HRP20060048A2 - Arrangement for fixing an add-on piece, e.g. an excavator shovel, to a boom of a shovel or a vehicle in a replaceable manner - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for fastening a replaceable connecting part (1), for example an excavator shovel, to a load beam (2) located on an excavator, wherein two fastening bolts (3, 4) which are arranged at a distance from each other and parallel to each other, and which can be gripped by gripping elements (6, 7) which can be moved relative to each other and which are fastened to the fastening element (5) which is mounted on the load lifting beam (2) on the excavator. The gripping elements (6, 7) have at least partially open openings for inserting (8, 9) fastening bolts. (3, 4). One gripping element (6) is firmly connected to the fastening element (5), and one gripping element (7) is held in the fastening element (5) in such a way that it can be moved in a straight line. The movable gripping element (7) is associated with spring elements (11) which act in the closing direction of the gripping element (7). An insertion opening (8) is provided on the fixed gripping element (6) which is open in the direction of an imaginary plane directed through the axis of the fastening bolts (3, 4), and at a distance which coincides with the distance (A) between the fastening bolts ( 3, 4) a stop (12) is provided on the fastening element (5) which is placed at least approximately at right angles to the imaginary plane and which serves as an insertion part for the second fastening bolt (4). The movable gripping element (7) has one area having the shape of a hook (13) in order to at least partially engage the second fastening bolt (4).

Description

This invention relates to a device for attaching a replaceable connecting part, for example an excavator shovel, to a load-lifting beam located on an excavator or another vehicle, where two fastening bolts are placed on the connecting part, which are placed at a distance of one from each other and parallel to each other, which can be gripped by gripping elements that can be moved relative to each other and which are placed on the fastening element located on the beam for lifting loads on an excavator or on another vehicle, at wherein the engagement element has insertion holes that are at least partially open and into which the fastening bolts are inserted, and wherein one engagement element is firmly connected to the fastening element, and one engagement element is held in the guide of the fastening element, so that it can be moved linearly.

The device, as known from WO 93/01366, is in any case a connecting part, such as for example backhoes, backhoes, snow plows, various tools and so on, which can be reasonably attached to the beam for lifting loads on an excavator or another vehicle. Relatively large forces arise in the area of the device, where the connecting part is attached in a replaceable manner, which the device must take on. WO 93/01366 does not deal with the special guide of the gripping element and with the optimization of the force transmission between the lifting frame, i.e. the vehicle, and the connecting part. On the contrary, US-A-4 881 867 shows a guide of an engagement element which can be moved and which engagement element takes forces perpendicular to the direction of movement.

A further known device for attaching a replaceable connection part, which connection part is in the form of a tool and is located at the front end of the lifting structure on an excavator (EP-A-0625613), provides that the openings for the introduction of the two engaging elements are oriented so that they are offset one in relation to the other by about 90º. After introducing the engaging part onto the fastening bolt, the entire device is rotated around that fastening bolt, until the second engaging element embraces the second engaging bolt with the insertion hole lying perpendicular to the first insertion hole. By means of a hydraulic blocking element, which element can be moved, the opening for the introduction of the second gripping element can now be closed. All forces are now transferred to the blocking element.

Another known tool changer (WO 97/28314) on a hydraulic excavator provides one fixed and one movable gripping element. Also here, a large torque is transmitted to the movable gripping element, which increases even more, especially with the excavator when it is in operation.

Furthermore, an excavator device (WO 88/02421) is known, in which the gripping element is made of two parts, so it is made of one stationary stop and one movable blocking element that can be moved using a hydraulic unit that is placed on on the side of both gripping elements. The hydraulic unit, which consists of a cylinder and a piston, must be seated at both ends by means of bolts, so that it can be rotated, since it must perform a pivoting motion when the blocking element is moved.

Furthermore, a device for quick replacement of an excavator shovel that is placed on a beam for lifting loads is known (EP-A-0058058), in which device a gripping element is provided on one side that can be pressed onto a bar that is made in an appropriate manner. On the other hand, on the excavator, on the carrying beam, a hook-shaped part is placed, which has one opening facing the direction of the hydraulic drive, which opening has an oblique boundary surface on one side. The clamping shoe, which is located on the piston of the hydraulic drive, has one inclined boundary surface that is directed in the same direction, so that blocking and tensioning can be achieved by the joint action of both inclined boundary surfaces. Also here, a movable support for the hydraulic drive cylinders is absolutely necessary.

In a further known coupling device (EP-A-0468771), two pairs of clutches are always required, one of which comprises a fixed engagement element and the other comprises an engagement element which can be moved by means of a hydraulic drive. The movable gripping elements that are attached to the circumference of the coupling pairs are connected to each other via the connecting element, so that they can be activated simultaneously by the hydraulic drive. Such a construction is expensive and due to the need to bend the long connecting lines, it can hardly overcome the forces that occur.

A further quick-change device (US 5,465,513), of the kind mentioned at the outset, provides between a fixed and a movable engagement element a hydraulic unit consisting of a piston and a cylinder, this unit being connected in the usual way via axle bolts with gripping elements. By directing the force components, which act in different directions, difficulties remain for such a realization during construction, assembly and during heavy operation on the construction site.

A device of the type mentioned in the introductory part is known from AT-B-410,333. Here, the gripping elements are moved relative to each other by means of a hydraulic cylinder, whereby they lie in the plane of the axis of the fastening bolts, the opening for the introduction of the gripping elements and the hydraulic cylinders. In this way, optimal transmission of forces is achieved, without the hydraulic or pneumatic drive having to assume large forces. Only small forces should be applied in order to keep the movable gripping element in its closed position.

The task of the present invention is to create a device that belongs to the type mentioned in the introductory part and that is simpler and above all with means that are structurally simpler, so that in this way a purely mechanical blocking and release between the connecting part can be obtained and the beam for lifting loads, which is located on an excavator or a vehicle.

In accordance with this invention, this is achieved in such a way that the engaging element, which can be moved linearly, is joined by spring elements that act in the direction of the position for closing the engaging element, and that it is provided on the immovable engaging element in the direction that passes along the imaginary in the plane through the axes of the fastening bolts, an open hole for introduction and to provide at a fixed distance, which is in accordance with the distance between the fastening bolts, a stop which is protruding and which is placed on the fastening element, at least approximately at right angles to the imagined plane, which stop is provided as an insertion part for the second fastening bolt, and that the movable engaging element has a hook-shaped part which is freely protruding for at least partial engagement of the second fastening bolt at the region lying opposite the stop.

In such an embodiment, the connecting part is simply hooked to the fastening element, so that a rigid connection is ensured by means of this blocking, without creating a load on the movable gripping element that is directed in the direction of opening. Thus, even a small force achieves that the gripping element that can be moved is held in a closed position, whereby this force can be obtained from a spring element that is structurally simple. In this way, a mechanical solution is achieved that shows optimal performance and leads to safe blocking at low costs, and can also be maintained even with heavy loads when driving the excavator.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the gripping element that can be moved be made as a built-in part that has the shape of the letter T, where one part enters the guides of the fastening element, and the other part, which stands approximately at right angles to the first part, is designed as a part that is freely protruding and has the shape of a hook. Therefore, only one gripping part is needed that moves in the guide and a part that has the shape of a hook, which can cover one part of the fixing bolt.

At the same time, a special design variant foresees that a mounting element is connected to the gripping element that can be moved, which has means for attaching one end of the spring element. In this way, the connection with the spring element can be achieved in a simple way.

In this regard, it is advantageous if the movable engagement element and the mounting element are connected to each other by means of screws. In this way, simple assembly and disassembly is possible, and in addition, the movable gripping element is not as complicated as a production part.

Precisely by creating a gripping element that can be moved in a straight line, the device of the spring element is also brought into optimal operation in a simple way. Therefore, it is envisaged that the spring element engages on one side on the assembly element, and on the other side on the stationary part of the fastening element.

Precisely because, in this way, the spring element is protected especially during heavy operation on the construction site, it is suggested that the mounting element has a flange that is freely protruding and which covers the spring element in the closed position of the gripping element that can be moved towards the connecting part.

Within this proposal, it is suggested that the spring element be made of at least one coil spring. In this way, a very simple structural solution can be provided, so that no expensive hydraulic or pneumatic elements that are prone to interference are needed.

The device that is given priority in this regard provides that the spring element is made of two coil springs that are placed parallel to each other. In this way, an appropriately strong closing force can act and, in addition, safety is ensured, especially in the event that one of the spring elements falls out of use.

When placing the connecting part, a simple pressure can be provided by applying the force of the beam on the excavator for lifting the load. In this way, the release of the connecting part can be ensured, and furthermore, it is proposed to provide on the gripping element that can be moved, and/or on the assembly element that is connected to it, a means for placing a hand tool, for example, a rod, for moving the gripping element. Then, with the help of a manual grip, the gripping element for the purpose of opening opposes the force of the spring element against the direction of closing, and in this way the connecting part can then be released by turning.

A simple design solution is achieved if a free curved tongue is provided as a means for placing the hand tool, which is located at the end of the mounting element that protrudes outward. Then a suitable hand tool can be placed behind this tab and then by rotating the hand tool against the force of the spring element holding the movable catch element, the catch element is moved to the open position.

A further version of the design foresees that as a means for placing the hand tool, an elongated opening is provided, which is made at the free end of the assembly element that protrudes outwards.

In this way, an optimal blocking can be created between the fastening bolt and the gripping element, while in the closed position it is not necessary to have any special forces acting on the spring element, so it is proposed, on the one hand, that the opening for the introduction of the stationary gripping element consists of from one part located at the bottom of the opening which is adapted to the diameter of the fixing bolt and which part has a semicircular cross-section and to which part flat surfaces for introduction are connected as needed.

On the other hand, a special design is proposed in the area of the entrance of the movable gripping element, which design is characterized by the fact that the introduction opening on the stationary gripping element has a stop that lies on the opposite side of it, which lies at a sharp angle in relation to the imaginary plane that passes through the central axis of the fastening bolts, which limiter at the upper end passes into a region that has a circular arc in cross-section and extends as a supporting region to the second fastening bolt.

In this connection, a particular advantage is achieved if the portion of the hook element which can be moved, which has the shape of a hook and which is freely protruding, has an introduction opening directed towards the stop, which has a part at the bottom which has at least an approximately semicircular cross-section and on care on both sides of the contact surface for introduction. In this way, only one task remains for the engaging element that can be moved, and that is to prevent the fastening bolt from rotating around the axis of the other fastening bolt. Therefore, the opening for the introduction of the stationary gripping element and the stop located on the opposite side of the stationary opening for the introduction of the engaging element will affect the maintenance of the fixing bolts in the plane.

It is further proposed that the free end portion of the hook-shaped part lying opposite the introduction opening has a rounded surface at the end part, and is thus made so that the entry opening is narrowed. In this way, an important improvement is achieved precisely at the connection between the connecting part and the beam on the excavator for lifting loads. By means of this special design, it is advantageously possible to push the movable engagement element to the side during the assembly process of the connecting part, until the corresponding fastening bolt is located and the movable engagement element reaches its closed position.

By the fact that the movable gripping element is always pushed by the force of the spring element on the fixing bolt and thus always ensures the contact created by the spring, it is provided that between the stop and the introduction opening in the area that has the shape of the hook of the movable gripping element always some opening remains, which is smaller than the diameter of one fastening bolt, so that when the fastening bolts are inserted, a continuous closure is achieved due to the shape of the parts and due to mechanical forces.

Further characteristics and especially advantages that are in accordance with this invention will be explained in more detail in the description and on the basis of the drawings that are found in the following text. The pictures show:

Figure 1 is a front view of the fastening element, which is mounted on an excavator or a vehicle;

Fig. 2 section along line II-II from Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 section along line III-III from Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a side view of the fastening element, which is shown in such a way that it is disassembled into elements;

Figure 5 is a side view of a beam section on a lifting excavator with the fastening element installed and the connection part mounted.

With a device for attaching a replaceable attachment part 1, for example an excavator shovel, to a load lifting hook (2) located on an excavator - also called an excavator handle - or on another vehicle, for example on a vehicle used on on a construction site or on a vehicle used in forestry or agriculture, two fastening bolts 3 and 4 are placed on the connecting part, which are located at a distance from each other and are directed parallel to each other, and which bolts are placed on the fastening element 5 which is located on the beam for lifting the load 2, and which bolts are engaged by the engaging elements 6 and 7 which can be moved relative to each other. Fastening element 5 can also be designated as a quick-change mechanical element. The gripping elements 6 and 7 have insertion openings 8 and 9 which are at least partially open for the fastening bolts 3 and 4. The gripping element 6 is firmly connected to the fastening element 5, and the gripping element 7 is held in the guide 10 of the fastening element 5, so that it can move in a straight line. Spring elements 11 that act in the direction of the closed position of the gripping element 7 are attached to the gripping element 7, which can be moved linearly. On the stationary gripping element 6, there is one opening for introduction, which is placed in the direction of the plane that passes through the axes of the fastening bolts 3 and 4. , and at a certain distance from the distance A between the fastening bolts 3 and 4, there is a stop 12 on the fastening element 5, which is provided as part of the entrance opening for the second fastening bolt 4, at least approximately at right angles to the imaginary plane. moveable has a portion 13 which has the shape of a hook and which is freely protruding in order to at least partially encompass the second fastening bolt 4 with the portion of the stop 12 lying on the opposite side.

By means of methods that are in accordance with the present invention, the various necessary connection parts 1 can be quickly and simply dismantled and replaced. The connecting parts 1 can then be rotated by means of the hydraulic cylinder 33, which is located on the load lifting beam 2, around the bearing bolts 34 and 35, which are placed on the fastening element 5, so that work can be carried out with the excavator.

The movable gripping element 7 is made mainly as a built-in part having a T-shape, where one part 14 is introduced into the guides 10 of the fastening element 5, and the other part is made so that it is approximately perpendicular to it and is freely protruding and it has one protruding part that has the shape of a hook 13.

A mounting element 15, which has a means 16 for attaching one end of the spring element 11, is firmly connected to the movable gripping element 7. It is preferable that the movable gripping element 7 and the mounting element 15 are fastened together with screws. that the spring element 11 is suspended or mounted on the assembly element 15 on the one hand, and on the other hand that it is suspended or mounted on the solid part 17 of the fastening element 5. For mechanical protection of the spring element 11, the assembly element 15 has one free protruding flange 18, which covers the spring element towards the connection part 1 when the movable engagement element 7 is in the closed position. Figure 2 shows the position in which the fastening element 5 does not yet engage the fastening bolts 3 and 4. Because of this, the flange 18 presses with its free end 19 on the stationary part 17. In this shown position, it remains between the stop 12 and the insertion opening 9 on the part 13 which has the shape of the hook of the gripping element 7, which can be moved, the opening 20, which is overall smaller than the diameter of the fastening bolt 4, so that when the fastening bolt 4 is inserted, a continuous closure is obtained due to the shape and due to the mechanical force. In this position with the fastening bolt 4 inserted, the flange 18 with its free end 19 does not yet press against the stationary part 17. Between the center point of the semi-circular opening 9 and the center point (central axis) of the fastening bolt 4 it remains in this way, when fixing bolt 4 is not inserted, one imaginary gap B.

It is preferable that the spring element 11 is made of at least one coil spring 21, 22. However, it is preferable that the spring element 11 is made of two coil springs 21, 22 which are placed parallel to each other. Within the framework of this invention, different versions of the spring elements 11 can also be imagined. Thus, any built-in elements that can be loaded on the train and that can be elastically stretched and compressed again could be inserted. It is also possible to insert such spring elements or combinations of different types of spring elements, and in this way a mechanical device can be obtained that works flawlessly with quick replacement of connecting parts.

Since it is possible to place the connection part 1 using the force of the beam for lifting the load 2, a simple design should also be created for the release. For this reason, on the gripping element 7 that can be moved and/or on the assembly element 15 that can be connected to it, means are provided for placing a hand tool, for example a rod, for moving the gripping element 7. a means for placing a hand tool is a bent tab 32 located at the free end of the mounting element 15, which tab faces the outside. Within the scope of this invention, it is also conceivable to provide an elongated opening that is made at the protruding end of the assembly element 15 as a means for placing a hand tool.

One important design characteristic is the arrangement and design of the openings for the introduction 8 and 9 of the gripping elements 6 and 7. The opening for the introduction 8 of the fixed gripping element 6, which is adapted to the diameter of the fastening bolt 3, is made so that it has a part at the bottom 24 of a semicircular shape and on it is continued, if necessary, by the extended introduction surfaces 25 and 26. On the opposite side of the introduction opening 8, which is located on the fixed gripping element 6, there is a stop 12, which is made at an acute angle to the plane through which the central axes pass fastening bolts 3 and 4, whereby the limiter at the upper end passes into a part that has the shape of a circular arc 27 and can include the second fastening bolt 4 as a supporting part.

The part 13 of the gripping element 7 which can be moved, has the shape of a hook and is freely protruding, has an insertion opening 9 which is directed towards the stop 12 and which has a semicircular cross-section at least on one part at the bottom 28 and is attached to it on both sides connect the insertion surfaces 29 and 30. The free end part of the section 13 which has the shape of a hook and which lies opposite the insertion opening 9 has a rounded surface of the end part 31 and is therefore made to taper towards the insertion opening 9. Therefore, it can be 13, and thus also the gripping element 7 which can be moved, due to the pressure of the fastening bolt 4 when entering the closed position, moved back until the fastening bolt 4 reaches its correct position in the device on the stop 12 and at the height of the insertion opening 9 Then the movable gripping element 7 can also be pulled back into its closed position by means of a spring element.

All in all, the device that is in accordance with this invention is a simple structural solution with optimal performance for mechanical quick replacement. No hydraulic or pneumatic parts are required to install and hold the connection part.

Claims (16)

1. A device for connecting a replaceable connecting part, for example an excavator shovel, to a load-lifting beam located on an excavator or another vehicle, where two fastening bolts are placed on the connecting part, which are placed at a distance from each other and parallel relative to each other, which can be engaged by gripping elements that can be moved relative to each other, which are located on the fastening element located on the beam for lifting loads on an excavator or on another vehicle, whereby the engaging elements have at least partially open insertion holes for fastening bolts and wherein one engaging element is firmly connected to the fastening element and the other engaging element is held in the guide of the fastening element so that it can be moved linearly, indicated by the fact that they are attached to the engaging element (7) which can be moved linearly in the direction of closing the gripping element (7) associated spring elements (11) and which is on the stationary gripping the element (6) is provided with an open opening for introduction (8) located on an imaginary plane that passes through the axes of the fastening bolts (3, 4), and at an adjusted distance that corresponds to the distance (A) between the fastening bolts (3, 4) a stop (12) is provided, which is placed on the fastening element (5), at least approximately at right angles to the imaginary plane as an introduction part for the second fastening bolt (4), and that the gripping element (7) which can be moved has one part ( 13) which has the shape of a hook and which is freely protruding and which at least partly engages the second fastening bolt (4) next to the stop (12) in the area opposite the introduction opening. 2. Device according to patent claim 1, characterized in that the engaging element (7) which can be moved is designed as an installation element which has a mostly T-shape, whereby one part (14) is engaged in the guides (10) of the fastening element (5), and the second part is made as a freely protruding part (13) that has the shape of a hook. 3. Device according to patent claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a mounting element (15) is firmly connected to the gripping element (7) and has a means for attaching the ends of the spring element (11). 4. Device according to patent claim 3, characterized in that the movable gripping element (7) and the mounting element (15) are attached to each other with screws. 5. Device according to patent claim 3, characterized in that the spring element (11) engages on the one hand in the assembly element (15), and on the other hand in the fixed part (17) of the fastening element (5). 6. Device according to one of the patent claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the mounting element (15) has one freely projecting flange (18) which covers the spring element towards the connection part when the gripping element (7) which can be moved in closed position. 7. Device according to one of the patent claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the spring element (11) is made of at least one coil spring (21, 22). 8. Device according to patent claim 7, characterized in that the spring element (11) is made of two coil springs (21, 22) which are placed parallel to each other. 9. Device according to patent claim 3, characterized in that on the gripping element (7) which can be moved and/or on the mounting element (15) which is connected to it, means are provided for placing a hand tool, for example a rod , to move the gripping element (7). 10. Device according to patent claim 9, characterized in that a bent tab (32) is provided as a means for placing a hand tool on the free end of the assembly element (15) which faces the outside. 11. Device according to patent claim 9, characterized in that an elongated opening is provided as a means for placing a hand tool at the free end of the assembly element (15) which faces the outside. 12. Device according to one of the previous patent claims, characterized in that the opening for the introduction (8) of the fixed gripping element (6) is made of a part at the bottom (24) which has a semicircular cross-section in cross-section and which has a diameter which is adapted to the fastening bolt (3) and the surfaces (25, 26) for introduction, which are broken if necessary, are continued on that part. 13. A device according to one of the previous patent claims, indicated by the fact that on the opposite side of the introduction opening (8) on the fixed gripping element (6) a stop (12) is made, which is placed at an acute angle on an imaginary plane that passes through the central axes of the fastening bolts (3, 4), which stop at the upper end passes into a region that has the shape of a circular arc (27) and expands as a supporting region for the second fastening bolt (4). 14. Device according to one of the previous patent claims, characterized in that the freely projecting part (13) of the gripping element (7) which can be moved has the shape of a hook and has an introduction opening which is directed towards the stop, which introduction opening it has at least approximately a semicircular cross section at the bottom (28), and on both sides it connects to the insertion surfaces (29, 30). 15. The device according to patent claim 14, characterized in that the free end part of the section which has the shape of a hook (13) and which lies opposite the introduction opening (9) has a rounded end surface (31) and is thus designed so that narrows towards the introduction opening (9). 16. Device in accordance with one of the previous patent claims, indicated by the fact that between the stop (12) and the introduction opening (9) on the area (13) of the movable gripping element (7) that can be moved and has the shape of a hook, an opening remains ( 20), which is smaller than the diameter of the fixing bolt (4), so that when the fixing bolt (4) is inserted, a continuous closing force is obtained due to the shape and due to the mechanical force.