", to which the bucket is attached in a manner to be described hereinafter. - The linkage includes a pair of connecting
links 16 that are positioned on opposite sides of adistal end 18 of thestick 14. The connectinglinks 16 are generally of uniform thickness and are boomerang-shaped to form aconcave portion 20 and terminate at first andsecond end portions first end portion 22 is contoured so as to form a generallyround profile 26. Thesecond end portion 24 also has around profile 28 formed thereon. Eachend portion bore bores 30 in thefirst end portion 22 are aligned with a bore that extends through theend 18 of thestick 14. As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, afirst pin member 34 is positioned in the aligned bores of the connecting links and the stick to rotatably mount thefirst end portions 22 of the connectinglinks 16 to thestick 14. A retainingassembly 35 has afirst portion 36 that engages one end of thefirst pin member 34 to prevent relative rotation thereof with respect to the connectinglinks 16. Asecond portion 38 of the retainingassembly 35 engages the opposite end of the first pin member and prevents axial movement of thepin 34 with respect to the connectinglinks 16. - A rotating
means 40 is also associated with the excavator linkage to provide movement of the connectinglinks 16 about thefirst pin member 34. The rotation means 40 includes a pair ofidler links 42 and a secondary support arm orpower link 44 that extend respectively from and are connected to thestick 14 and the connectinglinks 16. The idler links 42 have a first end portion 46 rotatably mounted to thestick 14 and thepower link 44 has a first end portion 48 (Figs. 2 and 3) rotatably mounted to thesecond end portions 24 of the connectinglinks 16. Thebores 32 of thesecond end portions 24 of the connectinglinks 16 are aligned with abore 50 that extends through thefirst end portion 48 of thepower link 44. Asecond pin member 52, identical to the first pin member, is positioned within the aligned bores 32 and 50 to allow relative rotation between the connecting links and the power link. Asecond retaining assembly 53 has a first andsecond portion 54 and 55 (Fig. 2) that acts identically to the retainingassembly 38 to secure thesecond pin member 52 to the connectinglinks 16. Thepower link 44 has asecond end portion 56 that is rotatably connected to a second end portion 58 of each of the idler links 42. A hydraulic actuator, or cylinder (not shown) has afirst end portion 62, in this instance the rod end, that is also connected to thesecond end portions 56 and 58 of the respective idler andpower links stick 14 and upon actuation of the cylinder, causes movement of the rotation means 40 with respect to thestick 14 to pivot the connectinglinks 16 about thefirst pin member 34. - The
bucket 12 is provided with a pair of mounting plates or hingeplates 64 that are laterally spaced from each other across anupper portion 66 of thebucket 12 and are secured thereto as by welding or other suitable means. First andsecond receptacles hinge plates 64. Thefirst receptacle 68 is substantially semi-circular and is open in a generally rearwardly facing direction, or leftwardly facing as viewed in Figs. 1 and 3, with respect to the bucket. Thesecond receptacle 70 is spaced rearwardly from thefirst receptacle 68 and is configured so as to form a portion of a circle that is greater than 90 degrees but less than 180 degrees. Thesecond receptacle 70 opens generally towards thefirst receptacle 68. Areinforcement beam 72 having a generally triangular configuration extends laterally across thebucket 12 between thehinge plates 64 and defines aconvex protrusion 74 that is positioned between the first and second receptacles. Being so configured, thefirst receptacles 68 act as a socket to receive therounded profile 26 formed by thefirst end portions 22 of the connectinglinks 16. Likewise, thesecond receptacle 70 receives the portion of therounded profile 28 formed by thesecond end portions 24 of the connectinglinks 16. When theend portions links 16 are engaged with thereceptacles guide plates 76. Theguide plates 76 are secured to anouter surface 78 of thehinge plates 64 and are positioned to cover the outer sides of each receptacle. Eachguide plate 76 has a flaredportion 80 that extends outwardly from the hinge plates and serves to guide the connecting links into engagement with the receptacles. - The engagement between the
end portions links 16 and therespective receptacles flange 84 that extends upwardly from each of thehinge plates 64. Theflange 84 has an angledportion 86 formed on a forwardly directedface 88 extending to the right as viewed in Figs. 1 and 3. - A block-shaped
wedge member 90 is positioned on anupper surface 92 of thesecond end portions 24 of each connectinglink 16 in opposing and closely adjacent relation to theangled portion 86 of theflange 84 when theend portions links 16 are nested within therespective receptacles wedge member 90 is secured to theupper surface 92 of the connectinglinks 16 by a pair of threaded fasteners such asbolts 94. Thebolts 94 are positioned in spaced relation to each other in a vertically oriented,oblong slot 96 defined in thewedge member 90. The length of theslot 96 is greater than the spacing between thebolts 94 and thereby allows the movement of thewedge member 90 beyond arearward edge 98 of the connectinglinks 16 toward theflange 84. Thewedge member 90 also has a pair ofangled portions angled portion 100 facing theangled portion 86 of theflange member 84. Alug 102 extends from anouter side 104 of thewedge members 90 and may be utilized, along withangled portion 101, to assist the movement of the wedge members into or out of engagement with theflange member 84. - Turning now to Figs. 4-6, an alternate locking means 82' is disclosed. A pair of locking means 82' is provided, one for each connecting link, and since they are identical, only one will be described hereinafter. Components in the alternate embodiment that are identical to those previously described will be indicated by the same reference numerals. The locking means 82' includes a
cylindrical member 106 that defines abore 108 that extends the entire length of thecylindrical member 106. The cylindrical member is secured to anouter surface 110 of each connectinglink 16. Anangled surface 112 is defined on a forward or rightward end of the cylindrical member as viewed in Fig. 4. Apin assembly 114 having around body portion 116 is disposed within thebore 108 of thecylindrical member 106 and has afirst end 118 that defines arelieved portion 120 along its circumference. A handle or lever 122 is secured to a second or rearward end 124 of thepin body 116 and extends from the pin body in a direction normal thereto and is positioned adjacent theangled surface 112 of thecylindrical member 106. Thelever 122 is retained in its position adjacent the angled surface by aclosure element 126. Theclosure element 126 forms a secondangled surface 128 that extends parallel to theangled surface 112 of thecylindrical member 106 and is spaced therefrom to form a slot or track 130 in which thelever 122 may traverse. Theclosure element 126 includes two horizontally extendingplates lower portion cylindrical member 106 in parallel relation to each other. Asemi-circular rod member 140 is secured to each of theplates angled surface 128 as previously discussed. A generally "L" shapedretainer plate 142 is secured to each of thehorizontal plates fastener 144, such as a bolt, extends through oneend 146 of theretainer plate 142 to secure theend 146 to each of theplates fastener 144 is used to mount the retainer plates so as to allow the retainer plate to pivot about the fastener. As shown in Fig. 6, theretainer plate 142 may be pivoted toward and away from a position wherein aleg 148 of the retainer plate extends across theslot 130 to block the movement of thelever 122 along the slot. Aprotrusion 150 is formed on theleg 148 of the retainer plate and it extends toward therespective plates notch 152 is formed in each of theplates protrusion 150 and serves as a catch to selectively hold the position of the retainer plates when they are positioned across theslot 130. - A
pin receiving member 154 is connected to each of thehinge plates 64 at a location that is closely adjacent to thefirst end portion 118 of thepin assembly 114. Thepin receiving member 154 includes abifurcated base member 156 that forms a pair ofuprights 158. Acap 160 spans theuprights 158 and is secured thereto by threadedfasteners 162. The cap and the uprights form asocket 164 that is sized to receive thefirst end 118 of thepin assembly 114 in load bearing engagement with alower surface 166 of thecap 160. A plurality ofshims 168 may be utilized to adjust the height of the cap with respect to the uprights and thefirst end 118 of thepin assemby 114 to achieve a proper load bearing relationship between the pin and the cap. - When attaching a bucket or other work implement 12 to a vehicle such as an excavator, the
support arm 14 is manipulated to bring thefirst end portions 22 of the connectinglinks 16 into engagement with thefirst receptacles 68, as shown in Fig. 3. This is accomplished with the aid of theguide plates 76 which help to axially "steer" the movement of the connecting links as they approach engagement with the receptacles. After thefirst end portions 22 of the connecting links are seated, the hydraulic cylinder of the rotatingmeans 40 is actuated to rotate thesecond end portions 24 of the connectinglinks 16 into engagement with thesecond receptacles 70. When the connecting links are properly seated, thewedge members 90 which have been held in a position forward of therear edge 98 of the connectinglinks 16 are moved rearwardly toward theflanges 84 formed on thehinge plates 64. This movement may be accomplished by striking theangled portion 101 or thelugs 102 of thewedge members 90 with a hammer or similar tool. As thewedge members 90 are moved toward theflanges 84, theangled portion 100 of thewedge members 90 engages theangled portion 86 of the flanges in face-to-face relation. Under the urging of the hammer, theangled portions respective receptacles bolts 94 may be tightened to hold thewedge member 90 in position. - When detaching the
bucket 12 from the excavator, the process is basically reversed. Thebolts 94 are loosened, thewedge members 90 are moved forwardly with the aid of a hammer striking thelugs 102, and the excavator linkage is manipulated to remove the connectinglinks 16 from engagement with thereceptacles hinge plates 64. It may be seen that as this procedure is performed frequently over a period of time, that substantial wear may occur between the components. This wear is accommodated by the face-to-face engagement of the respectiveangled portions flange 84 and the locking means 82. - Turning now to Figs. 4-6, the operation of the alternate embodiment of the locking means 82' will be described. The initial operation of the excavator linkage is identical to that previously set forth, when bringing the connecting
links 16 into engagement with thereceptacles hinge plates 64. Once the connecting links are properly seated, thelever 122 of thepin assembly 114 may be freed from its "stored" position. This is accomplished by moving theretainer plates 142 vertically away from the respective upper andlower plates protrusions 150 of theretainer plates 142 clear theslots 152 in the upper plates andlower plates retainer plates 142 may be rotated about their mountingbolts 144 to a position that does not obstruct theslots 130 as shown in phantom lines in Fig. 6. Thereafter thelevers 122 of theindividual pin assembly 114 may then be grasped by the operator and moved downwardly in theirrespective slot 130. Since the slot is angled, the first (or rearward) end 118 of thepin body 118 is moved toward thepin receiving member 154. It should be noted that during the initial movement of the lever, thefirst end portion 118 of thepin body 116 enters thesocket 164 formed in thepin receiving member 154. Therelieved portion 120 formed on thefirst end portion 118 is positioned on the circumference in a manner that allows a space between thepin body 116 and thelower surface 166 of thecap 160 as the pin body enters the socket. As movement of the pin body continues, the relieved portion is rotated away from its initial orientation with thelower surface 166 of the cap, and the space therebetween is reduced as thelever 122 is lowered. When the lever has traversed the entire length of theslot 130 to a position shown in phantom lines in Fig. 4, thepin body 116 has been entirely advanced and rotated to a position wherein it is in load bearing contact with thelower surface 166 of the cap member. Upon the completion of pin engagement, theretainer plates 142 may again be rotated back to their stored position. Theretainer plates 142 will be positioned across the slot 13 and will cooperate with thelower plate 134 to hold the handle against upward movement in theslot 130. Release of the pin may occur by reversing the above procedure. When disengaged, the position of thelever 122 is held against downward movement in theslot 130 by theretainer plate 142 that is associated withupper plate 132. As previously discussed, the height of thecap 160 with respect to theuprights 158 may be adjusted with the use ofshims 168. The height may be set originally to compensate for any manufacturing tolerances that may vary the proper distance from bucket to bucket. The height may also be adjusted later to compensate for wear. Also, therelieved portion 120 on thepin body 116 compensates for any dirt build-up that may occur during operation and greatly eases the seating of the pin. - With a coupling apparatus 10 as disclosed, a bucket may be mounted to the linkage arrangement of the vehicle at the same points of attachment as that of a conventional bucket. This is mainly due to the configuration of the connecting
links 16. Since the connecting links are provided with theconcave portion 20 they are able to nest very closely about theconvex portion 74 of thereinforcement beam 72. By doing so, the distance between the teeth of the bucket and thefirst pin member 34 about which the bucket rotates, remains the same as that of a conventional bucket. This distance is commonly referred to as the tip radius, and since it remains unchanged, the optimum use of the available digging force that is provided by the hydraulic cylinder also remains unchanged. Another advantage resides in the absence of reinforcing structure extending laterally between the connectinglinks 16. The entire widths of the contoured first andsecond end portions respective receptacles hinge plates 64 to the connectinglinks 16 and vice versa, thus allowing the elimination of the reinforcing structure. The only members that extend between the connecting links are the first andsecond pin members - Other aspects, objects and advantages of this invention can be obtained from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims.
Claims (5)
- A coupling apparatus (10) for use between a pair of support arms (14,44) having distal ends (18,48), a work implement (12) having a pair of substantially-flat hinge plates (64) mounted thereon, each of said hinge plates defining a first and second receptacle (68,70) that are spaced from one another, and a pair of connecting links (16) having first and second end portions (22,24) that are engageable with the receptacles (68,70) of the respective hinge plates (64), said connecting links (16) being adapted to be pivotally connected between the distal ends (18,48) of the support arms (14,44), characterized by:
a pair of flange members (84) adapted to extend from the hinge plates (64) defined on the work implement (12), each having an angled surface (86);
a pair of separate wedge members (90), each having an angled surface (100) thereon and being configured for engagement with a respective angled surface (86) of the flange members (84);
and
separate fastening means (94) for movably mounting each wedge member (90) on the respective connecting links (16) for locking engagement with the angled surface (86) of the flange member (84), wherein each fastening means (94) and respective connecting link (16) are arranged in the plane defined by the respective engaged hinge plate (64). - The coupling apparatus (10) as set forth in claim 1 wherein a first pin member (34) extends between the first end portions (22,23) of the respective connecting links (16) to pivotally mount said connecting links (16) to one of said support arms (14,44) and a second pin member (52) extends between the second end portions (24) of the connecting links (16) to pivotally mount the connecting links to the other of said support arms (14,44), said first and second pin members (34,52) being the only structural connection between said connecting links.
- The coupling apparatus (10) as set forth in claim 2 wherein a means (40) for rotating the work implement (12) with respect to one of said support arms (14,44) about the first pin member (34) is included, said rotating means (40) extending between said one support arm (14,44) and said second pin member (52).
- The coupling apparatus (10) as set forth in claim 3 wherein said rotating means (40) includes:
a pair of idler links (42) having a first end portion (46) rotatably mounted to said one support arm (14) and a second end portion (58);
at least one power link (44) having a first end portion (48) rotatably connected to the second pin member (52) and a second end portion (56) rotatably engaged with the second end portions (58) of said idler links (42), said power link (44) being the other of said support arms (14,44); and
an actuating member (62) positioned between said one support arm (14) and the connection between the second end portions (56,58) of the power link (44) and the idler links (42). - The coupling apparatus (10) as set forth in claim 1 wherein said connecting links (16) each have a bore (30,32) defined in each end portion (22,24), said connecting links (16) being positioned on opposite sides of the support arms (14) with the bores (30) of the first end portions (22) of the connecting links (16) aligned with a bore extending through each of the support arms (14,44).
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US66548584A | 1984-10-29 | 1984-10-29 | |
US665485 | 1984-10-29 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0198840A1 EP0198840A1 (en) | 1986-10-29 |
EP0198840B1 true EP0198840B1 (en) | 1991-05-02 |
Family
ID=24670299
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP85904375A Expired - Lifetime EP0198840B1 (en) | 1984-10-29 | 1985-08-26 | Coupling apparatus |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0198840B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JPH068544B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA1259958A (en) |
DE (1) | DE3582730D1 (en) |
IN (1) | IN167274B (en) |
WO (1) | WO1986002681A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2177674B (en) * | 1985-07-10 | 1988-10-05 | Bamford Excavators Ltd | Mounting a working implement |
CA2072342C (en) * | 1992-06-26 | 1994-06-14 | Robert D. Jenkins | Quick coupling arrangement for excavator buckets and the like |
US20100000129A1 (en) * | 2005-11-15 | 2010-01-07 | Timothy Craig Balemi | Bucket Fabrication |
Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4674945A (en) * | 1982-11-19 | 1987-06-23 | Fritiof Hulden | Coupling means |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3556323A (en) * | 1968-12-23 | 1971-01-19 | Damian M Heimmermann | Quick-connect coupler for bucket on excavating machine |
JPS5294601A (en) * | 1976-02-03 | 1977-08-09 | Caterpillar Mitsubishi Ltd | Quick coupler |
US4214840A (en) * | 1979-01-18 | 1980-07-29 | J. H. Beales Steel Fabricators, Ltd. | Quick-release coupler |
-
1985
- 1985-08-26 JP JP50381385A patent/JPH068544B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1985-08-26 WO PCT/US1985/001622 patent/WO1986002681A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1985-08-26 EP EP85904375A patent/EP0198840B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1985-08-26 DE DE8585904375T patent/DE3582730D1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1985-09-17 CA CA000490918A patent/CA1259958A/en not_active Expired
-
1986
- 1986-04-11 IN IN272/MAS/86A patent/IN167274B/en unknown
Patent Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4674945A (en) * | 1982-11-19 | 1987-06-23 | Fritiof Hulden | Coupling means |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE3582730D1 (en) | 1991-06-06 |
JPS62500944A (en) | 1987-04-16 |
CA1259958A (en) | 1989-09-26 |
WO1986002681A1 (en) | 1986-05-09 |
EP0198840A1 (en) | 1986-10-29 |
JPH068544B2 (en) | 1994-02-02 |
IN167274B (en) | 1990-09-29 |
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