EP1566489B1 - Construction machine with quick coupler - Google Patents

Abstract

The construction machine quick connector carries hydraulic circuit male and female connectors (13) mounted on support plates (20) with aligning dowels. One or more support plates carry reader heads and the opposing plate carries data which allows data exchange when the plates are connected together. The plates can have elastic compensating springs (22) to aid positioning.

Description

The present invention relates to a quick coupling for coupling a tool to a boom with a boom-side quick coupling part and a tool-side quick coupling part with a power circuit coupling, in particular hydraulic coupling, with plate-shaped carriers of power coupling parts for automatically coupling a tool-side power connection to a jib-side power connection, wherein in the plate-shaped carriers on the one hand male or female connector pieces are integrated as energy connections and at least one guide bolt or at least one guide bore spaced therefrom, which ensure a precisely fitting superimposition of the plate-shaped carrier in the coupled state, so that the plate-shaped carrier are substantially parallel to each other to form a small gap.

Swing type quick couplers are widely used in hydraulic excavators because they allow easy and quick changing of various tools such as hydraulic grabs, grave bucket, grappling tongs and the like. For coupling, at first only one of the two locking axes needs to be positioned and engaged to be brought. This can advantageously be a transverse bolt, which is hooked into a hook-shaped eyelet on the opposite coupling part. Then, the cantilever-side coupling part can be pivoted relative to the tool about the already engaged locking axis, to thereby find the locking position in which the second locking axis can be locked. The latter is usually formed by a pair of locking bolts that can move apart and into corresponding locking holes on the opposite quick coupling part.

From the WO 91/01414 is such a swivel type quick coupling known in which an automatic hydraulic coupling is provided which automatically couples a boom-side power circuit with a tool-side power circuit when pivoting the two quick coupling parts. Although there are energy coupling parts provided, one of which is attached to the boom-side quick coupling part and the other on the tool-side quick coupling part, in such a way that the two power coupling parts are driven together and brought into engagement when pivoting the two quick coupling parts to the first already locked locking axis. One of the two power coupling parts is movably mounted on the corresponding quick coupling part to compensate for the circular motion of the quick coupling parts when pivoting together.

From the DE 101 59 417 C2 is a generic coupling known. In order to allow a leakage-free coupling of the boom and tool-side power circuits, a linear guide for the power coupling parts is provided in this prior art quick coupling, which forces the power coupling parts against the circular path pivotal movement to a relative movement to each other along a straight line. In order to enable the compensation of the pivoting movement, at least one of the two power coupling parts is mounted to the corresponding quick coupling part movable relative to this, namely pivotable about an axis parallel to the first locking axis of the quick coupling parts axis and stored vertically movable. It is envisaged that the movable mounted power coupling part compensates for the pivoting movement when moving the quick coupling parts by a linear guide and moves exactly so that between the two power coupling parts an exactly linear movement takes place. Serve for this purpose at least one guide pin or a guide hole, which engage in the coupling in the coupled state and ensure a snug fit of plate-shaped carriers, so that the plate-shaped support in the coupled state to form a small gap are arranged substantially parallel to each other.

The use of quick tool changers and the possibility of producing the necessary power supply of electrical or hydraulic type simultaneously with the coupling process makes it easier to pick up different tools. However, this facilitated cultivation leads to the problem that may be detected by the operating personnel of the construction machine possibly occurring technical and safety problems. Thus, a technical problem may be, for example, that when mounting a hydraulically driven tool, the hydraulic pressure of the construction-side hydraulic device, the flow rate or even the oil used to the attached tool do not fit. On the one hand, this can lead to inoperability, but on the other hand, even to the destruction of the tool. Safety problems arise, for example, by the cultivation of a too large or too heavy spoon, since the stability of the construction machine when lifting the load is no longer guaranteed. But even the cultivation of a too small or too light spoon leads to problems.

The object of the invention is to develop a generic construction machine with quick coupling such that technical or safety risks during automatic coupling of the tool to a construction machine safely prevented.

This object is achieved on the basis of a generic construction machine with the quick coupling by combining the features of Claim 1 solved. Accordingly, a read-write head is arranged in or on one of the two plate-shaped carriers and a data carrier is arranged in the opposite plate-shaped carrier such that both can exchange data with each other in the coupled state.

The data carrier used according to the invention operates inductively. The read / write head reliably exchanges data with this data carrier only if a small distance of, for example, about 3 to 5 mm is exactly maintained. This is ensured in the present system, characterized in that the plate-shaped carrier in the coupled state fit each other. By this property, the system consisting of read-write head on the one hand and disk on the other hand also be used as a security system, since a data exchange can take place only if on the one hand the read-write head and on the other hand, the disk are in their desired position, so if small distance of the 3 - 5 mm is respected. But this is only the case when the locking bolt engages properly and the system connects and the clutch closes. If the bolt accidentally would not close, the distance would be so large that the read-write head with the disk just could not exchange data.

Due to the construction according to the invention both the read-write head as well as the disk are similar to the hydraulic clutches housed protected in the plate-shaped carriers of the quick coupling. The incorporation of the read / write head, on the one hand, and the data carrier, on the other hand, in the disc-shaped carrier, which is a kind of "shielded steel plate", and the small spacing, as stated above, suppresses damage and also malfunctions of the system during operation , As a result, operation in safety-sensitive areas, such as the nuclear field, possible. If, for example, a radio system with a large transmission distance were used here, safe working would not necessarily be possible since the susceptibility to interference increases proportionately as the transmission distance increases.

Only by the constant spacing of the plate-shaped carrier from each other, the tool recognition means consisting of read-write head and data carrier, which are formed for example as an inductive system, are made possible.

In conjunction with this possibility of tool recognition according to the invention, a perfect position detection of the SWA can be made possible in connection with the monitoring system already used today in construction machines. As a result, the security is further increased.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the subsequent claims to the main claim.

Accordingly, at least one of the two plate-shaped carrier can be part of an elastic compensation system. Such a compensation system allows a minimum gap spacing, so that here the desired position for the read-write head on the one hand and the disk on the other hand defined ingestible. The type of the corresponding compensation system is already in the DE 101 59 417 C2 described herein incorporated by reference.

Accordingly, the compensation system can be carried out according to a further embodiment of the invention by means of compression springs on which support the respective plate-shaped support.

By this compensation system and in particular the spring support is always the optimal alignment of the plate-shaped support each other guaranteed. The read-write head as well as the data carrier can be arranged within the plate-shaped carrier. According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the read-write head as well as the disk but also on attachments that connect to the plate-shaped carriers may be arranged.

An existing for the coupling system cleaning system can be used simultaneously as a cleaning system for the read-write head and the disk. This is particularly advantageous when using construction machines, in which just can pollute the surfaces of the plate-shaped carrier.

The disks may contain complete records of the tool specific information.

In addition, the complete records that are stored on the disk may also contain operational data, such as tool life data. Such data are of particular interest to various applications. Thus, for example, when used as a rental tool by the landlord accurate billing after the appropriate use be made. Data can also be determined as to which tool was used on which excavator for how long. In a memory of the data processing of the excavator, the different data for each tool used can be detected, so that here a total load of the excavator is calculated. Via a corresponding data interface, data of the tool can also be read out to the outside via an interface on the excavator so that it can be interrogated centrally at a monitoring station.

The automatic tool recognition function enables the warning to be issued when the implement is coupled to the excavator if the tool is unsuitable for the particular excavator or the work to be performed.

The identification of the tool also makes it possible to protect the excavator, for example by preventing a tool from being coupled with incorrect hydraulic oil. It is advantageous in addition to the ability to recognize the shape and position of a coupled tool, (for example, display in the screen) and the possibility of calculating the stability of the construction machine, possible, the force acting on the tool forces to protect the tool or of the excavator. Thus, for example, a too diminished spoon can be protected from destruction. Due to such a force limit to be provided, it is also possible that the tool tells a maximum load, which may not be exceeded. This can for example lead to a uniform, optimal compression with, for example, a mounted vibrating plate, a mounted roller compactor or the like. On the other hand, it can also allow a compaction measurement. However, the controlled introduction of a maximum force can also make it safer when handling a corresponding construction machine, such as an excavator, for handling materials. For example, by limiting the force of an excavator grab, the bottom of a ship's hull can be protected.

Further features, details and advantages of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawing.

Fig. 1:

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Schnellkupplung nach einer bevorzugten Ausführung der Erfindung, die ein Paar mechanischer Schnellkupplungsteile sowie eine Hydraulikkupplung aufweist, wobei die mechanischen Schnellkupplungsteile nur mit einer von zwei Verriegelungsachsen in Eingriff sind und die Hydraulikkupplung noch nicht gekuppelt ist,

Fig. 2:

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Schnellkupplung nach Fig. 1, wobei die Schnellkupplungsteile im zusammengeschwenkten Zustand mit gekuppelter Hydraulikkupplung dargestellt sind.

Fig. 3:

eine vergrößerte Teilschnittansicht der Schnellkupplung, die die Hydraulikkupplung zeigt, kurz bevor die Kupplung kuppelt,

Fig. 4:

eine Teilschnittansicht ähnlich derjenigen gemäß Fig. 4, wobei die Hydraulikkupplung in vollständig zusammengefahrenem Zustand gezeigt ist,

Fig. 5:

eine Schnittdarstellung eines Bauteils der Kupplung und eine perspektivische Darstellung desselben,

Fig. 6:

eine Seitenansicht der Schnellkupplung nach der hier dargestellten bevorzugten Ausführung der Erfindung,

die Fig. 7, 8 und 9:

perspektivische Ansichten von Teilen der Schnellkupplung gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung und hierzu zugeordnet vergrößerte Detaildarstellungen.

Show it:

Fig. 1:

a perspective view of a quick coupling according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, comprising a pair of mechanical quick coupling parts and a hydraulic coupling, wherein the mechanical quick coupling parts are engaged only with one of two locking axes and the hydraulic clutch is not yet coupled,

Fig. 2:

a perspective view of the quick coupling after Fig. 1 , wherein the quick coupling parts are shown in the swung-together state with coupled hydraulic clutch.

3:

an enlarged partial sectional view of the quick coupling, showing the hydraulic clutch, just before the clutch couples,

4:

a partial sectional view similar to that according to Fig. 4 with the hydraulic clutch shown in fully collapsed condition,

Fig. 5:

a sectional view of a component of the coupling and a perspective view of the same,

Fig. 6:

a side view of the quick coupling according to the preferred embodiment of the invention shown here,

Figs. 7, 8 and 9:

perspective views of parts of the quick coupling according to the present invention and associated therewith enlarged detail views.

The quick coupling 1 shown in the figures has a boom-side quick coupling part 2, which is pivotally mounted on the stem 3 of a boom of a hydraulic excavator and can be pivoted about a pivot not shown in a conventional manner to the longitudinal axis of the stem 3 vertical pivot axis 4. The quick coupling 1 further has a tool-side quick coupling part 5, which is connected to a hydraulic excavator tool. This can be z. B. a gripping tool with a rotating mechanism 6, which is hydraulically actuated.

The two parts 2 and 5 of the quick coupling 1 are connected to each other via two parallel, spaced apart locking axes 7 and 8 locked together. The locking shafts 7 and 8 extend as in FIG Fig. 1 shown, parallel to the pivot axis 4, by which the quick coupling 1 can be pivoted relative to the stem 3. In the Fig. 1 the locking bolt 8 is shown in an extended view. It can be hydraulically engaged and retracted.

The first of the two locking axes 7 is on the one hand by a provided on the tool-side quick coupling part 5 transverse pin 9 and a pair on the boom-side quick coupling part 2 provided locking hook 10 is formed. The locking hooks 10 can be hooked on the cross bolt 9 so that it can be gripped by the locking hooks 10 and the tool-side quick coupling part 5 can be raised (see. Fig. 6 ).

As Fig. 2 6, the locking hooks 10 are hook-shaped recesses open to one side, which surround the transverse bolt 9 in the form of a half shell. The Hakenausnehmungen are open to the side of the quick coupling part 2, which is remote from the second locking axis 8.

The second locking axis 8 is formed on the one hand by a divisible locking bolt pair 11 and an associated pair of locking holes 12. As Fig. 6 shows that locking pin pair 11 is arranged on the boom-side quick coupling part 2 and can be by a known drive mechanism, preferably hydraulically retracted and extended. The locking holes 12 are formed in the tool-side quick coupling part 5. As Fig. 1 can recognize both the boom-side quick coupling part 2 and the tool-side quick coupling part 5 spaced apart, substantially vertical support pieces which are spaced differently from each other, so that the plate-shaped support the boom-side quick coupling part between the plate-shaped support of the tool-side quick coupling part 5 can retract.

For coupling the two quick coupling parts 2 is first retracted with the boom-side quick coupling part 2 in the tool-side quick coupling part 5 and gripped with the hook-shaped locking recesses 10 of the transverse pin of the opposite quick coupling part (see. Fig. 6 ). By slightly raising the boom-side quick coupling part 2, it can be ensured that the tool-side quick coupling part 5 falls securely into the hook-shaped locking recess 10. To lock the second locking axle 8, the boom-side quick coupling part 2 is then pivoted about the pivot axis 4, so that as a result the two quick coupling parts 2 and 5 are pivoted together about the first locking axis 7. The two quick coupling parts 2 and 5 are pivoted together so far that the locking pin pair 11 and the associated locking holes 12 are aligned. Then, the locking bolts 11 are preferably moved apart by hydraulic loading, so that they retract into the locking holes 12. By the two locking axes 7 and 8, the two quick coupling parts 2 and 5 are firmly locked together.

In order to prevent an offset of the two quick coupling halves and thus damage to the sensitive hydraulic coupling during pivoting of the two quick coupling parts 2 and 5 about the first locking axle 7, the two quick coupling parts 2 and 5 may be provided with a pivoting guide 44 (see. Fig. 6 ).

To supply tool-side drive elements with energy, the quick coupling 1 is associated with a hydraulic clutch 13, which connects a boom-side hydraulic circuit with a tool-side hydraulic circuit z. B., the rotating mechanism 1 according to Fig. 1 hydraulically operated. It can be provided and coupled further drive elements and accordingly more hydraulic circuits.

The hydraulic clutch 13 comprises two power coupling parts 14 and 15 which are mounted on the one hand on the boom-side quick coupling part 2 and on the other hand on the tool-side quick coupling part 5.

They are arranged on the first locking axis 7 and 8 opposite sides of the quick coupling parts 2 and 5, in each case at the same distance from the first locking axis 7, so that they drive one another when pivoting the two quick coupling parts 5. In principle, they could also be arranged between the two locking axes 7 and 8. Preferably, however, they are outside of the limited by the two locking axes 7 and 8 area, since the latter experience shows to contamination tends and is difficult to access. The arrangement of the power coupling parts 14 and 15 outside the locking shafts 7 and 8, these are less prone and better to maintain. As the Fig. 1 shows the power coupling parts 14 and 15 respectively between the vertical support pieces 16 of the boom-side quick coupling part 2 and the vertical support pieces 17 of the tool-side quick coupling part 5 are arranged. They are protected by this. In particular, they are not on the quick coupling parts 2 and 5 over such that the power coupling parts 14 and 15 would be pressed into the ground when the corresponding quick coupling parts 2 are sold at the bottom.

Both power coupling parts 14 and 15 combine a plurality of power couplings. They are each designed as a connector block, in which a plurality of connector pieces 18 are combined.

According to the in the Fig. 1 illustrated embodiment, the arranged on the jib-side quick coupling part 2 power coupling part 14 is fixedly mounted with its plate-like carrier, ie it is rigid relative to the quick coupling part 2. The attached to the tool-side quick coupling part power coupling part 15 with its plate-shaped carrier is movably mounted on this. As the Fig. 3 shows, the entire power coupling part 15 is seated on a spring assembly 21, which consists of 4 arranged in the embodiment pressure springs in the embodiment shown. The compression springs 22 are attached on the one hand to angle plates which are arranged in the vertical support pieces of the tool-side quick coupling part 5. On the other hand, the cylindrical spring elements 22 are connected to the plate-shaped carrier 20 of the power coupling part 15, preferably screwed. The springs 22 have a sufficient height and elasticity, so that the power coupling part 15 can be multiaxially displaced or tilted. The spring arrangement 21 forms a multi-axially movable mounting for the energy coupling part 15 so that it can compensate for an offset to the opposite energy coupling part 14, in particular due to the pivoting movement of the quick coupling parts 2 and 5.

Like from the Fig. 6 shows, drive the two power coupling parts 14 and 15 automatically by the Zusammenschwenkbewegung the quick coupling parts 2 and 5 in synchronism with these. The power coupling parts 14 and 15 experience a circular path movement about the first locking axis 7. Since the connector pieces 18 on the two power coupling parts 14 and 15, however, must be moved together linearly, the pivotal movement of the power coupling parts 14 and 15 is compensated by the spring assembly 21. In order to ensure an exactly linear movement, the hydraulic clutch 13 is associated with a linear guide, which ensures that the power coupling parts 14 and 15 are driven in spite of the pivotal movement of the quick coupling parts 2 and 5 exactly along a straight line. The linear guide 23 consists in the illustrated embodiment of a pair of guide pins 24 and associated guide holes 25 (see. Fig. 3 ), which retract said guide pins 24 when the two power coupling parts 14 and 15 move together. They force the springs 22 to a deflection in order to compensate for the pivoting movement component. In addition, offset due to tolerances in the assembly are also compensated (see. Fig. 3 and 4 ).

As in particular in the Fig. 3 and 4 can be seen, a read-write head 30 and in the plate-shaped carrier 20 of the power coupling part 15, a data carrier 32 are arranged in the plate-shaped carrier of the power coupling part 15. The read-write head 30 and data carrier 32 must in the coupled state, as in Fig. 4 shown, only a minimum distance of a few millimeters from each other in order to transmit the data can (inductive system). Due to the aforementioned locking mechanism, however, it is ensured that the energy coupling parts 14 and 15 come to lie exactly opposite one another. This ensures that the read / write head 30 on the one hand and the data carrier 32 on the other hand are arranged in the exactly aligned position relative to one another.

In Fig. 5 the plate-shaped support 20 is shown in section and in perspective view. In section, the data carrier 32 in the plate-shaped carrier 20th used. In the corresponding perspective view, the data carrier 32 is shown prior to insertion into the corresponding receiving opening 31 of the plate-shaped carrier 20. The data carrier 32 may be glued into the opening, for example.

From the FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 and the relevant details again the exact position of the respective read-write head or the data carrier is clear.

In the Fig. 1 the quick coupling is shown in uncoupled state. Here, however, the corresponding locking pin 11 are already extended, so that a correct coupling by retracting the locking pin 11 into the corresponding locking holes 12 are no longer possible. In this state, the read / write head 30 and the data carrier 32 can not communicate with each other because they are too far apart. As a result, at the same time a backup is given to the hand that the quick coupling is not properly coupled.

Claims (8)

1. Construction machine with a quick coupling (1) for coupling a tool to a boom (3) having a quick coupling part (2) on the boom side and a quick coupling part (5) on the tool side with a power circuit coupling, in particular hydraulic coupling (13), with plate-like supports (14, 20) of the power coupling parts (14, 15) for automatically coupling a power connection on the tool side to a power connection on the boom side, with there being integrated in the plate-like supports (14, 20), on the one hand, male or female connector pieces (18) as power connections and, spaced therefrom, at least one guide bolt (24) or at least one guide bore (25) which, in the coupled state, ensure that the plate-like supports (14, 20) lie on top of one another in an accurately fitting manner such that the plate-like supports (14, 20) are arranged largely parallel to one another with the formation of a slight gap, characterized in that a write/read head (30) is arranged in or on one of the two plate-like supports (14, 20) and in that a data carrier (32) is arranged in the opposite plate-like support in such a way that both can exchange data with one another in the coupled state.
2. Construction machine with a quick coupling (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the two plate-like supports (14, 20) is part of an elastic compensation system.
3. Construction machine with a quick coupling (1) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the respective plate-like support (14, 20) is mounted on compression springs (22) to form the elastic compensation system.
4. Construction machine with a quick coupling (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that both the write/read head (30) and the data carrier (32) are arranged on add-on parts adjacent to the plate-like supports (14, 20).
5. Construction machine with a quick coupling (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that complete data records with the information specific to the tool are contained in the data carrier (32).
6. Construction machine with a quick coupling (1) according to Claim 5, characterized in that the complete data records also contain operating data, such as data on the period of use of the tool.
7. Construction machine with a quick coupling (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a cleaning system which is present for the coupling system and which can be placed on the plate-like supports (14, 20) can also be used for cleaning the surface of the write/read head (30) and the surface of the data carrier (32).
8. Construction machine with a quick coupling (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the forces to be transmitted from the construction machine to the tool can be limited in predeterminable ranges corresponding to the transmitted data.

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