EP3901378A1 - Quick coupling with centring device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a quick coupling for coupling a tool to the boom of an implement, in particular a wheel loader, comprising a boom-side and a tool-side quick-release coupling part, which can be locked to one another via two spaced locking axes, and an energy circuit coupling for automatically coupling a tool-side to a boom-side power connection, which has a Power coupling part on the cantilever side and one on the tool side, which move towards one another on a circular path by pivoting together about a first locking axis and thereby automatically couple with one another. At least one of the energy coupling parts is movably supported. The energy circuit coupling comprises a linear guide which compensates for the circular relative movement of the energy coupling parts when they are pivoted together and guides them linearly to one another. According to the invention, the quick coupling comprises a centering device which holds the movable energy coupling part regardless of its orientation in a central position and prevents movement in the absence of an external force and which enables movement of the movable energy coupling part during automatic coupling due to an external force generated by the coupling process.

Description

The present invention relates to a quick coupling for coupling a tool to the boom of an implement according to the preamble of claim 1 and to an implement with such a quick coupling.

Swing type quick couplings are widely used on certain work implements such as hydraulic excavators because they allow various tools such as hydraulic grabs, digging buckets, grapples, and the like to be changed easily and quickly. For coupling, only one of the two locking axes of the quick coupling first needs to be positioned and engaged. This can advantageously be a cross bolt that is hooked into a hook-shaped eyelet on the opposite quick-release coupling part. The quick coupling part on the boom side can then be pivoted relative to the tool about the already engaged locking axis, in order to thereby find the locking position in which the second locking axis can be locked. The latter is usually formed by a pair of locking bolts that can move apart laterally and move into corresponding locking bores on the opposite quick-release coupling part.

To produce a hydraulic connection, such quick couplings can have an energy circuit coupling or hydraulic coupling, each of the quick coupling parts having a corresponding energy coupling part which pivot together with the quick coupling parts and are automatically brought together. In order to compensate for the circular movement of the energy coupling parts relative to one another when the quick coupling parts pivot about the first locking axis, it is known to mount one of the two energy coupling parts, usually the energy coupling part on the tool, in a movable manner, for example on an arrangement of compression springs. However, this often results in an unclean coupling, which can lead to an oil leak.

In order to eliminate this inadequacy of known energy circuit couplings and to prevent the connection connectors of the energy coupling parts from tilting, the EP 1 239 087 A1 proposed to provide a linear guide for the energy coupling parts, which forces them to move in a linear manner relative to one another along a straight line against the circular pivoting movement. For this purpose, the linear guide on the cantilever and tool-side energy coupling parts has interacting guide elements during coupling, which can be designed, for example, as guide bolts and bores, which interlock before the connection connectors are brought together and cause an exactly linear relative movement.

However, this coupling concept only works correctly if the movably mounted energy coupling part does not deviate from a defined central position or central position in which the guide elements of the linear guide are aligned and can be guided into one another without tilting. As a result, the use of the quick coupling in applications in which the freely moveable energy coupling part is deflected from the central position by its own weight due to the installation position is made difficult or even prevented. This problem increases when hoses are connected to the energy coupling part, the internal stress of which increases the deflection of the energy coupling part from the central position.

An example of such a problematic installation position is the use of such a quick coupling in a wheel loader. In contrast to a hydraulic excavator, the installation orientation of the tool-side energy coupling part is vertical, i.e. the straight coupling of the energy coupling parts mediated by the linear guide takes place along an essentially horizontal line. Due to the weight of the movable energy coupling part, it swivels out of the central position due to the force of gravity, so that the guide elements or guide bolts and bores are no longer aligned with one another. The deflection of the movable energy coupling part makes the coupling or coupling in of the guide elements difficult or even impossible. Increased wear and tear or damage can therefore occur if the coupling is carried out with force to overcome the misalignment.

The present invention is therefore based on the object of overcoming this disadvantage and enabling the use of such a quick coupling regardless of the installation position and situation of the energy coupling parts.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a quick coupling with the features of claim 1. Accordingly, the quick coupling according to the invention, which is provided for coupling a tool to the boom of an implement, in particular a wheel loader, comprises a boom-side and a tool-side quick-release coupling part and a power circuit coupling for automatically coupling a tool-side power connection to a boom-side power connection. The quick-release coupling parts can be reversibly locked to one another via a pair of spaced-apart locking axes.

The energy circuit coupling comprises an energy coupling part on the boom side and a tool-side energy coupling part, which are arranged on the two quick-release coupling parts in such a way that, by pivoting the two quick-release coupling parts together about a first of the two locking axes, they move towards one another on a circular path around the first locking axis and thereby automatically move towards one another couple. At least one of the two energy coupling parts, referred to below as the movable energy coupling part, is mounted pivotably about an axis parallel to the first locking axis and movable or displaceable perpendicular thereto.

Furthermore, the energy circuit coupling comprises a linear guide, which is designed, in cooperation with the movable mounting of the movable energy coupling part, to compensate for the relative movement of the two energy coupling parts along a circular path when the quick coupling parts are pivoted together, and the two energy coupling parts when coupling linearly, ie along a straight line, to one another respectively.

According to the invention, the quick coupling additionally comprises a centering device, by means of which the movable energy coupling part can be held in a central position regardless of its spatial orientation or orientation and a movement of the movable energy coupling part relative to the quick coupling part attached to it can be prevented in the absence of an external force. The centering device is designed according to the invention to enable a movement of the movable energy coupling part relative to the quick coupling part attached to it during automatic coupling with the other energy coupling part due to an external force generated by the coupling process.

In the present case, an external force is any force that does not result from the own weight of the movable energy coupling part or acts on it permanently due to the storage / attachment / connection with cables, hoses, etc. of the movable energy coupling part. An external force within the meaning of the present invention is in particular a force which is generated by the coupling with the other energy coupling part when the two quick coupling parts are brought together and which acts on the movable energy coupling part.

The centering device according to the invention ensures that the movable energy coupling part does not move out of the central position provided for a smooth coupling due to its own weight, the connection of hoses or the like, regardless of the installation position or spatial orientation of the movable energy coupling part. This makes it possible, for example, to mount the movable energy coupling part vertically on the quick coupling part of a wheel loader shovel without it pivoting downward due to gravity and making coupling of the energy coupling parts difficult or impossible.

At the same time, of course, the mobility of the movable energy coupling part during the EP 1 239 087 A1 the coupling process described in more detail are retained within certain limits in order to continue to enable compensation of the circular movement by means of the linear guide. This mobility should only be given when a coupling process with the other energy coupling part takes place. For this reason, the present invention provides that the centering device is designed to allow a movement of the movable energy coupling part - within certain limits - only when an external force in the sense defined above acts on it, i.e. in particular one caused by the coupling process during a Contacting the movable energy coupling part by the other energy coupling part generated force.

As a result, the quick coupling according to the invention can be used in any installation position and independently of the connection with other components such as, for example, hoses, which considerably expands the possible uses. However, the present invention not only opens up further possible uses with installation positions that differ from the previous situation on hydraulic excavators. The quick coupling according to the invention with a centering device can also be used advantageously in hydraulic excavators with unproblematic installation positions with regard to their own weight, namely in particular in those cases in which a hose is used that leads to tilting of the movable energy coupling part due to the inherent stresses or pretension of the hoses.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the subclaims and the following description.

The quick coupling according to the invention is preferably a quick coupling according to FIG EP 1 239 087 A1 , which additionally has the centering device according to the invention. The revelation of the EP 1 239 087 A1 is explicitly included in the present teaching. In particular, the quick coupling according to the invention according to any of the in the EP 1 239 087 A1 described advantageous embodiments, or according to any combination of the embodiments disclosed therein. The one in the EP 1 239 087 A1 The embodiments described are thus also possible embodiments of the present quick coupling according to the invention.

For example, the quick coupling according to the invention can be a quick coupling for coupling a tool to the boom of a hydraulic excavator and the like, with a quick coupling part on the boom and a quick coupling part on the tool side, which can be locked to one another via a pair of spaced-apart locking axes, in such a way that after locking only a first of the two locking axes, the two quick-release coupling parts can be pivoted together about said first locking axis and then the second locking axis can be locked, as well as a power circuit coupling, in particular a hydraulic coupling, for automatically coupling a tool-side power connection to a boom-side power connection, the power circuit coupling having a cantilever-side and a tool-side power coupling Has energy coupling part that is attached to the boom-side quick coupling part or the tool-side Schnellk coupling part are arranged at a distance from the first locking axis in such a way that they move together on a circular path around the first locking axis by pivoting the two quick coupling parts together around the first locking axis and thereby automatically couple with one another, with at least one of the two energy coupling parts about one to the first locking axis parallel axis is tiltable and movably perpendicular to the first locking axis and the energy circuit coupling is assigned an existing linear guide that is separate from the energy connections and consists of a pair of guide pins and associated guide bores into which the mentioned guide pins move when the two energy coupling parts move together Storage compensates for the pivoting movement of the two energy coupling parts when pivoting together on the circular path around the first locking axis and forces the two energy coupling parts to an exact linear movement relative to one another along a straight line when coupling, the quick coupling being characterized in that a centering device is provided by means of which the movable stored energy coupling part can be held in a central position regardless of its orientation and a movement of the movably mounted energy coupling part relative to it attached quick coupling part can be prevented in the absence of an external force, wherein the centering device is designed to enable a movement of the movably mounted energy coupling part relative to the quick coupling part attached to it during automatic coupling with the other energy coupling part due to an external force generated by the coupling process.

In one embodiment it is provided that the centering device comprises at least one centering element which is fixed or immovable on the quick coupling part and holds the movable energy coupling part in the central position in a non-positive and / or positive manner in the absence of an external force. The fixation of the movable energy coupling part by means of the centering element can take place both positively and non-positively, for example positively in certain directions and non-positively in other directions.

In a further embodiment it is provided that the movable energy coupling part is mounted on the quick coupling part via a spring device, in particular an arrangement of one or more compression springs, which presses the movable energy coupling part against the centering element and thereby holds it in the central position or - in particular immediately after one of the movable Energy coupling part deflecting external force - transferred back to the central position. The spring device generates a pressing force on the centering element which holds the movable energy coupling part in the correct position, ie the spring device is pretensioned in the central position. The spring force or contact pressure must be large enough that the movable energy coupling part is not moved out of the central position in any of the possible installation positions by its own weight or the internal stresses of possible connecting hoses. At the same time, it must be low enough to enable the movable energy coupling part to be deflected when coupling with the other energy coupling part, when threading the linear guide components and when bringing them together linearly. The centered, movable energy coupling part must therefore have a certain degree of mobility when an external force that exceeds its own weight / hose tensions, etc. is applied.

In a further embodiment it is provided that the centering device has at least one holding element which is arranged on the movable energy coupling part and which is designed to interact with the at least one centering element in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner. The at least one holding element is therefore movably mounted on the quick coupling part together with the movable energy coupling part and is in particular pressed against the at least one centering element by the spring device.

In a further embodiment it is provided that the holding element comprises a recess into which the centering element is at least partially received or retracted in the central position. The holding element can itself be the recess or it can also comprise additional parts.

In a further embodiment it is provided that the recess has at least one bevel and / or rounding which interacts with at least one bevel and / or rounding of the centering element. Due to the beveling / rounding of the interacting elements of the centering device a certain mobility of the movable energy coupling part is guaranteed, which is required for the coupling process.

In a further embodiment it is provided that the recess is funnel-shaped at least along one direction, the centering element being beveled and / or rounded and preferably bolt-shaped at least along that same direction. The recess can therefore be beveled and / or rounded along at least one direction, so that a funnel shape results in a corresponding cross-sectional view. As a result, the centering element, which is partially located within the recess in the central position, can move along the bevels when an external force is applied, in order to enable the movable energy coupling part to move during coupling. A bolt-shaped, i.e. rounded shape of the centering element in the direction of the funnel-shaped configuration is advantageous here.

The funnel-shaped configuration and the preferably bolt-shaped rounding should be formed at least in a plane that is perpendicular to the axis about which the movable energy coupling part is pivoted during the coupling process. This axis is preferably perpendicular to the straight line along which the linear merging of the energy coupling parts mediated by the linear guide takes place. The bevels can also have an angle of 20-70 °, in particular 25-45 °.

In a further embodiment it is provided that the recess has an in particular continuous recess. The continuous recess is therefore open, ie it passes through the component of the movable energy coupling part in which the recess is formed. The recess is preferably smaller than the centering element. This recess has the function of forming an opening within the recess so that no deposits or dirt can accumulate inside the recess, which would prevent correct positioning of the centering element. The accumulations get out of the recess through the recess or are in by the centering element pressed the recess. The recess can for example be a bore or a slot and is preferably arranged at the lowest point or bottom of the recess. In addition or as an alternative to this, the centering element can also have a recess on the side facing the recess, into which dirt accumulating in the recess can be pushed so as not to clog the recess. This can also be continuous.

In a further embodiment it is provided that the movable energy coupling part is mounted on the quick coupling part attached to it via two spaced carrier elements and is preferably arranged between the carrier elements, each of the carrier elements having a centering element. The carrier elements can be designed in the form of plates and extend essentially vertically starting from the quick-release coupling part. The movable energy coupling part can be mounted on the carrier elements via a spring mounting. The carrier elements are in particular rigidly connected to the quick coupling part and partially enclose the movable energy coupling part.

In a further embodiment it is provided that the centering elements are designed in the shape of bolts and each interact with a holding element as described above. The holding elements are preferably formed on or in a carrier block of the movable energy coupling part which extends essentially between and perpendicular to the carrier elements. The carrier block can have one or more connector pieces that form the power connection of the movable power coupling part. In the case of recesses as holding elements, the recesses are formed on the upper side of the carrier block facing away from the quick-release coupling part, in particular on the edges or sides which are adjacent to the carrier elements. Such a configuration is particularly easy to implement, since the recesses forming the holding elements are only introduced laterally on the upper side of the carrier block - for example by milling and / or drilling - and the bolt-shaped centering elements at the corresponding points or at the corresponding distance from Quick coupling part attached to the inner surfaces of the support elements - for example screwed - must be.

In a further embodiment it is provided that the bolt-shaped centering elements are conical and fastened to the carrier elements via the narrower ends. The beveling / rounding of the conical shape of the centering elements enables deposits or dirt that may have collected in the recesses to be displaced from the recesses, so that correct positioning of the centering elements in the recesses is possible. The recesses are preferably open to the sides of the carrier block, so that dirt / deposits can be forced out of the recesses due to the conical shape of the centering elements.

In a further embodiment it is provided that at least four centering elements and at least four holding elements are provided, each of the carrier elements having at least two centering elements each. Of the at least two centering elements provided on each side, one is preferably connected to the carrier element via a fixed bearing and the other via a floating bearing and thus form a fixed-loose arrangement, ie the centering element connected via the floating bearing is not rigidly attached to the carrier element, but movably mounted, so that there is a certain relative mobility between the two centering elements. As a result, more than one centering element can be used per carrier element, which increases the stability of the centering and yet ensures the necessary degree of mobility of the movable energy coupling part for the coupling process. It is also conceivable to mount one or more of the centering elements rotatably on the carrier element.

In a further embodiment it is provided that the energy connection of the movable energy coupling part is arranged on the side of the carrier block facing away from the movable bearing on the quick coupling part and is designed in such a way that, when coupling with the other energy coupling part, a coupling with the other energy connection arranged thereon is automatically established a power circuit connection is established. The energy connection can comprise one or more connector pieces which can be pushed together or connected to corresponding connector pieces of the other energy coupling part and which bring about the corresponding energy connection (eg hydraulic fluid connection). The connector pieces extend in particular perpendicularly away from the carrier block and can be female and male connector pieces known per se. In this sense, the carrier block can also be referred to as a connector block.

In a further embodiment it is provided that the movable energy coupling part is arranged on the tool-side quick coupling part of a tool, in particular a wheel loader shovel, and is preferably aligned such that the coupling of the energy coupling parts mediated by the linear guide takes place along an essentially horizontal line. The movable energy coupling part is rotated approx. 90 ° to the usual installation position used on the hydraulic excavator. Without the centering device according to the invention, the movable energy coupling part would be tilted out of the central position required for the smooth coupling procedure due to its own weight, the hose tension and the movable mounting.

The linear guide preferably comprises at least two guide pins on one energy coupling part and associated guide bores on the other energy coupling part, into which the mentioned guide pins move when the two energy coupling parts move together. They force the spring device to deflect in order to compensate for the pivoting movement component. The guide pins are rigidly connected to the carrier block and protrude perpendicularly above it to the opposite energy coupling part. Each guide pin is preferably essentially cylindrical and has a rounded head which prevents tilting when it is inserted into the guide bores. Furthermore, it can be provided that the holding elements / recesses in the carrier block are arranged in alignment or in line with the guide bolts / guide bores of the linear guide.

The present invention further relates to an implement, in particular a wheel loader, with a quick coupling according to the invention. Obviously, the same advantages and properties result as for the quick coupling according to the invention, which is why a repetitive description is dispensed with at this point. The above statements with regard to the possible configurations of the quick coupling according to the invention therefore apply accordingly.

Figur 1:

ein Ausführungsbeispiel des beweglichen Energiekupplungsteils der erfindungsgemäßen Schnellkupplung in einer perspektivischen Ansicht;

Figur 2:

zwei Trägerelemente zur Befestigung des Energiekupplungsteils gemäß Figur 1 an einem Schnellkupplungsteil in einer perspektivischen Ansicht;

Figur 3:

das an den Trägerelementen nach Figur 2 befestigte Energiekupplungsteil nach Figur 1 in einer Draufsicht;

Figur 4:

eine frontale Querschnittsansicht der Vorrichtung gemäß Figur 3 entlang der Linie AA;

Figur 5:

eine seitliche Querschnittsansicht der Vorrichtung gemäß Figur 3 entlang der Linie BB; und

Figur 6:

ein alternatives Ausführungsbeispiel des beweglichen Energiekupplungsteils der erfindungsgemäßen Schnellkupplung in einer schematischen Seitenansicht.

Further features, details and advantages of the invention emerge from the exemplary embodiments explained below with reference to the figures. Show it:

Figure 1:

an embodiment of the movable energy coupling part of the quick coupling according to the invention in a perspective view;

Figure 2:

two support elements for fastening the energy coupling part according to FIG Figure 1 on a quick coupling part in a perspective view;

Figure 3:

that on the carrier elements Figure 2 attached energy coupling part after Figure 1 in a plan view;

Figure 4:

a front cross-sectional view of the device according to Figure 3 along the line AA;

Figure 5:

a side cross-sectional view of the device according to FIG Figure 3 along the line BB; and

Figure 6:

an alternative embodiment of the movable energy coupling part of the quick coupling according to the invention in a schematic side view.

The preferred exemplary embodiment of the quick coupling according to the invention discussed below is essentially a quick coupling according to the EP 1 239 087 A1 , wherein a centering device is additionally provided, which is described in detail below. Those elements and properties of the quick coupling according to the invention that are not explicitly described below preferably correspond to one of those in FIG EP 1 239 087 A1 disclosed embodiments.

The quick coupling according to the invention comprises an external and a tool-side quick coupling part, which can be reversibly locked to one another via a pair of spaced, parallel locking axes. The quick coupling has an energy circuit coupling comprising a tool-side energy coupling part fastened to the tool-side quick coupling part and a boom-side energy coupling part fastened to the boom-side quick coupling part. The tool-side energy coupling part is movably supported on the quick coupling part via a spring device 16 and is referred to below as a movable energy coupling part 10. The other energy coupling part, which is fastened to the quick coupling part on the boom side, is not movably mounted in this exemplary embodiment, but this is not mandatory. The other energy coupling part could therefore also be movably mounted in one embodiment.

The energy coupling parts each have an energy connection 12 which comprises a plurality of connector pieces 13 which are each arranged on a carrier block 18 and protrude perpendicularly therefrom. By connecting or coupling the energy connections 12 or the respective connector pieces 13, an energy circuit connection is closed, in particular a hydraulic connection for supplying a hydraulic tool with hydraulic oil. This can be, for example, a wheel loader shovel with hydraulic components.

The energy coupling parts also have a linear guide 14 which forces the energy coupling parts to move relative to one another along a line or straight line counter to the circular pivoting movement about one of the two locking axes. In the present exemplary embodiment, the linear guide comprises two parallel guide pins 14, which are attached to the carrier block 18 of the movable Energy coupling part 10 are arranged and protrude vertically therefrom, as well as corresponding guide bores on the other energy guide part, into which the guide pins 14 retract during coupling and force the linear coupling movement before the connector pieces 13 engage with one another.

With regard to further details, properties and advantages of the quick coupling parts, energy coupling parts and linear guide as well as the further configuration of the quick coupling, reference is made explicitly to the EP 1 239 087 A1 referenced. In the following, only the movable energy coupling part 10 and its mounting on the quick coupling part and the centering device according to the invention are discussed.

In the Figure 1 the movable energy coupling part 10 of the quick coupling according to the invention is shown in a perspective view, the quick coupling part attached to it being hidden for reasons of clarity. The movable energy coupling part 10 comprises an essentially plate-shaped support block 18 which is movably mounted on the quick coupling part on a spring device 16 comprising four compression springs. A plurality of connector pieces 13 and two guide bolts 14 of the linear guide are arranged on the carrier block 18, which protrude in parallel from the surface of the carrier block 18 opposite the spring device 16. Furthermore, two plungers 17 are arranged on the side of the spring device 16, their function in the EP 1 239 087 A1 is described.

The movable energy coupling part 10 is mounted on two lateral support elements 30 which are rigidly connected to the quick coupling part. The carrier elements 30 are individually in a perspective view in FIG Figure 2 shown. They are designed in the shape of a plate, differ from one another in shape and are aligned parallel to one another. The carrier elements 30 are arranged at a distance from one another, so that the carrier block 18 is mounted between them, which is mounted via the spring device 16 on two fastenings 32 which are formed or mounted on the inner sides of the carrier elements 30. The push rods 17 are also mounted on the fastenings 32.

The carrier block 18 and the positions of the components arranged thereon are axially symmetrical. In plan view, it has an essentially rectangular basic shape and extends essentially perpendicularly between the carrier elements 30. The short sides of the carrier block 18 bear against the carrier elements 30.

According to the invention, a centering element 20 is mounted on the inside of each carrier element 30, in the present exemplary embodiment via a screw connection. Furthermore, the carrier block 18 has two recesses 24 laterally in the area of the edges, which form the holding elements 22, which interact with the centering elements 20 and with these form the centering device according to the invention. The centering elements 20 are rigidly connected to the quick-release coupling part via the carrier elements 30, while the holding elements 22 are movably mounted due to the spring-loaded mounting of the carrier block 18 and can be moved relative to the centering elements 20.

the Figure 3 shows the movable energy coupling part 10 together with the carrier elements 30 on which it is mounted, in a plan view. A front cross-sectional view along line AA is shown in FIG Figure 4 and a side cross-sectional view along line BB in FIG Figure 5 shown.

The centering elements 20 are fastened to the carrier elements 30 at such a distance from the fastenings 32 that the carrier block 18 is pressed against the centering elements 20 by the spring device 16. As a result of this pressing force, the carrier block 18 or the movable energy coupling part 10 is held in a defined position, which is referred to here as the central position. In this central position, the guide pins 14 can be threaded correctly and without tilting into the corresponding guide bores of the other energy coupling part (not shown) during the coupling process. As a result of the pressing, the movable energy coupling part 10 is held in the central position even if the carrier block 18 is not oriented essentially horizontally is (as for example in the EP 1 239 087 A1 is the case), but has a different, in particular vertical, mounting position. The contact pressure is measured in such a way that the movable energy coupling part 10 does not move out of the central position in any installation position due to its own weight and / or the rigidity / internal stress of the hoses (not shown) connected to it via the hose connections 11. As a result, the quick coupling according to the invention is particularly suitable for use on a wheel loader shovel.

In order to ensure a certain mobility of the carrier block 18 despite the contact pressure generated by the spring device 16, which is required for the compensation of the circular movement during the coupling process by means of the linear guide 14, the recesses 24 are funnel-shaped and the centering elements 20 are designed as round bolts. The recesses 24 have a rectangular shape or slot shape in plan view and are tapered conically towards the center along the short sides of the carrier block 18. The bevels have an angle of approx. 30 °, although other angles are also possible. In the middle of each recess 24, the bevels merge into a rectangular recess 26 which extends through the entire carrier block 18 and opens into the underside of the carrier block 18. The recesses 24 are also open laterally on the short sides of the carrier block 18, i.e. towards the carrier elements 30.

The centering elements 20 are designed as conically shaped bolts with a circular cross section, which are fastened to the carrier elements 30 over the short side. In the central position, the centering elements 20 are partially received in the recesses 24 (cf. Figures 4 and 5 ). The bevels permit movement of support block 18, in particular pivoting or tilting about a pivot axis parallel to the first locking axis and / or displacement relative to centering elements 20 by external forces occurring during the coupling process. Thus, the carrier block 18 or the movable energy coupling part 10 is held positively by the centering elements 20 in the direction of the straight coupling line defined by the linear guide 14 and non-positively in the central position in a direction perpendicular thereto.

The pressing force by the spring device 16 is set so that the mobility of the carrier block 18 is guaranteed when an external force generated as a result of the coupling process occurs. If the carrier block 18 is deflected from the central position by such an external force and this external force disappears, the movable energy coupling part 10 is moved or pushed back into the central position again by the spring device 16.

Like in the Figure 5 As can be seen, the compression springs of the spring device 16 are not evenly compressed in the central position and are not aligned parallel to one another. The centering elements 20 are also not arranged centrally above the carrier block 18, but rather slightly offset to the side, specifically on the straight line connecting the guide pins 14. However, other arrangements of the centering elements 20 are also possible, for example an arrangement in which they are not aligned with the guide pins 14.

The recesses 26 in the recesses 24 prevent dirt or deposits from collecting in the recesses 24 and blocking them, which would prevent correct positioning of the movable energy coupling part 10. The deposits are pressed into the recesses 26 by the centering elements 20 and thereby forced out of the recesses 24. In addition, the conical shape of the centering elements 20 also ensures that dirt or deposits are pushed laterally outward from the recesses 24. As a result, the recesses 24 always remain free of contamination, which ensures correct positioning in the central position.

the Figure 6 shows a further embodiment of the movable energy coupling part 10 of the quick coupling according to the invention in a side view with a view of the short side of the carrier block 18. Here, instead of one centering element 20 per carrier element 30, two centering elements 20 are provided. Correspondingly, the carrier block 18 has two funnel-shaped recesses 24 on each short side. The two centering elements 20 of each carrier element 30 form one Fixed-loose arrangement, one of the centering elements 20 being connected to the quick-release coupling part or carrier element 30 via a fixed bearing and the other via a loose bearing. This makes it possible to provide more than one centering element 20 per carrier element 30, which increases the inherent stability of the movable energy coupling part 10 in the central position but nevertheless allows a certain mobility of the carrier block 18 for the purpose of coupling with the other energy coupling part. The use of more than two centering elements 20 per side / carrier element 30 is also conceivable here. A rotatable mounting of one or more centering elements 20 on the carrier elements 30 could also be provided.

List of reference symbols:

10

Movable energy coupling part

11

Hose connection

12th

Power connection

13th

Connector piece

14th

Linear guide / guide pin

16

Spring device

17th

Plunger

18th

Support block

20th

Centering element

22nd

Retaining element

24

Recess

26th

Recess

30th

Support piece

32

Attachment

Claims (15)

Quick coupling (10) for coupling a tool to the boom of an implement, in particular a wheel loader, comprising - a boom-side and a tool-side quick coupling part as well - an energy circuit coupling for the automatic coupling of a tool-side energy connection to a power connection on the cantilever, - wherein the quick coupling parts can be reversibly locked to one another via a pair of spaced locking axes, - The energy circuit coupling comprising a boom-side and a tool-side energy coupling part, which are arranged on the quick-release coupling parts in such a way that, by pivoting the two quick-release coupling parts together about a first locking axis, they move towards one another on a circular path around the first locking axis and thereby automatically couple with one another, - wherein at least one movable energy coupling part (12) is mounted pivotably about an axis parallel to the first locking axis and movable perpendicular thereto, and - wherein the energy circuit coupling comprises a linear guide (14) which is designed, in cooperation with the movable mounting of the movable energy coupling part (12), to compensate for the relative movement of the two energy coupling parts along a circular path when the quick coupling parts are pivoted together and the two energy coupling parts linearly when coupling to lead to each other, marked by - A centering device, by means of which the movable energy coupling part (12) can be held in a central position regardless of its orientation and a movement of the movable energy coupling part (12) relative to the quick coupling part attached to it can be prevented in the absence of an external force, - The centering device being designed to enable a movement of the movable energy coupling part (12) relative to the quick coupling part attached to it during automatic coupling with the other energy coupling part due to an external force generated by the coupling process. Quick coupling (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the centering device comprises at least one centering element (20) which is fixedly mounted on the quick coupling part and, in the absence of an external force, holds the movable energy coupling part (12) non-positively and / or positively in the central position . Quick coupling (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the movable energy coupling part (12) is mounted on the quick coupling part via a spring device (16), in particular an arrangement of several compression springs, which presses the movable energy coupling part (12) against the centering element and thereby in the central position holds or transferred to this. Quick coupling (10) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the centering device has at least one holding element (22) which is arranged on the movable energy coupling part (12) and which is designed to interact with the at least one centering element (20) in a non-positive and / or positive manner . Quick coupling (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the holding element (22) comprises a recess (24) in which the centering element (20) is at least partially received in the central position. Quick coupling (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the recess (24) has at least one bevel and / or rounding which cooperates with at least one bevel and / or rounding of the centering element (20). Quick coupling (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that the recess (24) is funnel-shaped at least along one direction, the centering element (20) being beveled and / or rounded and preferably bolt-shaped at least along that same direction. Quick coupling (10) according to one of Claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the recess (24) has an in particular continuous recess (26). Quick coupling (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movable energy coupling part (12) is mounted on the quick coupling part attached to it via two spaced carrier elements (30) and is preferably arranged between the carrier elements (30), each of the carrier elements (30) ) has a centering element (20). Quick coupling (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the centering elements (20) are bolt-shaped and each with one Holding element (22) according to one of claims 4 to 8 interacting, wherein the holding elements (22) are preferably formed on or in a carrier block (18) of the movable energy coupling part (12) which extends essentially between the carrier elements (30) and perpendicular to it this extends. Quick coupling (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that the bolt-shaped centering elements (20) are conical and are fastened to the carrier elements (30) via the narrower ends. Quick coupling (10) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that at least four centering elements (20) and at least four holding elements (22) are provided, each of the carrier elements (30) having at least two centering elements (20), of which preferably one is connected to the carrier element (30) via a fixed bearing and the other via a floating bearing, so that two centering elements (20) each form a fixed-loose arrangement. Quick coupling (10) according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the energy connection (11) of the movable energy coupling part (12) is arranged on the side of the carrier block (18) facing away from the movable bearing on the quick coupling part and is designed such that during coupling with the other energy coupling part, a coupling is automatically established with the other energy connection arranged thereon in order to establish an energy circuit connection. Quick coupling (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movable energy coupling part (12) is arranged on the quick coupling part of a tool, in particular a wheel loader shovel, and is preferably aligned such that the coupling of the energy coupling parts mediated by the linear guide (14) along a essentially horizontal line is made. Working device, in particular a wheel loader, with a quick coupling (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

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