EP2712839A2 - Tool change frame - Google Patents

Abstract

The structure has a hook unit for hooking the structure with a tool arranged in front of a base frame. A common actuating lever is connected to latches so as to control the latches. A securing device comprises a direction spring i.e. pressure spring, which urges free end of each latch through one of through-holes. Spring force is generated by the spring by inserting the base frame between locking units (12a, 12b) of the tool. Bar ends are automatically accommodated through openings (121) in the locking units of a tool insert when the spring force is high. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a tool holder (2) a quick change device.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a carrier unit and a tool holder of a quick-change device for commercial vehicles and a quick-change device for commercial vehicles for changing tools, which are provided for attachment to the utility vehicle. The carrier unit, the tool holder and the quick-change device are designed so that the connection of commercial vehicle and tool automatically based on a purely mechanical principle and that the separation of commercial vehicle and tool requires as few handles.

STATE OF THE ART

Originally, commercial vehicles were designed to work for a particular relatively limited application. For example, forklifts were designed solely for this purpose, e.g. To handle goods on pallets, while clearing vehicles could only be used for snow removal in winter and, for example, were not used in forestry work.

Over time it has been found that it is advantageous to exchange the tools, such as fork carriage, shovels, broaching tools, sweeping tools or gripper tools to use a commercial vehicle such as a truck or a tractor in a variety of jobs can.

Commercial vehicles are therefore often provided with Euro-removable frame, can be included in the tools with a Euro-receptacle containing two hooks and two tabs arranged below the hooks. Typical euro-exchange frames contain a fixing rod, in which the hooks of the Euro-receptacle engage and a securing device, which contains two bolts, which are introduced by means of an operating lever in the tabs of the Euro-receptacle.

However, Euro-removable frame have the disadvantage that for securing the hook connection between the fixation of the Euro-removable frame and the hook of the Euro-receptacle a manual or motorized operation of the operating lever is necessary, resulting in an increased amount of time when coupling the tool to the commercial vehicle leads. Furthermore, there is a risk that the user forgets to secure the hook connection by means of the securing device, which involves considerable risks when using the tools. To uncouple the tool from the commercial vehicle, it is still necessary to move the lever manually or motor driven.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

Starting from the well-known Euro-frame and the tools with standardized Euro recordings, it is the object of the present invention to provide a carrier unit of a quick-change device for commercial vehicles, which is designed to automatically a tool, especially with Euro recording by means of a purely mechanical Coupling mechanism. Furthermore, a tool holder is to be provided, which allows automatic connection with the carrier unit according to the invention and preferably at the same time can also be coupled to a euro exchange frame. Another object of the invention is to propose a quick-change device that allows automatic, purely mechanical coupling of tools to commercial vehicles.

TECHNICAL SOLUTION

The above-mentioned objects are achieved by the carrier unit according to claim 1, the tool holder according to claim 5 and the quick-change device according to claim 9. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the respective dependent claims.

The quick-change device according to the invention for commercial vehicles for changing attachable tools on the utility vehicle comprises a carrier unit and a tool holder, wherein the carrier unit has a hook unit which can detachably hook with a holding device of the tool holder, wherein a securing device of the carrier unit is designed so that it automatically opens when connecting carrier unit and tool holder and automatically secures after connecting. In particular, the hook unit and holding device are in upper regions of carrier unit and tool holder, while the securing device, which cooperates with a securing unit, spaced from the hook unit and holding device is arranged so that when connecting tool holder and carrier unit first hook unit and holding device can be connected and as a rotation axis so that the carrier unit and the tool holder pivot toward one another until their connection is secured by the securing device. Alternatively, translational movements transversely to one another or hybrid forms of pivoting movements and translational movements for connecting the tool holder and the carrier unit are also conceivable.

A carrier unit of a quick-change device for commercial vehicles for changing tools, which can be attached to the utility vehicle, according to the invention comprises a base frame, a hook unit for hooking the carrier unit with a tool and a securing device for securing the hook connection between hook unit and tool. The base frame has a front side and two opposing side plates, each having at least one through hole. The side plates advantageously include a predetermined angle with the front. The hook unit is arranged at the front of the base frame. On a rear side of the base frame opposite the front side, the carrier unit can be connected to a commercial vehicle, for example a truck, in a material, force and / or form-fitting manner, in particular screwed and / or welded. The carrier unit may, for example, in one piece with at least one support plate, which is coupled to a lifting mechanism of a lifting mast of a forklift be formed. For connecting the base frame to the utility vehicle, a combination of a cross-engagement connection and a screw connection can also be provided. The securing device has at least two bolts each movable along the through-hole in each side plate of the base frame, a common operating lever connected to the bolts to control them together, and a spring arranged and formed to be presses free ends of the latch through the through holes, so that the free bolt ends advantageously protrude on the opposite sides of the side plates of the base frame, ie that the spring moves the latch in each case in a direction opposite to the side of the opposite side plate on. Under free ends of the bolt are here to understand the end portions of the bolt, which are arranged opposite to a connection region to the actuating lever. The spring is further designed so that a spring force can be overcome by inserting the base frame between two securing units of the tool to advantageously automatically lower the free bolt ends in the base frame, ie to guide in the direction of the respective opposite side plate of the base frame, and that the spring force large is enough to then automatically insert the free bolt ends in hole openings in the fuse units of the tool.

Advantageously, the securing units of the tool are designed as tabs. The tabs may preferably be supplemented by inclined flanks so that the flanks, as the base frame moves between the tabs, engage the free bar ends in the base frame, i. in the direction of the respective opposite side plate of the base frame, pushing. Such inclined flanks can be retrofitted to tools with standardized Euro recording to automatically connect existing tools using the carrier unit according to the invention can. The carrier unit according to the invention thus makes any manual or motorized operation of the safety device when coupling tools unnecessary and thus allows a problem-free and comfortable coupling of the respective tools to the commercial vehicles.

In order to make it possible for conventional tools with Euro receivers to be coupled automatically with the aid of the carrier unit according to the invention, the free ends of the bars projecting from the base frame can be bevelled or cone-shaped or rounded in such a way that they engage during insertion of the base frame between the two fuse units, which may be formed, for example, as tabs, automatically in the base frame, ie in the direction of the respective opposite side plate of the base frame, are pushed until they are partially or completely submerged in this or only partially or not at all out of the side plate, in particular the side facing away from the opposite side plate, hevorragen. This embodiment of the free bolt ends of the carrier unit can also be applied when using modified tool holders.

The two latches of the securing device are preferably aligned parallel to a plane of the front side of the base frame. To the latches along the through holes in the side plates of the base frame, the operating lever is preferably reciprocable between the two side plates, that is, the operating lever is capable of oscillating between the two side plates. The operating lever can, when the carrier unit is connected to the tool, that is hooked and secured, are guided along a guide and locking unit on the tool in a direction that the free bolt ends are guided or sunk into the base frame, and in one State in which the free bolt ends are inserted into the base frame or recessed in this locked. For this purpose, the actuating lever can advantageously be designed such that it can be tilted relative to a plane parallel to the front side of the base frame. In the locked state, the securing of the hook connection between the carrier unit and the tool is unlocked and can be removed by moving the base frame out of the gap between the securing units of the tool. The guiding and locking unit is preferably designed such that when the base frame is removed from the tool, the action of the guiding and locking unit on the actuating lever is released, so that the free locking ends project out of the base frame again after removal of the tool and thus the carrier unit ready to pick up another tool. The removal of a tool from the commercial vehicle thus requires only a single manual or motorized actuation of the operating lever and is then ready for the re-automatic recording of another tool. For manual release of the fuse connection between the securing device of the carrier unit and securing units of the tool, a handle may be provided which is connected to the actuating lever. For example, the handle may have at least one slot in which the actuating lever is movable to prevent or at least reduce movement of the handle during docking. For motorized release of the fuse link, for example, an electric motor or a hydraulic motor that moves the operating lever may be provided.

Alternatively or additionally, the actuating lever of the carrier unit may be designed such that it is guided during insertion of the base frame between the two securing units of the tool along a guide device on the tool in a position in which the free bolt ends of the base frame, in particular from the opposite each Side plate facing away from each side plate, protrude. Thus, the effect of the at least one spring is to push the free bolt ends out of the base frame, supported by the guidance of the actuating lever, whereby a reliable securing of the hook connection between the hook unit and the tool is ensured.

Advantageously, in particular in manual operation of the actuating lever, the guide device is formed integrally with the guiding and locking unit. On the other hand, if the operating lever is operated with a motor, at least the guiding and locking unit can be dispensed with, since the motor can hold the actuating lever in a position in which the bolt ends are sunk in the side plates.

Advantageously, the guide device and / or the guiding and locking unit with a guide edge or a guide surface, which is aligned at an angle of less than 90 °, in particular between 20 ° and 60 °, in particular of about 45 ° to the support surface and optionally with a Arresting edge or locking surface, which is aligned substantially perpendicular to the support surface provided. On the locking edge can be dispensed with a motor-operated operating lever. When inserting the base frame between the securing units of the tool, the actuating lever is guided along the guide edge or guide surface in such a way that the bolt ends are pressed out of the base frame. Advantageously, this movement is a movement along the leading edge or guide surface away from the locking edge or locking surface. On the other hand, when the operating lever is moved in the opposite direction along the leading edge of the guide surface, the free bolt ends sink into the base frame and the operating lever is then applied to the locking edge or locking surface or fixed by the motor to fix the free bolt ends in the retracted state. When removing the base frame from the tool, the lever is moved along the locking edge or locking surface and then locks due to the spring force of the spring in a position in which the bolt ends protrude from the base frame.

The carrier unit preferably has two springs, which are designed in particular as compression springs or as gas pressure springs. The springs may for example be clamped between the free bolt ends and a holder, which is preferably L-shaped and is arranged on the base frame.

The present invention further relates to a tool holder of a quick-change device for commercial vehicles for changing tools mounted on a utility vehicle can be. The tool holder according to the invention has a holding surface, arranged on the holding surface holding device for hooking the tool holder with the commercial vehicle and at least two fuse units, the hole openings for receiving bars of a securing device on the commercial vehicle for securing the connection between the holding device and the commercial vehicle. The hole openings are advantageously arranged in a region of the securing units near the holding surface. The fuse units each contain at least one plate-shaped portion, which is bent at least partially in a direction away from the respective opposite fuse unit direction. The fuse units can be designed, for example, as guide plates, which are inclined at least in a region facing away from the holding surface in such a way that a distance between the two fuse units increases. Alternatively, the securing units each have a mounting plate, in which the hole opening is introduced, and a guide plate, whose free edge or its free edge is bent in a direction opposite to the opposite guide plate, have. Free end or free edge is to be understood as a corner or edge of the guide plate facing away from the connecting region of the guide plate to the holding frame. Depending on the embodiment of the carrier unit used in connection with the tool carrier and the mounting plates can be provided with flanks pointing away from the opposite mounting plate.

The securing units allow, in particular when using a carrier unit according to the invention, an automatic connection of the tool holder and the carrier unit. However, the tool holder according to the invention can also be used in combination with an already known Euro quick-change frame, which allows only a manual or motor-driven connection of tool holder and quick-change frame. When used in combination with Euro quick-change frames, the securing units of the tool holder according to the invention make it possible to couple in case the bolt ends are not completely retracted from the opening into which the securing units are inserted. The carrier unit or the quick-change frame is preferably attached to the vehicle or integrated in the vehicle.

The tool holder is preferably designed as a separate adapter, which can be detachably connected to existing tool holders. Alternatively, however, the tool holder can also be formed integrally with the tool, in particular with one already be welded existing tool. The holding surface is preferably clamped by a frame or a back of a tool.

Advantageously, the tool holder on a guide device for controlling the movement of the latch of the safety device on the utility vehicle during the connection of the tool holder and the utility vehicle. Alternatively or additionally, the tool holder may have a guiding and locking unit, which makes it possible to remove the free locking ends of the safety device on the commercial vehicle from the hole openings of the securing unit of the tool holder and to fix the bolt in the corresponding position. The guide device and the guiding and locking unit can be formed in one piece. Especially in the case that a hand-held carrier unit according to the invention in combination with the tool holder is used, the use of the guide device and the guiding and locking unit is of particular advantage.

Preferably, the guide device and / or the guiding and locking unit is designed and arranged such that an actuating lever, which is connected to the bolts of the securing device, along the guide device and / or the guiding and locking unit can be guided. The guide device and / or the guiding and locking unit may, for example, have a guide edge or a guide surface which is aligned at an angle of less than 90 °, in particular between 20 ° and 60 °, in particular of approximately 45 °, to the holding surface. The guiding and locking unit can furthermore have a locking edge and locking surface, which is aligned substantially perpendicular to the retaining surface. When the actuating lever is moved along the leading edge or guide surface in a direction away from the locking edge or surface, the free latch ends are moved to effect securing of the hook connection between the tool carrier and the utility vehicle while guiding the actuating lever in an opposite direction in that the free bolt ends are moved in the opposite direction and thus the securing of the hook connection is released.

The present invention further relates to a quick-change device for commercial vehicles for changing tools to be mounted on commercial vehicles, wherein the quick-change device advantageously includes a carrier unit according to the invention and a tool holder according to the invention. Thus, the quick-change device, a carrier unit, which is advantageously arranged directly on the vehicle, and a tool holder, which is in particular connected to a tool. The support unit includes a base frame having a front side and two opposite side plates each having at least one through-hole, a hook unit disposed at the front of the base frame, and a securing device having at least two bars respectively along the through-hole in each side plate of the base frame are movable, with a common operating lever which is connected to the bars to control these together, and having at least one spring which is arranged and adapted to the bars through the through holes, in particular in a respective opposite side plate opposite direction suppressed. The tool holder includes a holding surface, a holder arranged on the holding surface for hooking the tool holder with the hook unit of the carrier unit and at least two fuse units, the hole openings for receiving the free locking ends of the securing device for securing the hook connection between the holding device of the tool carrier and the hook unit of the carrier unit and at least one plate-shaped portion, which is bent at least partially in a direction away from the respective opposite fuse unit, having. The carrier unit and the tool holder are coordinated so that when inserting the base frame between the fuse units, the bolt ends of the securing device automatically inserted into the respective passage opening, in particular in the base frame retractable by the movement of the bolt ends along the inclined portion of the fuse units, and then by means the spring force of the spring are automatically inserted into the hole openings of the fuse units.

The tool holder is preferably releasably connected to a tool or formed integrally with a tool. The holding surface of the tool holder can be clamped in a releasable connection with the tool by a frame in a permanent connection through a rear side of the tool. The tool can be, for example, a fork carriage, a blade, a snow removal tool, a sweeping tool and / or a gripping tool. As commercial vehicles, for example, industrial trucks, tractors, front loaders or construction machinery can come.

The present invention is characterized in particular in that, with the aid of the carrier unit according to the invention, the tool holder and the quick-change device, it is possible to change tools on commercial vehicles quickly and conveniently, since the connection of tool and utility vehicle is carried out automatically based on a purely mechanical process and for the decoupling of the lever only has to be moved between the two side plates.

The operating lever may be connected to a handle which preferably protrudes from the base frame on one side of the side plates and is connected to the operating lever so that the operating lever engages the free bolt ends in the base frame, as long as the handle is pulled away from the base frame. Alternatively, the operating lever may be operated by an electric motor or a hydraulic motor.

The carrier unit may have a fastening element, which is arranged on a rear side, which lies opposite the front side of the base frame, in order to connect the carrier unit in a positive, force and / or material fit to a commercial vehicle. Advantageously, the carrier unit is connected by hooking, screwing, and / or welding the base frame to the utility vehicle. If the commercial vehicle is, for example, a forklift, then the carrier unit can be attached to the lift mast of the forklift. The tool holder, however, is advantageously detachably connected to a tool or formed integrally therewith.

The distance between the mutually facing sides of the securing units, for example, two guide plates or two mounting plates of the tool holder in the connection region to the support surface is advantageously by a few millimeters, in particular between 2 mm and 20 mm, greater than the distance between opposite sides of the side plates of the carrier unit. This ensures that the base frame can be easily inserted between the guide plates or mounting plates and a reliable coupling is ensured.

The tool holder may include a guiding and locking unit, which is arranged and configured such that the actuating lever when the carrier unit is connected to the tool holder, along the guiding and locking unit is feasible and in a state in which the securing of the hook connection between the tool holder and the carrier unit is released or the bolt are sunk in particular in the base frame, can be locked. The actuating lever may do so in addition to a pendulum movement between the side plates in a plane parallel to the front of the base frame relative to this plane be tilted. With the help of the guiding and locking unit, a simple decoupling of the tool from the commercial vehicle is allowed, wherein the carrier unit is removed after removal of the base frame from the tool holder also from the guiding and locking unit, so that the actuating lever passes through the spring force of the spring in a position in which the free bolt ends protrude from the base frame, in particular from a side of each side plate facing away from the respectively opposite side plate. When using a motor for actuating the actuating lever, the function of the guiding and locking unit is preferably taken over by the motor, which fixes the actuating lever in a specific position.

The tool holder may further comprise a guide device, so that a suitably shaped operating lever is guided during insertion of the base frame between the securing units of the tool holder along the guide device on the tool in a position in which the free bolt ends protrude from the base frame. Thus, a reliable backup of the hook connection between the carrier unit and tool holder is ensured.

The guide device and / or the guiding and locking unit may have a guide edge or a guide surface, which is aligned at an angle of less than 90 °, in particular between 20 ° and 60 °, in particular of approximately 45 °, to the holding surface. The guiding and locking unit may further comprise a locking edge or locking surface, which is aligned substantially perpendicular to the support surface and in particular arranged so that it holds the actuating lever in a position in which the securing of the hook connection between the tool holder and the carrier unit is achieved, in particular in which the free bolt ends are sunk in the base frame. However, this position is maintained only as long as the base frame of the carrier unit is inserted between the securing units of the tool holder.

The hook unit of the carrier unit may be formed at least as a hook, at least one fixing rod or at least one profiled strip with groove or web. Alternatively or additionally, the holding device may be formed as at least one hook or at least one profile strip with web or groove. Advantageously, the carrier unit and the holding device are matched to one another. In this case, the hook unit may for example be a fixing rod and the holding device may be formed from two hooks that hold the fixing rod embrace. Alternatively, the hook unit may be formed as a profile strip with groove and the holding device as a profile strip with web, so that the web of the holding device can engage in the groove of the hook unit. Alternatively, the hook unit can also be a profile strip with web, while the holding device is a profiled strip with groove.

The tool holder is advantageously releasably connected to the tool or formed integrally with the tool. The tool may be a fork carriage, a shovel, a snow removal tool, a sweeping tractor or a gripping tool. Other tools are also conceivable.

All features which have been described with regard to the carrier unit, the tool carrier or the quick-change device are correspondingly transferable to the carrier unit according to the invention or the tool holder according to the invention as individual parts as well as to the quick-change device.

The present invention is characterized in that it makes the changing of tools on commercial vehicles much faster and more comfortable, since the joining takes place automatically based on a purely mechanical process and the removal of tools requires only a short-term actuation of a handle, the carrier unit subsequently automatically returned to a state to automatically pick up a new tool.

Fig. 1

einen erfindungsgemäßen Werkzeugträger, an dem Gabelträger als Werkzeug angeordnet sind;

Fig. 2A

eine erfindungsgemäße Trägereinheit in perspektivischer Ansicht;

Fig. 2B

die in Fig. 2A dargestellte Trägereinheit mit Blick auf die Vorderseite des Grund-rahmens;

Fig. 3

eine erfindungsgemäße Schnellwechselvorrichtung mit dem Werkzeugträger aus Fig. 1 und der Trägereinheit aus Fig. 2A im gelösten Zustand;

Fig. 4

die Schnellwechselvorrichtung aus Fig. 3 in verbundenem Zustand;

Fig. 5

einen weiteren Werkzeugträger gemäß der Erfindung in perspektivischer Ansicht;

Fig. 6

eine weitere erfindungsgemäße Schnellwechselvorrichtung mit dem Werkzeugträger aus Fig. 5 und der Trägereinheit aus Fig. 2A im gelösten Zustand;

Fig. 7

die Schnellwechselvorrichtung aus Fig. 6 in verbundenem Zustand;

Fig. 8

eine weitere erfindungsgemäße Trägereinheit in perspektivischer Ansicht;

Fig. 9

die Trägereinheit aus Fig. 8 in Frontansicht;

Fig. 10

eine weitere erfindungsgemäße Schnellwechselvorrichtung mit dem Werkzeugträger aus Fig. 5 und der Trägereinheit aus Fig. 9 im gelösten Zustand;

Fig. 11

die Schnellwechselvorrichtung aus Fig. 10 in verbundenem Zustand; und

Fig. 12

einen weiteren Werkzeugträger mit der Trägereinheit aus Fig. 8 in perspektivischer Ansicht.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail by way of examples. Show it:

Fig. 1

a tool carrier according to the invention, are arranged on the fork carriage as a tool;

Fig. 2A

a carrier unit according to the invention in a perspective view;

Fig. 2B

in the Fig. 2A illustrated carrier unit with a view of the front of the basic frame;

Fig. 3

a quick-change device according to the invention with the tool carrier Fig. 1 and the carrier unit Fig. 2A in the dissolved state;

Fig. 4

the quick-change device Fig. 3 in connected condition;

Fig. 5

another tool carrier according to the invention in a perspective view;

Fig. 6

another quick-change device according to the invention with the tool carrier Fig. 5 and the carrier unit Fig. 2A in the dissolved state;

Fig. 7

the quick-change device Fig. 6 in connected condition;

Fig. 8

a further carrier unit according to the invention in a perspective view;

Fig. 9

the carrier unit Fig. 8 in front view;

Fig. 10

another quick-change device according to the invention with the tool carrier Fig. 5 and the carrier unit Fig. 9 in the dissolved state;

Fig. 11

the quick-change device Fig. 10 in connected condition; and

Fig. 12

another tool carrier with the carrier unit Fig. 8 in perspective view.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a tool carrier according to the invention 1, which includes a holding frame 10 which forms a holding surface. On the holding surface is a holding device in the form of a profiled strip 11, which has a groove 110 on its underside. On the support frame 10 11 fuse units 12a and 12b are further connected to the support frame 10 below the profile strip. The securing units 12a, 12b are formed as guide plates 120a, 120b, which have in a region near the connection point with the holding frame 10 at their side facing away from the profile strip 11 ends hole openings 121. The guide plates 120a, 120b are inclined in a region facing away from the holding frame 10 such that an opening between the two guide plates 120a, 120b increases with increasing distance from the holding frame. The left-hand baffle 120b has a material recess in an upper area, the function of which will be explained later in detail. The tool holder 1 further has a guiding and locking unit 13 which is designed as a plate with a guide edge 130 and a locking edge 131 and is arranged perpendicular to the holding surface on the holding frame 10 or the profile strip 11 and protrudes beyond the holding surface. On a guide plates 120a, 120b opposite side of the support frame 10, two fork carriage 2 are welded to the support bracket 10. Alternatively, however, other tools may be connected to the tool holder 1 according to the invention.

Fig. 2A shows a perspective view of a support unit according to the invention 3 with respect to the back of the support unit 3. The support unit 3 includes a base frame, which is formed from a right and a left side plate 300a, 300b, through an upper and a lower connecting bars 301a, 301b with each other are connected. On the upper connecting bar 301 a three hook elements 310 are arranged, while at the lower connecting bar 301b, two mounting hooks 311 are arranged, which additionally have holes 3111 to hook the carrier unit 3 on the utility vehicle (not shown) and at the same time to screw. For example, an Euro frame may be arranged on the commercial vehicle for receiving the carrier unit 3.

The upper connecting bar 301a has a groove 32 which extends over the entire length of the connecting bar 301a and constitutes a hook unit for connecting the carrier unit 3 to a tool holder or tool. The two side plates 300a, 300b each have a through hole 302 in their lower region, through which bolts 330 of the securing device 33 can be guided.

The securing device 33 includes bolts 330, wherein each bolt 330 is passed through one of the through holes 302 so that ends of the bolts 330 protrude on sides of the side plates 303a, 303b which are remote from each other. The bolts 330 are connected via connecting elements 331, 332 with an actuating lever 333. The operating lever 333 is rotatably mounted on a support member 303 of the base frame, so that by a movement of a free end 3330 of the operating lever 333, the connecting members 331, 332 are moved so that the bolts 330 are sunk in the side plates 300a, 300b or in opposite rotation are pushed out of the side plates 300a, 300b. For movement of the free end 3330 in the direction of the left side plate 300b, a handle 334 is provided, which is passed through an opening in the side plate 300b. To move the free end 3330 in the opposite direction, springs 335 are provided which push the latches 330 out of the side plates 300a, 300b. Preferably, the springs 335 surround a connection region between the latch 330 and the connecting elements 331, 332, wherein the springs 335 abut against the latch 330. On the opposite side of the springs 335, a holding member 304 is provided, which is formed as an angle (L-shaped) and is connected to the side plates 300a, 300b. By the spring force of the springs 335, the respective latches 330 are automatically pushed out of the side plates 300a, 300b.

Fig. 2B shows a plan view of the front side of the base frame of the carrier unit 3. In Fig. 2B the location and attachment of the springs 335 relative to the latch 330 and the support member 304 can be seen. On the connecting elements 331 and 332 stop elements 3310, 3320 are arranged, which prevent the latch 330 too far from the side plates 300a, 300b are pushed out. Also shows Fig. 2B the holding plate 303 and the pivot point 3030, around which the lever 333 is rotatable. The other elements correspond to those in terms of Fig. 2A described components.

The Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a quick-change device with a carrier unit 3, as shown in Fig. 2A and 2 B has been described, as well as with a tool holder 1 and fork carriers 2, as in Fig. 1 have been described. When the carrier unit 3 is moved in the direction of the tool holder 1 along the arrow A, the latches 330 are pressed in the direction of the side plates, in particular in the side plates 300a, 300b themselves, due to the influence of the inclined guide plates 120a, 120b, the free end 3330 of the operating lever 333 is moved toward the side plate 300b. At this time, the handle 334 also moves out of the side plate 300b. In order to prevent blocking, the guide plate 120b has a material recess in the upper region in order to make the handle 334 freely accessible during actuation.

In order to prevent the handle from being moved out of the side plate during coupling of the tool holder, the handle can be provided with at least one slot within which the actuating lever can be guided. In addition, the handle and / or the actuating lever, in particular parallel to its longitudinal axis have further slots in which coupling means, such as pins, bolts or screws, are feasible, so that movement of the handle during the automatic movement of the actuating lever is prevented.

During the movement of the carrier unit 3 in the direction of the tool holder 1, the free end 3330 of the actuating lever 333 is guided before the contact of the base frame with the support frame 10 on a short path along the inclined leading edge 130 of the guiding and locking unit 13, so that together with the bias is ensured by the springs 335 that the latch 330 are reliably moved after the hooking of the upper connecting bar 301a of the base frame of the support unit 3 with the profile strip 11 of the tool holder 1 from the side plates 300a, 300b and engage in the hole openings 121.

Fig. 4 shows the quick-change device according to the invention in an assembled state. The latches 330 reliably penetrate into the hole openings 121 of the guide plates 120a, 120b and the handle 334 is freely accessible thanks to the material recess in the guide plate 120b.

To remove the carrier unit 3 and the tool holder 1 from each other, the user pulls the handle 334 away from the side plate 300b so that the operating lever 333 tilts out of the plane parallel to the front of the base frame due to the guide along the leading edge 330 of the guiding and locking unit is then pressed against the locking edge 131 due to the spring force of the springs 335, so that the securing device is fixed in a position in which the bolts 330 are removed from the hole openings 121 and recessed in the side plates 300a, 300b. Subsequently, the hook connection between the web 32 and the groove 110 is released and the carrier unit 3 is removed from the tool carrier 1. As a result, the operating lever 333 moves along the locking edge 131 to the end of this, wherein the lever 333 springs back after reaching a free end of the locking edge 131 in a position in which the bolts 330 protrude from the side plates 300a, 300b.

FIG. 5 shows a further embodiment of a tool carrier 1 ', are arranged on the two fork carriage 2 as a tool. The basic structure of the tool carrier 1 'has a holding frame 10, a profiled strip 11, securing units 12a and 12b and a guiding and locking unit 13 with a leading edge 130 and a locking edge 131. The embodiment of the FIG. 5 differs from the tool carrier 1 of FIG. 1 in the embodiment of the fuse units 12a, 12b. In contrast to the printed circuit boards 120a, 120b in FIG. 1 are the fuse units 12a, 12b in FIG. 5 each formed by a securing plate 122a, 122b, each having a hole opening 121 and a guide plate 123a, 123b. The guide plate 123a, 123b of each securing unit 12a, 12b is arranged on the profiled strip 11 adjacent to the holding frame 10 and is aligned substantially perpendicular to the holding surface. Each guide plate 123a, 123b may be bent at least in regions, wherein preferably a free edge of the guide plate 123a, 123b remote from the profile strip 11 is bent in a direction away from the opposite guide plate 123b, 123a. Alternatively, the bent portion may be replaced by an inclined surface. The fastening plates 122a, 122b are arranged on a region of the holding frame 10 facing away from the profiled strip 11. Depending on the embodiment of the carrier unit to be coupled, the attachment plates 122a, 122b may be planar or may be formed on a free edge outward, ie away from the opposite attachment plate 122b, 122a, be bent. Again, instead of a curved portion inclined surfaces can be provided.

The FIGS. 6 and 7 show the tool carrier 1 in conjunction with a carrier unit 3, as shown in the FIGS. 2a and 2 B is shown. The Ankoppelvorgang takes place similar as regards the FIGS. 3 and 4 already described, and will therefore not be repeated below. At this point, it should be noted that the guide plate 123 b is arranged so that it does not collide with the handle 334 of the securing device 33 of the support unit 3. The mounting plates 122a, 122b are arranged so that the bolts 330 protrude into the opening 121 of the mounting plates 122a, 122b after connecting the tool carrier 1 'to the carrier unit 3.

The FIGS. 8 and 9 show another example of a carrier unit 3 '. The support unit 3 'has a base frame with right and left side plates 300a, 300b and upper and lower connecting bars 301a, 301b. On the upper sides of the side plates 300a, 300b, a respective groove 32 is formed in order to engage with a tool holder 1, 1 'as shown in FIG FIG. 1 or FIG. 5 is shown to be connected. Here engages the upper connecting bar 301 a, which in the embodiment of the Fig. 8 is formed sufficiently thin, in the groove 110 of the tool holder 1, 1 'a. For securing the respective tool holder 1, 1 'is a securing device 33, as already described in terms of FIGS. 2A and 2 B described was provided. The carrier unit 3 ', differs from the carrier unit 3 from the FIGS. 2A and 2 B in that it is directly connected to the commercial vehicle. For this purpose, the support unit 3 ', support plates 4a and 4b, which are aligned perpendicular to a plane of the base frame and are arranged at the rear side. The support plates 4a and 4b have laterally projecting bolts 40, which can be arranged as a suspension on chains or the like of a lifting mechanism of a forklift. The carrier unit 3 'is thus part of the lifting mechanism in a lifting mast of a forklift or commercial vehicle.

The FIGS. 10 and 11 show the coupling mechanism of a tool carrier 1 ', as in the FIG. 5 is shown, with a carrier unit 3 ', as shown in the FIGS. 8 and 9 is shown. When the carrier unit 3 'is moved in the direction of the arrow A toward the tool carrier 1', the right and left side plates 300a, 300b are inserted between the attachment plates 122a, 122b and the guide plates 123a, 123b and with the aid of Securing mechanism 33 coupled to the tool carrier 1 (see FIG. 11 ). The exact locking mechanism has already been regarding the FIGS. 3 and 4 described in detail and will therefore not be repeated again.

The FIG. 12 1 shows a quick-change device with a tool carrier 1 "and a carrier unit 3 ' FIG. 1 individual fastening bodies 14 are provided which can be hooked into the groove 32 on the carrier unit 3 'or have a groove into which the upper connecting bar 301a can engage. The remaining features correspond to the already described features of the preceding embodiments. According to the individual fastening body 14, a plurality of individual elements in the form of a plurality of groove recesses or the like may also be provided in the carrier unit instead of a continuous corresponding element.

The present invention thus enables a simple, time-saving and convenient change of tools on commercial vehicles by providing an automatic, purely mechanically based connection which can be released by means of a single handle.

Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to these embodiments, but rather modifications are possible in the manner that exchanged or omitted individual features or a different combination is made of features, as long as the scope of the appended claims is not abandoned. In particular, the present invention includes all combinations of all features presented.

Claims (15)

Carrier unit (3) of a quick-change device for commercial vehicles for changing tools attachable to the utility vehicle, comprising: a base frame having a front side and two opposite side plates (300a, 300b) each having at least one through-hole (302), a hook unit (32) for hooking the carrier unit (3) with a tool, which is arranged on the front side of the base frame, and a securing device (33) having at least two bars (330) each movable along the passage opening (302) on each side plate (300a, 300b) of the base frame, and a common operating lever (333) connected to the latches (330) connected to control these together, characterized in that the securing device (33) further comprises at least one spring (335) arranged and configured to urge a free end of each latch (330) through one of the through openings (302), a spring force of the spring (335) passing through Insertion of the base frame between two securing units (12a, 12b) of the tool can be overcome and wherein the spring force is large enough to then automatically insert the bolt ends in hole openings (121) in the securing units (12a, 12b) of the tool. Carrier unit (3) according to the preceding claim,
characterized in that
the free ends of the bolts (302) are tapered or conical or rounded in such a way that they are automatically guided into the base frame when the base frame is inserted between the two securing units (12a, 12b) of the tool. Carrier unit (3) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the operating lever (333), when the carrier unit (3) is connected to the tool along a guiding and locking unit (13) on the tool is feasible and in a state in which the bolt ends are inserted into the base frame, lockable, wherein the actuating lever (333) thereby in addition to a pendulum movement between the side plates (300a, 300b) in a plane parallel to the front, in particular relative to this plane can be tilted. Carrier unit (3) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the actuating lever (333) is designed such that it is guided into a position during insertion of the base frame between two securing units (12a, 12b) of the tool along a guide device on the tool, which in particular corresponds to the guiding and locking unit (13) the free bolt ends protrude from the base frame. Tool holder (1) of a quick-change device for commercial vehicles for changing tools attachable to the utility vehicle, comprising: a holding surface, a holding device (11) arranged on the holding surface for hooking the tool holder (1) to a utility vehicle, and at least two securing units (12a, 12b) having hole openings (121) for receiving latches (330) of a securing device (33) on the utility vehicle for securing the connection between the holding device (11) and the utility vehicle,
characterized in that the securing units (12a, 12b) are designed so that a distance between the two securing units (120a, 120b) increases in a region facing away from the holding surface. Tool holder (1) according to the preceding claim,
characterized in that
the tool holder (1) is designed as a separate adapter and can be detachably connected to a tool (2) or that the tool holder (1) is formed integrally with the tool (2). Tool holder (1) according to one of the two preceding claims,
characterized in that
the tool holder (1) comprises a guiding device (13) for controlling a movement of the latches (330) of the securing device (33) on the utility vehicle during the connection of the tool holder (1) and the utility vehicle and / or a guiding and locking unit (13) for removal the bolt (330) of the securing device (33) on the utility vehicle from the hole openings (121) of the securing units (12a, 12b) and for fixing the latch (330) in the reached position. Tool holder (1) according to the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the guide device and / or the guiding and locking unit (13) has a guide edge (130) or a guide surface which is aligned at an angle of less than 90 °, in particular between 20 ° and 60 °, to the holding surface, and in that the guiding and locking unit (13) has a locking edge (131) or locking surface, which is aligned substantially perpendicular to the support surface has. Quick-change device for commercial vehicles for changing attachable tools on the utility vehicle with
a carrier unit (3), in particular a carrier unit according to one of claims 1 to 4, and
a tool holder (1), in particular a tool holder according to one of claims 5 to 8, wherein
the carrier unit (3) has a hook unit (32) which releasably hooks to a holding device (11) of the tool holder, wherein a securing device (33) of the carrier unit is designed such that, when connecting the carrier unit (3) and tool holder (1) automatically opens and automatically secures after connecting. Quick-change device for commercial vehicles according to claim 9,
characterized in that
the carrier unit (3)
a base frame having a front side and two opposite side plates (300a, 300b), each having at least one through-hole (302) exhibit,
a hook unit (32) disposed at the front of the base frame, and
a securing device (33) having at least two latches (330) each movable along the throughbore (302) in each side plate (300a, 300b) of the base frame with a common operating lever (333) connected to the latches (330) to control them together, and having at least one spring (335) arranged and adapted to press a free end of each bolt (330) through one of the through holes (302), and that the
Tool holder (1)
a holding surface,
a holding device (11) arranged on the holding surface for hooking the tool holder (1) to the hook unit (32) of the carrier unit (3) and
at least two securing units (12a, 12b), the hole openings (121) for receiving the free locking ends of the securing device (33) for securing the hook connection between the holding device (11) and the hook unit (32) of the support unit (3) and at least in one are remote from the holding surface area such that a distance between the two fuse units increases, has,
wherein upon insertion of the base frame between the securing units (12a, 12b), the free bolt ends of the securing device (33) are automatically traceable back into the respective passage opening by the movement of the bolts (330) along the securing units (12a, 12b) and then by means of the spring force of Spring (335) are automatically inserted into the hole openings (121) of the fuse units (12a, 12b). Quick-change device according to one of claims 9 or 10,
characterized in that
the securing units are designed in the form of guide plates which are inclined at least in a region facing away from the holding surface such that a distance between the two guide plates (120a, 120b) increases, in particular a distance between mutually facing sides of the guide plates (120a, 120b ) of the tool holder (1) in the connection region to the holding surface by a few Mm, in particular between 2 and 20 mm, is greater than the distance between mutually remote sides of the side plates (300a, 300b) of the carrier unit (3), or that
the securing units (12a, 12b) each have a mounting plate (122a, 122b) into which the hole opening (121) is inserted, and a guide plate (123a, 123b) whose one free corner or its free edge faces away from the opposite guide plate is bent. Quick-change device according to one of claims 9 to 11,
characterized in that
the tool holder (1) has a guiding and locking unit (13), so that the actuating lever (333), when the carrier unit (3) is connected to the tool holder (1), can be guided along the guiding and locking unit (13) and in a state in which the bolt ends are inserted into the base frame, can be locked, wherein the actuating lever (333) thereby tiltable in addition to a pendulum movement between the side plates (300a, 300b) in a plane parallel to the front, in particular relative to this plane. Quick-change device according to one of claims 9 to 12,
characterized in that
the tool holder (1) has a guide device, which in particular corresponds to the guide and locking unit (13), and in that the actuating lever (333) is designed such that it can be inserted between the securing units (12a, 12b) of the tool holder (1) when the base frame is inserted ) is guided along the guide device (13) on the tool (2) into a position in which the free bolt ends protrude from the base frame, and / or that
the guide device and / or the guiding and locking unit (13) has a guide edge (130) or a guide surface which is oriented at an angle of less than 90 °, in particular between 20 ° and 60 °, to the holding surface, and in that the guiding and locking device (13) a locking edge (131) or locking surface, which is aligned substantially perpendicular to the support surface, wherein the locking edge (131) or locking surface is arranged so that it holds the actuating lever (333) in a position in which the free Bolt ends are inserted into the base frame. Quick-change device according to one of claims 9 to 13,
characterized in that
the hook unit (32) of the carrier unit (3) is designed as at least one hook, a fixing rod, at least one profile strip with groove or web or as at least one recess and / or that the holding device (11) as at least one hook or at least one profile strip with Web or groove is formed, wherein the hook unit (32) of the carrier unit (3) and the holding device (11) of the tool holder (1) are particularly matched to each other. Quick-change device according to one of claims 9 to 14,
characterized in that
the tool holder (1) is connected to a tool (2), wherein the tool (2) is a fork carriage, a blade, a snow removing tool, a sweeping tool or a gripping tool.

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