EP1593781B1 - Combination of a loader device and a carrier structure. - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a combination of charger device and carrier structure, wherein the charger device has a first component and a second component, which is pivotally connected to the first component, and a third component, which is connectable to the carrier structure and upon movement of the first and second component moving toward the support structure or away from the support structure, such movement causing substantially automatic attachment or detachment to or from the support structure, wherein at least one connection element is provided which effectively connects the support structure to the third component.

Tractor loader devices in the past required the operator to leave his driver's seat to manually operate a locking mechanism that secured the attachment of the loader device to the tractor's frame. The installation or removal of the charger device took a long time and the mechanism had a significant number of components.

The US-A-5,895,199 discloses a combination of a loader device and a carrier frame of a tractor. The combination has a plurality of components that are arranged and configured such that an automatic attachment and detachment of the charger device to or from the carrier frame is made possible. The coupling and uncoupling, however, is complex and complicated.

The object underlying the invention is seen to provide a charger device which simpler and faster on a tractor or can be dismantled. Further, the invention has for its object to provide a charger device having fewer components and is easier to operate from the driver's seat.

The object is achieved by the teaching of claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments and modifications of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

According to the invention, a cam mechanism is provided in a combination of the type mentioned at the beginning, which cam mechanism is fastened to at least one of the first and third components, wherein the cam mechanism permits adjustable movements of at least one of the first, second or third components relative to the carrier structure in order to reduce the device allowed by the support structure.

Thus, a charger device and a mechanism for mounting and dismounting the charger device to a tractor are proposed. The driver need not leave his driver's seat to assemble or disassemble the charger, except for connecting or disconnecting hydraulic lines to supply the hydraulic cylinders. Maintenance and other measures relating to the loader device or tractor may be made more easily without the need for additional time to assemble or disassemble the loader device.

The loader device essentially enables automatic attachment and removal of the tractor, it has a small number of components compared to previous devices. With the present invention, a vehicle operator is capable of attaching and removing the loader device from the tractor easier and with less effort to control.

Reference to the drawing, which shows an embodiment of the invention, the invention and further advantages and advantageous developments and refinements of the invention are described and explained in more detail below.

Fig. 1

eine Seitenansicht einer Aufnahmevorrichtung für eine Ladervorrichtung an den Rahmen eines landwirtschaftlichen Schleppers,

Fig. 2

eine Seitenansicht der Ladervorrichtung aus Figur 1 beim Abbau vom Rahmen des Schleppers in einem ersten Schritt,

Fig. 3

eine Seitenansicht der Ladervorrichtung aus Figur 1 beim Abbau vom Rahmen des Schleppers in einem zweiten Schritt,

Fig. 4

eine Seitenansicht der Ladervorrichtung aus Figur 1 beim Abbau vom Rahmen des Schleppers bei Abschluss eines dritten oder letzten Schrittes,

Fig. 5

eine Seitenansicht eines Nockenmechanismus von der gegenüberliegenden Seite der Ladervorrichtung und seine Verbindung zur Ladervorrichtung aus Figur 1, wobei der Nockenmechanismus eine Konstruktion aufweist, die zum Feststellen des Nockenmechanismus beim An- oder Abbau der Ladervorrichtung an den Rahmen des Schleppers dient,

Fig. 6

eine perspektivische Seitenansicht des Nockenmechanismus und seine Verbindung gemäß Figur 5, wobei der Nockenmechanismus insbesondere in einer Position gezeigt wird, in der die Ladervorrichtung gesichert an den Rahmen des Schleppers montiert ist,

Fig. 7

eine perspektivische Seitenansicht der Aufnahmevorrichtung für die Ladervorrichtung an einer vorderen Seite des Rahmens des Schleppers,

Fig. 8

eine perspektivische Seitenansicht in Schnittdarstellung, in der die Anordnung eines Bereichs an einem hinteren Rahmenteil des Schleppers zur Ladervorrichtung dargestellt wird,

Fig. 9

eine Seitenansicht in Schnittdarstellung, in der, gemäß Figur 8, die Anordnung des Bereichs des Rahmenteils zur Ladervorrichtung dargestellt wird, wenn die Ladervorrichtung vom Rahmenteil abgebaut ist,

Fig. 10

eine Seitenansicht in Schnittdarstellung, in der, gemäß Figur 8, die Anordnung des Bereichs des Rahmenteils zur Ladervorrichtung dargestellt wird, wenn die Ladervorrichtung an den Rahmenteil angebaut ist,

Fig. 11

eine Seitenansicht in Schnittdarstellung, in der, gemäß Figur 8, die Anordnung des Bereichs des Rahmenteils zur Ladervorrichtung dargestellt wird, wenn die Ladervorrichtung an den Rahmenteil gerade abgebaut wird.

It shows:

Fig. 1

a side view of a receiving device for a loading device to the frame of an agricultural tractor,

Fig. 2

a side view of the charger device FIG. 1 when dismantling from the frame of the tractor in a first step,

Fig. 3

a side view of the charger device FIG. 1 when dismantling from the frame of the tractor in a second step,

Fig. 4

a side view of the charger device FIG. 1 when dismantling from the frame of the tugboat at the conclusion of a third or last step,

Fig. 5

a side view of a cam mechanism from the opposite side of the charger and its connection to the charger device FIG. 1 wherein the cam mechanism has a construction for detecting the cam mechanism when attaching or detaching the charger device to the frame of the tractor,

Fig. 6

a side perspective view of the cam mechanism and its connection according to FIG. 5 wherein the cam mechanism is shown in particular in a position in which the charger device is mounted secured to the frame of the tractor,

Fig. 7

a side perspective view of the receiving device for the loading device on a front side of the frame of the tractor,

Fig. 8

a side perspective view in section, in which the arrangement of an area is shown on a rear frame part of the tractor to the loading device,

Fig. 9

a side view in section, in which, according to FIG. 8 , the arrangement of the area the frame part is shown to the charger device when the charger device is dismantled from the frame part,

Fig. 10

a side view in section, in which, according to FIG. 8 in that the arrangement of the region of the frame part to the loading device is represented when the loading device is attached to the frame part,

Fig. 11

a side view in section, in which, according to FIG. 8 in that the arrangement of the region of the frame part to the charger device is represented when the charger device is being dismantled to the frame part.

In FIG. 1 Fig. 3 is a side view of a loader device 20 connected to a support structure, such as a frame 22 of an agricultural tractor (not shown). As can be seen, the charger device 20 on a first, second and third component, which are functionally interconnected and formed as a mast 24, rocker 26 and strut 28. Together, the frame 22 and the charger 20 form an attachment assembly 30.

A hydraulic cylinder 32, as in the FIGS. 1 to 4 shown, has various hydraulic connections (not shown) and is connected at a first end 34 to the rocker 26. At a second end 36, the cylinder 32 is connected to both the rocker 26 and a tool, such as a bucket 38, such that the driver of the tractor makes a desired movement can perform. In this case, a tool other than the blade 38 can be operated in conjunction with the described charger device 20.

As in FIG. 1 2, the charger device 20 is connected to the frame 22 at respective front and rear frame portions 40, 42. Since the loader device 20 and the frame portions 40, 42 to which it is connected are arranged symmetrically to a longitudinal axis "X" of the tractor, only the left side of the front and rear frame portions 40, 42 of the frame 22 will be described in more detail.

In FIG. 1 2 shows how the charger device 20 is operated in a first mode in which it is fully connected to the frame 22 of the tractor. As illustrated, the mast 24 of the loader apparatus 20 includes upper and lower end portions 44, 46. At its lower end portion 46, the mast 24 has a substantially open formwork, so that a receiving portion 48 is formed, which is connected to the rear frame portion 42 of the frame 22 in combination (see FIGS. 1 to 4 ).

As in FIG. 8 shown, the rear frame portion 42 of the frame 22 is partially formed in the form of a tube 50. At a first end portion 52 thereof, the tube 50 has a mounting plate 54 for attachment to the body of the tractor. At a second end 55, the tube 50 alternately rising and falling portions 58, 60 on. Starting from the second end region 55, the tube 50 further has a cylinder bolt 62 mounted thereon.

From the FIGS. 1 to 4 shows that the upper end portion 44 of the mast 24 at a point "a" is pivotally connected to the rocker 26 and cooperates with this. As shown, a lift cylinder 64 (supplied by hydraulic lines (not shown)) connects rocker 26 and strut 28 at points "b" and "c".

The strut 28 is pivotally mounted to the mast 24 at a point "d" and extends laterally therefrom. The strut 28 includes a ground engaging portion formed, for example, as a foot-like portion 66. The foot-like portion 66 includes at least one upper and lower connecting member 68, 70 which are spaced from each other and for connection to the front frame portion 40 of the frame 22, as in the FIGS. 1 to 4 and 7 is shown.

The lower connecting element 70 has a round and the upper connecting element 68 has a rectangular cross-section. The engagement of the connecting elements 68, 70 via bearing-like segments 72, 74 on the front frame portion 40 of the frame 22 at the points "e" and "f", and opposite tongues 76, which extend downwardly from the frame 22.

In the FIGS. 1 to 4 and 7 It can be seen that the lower connecting element 70 is formed as part of a bracket 78. The bracket 78 is pivotally mounted to the foot-like portion 66 at a point "g" so as to allow movement relative to the front frame portion 40 of the frame 22 during attachment and disassembly of the loader assembly 20. Furthermore, the lower link 70 is connected to a pair of laterally opposed and upwardly directed tabs 80.

Due to the embodiments described above and due to the fact that the connecting elements 68, 70 are aligned parallel to each other and spaced from each other, as in the FIGS. 1 to 4 and 7 As can be seen, the strut 28 can transmit a useful clamping force to the front frame portion 40 of the frame 22. As a result, the vehicle operator can generally be assured that the loader device 20 will not disengage from the tractor, even in the heaviest working conditions.

With the above-described connection of the connecting elements 68, 70 to the front frame portion 40 of the frame 22, substantially eliminates the need for a separate lock and a stabilizing structure to hold the charger device 20 in position. Instead, the connecting elements 68, 70 themselves contribute to take over these functions, since the connecting elements 68, 70 abut the front frame area 40 of the frame 22 simply and securely. As a result, compared to previous designs, a cheaper and easier to manufacture charger device can be produced.

As shown in the figures, at the point "h", a cam mechanism 82 is pivotally connected to the strut 28 about this point. The cam mechanism 82 includes a body 84 having an actuator, exemplified as a handle 86, for rotating the body 84 relative to the point "h" in a forward or reverse direction, as detailed in FIGS Figures 5 and 6 is shown. The body 84 further includes a housing 88, as in FIG FIG. 5 shown, which has an extendable part, for example a bolt 90, receives. The bolt 90 is adjustably positionable with respect to the housing 88 to make or avoid contact with an arcuate abutment surface 92 on the mast 24.

The cam mechanism 82 is shown in conjunction with a locking arm 94, both of which are accessible from the driver's seat of the tractor. The locking arm 94 is formed, for example in the form of a leaf spring. As in the FIGS. 1 and 5 The locking arm 94 is fixedly secured to the strut 28 at points "i" and adjustably fitted into the body 84 of the cam mechanism 82 at a point "j", the fit being by means of a tab 96 extending from a side surface 98 of the body 84 extends.

As in FIG. 6 The spring 100 is housed in an inner space 102 of the (cam) body 84 and connected to the strut 28 at a point "k" to maintain a positioning relative to Support point "h" in reverse or forward direction.

As in FIG. 1 shown, the bolt 90 is in a abutting position to the contact surface 92 when the handle 86 is rotated to beyond the point "h". Such a position is characteristic of a first mode in which the loading device 20 is fully engaged with the frame 22 of the tractor, where, as already mentioned, the mast 24 fits into the rear frame portion 42 of the frame 22 and the foot-like portion 66 of FIG Strut 28 is clamped in the front frame portion 40 of the frame 22. In this first mode, the driver can determine the position of the driver Adjust the head of the bolt 90 so that it substantially engages with the contact surface 92 of the mast 24. The ability to adjust the length of the bolt 90 in the housing 88, allows the driver to adjust the position of the mast 24 relative to the strut 28. Such a possibility is in the cases in which cause wear, whether between the foot-like part 66 and the front frame part 40 of the frame 22 or the rear frame part 42 of the frame 22 and the receiving area 48 or in the leadership of the bolt 90th on the contact surface 92, that the holder of the charger device on the frame 22 can solve.

In FIG. 1 It can be seen that the first mode is present when (a) the bolt 90 is substantially in contact with the abutment surface 92 of the mast 24 and (b) the receiving portion 48 of the mast 24 rests completely on the rear frame portion 42 of the frame 22. It is envisaged that the vehicle driver the locking arm 94 in the in FIG. 1 shown position to hold the position of the body 84 of the cam mechanism 82 and thus of the bolt 90.

In the FIGS. 2 to 4 a second mode is shown concerning the removal of the loader device 20 from the tractor. Starting with FIG. 2 It is shown that in a first step to disassemble the charger device 20, the locking arm 94 is released by this at its handle 104 (see FIG. 5 ) is pulled outward from its fitting with the nose 96. After this release, the handle 86 can be fully moved in the forward direction relative to the point "h". This forward movement of the handle 86 rotates the body 84 of the cam mechanism 82 such that the bolt 90 is out of its position Contact position with the contact surface 92 of the mast 24 is brought. As a further consequence of this forward movement, an end portion 106 of the body 84 of the cam mechanism 82 is brought into a stop position with the abutment surface 92 of the mast 24.

Such a stop occurs when the first disassembly step is continued, particularly when the operator extends the lift cylinder 64. The extension of the lift cylinder 64 causes the bucket 38 to be displaced along the ground surface. As soon as this occurs, the receiving area 48 of the mast 24 is still substantially retained on the rear frame portion 42 of the frame 22, but undergoes a slight rotational movement in the forward direction relative to the frame 22. This rotation, due to the stop and the pivotal connection of the strut 28 enters the mast 24 at point "d" causes the upper link 68 of the footed member 66 (a) to move forward to expose the bearing-like segment 72 and (b) downwardly and forward of the forward frame portion 40 is moved. Once the upper link 68 moves downwardly and forward of the front frame portion 40, the lower link 70 simply disengages from its abutment with the front frame portion 40 at point "i".

In a second step in the dismantling of the lifting cylinder 64 is further extended. During this extension, the body 84 of the cam mechanism 82 is still held against the arcuate abutment surface 92 of the mast 24. As a result, the foot-like member 66 is moved toward the ground and comes in contact with it, as in FIG. 3 is shown.

As in FIG. 4 is shown, a third and last step is achieved when the driver, the lifting cylinder 64 extends completely. Upon reaching this fully extended position, the foot-like member 66 is brought into a substantially vertical position relative to the frame 22 and to the ground surface. At substantially the same time as fully extending, the receiving area 48 of the mast 24 disengages from the rear frame area 42 of the frame 22 as shown in FIG FIG. 9 is shown in more detail.

In particular, as in FIG. 9 is shown, the receiving portion 48 of the mast 24 comprises a first and a second groove 108, 110. The first groove 108 extends from the point "l" to the point "m" and has a surface with which the mounted cylinder pin 62 in Contact occurs when the mast 24 is placed on the rear frame portion 42 of the frame 22. Such a contact is in particular in FIG. 10 shown in point "1".

In contrast to the position of the attached cylinder pin 62 in FIG. 10 , shows FIG. 11 a position between the points "l" and "m", such a position occurring when the charger device 20 is dismantled from the frame 22. It is clear that the patch cylinder pin 62 is not applied to an end point of the groove 108. As a result, the mast 24 may move relative to the rear frame portion 42 of the frame 22.

The second groove 110 provides clearance for the rising portion 58 to be movable when the loading device 20 is attached to / from the rear frame portion 42 of FIG Frame 22 is grown / dismantled. Further, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that contact between the first groove 108 and the attached cylinder stud 62 serves to substantially prevent over-rotation of the mast 24 away from the rear frame portion 42 of the frame 22. In addition, such overturning is also avoided as in FIG. 10 is shown that the rising portion 58 abuts against an inner segment 113 of the receiving area 48.

As is apparent from the above, the driver does not have to leave the driver's seat of the tractor when attaching or detaching the loader device 20, except for connecting or disconnecting hydraulic lines serving to supply the hydraulic cylinders. Accordingly, a person skilled in the art will recognize the simplification with which the present arrangement provides a connection as compared to older loader designs which require the driver to leave his driver's seat to manually operate a detent mechanism to secure the loader device to a frame between charger and frame allows. Accordingly, as also apparent from the above description, maintenance and other measures related to the tractor or charger 20 itself can be more easily performed without the need for additional time, especially for the attachment or removal of the charger 20 ,

It should also be noted that when the charger device 20 is completely dismantled, the mast 24 is positioned far enough away from the ground surface that contact with the front tires (not shown) of the tractor is avoided when the tractor is removed from the charger device 20.

It should be noted that mounting the charger 20 to the frame 22 of the tractor, of course, requires the same steps as described above, but in reverse order. For example, when placing the mast 24 on the rear frame portion 42 of the frame 22, the hydraulic cylinder 64 would be retracted (such that it would be different from the one in FIG FIG. 4 shown position in the FIG. 1 shown position is brought). At the same time that the seating area 48 is being seated on the rear frame portion 42 of the frame 22, retraction of the hydraulic cylinder 64 causes the foot portion 66 of the strut 28 to lift upwardly away from the ground surface and thereafter into a substantial fitted connection with the front frame portion 40 of the frame 22nd

Regarding the above-mentioned fitted connection and with regard, for example, to the FIGS. 3 to 7 5, it will be appreciated that when the foot-like member 66 comes into contact with the front frame portion 40 of the frame 22, the upper link 68 is retracted into its seat into the bearing-like segment 72. As the upper connector 68 continues to be pulled into its seat, the bracket 78 pivots about the point "g" as soon as guide members 114 disposed thereon maneuver the lower connector 70 into the bearing-like segment 74. As this seat becomes more and more complete, the tabs 80 become able to engage the tabs 76 to secure the position of the foot-like member 66 to the front frame portion 40 of the frame 22. Other guide elements 115, as in FIG. 7 are shown on the Rear of the lower connecting member 70 are arranged and serve to center the lower connecting member 70 relative to the end portions of the front frame portion 40.

Thus, a description has been given of an arrangement for mounting or dismounting a device to a support structure. As stated above, this arrangement, by means of positioning its various components, allows a substantially automatic attachment or disassembly of a loading device relative to several areas of the frame 22 of the tractor. For an attachment operation, such assembly requires only a minimal number of components, thereby providing a vehicle operator with easier and lesser attachment and removal operations associated with a charger device 20, as compared to prior embodiments of similar-purpose arrangements To carry out effort.

Although the invention has been described by way of example only, in the light of the above description and the drawing, many different alternatives, modifications and variants, which fall under the present invention, which are defined by the claims, will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims (15)

1. Combination of a loader apparatus (20) and a support structure (22) designed as a frame of a tractor, the loader apparatus having a first component (24) and a second component (26), which is connected pivotably to the first component (24), and a third component (28), which can be connected to the support structure (22) and, when the first and second component (24, 26) move, moves towards the support structure (22) or away from the support structure (22), such movement bringing about substantially automatic attachment to or detachment from the support structure (22), at least one connecting element (68, 70) being provided, which connects the support structure (22) effectively to the third component (28), characterized in that a cam mechanism (82) is provided, which is fastened at least to one of the first and third components (24, 28), the cam mechanism (82) allowing adjustable movements at least of one of the first, second or third components (24, 26, 28) relative to the support structure (22) in order to enable detachment of the apparatus (20) from the support structure (22).
2. Combination according to Claim 1, characterized in that the cam mechanism (82) can be moved between first and second positions in order to releasably restrict or to allow movement of the apparatus (20) relative to the support structure (22).
3. Combination according to one of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the cam mechanism (82) can be brought into engagement with the first component (24), the cam mechanism (82) being rotatable between alternate positions in order to prevent or permit movement at least of one of the first, second or third components.
4. Combination according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the cam mechanism (82) has both a body (84) and an extension piece (90), the extension piece (90) being arranged substantially in a housing (88) formed on the body (84) and being capable of being selectively adjusted thereon in order to enable abutment with the first component (24).
5. Combination according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first component (24) is designed to be received by the support structure (22), and can be moved towards the support structure (22) or away from the support structure (22), and in that the second component (26) is designed to receive an implement (38).
6. Combination according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the third component (28) is connected to the first component (24) for operation in a first and a second mode, operation of the first component (24) in the second mode bringing about a movement of the third component (28) in which the third component (28) is moved relative to the support structure (22) into a substantially non-horizontal position, as a result of which the third component (28) assists stabilization of the apparatus (20) and of an implement (38) relative to a ground surface.
7. Combination according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, in a first position, the third component (28) is aligned substantially horizontal relative to the support structure (22) and, in a second position, is aligned substantially vertical relative to the support structure (22).
8. Combination according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the third component (28) has a part (66) that can be brought into engagement with the ground surface and assists stabilization of the first and second component (24, 26) and of the implement (38) relative to the ground surface.
9. Combination according to Claim 8, characterized in that the part (66) that can be brought into engagement with the ground surface has at least one element (68, 70) which is received by the support structure (22) and assists the detachment of the first and third component (24, 28) from the support structure while at least one of the first and third components (24, 28) is being moved.
10. Combination according to Claim 9, characterized in that the at least one element (68, 70) comprises a part which is designed as a counterpart to the support structure (22) and enters into engagement with the latter.
11. Combination according to one of Claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the at least one element (68, 70) is designed as a connecting element which is in contact with the support structure (22) and enters releasably into engagement with the support structure (22) as a counterpart thereof.
12. Combination according to Claim 11, characterized in that the connecting elements are arranged spaced apart and can be placed on the support structure (22).
13. Combination according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the combination can be operated in a first and a second mode, the first component (24) having a receiving region (48), which contributes to connection with the support structure (22), and the first component (24) being connected to the support structure (22) in the first mode and separated from the support structure (22) in the second mode, the third component (28) extending substantially laterally with respect to the first component (24) and being capable of assuming first and second positions relative to the support structure (22), each of the first and third components (24, 28) responding to a movement of the first component (24) in order either to connect or separate the loader apparatus (20) to or from the support structure (22) without the need for manually operated locking mechanisms to carry out such attachment or detachment.
14. Combination according to one of Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the support structure (22) is designed as the frame of a tractor, the first component (24) is designed as a mast, the second component (26) is designed as a boom (26) connected to the mast, at least one actuating device (64) for selective extension or retraction being provided, which is connected to the boom and the mast, and the actuating device (64) making it possible for at least one region of the boom and of the mast to be repositioned relative to one another, the third component (28) is designed as a brace (28), which is operatively connected to at least the mast or the boom, the boom comprising a component (66) which has both an engagement surface for bringing the mast abuttingly into engagement and a region for connecting the component (66) to the frame, the cam mechanism (82) being connected to the brace and having at least one body (84) and an actuating element, preferably designed as a handle (86), the actuating element being movable between at least a first and a second position, these positions being associated with the attachment and detachment of the loader apparatus relative to the frame, the positioning of the actuating element into its first position having the effect that at least part of the body (84) substantially abuts the mast (24), the positioning of the actuating element into its second position having the effect that at least part of the body (84) is moved away from the mast, the positioning of the actuating element into its second position essentially allowing automatic detachment of the loader apparatus (20) from the frame while the actuating device (64) is being extended.
15. Combination according to one of Claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the support structure (22) is designed as the frame of a tractor, the first component (24) is designed as a mast, it being possible for the mast to be supported on a first point of the frame (22), and the third component (26) is designed as a boom connected pivotably to the mast, an extendable element (64) furthermore being provided, which can be operated to move the boom relative to the mast, and the third component (28) is designed as a brace, which is connected pivotably to the mast and is designed for connection to the frame at a second point spaced apart from the first point, the cam mechanism (82) furthermore being designed in such a way that the brace and the mast are held relative to one another, the cam mechanism (82) in a first position allowing the brace to be separated from the frame and to assume a position in which the brace enters into engagement with the ground surface, with the result that the mast is substantially raised from the frame and the apparatus (20) is supported on the ground surface.

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