FR2641343A1 - COUPLING DEVICE FOR SEPARABLE ATTACHMENT OF ADDITIONAL DEVICES TO A MACHINE, IN PARTICULAR A CONSTRUCTION MACHINE - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a coupling device for easily and releasably fixing additional devices on a machine, in particular a construction machine. The coupling device comprises at least one plate 7 rigidly connected to the machine and which is provided with two recesses 6, 6 ', open on the edge and oriented perpendicular to each other so as to receive the suspension pins 5, 5' of additional device 3; in one of the recesses 6 'is disposed a sleeve 9 provided with a slot 10 oriented radially and serving to receive one of the suspension pins 5', the sleeve being mounted so as to rotate and the spacing of the centers 30, 30 'of the ends rounded recesses 6, 6 'corresponding to the spacing of the suspension pins 5, 5'.

Description

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  The present invention relates to a coupling device for easily separable fixing of additional apparatuses on a machine, in particular a construction machine, which comprises a plate rigidly connected to this machine and which is provided with at least two open recesses on the machine. edge, oriented substantially perpendicular to each other and serving to receive two suspension pins of the additional apparatus and a locking device, the spacing between the centers of the zones

  rounded extremes of the recesses of the corresponding plate.

  at the spacing of the suspension pins of

The additional apparatus.

  Coupling devices of this type are known for example from US Pat. Nos. 4,436,477, 3,985,249 and 4,297,074 as well as from the patent US Pat. No. 2,167,377. In all these known solutions, the plate rigidly connected with the machine is provided with two recesses open on the edge, oriented substantially perpendicularly to each other and serving to receive the pins arranged on the device to be coupled, however, in these solutions, there is provided a relatively complicated locking device and not allowing resistance

to sufficient wear.

  In the solution known from GB-A-2 167 377, the locking device is constituted by a hook held with translational possibility and in which a threaded rod is attached which is

  maintained in a hole of the suspension device.

  As a result, in the zone of this hook, a relatively large surface compression is produced.

  which results in a corresponding high wear.

  In addition, it is necessary, during the coupling and uncoupling, to rotate the threaded rod by a correspondingly large number of turns to bring the hook into a release position or a locking position, which results in by

  operations of an excessively long duration.

  In the solution according to US Pat. No. 4,536,477, the locking device essentially consists of two hooks connected to one another and which are held in a pivotal manner. To ensure their locking in the locking position or in the release position, there is provided a spring loaded safety pin which is held in a housing disposed on a hook, so as to pass through a hole of the hook and cooperate with of the

  stop holes of the suspension device.

  Then we also get the disadvantage

  a relatively large surface pressure.

  In addition, when coupling and uncoupling, the safety pin must be removed simultaneously and the hook must be actuated so that both hands are closed.

  necessary and, consequently, it is necessary to

  come a second person to introduce the suspension pins into the recesses provided for this purpose

in the tray.

  In the device known from US Pat. No. 3,985,249, the locking device is constituted by a spring-biased pin, which is held in a casing mounted on the plate and which passes through a hole formed in this casing. This pin cooperates with a stop hole formed in a comb arranged on

  the tool to be coupled and which clings between two

the plateau.

  In this case we also encounter the inconvenience

  deny a great superficial pressure. In addition, the extraction of the spindle in its axial direction in opposition to the spring force requires a force

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  very important. In this regard, it should also be taken into account that, for example, the axial guide of this spindle can easily become fouled on construction sites so that the force to be exerted for the extraction of the spindle is further increased and that, because of the fact that axial operation of the spindle, there is also no possibility to create in a simple way

arm of favorable levers.

  In the case of the device known from US Pat. No. 4,297,074, one of the suspension pins of the tool is rotatably mounted and is connected without the possibility of relative rotation with a stirrup which is oriented during the coupling. depending on its shape and then clings to a projection of the tray. Fixing is ensured in this case by means of a pin biased by spring, held in the plate and which passes through a hole of the plate and a hole of the caliper so that it is fixed in its

  latching position on the projection of the tray.

  In this case, however, we encounter the incon-

  come to mind that, when uncoupling, the pin

  must be raised in an axial direction in oppo-

  spring force while the stirrup must be brought by hand into its release position,

  this stirrup is however not easily accessible.

  In addition, the lifting of the pin requires a significant force so that we also meet

  difficulties arising in the case of fouling

men, inevitable and already mentioned.

  In a device known from EU-Al-

  122 547, a plate rigidly connected to a machine is provided with a recess open at the edge and serving

  to receive a trunnion disposed on the apparatus with accu-

  pler, this plate further comprising a hook biased by spring and which clings from below on the

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  tray arranged on the device to be coupled. It then occurs, during the coupling, a hanging

  on the tray arranged on the device to be coupled.

  We then inevitably encounter the incon-

  of a relatively complicated construction and, because of the hook projection, there is a relatively large surface pressure of the hook on the plate, which results in a

  corresponding increase in wear.

  Because, for example in construction machinery, the spring must hold the hook

  with a very great force in the closed position

  of this hook in order to prevent unintentional separation of the connection, the uncoupling of an apparatus requires the exertion of a large corresponding force, which has to be produced practically

iia hand.

  The object of the invention is to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks and to create a coupling device of the type defined above which makes it possible to

  quick and easy replacement of additional equipment

  and which is not subject to wear.

  According to the invention, this problem is solved in that the locking device is

  constituted by a sleeve disposed in one of the recesses

  aforementioned elements, provided with a slot orients radially to receive a suspension pin and which is

  rotatably held in this recess.

  By these means, we obtain the advantage that

  only relative elastic forces

  small to keep the split sheath in its closed position because also the weight of

  the device to be coupled opposes, under the effect of

at a rotation of the sheath.

  As a result, it is possible to perform the operation with relatively small springs so that, also when uncoupling an apparatus, only weak forces have to be overcome. This facilitates a quick replacement of devices on a machine. In addition, because of the arrangement of the sheath,

  only slight surface pressures occur

  the, which also reduces wear to a minimum.

  According to another characteristic of the invention

  tion, the rotatably mounted sheath can be maintained by prestressing in a lock position in which the sheath

  closes the recess, open on the edge, of the tray.

  This makes it possible in a simple manner to securely attach the sleeve to its locking position so that a suspension pin, which hooks into the sleeve, is securely held therein. The advantage is also obtained that, for the separation of the connection, it suffices to rotate the sleeve in opposition to its crostressing force, which can be created for example by a spring acting, at least in the open position of the sheath, substantially in its peripheral direction so that no manipulation should be performed

on a locking mechanism.

  To facilitate the inward pivoting of one of the suspension pins, it is possible for the rotatably mounted sleeve to be locked in its open position, where the radial slot coincides with the open recess. on the edge, by means of a stop device

by sudden action.

  Also in order to facilitate the introduction of the suspension pins, it is possible to ensure that the open recesses on the edge and the radial slot of the sleeve are widened in the direction of

  openness and preferably join through

  mediate rounding the peripheral surface of the

tray or sheath.

  In an advantageous embodiment

  of the invention, it can be ensured that the arrangement

  stop device by sudden action is constituted by a stop plate pivotally mounted on the plate and maintained by prestressing in the position close to the sleeve and by a cleat disposed on the rotating sheath, projecting radially and which cooperates with the plate stop, so that this abutment plate, during rotation of the sleeve towards its opening position, can be removed by the cleat of the sleeve in opposition to

  prestressing of the stop plate.

  Other features and advantages of the invention will be highlighted later in the

  description, given by way of non-limiting example,

  with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows an additional apparatus fixed on a construction machine and which is held by means of a coupling device according to the invention, Figure 2 shows the coupling device of FIG. 1 in the unlocked condition, FIG. 3 shows the coupling device, on an enlarged scale, in the locked condition, FIG. 4 shows the coupling device, on an enlarged scale, in the unlocked condition, and

  Figures 5 and 6 show the respective sheath

  in longitudinal section and in cross-sectional view. Figures 1 and 2 show a bucket 3 fixed by means of the coupling device 1 according to

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  the invention on an arrow 2, for example an excavator, the actuating device 4 of the boom 2 also clinging to the coupling device 1 and thus allowing the control of the additional device is the bucket 3. As shown in Figure 2, the spindles of

  suspension 5, 5 'of the additional apparatus 3

  in recesses 6, 6 ', open on the edge,

of the coupling device 1.

  This delivery device 1 is shown

  on a larger scale in Figures 3 and 4 and

  two plates 7, arranged parallel to each other, spaced from one another, which are connected to each other by means of bolts, not shown,

  and who move to be considered as a uni-

  silent. The arrow 2 and its actuating device 4, which comprises a cylinder and piston mechanism, are mounted between the two plates 7 and are connected to

  this one by means of bolts, not representative

  your; It is not necessary for this connection to be separable in service because the two slats 7 can remain constantly connected to the arrow 2 and its actuating device 4 and a removal of the

  trays may only be necessary when performing

  maintenance work, but not when installing an additional apparatus 3. In addition, the additional apparatus 3 is also hung between

the trays 7.

  These plates 7 comprise two recesses 6, 6 ', open on the edge, oriented perpendicularly to each other, the width of the recesses increasing towards the peripheral surfaces of the plates 7 and joining said surfaces by means of rounded E. This allows a easy introduction of the suspension pins 5, 5 'of the additional apparatus 3, which is shown in the drawings as an example

in the form of a bucket.

  The recess 6 'open on the edge has substantially a lyre shape, a sleeve 9 being rotatably mounted in the enlarged area of said recess 6'. This sleeve 9, which is shown in longitudinal section and in cross section on the

  FIGS. 5 and 6, comprise a slot 10 oriented radially

  open in an area of the peripheral surface of the sleeve 9, said slot extending over the entire length of the latter and serving to receive the

  suspension pin 5. For a corresponding dimensioning

  laying on this brooch, it is not necessary to

  provide a slot 10 which is axially continuous.

  It is enough that the suspension pin 5 'can be received by the slot! C. This slot has a rounded portion 11, which serves as a bearing surface for the spindle of

  suspension 5 ', as shown in FIG. 3, which represents

  and the coupling device 1 according to the invention.

in the locked condition.

  The sheath 9 has, as shown

  in particular League 5, two colbrettes 12, which

  in the corresponding grooves of the two plates 7, ensuring the fixing of the sleeve 9 in its axial direction in the two plates 7

  and simultaneously helping to maintain the space-

the two trays 7.

  The mounting of an additional apparatus 3 on the arrow 2 of the machine, not shown in detail, and on the actuating device 4 of the blade 3 is made simply in such a way that the suspension pin 5 of the additional apparatus 3 is engaged laterally in the recess 6, open on the bdrd, oriented substantially horizontally, of the two plates 7, the suspension pin 5 'then being engaged by pivoting in the recess 6' of the trays so that the sleeve 9 arrives in the position shown in Figure 4, where its slot 10 is substantially coincident with the edges of the recess 6 'and it is therefore possible to return the suspension pin 5' by pivoting in the slot 10 of the sleeve 9. After this operation, it suffices to rotate the sleeve 9 so that the base of the slot 10 of the sleeve 9 closes the recess 6 'of the plates 7 and locks

thus the suspension pin 5 '.

  To facilitate the mounting of an additional apparatus 3, there is provided a cleat 13 which is welded in the region of the peripheral surface of the sleeve 9 which is located between the plates 7, this cleat forming part of a stop device by sudden action. This further comprises a plate 14, which is rigidly connected to an arm 15, describing approximately one quadrant of a circle. In this plate 14 is held a screw 16, constituting an adjustable stop and simultaneously serving as a guide

  for compression springs 17 pushing by precon-

  stretches the plate 14 towards its limit position represented near the sleeve 9 and can be defined by a stop, not shown, the aforementioned spring bearing against a web 18 connecting the two plates 7. The arm 15 is mounted so that pivotable about a shaft, not shown in detail, arranged coaxially and held with bolts 19. When the sleeve 9 is rotated from its rest position shown in Fig. 3, in which it blocks the recess 6 ', in the presence of the force of a tension spring 21 clinging to a radial rib 20 of the sleeve 9 and which is furthermore hooked on an ear 22 fixed to the plate 7, in the opposite direction of the clockwise to its receiving position shown in Figure 4, the latch 13 exerts a downward thrust against the plate 14 so that it is moved by pivoting * in the opposite direction of the needles of a watch in

  opposition to the force of the compression spring 17.

  The cleat 13 then slides on the front side of the plate 14 so that it is brought back, under the action of the spring 17, in its rest position where it is placed near the sheath 9 or where it s' against him during the absence

  a corresponding stop. We then obtain the

  Figure 4, however, the tab 13 bears against the upper side of the

  placed 14 and exerts on it, because of the posi-

  tion of the pivot axis of the arm 15, and consequently

  14 of the plate 14, an acting moment in the direction of an additional razpprochement relative to the sheath 9. Because in addition the spring 17 acts in this direction, the sheath 9 can be maintained in a safe manner, by cooperation of 13 with the plate 14, in its receiving position in which the suspension pin 5 'can pivotally enter the slot 10 of the sleeve 9. Thus it is no longer necessary to maintain the sleeve after the engagement of the device. sudden stop 13, 14 and the handle provided on the sleeve 9, not shown and

  to turn it, can be released.

  When now the suspension pin 5 'pivotally enters the slot 10 of the sleeve 9, also a projection 23 of the additional device 3 approaches the screw 16 serving as a stop, as has already been stated, it comes into contact with it and pushes it in a direction opposite to the force of the compression spring 17 so as to pivot the plate 14 upwards. For a corresponding adjustment of the screw 16 relative to the plate 14, it is obtained that the latch 13 is spaced from the plate 14 and thus the sleeve 9 can be returned, under the influence of the spring 21, to the position the locking pin shown in FIG. 3, as soon as the suspension pin 5 'has practically reached the rounded edge 11 of the

slot 10 of the sheath.

  The spacings of the centers 30, 30 'of the roundings of the recesses 6, 6', open on the edge, of the trays 7 are chosen so that they correspond to the spacings of the suspension pins, 5 'or their geometric axes. .

Claims (6)

REVENDICATIOS   Coupling device for easily separable attachment of additional apparatus to a machine, in particular a construction machine, which comprises a plate rigidly connected to this machine and which is provided with at least two recesses   open at the edge, oriented substantially   in order to receive two suspension pins of the additional apparatus and a locking device, the spacing between the centers of the rounded extreme zones of the recesses of the plate corresponding to the spacing of the suspension pins of the additional apparatus, characterized in that the locking device is constituted by a sleeve (9) arranged in one of said recesses (6, 5 '), provided with a slot (10) oriented radially and serving to receive a suspension pin ( 5 ') and is rotatably mounted in said recess (6').   2. Coupling device according to the claim   1, characterized in that the rotatably mounted sheath (9) is held by prestressing in a locking position or the sheath (9) closes the recess (6 '), open on the edge, of the tray (7).   3. Coupling device according to one of   1 or 2, characterized in that the   sleeve (9) rotatably mounted can be locked in its open position, where the radial slot (10) is in register with the recess (6 ') open at the edge, by means of a stop device Dar sudden action.   4. Coupling device according to any   Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that   the recesses (6 ') open on the edge and the radial slot (10) of the sheath (9) widen towards its opening and preferably join through the rounded surface (8) the peripheral surface the plate (7) or the sheath (9).   5. Coupling device according to any   claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the   sudden-action stop device is constituted by an abutment plate (14) pivotally mounted on the plate (7) and maintained by prestressing in a position close to the sleeve (9) as well as by a cleat (13) arranged on the rotating sheath (9) projecting radially therefrom, this cleat cooperating with the abutment plate, this abutment plate being able, during a rotation of the sheath (9), to be deflected in the direction of its position; opening by the cleat (13) of the sheath (9) in opposition to the   prestressing of the stop plate (14).   6. Coupling device according to the claim   5, characterized in that there is provided on the abutment plate (14) of the stop device by sudden action an adjustable stop (16) which, during the   approximation of a projection (23) of the addi-   (3) up to the position corresponding to the mounting position, is applied against the projection (23) and which, during subsequent movement of the additional apparatus (3) to this position, moves the stop plate ( 14) towards his position   producing a release of the cleat (13).