EP3851588B1 - Quick change device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a quick coupler according to the type specified in the preamble of claim 1.

Such quick couplers are used for easy and convenient changing of different attachments on earthmoving machines, such as construction machines and excavators. With such a quick coupler, e.g. buckets, grabs, shears, compactors, magnets, hydraulic hammers or other attachments can be coupled or uncoupled in a few seconds and with a high safety standard from a driver's cab e.g. on a boom of an excavator. For this purpose, the attachments/work tools are each provided with an adapter that has two parallel adapter axles or one adapter axle on one side and another designed adapter element, for example an adapter plate, on the other side. During coupling, the quick coupler engages an adapter axle of the adapter on one side. For this purpose, the quick coupler includes a housing and at least one coupling claw aligned in a first direction for engaging in the associated adapter axis of the adapter. In addition, the quick coupler is provided with a locking element that can be moved between a locking position and an open position for locking the quick coupler in the adapter, which is aligned in a second direction.

To prevent the tool from falling and endangering people if the locking element moves unintentionally into an open position, a safety mechanism in the form of a catching device is provided to hold the adapter axis of the adapter on the tool. The safety mechanism has at least one movable safety element which can be pivoted about a first axis of rotation between an open position and a safety position. In the securing position, the opening of the coupling claw is reduced in such a way that the adapter axis of the adapter with this and the working device is definitely is held in a form-fitting manner. Especially when the locking element has unintentionally released, which is possible with a faulty locking. For example, the locking element is extended only minimally and is supported against part of the adapter, or is extended completely into the void. However, if the quick coupler is completely unlocked, the additional safety element is pressed into the open position.

Quick couplers with such a safety mechanism, also called safety catch, are for example from the CH 700 307 A1 , the WO 2004/038110 A1 , the U.S. 2012/093572 A1 and the EP 3 502 357 A1 known.

A disadvantage of these known safety mechanisms is that they can also become detached in the safety position, for example as a result of wear, incorrect handling or a malfunction of the safety mechanism.

A quick coupler is out of the EP 2 119 834 A2 known. Here, in the closed position of the adapter axis of the adapter and in the securing position of the securing element, the securing element has a first contact area. The securing element is in contact with the adapter axle via this first contact area when the adapter axle is in the closed position of the coupling claws of the quick coupler. This first contact area is arranged with regard to the axis of rotation of the securing element such that when the adapter axle is subjected to a load in the direction out of the closed position in the coupling claw of the quick coupler, this force resulting from the load moves the securing element further into the securing position via the first contact area around the axis of rotation.

The disadvantage of this design is that the clutch claw is weakened by this design, which can lead to premature material failure. In addition, the weakened claw can cause it to bend open, since the forces arising from the arrangement of the axis of rotation in the immediate vicinity of the first contact area can become very large. In addition, this quick coupler is very tall, which is disadvantageous in operation, and is open at the bottom and therefore unprotected from external influences.

A similar to this design, generic quick coupler is from U.S. 2003/0154636 A1 known. Here, the coupling claw is open at the bottom and the securing element closes the coupling claws at the bottom and thus secures the adapter axle.

The disadvantage of this design is that a large part of the forces occurring during operation necessarily acts on the securing element. This leads to jamming, premature wear and deterioration of the locking mechanism. In this construction, the first contact area is arranged on one side of the plane and the axis of rotation on the other side of the plane in relation to a plane perpendicular to a straight line which runs perpendicular to the axis of rotation and to a central axis of the coupling claw when the adapter axis is in the closed position of the clutch claws. In addition, the plane runs through the claw axis.

The invention is based on the object of further developing a quick coupler according to the type specified in the preamble of claim 1 in such a way that a reliable construction is made possible while avoiding the disadvantages mentioned. In particular, in the securing position, unintentional movement of the securing element out of the securing position should be avoided at all costs and the securing mechanism should therefore fulfill its function under all circumstances without weakening the coupling claw in the process. In particular, the quick coupler should also be built low.

This object is achieved by the characterizing features of claim 1 in conjunction with the preamble features.

The dependent claims form advantageous embodiments of the invention.

The invention is based on the finding that by arranging the axis of rotation in the housing of the quick coupler and at a distance relative to the first contact area and by arranging the adapter axis in the coupling claw between the first contact area and the axis of rotation of the securing element in the securing position and by a the Adapter axis carrying the coupling claw during operation, on the one hand, the coupling claw is not weakened and, on the other hand, further constructive possibilities result, which result from the larger lever of the safety element occurring between the first contact area and the axis of rotation, which ensure safe and error-free operation and, in particular, also simplify it Enable drive options of the fuse element. It is also ensured in a simple manner that unintentional opening of the securing element, even under the loads occurring during operation, is avoided, since the securing element is then pressed further in the direction of the closed position using a higher torque.

According to the invention, the first contact area is arranged such that when the adapter axis is in the closed position in the coupling claw of the quick coupler, the first contact area is arranged above a straight line which runs perpendicularly between the axis of rotation of the securing element and the claw axis. The moment to hold the adapter axle in the coupling claw is easily increased by the larger lever arm. The clutch claw is also not weakened in the process, thus increasing operational safety in a simple manner. If there are high loads during operation, the securing element is pressed into the securing position by a torque that is considerably higher than in the prior art. This prevents the securing element from moving out of the securing position in the direction of the opening position, even under high loads during operation. The quick coupler is thus more secure in the closed position and securing position, in which the adapter axle of the attachment adapter remains connected to the quick coupler in any case. This prevents attachments that were incorrectly or not locked from falling down at all costs. The clutch claw absorbs the essential forces during operation.

Insofar as this application speaks of straight lines which run perpendicularly to certain axes, they also run through these axes in particular.

In particular, the claw axis can be arranged concentrically to the central axis of the adapter axis when the adapter axis is properly in the closed position.

In this case, the axis of rotation of the securing element in the open position can be arranged above in relation to a horizontal plane and the first contact area can be arranged below this horizontal plane. Additionally or alternatively, the axis of rotation in the closed position can be arranged above in relation to the horizontal plane and the first contact area can be arranged below this horizontal plane. This results in favorable leverage effects during operation of the securing element.

According to an advantageous development of the invention, the securing element has at least one shape with a second contact area, which comes into contact with the adapter axle of the adapter when the quick coupler is inserted into the adapter and, as a result of a predetermined further relative movement of the adapter axle in the direction of the closed position of the adapter axle, further over the presses the second contact area into the open position of the securing element about the axis of rotation. This makes it possible for the fuse element to become one during the recording process Adapter axis opens automatically, even if the active opening of the safety element and thus unlocking the quick coupler was forgotten by an operator.

Preferably, during the introduction of the adapter axle into the closed position in the quick coupler, from a certain position of the adapter axle relative to the securing element, a third contact area of the securing element is provided, which comes into contact with the adapter axle and the securing element with a further relative movement of the adapter axle in the direction of the closed position of the securing element pushes out of the open position around the axis of rotation. When picking up the adapter axle of the adapter connected to an attachment, it is moved to the center of the quick coupler claw. The adapter axis hits the third contact area of the securing element. The resulting force on the third contact area causes the security element to rotate about its axis of rotation in the direction of the closed position.

The first, second and third contact areas of the securing element can be arranged at different positions relative to one another on the securing element, in particular in order to optimize the lever ratios for the functions mentioned.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, when the quick coupler is not unlocked, the securing element is arranged in the securing position, with the second contact area then being arranged such that when the quick coupler is inserted into the adapter with the quick coupler not unlocked, the second contact area comes into contact first with the adapter axis . This ensures that the securing element moves in the direction of the open position via the adapter axis and the second contact area, and thus the adapter axis can easily be introduced into the coupling claw.

In particular, the second contact area together with the central axis of the adapter axis forms a second straight line running perpendicular to the central axis and the axis of rotation is arranged above it in such a way that when the adapter axis of the adapter comes into contact with the securing element when the quick coupler is inserted into the adapter, the axis of rotation is arranged above the straight line when the adapter axis rests on the coupling claw and is in contact with the second contact area. With the arrangement of the axis of rotation above this straight line, a torque in the direction of the opening position results when there is a load on this contact area in the direction of the clutch claws.

The coupling claw preferably extends so far forward that it serves as a guide for the adapter axis when this adapter axis is introduced into the coupling claw.

The first contact area can be arranged in such a way that when the adapter axis is in the closed position in the coupling claw of the quick coupler, the first contact area is arranged on an inner side of the securing element, which is on a distance from the axis of rotation, perpendicular to the straight line and through the central axis and/or the claw axis is in the plane.

At least one of the contact areas is preferably designed in such a way that the contact area contacts the adapter axis in a point-like or linear manner. As a result, the system and thus the power transmission between the adapter axle and the securing element can be easily defined and thus predetermined.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the securing element surrounds the adapter axis by more than 140°, in particular 150°, preferably 160°, in relation to the central axis of the adapter axis in the securing position of the securing element and in the closed position.

The pivoting angle of the securing element can be between 15° and 90°, in particular between 20° and 30°.

The securing element can be actively and permanently pressed in the direction of the securing position by means of auxiliary energy. For example, this can be done by a spring that acts on the securing element in the direction of the securing position.

The securing element is preferably designed in the form of a claw, with the claw running straight in certain areas, and in particular being able to run out straight at the free end.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the securing element can be moved from the securing position into an open position by a drive element.

The drive element can be coupled to the drive of the locking element of the quick coupler. Alternatively or additionally, the drive element can also be coupled to an opening mechanism that is independent of the drive of the locking element.

The securing element preferably has a curvature on the side facing the adapter axis in the securing position, which is provided with different diameters over its course. Alternatively, the securing element can have a curvature on the side facing the adapter axis in the securing position, which has a uniform diameter over its course.

The securing element described above is preferably used together with a quick coupler which has at least one locking bolt which can be extended in a translatory manner on the side of the housing which is remote from the coupling claws. This construction is low and thus has a low overall height and enables the adapter to be securely accommodated.

Further advantages, features and application possibilities of the present invention result from the following description in connection with the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht auf einen Ausleger eines Baggers mit einer Schnellwechselvorrichtung mit einem Schnellwechsler nach der Erfindung und einem Baggerlöffel;

Fig. 2

eine Draufsicht auf den in den Adapter eingebrachten Schnellwechsler ohne Ausleger und Baggerlöffel;

Fig. 3

eine perspektivische Ansicht von schräg oben auf einen Schnellwechsler gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform mit Sicherungsmechanismus nach der Erfindung;

Fig. 4

eine perspektivische Ansicht von schräg oben auf den Schnellwechsler von Fig. 3 mit Sicherungsmechanismus nach der Erfindung, wobei eine Adapterachse eines Adapters von dem Schellwechsler ergriffen ist, sich in der Schließposition befindet und der Sicherungsmechanismus sich in der Sicherungsposition befindet;

Fig. 5

eine Seitenansicht auf den Schnellwechsler von Fig. 3 mit Schnitt durch eine Adapterachse in einer solchen Position zum Schnellwechsler während des Ergreifens, bei der die Adapterachse einen vorderen Bereich der Kupplungsklaue berührt bei geöffnetem Sicherungselement;

Fig. 6

eine Seitenansicht auf den Schnellwechsler von Fig. 3 mit Schnitt durch eine Adapterachse in einer solchen Position zum Schnellwechsler während des Ergreifens, bei der die Adapterachse einen vorderen Bereich der Kupplungsklaue und einen vorderen Bereich des Sicherungselements berührt bei geschlossenem Sicherungselement;

Fig. 7

eine seitliche Schnittansicht auf die senkrecht zur Längserstreckung verlaufende Mittelebene des Schnellwechslers von Fig. 3 bei geöffnetem Sicherungselement;

Fig. 8

eine seitliche Schnittansicht auf die senkrecht zur Längserstreckung verlaufende Mittelebene des Schnellwechslers von Fig. 3 bei geschlossenem Sicherungselement, wobei die Adapterachse sich in der Schließposition befindet;

Fig. 9

eine Vorderansicht auf den Schnellwechsler in der Stellung von Fig. 7;

Fig. 10a

eine Schnittansicht durch eine zweite Ausführungsform eines Schnellwechslers bei geöffnetem Sicherungselement und einer Adapterachse vor der Kupplungsklaue des Schnellwechslers während des Aufnehmens der Adapterachse;

Fig. 10b

eine Schnittansicht auf den Schnellwechsler von Fig. 10a mit geschlossenem Sicherungselement, wenn die Adapterachse beim Aufnehmen in die Kupplungsklaue an dem Sicherungselement anstößt, und

Fig. 10c

eine Schnittansicht auf den Schnellwechsler von Fig. 10a mit geschlossenem Sicherungselement, wenn die Adapterachse in der Kupplungsklaue in ihrer Schließposition angeordnet ist.

In the description, in the claims and in the drawing, the terms used in the list of reference numbers given below and associated reference numbers are used. In the drawing means:

1

a perspective view of a boom of an excavator with a quick-change device with a quick coupler according to the invention and a bucket;

2

a plan view of the introduced in the adapter quick coupler without boom and bucket;

3

a perspective view obliquely from above of a quick coupler according to a first embodiment with safety mechanism according to the invention;

4

a perspective view diagonally from above of the quick coupler of 3 with safety mechanism according to the invention, wherein an adapter axle of an adapter is gripped by the quick changer, is in the closed position and the safety mechanism is in the safety position;

figure 5

a side view of the quick coupler from 3 with a section through an adapter axis in such a position for the quick coupler during gripping, in which the adapter axis touches a front area of the coupling claw when the securing element is open;

6

a side view of the quick coupler from 3 with a section through an adapter axis in such a position for the quick coupler during gripping, in which the adapter axis touches a front area of the coupling claw and a front area of the securing element when the securing element is closed;

7

a lateral sectional view of the center plane of the quick coupler running perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of FIG 3 when the safety element is open;

8

a lateral sectional view of the center plane of the quick coupler running perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of FIG 3 with the securing element closed, the adapter axis being in the closed position;

9

a front view of the quick coupler in the position of 7 ;

Figure 10a

a sectional view through a second embodiment of a quick coupler with the safety element open and an adapter axle in front of the coupling claw of the quick coupler while the adapter axle is being picked up;

Figure 10b

a sectional view of the quick coupler from Figure 10a with the safety element closed, if the adapter axle hits the safety element when being picked up in the coupling claw, and

Figure 10c

a sectional view of the quick coupler from 10a with the safety element closed when the adapter axle is arranged in the coupling claw in its closed position.

In 1 a boom 10 of a working machine, namely an earthmoving machine, for example an excavator, is shown in perspective. At the end of the boom 10 is a Arranged quick-change device 12, which in turn acts on a conventional excavator bucket 14.

The quick-change device 12 consists of a quick-change device 16 connected to the boom 10 and an adapter 18 . The adapter 18 is permanently welded to the excavator bucket 14 . The boom 10 can be connected to various tools, for example the excavator bucket 14 shown, via the adapter 18 to the quick-change device 16 via the quick-change device 12 . Instead of the excavator bucket 14 mentioned, other tools can also be used, in particular those that are hydraulically driven, such as a hydraulic hammer, hydraulic shears and the like. Each of these tools is provided with an adapter 18 .

The adapter 18 of the quick-change device 12 is formed by two lateral adapter walls 18a, which are connected to one another on one side by an adapter axis 18b and on the other side by a locking plate 18c, see FIG 2 .

According to an alternative embodiment not shown here, a further adapter axis 18b can also be provided instead of a locking plate 18c.

The lateral adapter walls 18a, the adapter axle 18b and the locking plate 18c form a frame which is firmly welded to the bucket 14, see FIG 1 and 2 . On the side facing the adapter axis 18b, the locking plate 18c has a clamping surface which is inclined by 3° to 35°, preferably by 5° to 15°, relative to the base area of the adapter 18.

The locking plate 18c is also provided with two spaced-apart, side-by-side conical openings that are configured in a longitudinal section and are aligned parallel to one another. Each cone opening is assigned to a locking bolt 20 of the quick coupler 16 that can be pushed into the cone opening.

The front end of the locking bolt 20 is designed as a cone end.

The cone angle of the cone openings delimited by the cone envelope surfaces is dimensioned according to the cone end of the locking bolt 20 .

The quick coupler 16 is provided with an approximately cuboid quick coupler housing 16a and has a coupling claw 16b on each side of the quick coupler housing 16a, thus a total of two, which in the state in which the quick coupler 16 in the adapter 18 is in a closed position is arranged, the adapter axis 18b partially encompass. The two clutch claws 16b have a center axis 40 . Each clutch claw is part-circular in cross-section formed by one or more radii referenced to the central axis 40 of the clutch claw 16b.

The end face 16c of the quick coupler housing 16a facing away from the coupling claws 16b is inclined by 5° to 15° to the vertical - corresponding to the clamping surface of the locking plate 18c - and also has two openings through which a longitudinally displaceable locking bolt can be inserted in the quick coupler housing 16a 20 can pass through. The end face 16c forms an abutment surface and rests against the clamping surface of the locking plate 18c in a locking position of the quick coupler 16 in the adapter 18 .

The ends of the locking bolts 20 facing away from the quick coupler housing 16a are designed in the shape of a truncated cone with a cone angle of 5° to 15° and correspond to the openings in the locking plate 18c.

The coupling claws 16b are adapted to the cylindrical outer circumference of the adapter axle 18b and open in the direction away from the quick coupler housing 16a. The coupling claws 16b are an integral part of the quick coupler housing 16a and laterally delimit a U-shaped recess 16d between the coupling claws 16b.

A securing mechanism 22 for securing the adapter axis 18b of the adapter 18 in the coupling claws 16b is provided in the upper area between the coupling claws 16b. The securing mechanism 22 comprises a securing element 24 which extends essentially between the two coupling claws 16b and can be pivoted about an axis of rotation 26 . The axis of rotation 26 passes through the securing element 24, is mounted in the housing 16a of the quick coupler 16, namely via the coupling claws 16b, in a torque-proof manner and extends between the two coupling claws 16b through the U-shaped recess 16d.

The securing element 24 consists of several individual discs 24a, which are arranged on the axis of rotation in a form-fitting, non-rotatable manner and are braced laterally towards one another. Through this simplifies the production of the fuse element. Alternatively, the securing element 24 can also be made of the same material, in one piece, for example as a cast piece.

In the Figures 5 and 6 the quick coupler 16 is shown in side view. The adapter axis 18b rests in the front area 16e of the coupling claws 16b. This front area serves as a guide for introducing the adapter axle 18b into the two coupling claws 16b.

In figure 5 the securing element 24 is open and the quick coupler 16 is unlocked. The locking bolts 20 of the quick coupler 16 are retracted. If the quick coupler 16 is now moved in the direction of the adapter axis 18b, the adapter axis 18b strikes a third contact area 24d of the securing element 24 and presses the securing element into the securing position, as shown in FIG 8 and 10c is shown. A torque is thus generated, which moves the securing element 24 in the direction of its securing position. The third contact area 24d is arranged such that when the adapter axis 18b rests against the third contact area 24d, this is above a first straight line 30 perpendicular to the axis of rotation 26 and to a central axis 40 of the coupling claw 16b. This central axis 40 of the coupling claw 16, ie the claw axis 40, is concentric with the central axis 28 of the adapter axis 18b when this is in the closed position, see FIG Figure 10c .

In 6 the securing element 24 is in its securing position and the quick coupler 16 is in its locking position, in which the locking bolts 20 are extended.

In 6 the securing element 24 is closed and the quick coupler 16 is locked. The locking bolts 20 of the quick coupler 16 are extended. If the quick coupler 16 is now moved in the direction of the adapter axis 18b, the adapter axis 18b strikes a second contact area 24c of the securing element 24 and presses the securing element 24 about the axis of rotation 26 into the open position, as shown in FIG figure 5 , 7 and Figure 10a is shown. A torque is thus generated, which moves the securing element 24 in the direction of its open position.

The second contact area 24c is arranged in such a way that when the adapter axis 18b rests against the second contact area 24c, this forms a second straight line 36 together with the center axis 28 of the adapter axis 18b, and the axis of rotation 26 is located above the second straight line 36. It should therefore be the case in any case that a force vector resulting from the adapter axis 18b acts in the opening direction of the securing element 24 .

In the Figures 7 and 8 the quick coupler 16 is shown in a sectional view with a section through the longitudinal center plane. In 7 the quick coupler 16 is shown in its unlocked state with the locking bolt 20 retracted. The securing element 24 is open and thus in its open position. In 8 the quick coupler 16 is shown in its locked state with the locking bolt 20 extended. The securing element 24 is in its securing position and also shows a received adapter axle 18b. The adapter axle 18b is in the closed position in the quick coupler 16.

In both Figures 7 and 8 an actuating pin 32 coupled to the drive of the locking bolts 20 is shown. The actuating pin 32 moves the securing element 24 to its open position when the quick coupler 16 is unlocked, see FIG 7 . For this purpose, the actuating pin 32 acts on the securing element 24 above the axis of rotation 26 on the side facing away from the adapter axis 18b. During unlocking, the actuating pin 32 moves linearly along the longitudinal axis 16f of the quick coupler 16f towards the securing element 24 . The torque generated thereby rotates the securing element 24 about the axis of rotation 26 into the open position of the securing element 24 .

As an alternative to this, the actuating pin 32 initially moves outwards when the quick coupler 16 is unlocked and, with a time delay thereto, the locking bolts 20 move from the locked position into the unlocked position. The time-delayed movement of the locking bolts 20 relative to the actuating pin 32 is realized by a gear, as is known. This is basically known, so that it is not described in more detail in this context.

The securing element 24 is biased in the direction of the securing position by a spring 34 which acts on the side of the securing element 24 in each case. Alternatively, the spring can also be integrated into the securing element 24 and can be supported on the housing 16a. If the quick coupler 16 is locked, ie the locking bolts 20 move into their locking position, the actuating pin 32 also moves away from the securing element 24 and releases the securing element 24 . The spring force of the spring 34, supported by the force which is generated by the adapter axis 18b on the third contact area 24d, then moves the securing element 24 from the open position into the securing position.

If the adapter axle 18b is in the closed position in the coupling claws 24b, as is shown in 8 is shown, the securing element 24 encompasses the adapter axis 18b by approximately 160°. In addition, a A defined first contact area 24b is provided, which comes into contact with the adapter axle 18b when there are loads on the adapter axle 18b in the direction of the coupling claw 16b, for example due to incorrect locking of the quick coupler 16. This contact area 24b causes the securing element 24 to move further in Is pressed towards the backup position about the axis of rotation 26 when it comes out to loads the adapter axis 18b in the direction of the clutch claws 16b. For this purpose, the first contact area 24b is arranged such that the first contact area 24b is located above the first straight line 30, which runs perpendicular to the axis of rotation 26 and to the central axis 28 of the adapter axis 18b when the adapter axis 18b is in the closed position of the coupling claws 16b. The first contact area 24b is arranged on an inner side 24e of the securing element 24 which lies on a plane 38 which is remote from the axis of rotation 26 and runs perpendicularly to the first straight line 30 and through the central axis 28 . The first contact area 24b is therefore located on the one side of the plane 38 and on the one side of the plane 38 perpendicular to the first straight line 30, which runs perpendicular to the axis of rotation 26 and the claw axis 40 as well as to the central axis 28 of the associated adapter axis 18, which is arranged concentrically to the claw axis the axis of rotation 26 on the other side of the plane 38 when the adapter axis 18b is in the closed position of the clutch jaws 16b. Said load on the first contact area 24b generates a high torque on the securing element 24 as a result of the lever arm between the axis of rotation 26 and the first contact area 24b in the direction of the closed position. During operation, this prevents the safety element 24 from opening unintentionally in a simple manner.

In this case, the axis of rotation 26 is arranged above in relation to a horizontal plane in the open position and in the closed position, and the first contact area 24b is arranged below this horizontal plane.

The adapter axle 18b is now securely connected to the quick coupler 16 and can no longer become detached from the adapter axle 18b due to the form fit resulting from the pivoting of the securing element 24 . The securing element 24 is additionally secured against unintentional opening of the securing element 24 by the first contact region 24b described above.

In 9 the quick coupler 16 is shown from the front when the securing element 24 is in the open position. The adapter axis 18b is not introduced into the coupling claws 16b. The spring 34 tensions the axis of rotation 26 with the securing element 24 in the direction of the securing position of the securing element 24 against the actuating pin 32 which is in contact the spring 34 is supported on the quick coupler housing 16a on one side and acts on the securing element 24 and the axis of rotation 26 on the other side. The spring 34 is a torsion spring. The coupling claws 16b run out horizontally in the direction of their free end. The front portion 16e connects the two clutch claws 16b. Alternatively, other types of spring elements can also be used. It is also possible that instead of the spring force, the necessary force is generated hydraulically, for example.

In the Figures 10a, 10b and 10c a side sectional view of the quick coupler 16 along the longitudinal center plane in the area of the coupling claws 16b is shown.

In Figure 10a the adapter axle 18b, which connects the lateral adapter walls 18a to one another and is welded to them, is arranged outside the coupling claws 16b. The securing element 24 is in its open position. The quick coupler 16 is unlocked. The actuating pin 32 pushes the securing element 24 into the open position. If the adapter axis 18b is now to be gripped, the quick coupler 16 moves in the direction of the adapter axis 18b, so that it comes to rest on the front area 16e of the coupling claws 16b and is guided in the direction of the coupling claws 16b. From a specific relative position, the adapter axis 18b comes into contact with the third contact area 24d. With further movement of the adapter axis 18b relative to the quick coupler 16, the adapter axis 18b presses the securing element 24 via the third contact area 24d in the direction of the securing position of the securing element 24. This creates a torque which causes the securing element 24 to rotate about the axis of rotation 26.

If the securing element 24 is in the securing position when the adapter axle 18b is inserted into the coupling claws 16b, see Figure 10b , so the quick coupler 16 are in a locking position, in which the locking bolts 20 are extended and thus the actuating pin 32 is retracted, the adapter axis 18b first comes into contact with the second contact area 24c. With a further movement of the adapter axis 18b relative to the quick-change device 16, a torque is produced via the second contact area 24c in the direction of the opening position, as a result of which the securing element 24 pivots about the axis of rotation 26.

If the adapter axis 18b moves further, the third contact area 24d of the securing element 24 comes into contact with the adapter axis 18b and the securing element 24 pivots in the direction of the securing position. Is the adapter axis 18b relative to the clutch claws 16b in the Closing position, the securing element 24 is also in its securing position, see Figure 10c .

If there is a load on the adapter axis 18b in the direction of the two coupling claws 16b, the first contact area 24b comes into contact with the adapter axis 18b. The geometric conditions described above result in a torque in the direction of the securing position, so that the securing element 24 cannot open under any circumstances.

Due to the defined arrangement of the first contact area 24b in relation to the first straight line 30, additional safety can be achieved in a simple manner, which causes a torque in the safety position of the safety element 24 under operating loads.

As can be seen in detail in the figures, the first contact area 24b, the second contact area 24c and the third contact area 24d are arranged at different positions on the securing element 24 relative to one another. The contact areas 24b, 24c, 24d are preferably in linear contact with the adapter axis 18b.

The pivoting angle of the securing element 24 is between 15° and 90°, in particular between 20° and 30°.

The securing element 24 is claw-shaped and has a curvature on the side facing the adapter axis 18b in the securing position, which is provided with different diameters over its course.

Reference List

10

boom of a working machine

12

quick-change device

14

excavator bucket

16

quick coupler

16a

Quick coupler housing

16b

clutch claw

16c

Front side of the quick coupler housing

16d

U-shaped recess

16e

front area of the clutch claws 16b

16f

Longitudinal axis of the quick coupler 16

18

adapter

18a

side adapter walls

18b

adapter axle

18c

locking plate

20

latch bolt

22

safety mechanism

24

fuse element

24a

Fuse element washer

24b

first contact area of the securing element 24 on the adapter axis 18b

24c

second contact area of the securing element 24 on the adapter axis 18b

24d

third contact area of the securing element 24 on the adapter axis 18b

24e

Inside of the fuse element 24

26

axis of rotation

28

central axis

30

first straight

32

actuating pin

34

Feather

36

second straight

38

level

40

Central axis of the clutch claw 16b

Claims (16)

1. Quick coupler (16) for connecting an implement that is provided with an adapter (18) each, to an earth-moving vehicle such as an excavator, which quick coupler (16) comprises:

   a housing (16a),

   at least one coupling claw (16b) oriented in a first direction for engaging in an associated adapter axle (18b) of said adapter (18),

   a locking element that can be moved between a locking position and an opening position thereof for locking said quick coupler (16) in place in said adapter (18), which locking element is oriented in a second direction, and

   a securing mechanism (22) for securing said adapter axle (18b) of said adapter (18) in said coupling claw (16b) when said adapter axle (18b) is in said coupling claw (16b) in the closing position of said quick coupler (16), said securing mechanism (22) including at least one movable securing element (24) that is pivotable between an opening position and a securing position thereof about a first axis of rotation (26), said securing element (24) having a first contact region (24b) in the closing position of said adapter axle (18b) and in the securing position of said securing element via which said securing element (24) can bear on said adapter axle (18b) if required, said first contact region (24b) being arranged with respect to the axis of rotation (26) in such a manner that, when said adapter axle (18b) is loaded in the direction out of the closing position in said coupling claw (16b) of said quick coupler (16), the force resulting from this load will urge said securing element (24), via said first contact region (24b), further into the securing position about the axis of rotation (26), which first contact region (24b) is arranged, with respect to a plane (38) that is perpendicular to a straight line (30) which extends perpendicular to said axis of rotation (26) and to a central axis (40) of said coupling claw (16b), on one side of said plane (38) and said axis of rotation (26) is arranged on the other side of said plane (38) when said adapter axle (18b) is in the closing position of said coupling claws (16b), with said plane (38) passing through the claw axis (40), characterized in that said first contact region (24b) is arranged in such a manner that, when said adapter axle (18b) is in the closing position in said coupling claw (16b) of said quick coupler (16), said first contact region (24b) will be arranged above a straight line (30) that is perpendicular between the axis of rotation (26) of said securing element (24) and said claw axis (40).
2. Quick coupler according to claim 1, characterized in that said claw axis (40) is concentric with said central axis (28) of said adapter axle (18b) when said adapter axle (18b) is properly arranged in the closing position.
3. Quick coupler according to any one of claims 1 or 2 above, characterized in that in the opening position, said axis of rotation (26) is located above in relation to a horizontal plane, and said first contact region (24b) is located below said horizontal plane, and/or in the closing position, said axis of rotation (26) is located above in relation to said horizontal plane, and said first contact region (24b) is located below said horizontal plane.
4. Quick coupler according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said securing element (24) has at least one shape with a second contact region (24c) which latter will come into contact with said adapter axle (18b) of said adapter (18) as said quick coupler (16) is inserted into said adapter (18) and which will urge said securing element (24) into the opening position about the axis of rotation (26) by a predetermined further relative movement of said adapter axle (18b) in the direction of the closing position of said adapter axle (18b) over said second contact region (24c) of said securing element (24).
5. Quick coupler according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first and second contact regions (24b, 24c) of said securing element (24) are located at different positions relative to one another on said securing element (24).
6. Quick coupler according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, when said quick coupler (16) is in its not unlocked state, said securing element (24) is arranged in the securing position, with said second contact region (24c) being arranged in such a manner that, when said quick coupler (16) is inserted into said adapter (18) with said quick coupler (16) in its not unlocked state, said second contact region (24c) will be the first to come into contact with said adapter axle (18b).
7. Quick coupler according to any one of claims 4 to 6 above, characterized in that said second contact region (24c) together with said central axis (28) of said adapter axle (18b) forms a second straight line (36) that is perpendicular to said central axis (28), and said axis of rotation (26) is arranged in such a manner that, when said adapter axle (18b) of said adapter (18) comes into contact with said securing element (24) as said quick coupler (16) is being inserted into said adapter (18), the axis of rotation will be located above said straight line (36) when said adapter axle (18b) rests on said coupling claw (16b), in particular on a front region (16e) thereof, and abuts said second contact region (24c).
8. Quick coupler according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a front region (16e) of said coupling claw (16b) extends away from said housing (16a) to such an extent that said coupling claw (16b) serves as a guide for said adapter axle (18b) as said adapter axle (18b) is being inserted into said coupling claw (16b).
9. Quick coupler according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first contact region (24b) is arranged in such a manner that, when said adapter axle (18b) is in the closing position in said coupling claw (16b) of said quick coupler (16), said first contact region (24b) will be disposed on an inner side (24e) of said securing element (24) which lies in a plane (38) that is remote from said axis of rotation (26) and perpendicular to said straight line (30) and extends through said central axis (28) and/or said claw axis (40).
10. Quick coupler according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of said contact regions (24b, 24c) is designed in such a manner that said contact regions (24b, 24c) will bear on said adapter axle (18b) in a punctiform manner or a linear manner.
11. Quick coupler according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the securing position of said securing element (24) and in the closing position, said securing element (24) engages around said adapter axle (18b) by more than 140°, in particular 150°, preferably 160°, with respect to said central axis (28) of said adapter axle (18b).
12. Quick coupler according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pivot angle of said securing element (24) is between 15° and 90°, in particular between 20° and 30°.
13. Quick coupler according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a spring acts on said securing element (24) in the direction of the securing position.
14. Quick coupler according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said securing element (24) can be moved from the securing position into an opening position thereof by a drive member which latter is coupled to the drive of said locking element of said quick coupler (16) or to an opening mechanism that is independent of said locking element drive.
15. Quick coupler according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said securing element (24) has a curved portion on its side facing said adapter axle (18b) in the securing position, which curved portion either varies in diameter or is of uniform diameter over its length.
16. Quick coupler system comprising a quick coupler (16) according to any one of the preceding claims and an adapter (18) having at least one adapter axle (18b) for coupling to said coupling claw (16b) of said quick coupler (16).

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