GB2488984A

GB2488984A - Working machine attachment with lock mechanism

Info

Publication number: GB2488984A
Application number: GB201103881A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Alford
Original assignee: JC Bamford Excavators Ltd
Current assignee: JC Bamford Excavators Ltd
Priority date: 2011-03-08
Filing date: 2011-03-08
Publication date: 2012-09-19
Anticipated expiration: 2031-03-08
Also published as: GB2488984B; GB201103881D0

Abstract

Attachment 1 for mounting to a working arm with an actuator driving arrangement coupled to a fluid / electrical system and a lock member 33 which is movable between a first configuration where operation of the actuator driving mechanism is inhibited and a second configuration in which operation of the actuator drive mechanism is allowed. The lock member may include a valve 34 to prevent flow of fluid in a hydraulic system. The lock may cut off an electrical signal to disable operation of an actuator. The lock may include a lock cylinder 35. Further independent claims concern the lock arrangement preventing removal of a tool from the attachment.

Description

Title: An Attachment for a Working Machine, and a Lock Arrangement

Description of Invention

Embodiments of the present invention relate to an attachment for a working machine and a lock arrangement.

An attachment for a working machine is typically coupled to the end of a working arm of the working machine; the working arm is configured to move the attachment into the desired location (e.g. adjacent a work piece). The attachment, once in position, is then operated to perform an action (e.g. with respect to the work piece).

An example attachment for a working machine includes a fluid operated hammer -which may be hydraulically or pneumatically operated.

Such hammers typically comprise a main body to which a tool is fitted. The tool may comprise a moil or chisel which is configured to be driven in a reciprocal manner with respect to the main body of the hammer at least in part by a fluid operated actuator -such as a hydraulically or pneumatically driven actuator which may comprise a piston.

The tool is removably fitted to the main body such that different tools can be interchanged and worn tools can be replaced.

Attachments for a working machine are often removably attached to the working machine -so that one or more different attachments can be alternately attached to the working machine. The attachments typically include one or more fluid connectors which can be removably connected to one or more corresponding connectors of the working machine. The fluid connectors are coupled to a fluid operated actuator of the attachment -which may be the fluid operated actuator of a hammer.

The attachments are prone to theft. There is, therefore, a need to secure the attachments against theft and/or to discourage theft of the attachments. There is also a desire to restrict or inhibit unauthorised use of the attachments.

Embodiments of the present invention seek to ameliorate one or more

problems associated with the prior art.

Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention provides an attachment for mounting to a working arm of a working machine, the attachment comprising: a main body; an actuator driving arrangement for operating to drive movement of a tool mounted to the attachment with respect to the main body, the actuator driving arrangement configured to be coupled to a fluid and/or electrical system of the working machine; and a lock member configured to interact with the actuator driving arrangement, the lock member being actuatable between a first configuration in which operation of the actuator driving arrangement is inhibited when the actuator driving arrangement is coupled to the hydraulic and/or electrical system of the working machine and a second configuration in which operation of the actuator driving arrangement is substantially uninhibited when the actuator driving arrangement is coupled to the fluid and/or electrical system of the working machine, such that the lock member can be used to disable the attachment selectively.

The lock member may comprise a valve which is configured to restrict and/or block the flow of fluid through a part of the fluid system of the working machine.

The lock member may comprise a switch which is configured to restrict and/or block an electrical signal through a part of the electrical system of the working machine.

The lock member may comprise a valve which is configured to redirect the flow of fluid through a part of the fluid system of the working machine.

The lock member may further comprise a lock cylinder, the operation of which causes actuation of the lock member between the first and second 1 0 configurations.

The lock cylinder may be removable from the attachment.

The lock cylinder may be substantially irremovable from the attachment.

The lock cylinder may be a key operated lock cylinder.

Another aspect of the invention provides an attachment and lock arrangement for a working machine, the attachment comprising a tool receiving arrangement configured to receive at least part of a tool, and the lock arrangement comprising: a lock member selectively actuatable between a first configuration in the lock member allows removal of a tool from the tool receiving arrangement and a second configuration in which the lock member inhibits removal of a tool from the tool receiving arrangement; and a lock cylinder configured to permit actuation of the lock member between the first and second configurations.

The tool may be a lock tool and the arrangement may further comprise the lock tool which is configured to be received by the tool receiving arrangement.

The lock tool may further comprise a lock tool body which is configured to attachment to another object or ground surface.

The lock tool may further comprise a lock tool body which carries a visual indicator such that a user is alerted to the presence of the lock tool.

The lock tool may further comprise the tool, the tool being configured to be received by the tool receiving arrangement and including a working part.

The working part may comprises a moil or chisel tip.

The lock member may comprises a pin.

The pin may have a part which is moveable with respect to another part thereof.

The pin may be removable from the attachment.

The lock cylinder may be removable from the attachment.

The lock cylinder may be attached to or integrally formed with the lock member.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a lock arrangement for use with an attachment for a working machine, the attachment comprising a tool receiving arrangement configured to receive at least part of a tool, the lock arrangement comprising: a lock member selectively actuatable between a first configuration in the lock member allows removal of a tool from the tool receiving arrangement and a second configuration in which the lock member inhibits removal of a tool from the tool receiving arrangement; and a lock cylinder configured to permit actuation of the lock member between the first and second configurations.

The tool may be a lock tool configured to be received by the tool receiving arrangement and the lock arrangement further comprises the lock tool.

The lock tool may comprise a lock tool body, the lock tool body having one or more members each member configured to be received, at least in part, by a respective attachment for a working machine.

The arrangement may further comprise the tool, the tool being configured to be received by the tool receiving arrangement.

The tool may include a working part.

The working part may comprise a moil or chisel tip.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of operating a lock arrangement, the lock arrangement being for use with an attachment for a working machine, the attachment comprising a tool receiving arrangement configured to receive at least part of a tool, the lock arrangement comprising: a lock member selectively actuatable between a first configuration in the lock member allows removal of a tool from the tool receiving arrangement and a second configuration in which the lock member inhibits removal of a tool from the tool receiving arrangement and/or the receipt of a tool by the tool receiving arrangement; and a lock cylinder configured to permit actuation of the lock member between the first and second configurations, the method comprising: inhibiting removal of the tool from the tool reciving arrangement and/or the receipt of a tool by the tool receiving arrangement by actuating the lock member from the first configuration to the second configuration.

Aspects of embodiments of the present invention are described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a working machine; Figure 2 shows an attachment for a working machine and an actuator driving arrangement; Figure 3 shows an attachment for a working machine and an actuator driving arrangement; Figure 4 shows an attachment for a working machine and an actuator driving arrangement; Figure 5 shows an attachment for a working machine and an actuator driving arrangement; Figure 6 shows a tool; Figures 7a, 7b and 7c show lock tools; Figure 8 shows an attachment; Figure 9 shows a valve, lock cylinder, cover, and key; Figure 10 shows a valve; Figure 11 shows a switch and lock cylinder; Figure 12 shows part of an attachment in section; Figures 1 3a and b show a lock member; and Figure 14 shows an embodiment.

With reference to figure 1, an embodiment of the present invention includes an attachment 1 for a working machine 2. The attachment 1 is, in an embodiment, removably mountable on a working arm 3 of the working machine 2 by a mounting arrangement of the attachment 1 and a 1 0 corresponding mounting arrangement of the working arm 3 which is configured to mate with the mounting arrangement of the attachment 1.

One or more connectors of the attachment 1 are configured to couple a fluid and/or electrical system of the working machine 2 to a fluid and/or electrical system of the attachment 1.

With reference to figures 2-5, the attachment 1 comprises a main body 4 which houses a tool receiving arrangement 5 and an actuator 6. The tool receiving arrangement 5 is configured to receive at least part of a tool 7 and to connect the tool 7 to main body 4 of the attachment 1.

It will be appreciated that the attachment 1 may take many different forms. A hammer is just one example of a possible attachment 1 and the attachment 1 shown in figures 2-5 is just one example of a possible hammer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

The operation of the attachment 1 shown in figures 2-5 is described by way of example only. Figure 2 shows an initial configuration of an actuator driving arrangement of the attachment 1. In this initial or first configuration, fluid under pressure (such as hydraulic fluid) enters a first port 8 of the attachment 1. The first port 8 is in fluid communication with an accumulator 9 which is charged by the fluid under pressure entering the first port 8. The first port 8 is also in fluid communication with at least part of the actuator 6 which, in this instance, comprises a piston. One or more galleries 13a may be provided to allow fluid communication between the first port 8 and at least part of the actuator 6. The actuator 6 is configured such that the fluid under pressure entering the first port 8 causes the actuator 6 to move in a first direction (away from the tool 7).

Fluid in a cylinder 10 of the attachment 1 is driven by movement of the actuator 6 past a valve 11 (which may be a spool valve) through a second port 1 0 1 2 and out of the main body 4 of the attachment 1. The valve 11 is, in this example embodiment, held in a first position (as shown in figure 2) by the action of fluid under pressure which has entered the first port 8 and which is in communication with at least part of the valve 11.

With reference to figure 3, the actuator driving arrangement is shown approaching a second configuration, such that the accumulator 9 is substantially fully charged. A predetermined distance of movement of the actuator 6 with respect to the main body 4 causes fluid under pressure from the first port 8 to enter a gallery 13, which is at least partially in fluid communication with the valve 11. This fluid acts on the valve 11 to cause the valve 11 to move away from the first position thereof towards a second position in which the cylinder 10 and second port 12 are no longer in fluid communication but the cylinder 1 0 and first port 8 are in fluid communication -see figure 4.

Therefore, with reference to figure 4, which shows the actuator driving arrangement yet closer to the second configurations, fluid under pressure (from the accumulator 9 and first port 8) passes through the valve 11, which is in the second position, and into the cylinder 12 in which the fluid acts on the actuator 6 to drive the actuator 6 towards the tool 7. This creates a region of low fluid pressure 14 around the end of the actuator 6 which opposes the tool 7.

With reference to figure 5, the actuator driving arrangement has reached the second configuration such that the actuator 6 has struck the tool 7. When approaching or having reached this configuration, the gallery 13b comes into fluid communication with the low pressure region 14 which causes the valve 11 to move back towards the first position thereof under the action of high pressure fluid entering the first port 8. As such, the actuator driving arrangement will adopt the configuration generally shown in figure 2 and the cycle can be repeated to drive movement of the tool 7 with respect to the main body 4 repeatedly (by causing the actuator 6 to strike the tool 7).

According to other embodiments, different attachments 1 are provided which are arranged differently to the above described attachment 1 with different actuator driving arrangements.

According to embodiments, the actuator 6 is configured to drive movement of the tool 7 with respect to the main body 4. This movement may be a reciprocal movement with respect to the main body 4. The actuator 6 is driven by the actuator driving arrangement which is coupled to or part of the fluid and/or electrical system of the attachment 1 such that the actuator 6 is effectively driven by the fluid and/or electrical system of the attachment 1.

With reference to figure 6, the tool 7 which the tool receiving arrangement 5 is configured to receive typically comprises a shaft 15 having a proximal 16 and a distal end 17. The proximal end 16 of the tool 7 includes a mounting arrangement 18 which is configured to be received by the tool receiving arrangement 5. The mounting arrangement 18 may include one or more recesses 19 in the shaft 15 of the tool 7. In an embodiment there are two or more recesses 19 of the mounting arrangement 18 which are substantially evenly spaced around a circumference of the shaft 15.

In an embodiment, the main body 4 of the attachment 1 includes one or more apertures 20. The or each aperture 20 is located adjacent the tool receiving arrangement 5. In an embodiment, the tool receiving arrangement 5 is configured to receive a tool 7 such that a longitudinal axis of the tool 7 is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the or each aperture 20 wherein the or each aperture 20 is generally aligned with a respective recess 19 of the mounting arrangement 18 of the tool 7.

In an embodiment, the or each aperture 20 is provided as part of the tool receiving arrangement 5.

The or each aperture 20 is configured to receive a respective locking pin 21 such that at least part of each locking pin 21 passes through a respective aperture 20 and at least partially through a recess 19 of the mounting arrangement 18 of the tool 7. The or each locking pin 21 is, when received in this manner, configured to prevent or substantially prevent removal of the tool 7 from the attachment 1 -by abutment of the locking pin 21 against an internal surface of the recess 19.

In an embodiment, the distal end 17 of the tool 7 comprises a working end which may comprise a moil or chisel tip -for example.

With reference to figures 7a and 7b according to an embodiment, a lock tool 22 is provided. The lock tool 22 comprises a shaft 23 having a proximal 24 and a distal 25 end. The proximal end 24 of the shaft 23 of the lock tool 22 is configured to be at least partially received by the tool receiving arrangement 5 of the attachment 1. It is not necessary that the lock tool 22 be received by the tool receiving arrangement 5 such that the movement of the lock tool 22 can be driven in the same manner as a tool 7 received by the tool receiving arrangement 5; however, this may be the case in some embodiments.

The proximal end 24 of the shaft 23 of the lock tool 22 includes one or more recesses 26; the or each recess 26 is arranged in a similar manner to the or each recess 19 of the mounting arrangement 18 of a tool 7. In an embodiment, the proximal end 24 of the shaft 23 of the lock tool 22 includes a circumferential groove 26a which extends around all or a part of the circumference of the shaft 23 -see figure 7c. It will be appreciated that the provision of a circumferential groove 26a may assist in reducing or substantially eliminating the need to achieve a specific rotational orientation of the lock tool 22 during attachment to the tool receiving arrangement 5 of the attachment 1 -see below.

In an embodiment, at least one recess 26 in the proximal end 24 of the shaft 23 of the lock tool 22 is a deeper recess than the or each recess 19 of the mounting arrangement 1 8 of the tool 7. In other words, at least one recess 26 in the proximal end 24 of the shaft 23 of the lock tool 22 extends further towards a central longitudinal axis of the shaft 23 of the lock tool 22 than the or each recess 19 of the mounting arrangement 18 of the tool 7. In an embodiment including a circumferential groove 26a which extends around all or a part of the circumference of the shaft 23 of the lock tool 22, the depth of the groove 26a may vary around the circumference of the shaft 23. Indeed, the groove 26a may be defined by surfaces of the shaft 23 and a pin 26b which couples two parts of the shaft 23. The pin 26b may be aligned with a central longitudinal axis of the shaft 23 or may be offset therefrom. The pin 26b may be integrally formed with the shaft 23.

The distal end 25 of the lock tool 22 is attached or integrally formed with a lock tool body 27a/b. The lock tool body 27a/b may take many different forms in accordance with embodiments. For example, the lock tool body 27a1b may comprise a marker 27a which is attached or integrally formed with the shaft 23 of the lock tool 22. The marker 27a may include a visual indicator -for example, a flag, a sign, or a light.

The lock tool body 27a/b may comprise a base plate 27b which is configured to be secured to another object or surface. As such, the base plate 27b may comprise a plate which has main plane which is substantially perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis of the shaft 23 of the lock tool 22. The base plate 27b may include an attachment arrangement -such as one or more apertures suitable to receive one or more respective bolts therethrough -to allow the base plate 27b to be attached to a further object or surface. The further object or surface may comprise a locking station to which a plurality of lock tools 22 may be simultaneously secured. The further object or surface may comprise a part of a working machine 2. The base plate 27b may be attached to one or more further members which may be further shafts 23; accordingly, the base plate 27b may be part of a plurality of lock members 22.

The lock tool body 27a/b may comprise a ground securing arrangement configured to secure the lock tool 22 to a ground surface. The ground securing arrangement may, therefore, comprise a ground spike which is configured to be driven into a ground surface.

The lock tool body 27a/b may comprise a working tool part -for example, a moil or chisel. Thus, the lock tool 22 having a working tool part may be used as a working tool (such as shown in figure 7) capable of performing a working operation with respect to a work piece (e.g. hammering, cutting, or otherwise ablating).

The lock tool 22 is configured to be received by the tool receiving arrangement 5 of the attachment 1 in much the same manner as a tool 7 would be received by the tool receiving arrangement 5. The or each recess 26 of the lock tool 22 may be generally aligned with a respective one of the or each aperture 20 of the attachment 1.

A lock member 28 is provided in accordance with an embodiment -see figures 13a and 13b. The lock member 28 comprises a pin which can adopt a first (figure 13a) and a second configuration (figure 13b). In the first configuration the pin can be removably inserted into one of the or each apertures 20 of the attachment 1 such that, when a lock tool 22 is received by the tool receiving arrangement 5, the pin is at least partially received by one of the or each recesses 26 of the lock tool 22.

In the second configuration, at least part of the pin extends beyond a perimeter of the pin in the first configuration. In an embodiment, a middle portion of the pin is rotated in the second configuration with respect to the opposing end portions of the pin such that the middle portion of the pin has a width which is greater than a width of the end portions of the pin. The middle portion of the pin in the second configuration has, in an embodiment, a width which is greater than a width of the aperture 20 of the attachment 1 through which the pin is configured to be passed when in the first configuration. The middle portion of the pin in the first configuration has, in an embodiment, a width which is less than the width of the aperture 8 in the main body 4 of the attachment 1 through which it is configured to be passed.

Therefore, the lock member 28 may, in an embodiment, be fitted to an attachment 1 by passing the lock member 28 at least partially through an aperture 20 of the attachment 1 with the pin of the lock member 28 in the first configuration. The pin may then be actuated to adopt the second configuration. When in the second configuration, the pin cannot be removed from the aperture 20 because the width of the pin in at least one location along its length is greater than the width of the aperture 20. The pin of the lock member 28 may be actuated so that the pin adopts the first configuration such that the pin can be removed from aperture 20 of the attachment 1.

It will be appreciated that the opposing ends of the pin of the lock member 28 may be received by respective aperture surfaces in order to hold the pin in a substantially fixed position with respect to the main body 4 and/or the tool receiving arrangement 5.

With the lock tool 22 received by the tool receiving arrangement 5 of the attachment 1, the lock member 28 may be inserted into an of the one or more apertures 20 of the attachment 1 with the pin of the lock member 28 in the first configuration, the pin of the lock member 28 may then be actuated to the second configuration such that the lock member 28 cannot be removed from the attachment 1. Therefore, the lock member 28 prevents removal of the lock tool 22 from the attachment 1. In order to remove the lock tool 22 it is necessary to actuate the pin of the lock member 28 to the first configuration such that the lock member 28 can be removed and the lock tool 22 released from the tool receiving arrangement 5.

Actuation of the pin of the lock member 19 between the first and second configuration is, in an embodiment, achieved by the movement of a lock cylinder 29. The lock cylinder 29 may be key 30 operated and may be provided as part of the lock member 28. The lock cylinder 29 may, include an aperture configured to receive a key. Rotation of a key in the lock cylinder 29 may cause rotation of at least part of the pin (e.g. between the first and second configuration).

In an embodiment (see figure 14), a tool 7 which is conventional in form and a lock member 28 is configured for use with the tool 7 of conventional form.

Specifically, the tool 7 may include, for example, one or more recesses 19 which are configured to receive a conventional lock pin. The lock member 28 may comprise a lock member 28 similar in form to the lock member 28 shown in figures 13a and 13b. However, in this embodiment of the lock member 28, a part (perhaps a central part) of the lock member 28 is arranged in a first configuration such that the lock member 28 may be inserted into an aperture 20 of the attachment 1 and in a second configuration such that the part of the lock member 28 extends beyond a perimeter defined by the aperture 20. For example, the part may rotate from a position in which a longitudinal axis of the part extends towards the closest part of a tool 7 received by the attachment 1 (when the lock member 28 has been inserted into the aperture 20) to a position in which the part extends beyond the confines of the perimeter defined by the aperture 20 by rotation with respect to the rest of the lock member 28 and/or attachment 1 (in other words, in the second configuration the part of the lock member 28 may extend towards the tool 7 and away from the rest of the lock member 28). A length of the part of the lock member 28 may be such that the part can be moved in the above described manner. In figure 14, the part of the lock member 28 is depicted in both the first and second configurations.

The position of the part when the lock member 28 is in the first configuration is labelled 28a and the position of the part when the lock member is in the second configuration is labelled 28b. It will be appreciated that different positions of the part of the lock member 28 can be used to similar effect.

It will be appreciated that although removal of the lock member 28 from the main body 4 has been discussed above, this need not be the case. The lock member 28 may not be removable from the main body 4 but may include a retractable portion which is configured to be extended into and retracted out of a recess 26 of the lock tool 22.

In a further embodiment, with reference to figure 8, the main body 4 of the attachment 1 includes a lock member 31. The lock member 31 is, preferably, not removable from the attachment 1. The lock member 31 of this embodiment operates to inhibit the use of the attachment 1 selectively.

The lock member 31 may be actuated between a first position in which operation of the attachment 1 (for example, operation of the actuator driving arrangement) is substantially uninhibited and a second position in which operation of the attachment 1 (for example, operation of the actuator driving arrangement) is inhibited.

Inhibiting operation of the attachment 1 may comprise preventing the attachment 1 from performing one or more of its intended functions or 1 0 restricting the performance of an aspect of the attachment 1. This may include, for example, reducing an output force and/or speed and/or range of movement of a tool of the attachment 1 or some other part of the attachment 1.

In an embodiment, the attachment 1 is a hammer and inhibiting the operation of the hammer comprises preventing movement of the actuator 6 of the hammer with respect to the main body 4 of the hammer or allowing movement of the actuator 6 of the hammer with respect to the main body 4 but with reduced force or through a reduced distance.

The lock member 31 may comprise a valve which is connected to the fluid system of the attachment 1. The valve may, for example, be a hydraulic or pneumatic valve -depending on the fluid system of the attachment 1. The valve may be configured to prevent substantially or restrict the flow of fluid in a part of the fluid system of the attachment 1 or the valve may be configured to redirect the flow of fluid through a part of the fluid system of the attachment 1.

For example, the valve may be configured to prevent substantially or restrict the flow of fluid in a gallery of the one or more galleries 13a which provide a path for fluid from the first port 8a to the actuator 6.

The lock member 31 may comprise a switch which is connected to the electrical system of the attachment 1. The switch may be configured to prevent substantially or restrict or redirect the flow of electricity in a part of the electrical system of the attachment 1.

The lock member 31 may include a lock cylinder 32. The lock cylinder 32 may be a key operated lock cylinder 32. The lock cylinder 32 may have an aperture configured to receive a key 30.

In an embodiment, and with reference to figures 9, 10, and 11, the main body 4 of the attachment 1 includes a lock member 33. The lock member 33 in this embodiment comprises a valve 34 which is substantially irremovably provided in the main body 4 (although may be removed for maintenance purposes).

The valve 34 is connected to the fluid system of the attachment 1. The valve 34 may, for example, be a hydraulic or pneumatic valve (depending on the fluid system of the attachment 1). The valve 34 may be configured to prevent substantially or restrict the flow of fluid in a part of the fluid system of the attachment 1 or redirect the flow of fluid from a part of the fluid system of the attachment 1. For example, the valve 34 may be configured to prevent substantially or restrict the flow of fluid in a gallery of the one or more galleries 1 3a which provide a path for fluid from the first port 8 to the actuator 6.

In an embodiment, the main body 4 of the attachment 1 includes a lock member 33 which comprises a switch 34 which is substantially irremovably provided in the main body 4. The switch 34 may be configured to prevent substantially or restrict or redirect the flow of electricity in a part of the electrical system of the attachment 1.

The lock member 33 may further comprise a lock cylinder 35 which is removable from the main body 4 of the attachment 1. The lock cylinder 35 is configured such that when the lock cylinder 35 is attached to the main body 4, the lock cylinder 35 blocks access to the valve or switch 34 of the lock member 33 and when the lock cylinder 35 is not attached to the main body 4, a user is able to access the valve or switch 34. In an embodiment, actuation of the lock cylinder 35 between different configurations thereof (for example, by rotation of a part of the lock cylinder 35) may cause a corresponding or resultant actuation of the valve or switch 34.

Accord to an embodiment, the lock cylinder 35 may include a retractable protrusion 50 which is received by a recess in a lock cylinder receiver 36 of the main body 4. The protrusion 50 of the lock cylinder 35 is retractable by actuation of the lock cylinder 35. Actuation of the lock cylinder 35 may be achieved by the use of an associated key 30. The valve or switch 34 may be located within the lock cylinder receiver 36.

The valve or switch 34 has an adjustment arrangement which allows a user to move the valve or switch 34 to actuate the valve or switch 34.

In an embodiment, the adjustment arrangement comprises a rotor with a keyed interface surface 60. The keyed interface surface 60 may comprise one or more grooves suitable to receive at least part of the tip of a screwdriver or other tool. As discussed in summary above, in an embodiment, the keyed interface 60 is configured to mate with a corresponding interface (not shown) of the lock cylinder 35 such that actuation of the lock cylinder 35 between different configurations thereof (for example, by rotation of a part of the lock cylinder 35) may cause a corresponding or resultant actuation of the valve or switch 34. There may therefore, in an embodiment, be a direct connection between the lock cylinder 35 and the valve or switch 34. In an embodiment, the connection is through an intermediate member (not shown).

An embodiment of a valve 34 is shown in figures 9 and 10. In this embodiment, the valve 34 comprises a rotor 40 suitable to be received by a stator 41 -see figure 12. The stator 41 is aligned with a gallery of the fluid system of the attachment 1 such that the gallery intersects the stator 41 (the stator 41 may be integrally formed with the main body 4). Fluid passing through the gallery must pass through a rotor 40 received by the stator 41.

For example, the gallery may be a gallery of the one or more galleries 13a which provide a path for fluid from the first port 8 to the actuator 6 -see figure 12.

The rotor 40 includes a channel 42 which may be through a diameter thereof.

1 0 The channel 42 is such that, when the rotor 40 is received by the stator 41, the channel 42 may be aligned with the gallery 13b to allow the passage of fluid through the gallery 13b and channel 42 (with the rotor 40 in a first rotational position with respect to the stator 41). Furthermore, the channel 42 is configured such that rotation of the rotor 40 to a second rotational position with respect to the stator 41 causes the rotor 40 to block substantially the passage of fluid through the gallery 1 3b. In other rotational positions of the rotor 40 with respect to the stator 41 may cause partial restriction of the passage of fluid through the gallery 1 3b and channel 42.

The channel 42 of the rotor 40 is located towards a first end 43 of the rotor 40 (which is generally cylindrical in shape). A circumferential groove 44 is provided in the rotor 40 between the channel 42 and a second end 45 of the rotor 40. The circumferential groove 44 is configured to receive a seal member to limit the flow of fluid past the seal member towards the second end 45 of the rotor 40.

The second end 45 of the rotor 40 may include a rotation limitation groove 46 which is configured to limit the rotation of the rotor 40 with respect to the stator 41. The rotation limitation groove 46 may extend around part of the circumference of the rotor 40. Accordingly, the stator 41 may include a protrusion which is received by the rotation limitation groove 46. Rotation of the rotor 40 with respect to the stator 41 is generally limited by abutment of the protrusion with the opposing end surfaces of the rotation limitation groove 46.

Thus, the circumferential extent of the rotation limitation groove 46 determines the extent of possible rotation of the rotor 40 with respect to the stator 41.

The valve 34 may be configured to control the flow of fluid through a gallery 13a which, in the example embodiment shown in figures 2-5, provides a fluid communication between the first port 8 and the actuator 6.

It will be understood that embodiments of the present invention include attachments 1 other than hammers.

It will further be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention may be configured to inhibit an operation of the attachment 1 but not operation of the rest of the working machine 2. For example, the fluid and/or electrical system of the working machine 2 may be substantially operational despite the operation of the attachment 1 being inhibited. Embodiments of the present invention are configured to inhibit the operation of the attachment 1 even if the working machine 2 is providing fluid or an electrical signal which would otherwise cause operation of the attachment 1.

A cover 37 may be provided for a lock cylinder 29,32,35 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention -an example cover 37 is shown in figure 9. The cover 37 is configured to be removably attached over a key receiving aperture of the lock cylinder 29,32,35 such that the cover 37 reduces the risk of debris entering the key receiving aperture during operation of the attachment 1. The cover 37 may include threaded attachment member 38 for attachment to a corresponding threaded part of the lock cylinder 29,32,35 or attachment 1 or lock cylinder receiver 36 -for example.

By way of example only, the working machine 2 may be a backhoe loader, an excavator, a skid steer loader or the like. The working arm 3 of the working machine 2 may extend forwardly and/or rearwardly and/or from a side of the working machine 2. The working arm 3 may comprise a boom and/or an articulated arm and/or a dipper. It will be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention can be used in relation to a large number of different working machines 2 and working arm 3 configurations.

It will be appreciated that, in accordance with embodiments of the invention, the lock member 28 may be configured to prevent, substantially, or otherwise hinders the receipt of a tool 7 by the tool receiving arrangement 5. In an embodiment, the lock member 28 prevents, substantially, or otherwise hinders the receipt of a tool 7 by the tool receiving arrangement 5 to the extent that the tool 7 cannot be used by the attachment 1.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An attachment for mounting to a working arm of a working machine, the attachment comprising: a main body; an actuator driving arrangement for operating to drive movement of a tool mounted to the attachment with respect to the main body, the actuator driving arrangement configured to be coupled to a fluid and/or electrical 1 0 system of the working machine; and a lock member configured to interact with the actuator driving arrangement, the lock member being actuatable between a first configuration in which operation of the actuator driving arrangement is inhibited when the actuator driving arrangement is coupled to the hydraulic and/or electrical system of the working machine and a second configuration in which operation of the actuator driving arrangement is substantially uninhibited when the actuator driving arrangement is coupled to the fluid and/or electrical system of the working machine, such that the lock member can be used to disable the attachment selectively.
2. An attachment according to claim 1, wherein the lock member comprises a valve which is configured to restrict and/or block the flow of fluid through a part of the fluid system of the working machine.
3. An attachment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lock member comprises a switch which is configured to restrict and/or block an electrical signal through a part of the electrical system of the working machine.
4. An attachment according to claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the lock member comprises a valve which is configured to redirect the flow of fluid through a part of the fluid system of the working machine.
5. An attachment according to any preceding claim, wherein the lock member further comprises a lock cylinder, the operation of which causes actuation of the lock member between the first and second configurations.
6. An attachment according to claim 5, wherein the lock cylinder is removable from the attachment.
7. An attachment according to claim 5, wherein the lock cylinder is substantially irremovable from the attachment.
8. An attachment according to any of claims 5 to 7, wherein the lock cylinder is a key operated lock cylinder.
9. An attachment and lock arrangement for a working machine, the attachment comprising a tool receiving arrangement configured to receive at least part of a tool, and the lock arrangement comprising: a lock member selectively actuatable between a first configuration in the lock member allows removal of a tool from the tool receiving arrangement and a second configuration in which the lock member inhibits removal of a tool from the tool receiving arrangement and/or the receipt of a tool by the tool receiving arrangement; and a lock cylinder configured to permit actuation of the lock member between the first and second configurations.
10. An attachment and lock arrangement according to claim 9, wherein the tool is a lock tool and the arrangement further comprises the lock tool which is configured to be received by the tool receiving arrangement.
11. An attachment and lock arrangement according to claim 10, wherein the lock tool further comprises a lock tool body which is configured to attachment to another object or ground surface.
12. An attachment and lock arrangement according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the lock tool further comprises a lock tool body which carries a visual indicator such that a user is alerted to the presence of the lock tool.
13. An attachment and lock arrangement according to claim 9, further comprising the tool, the tool being configured to be received by the tool receiving arrangement and including a working part.
14. An attachment and lock arrangement according to claim 12, wherein the working part comprises a moil or chisel tip.
15. An attachment and lock arrangement according to any of claims 9 to 14, wherein the lock member comprises a pin.
16. An attachment and lock arrangement according to claim 15, wherein the pin has a part which is moveable with respect to another part thereof.
17. An attachment and lock arrangement according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the pin is removable from the attachment.
18. An attachment and lock arrangement according to any of claims 9 to 17, wherein the lock cylinder is removable from the attachment.
19. An attachment and lock arrangement according to any of claims 9 to 18, wherein the lock cylinder is attached to or integrally formed with the lock member.
20. A lock arrangement for use with an attachment for a working machine, the attachment comprising a tool receiving arrangement configured to receive at least part of a tool, the lock arrangement comprising: a lock member selectively actuatable between a first configuration in the lock member allows removal of a tool from the tool receiving arrangement and a second configuration in which the lock member inhibits removal of a tool from the tool receiving arrangement and/or the receipt of a tool by the tool receiving arrangement; and a lock cylinder configured to permit actuation of the lock member 1 0 between the first and second configurations.
21. A lock arrangement according to claim 20, wherein the tool is a lock tool configured to be received by the tool receiving arrangement and the lock arrangement further comprises the lock tool.
22. A lock arrangement according to claim 21, wherein the lock tool comprises a lock tool body, the lock tool body having one or more members each member configured to be received, at least in part, by a respective attachment for a working machine.
23. A lock arrangement according to claim 19, further comprising the tool, the tool being configured to be received by the tool receiving arrangement.
24. A lock arrangement according to claim 23, wherein the tool includes a working part.
25. A lock arrangement according to claim 24, wherein the working part comprises a moil or chisel tip.
26. A method of operating a lock arrangement, the lock arrangement being for use with an attachment for a working machine, the attachment comprising a tool receiving arrangement configured to receive at least part of a tool, the lock arrangement comprising: a lock member selectively actuatable between a first configuration in the lock member allows removal of a tool from the tool receiving arrangement and a second configuration in which the lock member inhibits removal of a tool from the tool receiving arrangement and/or the receipt of a tool by the tool receiving arrangement; and a lock cylinder configured to permit actuation of the lock member between the first and second configurations, the method comprising: inhibiting removal of the tool from the tool reciving arrangement and/or the receipt of a tool by the tool receiving arrangement by actuating the lock member from the first configuration to the second configuration.
27. An attachment for mounting to a working arm of a working machine substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying figures.
28. An attachment and lock arrangement for a working machine substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying figures.
29. A lock arrangement for use with an attachment for a working machine substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying figures.
30. A method substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying figures.
31. Any novel feature or combination of features disclosed herein.