EP3929361A1 - Tool holding device and mobile working machine - Google Patents

Abstract

A tool holding device (1), in particular a quick-change tool coupling (1), for holding a detachably connectable working tool (4), the tool holding device (1) having at least one housing (5) and a fixing unit (7, 10) for detachably fixing the working tool ( 4), wherein the housing (5) has at least one first, in particular front holding element (10) for holding a first, in particular front bolt element (2) of the working tool (4), the first holding element (10) being in a first holding position on the first bolt element (2) of the working tool (4), the fixing unit (7, 10) having at least one fixing device (7) which can be adjusted relative to the housing (5) and along an adjustment path between a release position and a second holding position for fixing a second, in particular the rear bolt element (3) of the working tool (4), proposed, which at least partially overcomes the disadvantages of the state of Te chnik improved, in particular structurally and / or economically favorable and / or has comparatively little space. According to the invention, this is achieved in that the adjustable fixing device (7) comprising the second holding element (7) has at least one guide element (14) for guiding a guide device (11 to 13), the guide device (11 to 13) having at least one adjusting element ( 12) for adjusting a locking element (11) for locking and/or unlocking the first bolt element (2) in the first holding position.

Description

The invention relates to a tool holding device, in particular a quick tool change coupling, for holding a releasably connectable working tool according to the preamble of claim 1.

State of the art

So-called "quick couplers" have been in use for many years, especially in mobile work machines such as excavators, wheel loaders, cranes, forklifts or the like. For example, hydraulic quick-change systems enable attachments to be changed quickly from the cab. The attachment or work tool can often be fixed to the quick coupler with two bolts. The so-called "front" bolt, the one facing the vehicle, and the so-called "rear" bolt, the one facing away from the vehicle.

A current quick coupler consists of a quick coupler housing, a catch which secures the so-called rear bolt of the attachment, and a hydraulic system which moves the catch. The catch is pushed outwards by the hydraulic cylinder for the closing process, ie the hydraulic cylinder extends. The notch is retracted for the opening process, ie the hydraulic cylinder retracts. To accommodate an attachment, the so-called front bolt is received on the quick coupler housing and then the quick coupler is screwed in. In In this position the catch is now hydraulically operated and the so-called rear bolt is secured.

In the locking process, a simplified distinction can be made between three cases: In the first case, the locking is correct, i.e. after the so-called front bolt has been picked up with the quick coupler, the detent moves under the rear bolt and secures it. In the second case, the front bolt is picked up by the quick coupler, but the attachment is not correctly seated on the quick coupler, e.g. due to the trapping of stones etc., and the catch moves over the so-called rear bolt and therefore does not secure it. If you now turn off the quick coupler, the attachment falls down.

In the third case, the attachment is picked up by the so-called front bolt. The notch strikes the so-called rear bolt more in the middle, thus clamping the attachment on the quick coupler and providing a certain hold, although the attachment is not correctly locked. Now, however, the attachment can jump off at any time due to the unstable position of the bolt and notch and the attachment can fall off. This case is also the most critical case, as it appears here as if the attachment is already connected to the quick coupler. The attachment must always be prevented from falling.

There are already certain systems on the market for large quick couplers which have a securing device for the so-called front bolt. However, so far there are no such systems for relatively small hydraulic quick couplers, ie excavators up to approx. 2.5 t. The existing systems often have a floating cylinder that can be moved in both directions in order to be able to operate the catch on the one hand and a locking element on the other (cf.

EP 1 318 242 B1 ). However, the floating cylinder must be pre-tensioned with springs to ensure that the bolt is permanently locked. This means that in the third case described above, the attachment tool is only held by springs. However, these springs can be overcome or damaged or possibly break, so that there is only a limited degree of security.

The locking element can also be operated with a separate hydraulic cylinder, which makes the system more complex, takes up more space and is therefore particularly unsuitable for smaller quick couplers.

Object and advantages of the invention

In contrast, the object of the invention is to propose a tool holding device which at least partially improves the disadvantages of the prior art, in particular is structurally and / or economically favorable and / or has comparatively little installation space.

Based on a tool holding device of the type mentioned in the introduction, this object is achieved by the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention are possible through the measures mentioned in the subclaims.

Accordingly, a tool holding device according to the invention is characterized in that the adjustable fixing device comprising the second holding element has at least one guide element for guiding a guide device, the guide device at least one adjusting element for adjusting a locking element for Locking and / or unlocking the first bolt element in the first holding position.

With the aid of such a fixing device or such a guide element / adjusting element it is achieved that the adjustment of the second / rear holding element is realized at the same time or additionally an adjustment of the first / front holding element. Accordingly, there is an advantageous double use of the fixing device or its adjustment, namely on the one hand for holding the second / rear holding element and on the other hand for locking the first / front holding element. As a result, a separate unit or a special locking unit for locking the first / front retaining element and / or a so-called floating, i.e. bilaterally / oppositely adjustable linear unit / hydraulic unit is unnecessary.

The constructive and also the economic effort as well as the space requirement for securing the first / front retaining element are comparatively small or very small. In addition, a high safety standard can be achieved, since, among other things, a spiral spring cannot be damaged or even broken as in the prior art. The advantageous massive mechanical components ensure a high level of security.

The linear adjustment unit is advantageously designed as a hydraulic cylinder unit with a cylinder housing element and a piston element adjustable in the cylinder housing element, the hydraulic cylinder unit being fixed to the housing so that a first end of the hydraulic cylinder unit and the fixing device with the second holding element relative to the housing and are adjustable along the adjustment path and so that a second end of the hydraulic cylinder unit cannot be adjusted along the adjustment path. This represents a departure from the systems previously designed as "floating hydraulic cylinders". Thus, one side or one end of the hydraulic cylinder unit can / is advantageously fixed on the housing so that it is not designed to be adjustable along the adjustment path here. If necessary, the hydraulic cylinder unit can be pivoted about a fixing axis with respect to the housing in order to be able to advantageously adapt to the other or second end / side, ie the piston side or the piston element. This advantageous embodiment enables a particularly structurally and economically favorable and space-saving implementation according to the invention.

In a particular development of the invention, at least one guide track of the guide element and / or the guide device has at least partially a guide line and / or guide edge that is bent and / or curved along the adjustment path. For example, the guide track or the guide line / edge has, at least in sections, a type of S-shape, Z-shape or C-shape and / or a (rounded) bend or the like. Thus, through interaction of the guide element and / with the guide device or the advantageous guide track, a controlled adjustment of the adjustment element of the guide device and also of the locking element for locking the first / front bolt element in the first holding position can be achieved. Accordingly, the defined locking or securing of the first / front bolt element can advantageously take place at the same time or in addition by means of the adjustment of the linear adjustment unit or the hydraulic cylinder unit. As a result, a high level of operational safety or high safety requirements can be achieved according to the invention.

For example, the guide according to the invention is designed as a link guide or the like. In a preferred variant of the invention, the guideway is the Guide element and / or the guide device designed as a guide groove. The guide groove advantageously enables a transverse or lateral, in particular bilateral, guide in relation to the guide direction or the guide path, so that a high level of operational reliability and precise control of the guide is achieved. If necessary, the guide groove can be a part or an essential component of a link guide.

The guide track and / or the guide element is preferably designed as a lever element and / or the guide device comprises at least one lever element. A lever element according to the invention can on the one hand be implemented in a structurally favorable and stable manner and on the other hand advantageously generate a comparatively high torque or a relatively large adjustment / locking force. Correspondingly, a very stable and safe locking of the working tool can be achieved.

The guide track and / or the guide element is advantageously designed as a cam disk and / or the guide device comprises at least one cam disk. If necessary, comparatively complex adjustment movements of the adjustment element can also be generated with a cam. It is conceivable that a cam disk can also be advantageous in the case of special space conditions.

The guide element is preferably designed as a roller or roller and / or the guide device comprises at least one roller or roller. With the aid of the roller or roller or a rotating element, an advantageously low-friction and / or low-wear guide can be implemented, among other things. This ensures a safe and also a long-lasting mode of operation, especially under the usually very harsh construction site conditions.

In a special development of the invention, the adjusting element and / or the locking element and / or the guide element and / or the guide device and / or the lever element has at least one pivot axis for locking / unlocking the first / front bolt element in the first holding position. In this way, a particularly space-saving and / or powerful adjustment of the adjusting element or locking of the first / front bolt element can be achieved.

Embodiment

An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawing and is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures.

Figur 1

eine schematische, perspektivische Ansicht einer Werkzeughaltevorrichtung gemäß der Erfindung in verriegelter Position mit zwei gesicherten Bolzen eines Arbeitswerkzeuges,

Figur 2

eine schematische, teilweise geschnittene Ansicht der Werkzeughaltevorrichtung gemäß Figur 1 ohne Bolzen,

Figur 3

eine schematische, teilweise geschnitten dargestellte Seitenansicht der Werkzeughaltevorrichtung gemäß Figur 1 in entriegelter Position,

Figur 4

eine schematische, teilweise geschnitten dargestellte Seitenansicht der Werkzeughaltevorrichtung gemäß Figur 3 in korrekt verriegelter/gesicherter Position,

Figur 5

eine schematische, teilweise geschnitten dargestellte Seitenansicht der Werkzeughaltevorrichtung gemäß Figur 3 in einer ersten, nicht korrekt verriegelten, ungesicherten Position und

Figur 6

eine schematische, teilweise geschnitten dargestellte Seitenansicht der Werkzeughaltevorrichtung gemäß Figur 3 in einer zweiten, nicht korrekt verriegelten, ungesicherten Position.

In detail shows:

Figure 1

a schematic, perspective view of a tool holding device according to the invention in a locked position with two secured bolts of a working tool,

Figure 2

a schematic, partially sectioned view of the tool holding device according to FIG Figure 1 without bolts,

Figure 3

a schematic, partially sectioned side view of the tool holding device according to FIG Figure 1 in unlocked position,

Figure 4

a schematic, partially sectioned side view of the tool holding device according to FIG Figure 3 in correctly locked / secured position,

Figure 5

a schematic, partially sectioned side view of the tool holding device according to FIG Figure 3 in a first, incorrectly locked, unsecured position and

Figure 6

a schematic, partially sectioned side view of the tool holding device according to FIG Figure 3 in a second, incorrectly locked, unsecured position.

In Figure 1 a tool holding device 1 or a so-called quick changer 1 according to the invention in a locked position with two secured bolts 2, 3 of a working tool 4 is shown schematically. The quick coupler 1 includes, inter alia, a housing 5 with eyelets or openings for an excavator arm or the like, not shown in detail.

Inside the housing 5 there is, among other things, a hydraulic cylinder 6 which can adjust a notch 7 along a linear adjustment path. As in Figure 4 becomes clear, this catch 7 secures the so-called second or rear bolt 3 in the working position or in the extended position. On the other hand, in Figure 3 It is clear that this catch 7 releases the so-called second or rear bolt 3 in the release position or in the retracted position, so that the bolt 3 is not secured or locked.

The hydraulic cylinder 6 is fixedly fixed to the housing 5 at a first end 8, so that only a second end 9 of the hydraulic cylinder 6 with the detent 7 can move or adjust relative to the housing 5.

The so-called first or front bolt 2 of the working tool 4 or attachment tool 4 is advantageously held by means of locking lugs 10. In addition, according to the invention, this first / front bolt 2 is additionally secured / held with two bolts 11. These bolts 11 are confirmed or adjusted with the aid of the hydraulic cylinder 6. In this case, the bolts 11 advantageously have levers 12 which have rollers 13 arranged at the ends. These rollers 13 are guided by means of a guide groove 14.

Due to the advantageously curved / shaped guide track 15 or guide tracks 15, which form the end faces of the guide groove 14, when the hydraulic cylinder 6 is adjusted, the lever 12 is pivoted about a pivot axis 16 and thus at the same time the bolt 11 (cf. Figures 3 and 4 ). The first / front bolt 2 is therefore not only held by the ratchet lugs 10, but also by the bolts 11.

The bolts 11 advantageously reduce a clear width compared to the housing 5, so that the first / front bolt 2, the diameter of which is greater than this clear width, can no longer detach from the quick coupler 1. Accordingly, the work tool 4 is securely secured on the quick coupler 1.

This locking in the sense of the invention is an additional securing or fixing of the working tool 4 on the quick changer 1. The "normal" or "actual" holding of the working tool 4 on the quick changer 1 already takes place the clamping of the two bolts 2, 3 with the locking lugs 10 and the detent 7 as shown in FIG Figure 4 becomes clear when correctly coupled.

However, under construction site conditions it can also happen that the coupling is incorrect or not entirely correct (cf. Figures 5 and 6 ). As has been generally known for years, the attachment tool 4 is first held with the first / front bolt 2, i.e. for example the excavator driver steers / controls the excavator arm in such a way that the quick coupler 1 located at the end of the excavator arm picks up the first / front bolt 2 (cf. Figure 1 ). The excavator arm, for example, is then adjusted in such a way that the second / rear bolt 3 swivels into the housing 5 in the coupling position (cf. Figure 3 ). Then the notch 7 is adjusted / moved into the holding position by means of the hydraulic cylinder 6 (cf. Figure 4 ).

However, there may essentially arise two dangerous cases in which the holding of the second / rear bolt 3 is not entirely correct. Namely that the notch 7 passes over the second / rear bolt 3 ( Figure 5 ) or that the notch 7 moves / presses approximately in the middle against the second / rear bolt 3 ( Figure 6 ). In these two cases, the working tool 4 could detach itself from the quick coupler 1 or fall down under load and possibly injure a person or damage something.

According to the invention, this is prevented in an advantageous manner. Thus, by means of the advantageous guide or link guide of the lever 12, the first / front bolt 2 is also / already in these cases effectively secured by means of the latch 11 (cf. Figures 5 and 6 ). So is namely according to both in the end position Figure 5 as well as in the intermediate position according to Figure 6 the bolt 11 is already pivoted so advantageously that the first / front bolt 2 is firmly fixed / secured, although the second / rear bolt 3 was not correctly or not held / clamped.

Preferably, two or both sides, in particular mirror-identical, link guides 14 with the corresponding components can be used. The link guide according to the invention advantageously has a defined guide groove 14. An axle or a roller 13, for example, which sits at the end of a lever element 12, runs in this groove 14. In addition, this lever element 12 also has at least one bearing point 16 or pivot axis 16 on which it is rotatably mounted. If the notch 7 and with it the link guides move back and forth, the grooved pins / elements or running wheels 13 run along the defined groove 14 or their guideways 15 in the link guide and thus move the lever element 12 depending on the groove geometry and from. That is, depending on the groove geometry, the lever element 12 has a defined position in each detent position. This lever movement is used in an advantageous manner to actuate the bolt 11 or locking element 11, which secures the front bolt 2 of the attachment tool 4. The lever or locking element can advantageously be designed in the shape of a hook at the other end. This hook or the bolt 11 loops around the front bolt 2 of the attachment tool 4, for example in the locked state ( Figure 1 ). The movement of the lever element 12 can, for example, also be used to advantageously move another locking element such as a slide up and down or to open / fold the pawl.

In an advantageous variant of the invention, the link shape and the path of the catch 7 can be coordinated in such a way that the locking element 11 already completely secures the front bolt 2 before the catch 7 moves over / out of the housing 5 protrudes ( Figure 6 ). This means, among other things, that the front bolt 2 is already secured before incorrect locking can occur. According to the invention, only a single hydraulic system 6 is required for actuating the catch 7 and the locking element 11. In addition, the hydraulic cylinder 6 can be firmly screwed to the housing 5, so that the hydraulic connections do not move with it and chafing points are avoided. Furthermore, as in the prior art, the locking element does not have to be specially secured by springs, as is the case with the floating cylinder.

According to the invention, the movement of the lever element 12 and thus of the bolt 11 can be precisely defined by means of the advantageous link guide as a function of the travel path of the detent 7 and the link shape. The link shape is advantageously designed in such a way that the lever element 12 and thus the bolt 11 advantageously move / pivot at the beginning of the closing process and reach its end position (for example in accordance with FIG Figure 6 ) before the catch 7 reaches its fully extended end position. Then the notch 7 moves into its end position (e.g. according to Figure 4 ), but the lever element 12 or the bolt 11 remains in its securing position and is only fixed by the gate in this phase ( Figure 4 ).

The lever element 12 actuated by the link guide according to the invention can actuate a wide variety of locking elements 11. On the one hand, the lever element 12 can be designed directly as a hook 11 which secures the front bolt 2. On the other hand, the lever element 12 can also actuate other locking elements 11, for example move a slide up / down, open / close the latch or the like.

Furthermore, there is the possibility, not shown in detail, of "reversing" the gate principle. This means that, for example, the lever element 12 has a defined shape or curved / angled shape (cf., for example, the shape of the groove 14) and, for example, two rollers are attached to the catch 2 or the movable part of the hydraulic cylinder 6, which are attached to the corresponding levers are arranged / guided. The lever element runs between these rollers and its shape moves it up and down.

List of reference symbols

1

Quick coupler

2

bolt

3

bolt

4th

Work tool

5

casing

6th

Hydraulic cylinder

7th

Rested

8th

end

9

end

10

Locking lug

11th

bars

12th

lever

13th

Caster

14th

Groove

15th

Guideway

16

Swivel axis

Claims (9)

Tool holding device (1), in particular quick tool change coupling (1), for holding a releasably connectable working tool (4), the tool holding device (1) comprising at least one housing (5) and a fixing unit (7, 10) for releasably fixing the working tool (4) , wherein the housing (5) has at least one first, in particular front holding element (10) for holding a first, in particular front bolt element (2) of the working tool (4), wherein the first holding element (10) is in a first holding position on the first bolt element ( 2) of the working tool (4) is arranged, the fixing unit (7, 10) at least one fixing device (7), which can be adjusted relative to the housing (5) and along an adjustment path between a release position and a second holding position, for fixing a second, in particular rear, bolt element (3) of the working tool (4), the adjustable fixing device (7) at least one second, in particular towards The second holding element (7) for holding a second bolt element (3) of the working tool (4) in the second holding position, at least one linear adjustment unit (6), in particular a hydraulic cylinder unit (6), for linear adjustment of the fixing device (7 ) is provided with the second holding element (7), characterized in that the adjustable fixing device (7) comprising the second holding element (7) has at least one guide element (14) for guiding a guide device (11 to 13), the guide device ( 11 to 13) comprises at least one adjusting element (12) for adjusting a locking element (11) for locking and / or unlocking the first bolt element (2) in the first holding position. Tool holding device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the linear adjustment unit (6) is a hydraulic cylinder unit (6) with a cylinder housing element and an adjustable piston element is formed in the cylinder housing element, the hydraulic cylinder unit (6) being fixed to the housing (5) so that a first end of the hydraulic cylinder unit (6) and the fixing device (7) with the second holding element (7) are adjustable relative to the housing (5) and along the adjustment path and so that a second end of the hydraulic cylinder unit (6) cannot be adjusted along the adjustment path. Tool holding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one guide track (15) of the guide element (14) and / or the guide device (11 to 13) has at least partially a guide line and / or guide edge that is bent and / or curved along the adjustment path. Tool holding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide track (15) of the guide element (14) and / or the guide device (11 to 13) is designed as a guide groove (14). Tool holding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide track (15) and / or the guide element (14) is designed as a lever element (12) and / or the guide device (11 to 13) comprises at least one lever element (12). Tool holding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide track (15) and / or the guide element (14) is designed as a cam and / or the guide device (11 to 13) comprises at least one cam. Tool holding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide element (14) is designed as a roller or roller and / or the guide device (11 to 13) comprises at least one roller (13) or roller. Tool holding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting element (12) and / or the locking element (11) and / or the guide element (14) and / or the guide device (11 to 13) and / or the lever element (12) have at least one pivot axis (16) for locking / unlocking the first / front bolt element (2) in the first holding position. Mobile work machine, in particular wheel loader, telescopic loader, excavator, tractor or the like, with a vehicle frame and with a drive unit for driving at least one drive element, e.g. a drive wheel and / or crawler chassis, with at least one tool holding device (1), in particular quick tool change coupling (1), for Holding a releasably connectable work tool (4) of the work machine is provided, characterized in that the tool holding device (1) is designed according to one of the preceding claims.

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